Apply Yourself to the Field Ministry for the week of October 12-18, 2026

Starting a Conversation

Publisher: We’re waiting for the bus, and I noticed that you have a bag of vegetables. It looks as if you’ve made good use of your morning.

Person: Yes, I try to shop at the neighborhood market. Although lately everything has become quite expensive.

Publisher: That’s true. Many people are worried about making ends meet. Do you think things will get better someday, or do you find it hard to be optimistic?

Person: I do. There always seems to be another problem—prices, wars, diseases . . . In the end, you get used to it.

Publisher: I understand why you say that. It isn’t easy to remain hopeful when we see so many troubling things. I’m encouraged to know that God does not overlook what we suffer.

Person: I wish that were true, but sometimes it seems that God is very far removed from all of this.

Publisher: That’s an understandable feeling. Jesus also spoke with a woman who was busy drawing water. He did not begin with a speech; he simply asked her for something to drink.

John 4:6-9 — In fact, Jacob’s well was there. Now Jesus, tired out as he was from the journey, was sitting at the well. It was about the sixth hour. A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her: “Give me a drink.” (For his disciples had gone off into the city to buy food.) So the Samaritan woman said to him: “How is it that you, despite being a Jew, ask me for a drink even though I am a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.)

Publisher: That account reminds me that a conversation can begin naturally by paying attention to what the person is doing. And if she wants to talk, we can then share an idea that gives her encouragement.

Person: Yes, at least it doesn’t sound as if someone is trying to impose something on me right away.

Publisher: Exactly. I’m interested in hearing what you think. Another day, if you’d like, I could show you a Bible promise that explains why we can look forward to a better future.

Person: Well, that could be. I normally take this bus on Tuesday mornings.

Publisher: That’s good. If we meet next Tuesday, we can continue our conversation. I hope you have a nice day.

Following Up

Publisher: Hello, Marta. I’m Ana; we spoke a few days ago. You mentioned that the death of your sister is still very painful for you. I didn’t want to pass by without saying hello and asking how you’ve been this week.

Person: Thank you for remembering. It has been a difficult week. Sometimes I’m fine, but then I suddenly see a photo or hear a song and feel everything all over again. It’s hard for me to think that she’s no longer here.

Publisher: I understand. Losing someone we love leaves a very big emptiness, and it’s normal for certain memories to awaken that pain. The other time, you said that you would like to see your sister again, didn’t you?

Person: Yes, of course. But I try not to get my hopes up. Many people say different things about what happens after death, and I no longer know what to believe.

Publisher: That’s understandable. That’s why I like to base my beliefs on something definite—what the Bible says. There is a simple truth that gives much hope: Our loved ones who have died can be resurrected. Would you like us to briefly consider why we can be sure of that?

Person: Yes, I would. Although it’s hard for me to imagine. Does the Bible really say that they will live again?

Publisher: Yes. Jesus spoke of a future time when those in the memorial tombs would hear his voice and come out. Notice how he expressed it.

John 5:28-29 — Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, and those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment.

Publisher: These words show that for Jesus, no person is beyond his reach. He promised a resurrection, not merely as a beautiful idea to offer comfort, but as something he will make a reality. How does that promise make you feel?

Person: It gives me some relief, although I also wonder what it would be like. My sister suffered a lot before she died. I wouldn’t want to think that she would return only to keep suffering.

Publisher: You’re absolutely right; no one would want that for someone he loves. The Bible’s hope is not that people will return to a life filled with pain, but that God will eliminate suffering. That is why the resurrection can be such a comforting hope.

Person: I would like to understand that idea better. I had never thought about the resurrection that way.

Publisher: I’m glad you want to examine it. Next time we could calmly consider what hope the Bible offers for the earth and for those who return by means of the resurrection. We don’t need to decide anything now; we can simply let the Bible answer your questions.

Person: Yes, that sounds good. I’m usually more relaxed on Wednesday afternoons.

Publisher: Perfect. Would it be all right if I came by on Wednesday at this same time, around five? I’ll bring a brief explanation, and we can consider any questions you have. Thank you for speaking with me, Marta.

Person: Yes, five o’clock is fine. Thank you for listening to me and for not giving me quick answers. See you Wednesday.

What Would You Say?

Informal witnessing, audience discussion, 6 minutes. The lesson we are reviewing is “Be Observant,” from Love Makes People Happy, lesson 2, point 3. Let us think about the picture: Philip sees a man reading a scroll in his chariot. He does not interrupt the situation or assume what the man is thinking. First, he notices what the man is doing and whether he seems willing to talk. That same respect can guide us when we see someone today reading the Bible or another religious book.

The first question is: How could we start a conversation with a man who is reading the Bible or another religious book? We could approach calmly and make a simple observation: “I see that you’re reading something that seems important. Do you enjoy reading about religious subjects?” We would not need to begin with a speech or an overly personal question. The person may simply be making use of a few minutes while waiting and may not want to talk.

We could also say: “I noticed that you’re reading the Bible. Many people like to find guidance for life in it. Is there a particular account or subject that interests you?” If it is another religious book, we could adapt the observation: “That looks like an interesting book. Is it one you’re studying or that someone recommended to you?” In this way, we show genuine interest in the person, not merely in getting to a prepared subject as quickly as possible.

Being observant includes paying attention to facial expressions and body language. If the man looks up, responds calmly, or continues the conversation, there may be an opportunity to continue. But if he answers briefly, seems rushed, or immediately returns to his reading, we would respect his decision. A simple way to introduce a Bible thought may be to ask: “Did you know that . . .?” However, we would not insist if he does not feel like talking. Being kind also means knowing when to leave.

The second question is: What could we ask to find out which Bible truth might interest him? After listening to his initial response, we could ask: “When you read the Bible, what would you like to understand better?” Another possibility would be: “Is there a question about life, the future, or God that seems especially important to you?” These questions do not pressure the person to accept our way of thinking. They allow him to express what already interests him and help us avoid directing the conversation based on assumptions.

For example, if he says that he finds what he is reading difficult to understand, we would not immediately respond with a lengthy explanation. We could sincerely acknowledge: “I understand; sometimes a passage can raise questions.” Then we could mention that the Bible itself shows that someone may need help to understand it. The picture illustrates precisely a respectful conversation based on what the person was reading.

Acts 8:30-31 — Philip ran alongside and heard him reading aloud Isaiah the prophet, and he said: “Do you actually know what you are reading?” He said: “Really, how could I ever do so unless someone guided me?” So he urged Philip to get on and sit down with him.

This account teaches us that Philip began with a question directly related to the man’s reading. He did not embarrass him for not understanding, nor did he speak as though he knew everything about him. His question gave the man an opportunity to explain his need. Therefore, if someone tells us that he wants to understand the Bible better, we can listen attentively and humbly offer help. The objective is not to dominate the conversation, but to help the person find an answer in God’s Word.

The third question is: What text would we show him? In this situation, we could show Acts 8:30 and 31. It is appropriate because the person is reading a religious book and may want to understand what he finds in it. Before reading it, we could briefly explain: “This account shows how a man who was reading the Scriptures received help to understand them.” After reading it, we could ask: “Have you ever wanted to understand a passage better?” In this way, we again center the conversation on him.

If he says yes, we could offer to look together for a Bible answer on another occasion. If he does not want to continue talking, we would thank him for his time and say goodbye courteously. The suggestion would be natural because it arises from something the person is already doing—reading. It would be respectful because we give him the freedom to talk or not. And it would be adaptable because the questions can be adjusted to his response, his interest, and the amount of time available. Observing, listening, and not insisting will help us show genuine love for people.