Ministry Update: Working with the Whole Body!
Happy faces at Trinity-Bergen Lutheran Church in Starkweather, ND.
It’s good for every organization and individual to think about their mission in life and their vision to fulfill that mission. Even Jesus had a mission statement. He said, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10, MEV)
For Tom Shanklin Ministries, our mission is the one that Jesus gave us before He left the earth: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15, AV)
Our vision is based on that mission:
The vision of Tom Shanklin Ministries, World Evangelism Fellowship, Inc., is to unite with the whole Body of Christ to reach the whole world with the whole Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Over the years, I have discovered that fellowship is where you find it. Sometimes, people or groups that you thought would work with you are not interested. But others, who you might not expect to work with you, want to unite for the cause of Christ.
True fellowship and unity of purpose is always found in Jesus Christ, and the work He did on the cross. We may not always agree on every jot and tittle, but we find a connection at the cross and the great cause of world evangelism.
I really do not think that we are going to reach the world by dividing up into our little groups and pushing everyone else away. As Jesus said, “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35, MEV)
From the very beginning of our ministry, when I taught Bible studies in southern Minnesota, we have always connected with people of various denominations.
I remember teaching the Word in a living room near Spring Grove, Minnesota. There was an older Lutheran lady who kept staring intently at me with what I thought was a sour look. Afterwards I went about shaking hands and she looked at me and said, “That was the most wonderful teaching I have ever heard.” I learned a quick lesson there: Don’t go by their faces!
I found out later that this woman had received Christ as Savior and Lord as a teenager during her confirmation class when she said her vows. At that moment, she received the knowledge that she was a child of God. Fellowship is where you find it!
A Time of Refreshing in Starkweather, ND
In June, I had a wonderful time of such fellowship at Trinity-Bergen Lutheran Church in Starkweather, North Dakota. At a Sunday morning worship service and revival services for three nights, I preached on “The Ability of God.” About 8 people raised their hands and prayed to receive Jesus as Lord during the Sunday morning service, and 10 or more people raised their hands and prayed for forgiveness of sins at our last revival service. People were obviously touched, refreshed, and healed inwardly during the meeting, including me.
People from around the area attended. As Pastor Rob Buechler said, “The Lord Jesus was revealing the unity of the Spirit He desires for the Body of Christ. At these meetings were people of many different denominational backgrounds. We had Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Mennonites, Evangelicals, Pentecostals, and Presbyterians gathered together for one purpose, to worship Jesus and seek His face. The unity of the Spirit was tangible.”
New Open Doors
I have been praying and asking you to agree with me for new open doors for this ministry, sensing that the Holy Spirit wants to expand our borders into new territories, new churches, and working with new ministries. We are continuing to build in the places where we have worked before, but at the same time God is opening new doors. Please pray for us for wisdom and boldness as we walk through these new open doors.
In July, I will be preaching at a tent revival at Ponsford, Minnesota. This is not only an opportunity to preach the Gospel, but also to introduce a Bible School which we are helping to start on the White Earth Indian Reservation. In August, I will return to Ponsford to teach our Introduction to Ministry Class from the Believers School of Ministry and also to instruct others how to use the material. I also have meetings planned in several local churches, including a 3-day revival in a Presbyterian Church. Praise God for new open doors!
Click here to see our schedule>>>
The Benin Bible School is Progressing
With the help of our partners, we were able to send funds to Benin for the construction of the dormitory for the Mt. Moriah Bible School. This will be used to finish the septic pit for sewage, and to make progress on the living facility for the on-site pastor. With this money they will be able to install toilets and electrical so that the pastor and his family can move into the building. I see this as a major milestone. Next, the goal will be to finish the building completely for the students. If you would like to invest in the dormitory project and in the young Gospel ministers of Benin, you can donate here.
It’s a Partnership!
The vision that God has given for this ministry is being accomplished through our partnership with you. Every time we step out to do a new outreach or project, whether it is in the United States or around the world, we feel the strength of your fellowship with us! With your help and the help of the Holy Spirit, we will continue to press on into new harvest fields with the glorious message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Susan and I love you and pray for you every day!