A sleepwalking man woke up in a retention pond in his backyard. The pond had become home to a few alligators. Awakened by the cold water, he saw the alligators, fought them off with his walking cane and lived to tell the story!
In ministry today, we are encountering people, like this man walking in a dazed state, who need to be awakened with a fresh cup of cold water! This is our purpose at Bibleway Ministries.
From 2018-2020, the average rate of depression in America was 20%. During the same period, the average rate of suicides per 100,000 people was 14%. This graphic from the CDC helps us put the 2020 suicide numbers in perspective.
Our headlines and news media report drive-by shootings, car-jackings, rising gas prices and ever-increasing inflation. Is there a need for encouragement? Certainly there is, and we desire to respond with the perfect encouragement and hope found in Jesus Christ. People need to know the God who spoke to Isaiah and said, “So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God.” (Isaiah 41:10 NIV)
The Greek word paraklesis used in the Bible means encouragement, comfort and consolation. When Jesus told His followers about the Holy Spirit, whom He described as The Comforter, He used a similar Greek word, parakletos (John 14:26). An important part of the Holy Spirit’s purpose is to encourage, comfort and console us. When we have experienced His comfort for ourselves, we can then share it with others who need it.
It is not enough to talk about this encouragement in our monthly Newsletter; we are hopeful that it is also demonstrated in our ministerial support. (We believe this stuff really works!) We have been able to come alongside organizations like Feed My Starving Children and feed thousands. Through our support of Wayside Cross Ministries, we have provided support and direction to the homeless, addicted and those newly released from prison. We also partner with BreakThrough Urban Ministries to provide hope in Chicago’s East Garfield neighborhood for young men and women who have found an alternative to gangs.
When you share how you’ve been helped through our words of encouragement during a difficult time in your life, your feedback encourages us. As Gordon B. Hinkley stated, “One of the great ironies of life is this, he or she who serves almost always benefits more than he or she who is served.”
Through your prayers and financial support, we take great pleasure in offering this small service to others. Please pray God would continue to bless this ministry as we graciously seek to be a blessing to others!
Article by Dr. L.W. Edwards
0 Comments