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I've been asked to teach a lesson by the associate minister after evening services in about two weeks. It's a standard "Living a New Life!" kinda thing. Usually that wouldn't be a problem or overly stressful.

But here's the catch. Dad wants to come along. Again, that wouldn't be a problem for most families. He is an atheist, his father is one of the most militant, hateful atheists that I've ever met in my life, and that includes the internet. Sure, the trolls get pretty bad on the net, but this man has no problem being that nasty in real life. Dad has been verbally abused because I haven't converted to atheism. Dad has helped lead my mother from the faith (she was already on her way out, but he made it happen quicker). Two of my sisters know next to nothing about God, and have only attended church a handful of times across their lives. The eldest sister (yet still younger than me <3 ) has been going through a Bible study with me. I think she might finally be convicted, but I worry about her keeping it up when I make it to New Orleans.

What do you say to such a man? I originally had this lesson built up for a dear friend of mine who has let her non Christian boyfriend talk her into doing things that she wouldn't normally do. I'm really nervous about it all. Dad's a good man. He's done a lot of good, Christian like things for me and my mother and my sisters. He took us from poverty line New Orleans to a nice house in a nice neighborhood inside the Beltway of Houston, all in about seven years.

This could be the only chance I'll ever have. I'm moving back to New Orleans (God willing) in a few months, and I will probably never live with my Mother Father Sister family again, as I'll be starting my own family, and well, I like Louisiana, they don't. I want to show him the beauty of God. His holiness, His mercy and kindness, His love. You know what I mean. Like, when you're driving in the car during a rainstorm and you feel His presence. It's like being sad in that your throat gets tight, but you're happy. Safe and secure, resting in the fortress that is our God. It's moments like those that make all the ridicule, the mocking, Grandpa's crap all worth it. That's my God, and it is He I want to share with this man who could be such a great Christian, and my mother who is very much in need of our Father. (I don't even know the full story, but she's only 15 years older than I am, and has been on happy pills for a while now.)

What would you say?

i strongly suggest that you go on a 2-3 day water or water & juice only fast.
fast and pray.
serve the Lord, search His word, do a study on the new life in Christ Jesus. and wait on the Lord to give you the words He wants you to say for the lesson.

He said that "I don't care for the whole church environment, but if you're going to be teaching, I'll make the effort to come and support you."

Even if he isn't interested in really learning something, it's still the first time in years that he's been near a church.



I think I'll give it a shot, Sarlo. It can't hurt any =)

The most hatefull atheist you've ever met in your life?
Your grandfather sounds like a great man. I would be honored to meet him someday.

All i can say is pray. You will be in my prayers too! as well as for bluebomber, you, my aunt, my mom, and my dad... im parying for like... uh... 5 ppl now, including sarl0 which makes 6! xd good luck and im sure god will give you the words you need to say and will touch your fathers heart. uhh, y do you say he is the worst athiest you've met and the same time he is a good man? dunt really get it but, willing to listen. ill be praying for you brother. heart and remember this, dunt be afraid of what you will lesson, or going to say in front of your father... god is with you always and im sure he will help you speak of wisdom..

Give it a best shot!

-god bless!

haha... okay, akira.. chill! LOL... its better not to get irrated too much!

The only peace of advice i can give is pray, let the Lord lead you with what he has planed for the situation. God bless and Prays!