After I had some heart issues, I began walking to improve my health. Walking was a form of mediation, and an invitation to grow in both my physical and spiritual stamina. As I was hustling through the mall, it occurred to me that “people tend to advertise for other people by the shirts they wear.”
The decision followed: If they could advertise their purpose, I could advertise mine too! My purpose is to serve Jesus Christ.
From here, my newfound ministry began; “not only reflecting the name ‘Jesus,’ but who the ‘Jesus’ was.”
Over 20 years of wearing my “Jesus T-Shirts,” some purchased, some gifted, and my ministry presses on. I am not only known in the mall, but I’m known around town as “the man who wears those shirts.”
I’ve had mixed reactions from those whom I encountered, while sporting my tees. Some appreciated them, others would shun or look away from me. I could tell that my shirts offended them. But that never deters me from proudly proclaiming the Name of Jesus.
I’m led to the choice of my Jesus T-shirt based on how I present myself on a given day. We each bear a responsibility as Christians, as people even, and what we represent is important. As I walk, I follow a certain set of rules; a standard set for myself that allows me to accurately represent the person of Christ. For example, I respect and am courteous to the shoppers and the merchants; I am sensitive to my surroundings; I am careful with how I represent myself; and mostly, I smile often, to share the joy that is found in Christ.
When people ask “why” I do what I do, I explain that I wanted to exemplify my faith in Jesus Christ, who has given me the strength to walk. It’s just that simple!
Walking with my shirts is not a hard task, it’s just what I do, and it’s given me the opportunity to be invited into a conversation that I might not have otherwise engaged in.
It’s through these shirts that I’ve had the opportunity, not only to share, but to demonstrate the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and show how the Gospel affects the lives of a person who is truly committed to follow Him. This is my one ambition, and deepest desire.
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