Connect Ignite Inspire Transform - Gracepoint Community Church

We also fumbled the “closing”. It
seemed and felt awkward because there
was no offer for future contact. It would
have been helpful to offer a business
card with our contact information to
give the “treasure” so they may connect
if they desire to know more, be discipled
or connected to a church. As it
was our first attempt, we
decided to live in the grace God
offers. I’m certain he was
delighted by our obedience and
he loves perseverance.
Intrigued yet?
It’s simple. For best results, go
with a group of 3 or 4 people. Christ
promises that where two or three are
gathered in his name, he is there also.
It’s important that Jesus is present
because when we find the treasure, we
can tell them about Jesus, or we can
introduce them to Jesus and give them a
personal encounter with him. Guess
which is more effective?
Next, a treasure hunt needs clues. Since
God knows where the treasure will be
found, ask him for clues. To do this, we
[silently] wait on God, ask him for clues,
then listen and write down what we
hear from him. Ask for clues involving
location and description (names work
well). It’s also helpful to ask God for
specifics about the treasure that will
grant favour while speaking with the
treasure. These may be physical or
emotional issues they are dealing with.
Remember that the Lord is always kind.
He will never give us a word of
knowledge to be used to shame anyone;
it is always to call out the gold in them.
Finally, allow God to surprise you and to
offer a clue you may not understand.
Write it down anyway. When finished
your clue-gathering, look at your paper
– that is your map to the treasure.
Discuss your findings with the others;
often clues from other people will
make up the “whole” clue – they might
only make sense together.
Once you have your map the
next step is to start looking for
treasure. Now, as a group,
interpret the direction you are
going and head off. Keep
looking at the clues on your
maps. When you find
someone that might be your
treasure take a chance and
approach them. Start by
saying something like, “This
may seem weird to you, but my friends
and I are on a treasure hunt and we
think you might be our treasure.” Then
show them the map with the clues.
The more specific the clues, the more
intrigued the treasure will be. As you
gain acceptance ask them if anything
else on the map applies to them.
Perhaps they will highlight one of the
unusual clues you didn’t understand.
Once you’ve received favour to
continue, tell them God has highlighted
them and ask if you can pray for them.
If they need healing for something in
their life, ask God. Be confident that if
God gave you the clues he will surely
give you power in prayer.
This might seem like a really hard to
do, particularly if you’re an introvert.
However, this is where faith is involved.
What’s the worst-case scenario? The
treasure you approach thinks you’re a
little off your rocker, you pardon
yourself, they walk away thinking “that
was strange,” perhaps they tell their
family about it over dinner and you
never see them again. Big deal!
Alternatively, the best-case scenario
is the treasure experiences God’s
presence and love! They allow you
to pray, are surprised by joy, healed
and go home to tell their family
about their amazing experience.
And, your faith increases because you
stepped out in faith and God showed
up. It’s a win-win. If you never try it,
I guarantee you’ll never win.
Not every treasure hunt is successful.
In the parable of the lost coin, the
woman looked many places before
finding the treasure.
Likewise, we
may have to look long and hard
without finding the treasure before
we find what we’re looking for.
Don’t give up; God is honored by the
obedience.
For more information about the
Ultimate Treasure Hunt, consider
reading Kevin Dedmon’s book. If you
want to try it yourself and need a
partner, I am willing to go treasure
hunting with just about anyone.
Contact me for more information or
to plan a treasure hunt.
Blessings,
Andrea York
a called servant
Page 10