Dear Pilgrims, Patriots and Friends,
I shudder to think that reflecting on 30 years of ministry... should be all about what “Little Bear” or Mantle Ministries has accomplished; God forbid! I believe that the Lord used me despite myself, because He was merciful towards me and knows my heart is inclined only towards Him, and that He dished out a portion of something He would allow me to do – however small. Rather, it is all about what Jesus has done that we might have eternal life with Him in glory. Resurrection Sunday indeed reminds us of Christ's finished work on the cross and our utter dependence on Him.
All of us are fitly made, uniquely made according to Psalm 139.... The past 30 years have really been a testimony of my inability – of what I can't do – not what I can do. It's a testimony of how wonderful God is to use a “retarded gopher skinner” like myself, and prepare a work for me to bring Him glory. I didn't learn to read, write, or spell until I was twelve, but I could sure skin gophers well. God took what I could do, not what I couldn't do. He created and fashioned a ministry around these inabilities and abilities with its costuming, drama, and my love of history — His-story.
Nowadays, wherever I travel in ministry... parents often share with me – at times in desperation – that they have a son or a daughter that doesn’t fit everybody else’s idea of “normal.” They feel like misfits or that they’ve done something terribly wrong. Maybe they don’t have proper reading skills or good study habits. Although I didn’t learn to read until I was about twelve, I finally recognized that the Lord gave me a fascination with history and a gift to be able to share that interest. Back then I had no idea that the Lord was preparing me for ministry while I was enjoying all those “out-of-the-ordinary” things I did know how to do. That’s how I am able to encourage parents that God has a plan and purpose for their children as well, with unique gifts and callings that might not fit into the traditional classroom setting. They can also learn other skills God can use for His glory and for ministry to others in the future. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).
In celebrating the privilege of these 30 years of ministry... we can't think of a better time to thank each one of our friends of Mantle Ministries who have walked alongside us in supportive prayer and in co-laboring for Christ's kingdom. May He bless us all with "fruit that remains" (John 15:16) to His glory!
after 30 years of ministry
