Break the ice
and save a life
Ice breaker contest winners
The Ice Breaker contest was a way for members to get involved in submitting their favorite "ice breakers," or opening statements when handing out Gospels of John. Hundreds of entries were received. League staff poured through them and selected the top 40 for member voting. Hundreds of members then voted for their favorites, resulting in three winners in each of four different categories. Each of the 12 winners received a beautiful Bible in their choice of version.
Shown below are the winning entries:
from Cyrus W. of Alameda, CA:
Can I share with you the best news you will ever hear?
from Julie T. of Ontario, CA:
While on a hospital visit: Can I introduce you to the Greatest Physician ever? Here is His calling card.
from Blake M. of Johnson City, TN:
Hey, can I ask you an interesting question? What's the most important thing in your life? What to do you think will be the most important thing when you die? Let me show you some interesting things Jesus said about life here in the gospel of John.
from Paul W. of Chico, CA:
I use a College Spiritual Life Questionare with a pen and paper. In that survey we ask questions like, “On a scale from one-to-ten how important is the spiritual area of your life?” And “If you died right now and stood before God and He asked you ‘why should I let you into my heaven?’ What would you say?” Then I ask “what percent chance would you have of going to heaven if you died right now?” Then I say “I believe that you can be 100% sure would you like me to explain more about that?”
from Jason R. of Rowland Heights, CA:
I ask everyone, “Do you live on campus?” Then I give them a Gospel of John, saying, “Here, you need this.” No matter how they answer, they need it. They always take it.
from Alexander R. of Apple Valley, CA:
Need help passing your final? I've got all the answers right here!
from Diane C. of Antioch, CA:
I have been through several hardships this last year and a half... illnesses, family deaths, taking over a business in this economy, etc. and people ask me, “How are you handling all of this with a smile?” and that's the very best way to witness, just that smile and calmness says it all and it opens the door to tell people how I can handle it and still be happy.
from Janice C. of Haiku, Hawaii:
“I’m so blessed to be working with you, _____, and I believe God put us together for a bigger reason than just work. Jesus loves you so much, _____, and I feel He is leading me to share His love letter with you.”
from Nancy M. of Runnemede, NJ
My best friend wrote a book. Would you like to read it?
from Duante B. of St. Marys, GA:
Hey, did you hear about this guy who took the death penalty so this other guy could live?
from Matthew C. of Clinton, MA:
I carry a cooler filled with waters and ice. On a hot day I offer people sitting in the park a water. Upon accepting it, I give them a gospel of John and verbally present the gospel as well. By giving the water, they immediately recognize that I am sharing this message because I care. People are much more open to hearing what you say when they see that you care about them.
from Steve C. of New Baden, IL:
I tell people that I am authorized to giveone free gift away per day and that they have been selected.
The Top 40 Ice Breakers
Here's the complete list of the top 40 Ice Breaker entries, shown in order of ranking based on member votes. Note that the voting was extremely close. Many entries were separated by only a few hundredths of a percent.
Friends and Family:
Can I share with you the best news you will ever hear? (Cyrus W., Alameda, CA)
While on a hospital visit: Can I introduce you to the Greatest Physician ever? Here is His calling card. (Julie T., Ontario, CA)
Hey, can I ask you an interesting question? What's the most important thing in your life? What to do you think will be the most important thing when you die? Let me show you some interesting things Jesus said about life here in the gospel of John. (Blake M., Johnson City, TN)
"Have you been impacted by this crazy economy as I have? I've been reading the Bible and find it encouraging and reassuring during these very uncertain times. Here's the Gospel of John, a great place to start... (Mark M., Rancho Cordo, CA)
We had no choice of being born into this family, but I'm so glad we can choose to be born into God's family. Have you ever understood what that meant? (Katie M., Leola, PA)
Have you ever read the entire Bible? (no) It's a pretty intimidating read about 1200 pages. (With Pocket Testament in hand) I wonder, does this look like an intimidating read to you? (smiling at them.. they will say 'not really'...) This little book is one of the most significant books of the bible. You see the bible is not 'a book' but a compilation of books. It's a library of 66 books and this is one of the 66 books called 'the Gospel of John'. It would be well worth the small amount of time it takes to read this book; and it may whet your appetite for more of the books of the Bible. The Bible doesn't a have to be read from beginning to end. (and so on..) Would you like to have one of these? (Vincent L., Garden Grove, CA)
It would really be good if our family could spend eternity together in Heaven. Will you be there? (David A.)
Do you have one moment, for the rest of your life? (John P., Canon City, CO)
Have you ever met Jesus? When you meet Him, He's going to blow you away. Here's a biography one of His best friends wrote-read it and you'll see. (Meg G., Nantucket, MA)
Hey, can I talk to you about a really big issue in my life? (Austin H.)
Sharing on Campus
I use a College Spiritual Life Questionare with a pen and paper. In that survey we ask questions like. “On a scale from one-to-ten how important is the spiritual area of your life?” And “If you died right now and stood before God and He asked you ‘why should I let you into my heaven?’ What would you say?” Then I ask “what percent chance would you have of going to heaven if you died right now?” Then I say “I believe that you can be 100% sure would you like me to explain more about that?” (Paul W.)
Can I share with you the best news you will ever hear? (Cyrus W., Alameda, CA)
I ask everyone Do you live on campus? if they say no. I say here you will need this and hand them The Gospel of John. If they say yes I say here you will need this and hand them a Gospel of John. No matter the answer they need it. They always take it. (Jason R., Rowland Heights, CA)
"Need help passing your final? I've got all the answers right here!" (Alexander R., Apple Valley, CA)
Do you have any spiritual beliefs? Do you believe in God or an afterlife, or do you belive in any reality outside what you can see, feel, and hear? (JaNel H., Cumberland, MD)
Have you ever thought how that rock (building, any other long lasting material object) is going to be around hundreds, maybe thousands of years longer than we are? Kinda makes life seem a little short doesn't it. Have you ever wondered if there was a way to know if Heaven was real? I'd like you to have this booklet, its a true story that could change your life here, and after. (Blake M., Johnson City, TN)
When students say they are atheists, I often ask them one of two questions: "Aren't you afraid to live in society? When they ask why, I mention that the basic laws of morality come from God's ten commandments--to deny God is to open yourself up to a lawless society in which anyone can do what they want to another. For example, I could punch you in the face, and ultimately who can tell me not to. The other question I ask is: "So you've answered the 21 philosophical questions necessary to prove that God does not exist?" (Rev. George P., Philadelphia, PA)
I have something very important to share with you and I was wondering if you would take time to read this... giving them a gospel. Do you ever think about what is on the other side of death? (Carolyn K., Cunningham, TN)
Do you find yourself looking for love? (Leslie D., Bronx, NY)
Phew! I didn't think class would ever end. I am dreading the test. Thank God that I can find comfort in how much God loves me and I don't have a difficult test to win that love. Have you read the book of John? It is so awesome. Let me give you your own copy of the Gospel. (Karen S., Farmington, MO)
Sharing at Work
I have been through several hardships this last year and ac half... illnesses, family deaths, taking over a business in thisceconomy, etc. and people ask me, “How are you handling all of this with a smile?” and that's the very best way to witness, just that smile and calmness says it all and it opens the door to tell people how I can handle it and still be happy. (Diane C., Antioch, CA)
“I’m so blessed to be working with you, _____, and I believe God put us together for a bigger reason than just work. Jesus loves you so much, _____, and I feel He is leading me to share His love letter with you.” (Janice C., Haiku, HI)
My best friend wrote a book. Would you like to read it? (Nancy M., Runnemede, NJ)
With a big smile I will ask co-workers" how hopeful are you about your future?" In today's economy most will answer not very. I then say that I have great hope for my future, and you can to, want to know how? At that point instead of talking about financial security I talk to them about heaven and pull out my Gospel of John. It really works and gets the conversation going. (Tom F., Simi Valley, CA)
Can I share with you the best news you will ever hear? (Cyrus W., Alameda, CA)
I have a present for you. This is part of the bestseller of the whole world. (Freddy H., Toronto, ON Canada)
I see you like to read. I know of a great book, and better yet, it's a true story. (Susan S.)
While doing someone's hair in the salon, and listening to their problems, I reach over, pick up a pocket testament and say, "Let me give you a few words of encouragement". I have never had anyone refuse to accept it. (Jan V., Chesterfield, SC)
This book inspires me to start everyday the right way. Just take one and see for yourself. (Daniel G., Tampa, FL)
"Taking an elevator to the next floor in the hospital, I ask, "Is this elevator going to heaven?" They will say, no!. Then I say, "I got the wrong one... but here is a booklet that will tell you how to get to heaven!" (Arthur L., Edmonton, AB Canada)
Sharing with Strangers
Hey, did you hear about this guy who took the death penalty so this other guy could live? (Duante B., St. Mary's, GA)
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I carry a cooler filled with waters and ice. On a hot day I offer people sitting in the park a water. Upon accepting it, I give them a gospel of John and verbally present the gospel as well. By giving the water, they immediately recognize that I am sharing this message because I care. People are much more open to hearing what you say when they see that you care about them. (Matthew C., Clinton, MA)
I tell people that I am authorized to giveone free gift away per day and that they have been selected. (Steve C., New Baden, IL)
Using the "A Story Of Perfect Love" cover with the rose on the front, I ask, "When is the last time sombody gave you a rose? Well I was led to give you one today. Have a Blessed Day. (Daniel G., Tampa, FL)
"We walk into a store and I ask the greeter, "What's free today?" Of course they say, "Uhhh, nothing's free." I then say, "God's love is always free!" (Brian P., Cedar Lake, IN)
I know that times are really tough these days. Here is something that will give you peace of mind and direction for your life from the greatest man who ever lived! He is the reason I can still smile through all the hard times I go through! (Elizabeth W., Los Olivos, CA)
I love Book stores, I love looking around and when I see other people I want to share with, the first thing I ask is "Have you read any good books lately?" Then I go from there, You would be amazed on how many people I talk to that way. (Ruthann K., Delhi, ON Canada)
When at a service station one can say to someone pumping gas as they hand them a Gospel of John, "I would like to give you something to add fuel to your life." (Thomas J., McDonough, GA)
I like to go inside to purchase my fuel, and share with the gas station attendant. I usually say "I bet you get asked for directions a lot!" I allow them to respond, then I ask "Do you have a spiritual direction?" I'll hand them a "Are you on the right course?" Gospel of John, and briefly share the gospel. Usually, the same attendent works the same shift every week, so follow-up is possible. (Jonathan B., Lutz, FL)
After I round of golf, it's common for golfers to retreat to the 19th Hole and exchange stories of triumph and tragedy. In amongst them are tales of "what might have been". I recently ordered "Do You Need A Mulligan" Pocket Testaments. So after a round I might have one with me as I hear pleas of "I wish I had another chance" echo around the clubhouse. As I hear a forlorn golfer lamenting the fact that's my cue to say "Do You Need A Mulligan?" (Mike L., El Paso, TX)
