False exceptance, need help on this one

[peachykeen]

Hello all,
I am pleased to say that I will be going on my Missions Trip again this summer *super excitement.* But I have found myself thinking about false exceptance.  For example, my first missions trip ever, we went to work on a man's house and spent an extreme amount of time on a gutter system we built about three times before getting it right.  THe last day we were in the city, we drove to his house to tell him we were finished, where we shared the word.  He said he had not accepted Christ, and he would be glad to accept.  So we prayed the prayer and gave him a bible and headed back to the car.  I felt like I was the only one who didn't think he really accepted.  I mean, he had seen us slave over this stubborn gutter system, and if I were in his position, I would've felt guilty if I didn't accept.  Considering it was my first trip, I didn't say anything because I wasn't sure if this was a normal reaction or not.  Basically, I just wanted to say I notice a lot of people smiling and nodding, praying a quick prayer and then getting back to work.  I think it's called obliged christianity.  But what are you going to do, accuse them of accepting because they don't want to be rude?  I'm just wondering what to do in that kind of situation, when it's obvious that they're just trying to get you out of the way.  I'm also contemplating taking a road trip this summer and ministering to people along the way.  Anyways, need some help thinking through this.  
all my love, peaches.  

[Willowbirch]

Peachy, your concerns are certainly valid - its troubling, to wonder if someone has truly found Jesus, or if they're just putting on a mask. We have no idea of what they're doing and thinking in private. Only God knows. And only God can change hearts; His word is a sharp sword, a powerful hammer, and the bread and water of life. Just do what you can, peachy; God doesn't ask you to make a believer of every person you meet, since only He can penetrate man's heart. All He asks of you is that you bear true witness of Him, and be a vessel for His word. He'll do the rest.

P.S. Congratulations on the upcoming trip!

[AJ]

Hi What ive noticed about witnessing is ask the lord to move on you or show you a sign for the ones that God is moving on, or they are likely ready for the word...i always pray for him to lead...because we can do nothing without him.
Once i was walking past a house in my town and the Holy Spirit moved on me at the gate...the hair on my head felt like electricity Praise the lord i went in and asked them if they believed in God and witnessed to them.. Well they laughed me out of the house. A little while later a girl that lived there gave her heart to the lord. Praise the lord if we sow seeds God will give the increase. But we must move when he moves...

God bless you in your witness

[peachykeen]

Thank you so much for your answers, I'll definatly keep them in mind.  In the back of my head I always pray that they really did mean it or that somehow I made a difference.  This will be lucky missions trip #4 whooo!  Big prayers for safey please, christians seem to be targeted still, now more than ever.  

seeing with my heart and big thanks, peachy.  

[Heidi]

No matter what you think, peachy keen, you HAVE made a difference. "No one can come to the Father unless the Father draws him." If God is calling any of the ones to whom you have spoken, He will use your words to stir their hearts. At the very least, you have done what you value and that is all God wants us to do. The rest is up to Him. You can be rest assured that He blesses you for all your work. That is a fact!

[Willowbirch]

Amen, Heidi!

God's blessings on your trip, Peachy!

[C C]

   Remember that God works on the heart, not the outword appearance.  So, if you're looking for outword appearance signs, you may not find any.  At least not for years and years.  and besides, if you do see any right away, you'd be in danger of getting "the big head" and God wouldn't do that to you.