While visiting Multnomah Seminary in Oregon last week, I said “yes” to teaching on evangelism. What a wonderful experience it truly was to be around some familiar friends. I also felt honored to meet and fellowship with 10 bright, talented, and enthusiastic young people, all who have taken God’s Good News across the globe!
These students are within the Masters of Divinity Course and are engaged in full-time ministry, in the Ivory Coast, Kenya, Poland, Uganda, and the United States. During three eight-hour courses, I witnessed how many new and creative ways to present the Gospel, as they too have said “yes,” while I shared what this Ministry has accomplished for God’s glory. As a result of God’s favor and their perseverance for Him, their ministries are discovering and implementing uniquely effective ways of reaching people with the Greatest Story ever told!
The young man from Uganda stated that 100 churches have been planted during his time of ministering. He hopes to plant another 50 churches in the near future, as he is currently teaching rising leaders about the Gospel. The young man from Poland is engaged with divinity evangelism throughout Russia. Both international students, including the two students from Kenya, have asked me to visit their communities and to share the Good News. What new opportunities God has opened up, all by me saying “yes” to an evangelism conference, and it truly excites me! May we be encouraged to know that evangelism is never dead, relationships should be how we invest in others, and the proof is in the pudding, when we trust God and follow Him faithfully with sharing the Good News!
I am equally excited that this first-year opportunity has already planted seeds for a second year. The Seminary students enjoyed hearing me share, and I have been asked in June 2017 to instruct on Evangelistic Preaching, with such techniques that are intended to empower future generations of students to share the Gospel globally!
Our ministry has transformed radically over the years, all by saying “yes” to Jesus. It was not that long ago that we spent our time and energy preparing classic crusade-type outreaches in conjunction with local churches. Our focus now is interacting with men and women of all ages who attend NASCAR events through Victory Weekend Ministries.
Victory Weekend events have been highly effective and efficient in reaching large groups of people who would otherwise not encounter the life-changing Gospel message. It is very rewarding to see so many people go from a wild party-like atmosphere to a somber, serious, and reflective tone, just by hearing a short message about Jesus’ promises of hope and grace.
And now, we have an opportunity to see God advance in new ways, when we say “yes” to Him! A Ministry Friend has given a $200,000 Matching Challenge for funding the Lodestar Mountain Inn in Upper Tract, West Virginia, and we have the opportunity to “bring in the harvest” that is growing exponentially in America. Between now and August 31, I encourage you to prayerfully consider how you can say “yes” to God, as we prepare buildings to serve as a resting and comforting solace for so many people, including businesspeople, ministry workers, pastors, youth groups, and many others. Believe me, when you say “yes,” He will provide for your needs, and then, He will provide for others’ needs too, through your efforts!
I just finished sharing how the Ministry is growing by saying “yes,” with our Ministry Friends in Pennsylvania this week. Above all else, building relationships with familiar friends and making new friends was my top priority. I look forward to investing more in this special way soon.
Thank you for reading and considering how you can say “yes” during this summer season. Your prayers and support of what we do present God’s transforming abilities to transform so many people! May we possess the same zeal and join the efforts of these upcoming graduates of Multnomah: by saying “yes” to God in light of this opportunity!
Saying “Yes” to Jesus, Today and Always,
Steve
