Hope for the Broken
CALLING - As I have shared with many, my retirement in June of '07 was a new calling. God had put it on my heart that I was needed outside the walls of our churches to help point those in need of hope to the Church. Don't get me wrong there is still a lot of work to be done in the Church, especially now when it seems the Church cannot find its path to discipling the unchurched in a significant way. God has called me to try and become a beacon by which those who need HOPE can find the church.
MEANS - The vision I have of Bro.Ken Ministry is twofold. One is to be able to go into communities, with a music partner if possible, and do events that draw those who need to hear a message of hope, healing and promise. The purpose of the event would be to direct those who "get" the message to the community churches where the promise is fulfilled, the healing begins and hope abounds. The second is to be a presence on the internet for those who are hurting and have turned to the broader community for help in finding peace, comfort and hope.
INTERNET SUPPORT - Those who feel they have no hope do so because they feel they are alone in their suffering. Sometimes the only access to a kindly ear is through the internet. It is a part of the calling I hear to be a listener and a voice of simple and real advice. I do not think all ills are solved by turning one's life over to Jesus. There are other practical, emotional and spiritual aides that can help. Finding a relationship with Jesus will not be harmful but the starting point to healing may be in something else.
COMMUNITY EVENT TYPES - I would seek a venue that has heavy traffic, like the parking lot at WalMart or Dairy Queen. I would stand on the tailgate of my pickup and tell stories of brokenness and healing from my own life and the lives of those I have encountered over the years. I would speak of the miracles I have seen God perform in prison, at the Food Bank and in the Church. Another method would be to simply offer a prayer pavilion where I would take prayer requests, private or those that might be shared with a local prayer team, and offer verbal personal prayers for all. I would check with the local churches to find out which ones would consider being included in a handout I could give to those who "get" the message and might try to find a new church relationship. I would NOT ask for donations from those I encounter. The purpose is not to raise money for the ministry but to direct people to the Church where they will find hope, healing and the promise. Churches of the community who desire to be a part of the ministry may, if they wish, make a small donation to help with brochures. I would see myself offering free cold bottled water or hot coffee based on the weather conditions.
ME - I am not seeking to be Billy Graham and to preach in football stadiums. I am not seeking to be John Hagee or Joel Osteen preaching to an auditorium full of people. What I do feel called to by God is to speak to people where and when I can and to direct them to a local church where their lives can be changed.
FUNDING - I envision this ministry being funded by followers of God who have the means and who see the urgency of reaching those children of God who are hurting, struggling and don't know where UP is. I would seek grants and the beneficence of God's children and churches. There are no fees for assistance other than for churches who wish assistance in planning community events.