Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain

Gustavo Nilson used to listen KCBI on his commute to work. Dr. Jeffress’ teaching always stayed with him. So he and his family have been faithfully attending First Baptist Dallas for the last two years. It’s become home for them. “We found a place where we could be spiritually fed and surrounded by people who genuinely cared about us,” Gustavo shares.

Gustavo’s desire to use his technical skill set led him to find a place to serve in Worship Production. “My role? Pressing buttons. Quiet and behind the scenes. But one button, one moment, could help save a life.” Gustavo sees how each task contributes to the work that God is doing: “When you show up early, stay late, or serve through difficulty, remember—you’re not volunteering. You are ministering. You’re part of God’s redemptive work.”

But Gustavo’s impact at First Dallas goes beyond his dedication to the production team. He took on the challenge of our One Life initiative, to pray for and invite people to our church so they can hear the gospel and find community. About a year ago, a friend of Gustavo hit rock bottom. “He told me he had lost his job, his family was struggling, and he was drowning in shame. He confided in me that he no longer saw a reason to keep going.” Gustavo knew this friend believed in God but wasn’t fully committed to living for Christ. “I said, ‘Let me pray with you,’ and I invited him to church that Sunday.”

When Gustavo brought his friend to church, the Choir and Orchestra led the congregation in the song, “Thou, O Lord,” which sings Psalm 3. The words, “a shield for me, my glory, and the lifter of my head,” resonated deeply with his One Life. Gustavo said, “My friend searched the Scriptures behind the song, and the Word of God began to sustain him day after day.” Attending First Dallas ignited a fire in him. Today, Gustavo’s One Life is a faithful member of our church and even teaches a Bible study class.

“It’s a humbling feeling that God uses all of us in ways we don’t see or understand,” Gustavo says. He believes God orchestrates moments like these to fulfill a purpose, whether it’s by pressing buttons or extending an invitation. When it comes to inviting others, Gustavo believes we have nothing to lose and everything to gain. “If I don’t say anything, I already have the ‘no’ answer. God has a plan for you, so let’s seek Him and see what He wants to do.”

Gustavo has made it a lifestyle to invite people as he goes. Whether it’s family, coworkers, or even someone behind the cash register at his favorite grocery store, he looks for ways to meet people where they are. “One day, I saw a cashier who looked sad, and I asked if I could pray for her. That’s how the connection started, by bringing the confidence that God cares.”

First Baptist Dallas is preparing for a major outreach event where everyone is encouraged to invite those who are unbelievers or unchurched on October 5, where they can hear an apologetic message and ask questions about faith. As we approach that day, Gustavo shared this encouragement: “Let’s keep our eyes fixed on the One we serve—Christ, the King of Glory. May He continue to use each of us in ways we may never fully see on this side of eternity.” 

Pray and take steps to invite your One Life. Your invitation matters! As Gustavo says, “Inviting a guest is a small ask, but it’s the unnoticed actions that God uses to accomplish His will.”