Ministry Update Episode 75
God has been working through my wife Mary and I throughout our relationship.
It was here at 5 to10 that God brought us together. We have remained faithful not only to our relationship with each other but to our relationship with our Lord and Savior. We start each day with prayer and devotions. During that time we also pray for opportunities to be his hands and feet. Since we’ve been praying for that, He hasn’t disappointed us once.
James 2:17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
It is through our ministries that our Faith has grown by leaps and bounds.
We get to see first hand how God is working not only in our lives, but the lives of those we minister to. The Holy Spirit has guided us to some of the most downtrodden individuals in Sussex county. If there’s one thing Mary and I continually pray for it’s humility. It’s easy to feel important when someone is at their lowest and you’re helping them. You may feel important but your ministry becomes impotent.
Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Most of you know that Mary and I have been helping out at the ACE center for a while now.
I’d just like to share what God has been leading us to do.
ACE stands for acceptance, challenge, and empowerment.
The ACE center is a place for those who are homeless or dealing with addictions to get a shower, a hot meal, clothing, job resources, or just get a break from the weather.
God has put it on our hearts to reach out to those who are less fortunate. It is only by the grace of God that I am not homeless myself.
Mary and I lend a helping hand by providing meals through the generosity of folks like you and with help from the crossroad kitchen ministry.
I want you to know that your contributions have been greatly appreciated by everyone at the ACE. They asked me to personally thank you for your generosity.
The need for clothes at the ACE is ongoing.
So during the summer months Mary and I like to go to yard sales. When we see a yard sale with a lot of clothes we always ask if we can have them when they’re done with their yard sale. Nine times out of 10 people are glad to help when we explain where we are taking them to.
The ACE center continuously needs toiletry items.
So we try to get the necessities they need from Roses or the Dollar store. Sometimes just a bar of soap can make a big difference to someone on the street.
But the real joy that we get is when we get to talk with folks that are coming into the center.
We get to not only talk and listen to them, but it gives us an opportunity to pray with them. I don’t know why but whenever we see someone at the ACE who is sitting as far away from everyone as they can get, they are usually the ones that the Holy Spirit draws us to. One young man who was sitting in the back had a lot of personal struggles that he was dealing with. Not the least of which was schizophrenia. But he had a good heart and we were able to help him with medical appointments and getting to see him progress into a more stable environment. He had gone through a rough winter and took advantage of code purple. Eventually he was able to get into a group home where he could get the help he needed. Not everyone that we reach out to has a happy ending. But if we at least try to plant a seed, I feel it is time well spent.
Street ministry
It got to the point that Mary and I felt called to reach out beyond the ace center.
It’s been a really hot summer and we try to make it a point to carry cold water with us when we are out and about If we see someone walking we will stop and give them a bottle of water and see if there’s anything else we can help them with. Sometimes, all they need is someone to listen to them.
The ace center has limited hours for meals.
People can get something for breakfast and lunch but there is no evening meal. Mary and I try to fill that gap with gift cards. Every time we have some spare change we set it aside so that eventually we can buy a few gift cards. We used to get $5 gift cards from Subway, but with inflation we bumped it up to $6. The one thing we almost never do is give someone money. Because if someone’s dealing with addiction they’ll go hungry, before they will go without a fix.
So many homeless don’t even have a tent.
Mary and I try to help out with that as well. During the winter months it’s hard to believe that for some the only shelter they have is that tent. Despite shelters being available to them, some have social and mental disabilities that hinder them from seeking shelter. They’d rather brave the elements than be around people.
In addition to everything else Mary and I take folks to their medical appointments, help them get ID cards, get them into rehab, and just make ourselves available.
Love Inc.
Just recently Pastor Miguel from Love Inc. reached out and asked us if we would like to help them.
We jumped at the opportunity. So far we’ve just been delivering food to those who don’t have transportation. Hopefully other opportunities will present themselves and God can stretch us a little bit further. Ideally I would like to see the ace center and Love Inc. join forces and be able to overlap their services. Just a thought.
Podcast
Since November of 2020 I have been doing a weekly podcast.
It’s called perspective for today. It is available on numerous podcasting platforms including Amazon music, audible, Itunes, edify, Google podcasts, Spotify and it’s is also available on my website at perspectivefortoday.com. There are many episodes that deal with specific topics such as, lust, discouragement, wisdom, humility and others. But I felt called to do a Bible study through my podcast. I recently finished doing a Bible study on the book of Romans. It took a lot longer than I thought it would to complete. It actually took me over a year and a half since my podcast only runs 10 to 15 minutes per episode. I believe that God wanted me to take my time with this study. Not for my listeners but for my own spiritual growth.
Celebrate Recovery
Lastly, I am a big advocate for Celebrate Recovery.
For those of you who don’t know Celebrate Recovery is a Christ center 12-step program for lifes hurts habits and hang ups. Not just drugs and alcohol, but anger, pride, codependency, low self-esteem and other character defects that we all deal with. I had been actively involved with CR here at crossroad. But, between ministries and being there for my mom who is the caregiver for my dad, I’ve stepped away from CR for a season. Tonight will be the first time I’ve been to CR in quite a while. But, if it wasn’t for CR I wouldn’t be standing up here in front of you. Celebrate Recovery has brought healing and spiritual growth in my life.
I’d like to tell you that we confidently share the gospel with everyone we meet, but that’s not the case.
We have been bold to share the gospel on several occasions, but for the most part Mary and I hand out gospel tracks, Bibles and other literature. I may not share the gospel but I share what I feel comfortable with and that’s my testimony. God has given each of us a testimony that is worthy of sharing with others. Your life may be the only Bible that someone ever sees.
Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Thank you for listening. I’d be glad to answer any questions you might have Also, you can find my contact information on the business cards that I left at your tables. Feel free to reach out anytime with questions or donations. Love you guys.