Prayer Recovery Unique Ministries

STARTING A MINISTRY IN A BAR

I was a picture of good health until May 2001. We were vacationing at the beach when I got a call from my doctor, telling me I had non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The news brought me to my knees. I was scared and shaken, wondering how this could be. Me?

I took a walk alone on the beach, crying out to God. And on that long walk, I met God like I never had before. In my fear and through my cries, I got a message that this was not the end. He told me I would be alright, but He wanted me to use this to glorify Him in a very specific way, one that was clearly spelled out to me. He wanted me to start a ministry called Operation Jesus.

Being in the police force, I had no ministry experience or any idea on how to get this off the ground. But His message had been so strong that I was only supposed to be His vessel. I started by inviting my fellow officers and some city employees to a mid-week gathering where we would have a guest speaker share his or her testimony. We’d also sing some praise songs and have some time for prayer. They started inviting their friends and the ministry grew.

We started in an extra room in a church but God’s message clearly told me I was to move it to a bar.

Yes, a bar. That sure took some of my fellow officers by surprise. But we found a tavern where the owner was open to the idea. We’d move chairs and tables around, and begin the service by praying for all the people who would be there that night, praying they would not give into temptation. It was an amazing experience, one that continued for 16 years.

My faith was greatly strengthened through, of all things, my cancer. God taught me you can do incredible things if you lean on Him and trust Him. But it all starts with being open to listening. Just listening to His quiet voice.

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5 Comments

  • Reply
    Chioma
    August 10, 2017 at 9:23 am

    It’s amazing how God can meet us in our place of struggle and not just give us hope but a clearer plan for our future. I’ve recently been through one myself but have come out with more clarity about God’s purpose for my life, and trust Him more than ever before. God bless you for sharing this beautiful and life-changing experience.

  • Reply
    Donna
    August 10, 2017 at 11:11 am

    Thank God you heeded the call! I have no doubt that hundreds of lives were changed – even if your one would have been a miracle in itself!

  • Reply
    Yeng
    August 10, 2017 at 8:07 pm

    Thank you for sharing your story. Praying for you. God bless.

  • Reply
    Donna
    July 18, 2018 at 10:16 am

    ‘God taught me you can do incredible things if you lean on Him and trust Him. But it all starts with being open to listening. Just listening to His quiet voice.’ Thank you for furthering the Kingdom – you are fulfilled! An instrument of God’s love! What joy and peace you must experience!

  • Reply
    Pastor Romans Aroni
    June 11, 2019 at 12:24 pm

    Am pastor Romans from kenya and care orphans children at st Beth’s orphanage.
    [email protected](email)
    Please extend that ministry to kenya

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