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Firebrand Street Ministry: Being The Body Of Christ
by Theresa Croft
Firebrand street ministry involves just one thing: Being a church without walls.
Our heart is for those who need to see “Jesus with skin on.”
“It was better than warming a pew bench’, said Pastor Dave. “Seriously, to reach out to the least of these is an honor.”
Some received what we had to share today and some did not, as we served hot gumbo and sandwiches with coca cola. As Dave and Anna served up the soup with sandwiches, while William gave out cokes, I got to go down the line and shake hands. I looked many in the eye and told them Jesus loved them as I told them there was hot homemade gumbo on the way. Some looked at me and smiled, while others would not allow me to look into their eyes.
After the food ran out, most of the men went away to eat or go their own way. A few hung around and Pastor Dave was able to speak life and a prophetic word.
We even gave one man a ride to his sisters house. His name was Ricky and he shared what happened when he went to church this morning. God spoke to his heart encouraging him he could always come back to HIM.
The purpose of this and the video below is NOT to say, “Look at us”.
All we desire is to see the Body of Christ BE THE BODY OF Christ.
Listen and obey where God is calling you to minister. It might be your neighbor. It might be in your school or college.
Wherever God calls you, He will more than enable you by His grace to walk.
Will you reach out to the least of these?
“Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in;I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’
“Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink?When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You?Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’
We support radical street ministry like this and the ministry of the A21 Campaign.
Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated. Click the link below to see how you can help without giving money!
So we continue on with this series on market plan focus and how improving your focus can play a key role in your business or your social media ministry marketing success.
Step one was to F, fix your eyes on the ultimate destination, your goal. Step two involved O, only spend the most time on those things which produce results. C, was simply to clear your mind of all negative thoughts and replace with clear positive mental maps to that destination desired.
Which brings us to step four.This key provides a solid foundation to maintaining focus to the end. Clearly states, U stands for understanding the need to be steadfast.
Being steadfast means you are fixed in a direction, not easily moved, firm in purpose and faith.
You’ll need to be steadfast to fight the arrows of the enemy of doubt, defeat, and discouragement.
Anything worth your time to obtain is going to have its highs and lows. I'm sure you can remember a valley or peak in areas of your life.
This step will literally help you pull yourself out of a deep pit, if you so happen to fall into despair, doubt, or deep discouragement!
In 1 Corinthians 15:58 is a great verse of scripture to hang onto in regards to carrying out this step:
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
When you know God has called you to do something, you have to be rock solid and committed in your attitude. That in itself refines your focus. This steadfastness helps you fight against the enemies attack on your mind, like we discussed about with negative thoughts in step 3.
Being determined to commit to walking out the path to get to your desired destination is a day by day decision. Every day youmay have to re-commit to those things you have determined to do.
One great thing is as you learn to be steadfast, it helps sharpen your focus on what your are determined to see happen...whether in your ministry or personal life!
So make up your mind to fully understand the importance of being steadfast, fixed, rooted, grounded, established, and glued to your purpose, whether it’s for ministry, business, or yourdestiny!
And...don't grow weary. Let the Word sustain you as you hold on to it to keep your head up and your faith strong amidst the wonderful journey to seeing your vision fulfilled!
Access All 5 Steps
To get all FIVE steps of this market plan focus, click on the link below. You'll also learn more about how you can harness the power of the internet for extra money for your business, ministry, or family!
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Ministry Market Focus: Step One To Business Or Ministry Success
Ministry Market plan focus for success in ministry or business is an element that is easy to talk about and less easy to define.
What encompasses the word focus? Are there steps to improve your market plan focus so you can experience more success in your ministry, your business, even in your personal life?I’ve been hearing the word “focus” a lot lately as my husband lovingly teases me that I can get going in five different directions and instantly lose focus. One minute I could be helping with the dishes and the next, I end up on my computer answering a friend on Facebook.
Although the kids tend to laugh at me when I sometimes do funny things because my mind is elsewhere (such as put the milk in the pantry instead of the refrigerator), I know it’s no laughing matter in the end.
So I went on a serious journey to define focus and find sound keys to improve it in my life for ministry or business. From the word of God to great teachers in ministry and business, I found some keys that anyone could use to open the door to a greater potential of improving their focus in their life.
Focus Defined
The word focus is defined as “a central point, as of attraction, attention, or activity.” I’d like to hone in on the part of definition that involves concentration: to focus one’s thoughts.
The mind is an incredible gift from God. As it says in His Word, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.”(Proverbs 23:7)
So the beginning key to having market plan focus has to start in the mind.
Well, I love acronyms, so I took the letters in focus and found five central thoughts to improve your market plan focus for success in ministry, business and life!
F-O-C-U-S - Step 1- Fix Your Eyes On The Destination
Step one for market plan focus is to simply fix your eyes (your mind) on the final destination.
Your destination in business might be to start a company, to get a raise, to find a way to earn extra money online, or to learn a new skill. You may want to pay off credit cards or pay off your house to be debt free.
What’s your desired destination in your ministry? It might be financial freedom so you can do what God has called you to without stressing over the provision for the vision. Your desired destination might be to see your family or marriage restored.
Fix your eyes on it! Define it. See it. Believe it. Right it down on paper!
Take this as fuel for your mind...In Hebrews Chapter 12, verse 2, we are encouraged:“...fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Jesus knew his final destination was to die on a cross to fulfill His purpose to restore the fellowship of mankind to the Father. So amidst the attacks, the slander, and the pain, He pressed forward to be about His Father’s business.
Jesus knew his death on the cross and resurrection would result in eternal fellowship and redemption of His people to the Father. This ultimate result only made Him all the more intent to set His face like flint to go to Jerusalem. He was longing for the fellowship of His Father, and desiring YOU to be right there with Him.
That drive toward that destination was alive in Him like fire from the cradle right to the cross. Jesus is the ultimate example of someone having focus!
You’ll be amazed what you can endure when you make your destination you desire in your life a priority.
Access To All FIVE Steps
To get all FIVE steps of this market plan focus, click on the link below. You'll also learn more about how you can harness the power of the internet for easy fundraising ideas to help you earn extra money for your business, non-profit, ministry, or family!
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4 Strategies For Your Ministry Marketing Or Internet Business To Build Momentum To Make Money Online
Are you one of those people that believe that you just don't have the time to get your internet business or ministry marketing up and running so you can make money online? You are not alone. Many people who email me or I talk to claim they have too much to do and not enough time to do it. They wind up defeating themselves and their business looses momentum and suffers.
Full time jobs, family obligations, maintaining health, and too many other distractions are the main reasons for not building momentum for their internet business or ministry marketing plan. You can wind up feeling that your life is spent catering to every one else's obligations.
If you are a work at home mom, you can add laundry, cooking meals, taxing the kids around town to that list!
If you're a pastor or evangelist, you have so many hectic every day events that seemed to clog your schedule!
However, I have some good news! You can find and maximize time to build momentum for your business or ministry. All you need is to find time and commit to use that time for your ministry or business only. Try the following strategies to make your internet home based endeavor flourish.
Document Your Daily Routine
The first thing you will need to do find a quiet place and write down your schedule. Document the start and end time on events like getting ready for work, driving your kids to school, your commute to your day job, gym time and any other weekly commitments you have. Don't forget to include weekends and family time, or fellowship at your church. (this is most important).
After completing this exercise you should have a good visual of what your work week looks like for your internet business or ministry marketing strategy. You should see openings in your week. Make your goal easy: try to find two hours you can commit to spend on your business or marketing your ministry. You should be able to re-prioritize some time.
Stay with the Schedule You Created and Re-Evaluate
The next thing you need to do is stick with your schedule. This can be tough because you are creating a new habit. I have read that a new habit takes 21 days to become just that, a habit. Once you get the hang of your new routine, you should always re-evaluate your schedule. You may be able to find more time to spend on your internet home based business.
For example, you may have a day time show you really like. All I can say is…"Will watching Oprah help me make money for my family?" This might be harder than you think, but…
You can always record a show and just prioritize the time to watch later…maybe with your husband!
Sticking with your schedule means you need to discipline yourself to work this internet home based business. This means that you have to find a way after work, after little league games, after dinner and after putting the kids to bed.
Don't Forget Your Family!
I'm preaching to myself on this one! I can be so passionate about something, or get so into creating a video, or creating a blog for a client, that I lose my priorities.So, spending time with my family is always a top priority for me. I have two young children who have seen me on the computer enough. I try teaching them what I'm learning. For example, I showed them how
If you have to use your family time to spend on your business, make sure you communicate with your family so they have an expectation of what you are doing. However, I would recommend that you set a time limit so you can spend that time you want with your family. This will provide balance for you.
Embrace Distractions
As we all know life also throws us off schedule. Try your best to embrace that fact instead of fighting it. If your child stays up late, focus on helping your child quiet down and go to sleep. Try not to focus on what you could be doing. Don't worry. Don't stress. The work will still be there when you are ready.
If you have to stay late at your day job, then choose to work late. Usually, you'll find that it is better just to focus on one thing at a time. You will be more efficient and effective. Having a clear and guilt free mind while working on your business is most productive.
To handle new ideas that can distract you while you are working, keep an MP3 Recorder handy so if an idea comes up you can record it or write down the idea in a notebook. You can always prioritize those thoughts at a later time. You will also find that you are using less energy dealing with distractions instead of fighting them.
Continue With Your Personal Development
Click on the picture of one of my coaches, Dani Johnson, to learn how you can get started with this step!
Finally, find ways to continue to grow in your self development. That is so important. Read books. Find authors and speakers that connect with your heart. Some of my favorite teachers and mentors include Dani Johnson, Stephen Pierce, Doug Firebaugh, Tassel Daley, and Jentezen Franklin. I also use my time in my car to listen to mp3's of training. Many phones today, such as the I-phone, are a internet home based business marketers dream tools. We can listen to mp3's, watch training videos, and really use it as a tool to learn and grow!
As you continue with your own personal development, the passion is stirred or rekindled to keep your vision alive amidst the daily tasks. Nothing like passion to keep momentum going!
Better yet, if you have the time and finances, invest in yourself and attend a seminar. I recommend Dani Johnson's First Steps to Success! I've attended two of them and always came back refreshed and ready to take on the challenges. And I learned so much about myself and what it takes to succeed at her seminars!
So there is good news when it comes to finding time to work on your own
Don't despair and don't get frustrated. Just remember that you have total control of your time and you alone can change your habits to build your businesses momentum.
You hold the keys. The doors are ready to be opened for your future. Go forward. Don't look back. And don't be afraid to dream big!
Help Non-Profits & Businesses
One door I have found in this internet home based business arena is helping non-profits, businesses, and ministries generate revenue using the same technology that Google and Yahoo uses.It fits with my passion to consult and teach others how to harness the power of the internet for preaching, promotion and profits.
This is NOT an MLM company.
It is a real world wide business that has a "Global Vision" to provide solutions for businesses, non-profits, and groups.
"OurGV.Biz is your one-stop shop for increasing revenues, decreasing expenses, improving public relations, and gaining access to technologies that would normally cost tens of millions of dollars to develop on your own!"
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The A21 Campaign: The Fight Against Human Trafficking
My introduction to the A21 Campaign came through Christine Caine at Cathy Duplantis' Women's Conference last fall. All it took was watching one video about the facts of the abuse. Then Christine Caine spoke with passion about what the A21 Campaign is attempting to do to fight this battle against human trafficking. Christine's message came with an anointing that pierced my soul and inspired me to continue in my pursuit of hearing and obeying the voice of God to do WHATEVER He asks.
I knew in my heart that that day marked the beginning of my becoming an abolitionist on behalf of victims of this horrible crime.
The facts about this crime are staggering:
Trafficking in women is the second largest global organized crime today, generating approximately US$12 billion a year.
There are 1.39 million victims of commercial sexual servitude worldwide.
Over 25 percent of sex trafficked victims are trafficked from Southern and Eastern Europe.
90% of victims trafficked into EU member states end up in the sex industry.
There is an estimated 20,000 women and girls trafficked into the Greek sex industry, earning Greece the title: "the center of trafficking in Europe."
Tragically, only 1-2 percent of victims are rescued, and only 1 in 100,000 Europeans involved in trafficking are convicted.
My being an abolitionist for the A21 Campaign has lead me to garner support through my company's fundraising tool bar featured from OurGV...(G standing for Global; V standing for Vision).
It's one way to share this vision and start to help by raising awareness. It's also a great way to raise support, not by asking for money, but simply asking that people download this tool bar and do their normal searches online.
This video, from OurGV CEO Chad Shapiro, explains how this works with an example of a tool bar from the ministry of Jentezen Franklin with Free Chapel in Gainesville, Georgia.
Ready To Fight?
It's time to roll up our sleeves and fight.
My husband and I watch the National Geographic shows with our children quite often. We notice how some people risk their lives and are quite passionate about saving the seals, saving the whales, etc etc.
We thought: "What about human lives?"
Whether it's abortion or the child sex trades, someone has to step out and speak on their behalf.
So this is my start. I've drawn a line in the sand. I am willing to be persecuted or challenged in my support of the A21 Campaign's fight against this horrible crime.
The A21 Campaign's Vision
I love the vision of this effort.
The goal is threefold:
Rehabilitate Survivors
Offering a temporary shelter for victims that will meet their psychological, mental, and emotional needs.
Partnering with government agencies and NGO's to rescue and restore the lives of the victims.
Address legislation
Ensuring witnesses are protected and assisted during the investigative process.
Working to support, develop and change legislation that will ensure traffickers are identified and prosecuted.
Raise Awareness
Developing international awareness of human trafficking
Providing education to potential victims in common countries of origin for trafficked victims.
Download Tool Bar Today
So in support of this vision, I'm simply asking you to download this tool bar and join DTC Ministry Marketing in giving to this cause.
Use it for your everyday searches. Click on the "shop" button and enter a mall with over 1600 stores, including Wal Mart, and make purchases online.
Have your friends download the toolbar. Spread the word and be an abolitionist yourself.
It's time to speak out for those who have no voice. For those who are held captive in a prison that is unspeakable.
Do your part by using this tool bar for what you do everyday, searching and shopping online.
Theresa Croft is a business and ministry marketing consultant helping ministries harness the power of the internet for preaching, promotion and profits.