Witnessing to Willy Wonka

Recently Pastor Tim said in a sermon that he does not want to have blood on his hands meaning he does not want to be responsible for not telling unbelievers how to be saved.  According to Ezekiel 3: 17-18 God will hold believers responsible for telling unbelievers how to be saved.  "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to a wicked person, ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn them or speak out to dissuade them from their evil ways in order to save their life, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood."  This is not a good suggestion but a Great Commission!     

Years ago Mike and I met Gene Wilder while sitting at a tiki hut in Hilton Head. He actually spent a few hours talking with us.  When he learned I was from Wilmington he said he would like to go to Wilmington.  He asked what I did and I told him I volunteered at church a lot.  He asked what he could do in Wilmington and I told him some things and then I told him he could go to church with us. He told me he had gotten a lot of offers from women but never one to go to church!  Now how sad is that!?

After an hour or so, I asked Gene to sign a napkin for me.  I asked him to write, "it's a rich, rich mission field" for my preacher.  He said this was another first!  My preacher, Sam, always reminded us that Wilmington was a rich, rich mission field!  So is the ocean side bar in Hilton Head!  Mike kept saying, "only Jill would be witnessing to Gene Wilder!"  Why not?  He is one of God's children!  There was something sad and lonely about him.  He may have had all the money in the world but I had something far more valuable!  I have joy and the promise of eternity in Heaven. I am a child of God and it doesn't get any better than that!  

In August of 2016 Gene Wilder died after a three year bout of Alzheimer's.  I thanked God for our conversation.  We should never give up a chance to witness.  Mark 16; 15, "And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'"  2 Corinthians 5: 20,  "We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God." 

Only you can tell your story. Only you can describe the wonderful things that God has done in your life!  Never give up a chance to witness!