How To Witness Using the Kristin Tract

There are many books, articles and pamphlets written on witnessing. Of course, the best book on witnessing is the Bible itself. Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, demonstrates examples of witnessing. Most of us became Christians as a result of Paul's work. This article’s instructions should not be used instead of what Paul taught us. It is merely one of many ways to witness effectively.
 
The “Kristin” tract is not unique in actual format. The emphasis is on a story about how and why one girl admitted her sinful state, believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, and confessed Him as Savior based on the shedding of His blood, and His death, burial and resurrection. The scriptures in the tract state clearly God's position on sin and his remedy. The sample prayer is just that, a sample. If that prayer expresses the desire of any individual to be saved, I believe it is appropriate strictly based not on words but the expressed, sincere desire of the individual soul.
 
The “Kristin” tract has proven its effectiveness in several ways. It is effective by simply giving it to someone. It may be effective by leaving it in places where people might pick it up to read. It may also be effective as a personal witnessing tool. As a distribution piece, you may simply hand it to someone, anywhere, under almost any circumstances. Examples are; in line at checkout either to consumers or cashiers; on public transportation such as buses or planes or airports; at public events like ballgames, festivals, swap meets, garage sales; in stores or shopping centers or malls; at resorts or vacation venues. Any place where you cross paths with people is suitable for handing someone a tract. We have received correspondence by email from people who have trusted Christ, were moved to improve their fellowship, or sent words of encouragement and prayer, or just inspired. All of these decisions happened just by giving someone a tract. Actually, there is no need to even speak to the recipient. Just hold the tract in one hand showing them the picture on the front and most people will take it and won't throw it away. I don't like to tell them what's inside because I prefer that they read the story.
 
The whole point of a Christian story is to lead them to the scriptures. The Holy Spirit will use his word to accomplish salvation. We are only the means of transportation of the gospel message. We have no power in the transaction.
 
My friend, Jackie, was a letter carrier. She had no idea what was in the envelope. Even a postcard is delivered without reading it or explaining it to the recipient. That's a messenger. We are messengers when it comes to witnessing. God lets us get in on the blessing of reaching the lost for His glory. If, in fact you have an opportunity to actually present the message in the tract, there is a simple and effective way to do that without feeling inadequate or intimidated. Remember, we should keep ourselves out of the message as much as possible. People are not impressed with us hypocritical Christians. There is no such person as a Christian who is not a hypocrite. We are saved sinners, but sinners still. It's easy for a lost person to have little respect for Christians, but not for God and his word. When witnessing with the tract or any other literature, you should use something that has scripture that is pertinent to the salvation message.
 
I try to allow time for them to read the story without my comments so they will be prepared to hear the gospel. They will sometimes comment on the story. They may comment that the story is a sad one. That gives me the opportunity to read the rest of the tract to them, slowly and deliberately. I just say “yes, it is sad, but it has a wonderful ending. I don't ask for their opinion on the scripture. That has no bearing on the task at hand. If they have a comment or have questions I simply nod and keep reading. When I get to the prayer, I ask them "Would God lie to you?" They always say no. Then I read the prayer slowly and deliberately, so that they can think about what I'm reading. At the end of reading I ask, "Does this prayer express the desire of your heart?"  If they say yes, then I ask them to pray the prayer out loud, to God. When they do, I congratulate them and move to the last page of the tract for assurance verses. If at all possible and practical I like to invite them to church. Possibly, they will be brave and make their decision public. Hopefully they will attend church and grow in their Christian walk. If I am out of town, it may not be possible to recommend a church. I might ask for their email address so that I can send information on an appropriate church. I may even feel comfortable contacting someone at that church to follow up. If they live in my home town, of course it would be appropriate to invite them to my church.
 
The “Kristin” tract holds no magical charm. There are many tracts that are very effective at gaining someone’s attention and holding it long enough to understand and receive the message of salvation.
 
Although I have never met Paul, the apostle, I feel a real debt of gratitude for his willingness to spread the gospel even under the worst of circumstances. It could be that he witnessed to a prison guard who passed it along to me through many generations of faithful witnesses. I am eternally indebted to each one who didn’t fail to pass it on.
I recently received correspondence from a young man in India named Jesse. His parents were visiting America and found a Bible in a Wal-Mart store. They took the Bible back to India and gave it to Jesse. He opened the pages to find a small yellow piece of paper tucked inside. Jesse wrote that as he read the Kristin tract, he was convicted of his sins and prayed to receive Christ. He found those same scriptures in his Bible and began his new journey with his new Bible.
 
Jesse’s story reminds me that God still allows us to “get in” on His blessings by giving us witnessing opportunities.