Ministry Update - God is Working!

Today I want to share with you a praise and a prayer request...


Very soon a small group of people will be meeting to discuss shelter needs in Jackson County. The need is great, from emergency shelter for a night or two for people passing through, to longer housing options for those who have lost their homes for whatever reason. 


Along with sheltering, people who need this help will also need other kinds as well: job training, transportation, food, encouragement, forgiveness, Jesus.


God has placed so many talented and skilled people in Jackson County that I feel sure he has something amazing planned. 


Richard Stearns, president of World Vision has paraphrased several familiar verses in Matthew 25 to illustrate the response of the world - even Christians - to a lost and hurting world:

"For I was hungry while you had all you needed.

I was thirsty, but you drank bottled water.

I was a stranger, and you wanted me deported.

I needed clothes, but you needed more clothes.

I was sick, and you pointed out the behaviors that led to my sickness.

I was in prison, and you said I was getting what I deserved."

Do you see yourself anywhere in there? I do. It's not very comfortable is it?

Now contrast that with the words of Jesus (Matthew 25:35-36,40)

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat,

I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink,

I was a stranger and you invited me in,

I needed clothes and you clothed me, 

I was sick and you looked after me,

I was in prison and you came to visit me...

I tell you the truth, whatever you did for the least of these

brothers of mine, YOU DID FOR ME."

Mother Teresa saw God in every person she served. Here is what she said about that:

"He wanted me to love Him in the distressing disguise of the poorest of the poor." 

What if we saw God and loved God in every person we met? Every single one?

Please pray with us about the needs of Jackson County. Pray for the group that is meeting to have the vision of God and courage to act. Pray that God will tear down walls and remove obstacles, that he will provide resources and people to serve. Pray for unity in this vision, and that everything will be done in love and in order, and according to his will. 

Pray also about your part. People served by this ministry will need friends, tutors, transportation, teachers, mentors, prayer warriors. If you are looking for a place to serve ask God about this opportunity. If he wants you here, we do too. 

Thank you for keeping up with this ministry as we update you. We ask for your prayers for us and pray that God will make his calling on your life clear. If it's not service with us, you can know that he has another place for you somewhere. 

We'll keep you posted. Please check back with us.