Spark

I recently introduced you to Randy Williams. Randy is a music teacher in the Dallas – Fort Worth area. He spent several weeks as a volunteer with Timothy Network last summer and is now using those experiences to disciple men in Texas. His follow-through is a good example of what we mean by “multiplying ministry.” It only took a spark to ignite an underlying desire that already existed in Randy’s heart. We are excited that he’s now spreading the fire by discipling people in the Lonestar state. Here’s Part II of Randy’ summary story from last summer. ms

A part of discipleship involves equipping people for ministry (who then equip others). I don’t mean the “pulpit style” of ministry. I’m talking about sitting down with a couple of other people in a restaurant or a coffee shop with open Bibles. Disciple making is a relational process that takes time and purposeful, patient involvement in the lives of others. It requires intentionally leading (and influencing) people and helping them develop a passion for transformation into instruments for God. It’s a process that will make them better husbands, fathers, sons, mothers, daughters, friends, leaders, business owners, and employees.

I saw this happening daily during my time in Murfreesboro last summer – even when I was not with Mike. Never had I seen Bible studies out in the open as I much as I did there — men and women! On one occasion as I was waiting to meet someone for a session, there was another man waiting for his study partner, too. The person never showed, so as he began gathering his things I asked if he wanted to study with me. He smiled and said, “I’ll meet you here next week, same day, same time.” We shook hands and thus began a new friendship and Bible study with a total stranger. I wouldn’t have taken that step in a million years had it not been for my association with Timothy Network. Fearless–that what was I was becoming, and I wanted to begin ministering to other men in Texas when I returned.

It was recommended that I volunteer at Greenhouse Ministries in Murfreesboro as time allowed. Mike was already leading a mid-week study there with men in the homeless program, so it was easy for me to get plugged in. The men received me as one of their own as they heard my story unfold. I learned that when you are real with people, you can find help, support, and friendship unequalled anywhere on earth. Those men and women at the Greenhouse are my best friends today. Please, find an outlet for your passion to serve others and watch the blessings come from God!

So what did I do with all these transforming experiences once I returned to Texas? The first thing was to contact three men I wanted to disciple. Only one stuck with it, so I have asked several others. The numbers are growing already.

Tuesday nights at 7:00 at the IHOP at the corner of Interstate 20 Frontage Road and Little Road in Arlington, Texas, you will find a couple of tables of men with their Bibles open, sharing their stories, studying the Scriptures, and praying for each other. It does get emotional at times as we hear stories similar to our own, but hope is being given and shared.

New friendships are beginning! Men who had never met and from all types of backgrounds are bonding. They are being renewed and restored. It’s all God’s doing, by the way, not mine. He just used me to get this started. All it took was stepping up to the plate and saying “I’m having a Bible study. It has nothing to do with organized religion and wears no other name save the name of Jesus Christ. We are all on equal ground here. Let’s talk about our week, our hurts, our desires, our God, and let’s pray together. No having to be present every time. No one is going to call you if you don’t attend. It’s freedom in Christ that compels us to be a part of this. Would you like to join us?”

Whether or not it’s a part of the Timothy Network, please get involved with discipleship. For yourself, your family, your work, your friends, your church, and the world – just do it! Volunteer at shelters or ministries that help the hopeless and the helpless. Start a Bible study at a restaurant or coffee house. The Spirit compels us to serve. Listen to Him!