From Sinner to Street Preacher: Embracing the Unconventional Path to Spreading God's Word

A few years ago, I felt a powerful calling from the Lord to tend to His flock and feed His sheep. I had no idea how profound this journey would be. The Bible holds truths that surpass our understanding, especially when we hear the words of John the Baptist: "The Kingdom has drawn near" (Matthew 3:2). This is happening everywhere, and it starts within each of us.

When I received my calling, echoing John the Baptist’s message to “Prepare the way of the Lord, make the paths straight” (Mark 1:3), I went at it, impassionately, not even understanding the challenge. It wasn't just about spreading the Good News; it was also confronting my own fears. As someone who had always been shy, being in large groups made me anxious. But God broke through the strongholds and made me a new person. I couldn't recognize myself. Others didn't, either. It was sad, that so many didn't even understand the path I had chosen, being believers in Christ themselves. Strangers got the message and clapped. Family and friends didn't get it. I was doing too much, being too fanatical. But then Yeshua/Jesus would have said: "They did the same to me. Don't sweat it. Just keep going."

My journey became even more complicated. Until I read the entire Bible in 2019, my life was filled with sins such as lying, cheating, and even stealing. I spoke foul language and danced in ways that did not honor God. I reached a point of brokenness, living in adultery. It was in that darkness that I met God, who confronted me directly, telling me: "Israel, you are a prostitute!" It was no what I expected to hear. The church is always telling you that God only has nice thoughts for us, like "I love you," and "I'll always be here." But it was after the fall that God offered me those words: “I am going to redeem you.”

This promise ignited my faith. I clung to His words: “No matter who gets in the way, I will rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and lift the tent of David.” With renewed belief, I embraced my role as a minister. My first step was starting a YouTube channel, but my audience was nonexistent. I knew I had to strive for bigger and bolder approaches.

So, I made the daring move to preach on the streets. In North Carolina, I started creating signs that proclaimed God's love for all to see. My heart raced as I gathered the courage to share His message at busy street corners in Orlando, Florida. There, I stood at City Walk, passionately preaching, and to my surprise, no one tried to silence me. The Spirit led me there, that day. In short, this has been an amazing journey of discovering who God truly is and how deeply we are to honor him, daily and with every breath of our lungs, even if we sound crazy, even if it seems like it's "too much."

Yet, standing for my faith brought its own challenges. I faced a wave of negativity—cat-callers urging me to remove my clothes while I preached, and gossip from those in the church labeling me a prostitute and drug addict. Each word felt like a strike against my commitment, but I pressed on. I realized that they were lost, just as I had once been. My calling now included praying for them, just as Yeshua/Jesus would have done.

For anyone burdened by their past or afraid to step out in faith, I want to reassure you: the Kingdom is drawing near. The call to preach and share the Good News is for everyone. Not sure you can be a messenger? Remember, God often calls those who feel unqualified and equips them with everything needed. Your readiest tool is the Bible. Read it. Read it like I did. Take it like a story book (because it is), and devour it bit by bit. It took me two months, but don't worry about how long it will take. Just read. Ask the Lord for understanding and discernment and wisdom to take the entire message in. That's what I did. And it worked. And it cleansed me like real water cleanses a dirty thing. This was God's revelation about what he did with me. "My Word is water, and when you read it, I washed you clean."

Don't you want this in your life, too? I highly recommend it, even if you have to die for it.

The Power of Boldness in Faith

Facing a crowd on the streets can be intimidating, especially for an introvert. Yet stepping into that light shows the remarkable power of faith. God transforms what we see as weaknesses into strengths, allowing us to reach others who need His love.

During my preaching, I encountered incredible people. I met those who shared my message, those who opposed it, those who had seen in revelation what I had seen for the world--terrifying visions of takeovers with the promise of redemption. Even people who were on their way to work and to whom God spoke through me. "If you raise your hands in praise, right now, God will give you more," I told a passerby once, having heard the voice of the Lord tell me: speak to this one. The trials I have faced as a homeless person and a preacher have paid off in ways no one can know. People pity me. But then there is Romans 8:28, “God works all things for the good of those who love Him.” While I initially sought followers on YouTube, I found an audience far beyond that. On the streets, I felt the deep hunger for God's love. Every passerby had their own story, often filled with a desire for redemption. But it is that way in the sky-high offices of the metropolis, and in schools, and in hospitals, and in prisons, and aboard airplanes, and even in palaces where the richest of kings live. We need to find a way to get to each one of these persons, now. There is very little time left to do so. This was also revealed to me as I preached on the OBT (Orange Blossom Trail, one of the most crime-filled streets in Central Orlando). We have to act now, and we have to do it together.

Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity

Authenticity in ministry means being open about our pasts and struggles. Sharing stories of redemption can often be more impactful than polished narratives. My transition from sinner to street preacher was filled with vulnerability, and this openness fostered connections with others. But it's not just about how the message will look and feel, about its marketability. It's about the truth. Your truth can save the life of so many people. Don't hide it. Preach it.

Standing before those who doubted my past and my present was and is crucial. I knew that revealing my truth displayed God’s grace and offered hope to others facing similar struggles. Our authenticity can be a bridge for others seeking Christ. No one is perfect, no matter how much they try to hide their imperfections in this fantasy-filled world. And I say this as a fiction author! We're all going through something that needs the love of Yeshua/Jesus to be fixed. Everyone. No exceptions. Even the dog. Even your bird in a cage. Everything was made fallen in the beginning, because of original sin, so everything has been touched by the evil of our enemy. If we don't speak in truth, if we don't share our burden and how God has lifted us out of the darkness that Satan tries to cover us in, then we allow the shadow of the world to win.

The Unconventional Path to Ministry

It is easy to fall into typical expectations of ministry—preaching in churches, leading worship services, and engaging in community events. But what if we embraced a different approach? The streets are filled with diverse individuals who all need to hear God’s message. This is how it was done, initially, the preaching of the oral Torah.

Preaching outside traditional church walls can be liberating. It leads to real encounters where the Spirit can touch lives in profound ways. I’ve had conversations that changed lives, all because I chose to step beyond my comfort zone. Last year, as I preached on the OBT, God told me to tell the people to "put a Bible in their cars," because he was "calling Peters" to do what I was doing. It's not an empty message. This is the Age to which the discipleship was called. We are in the middle of a revival. We can expect God to do many fantastic and strange things that others may not understand. This is what he did when his revival was ignited. Back then, people were imprisoned, beaten, crucified and brutally killed, for preaching the gospel of Yeshua/Jesus. Are we the church who is ready to face these consequences? This is our last chance to get ready for it.

Answering the Call to Faith

When God calls you to tend to His flock, He equips you for that purpose. My journey from a life of sin to sharing His Word on the streets is a testament to how God can redeem anyone willing to listen to His voice.

So, to anyone reading this: Trust in the promise of redemption, embrace vulnerability, and do not shy away from answering the call. I believe fervently that the Kingdom has drawn near, and it’s our task to prepare the way. Believe that He will guide you, even along the most unconventional paths. Make yourself ready for anything. Fast and pray incessantly, even if your own pastor accuses you of doing "too much." Only you know what God has asked of you. If they can't believe it, it doesn't necessarily have to be a reflection on you. It could be that something is missing in them. Pray that the Lord will open their eyes to your mission, so that you are supported with enough resources at your congregation to prepare you for your calling.

A street preacher passionately sharing a message of hope.

Embrace your identity as a minister of the Good News and take that step of faith. You may discover growth in ways you never thought possible.