I am writing in response to Jessica Meyers’ column, “Religion should stay within house of worship” (SN 3/15).

I have never been a fanatical Christian who walks up to people on the street to share my faith to an unwelcome audience. I agree with Meyers that this form of witnessing needs to be directed toward willing ears. I, like Jessica, have received all of the “proper sacraments” of the church and consider myself to be Christian.

Meyers states, “For one week - just seven days - do I plea for real deliverance.” Having a relationship with Jesus should not be something you need or can get a vacation from. As Christians, we understand Jesus actually lives inside of us and is with us everywhere we go and hears all of our thoughts and prayers.

Even if one wanted to, one could not escape from his presence because he loves us so much that he would never leave us. What if Jesus said, for one week, he wanted a vacation from us?

I agree sometimes people with extreme passions can lead their listeners to forms of hostility. However, Romans 10:14-15 states, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?”

So these “religious troops” who interrupted your vacation were actually people who were fighting for your very soul. They expressed an interest and concern for your eternal life. Those people had a million other things they could have done that day, but you - a stranger - were important enough to approach regarding the eternal destination of your life.

I also would like to respond to the crosses Meyers saw on the side of the road when she returned from Florida. I don’t understand how this could be offensive. Isn’t it like any other billboard? It is used as a tool for marketing - more specifically, marketing that Jesus died for you.

I am thankful many spring breakers saw this on their way to and from Florida. If it made one person challenge their faith, it served its purpose.

Meyers also states, “Keep your faith where it belongs - in the realm of your house of worship.” As Christians, our Great Commission is to “go and make disciples of all nations,” states Matthew 28:20. This includes tribal villages, communist nations and yes, even Panama City, Fla.

My intent in writing this response is not to dismiss your feelings, but instead to challenge the faith and relationship with God that makes you a believer.

Janell Seymour

English and education junior