If you are like most Christians, you struggle for ways to share your faith, and in most instances, you probably don't. Fear of not knowing what to say or fear of ridicule are the two usual culprits. Uncertainty of your own faith can also be an obstacle. But even the strongest believer has difficulty in witnessing to others.
Everyone loves a mystery. This is why STEP believes one of God's purposes for the Shroud is as a Cool Tool to reach your school or your world. Use the mystery to share the message.
Why not plan on doing a research paper or project on the subject for one of your classes? It can be a general overview or one that is focused on a specific area of research. This is a perfect opportunity to learn the basics of the Shroud. Those around you will learn of your subject and become curious. Your subject will intrigue your teacher or professor. Use the mystery to share the message.
You may be asked to deliver your topic as a speech or as a multi-media presentation. Explain the mystery and share the message with your class. Check out Lecture Outline for a good overview of topics to cover. Paste images from Image Gallery into powerpoint to augment your presentation.
What should you do after you gain an understanding of the subject? A picture hanging in your office, dorm or home is a perfect conversation starter. It will become a point of reference that initiates opportunities for casual conversation. A book on the cocktail table will do the same thing. As people ask questions, you can review the evidence, explain the mystery and indirectly share the message. Check out The Shroud Store for posters, videos and other resources.
Check out www.shroud.com for more books, slides and other items.
MAXIMIZE THE MYSTERY
People are curious. They have heard bits and pieces of information but few know the whole story of the Shroud. They have encountered a couple sound bites but little else. They may not want to hear about your church or your faith, but the image evokes a natural inquisitiveness. It's the "X-Files Factor". Maximize the mystery. It's a cool tool to reach your school and your world.