Cheri Strange, Christian Speaker and Author

            I love the alternatives to the traditional Halloween Trick-or-Treating Christian organizations and churches have created over the years. The need to be careful and cautious in the world is real. However, every neighborhood we have lived in over the past fifteen years or so has continued to receive little costumed bag-toters every Halloween after dark. The reality is, many people still Trick-or-Treat in neighborhoods they feel are safe. And we should embrace them, ministering right on our very own front porches. What other time of the year do we get the opportunity to be Light to so many without leaving our property?

            The first thing to do to make the most of this opportunity is to make sure you are prepared. Pray. Pray for wisdom in how you can minister in your own front yard; and pray for those who will come down your street. Then, if you can afford it, buy the “nice” candy and give it out liberally to the children. You might also prepare something for the parents – an “adult” treat like mints, free cup of coffee, cider, or maybe a water bottle. People remember who gave out the good stuff and talk about you long after the day is over.

            You might also want to illuminate the entrance to your home in white lights. I know some families who include a poster or banner on their porch that has a key verse or phrase such as, “Jesus is the light of the world,” “Jesus: the bright and morning star,” or anything about Jesus casting out fear would also work. The idea is to make your porch radiate in a way that will mark it as different. Most porches are dark and eerie on this night. You want yours to be bright and uplifting.

            Finally, get out and be with the people. Position yourself on the porch or yard to greet your visitors. Be brief, but talk to them as you hand out your goodies. Ask them about their costumes. Tell the parents who you are and ask them who they are. If they live in the neighborhood, make that connection. You might even want to greet them in costume. However you choose to dress, make the focal point THEM. You want your visitors to so enjoy their brief encounter with you --- that it marks their memory – and they remember you.