Mercy Abounds: The Ministry Begins

To me, Mercy Abounds means that God's mercy is flowing toward you in abundance. It's not something that is pent up. It is like a dam removed where God's mercy rushes toward us like flood waters. Sometimes we think God's mercy is only available for us if we ask for it, or that it is only available at certain times, but actually it surrounds us, we are just in it. His mercy abounds, we see it when we least deserve it and it becomes apparent when we open our minds and our hearts to God. There is nowhere that we can go where His mercy is not. In fact, we are immersed in it all the time like a fish is immersed in water.

I think truly that my calling is to take the gospel to people where they are instead of people having to go look for it. Remember people don't seek God, that's why He commands us to go and make disciples. I want to take the Good News to people wherever they are. Right now, God has called me to do children's ministry in three apartment complexes. I have been at work in one for over three years, then another complex contacted my church, and I have had the honor of working there as well. With the story of Jonathan in mind where he decided to take on a camp and perhaps the Lord would be with him, I approached a third complex and they were excited to have a childrens' ministry. Two of the complexes have also requested Ladies and Men's Bible Studies. Eighteen children have already made professions of faith, but ministry doesn't stop with a simple profession of faith. I feel God has called me to disciple these children and hopefully adults into the kingdom, a task that fills me with joy, yet also keeps me up nights in prayer. God's Word is for everyone. We must be about the business of feeding His sheep.

It is amazing to me how many doors God has opened this past year for ministry in unreached areas. Apartment ministry! Who would have ever thought it possible? My church and The Next Door Bible Study (the first group God gave to me to minister to) have been diligent to pray for these areas. And apartment managers have offered rooms in their complexes if we will just come and minister to their tenants. What a joy to serve God in this way!

The biggest mistake we can make as Christians is to win souls to Christ and then drop them. Leaving them to try to figure out this Christian walk for themselves. It must not be so! I truly care about these individuals and feel that God has called me to take an interest in them, long term. To be available to them for questions and guidance. We must equip believers! Hosea 4:6 says, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." We must not live in churches but in families, in communities and truly live among the people. This is the desire of my heart. God placed it there and it will not die.

This blog is for the simple purpose of informing you about that ministry. I have experienced God's mercy abounding in my own life right up to the present moment. Jesus Christ is my Savior. He is my healer. He is the joy of my heart every day. His Holy Spirit is my constant Companion, my Comforter. And one day soon, we will rejoice to see Jesus Christ return to this earth as King. My joy is to share the good news that God's mercy is abounding to all who recognise their need of Him. Turn to Jesus by turning away from sin and ask Him to give you the free gift of salvation. Your life will never be the same. That is the message I will continue to bring to the world I live in.

The format of this blog is that of a personal journal. Sometimes I will share what I am doing among the neighborhood children. Sometimes I will write what is on my heart for the day. And sometimes I will just tell you how the mercy of Jesus Christ is abounding in my own life.

O give thanks to the LORD for He is good, for His mercy endureth forever. (136:1)

Jamie