Friday, October 24th marked the third anniversary of Christ Satisfies Ministries serving in fulltime ministry in north Minneapolis. Just days prior, Monday (10/20), presented a snapshot of why we believe the Lord has planted us here and why He continues to bless and sustain this ministry.
James rose early and met with a brother from 5-7 am before the man went off to work for a time of one-on-one Bible study and prayer. After that he headed over to the Hennepin County jail for his first Bible study of the day with some inmates, a second one would follow in the afternoon at 2 pm.
Once finished with the morning jail ministry. He went driving in our neighborhood to evangelize those out and about on the streets.
First he met Pernell (a.k.a.Nail). This young man in his early twenties was just a few blocks from our house when James met up with him. He was quite open to a word from the Lord; James actually was able to share the complete gospel with him. Nail listened intently and was thankful. After giving him a card, inviting him to church and encouraging him to the Lord, James moved on around the community.
Turning into an alley, heading toward 26th Ave. N. James came upon a situation not as promising as the one with Nail. As he approached the gas station on the corner of Penn & 26th from the alley side, he could see 4 young men arguing near one of the gas pumps. In a quick instant, three were racing off down 26th in the direction of our house, the fourth was raising a gun from out of his pants. James continued pulling the van forward and ended up in between the guy with the weapon and those who ran. Seemingly oblivious to James, the pursuer stopped and wrestled with his gun trying to conceal it in his pants once again. Once successful, he took off down Penn Ave. N toward W. Broadway. On the phone with the 911 dispatcher, James offered a description of the guy and the situation. Circling the block, he looked for this young man, but lost sight of him. By the time he reached the gas station again, two police cars were there in response to his call.
As he continued ministering the word, he drove down W. Broadway. Approaching Dupont Ave. N. he noticed yellow crime scene tape along Broadway and down the side street. Police, spectators, reporters and camera crews were present. Parking the van, he went inside The Prayer Center, a local ministry led by Jerrilyn, a woman who mans this storefront beseeching the Lord for the salvation of the lost in our community. She informed him that a man had been shot, and he stumbled into one of the stores on the block looking for help. The shooting took place just before noon. The two of them shared a time of prayer pouring out their souls before the throne of grace beseeching the Lord for a miracle of salvation in north Minneapolis.
Afterwards, James returned to the van to continue ministering in the community seeking to urge people to consider their eternity. The Lord provided a wonderful opportunity as he pulled alongside a group of gang members/drug dealers who were at the edge of the police tape watching the activities where the shooting occurred. He challenged them to follow the Lord and turn from their ways. Praise Him for divine appointments.
Pray with us for another Great Awakening! Right here in Minneapolis, MN!
Making Disciples for Christ
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
Matthew 28:19-20
Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in Him and He will do this:
He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the
noonday sun .”
Psalm 37:5-6