John and Nancy Murphy are San Martin residents who take seriously the Great Commission of Jesus: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded to you" (Matthew 28:18-20).

The couple had been involved in churches for many years without realizing the importance of reaching out to people who don't know Jesus as savior. Like an estimated 98 percent of Christians, they didn't know how to effectively share their faith with others.

Then they heard about a powerful ministry called The Way of the Master, the work of an evangelist named Ray Comfort. (This author of more than 40 books has spoken in more than 800 churches from almost every denomination.)

Also leading this ministry is the actor Kirk Cameron, best known from the television series "Growing Pains." Raised as an atheist, Cameron experienced a powerful conversion and now is the producer and host of "The Way of the Master" television series, seen locally on DIRECTV channel 373 and DISH NETWORK channel 260.

This reality show teaches Christians how to share their faith biblically and effectively, the way Jesus did by using the 10 Commandments to show people how they have sinned against God. Most people consider themselves 'good' and think they will go to heaven when they die.

"But," says Nancy, "when confronted with God's standard, the 10 Commandments, it becomes clear everyone will be in trouble when they stand in front of God on Judgment Day. Because we have all done things like lying and cheating, we are all headed to Hell."

"The Way of the Master" emphasizes that everyone has a conscience and knows right from wrong. If people "repent" (confess and stop sinning) and trust in the sacrificial death of Jesus, they will be "born again" and inherit eternal life.

The Murphys offer examples of the success of this program:

n One involves a foreign exchange student from China who had never heard of Jesus. After being exposed to this teaching, he has returned to China to spread the Gospel himself.

n Another story concerns a teenager they met at Starbucks. After hearing about God and receiving a Bible to read, she has given up drugs and alcohol, was baptized in the couple's swimming pool, and is living a Christian life.

The couple offers free evangelism training classes each month at West Hills Community Church (16695 DeWitt Ave., Morgan Hill). The next session meets on Saturday, Oct. 13, from 1 to 4:30pm. There is no charge to attend and Christians of all denominations are welcome.

The training takes the form of three video teaching sessions (featuring Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron), group discussions and self-graded quizzes. After the session participants are offered the opportunity of going into the community to see the teaching put into practice.

For more information or to reserve a space at the training session, e-mail active1@garlic.com. To see some helpful videos, visit www.thewayofthemaster.com.

Chuck Flagg Chuck Flagg is a retired teacher with a passion for religion. Reach him at cflagg@svnewspapers.com.