I remember going to that same boardwalk as a teenager and used to call myself an atheist and I honestly hated the things of God. How I wish that someone would have shared the gospel with me then, as it would have saved me a lot of grief for my sins. Flashbacks set in as all the stupid things we used to do on that boardwalk. But how much God has saved me from, I will never know... Furthermore, I cannot believe I get to serve with my wonderful husband who God has truly blessed me with! Like I said, I never could have imagined what God has done in my life and how much He changed me!
The other thing I noticed was how utterly MISERABLE the people there were. It seemed like a "happy" place because of the rides and games. But everyone there was searching and their souls were lost and you can tell by their faces. They kept trying to fill the gap in their heart with drinking and drugs and partying, but were never filled.
It was really an adventure going on the boardwalk and I wasn't sure what to expect the first time we went out. If you don't think people hate God, then spend a night at the boardwalk saying the name of Jesus and sharing the gospel! People will look like they want to kill you!
Luckily we were not alone, I couldn't believe the numbers of other brothers and sisters in Christ that were there sharing the truth of Jesus alone! I've never noticed them before and was just amazed how God was sending His disciples...
We spoke with probably hundreds of people but there were two major highlights for me during the summer. 1) I got hugged by a gang member whose name I believe was Kyle. It was an experience I will never forget as he really thought it was too late for him in life to be forgiven since he was in a gang and cut people. He said he had done too much wrong. My husband and I spoke with him to tell him it's never too late to repent and trust in Jesus and he said he would think about these things. A couple of minutes later, I saw Kyle approaching me again and he said something like "what you said meant a lot, can I have a hug". I was BLOWN AWAY COMPLETELY! It really meant a lot and I pray that God saves him.
2) On one of the last nights we were there, a large group of kids stopped by to chat. I found out they were from my hometown! My heart kind of dropped because I just pictured myself and it really hit home. One of the kids said "You know, I think God brought us here for a reason tonight!". I said "yes you are right! Let's get to the gospel!".
Overall, it was an AMAZING summer and really the best summer of my entire life! It's hard to imagine that only a few months later the entire place would be washed away in the ocean. God willing we will return again...
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