July 28 2017 – Click here to listen
Yesterday we had our weekly prayer intercessor call for the Jesus Alliance. Traditionally after our opening prayer, I give a weekly report, dutifully stating the progress or lack thereof for the previous week, and then we pray about it. We have done this every Thursday for several years now. Through the years I have been deeply discouraged more times than I care to remember, and many times it was so bleak it was difficult to report what had transpired; however, the news yesterday was the best that it has been since our inception.
Having founded numerous companies I’ve come to realize that it takes time, (years), to build a successful business. I’ve learned the hard way that founding a ministry has proven to be no different; in fact, in my estimation it’s more difficult.
I don’t know why I thought the Jesus Alliance would start at the top and avoid all the pain of a start-up; I suppose I was hoping that God would open the treasuries of heaven and shower us with blessings so numerous that the vision that He gave us would be fulfilled overnight.
Boink! – Wrong!
This adventure has proven to be far more difficult than founding a successful business. There were several factors that I did not anticipate. I’d never actually worked with those who come from inside the organized church and did not realize the egos, logos, and money factors that influenced some of the people within its ranks. I’d naively assumed that most people were in full-time ministry to serve the Lord and not themselves, but I was disappointed to find that flesh is flesh regardless.
It taught me that just like in a well-run business, things like checking resumes, establishing checks and balances, and accountability were just as important in the ministry if not more so.
I did not anticipate, nor factor in, the spiritual warfare and demonic attack that would descend upon me for daring to enter the battle against Satan and his hordes. It seems common sense would have told me that if I was forming an organization to counter his anti-God agenda that he would fight what was being planned with all his considerable resources. My health, my wealth, my family, and my character were all attacked.
I did not anticipate how difficult it would be to fund the ministry despite its potential for changing the world. So many cheerleaders urging us on; so few willing to invest their hard-earned money to make it happen.
So, success did not happen overnight and days turned into weeks, months, and years. Our small group of prayer warriors faithfully came to the Lord each week and prayed and prayed through our defeats and tiny victories. I worked as hard as I’ve ever worked in my life, but success did not come as fast or as easy as I wanted. It taught me to wait on the Lord and that He is in charge. As with building a successful business it takes patience and perseverance and the resolve to take defeats in stride and view them as being one step closer to achieving that elusive success that we craved.
I finally caught on to the fact that like any successful venture that it wasn’t going to happen overnight and that God meant what He said in Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” “I” can do, means just that, God isn’t going to do everything for us no matter if it’s His vision or not, and we must do our part. When we have exhausted ourselves, He will carry us forward allowing us to rest enough to prepare for the next battle and get back to work.
Finally, it sank into my bone head and I began implementing the good business practices that I’ve learned over my 40 plus year career in business. Instead of trying to hit home runs we focused on bunts, singles, and occasional doubles. Steady and sure progress day by day.
It worked – And yesterday I had good news to report on all fronts. We have finally secured enough funding to hire the premiere audience building company in America to help us begin building the huge audience that is necessary to achieve our objectives including reaching 1 billion people per month with pro-God messaging. It is already underway and we are very excited about it.
Our website and Facebook page are greatly improved and a solid system is in place to expand as more funding becomes available. Our spotlight issue, Stop Child Rape for Profit, is well underway with a powerful video to be released within a few days, and strategic partners are lining up to help support this issue.
Our new accounting system is working and a well-run well-supervised system is in place. Vitally important recurring donors who donate $5-$10-$100, or whatever they can afford on their credit cards monthly, are increasing, creating much needed stability in our budget.
Progress!
Okay before you admonish me for taking a victory lap before the race is won and finished, I understand that much more hard work will need to be done. Yes, we will suffer some more defeats and of course we need more funding, more staff. etc. etc.
One day many years ago I remarked to one of our employees how wonderful it was to receive such an extraordinarily large deposit that Monday. I was just beaming and smiling a smile as big as Texas and he caustically remarked, “Yeah, well that just means we’ll have a dismal deposit tomorrow.” Still smiling I put my arm around him looked him in the eye and said, “Ken, when you’re sitting atop the mountain and the sky is blue and the sun is warm, bask in its glory son. There will be plenty of time to moan and groan when you are in the valley and things are looking dark, rainy, and cold.”
I urge you to thank God for the bunts, just like the grand slams; yes, even thank Him for the strike outs in your life too, because it is through them that you learn how to play the game the way it is designed by Almighty God to play.
James 1:12
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Have a great weekend and go to church this Sunday!