[Mark J Hornbacher]

What do you think you need in order to be prepared for this call to evangelize Mormons (especially your brother)?

[Mark J Hornbacher]

Here are some thoughts: Keep praying for J and reach out to him without being too preachy. Begin just by showing him you care and are willing to listen. Then bring up the question of faith.
I’ll pray for you and for J. Remember, “whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:20).

[Mark J Hornbacher]

I agree totally. Completely avoiding the “checklist mentality” is a matter of the heart. Prayer, and our entire spiritual life, is about relationship. But such a relationship requires that we actually spend time with our beloved at regular times. It can be a delicate balance, especially because we are so weak and wayward. Our hearts are divided between God and the world. Jesus help us!!!

[Mark J Hornbacher]

See the difference when we’re willing to pray with people right then and there? I love it! Keep it up!

[Mark J Hornbacher]

Beautiful!

[Mark J Hornbacher]

Dennis,

Beautiful! Divine Providence at work!

Welcome home! How long since you came into the Catholic Church?

– Mark

[Mark J Hornbacher]

Yeah, the “I’m a good person and I believe that is all that matters” thing is a very common to encounter.

In such situations, consider saying something along the lines of … “It’s true that God judges us based on whether we do good deeds from a good heart. But the Scriptures teach that all of us are sinners. All have fallen short. You don’t think you’re perfect, do you? [they will almost certainly admit they are not perfect]. So you’ve sinned before, right? [they’ll agree most likely]. All of us do. I do, you do, everyone does. We hurt one another, even in ways we can’t see because we’re blinded by selfishness. [discuss with examples maybe]”

“So anyway this is the gospel — the good news that God came to reveal when he sent His Son Jesus: That God has been patient with us, but now he calls everyone to repent — to examine themselves against God’s standards, and to change their ways. And then to follow Him, to draw close to him. Because the sin problem that we all suffer from stems ultimately from not knowing God as we ought, not being in relationship to Him. And Jesus Himself, He is the Way, the Truth, and Life. He is how we can know and follow God. … What do you think? Have you ever heard anything like that?”

[saying something like this in the context of a conversation, with back and forth, etc. Maybe going off in a different direction but bringing it back, etc.]

[Mark J Hornbacher]

Sounds good! You may try practice your testimony with others as well. God bless you, brother!

[Mark J Hornbacher]

Praised be Jesus Christ! What a beautiful witness to the saving love of the Lord for those who open their hearts to Him.

Have you shared your testimony with anyone in person yet? If so, how did it go?

[Mark J Hornbacher]

Beautiful! I like particularly how you are very connected with the communion of saints. 🙂

Have you done numbers 2 & 3 of the practical activity yet? If so, what did you do, and how did it go?

[Mark J Hornbacher]

I think those are great answers, Mark!

I would also ask both if 12 step or similar programs have been considered or tried.

[Mark J Hornbacher]

Ed,
What would you say/do if the man responded to you by saying that the reason for those statistics is that homosexuals are treated with disrespect and prejudice. He also says, “what about elderly or other sterile heterosexual couples? why don’t you say that they can’t get married too?”

[Mark J Hornbacher]

Dennis,

Sounds good! Let us know how things go later on!

– Mark

[Mark J Hornbacher]

Dennis,
You are probably already aware, but the JW will be working to convert you to JWs. But it should be a good opportunity to witness the Catholic faith to him! Are you familiar with JW doctrines, issues?

– Mark

[Mark J Hornbacher]

I’m glad to be of help! I look forward to seeing how it goes!

It goes without saying that experience is the best teacher. You’ll learn as you do. Keep it up! May God bless your efforts!

[Author]

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