MY MINISTRY BACKGROUND
 | 1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: |
| 1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: |
Actually, I have been in the ministry since the very day I was saved back in the early 70's (over 25 years ago). While this may sound strange to some, the new testament tells us all believers are kings and priests. As such, we have a commission to preach the gospel to the lost. (by our everyday words, deeds, and actions) We may not all be called to a public form of ministry, but we are ALL called to minister in some manner to those who need God in their lives.
I had read the bible for a long period of time, before I asked the Lord Jesus to save me. I started reading the bible trying to find things in it, to discourage a friend who was trying to lead me to Christ. My carnal mind could root up all kids of things in the bible to confuse him, as he was still a babe in Christ. Nevertheless, God rewarded his faith by helping him answer my questions.
I was reading the scriptures to find ways to discourage my friend Harold, and God was allowing me to gradually rope myself into a situation I was unaware of. Even though I found a few passages which would confuse Harold at times, I was beginning to realize God was showing me truths I could no longer deny.
It finally came to a point where I had to admit I was totally wrong, and God was totally right. My decision at that point, would dictate my place in eternity. I had dared God to put up or shut up, and He had put me in my place in no uncertain terms. Once I realized how God had put up with my rebellion and my stubborn self, I knew beyond the shadow of a doubt He loved ME!
For the first few years my ministry was based mostly on leaving gospel tracts around the rough environment I worked in. I fixed coin operated amusement devices, pool tables, and juke boxes throughout the metro New Orleans area. Strip joints, gay bars, and neighborhood taverns were my territory. The places were usually dirty and dangerous, but I soon discovered I was just where the Lord wanted me to be.
By now I had written a fairly popular tract called "the verdict", and was handling copies of it and other tracts all over New Orleans. Harold worked at the same company as I did, and by now there were at least 4 or 5 new Christians fixing games and sharing the gospel in the night clubs, etc. If we meet one day, I can share some real special moments with you concerning this special outreach. Many church people thought we were an insult to the church, because we DARED to talk and minister to strippers, gays, and drunks.
I was attending various churches, attempting to find a local church home. I began to fellowship with a Plymouth Brethren assembly, and began to study the bible and related books at home. I studied volumes of books, and discussed Theology with many different ministers and believers. While my years of study contributed a lot to my knowledge of the scriptures, it was truly the Holy Spirit who tied the loose ends together for me. After 5 years or so, I moved away from New Orleans and began to work for another amusement company. I began telling my new employer and my co-workers about Christ, and soon people began to get saved and minister like the crew in New Orleans had done. It was not me who saved these souls, I was simply a willing tool to be used of God for His plans.
I was living in a poor part of town, but I felt the Lord had placed me exactly where I was now living. I could not find a place to live near my new job location, but my boss suddenly offered me a house he had just remodeled rent free. I was living alone, because my wife had deserted me and taken my children away without any advance notice. If was after I finally found them, that I decided to move away from New Orleans.
I was close enough to see my kids, but far away enough to help keep the peace regarding my spouse. For the privacy of all concerned, I will simply say we eventually divorced and she retained custody of my two daughters.
For nearly 10 years, I began to minister to kids and others in the neighborhood. I was teaching the bible to kids in my home, and providing guidance and counsel to many abused and/or neglected children. By now I was also preaching here and there, and I was an associate minister to a local church nearby my home.
I would load my car and take kids to church, and I bought a small pop-up camper which I used to take my kids and other peoples kids on camping trips. I was doing some children's evangelism in local churches, teaching Sunday school, and preaching on occasion too.
When I told the pastor of a nearby church I was being asked to perform weddings and such, he recommended I obtain credentials to help me with my ministry outreach. The pastor consulted with his church people, and they agreed to ordain me as a minister of the Gospel, I had some reservations regarding this, as I knew only God could really call and ordain a person to His service. I agreed to the ceremony, with the understanding it was simply a body of believers laying hands on me as an indication they realized I was called to the ministry.
The license and ordination certificate did help me deal with secular agencies like the family services people, especially now that I was providing 24/7 care for wayward and neglected youth. My youth care ministry was more of a blessing than one could imagine, as it was amazing to see hurting rebellious youth changed by simply being loved and care for from the heart.
Life was very full, and I had little time to get into trouble. (even if I had wanted too) I worked 40 hours a week, and spent many hours in church, and ministering to kids at home. I met a guy named Jesse Duplantis at church, and we formed a gospel band. (I hear he is doing a lot better without me now) It was a wonderful form of ministry to play Gospel music, but in time I had to decide what ministry to stick with. I did, and I realized my kids had to come first.
After about 10 years of living without a wife, I decided to find a woman to marry. My plans were to find someone who would be a helpmeet, and expand my youth ministry. Sorry to say, the reverse happened. My ministry failed shortly after I married again, and I was "in limbo" spiritually for over 10 years.
I have a wonderful son from the union, but I freely admit I was wrong for entering unto this second marriage. I felt I had scriptural grounds for both divorces, but these flawed unions made me unfit to serve God or anyone else. I felt useless, and unable to minister to anyone under the circumstances I had created of my own free will.
After some very bleak periods of time spiritually, I decided to rectify my self-imposed situation. Knowing many people would not understand it if I returned to the ministry as a church pastor, I decided to simply do whatever I could to help others. God's handpicked disciples were fisherman for the most part, not people with degrees in Theology. I had caught quite a few fish in my life, so I knew I was still qualified for the ministry.
I began to help young people again, to preach here and there, and to minister in music. The advent of the internet, was the turning point in my ministry. As in New Orleans, I began to tell people who were into serious sin, there was TOTAL forgiveness available for them too. Once these people were saved, they could pray for the sinners in the churches who were lost but did not even know it.
By now, I was receiving phone calls and e-mail daily from people wanting to know what my ministry outreach was all about. The people who contacted me were into drugs, sex, BDSM, and everything else. Some were simply lost and lonely, and had no place to turn. I placed ad's on adult web sites too, knowing people in 'alternative' life styles would never visit the 'religious' web sites on the internet.
God rewarded me with a true helpmeet, a wife who could sing Gospel music and minister loving kindness to the broken hearted. My present wife, is the only real wife I have ever had. We are both dedicated to the Lord, and the people most see as "rejects" we see as potential saints of God. We open our home and our hearts to many, and God has blessed us beyond measure. We don't have much money, but our life is full of treasures beyond belief.
I am not interested in being a church pastor, or any kind of "standard" type preacher person ever again. I don't chase people away from God, no matter how awful they may seem. The saints of the old and new testament were killers, into adultery, and worse, but God chose them to minister TRUTH and LIFE to a dying world. You may find my remarks concerning certain topics quite different than Rev. Joe's at the local assembly, as I have no time or pity for those who use the bible as a weapon of destruction. Many of those into terrible sin, at least KNOW they are lost. (unlike the unsaved church members, who face a terrible judgement day) Until a person can face the fact they are lost, they have NO CHANCE of being saved.
Keep your church denominations, I will settle for being a member of the Body of Christ. Chunk your state approved license and credentials, the Holy Ghost approved my calling! (I trashed my "corporate papers" years ago) This world needs REAL men and women of God, not some slick haired preacher who is afraid to get too close to a sinner in need of salvation.
Remember, we are ALL called to minister in some form. If you are living in sin and cannot be a minister for God, STOP sinning and turn to God for forgiveness. Once you do this, YOU are a king and royal priest of God yourself! (WOW)
My wife and I are here for you, so don't feel like you are alone anymore. If you are man or woman enough to seek help, God will honor your request. We don't want you to convert, give us money, or become a religious fanatic. Just give Jesus a chance, and He will make something NEW and BEAUTIFUL out of the old you.
I don't have time to argue or debate religious bigots, God has called me to minister His Gospel. Life is bad for many, because both society and the church have turned their backs on our Creator. I have great news for you, please allow me to share it with you...
return to:
p.s. I have fallen short in many ways, but God has chosen to FORGIVE and FORGET
my sins. I can sleep mighty good now, why not ask God to forgive yours too ???
PERFECT=NO!
FORGIVEN=YES!
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