Making Jesus Known to Leaders of this Retail Giant

“Karen, we want our people to hear the gospel.”

Tears pooled and released like water freed from a dam. My mouth hung open as I re-read the message.

Speak at Walmart Women’s Leadership Conference? And boldly talk about Jesus?

Lord, you answered my prayer. Why my surprise? You gave me this heart for the lost. 

Knowing Jesus 

A personal mission of my speaking and writing ministry is to know Jesus more and make Him known.

What a privilege to not only introduce others to Christ, but to also help believers know Him more.

And I never want to assume that every attendee at church events knows Christ. Because my heart is drawn to the lost…to those who need Jesus.

So I pray and ask the Holy Spirit to lead me in sharing the gospel message of Calvary’s cross and an empty tomb every time I step on stage.

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13 ESV, emphasis mine)

Making Jesus Known

You see, a few months ago I prayed for God to expand my borders of influence for Him. Further still, I specifically asked the Lord to broaden my speaking opportunities for venues outside Christian circles.

And within a few weeks, God answered my prayer. A local Walmart store manager heard me speak at her church early this year. So Diane contacted me to pray about speaking at their women’s leadership conference (and to a few men who come).

Managers and supervisors from eight stores, an entire market sector, and maybe the regional VP, gather as leaders every fall—this was the fifth year.

The day includes meals, inspirational keynotes from various speakers, awards for women leaders making a difference in Walmart stores and in the community through giving back and charity work.

On a side note, I wished more people knew how much Walmart gives back. Walmart pours thousands of dollars into their local communities every year and around the world.

At the conference, they highlighted Samaritan’s Purse/Operation Christmas Child, Children’s Miracle Network, veteran programs, dozens of local non-profits, bottled water and volunteers for recent hurricane relief and more.

Diane relayed this year’s theme of Sowing the Harvest. And how the conference brings together the aspects of leadership, community, business, giving back, and how they added faith.

When she said the powerful words “We want our people to hear the gospel.”—I was all in.

Walmart Leaders and Jesus

On the day of the conference, I walked into a room packed with smiling faces, mostly ladies, and 5-6 men. After the welcome, Diane’s pastor provided an awesome opening devotion. Wow, I sat amazed at how the Lord worked for His glory.

Then, Diane introduced me. I stated the theme and asked reflective questions. How does sowing the harvest apply to leadership? How do we find the right conditions for growth as leaders? And how do we sow to reap the greatest harvest?

And I spoke about sowing as leaders in our professions, families, and communities. How strong leaders grow deep roots by increasing in wisdom and character, both professionally and personally.

I spoke of the greatest leader who ever lived. #Jesus. #Leadership Share on X

Christ modeled authentic leadership. Of course, He didn’t work in retail—no Walmart on street corners in Jesus’ day. But…

Jesus gave #leadership to the most important #business…His Father’s business. Share on X

The message concluded with sharing my personal testimony of knowing Christ and the gospel message. Here’s how I wrapped up:

God sowed a spiritual harvest for us over 2000 years ago. When we accept Jesus Christ as Savior, we reap a harvest of peace, love, grace, goodness, mercy, hope, and more. 

You and Jesus 

A handful of ladies told me their redemption story during lunch. But lost and hungry souls heard about a spiritual harvest. I pray they come to know Jesus.

Friend, I’m asking you the final question I posed to Walmart leaders that day.

Do you know the Savior? In Jesus alone is eternal life. He loves you. And He came to rescue you by shedding His blood on a cross.

Image design and layout courtesy of Adobe Spark.

© 2017 by Karen Friday, All Rights Reserved

Post part of these link ups:

Lyli Dunbar/#FaithOnFire, Salt & Light, Crystal Twadell/Fresh Market Friday, Crystal Storms/Heart Encouragement, Meg Gemelli/GRITupAndGo, Suzanne Eller/Living Free.