COMMENTARY
I noticed that the Times of London newspaper yesterday reported on the 100th anniversary of SOS, the universal distress signal. In 1908, when radio communication was new and primarily by Morse Code, the international community decided the three dot, three dash, three dot message was the clearest way to communicate the need for quick action to save a foundering ship. It took a few years to catch on, and a really big disaster involving the Titanic ocean liner. But now everyone knows what SOS means.
In 1994 I was reporting from the North American Conference for Itinerant Evangelists, in Louisville, Kentucky, sponsored by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. I had a number of memorable interviews but I’ll always remember Frank Moseley.
He had a gimmick, but in my estimation it was one of the smartest and most sincere gimmicks in the world and I’m surprised it hasn’t caught on. It’s a small lapel pin depicting three dots, three dashes and three dots. His idea was to use the pin to start a conversation and use SOS as an acronym to lead the conversation to the Steps Of Salvation. Step #3 on the card he gave me seemed like the most important SOS, the Source Of Salvation (John 3:16). I see Mr. Moseley is still at it, now on the internet.
Soulwinners know it helps to have a tool. One of my InterVarsity colleagues seems to do well using glow sticks to help college students come to a decision. Another colleague, James Choung, uses four circles he can draw on a napkin. He calls it The Big Story. Here’s a YouTube video of his presentation.
James had a conversation with Andy Crouch about evangelizing college students of the current post-modern generation, which was carried on the Christianity Today website recently. I found it fascinating reading. James also has a new book out called True Story, published by InterVarsity press.
Which all comes down to the fact that those who follow Christ, and name Him as Lord, are commissioned to make disciples. Talking about Jesus with strangers, or even friends and relatives, is not an easy thing to do in our culture. But maybe we could start with a simple tool like a lapel pin, or a four circles on a napkin.