Ministry Report: The Whole Body, the Whole World, the Whole Gospel
Dear Friend,
I count it a great privilege to write to you each month and to share what we are doing and where we are going with this ministry. Our mission is to unite with whole body of Christ to reach the whole world with the whole Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The whole body means everyone who has called on the name of the Lord and believes that Jesus Christ died on the cross for their sins. We may have some differences in our doctrines and practices, but it is what Jesus did on the cross that makes us one, and unites us in His purposes.
The whole world means everywhere and everyone! We truly have a world vision and are not limited in our scope to one nation or region or people group. God so loved the world…and so do we.
The whole Gospel means the entire message of the Good News of Jesus Christ. We believe it all, and intend to leave nothing out. Spiritual, emotional, relational and physical healing, deliverance, holiness, and total forgiveness for all—it’s all part of the Gospel we preach.
I’m so glad that you can be a part of this. It may be by uniting with us in finances. It may be by reading this newsletter and praying for this ministry. It may be by something that we say or write that encourages you to share a good word with your neighbor. But somehow, we’re connected, and that is very important to Susan and me.
Believers Church, Marshall Minnesota
In late May, Susan and I visited the Believers Church in Marshall, Minnesota. I spoke on the position of authority that a local church carries in the community. Local Churches have a great privilege to stand in the gap for their community and to bring forth the light of the Gospel. Generally stated, most of us (both individually and corporately) are not exercising the authority which God has given us in Christ. But Jesus has stated that the gates of hell will not prevail against His church.
At Marshall, Willie Walker testified that he came into the meeting with pain in his shoulders, back and knees, as well as depression. He said when we prayed for him, a heat wave came over his whole body and he couldn’t move. Afterwards, he said that absolutely all the pain left him and the depression lifted.
You can see a video of his testimony here.
Kids at the Point Youth Camp
In June, Susan and I took our granddaughter, Eve, to the Kids at the Point Youth Camp (KATP) in Hendricks, Minnesota. She had a great time and wants to know when we can return. It was wonderful to see children and teens worshipping the Lord and having fun in a godly environment. It’s something that should be reproduced in our homes and local churches.
At the camp, I had the privilege of sharing the story of the prodigal son. I shared my testimony and dramatized the story. I encouraged the young people to stay with God all the days of their lives, and to not walk away.
Many hearts were touched and I think nearly everyone present, including the adults, came forward to make a commitment to the Lord and to pray for God’s help to always be faithful and to live in the Father’s house.
Pastors Chris and Joyce Caugherty do a great job leading and hosting KATP. If you’d like to bring a child or grandchild or volunteer at the camp or donate, you can contact them at [email protected] or call (605) 832-3701. The camp is provided free for the children and teens, so it’s a great resource for families.
Looking ahead!
We have some exciting meetings coming up, months, including the second annual Prairie Fires Regional Mens Conference in Hendricks, Mn, with me in August and a women’s conference with Susan in September in Hendricks, Minnesota. Please mark your calendar and plan to come if you can. If you are traveling from a distance, there are hotels near Hendricks in Marshall, MN or Brookings, SD.
Click here for more on the Prairie Fires Regional Men’s Conference.
Let’s continue to pray for one another, that our lives will reflect the glory of God and that we will be able to reach many people for our Savior. You are continually in our hearts and prayers!
Tom Shanklin
Mailbox and Inbox…
My friend has got healed by your prayer Tom, sir. After that we both have been called for the service of God. Sir, your meeting was blessed meeting for me. I know you are busy all the time, but please make some time for us. We are fans of Susan mam. Even though we are ladies, we overcome many obstacles in ministry. Now, I’m a member of Pastors Association. It’s an achievement as an Indian woman. It’s all mam Susan’s inspiration. It’s a humble request to both of you please visit my church. With lots of love and affection. (Telangana, India)
Tom, Your message on forgiveness is a good one. It is the HEART of the Good News! This message has encouraged me in sharing the Gospel. I think that is a huge way to connect with people as they all have burdens they are carrying from past faults. Not only what they have done but also what has been done to them. Jesus loves speaking into people’s lives that way. I think of Jesus’ conversation with the woman at the well. A classic example. (Minnesota)
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- Partners Update: Sharing Jesus One-On-One
- Partner Update: We Need the Holy Spirit!
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- Ministry Update: Thanks for Standing with Us!
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