At one time, my wife, Inez, and I lived in an Apartment Complex which had 1,096 units. No matter where we have lived, we were always seeking ways to minister, in some fashion, the Gospel of Christ, into the lives of others. With the approval of the Apartment Management. we began to look for ways to do just that. As I have stated in another article, we began a Divorce Recovery Group which lasted eight months. This took place each Sunday night. That was the best time to schedule this ministry so as to draw as many individuals as possible.
However, in such a large complex there were many other possibilities for ministry. To challenge your creativity, I want to mention only two. One was a once a year ministry. This was to have a Thanksgiving meal for all occupants who had no place to go to be with family. Either their family lived in another part of the country or they were just alone for various other reasons.
The complex had a large game room which was utilized for many activities. On Thanksgiving day, we had the area for our use. We had a real Thanksgiving meal with turkey, gravy, cranberry sauce, dressing, green beans, and sweet potatoes, and pies and cakes. It was done up right. We had the assistance of a Presbyterian Church which provided funds for the turkeys. We covered most of the rest of the items for the meal. Being involved in a ministry which praises and honors Christ is never without cost.
We never knew for certain how many would show up for the meal. But there was always enough. Many people are alone on that day and many came so they would not be alone all day. One man had just been through a divorce and he was hurting. He needed company of some sort. We talked a lot together, rather he talked a lot, I just listened a lot. Many times listening is the best thing that can be done in ministry. Others had many reasons for being there that day. We did not have a time set for when our time together would be over. It is hard to minister while watching a clock. Some stayed a long time just to be with someone. Since we started the meal with a prayer of thanks, it was easy to bring in the Grace of God into our conversations.
I said this was a once a year ministry. That is not exactly right. Because we met and became acquainted with a number of individuals through this ministry, there were times when we needed to be available to meet with and share with some who attended this Thanksgiving gathering. So, in a sense, a ministry is never over.
The other thing we did is have a weekly Bible study for occupants who were Believers or were interested in God’s Teachings. Thus we stayed in constant contact with a number of individuals. The average stay in this apartment was eighteen months. This we had to keep in mind as we attempted to share the Gospel for as long as we could.
I mention this to see if in your current situation, there may be ways, you can utilize, to bring the Scriptures into the lives of those outside of Christ who are right around you. With prayer for guidance and love for those who are living without hope, can you see a creative method for shining the Light of God into their darkened lives?
Please share with me your creativity.
