Dan Evans, from Good News Ministries in Indianapolis, shares about ministry to some of the neediest and most desperate people in society.
Good News Ministries exists in the second worst neighborhood in Indianapolis for violent crime and serves through an 85-bed homeless shelter, youth center, health clinic, and boys home.
Scripture Text
Acts 26:18; Second Timothy 2:1-4
Main Points or Ideas
- The Gospel is Our Main Purpose - Good News Ministries exists to give the gospel of Jesus Christ to people who are lost and bound for hell. Everything else they do (meals, lodging, medical care) could wash away, but if they can't preach the gospel, they should close shop. The gospel has the power to open blind eyes, turn people from darkness to light, and provide forgiveness of sins.
- Ministry Will Be Hard - Paul warns Timothy that ministry comes with afflictions and suffering. Examples include being whipped, beaten, shipwrecked, experiencing hunger, thirst, and coldness. Yet Paul was in the center of God's will through all of this. Students preparing for ministry need to understand it will be difficult and they will need to endure.
- Don't Quit - The philosophy of quitting has permeated our culture and is ruining everything. God might call you to something you never thought you wanted to do, but wherever He puts you, do not quit. There will be days, weeks, months, and maybe years where you don't feel satisfied or think this can't be what God wants for you, but unless your expectations are perfectly in line with God's will, He's going to challenge them.
Conclusion
Students need to be prepared that ministry will involve enduring hardship as good soldiers of Jesus Christ, but they can find strength in God's grace and stay faithful to their calling without giving up.
