Mark 9:35 says, “Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, ‘If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.’” Ministry, in its simplest form, is the act of serving. The Bible calls each of Christ’s followers to be ministers – ministers to the lost, the poor, the helpless, the widows, and anyone else the Father puts in our path. Ministry is not something done only by the pastor, youth pastor, or children’s pastor, but a command for all Christians.
Located in Winnsboro, LA you will find Fresh Start Ministry. This is a drug and alcohol recovery center with 38 men currently enrolled in the program. Their focus is not only on educating an addict of his or her addictions, but teaching them how to get free and stay free for the rest of their lives. During the seven-month recovery program, male residents learn to deal with the root of their addictions from a Christian perspective. The people of Fresh Start Ministry are sharing the hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ with men who had no hope. They are ministering to them right where they are.
A team is currently being formed to periodically make visits to the facility and join in the ministry work there. Team leaders are Kelly Weatherford and Debbie Simmons. These ladies are looking for Godly men who are willing to be a friend and mentor to these recovering addicts, many of whom are new Christians. It doesn’t matter if you think you aren’t well equipped for this type of ministry. God only asks that we are willing to serve Him in whatever way He sees fit. If you are a man of God who would be willing to give a few hours of your time every few months, you are needed.
There will be two opportunities for you to see first-hand the good that is being done through Fresh Start Ministry. On Saturday, July 16, there will be a fish fry for the men in the program. It will be a time to visit with and minister to them. Many of these men just need a friend, someone who will be a Godly voice telling them that they are indeed loved and wanted by Father God. And on Saturday, July 23, the ministry’s annual banquet and benefit auction will be held. If you would like to get a glimpse of the work being done here and get a better idea of how you can be of use to them, give Kelly or Debbie a call and let them know you would like to attend one or both events with their team. By attending, you would not be making any commitment, but would simply be allowed the time to fellowship with the men at the center so as to get a better idea of whether or not this would indeed be the place for you to serve.
Jesus said if anyone wants to be first, he must be the servant of all. It isn’t always easy. It isn’t always fun. Being a servant means being willing to befriend even the lowest of people, the ones you wouldn’t think to hang out with, the ones hard to get along with. But if you are willing to step out in faith and give of your time to serve those around you, God will take the small, pitiful amount that you have to offer Him, and He will multiply it a hundred-fold. He will pour out blessings beyond what you could ever imagine.
Have you been looking for an area of service to plug into? Have you felt the calling to ministry, but just weren’t sure where God was leading you? Prayerfully consider if this may be the place God wants you to serve.
If you feel God calling you to this ministry, or if you are just curious and would like more information, give these ladies a call. Kelly can be reached at 348-8841, or Debbie at 381-4650.
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