Lord, Lyft Me Up! (Taking Lyft to Church)
I wish I could take credit for this idea, but it came straight from the Lord. Through inspiration. Now, I’m taking Lyft to church.
Take Lyft to Church
I’ve taken many rides on Lyft and Uber over the last few years. However, I never thought to take Lyft to church. That’s because I’ve always driven myself. Then, one day I got the idea: take Lyft to church and back. That way, you’ll have two opportunities each week to discuss the Church with a driver instead of driving yourself and talking to no one.
What’s Happened Since Taking Lyft to Church
I’ve done this now for about two months. Yesterday’s experience is a good example of what’s happening.
I’ve met about a dozen drivers. I have not had a repeat driver yet.
Yesterday, the driver was named Fasil. He is from Ethiopia. I knew this was going to be a successful ride to church as soon as I got into his car.
Observe What’s Going On Around You
Right in the middle of his speedometer, and also in the middle of his tachometer, were two pictures of Jesus. You couldn’t help but notice them as soon as you got into his car. I commented on them, saying I thought it was a great idea. Fasil told me he keeps those pictures there to remind him each day of what’s important. He says it keeps him focused in his life. I complimented him on that.
How I Discussed the Church With Him
I took out of my sport coat pocket an articles of faith card with Jesus’ picture on it. I gave it to Fasil just before we got to church. I explained I had something for him. He had previously given me his business card from a local Mercedes Benz dealership, where Fasil works during the week. When someone first gives me a card of some kind, it makes it very natural to give that person a card back. I told Fasil, “I’ve got something for you. This is what the members of our church believe. It’s all about Jesus.” He enthusiastically thanked me for the card and told me he would read it. It was very easy and it was natural. That is EXACTLY the way you want it to happen.
The Demographics of Taking Lyft to Church
So far, I have had drivers from Ethiopia, Buffalo New York, the Dominican Republic, Russia, Washington DC, Peru, and Guinea West Africa. You wouldn’t think you could “preach the gospel to the nations of the world” just by getting a ride to church. But you can.
Check out my podcast called How Great Shall Be My Joy and look for the episode about Yitbarek. He’s a friend of mine who joined the Church after meeting some friends of mine by driving them to an airport as an Uber driver.
It works. And, it’s fun!
articles of faith card, church, Ethiopia, hastening the work, Jesus, joy, Lyft, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, uber
