Visions ignite a fire that leads to action. You begin to implement your vision and share it with others. Vision in the natural is something that you see but the vision we want to talk about is something not seen in the natural. Vision can often times be interchangeable with dreams. Dreams are desirable and maybe no one else is envisioning. You may be the only one onboard to carry out your vision but you have to make your plan, set your course, and go for it!
At the age of 25, Rick received a word from David Wilkerson after a conference. All Mr. Wilkerson, said, “Go for it, son.” It was simple and all Rick needed to move forward with a vision God had given him. He had asked the Lord, where should I go and where should I be to reach out more to young people. Something in him had been brewing in this area for a while. He had already been reaching out as a youth pastor but hadn’t yet spoken in any high schools.
When you think of evangelism and impacting a group of people, a lot of times we are given the analogy of fishing, being fishers of men. So, when Rick asked the Lord where should I go? The Lord simply told him, “you should go to the schools.” Like schools of fish. Where are the fish? They are in the schools. You can look for individuals sure but if you want to evangelize, look for the groups of people. Rick started visiting schools and interacting with students in parking lots and school cafeterias.
One time Rick was invited in to come into a school by the Vice Principal to hang out with kids in the hallways to talk and help them and encourage them any time he wanted. At this point, he thought God was really working to be given this opportunity. The next time he goes to the school, he had a meeting with the Principal who asked, “What are you doing in my school?” Rick explained he had a heart for kids and wanted to help those who might be going through some tough times like peer pressure, drugs, or alcohol. He replied by saying he had none of those issues at his school and even though the Vice Principal had given him permission, the Principal never wanted to see him on their campus again.
Rick could have been discouraged that he had this vision and he was moving forward and then got kicked out of a school. But Rick didn’t let it stop him. Interestingly enough the Principal said to him in that meeting something that gave Rick direction. He said, “You can do anything you want across the street but I just don’t want you here in my school.” So, Rick took that as a word and went across the street to Augsburg Park across from Richfield High School. He brought groups of people to the park where they would share Jesus with the young people and many of those started coming to his home bible study.
This was in the spring of 1980, 40 years ago. And during that time parents became touched and inspired and wanted to be a part of the ministry Rick was doing because they were seeing undeniable changes in their children’s lives. Look for God to bring in the encouragers. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Many people don’t have a vision but are willing to help others who have one.
At the age of 16, Rick had a vision to start a ministry group with a band, skits, traveling, and testimonies. So, he shared the vision with a group of 12 friends. Afterwards, only 6 were left. One especially said it would never work. There are many stories of mentors discouraging a vision but the person keeps going and lives out the dream and the mentor has to come back and apologize. They could have initially been the greatest help; but their absence causes a person to rely on God instead of the mentor.
Be advised and don’t be shaken when discouragers come. Keep stirring the embers to flame the fire of your vision. Under a pile of ashes are hot embers. It is the fire that stirs up people. Don’t be afraid of being on fire. People need it so much right now. Don’t give up. Keep going.
