So much of the ministry which happens through VCNP goes unnoticed. I wish I could figure out how to get more good stories “out there.”
I heard of someone recently who said “our church” would not do something like minister to prostitutes. At our Single Mom’s spa day, we have ministered to battered women, women living in shelters and…well, we have ministered to “women of the evening” as well. I’m glad we have.
During any given week, various people who are addicted to drugs are ministered to through the “Living Free” ministry.
Grieving people are ministered to through programs like “Griefshare.”
Now…the things I just mentioned are areas where someone can be ministered to through a program of the church. But, in our daily lives, we are all “the church.” No church can minister to anyone unless the people in the church are yielded to God in their own personal lives.
We all need to be asking God….What might you want me to do today? Who do you want me to notice? Who do you want me to pray for? It might be through a church program and it might be something God calls you to do personally. It might be for a guy who looks like a bum on the street and it might be for your elderly neighbor.
Go for it! What is God calling you to do to “be the church?” Ask God for insight! Ask for wisdom! (Years ago Brian and I took in a homeless man to live with us for awhile. With small children, I would not do that now.) Ask God to make your life exciting with opportunities!
If you have a great recent experience, please share it on the blog!
Blessings,
Thora
It is because of the ministry of The Vineyard and its members that I am a recovered drug addict who for several years prostituted to support my drug habit. It is because of the church (specifically the people) that I now have a life that is God centered and fulfilling.
I didn’t know how to do that before nor did I know that by becoming an extraordinary follower of Christ I would be able to help others in the same manner. Thora – you, your husband, other pastors, small group leaders, and fellow members taught me how to become an extraordinary follower of Christ.
How do you get the stories out there? I can tell you that I shout from the rooftops regularly about my church and the work we do. Here is my story to do with as you choose, but for those of you who are interested in helping a woman like me that is still early in their recovery with a ride to church or a Bible or just someone to call when they are feeling lost and alone, email me at [email protected] and I will be happy to point you in the direction of someone you can minister to.
Thank You, God for the work that You do through Your church. I am honored to be part of it.
This is one of the many, many reasons I love my church too! I recently started attending the Living Free group to address some eating issues I have struggled with. I am SO impressed with this program, I just want everyone to know about it. For all the years I’ve been attending Vineyard, I never knew what an awesome ministry we had in Living Free/Celebrate Recovery. I’m so glad my friend Judy invited me to attend. It is exactly what I had been searching for. I knew I had not been able to conquer my overeating issues on my own, and knew I needed God’s help. I kept trying to find the right devotion book, and the right journal, and the right scriptures, prayers, etc., etc., to encourage me in my struggle. I didn’t know I was looking for this group. But everything I needed was right there, from the first minute I began attending. People, we are so blessed. I too want to shout it from the rooftop! God is great! And He is alive and well at Vineyard North Phoenix!
p.s. And thank you, Glynnis, for your prayers. It was after I shared my struggles with you, and you prayed for me, that this door opened up to me. Oh, that God!
Amen! God bless you Kathy. It is so great to hear your testimony. Way to “shout it” out sister 🙂
This is one of the many, many reasons I love my church too! I recently started attending the Living Free group to address some eating issues I have struggled with. I am SO impressed with this program, I just want everyone to know about it. For all the years I’ve been attending Vineyard, I never knew what an awesome ministry we had in Living Free/Celebrate Recovery. I’m so glad my friend Judy invited me to attend. It is exactly what I had been searching for. I knew I had not been able to conquer my overeating issues on my own, and knew I needed God’s help. I kept trying to find the right devotion book, and the right journal, and the right scriptures, prayers, etc., etc., to encourage me in my struggle. I didn’t know I was looking for this group. But everything I needed was right there, from the first minute I began attending. People, we are so blessed. I too want to shout it from the rooftop! God is great! And He is alive and well at Vineyard North Phoenix!
p.s. And thank you, Glynnis, for your prayers. It was after I shared my struggles with you, and you prayed for me, that this door opened up to me. Oh, that God!
Praise God for His work in you Kathy! You are a shining light in a dark world. May God continue to bless you!
What glorious testimonies of how God works through His people at the Vineyard. God never ceases to amaze me how one person CAN make a difference in another person’s life, one person at a time. Praise God!