I was in Tulsa, Oklahoma last week for the Tulsa Workshop (formerly the International Soul-Winning Workshop). I was sent by Herald of Truth and spent most of my time manning the Herald of Truth booth in the exhibit area. We were talking to people about the evangelism seminars we are offering now, promoting our book, talking with people about the TV spots and video testimonials we have available, and signing people up to receive our newsletter for more information in the future.

Being in an exhibit like that is always an interesting experience. When people walk by the booth of a non-profit, they often avoid making eye contact, afraid of being pressured for some kind of commitment (at least that’s my perception). We were actually more successful in making contacts than were several of the non-profits I talked to. However, the real benefit for non-profits is visibility. People see that your organization is still working, is still  creating new projects and doing new things. If a group is absent, the question goes around: Does (Organization X) still exist?

I got to do a few things as an author. I met with the booksellers that were carrying our books (there were three that I found), and I even did a book signing for one of them. I also got flagged down by someone as I walked through the exhibit area, asking, “Did you write this book? Would you sign it for me?”

The workshop was really enjoyable on a personal level. I got to meet lots of people that I’ve only known on the Internet. I’ll be brave and try to list some of them: Trent Tanaro, Al Maxey, Brian Nicklaus, Paula Harrington, Chris Gallagher, John Dobbs, Edward Fudge, Royce Ogle, Victor Knowles, Steve Tucker, Trey Morgan, Carl Feril, Doug Young, James Jones, Dusty Rush, Janice Garrison, Amanda Sanders, Darin Hamm, Gerry Parker, Wade Tannehill, Jamie Riley. I saw Bobby and Tamie Ross again, although I told them that it was more fun meeting them this time since I’ve gotten to know them on the Internet. I got to visit with friends from other non-profits that I often see at workshops: James Satcher, Jerry Hill, Calvin and Linda Henry, Jo Gower, Omar Corpus, Truitt Adair. I also saw a few people that I’ve known in the past but don’t see often: Sal and Margie Urrabazo, Kent Marcum, Diana Teel, Carlos Gonzales.

I’m sure I left out some people. Somebody might point out some I missed. I did want to say that the highlight of the workshop had to be Friday lunch. Some of us went to Casa Bonita (now I can say I’ve been there and never have to do that again). We had a group of about 20, and we had a lot of fun laughing and joking with our waitress. As we got ready to leave, Steve Tucker asked her if we could do anything for her. She laughingly said, “Pray for me,” then got serious as people pressed her as to what specific things needed prayer in her life. We had a great chance to pray for her and minister to her.

I didn’t get much of a chance to hear speakers or attend classes, but I still had a great workshop. I know that many people were blessed by their time there.