Police Called On Me - 10/01/09

Today was a lot nicer than yesterday- the temps were in the upper 50's or lower 60's and the wind was very light (barely noticeable). I arrived at the intersection of Center Ridge and Columbia in Westlake around 12:30.

After no more than 15 or 20 minutes, a Westlake Police officer drop by and motioned for me to come over to his car. I offered a warm, "Hi," and he told me that he had received a call that I had been making gestures as cars were going by. I told him that wasn't true and that I was just standing there, silently. I do occasionally wave to people if they wave to me or give a thumbs up, but nothing obscene.

He asked me if I was taking pictures, too (I bring along a tripod so I can set up my camera and set it off by remote). I told him that I like to document where I go. I told him again I wasn't making any gestures and was just trying to warm people or their impending judgment. I told him we never know when we're going to die. He answered, "Absolutely. We have no problem with that." I told him that I am sure there are people opposed to the message (obviously). I did not try to give the officer a tract (another Westlake officer told me they weren't allowed to accept anything), but I wish I would have tried.

I had a man ask if the message on the cross was in reference to Judgment Day. I told him it was. He told me he was ready, although God would find him guilty. I am assuming that since he said he is ready for Judgment Day and he acknowledges his guilt that he also knows of the forgiveness offered through Jesus' blood. I think I also told him to look up Mark 1:15 and do what it says.

Two younger people drove by and sneered at me "God doesn't exist. You're wasting your time."

Another woman also asked me what Mark 1:15 is, and I told her- "The time is fulfilled, the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel." She said she would look it up. I passed out a Big Money tract to someone passing by, but missed a few other opportunities to hand out tracts. I stayed at this location for 2 hours today. I'm not sure how much longer I will have the opportunity to be out on the street and also the winter is right around the corner.