Fans or Followers?
An acquaintance of mine named Carl, and regular at the National Prayer Breakfast (NPB) in Washington, DC, invited a Saudi Arabian Oil Baron to the Breakfast this year. He attended and after he returned to Saudi Arabia, Carl finally had the opportunity to ask him what he thought of the NPB. He said he loved it. Carl asked him what he liked best. Without hesitation, the man pulled a little black book out of his pocket with the name JESUS on the cover. At the breakfast a U.S. Representative from Alabama gave him the book. The businessman and oil baron said he was devouring it an hour every day. He especially loved the opening section by a guy named Matt and the sermon it contained. He was so overwhelmed by Jesus he called the Congressman in Washington, DC and asked if he could have permission to translate the book from English to Arabic. He wanted to print 10,000 copies and give them to all his friends. The man thought the congressman had written the book. It was simply a copy of the gospels! The congressman said to GO AHEAD! He got them printed and is busy passing them out in Saudi Arabia. I can’t wait to go to the NPB this year and find out how this Oil Baron is proceeding on his journey to discover who the real Jesus is!!
In recent months I have been devouring the Gospel of John. What a book! John wants everyone to discover “Who is this man Jesus?” and to decide if one wants to be an antagonist, a fan or a follower. I love Jesus’ approach. He had no power base. No army. No money. No voting bloc. No motorcades or Secret Service. No spin. No swords. When the 5000 (plus wives and children) wanted to force him to be a political King and their own private ATM machine, he withdrew. When they all walked away … he let them go. He wanted followers not fans. His only weapons were a serving towel, a blood-stained cross, an empty tomb, a bunch of scars and a few ragamuffin disciples who didn’t start out too hot, but ended up out-praying, out-thinking, out-serving and out-living everyone else and turning the world upside down.
Our ministry with the Capitol Commission and Grace Adventures stays focused on Jesus. God’s grace is available to everyone, and we feel a great calling to reach out to leaders, especially elected leaders. We pray and yearn for a revolution of hearts and minds in our Capitol communities through the person of Jesus Christ and the power of the Word of God. The harvest is plentiful. The opportunities are everywhere. By God’s grace our best days are ahead.
I wish I could tell you many of the stories of life change I saw this past year, but for confidentiality purposes I will be careful. I never get tired of seeing someone come to Jesus as Savior. I love seeing someone discover the real Jesus and am in awe when they get the Kingdom message of the Scriptures. Nothing is better than when a leader starts telling others about the Living Word and the written Word. May there be many oil barons, elected leaders and your friends and mine who choose this next year to be followers and not fans.
Thank you
Donna and I would not be able to strategically focus this way without friends who partner with us in prayer, encouragement and support. We are most grateful. YOU play a huge role in every business person who finds faith … every lonely leader who is encouraged … every person who is reminded not to quit … every seed sown … every political leader who discovers Jesus is worth following … every revitalized soul who discovers their purpose. Paul put it this way in Philippians 4:17, “Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account.”
Financial Update
I have not mentioned finances since last December. The core of the ministry has been supported by people making monthly commitments to GRACE ADVENTURES, and this has been supplemented by one-time gifts. I am grateful. As a faith-based ministry, I am responsible to raise all of my monthly support.
Please Pray for
- Revitalization and renewal in the United States of America. There was a first great awakening. Why can’t there be another one? Jesus is God and with Him all things are possible. I want to be part of the next move of God.
- New Partners in the work of Capitol Commission Louisiana. No emotional appeals or fundraising tactics. If you are looking for a Kingdom place to invest, if our work registers with you in deep ways, c’mon and jump in with support, service or prayer.
- Open doors to speak on the topic, “Is There Hope for America?”, “The History of Christianity in America” or “Jesus: Who Is He?” Maybe you, your church or group will be one of the answers to this prayer!!
Speaking Opportunities in 2016
God provided many new ministry opportunities this year. Here is a list of the speaking opportunities in 2016.
House of Representatives Bible Study
Capitol Lobbyist Studies
Meetings with Senators and Representatives
One-on-One Appointments with Leaders
Bible Studies every day of the week but Saturdays
Pulpit Supply
PEO International Luncheon
Chiropractor’s Convention
WSHO 800 Radio
AFL-CIO Convention
Law Enforcement Memorial
St. Paul’s Opioid Awareness Panel
Iron Sharpens Iron
Officers Christian Fellowship
Leadership St. Tammany
Missouri Capitol Commission
LA Capitol Day of Prayer
Mandeville Council
Legislator Event
Reach Global
Leader Faith Forums
Psychiatric Center Chapel
Giving Hope Retreat Center
Capitol Commission Gathering
Burke Community Church
Inspiration Church
Grace Chapel
Live Oak Church Retreat
Bottom Line Luncheon
2016 Highlights in Pictures
Merry Christmas,
Michael and Donna