Verbalizing the Gospel

  • Unique Ministries Verbalizing the Gospel

    THE MAN WHO WEARS THOSE SHIRTS

    After I had some heart issues, I began walking to improve my health. Walking was a form of mediation, and an invitation to grow in both my physical and spiritual stamina. As I was hustling through the mall, it occurred to me that “people tend to advertise for other people by the shirts they wear.” The decision followed: If they could advertise their purpose, I could advertise mine too! My purpose is to serve Jesus Christ. From here, my newfound ministry began; “not only reflecting the name ‘Jesus,’ but who the ‘Jesus’ was.” Over 20 years of wearing my “Jesus T-Shirts,” some purchased,… Read More

  • Recovery Verbalizing the Gospel

    GOD HEARD ME

    Life happens. Relationships splinter, finances are squeezed, and pressures mount. For me, this meant consuming large amounts of alcohol. It was my valve for releasing pressure and granting momentary relief. Yet, as any addict will confess, there was never enough to fill the void. I realized I was not being true to myself, so I stumbled into AA and dedicated four years to going nearly every day. The meetings often discussed the “big book,” which outlined principles for defeating addiction. While it helped me stay sober, the emptiness remained. The “big book” reminded me of another book I’d read as a… Read More

  • Overcoming Obstacles Verbalizing the Gospel

    JESUS HOLDS ME UP

    Six feet tall and a force to be reckoned with, my mom raised five children, alone, on very little money. While pregnant with my brother, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. My grandmother pressured her to terminate the pregnancy, but my mom refused. After giving birth, she started driving 100 miles for regular chemotherapy sessions, taking my siblings and me along. On these trips, my mom followed the tradition of buying us fancy drinks at a gas station, hoping to distract us from our difficulties. One time, the car overheated, and she prayed aloud: “I just need to make it to the hospital!”… Read More

  • Labor Unique Ministries Verbalizing the Gospel

    MY UNPLANNED GIFT FROM GOD

    God put it on my heart early to teach children the Gospel and lead others to Christ. I've had over 45 years of evangelical training. Throughout those years, God has shifted my talents, giving me various ways to fulfill my purpose. Some of those gifts have faded, while others have remained and grown. I never would have thought a doll would bring such purpose. One Christmas, my children received a ventriloquist dummy. They were thrilled! Everyone took turns trying to make them speak without moving their mouths. I chose to try my daughter's dummy, Simon. It was as though God had… Read More

  • Labor Unique Ministries Verbalizing the Gospel

    THE REFUGE COFFEE HOUSE

    In the most unlikely time, 2020 during a global pandemic, God called us to open a coffee shop in Quincy, Michigan. Such irony for two faithful Maxwell-House-only coffee drinkers whose BFF is Betty Crocker. God showed us it would not just be a coffee shop, but a ministry He was calling us to pioneer. Our quaint town is a very rural community—not the most likely place for a business to flourish—but God! We believe obedience brings blessings, and have seen that truth repeated throughout our coffee journey. We purchased our building in August of 2020 and opened the next spring. We could… Read More

  • Children Mentoring Verbalizing the Gospel

    UNKNOWINGLY PLANTING SEEDS

    My life has been a journey of mundane moments, mountaintops, valleys, and soaring times, all shaped by my hope in the Lord. I recall my youth, weary and stumbling, but also how God continually renewed my strength. His loving guidance, like a constant presence over me, has been my anchor (Psalm 32:8). Even in the mundane, I’ve witnessed His hand, especially during my high school years. In the 1980s, my days were filled with music, Bible quizzing, art, and babysitting—seemingly ordinary, but deeply significant. I was passionate about studying Scripture for Bible quizzing, memorizing verses from the New Testament, and reciting… Read More

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