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Our Ice Breaker contest in 2009 was a way for members to get
involved in submitting their favorite "ice breakers," or opening
statements when handing out Gospels of John. Hundreds of entries were
received. League staff poured through them and selected the top 40
for member voting. Hundreds of members then voted for their favorites,
resulting in three winners in each of four different categories. Each
of the 12 winners received a beautiful Bible in their choice of version.
 Shown
below
are the winning entries:
Family and Friends category
Cyrus W. of Alameda, CA:
Can I share with you the best news you will ever hear?
Julie T. of Ontario, CA:
While on a hospital visit: Can I introduce you to the Greatest Physician
ever? Here is His calling card.
Blake M. of Johnson City, TN:
Hey, can I ask you an interesting question? What's the most important
thing in your life? What to do you think will be the most important
thing when you die? Let me show you some interesting things Jesus said
about life here in the gospel of John.
Sharing on Campus
Paul W. of Chico, CA:
I use a College Spiritual Life Questionare with a pen and
paper. In that survey we ask questions like. “On a scale from one-to-ten
how important is the spiritual area of your life?” And “If
you died right now and stood before God and He asked you ‘why
should I let you into my heaven?’ What would you say?” Then
I ask “what percent chance would you have of going to heaven
if you died right now?” Then I say “I believe that
you can be 100% sure would you like me to explain more about that?”
Jason R. of Rowland Heights, CA:
I ask everyone, “Do you live on campus?” Then
I give them a Gospel of John, saying, “Here, you need this.” No
matter how they answer, they need it. They always take it.
Alexander R. of Apple Valley, CA:
Need help passing your final? I've got all the answers right here!
Sharing at Work
Diane C. of Antioch, CA:
I have been through several hardships this last year and
a half... illnesses, family deaths, taking over a business in this
economy, etc. and people ask me, “How are you handling all of
this with a smile?” and
that's the very best way to witness, just that smile and calmness says
it all and it opens the door to tell people how I can handle it and
still be happy.
Janice C. of Haiku, Hawaii:
“I’m so blessed to be working with you, _____, and
I believe God put us together for a bigger reason than just work. Jesus
loves you so much, _____, and I feel He is leading me to share His
love letter with you.”
Nancy M. of Runnemede, NJ
My best friend wrote a book. Would you like to read it?
Sharing with Strangers
Duante B. of St. Marys, GA:
Hey, did you hear about this guy who took the death penalty so this
other guy could live?
Matthew C. of Clinton, MA:
I carry a cooler filled with waters and ice. On a hot day I offer
people sitting in the park a water. Upon accepting it, I give them
a gospel of John and verbally present the gospel as well. By giving
the water, they immediately recognize that I am sharing this message
because I care. People are much more open to hearing what you say
when they see that you care about them.
Steve C. of New Baden, IL:
I tell people that I am authorized to giveone free gift away per
day and that they have been selected.
The Top 40 Ice Breakers
Here's the complete list of the top 40 Ice Breaker entries, shown
in order of ranking based on member votes. Note that the voting was
extremely close. Many entries were separated by only a few hundredths
of a percent.
Friends and Family:
Can I share with you the best news you will
ever hear? (Cyrus W., Alameda, CA) While on a hospital visit: Can I introduce you to the Greatest
Physician ever? Here is His calling card. (Julie T., Ontario, CA) Hey, can I ask you an interesting question? What's the most
important thing in your life? What to do you think will be the
most important thing when you die? Let me show you some interesting
things Jesus said about life here in the gospel of John. (Blake M., Johnson City, TN) "Have you been impacted by this crazy
economy as I have? I've been reading the Bible and find it encouraging
and reassuring during these very uncertain times. Here's the Gospel
of John, a great place to start... (Mark M., Rancho Cordo, CA) We had no choice of being born into this family, but I'm so glad
we can choose to be born into God's family. Have you ever understood
what that meant? (Katie M., Leola, PA) Have you ever read the entire bible?
(no) It's a pretty intimidating read about 1200 pages. (With Pocket
Testament in hand) I wonder, does this look like an intimidating
read to you? (smiling at them.. they will say 'not really'...)
This little book is one of the most significant books of the bible.
You see the bible is not 'a book' but a compilation of books. It's
a library of 66 books and this is one of the 66 books called 'the
Gospel of John'. It would be well worth the small amount of time
it takes to read this book; and it may wet your appetite for more
fo the books of the bible. The bible doesn't a have to be read
from beginning to end. (and so on..) Would you like to have one
of these? (Vincent L., Garden Grove, CA) It would really be good if our family could spend
eternity together in Heaven. Will you be there? (David A.) Do you have one moment, for the rest of your life? (John P., Canon City, CO) Have you ever met Jesus? ...When you meet Him,
He's going to blow you away. Here's a biography one of His best
friends wrote-read it and you'll see. (Meg G., Nantucket, MA) Hey, can I talk to you about a really big issue
in my life? (Austin H.)
Sharing on Campus
I use a College Spiritual Life Questionare with a pen and
paper. In that survey we ask questions like. “On a scale
from one-to-ten how important is the spiritual area of your life?” And “If
you died right now and stood before God and He asked you ‘why
should I let you into my heaven?’ What would you say?” Then
I ask “what percent chance would you have of going to heaven
if you died right now?” Then I say “I believe
that you can be 100% sure would you like me to explain more about
that?” (Paul W.) Can I share with you the best news you will ever
hear? (Cyrus W., Alameda, CA) I ask everyone Do you live on campus? if they
say no. I say here you will need this and hand them The Gospel
of John. If they say yes I say here you will need this and hand
them a Gospel of John. No matter the answer they need it. They
always take it. (Jason R., Rowland Heights, CA) "Need help passing your final? I've got all the answers
right here!" (Alexander R., Apple Valley, CA) Do you have any spiritual beliefs? Do you believe
in God or an afterlife, or do you belive in any reality outside
what you can see, feel, and hear? (JaNel H., Cumberland, MD) Have you ever thought how that rock (building,
any other long lasting material object) is going to be around hundreds,
maybe thousands of years longer than we are? Kinda makes life seem
a little short doesn't it. Have you ever wondered if there was
a way to know if Heaven was real? I'd like you to have this booklet,
its a true story that could change your life here, and after. (Blake M., Johnson City, TN) When students say they are atheists, I often ask
them one of two questions: "Aren't you afraid to live in society? When they
ask why, I mention that the basic laws of morality come from God's
ten commandments--to deny God is to open yourself up to a lawless
society in which anyone can do what they want to another. For example,
I could punch you in the face, and ultimately who can tell me not
to. The other question I ask is: "So you've answered the 21
philosophical questions necessary to prove that God does not exist?" (Rev. George P., Philadelphia, PA) I have something very important to share with
you and I was wondering if you would take time to read this... giving
them a gospel. Do you ever think about what is on the
other side of death? (Carolyn K., Cunningham, TN) Do you find yourself looking for love? (Leslie D., Bronx, NY) Phew! I didn't think class would ever end. I am
dreading the test. Thank God that I can find comfort in how much
God loves me and I don't have a difficult test to win that love.
Have you read the book of John? It is so awesome. Let me give you
your own copy of the Gospel. (Karen S., Farmington, MO)
Sharing at Work
I have been through several hardships this last year and a
half... illnesses, family deaths, taking over a business in this
economy, etc. and people ask me, “How are you handling
all of this with a smile?” and that's the very best way
to witness, just that smile and calmness says it all and it opens
the door to tell people how I can handle it and still be happy. (Diane C., Antioch, CA) “I’m so blessed to be working with you, _____,
and I believe God put us together for a bigger reason than just
work. Jesus loves you so much, _____, and I feel He is leading
me to share His love letter with you.” (Janice C., Haiku, HI) My best friend wrote a book. Would you like to read it? (Nancy M., Runnemede, NJ) With a big smile I will ask co-workers" how hopeful
are you about your future?" In today's economy most will answer
not very. I then say that I have great hope for my future, and
you can to, want to know how? At that point instead of talking
about financial security I talk to them about heaven and pull out
my Gospel of John. It really works and gets the conversation going. (Tom F., Simi Valley, CA) Can I share with you the best news you will ever hear? (Cyrus W., Alameda, CA) I have a present for you. This is part of the bestseller
of the whole world. (Freddy H., Toronto, ON Canada) I see you like to read. I know of a great book, and better
yet, it's a true story. (Susan S.) While doing someone's hair in the salon, and listening
to their problems, I reach over, pick up a pocket testament and
say, "Let
me give you a few words of encouragement". I have never had
anyone refuse to accept it. (Jan V., Chesterfield, SC) This book inspires me to start everyday the right way. Just
take one and see for yourself. (Daniel G., Tampa, FL) "Taking an elevator to the next floor in the hospital,
I ask, "Is this elevator going to heaven?" They will say, no!. Then I say,
"I got the wrong one... but here is a booklet that will tell
you how to get to heaven!" (Arthur L., Edmonton, AB Canada)
Sharing with Strangers
Hey, did you hear about this guy who took the death penalty so this other
guy could live? (Duante B., St. Mary's, GA) -
I carry a cooler filled with waters and ice. On a hot day I offer people
sitting in the park a water. Upon accepting it, I give them a gospel of
John and verbally present the gospel as well. By giving the water, they
immediately recognize that I am sharing this message because I care. People
are much more open to hearing what you say when they see that you care
about them. (Matthew C., Clinton, MA)
I tell people that I am authorized to giveone free gift away per day
and that they have been selected. (Steve C., New Baden, IL) Using the "A Story Of Perfect Love" cover with
the rose on the front, I ask, "When
is the last time sombody gave you a rose? Well I was led to give you one
today. Have a Blessed Day. (Daniel G., Tampa, FL) "We walk into a store and I ask the greeter, "What's
free today?" Of course they say, "Uhhh, nothing's free." I then say, "God's love is always free!" (Brian P., Cedar Lake, IN) I know that times are really tough these days. Here is something
that will give you peace of mind and direction for your life from the greatest
man who ever lived! He is the reason I can still smile through all the hard
times I go through! (Elizabeth W., Los Olivos, CA) I love Book stores, I love looking around and
when I see other people I want to share with, the first thing I ask is "Have
you read any good books lately?" Then I go from there, You would be
amazed on how many people I talk to that way. (Ruthann K., Delhi, ON Canada) When at a service station one can say to someone pumping
gas as they hand them a Gospel of John, "I would like to give you something
to add fuel to your life." (Thomas J., McDonough, GA) I like to go inside to purchase my fuel, and share with
the gas station attendant. I usually say "I bet you get asked for directions
a lot!" I allow
them to respond, then I ask "Do you have a spiritual direction?" I'll
hand them a "Are you on the right course?" Gospel of John, and
briefly share the gospel. Usually, the same attendent works the same shift
every week, so follow-up is possible. (Jonathan B., Lutz, FL) After I round of golf, it's common for golfers to retreat
to the 19th Hole and exchange stories of triumph and tragedy. In amongst
them are tales of "what
might have been". I recently ordered "Do You Need A Mulligan" Pocket
Testaments. So after a round I might have one with me as I hear pleas of "I
wish I had another chance" echo around the clubhouse. As I hear a forlorn
golfer lamenting the fact that's my cue to say "Do You Need A Mulligan?" (Mike L., El Paso, TX)
Even more ways our members are sharing
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