April 28, 1999
Red dot reminds growing
number to 'redeem the time'
___By Barbara Denman
___Florida Baptist Convention
___JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (BP) --As she works in the hospital where people are conscious of blood-borne diseases, patients often ask critical-care nurse Sandi Martin about the red dot on her wristwatch, thinking blood has splashed onto the watch face.
___Martin's quickresponse to patients always has been, "don't worry; this blood is 2,000 years old. This dot reminds me of Jesus, who paid for my eternal salvation with his own blood." Most people respond to Martin with a smile and nod while continuing to gaze at the dot.
___Martin has found the red dot an effective witnessing tool. "Maybe from the encounter people will begin thinking about the state of their own salvation. And from that time forward, every time they see my watch, it waters the seed. It's a gift that keeps on giving."
___Martin first learned of the "red dot" witnessing tool from her pastor at First Baptist Church in Middleburg, Fla. The concept was the brainchild of David Burton, director of the Florida Baptist Convention's personal evangelism department, after he attended a concert by singer Larnell Harris who told participants that he kept a green dot--for money--on his watch to remind him to pray and give to missions.
___As he was driving home from the concert, Burton began thinking of the color red, for the blood of Jesus and the number "2" for 2,000 years ago. He began placing a red dot sticker over the number "2" on his own watch to remind him of the 2,000 years since Jesus' birth, the sacrifice of Jesus for him and others, and to find an opportunity to share his faith by 2 p.m. daily.
___The dot also brings curious questions from people throughout the day. "It's an open door because people begin the conversation," Burton said. "It's easy, simple and non-abrasive. Jesus never made anyone mad at him because of the way he shared his good news message."
___Recently, while taking his order at Wendy's, an employee questioned Burton about the red dot. Calling her name on her employee badge, Burton shared with her the significance of the dot. "I didn't shove a tract down her throat, but I was able to tell her that 'I know I'm going to heaven when I die, do you?' in one short interaction while she was taking my order and making change. I may never see Becky again, but I seeded her life. Maybe one day someone will knock on her door and she will remember the message of the dot and be more open to making a personal decision for Christ."
___During the past 10 years, Burton estimates he has distributed more than 75,000 red dots to individuals at churches, evangelism conferences and witnessing seminars. The response received from people of all ages and all walks of life has verified his belief that the witnessing tool works. One lawyer was asked by a judge in court to explain the dot, which allowed him to share the gospel message with an entire courtroom of people.
___Around the nation, others are recognizing the effectiveness of the red dot. In Birmingham, Ala., hundreds of students involved in First Priority, a ministry affiliated with the North American Mission Board aimed at public school campuses, are using the red dot as a witnessing tool. Materials from LifeWay Christian Resources featured the "Red Dot Ministry" in its youth Sunday school publication "Good News for Youth."
___For more information, call Burton at (904) 396-2351 or e-mail him at e-mail marvknox@flash.netDburton@flbaptist.org.Frontpage / Contents/ Masthead / Why We're Here / Links / Archive / E-mail us/ SUBSCRIBE!