7) Witnessing Through the Children

In Chung-Pyung, I often went fishing and caught crabs. There is no other way but to drive them. They must be driven. You have driven them before? [Yes] In the past, because the net was small and the trap door was small, all the baby rabbits jumped out, and since they did not go into the door, witnessing did not bear much fruit. On the contrary, since both door and net are big now, if witnessing still does not bring much result then it means that you have not driven them too well. Isn't this so? [Yes] Are you confident about driving them? [Yes] Are you confident? [Yes] .

Look. If you are going to witness, you should research folk tales of children. This is the most effective way. If three children in the village are gathered, you should tell them interesting folk tales. You should tell them interesting stories from the past. If you do that, then children will run back toward the church as soon as they finish their meal telling their mother, "Mom, I am going to see so and so." Then parents will follow them along for sure. Do you understand? [Yes] The farther away the church is located, the better it is. Then parents will certainly accompany them worrying that they may fall into the rice field on the way. This is how it is.

If the parents say, "I do not know who the person in this church is, but since my child likes you more than even his own father or mother, so...," then you should invite the mother in and praise the child before her. You should talk about how the child is and how his features are, adding that he is more handsome than the parents. If you say those words of praise, then she will smile brightly. Is there anyone who does not like to listen to words of praise? You are also like that, right? Even if you are aware of your shortcomings, if someone says good things, then you are still happy, aren't you? Isn't this so? If you praise her children, she will be very glad.

After that, you should make an analysis of the child's personality, and advise that he should be educated in such and such ways, adding that for that reason you have been telling him this and that kinds of stories. Then, you can ask the parent if she has been teaching him that way. Her face will grow red out of embarrassment. Next, you should ask why she did not do so. At this moment, you don't have to be so polite. You should mention that the woman reminds you of your older sister, with whom you have spent much time playing together. Then, using more direct words, you can even scold her a little. Then she will smile. This is how you become close. She still will not be offended, but will come to like you. Because you have done much more praising than scolding, because your harsh words only take up a fraction of your praise, there will be enough room for her to accept it.

If you continue, "If you guide him like this on this aspect, then this child will not only be able to lead the village, but also become a saintly figure that the nation needs," she will be so happy. As you then ask her, "Are you going to do it like that or not?" she will reply, "I will, from now on." At that moment, if you offer, "I will guide and take care of your house," then she will smile.

Since you made the promise to give guidance, you should visit the family. This is doing witnessing. You should go into their bedroom and ask her to introduce her husband, then you should witness to them both... This is how you should do witnessing. (73-130)