Don’t Waste Easter

Don’t Waste Easter

As Spring approaches and we begin to focus our attention heavily on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, it can be tempting to sit back and apathetically let this season of remembrance pass us by. As with anyone of faith accustomed to their church practices could tell you, it would be entirely too easy to walk through the motions of this Easter season without being intentional to contemplate the significance that this holiday holds for believers. If we do not resolve to pause and reflect on the meaning of Christ’s sacrifice, the work He is doing within our lives, and the new identity we have in Him, we can find ourselves simply treating the upcoming holiday as any other season. However, on the contrary, if we take the time to truly seek after God’s own heart during this important time and remember the transformation he has begun in our lives, we might be surprised to see what He reveals to us. To do this well, we must look at who we once were before salvation and who we now are as God’s beloved children. We at Alpha Ministries are so glad that you have found yourself here on our blog and sincerely hope you leave encouraged, refreshed, and reminded of the miracle of your salvation.

 

Who We Were

In scripture, the apostle Paul is quick to remind the church of who they once were before being born again as followers of Jesus Christ. In Ephesians chapter 2, he goes on to say, “Remember that at one time you Gentiles . . . were without Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.” (Ephesians 2:11-12). While this passage of scripture may be one that many of us have grown accustomed to hearing, it’s message and truth are two chilling staples of the Christian faith that we can never truly grow out of.

Brennon Manning, a recovered alcoholic and devout follower of Jesus who at times struggles through relapse and human frailty, explains this concept beautifully in his book entitled “The Ragamuffin Gospel.” At the end of chapter one, Brennan begins to contemplate on the idea of who will be seated around the throne of God in Heaven for all of eternity. His findings remind us of the sobering truth that none of us are deserving of heaven but are rather radically saved by grace through faith alone. He says,

“Because salvation is by grace through faith, I believe that among the countless number of people standing in front of the throne and in front of the Lamb, dressed in white robes and holding palms in their hands (see Revelation 7:9), I shall see the prostitute from the Kit-Kat Ranch in Carson City, Nevada, who tearfully told me she could find no other employment to sup- port her two-year-old son. I shall see the woman who had an abortion and is haunted by guilt and remorse but did the best she could faced with grueling alternatives; the businessman besieged with debt who sold his integrity in a series of desperate transactions; the insecure clergyman addicted to being liked, who never challenged his people from the pulpit and longed for unconditional love; the sexually abused teen molested by his father and now selling his body on the street, who, as he falls asleep each night after his last “trick,” whispers the name of the unknown God he learned about in Sunday school; the deathbed convert who for decades had his cake and ate it, broke every law of God and man, wallowed in lust, and raped the earth.

“But how?” we ask. Then the voice says, “They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” There they are. There we are—the multitude who so wanted to be faithful, who at times got defeated, soiled by life, and bested by trials, wearing the bloodied garments of life’s tribulations, but through it all clung to the faith.”

As followers of Jesus, it is important for us to recall who we once were before knowing Him as our Savior in order to understand and fully appreciate all that He has done for us.

 

Who We Are

While it is vital to our Christian walk to remember what life before Jesus was like, it is even more crucial to remember who we now are as his beloved children and followers. Scripture has much to say about our new identity as Christians. In Colossians, the apostle Paul says, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3: 1-3). In the book of 2 Peter, the disciple of Jesus also expounds upon the identity of believers when he says, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9). As we can see through Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, we are now called to walk in a newness of life with an identity now given to us by God himself. The world around us will always give its best effort to tell us where our identity should lie. This may be through our career path, the amount of money we have, who we’re married to, or even through our interests and hobbies. Scripture says differently. As Christians, we can reflect and remember who we are in Christ by referring to what God’s word tells us and remembering the emptiness that life once held before we were made new in salvation.

 

Don’t Waste This Season

While the temptation to go about our days on autopilot may arise this Easter season, we at Alpha Ministries want to encourage you not to waste the chance and opportunity you have to reflect on all that Christ has done for you. Lacking joy in your salvation? Think on the promises that God has given to His children. Suffering through grief and loss this Spring? Remember the Great Comforter who gave His only son’s life for you on Calvary. Struggling with remorse for past mistakes? Look to the resurrected Savior and trust Him when He says, “It is finished.” While our flesh has a tendency to grow numb to the sermons and Bible lessons we’ve heard over the years of church attendance surround this Holiday, we at Alpha Ministries want to encourage you to strive to make this year different. Rest in your salvation and reflect on the Good God who gave Himself for you.

Eternal Investments

Eternal Investments

Throughout our day to day lives, it often feels as if there are a million commitments and responsibilities grabbing for our attention while simultaneously begging us to commit our time, energy, and resources to them. We as human beings crave success, accomplishment, and establishing ourselves as worthy among our peers. We believe that by remaining busy, productive, and constantly ‘on the move’ we will gain the fulfillment we are longing for. While this sometimes has the potential to make us feel purposeful and productive, it has a very tangible way of creating a sense of exhaustion, high stress, and even chaos within our lives. If we as followers of Jesus Christ aren’t careful, we may find ourselves completely depleted with nothing of eternal value to even show for it. It’s important that you ask yourself this question: “Are the things I’m giving my life to really worth it?” While this point of self examination is a sobering one, it’s one that we are excited to see you answer with a resounding “YES!” We at Alpha Ministries are so glad that you have found yourself on our blog and sincerely hope you leave encouraged, refreshed, and excited for what God is doing in your life.

 

What the World Says…

Lots of money, a lucrative career, an attractive spouse and talented children… for many of us, this is the standard and worldly measure of success that we’ve been taught to pursue since before we were able to walk or talk. “Want to look successful? Drive a fancy car that you probably can’t afford. Want to make those around you proud? Make as much money as humanly possible and spend it blatantly on your comfort. Wait as long as you can before retiring and then buy a beach home and spend your final years playing golf and relaxing by the water.” When looking to secular, American culture, this is the mentality we are trained to conform to and abide by in order to live a happy life worthy of our limited time on Earth. John Piper, beloved pastor and author said it best while speaking to a group of college students when he made the statement, “the main tragedy is having a happy, safe, secure, American life of superficial pleasures until you die in your lakeside rocking chair, wrinkled and useless, leaving a big fat inheritance to your middle-aged children to confirm them in their worldliness. That’s the main tragedy.”

So what happens when the few of us “fortunate” enough achieve this materialistic goal actually do it? According to recent studies on the American population as a whole, we are currently the most addicted, overweight, and medicated human society in documented history. The results speak for themselves and are gravely concerning. We at Alpha Ministries cannot help but grieve the fact that there are millions of Americans spending their entire God-given lives seeking to achieve material and monetary success. Worst of all, at the end of the day, they come to realize that they’re more miserable and discontent then they could have ever prepared for.

 

What Scripture Says…

In Matthew 6:19-20, it says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” In two simple verses, the secular standard and expectation for how we should prioritize our time and material pursuits are shot down in an instant. We learn through God’s word that our focus should be on eternity to come, righteous pursuits of holiness, and service to others. In the book of 2 Corinthians, the church in Corinth is instructed to give of themselves to others rather than to their own worldly comforts. Paul writes in chapter nine, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” While we may have our lists of nonprofit organizations and ministries that we love to give to (perhaps Alpha Ministries?) can we honestly step back and claim that we are living biblical lives marked by giving? If not, take heart and understand that we are broken, confused people who are desperately in need of God’s grace every day. Know also today that the American standard for success and biblical characteristics of what true achievement look like are polar opposites. You were created to live a life of abundance and not the cheap version of worldly materialism you often are told you should pursue.

 

Ways to Grow…

When faced with the reality that we are called as Christians to live a lifestyle that counters what the culture we live in says to do, we can often feel overwhelmed and defeated. But in reality, our calling is simple. Rather than wasting our lives on the pursuit of material goods, let’s become givers who sacrificially put the needs of others before our own.  Let’s love each other so well that the world around us is forced to take notice. Watch and see how God will bless your life with a richness that goes far beyond what any material possession or worldly security can offer you. Today, we at Alpha Ministries want to encourage you to take inventory of your life, look to see what you are pouring your time and energy into, and ask yourself if you are truly investing in eternity.

 

For more information on our organization and the eternal investments we are making every day, visit our website and contact us.

… And The Deaf Will Hear

… And The Deaf Will Hear

 

TODAY we ask that you take a moment and pause to reflect on something that has been actively weighing on the hearts of all of us here at Alpha Ministries. Throughout the years of countless ministry opportunities and specific initiatives that aim to serve and relieve the suffering of vulnerable people around the world, we still find ourselves heartbroken when encountering new stories of those in need. Today, we are privileged to share with you the work we have in place to serve a uniquely challenged group of people who face profound hardships while also informing you of how you can get involved in helping them.  Whether you are reading this on your lunch break at work, at home with your morning cup of coffee, or simply had a friend send you the link for this article, we’re glad you’ve found yourself here at our blog and hope that you leave encouraged, inspired, and motivated to serve others.

 

Their Plight

IN South Asia, the efforts put forth by Christians on spreading the Gospel have been met with unmatched resistance, persecution, hostility, and systematic oppression. For men, women, and children living in this part of the world, the opportunity to hear the good news of Jesus Christ is extremely limited and unfortunately for many, never comes. When the rare opportunity does arise for an unknowing unbeliever to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the very first time, they are often overjoyed to hear the sweet words of truth that their souls have always longed for. However, for those who lack the ability to physically hear, the chance to know this truth for themselves is often lost. The deaf men and women of South Asia have often gone unnoticed, underserved, and cast aside even by those who mean to evangelize in their communities. Without the ability to properly communicate with those who come bearing the good news, many are unable to accept Jesus Christ into their hearts. While this news is heartbreaking and seems far beyond bleak, their Heavenly Father sees their need and has been faithful in coming alongside of them.

 

Their Value

IN Scripture, we see exactly how God views those who society has cast aside or deemed defective, broken, or burdensome. Throughout many recorded accounts of Jesus’s earthly ministry, we see that He took the time to acknowledge, help, and revive the lowly spirits of the men and women whose communities had long forgotten them. Whether Jesus was healing leapers, raising the dead, empowering women caught in sin, or befriending tax collectors, it was apparent that His heart was always fixed on the broken and needy.

 

While the suffering of people has remained well in tact in our world today, we find comfort and peace knowing that God will one day make all things right. For those around the world suffering through deafness, we know that for those who give their hearts to Christ, eternal hope of salvation and complete restoration is available to them. In the book of Isaiah chapter 35, it is written, “… the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf will be unstopped.” We at Alpha Ministries hold this passage of Scripture close to our hearts and let it inspire us when serving the secular deaf community around the world.

 

The Solution

AT Alpha Ministries, we refuse to sit idly by as the deaf unbelievers of South Asia crave and go without the eternally satisfying truth of Jesus Christ. For this reason, we have implemented a significant ministry program specifically developed to minister to those who lack the ability to hear. Through videos of evangelists physically signing out the Gospel message along with countless other passages of scripture, we have seen a remarkable work done on behalf of the deaf in South Asia and are seeing many come to know Christ through this initiative. As we continue to send our Frontline Messengers into this particularly unreached and needy part of the world, we are now doing so more effectively by being able to minister to those who lack the ability to hear as well. With Christ as our example in all things, our organization is striving to love this particularly vulnerable group of people who are learning about the incredible way Christ cares for them. Won’t you join us? For more information on how to be a part of our ministry caring for the deaf community of South Asia, visit alphaministries.com

For Those Who Believe

For Those Who Believe…

The statistics are clear. We’ve heard the appalling truth and have been made aware of the heart wrenching accounts of men, women, and children who have been forced to suffer through atrocities both blatant and subtle simply for living out their lives as followers of Jesus Christ. We’ve attended the church services where missionaries have come and expounded upon the issues they face on the frontline on a daily basis where their friends and communities are threatened with attack and fear tactics. We’ve seen the Facebook links shared where new evidences of systematic efforts to silence Christians by major world governments have been made apparent as an attempt to silence Christians through means of discrimination, neglect, torture, and even death. For those of you who believe in Jesus Christ as your savior, we want to challenge you with a very important question: “So now what?” If you’re anything like us, this may seem like a daunting, overwhelming, and impossible question with which you may be tempted to shy away from answering. We’re thankful that you’ve found yourself at our blog and pray that you leave encouraged, inspired, and prepared to take action.

 For Eternity to Come

When thinking of our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world, we at Alpha Ministries can’t help but joyfully look to the eternal glory that is to come. Scripture reminds us in the book of Revelation that, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” While we can look around and daily experience the heartache, trials, and pain of our fallen world, we are also able to look to God’s word and find comfort in the fact that this life is a prologue, merely introducing the eternal story of glory, freedom, and perfect peace that is to come. While abundance in following Christ is most certainly found on this side of Heaven, and our eternal security in no way excuses us from striving for justice now, we are encouraging you to take this season to pause and express our gratitude to God for the place that He is preparing for us. With this mindset now at the forefront of our thoughts, we can actively engage and challenge ourselves with how we can step in and take action on behalf of our vulnerable brothers and sisters.

Stay Informed

While this idea of staying informed as a way to come alongside Christians facing persecution seems obvious and minimal, we truly cannot overemphasize how important it is. Imagine having your human rights stripped from you, losing your home, and being violently assaulted all because of your faith and the world not having any idea of what was happening to you. The thought is intolerable! By taking the first step to willingly invest in being in “the know” regarding issues that the global church faces in hostile places around the world, you are making real progress in real intervention happening on behalf of those who desperately need it. We highly recommend visiting https://www.persecution.comfor up-to-date news and resources regarding Christian persecution. You can also follow along with our blog, ministry, and subscribe to our newsletter!

Pray Earnestly

Even more so than staying informed, lifting up those in need through diligent prayer is an active form of intercession that persecuted men and women treasure and are always quick to ask for. While many of us are unable to spare additional financial resources, earnest prayer is a sacrifice of what you are able to give that honors God and makes true difference for those in dire situations. Scripture is clear regarding the way God views our combined efforts as believers in prayer and intercession in Matthew chapter 18 when it says, “For where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them.” Exile from their communities, scorn from their families, and even threats of death from their governments are all daily battles that persecuted Christians around the world face and are active prayers points that you can refer to.

 

Advocate

We know to stay informed and to diligently be praying for those facing persecution around the world, but what else can be done? While actively going and serving these vulnerable people groups directly isn’t always a viable option, you can support those who are through vigorously advocating! Without being informed, how can anyone give to help? By speaking at your church, sharing what you know with your friends and family, and allowing the issue to not be locked away in your mind, you will be able to raise awareness, stir hearts, and create a lasting change. There is always more to say in this conversation, and by dedicating time to actively engage and advocate for those who can’t for themselves, you are playing a crucial role in impacting their lives. Scripture tells us in the book of Proverbs to ““Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.” We at Alpha Ministries take this mandate seriously, and encourage you to do the same!

 

For those of us who believe and have accepted Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, we have a responsibility to stay informed, pray without ceasing, and advocate on behalf of those who are unable to defend themselves. While we may not always be able to lend over our time and resources, there are active responses we can diligently be engaging in on behalf of persecuted Christians around the world. For more information, subscribe to our newsletter and be on the lookout for our continuing blog posts!

Desiring Discipleship

Desiring

Discipleship

 

Discipleship… the word means different things to different people. For some, it brings back memories of Sunday School initiatives and weekday night gatherings that their church would put on to foster community among the congregation. To many, it means meeting with our friends and neighbors new to the faith and passing on the knowledge we’ve gained over the many years of trusting Jesus. For others, it means taking the Gospel of Jesus Christ and spreading it to those who have never heard all over the world. We at Alpha Ministries take discipleship seriously and work hard to keep it at the forefront of everything that we do and to maintain it in the core of our mission. Stop and think… what role does discipleship play in your life? We’re thankful that you’ve made your way to our blog and hope that you leave encouraged, rejuvenated, and with a better understanding of what discipleship truly means.

 

Our Approach…

At Alpha Ministries, we’re in the business of seeing God radically change hearts and lives all around the world while doing everything we can to support their earthly well-being. Many humanitarian and development organizations who work in similar areas to us believe solely in promoting and supporting the physicalneeds of individuals in vulnerable conditions. While we understand that many of these organizations are doing incredible work (and are often wonderful friends and allies to our ministry), there is so much more that we strive to do through our initiatives. At a fundamental level, we believe that long-term, sustainable change can only be achieved through saving faith in Jesus Christ. We know that this is where the importance of discipleship lies. Therefore, as always, we need to first look at what scripture tells us about making disciples.

In the book of Matthew, chapter five tells us that, “Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” This particular verse is one quickly to be used when friends and family raise support for short-term mission trips, when our pastors are emphasizing the church’s global vision for their congregation, and countless other common scenarios you may be able to recall.

At Alpha Ministries, we believe that this verse commands us to share Jesus and His love with the unbelieving world, walk along side of current believers by helping them grow in their faith, and then doing everything in our power to ease the suffering that people may be experiencing due to living in a fallen world as proof that we have been forgiven and redeemed.

As you may already know, we even have an entire program in place to send what we call our “Frontline Messengers” to unreached villages in South Asia and East Africa. Their responsibility is to evangelize to those who have never heard the Gospel while also training and equipping others to do the same.

While we as an organization have programs and different ministries in place to focus on discipleship, we know that this scriptural mandate is to all individual believers. Which brings us to the question you may be asking… “how do I, an individual, make disciples?” We’re glad you asked!

 

Start Where You Are!

Many Christians hear the term “discipleship” and immediately opt out of becoming involved due to the fear that they may have to pack up their lives, give up their careers, and move to a remote jungle region somewhere in the world that they’ve never heard of. We’re not saying that isn’t what God is asking you to do… but for most of us, God wants to use you right where He has you!

Start with your family. Our families at times can often be the most difficult people to discuss spiritual matters with and to truly get to the root of difficult life issues. Years of disappointment and past hurts may plague your current relationship with a parent, sibling, or child, but imagine the amazing opportunity at hand when you decide to be mindful and committed to making disciples within your own family.

As you continue to share biblical truth and witnessing to your family, consider the elderly widow next door who you suspect battles with loneliness. Introduce yourself and do what you can to help her. Who knows, maybe she’s never even heard the Gospel and you can be the first to tell her!

Volunteer through your church or city’s outreach program and serve men and women less fortunate than yourself. By first meeting a physical need, you will be amazed at the incredible opportunities that arise to share the Gospel or to hear where someone currently stands in their relationship with Jesus.

Commit to Send Others!

 

While access to the Gospel is commonplace in the West, many in remote or restricted parts of the world are not able to ever hear about Jesus or obtain religious texts of any kind to grow in their relationship with the Lord. Through our Frontline Messenger ministry, we are changing that! By sending our partners to minister to vulnerable people groups, we have seen many come to know the Lord in a personal way and are expectant that God will continue to grow this ministry. By giving the resources you are able, you can actively become a disciple maker to not only people in your own community, but in communities abroad as well.

For more information regarding unreached people groups and to learn about ministry opportunities you can be a sender for, we suggest visiting https://joshuaproject.net!

 

 

Commit to Go!

While most Christians are called to be active in discipleship within their own communities and to send disciple makers abroad, God could very well be calling you to go to the ends of the Earth for yourself! At Alpha Ministries, we have seen the Lord inspire and motivate hearts of many volunteers who are now working fulltime overseas. We know that God calls many of our friends, neighbors, and relatives to become disciple makers in foreign places and count it as an honor to help equip and send them. If you are considering becoming a full time disciple maker overseas or in another part of your own country, we suggest that you pray, seek wise counsel, and begin to research organizations and nonprofits you can begin volunteering with. God is faithful to use those who are willing to obey His call!

 

We Are All Called…

At the end of the day, whether we are sharing Jesus with our neighbor, friend, or beneficiary overseas, all Christ followers are called to be actively engaging in discipleship. As believers who have been redeemed and bought at a price, we have the obligation and privilege of sharing with others the invaluable treasure we have found in Jesus and count it as pure joy.

 

For more updates on our ministry and to continue learning how you can be involved, find us on Instagram (@frontline_messenger65) Twitter (@FrontlineMesse1) or Facebook (Alpha Ministries)!

New Year // New Reflections

 

Happy New Year!!!

 

For us at Alpha Ministries, 2018 was a year covered by the fingerprints of God and one that was immersed deeply into His sovereign plan of provision and grace for our lives. Over the course of the past 12 months, we as an organization have experienced our fair share of highs, lows, valleys, and mountain tops and are certain that all of you reading this have as well. Yet we know that in every second of the past year, God has orchestrated the awe inspiring successes along with the unplanned (and often unwelcomed) setbacks. At the end of 2018, we have made it a point to look back, take some substantial time to reflect, and to set our expectations high on all that God has in store for 2019! We’d like to share with you some of the incredible victories we have experienced this year through the various ministries and programs we have in place around the world while also providing you with some possible goals you may want to take on for yourself. We’re excited you’ve found your way here to our blog and hope that you leave encouraged and excited for a new year!

 

The Statistics…

 

2018 was a huge success concerning the “numbers” produced through our different projects and ministries. While we understand at a fundamental level that our identity and effectiveness does not lie solely in the large numbers based on production, we praise God for the positive results we’ve experienced and want to share with you, our faithful partners, the incredible impact that has been made!

 

In 2018…

 

  • The IMPACT conferences that were held equipped 7,271 Frontline Messengers and Christian leaders for more effective evangelism.

 

  • A total of 51,690 individuals heard the gospel during a one-on-one encounter.

 

  • 8,768 home groups are actively in operation.

 

  • 1,200 needy children are being provided monthly care and nurture through believers care.

 

  • A total of 37,721 children attend CBC (Children’s Bible Class) across Burma, Nepal and India.

 

  • A total of 119,823 tracts, gospel portions, and other pieces of evangelistic literature were distributed.

 

  • A total of 31,800 Bibles were given to individuals who were eager to read the scriptures in their own language.

 

  • A total of 35,643 New Testaments were distributed to seeking hearts.

 

  • A total of 14,014 people made decisions for Christ through various outreach programs.

 

  • A total of 2,851 people were baptized by Alpha Churches in Asia.

 

  • A total of 1,398 new villages were reached and church planting/stations were established.

 

  • 76 elderly senior saints received support, which included food, support and other medical help.

 

  • 286 jackets for children were distributed.

 

  • 15 families that suffered because of persecution were relocated in 2018, majority of them were in partnership with Voice of the Martyrs.

 

  • 19 children received educational scholarships to secondary schools and college for further studies.

 

  • 12 living clean water at each well.

 

  • 14 church buildings were constructed.

 

  • 515 people attended the Church Based Bible Institute.

 

  • 736 Bible in a Backpack

 

  • 274 graduated from M28 training

 

  • 610 pastors were given care packages.

 

  • 800 families received relief aid during floods and other natural calamities in Burma and India.

 

  • 600 helmets were distributed

 

  • 97 Small battery operated PA system

 

  • 2 bathrooms were constructed through “A Bathroom for every family”

 

  • 1000 M28 Pastors Library were distributed

 

  • 4vehicles were given to frontline workers

 

  • 3 sewing machines given through VITAL project.

 

  • 64 bicycles and 55 motorcycles were given to frontline Messengers

 

  • Thousands upon Thousands of people received clean drinking water through 40“Water Huts” located in different regions of North India during summer’s intense heat droughts where no water was available.

 

In 2019…

 

As we are finishing off this first week of 2019, we at Alpha Ministries are waiting expectantly for all that God will do in the new year. While we trust in Him fully to provide for our needs and to continue his transforming work within us, we still believe it to be necessary to set personal goals for ourselves that are focused on growing and becoming more and more like the people God has called us to be! As you continue to ponder on your new year goals, we’d like to share with you two character traits you may want to consider growing within yourself this new year!

 

Become A Listener

One of the greatest ways that we as followers of Christ can convey to a lost and hurting world that they have intrinsic value to God is by taking the time to deeply listen to them. Can you a recall a time in your life when, during a season of suffering or heartache of your own, you felt genuinely listened to as you worked hard to articulate your thoughts? The experience was one that we are sure deeply ministered to your soul. Throughout Jesus’s ministry, he regularly took the time to stop and listen to the outcasts of society and those down and out in their difficult circumstances. In Mark 10, Jesus takes the time to listen to the blind man, Bartimaeus, while in Jericho. Locals of the area at the time scorned Bartimaeus for reaching out to Christ. Scripture says, “Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” 50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. 51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” 52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.” Mark 10: 49-52

Can you imagine the feeling Bartimaeus must have had that day? While we may not be able to give the blind back their sight, we do have the opportunity to listen to our neighbors, our coworkers, and our family members. Rather than idly thinking on what we will say to them next in a conversation, we can pause, hear out those who come to us for compassion, and then hear them fully. Watch and see the power behind the ministry of becoming a good listener can do.

 

Become A Giver

Let’s be clear, we completely understand that starting off a new year with a spirit of giving is not always our first response after spending so much of our resources over the holiday season. Coming out of what seems like an entire month of lavish giving, stricter budgets and new year savings plans are often on the forefront of our minds. While the temptation to cut back on our charitable giving is often in full force during the month of January, we want to encourage you to not let up! Scripture tells us, in the book Matthew, “(Jesus said) “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” We at Alpha Ministries deeply believe that we cannot out-give God. Over the years, we have seen the incredible provision of God as we choose to step out in faith and give even when our budgets and bank accounts may advise otherwise.

As we continue to move full-steam ahead into 2019, we ask that you consider how you can be a part of the incredible work God is doing around the world! We look expectantly to all that God has in store for you this new year and can’t wait to join you in discovering more of His faithfulness in 2019.