In Mark 2 we learn of a time when a few men had to find a creative way to get their friend to Jesus.
“A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
Just like the men in this account we are given a ministry of transportation. Our mission is to get people to Jesus, by whatever means necessary. One of the ways we participate in this ministry of transportation is by providing rides to those who need them so that they can come and hear the Good News of God’s grace given to us in Christ.
Recently, Bethel has taken up a transportation ministry to the residents at the VOA – Community Corrections Facility near Dale and Larpenteur. We will be providing rides to those interested on Sunday mornings. The residents there are coming out of federal prison and spend the last 3 to 6 months of their sentence at the VOA transitioning back into society. They attend classes on decision-making and managing emotions and triggers. One of the main goals while they are there is to find a job. Finding a job can help to keep them out of trouble and heading in the right direction.
We think that this is an important ministry opportunity to people who are in transition. These folks are going through a difficult transition from prison back into society. We believe that they need God’s Word and grace as much as we do. Please keep this ministry and the residents of the VOA Facility in your prayers.
Lord, We are all in need of your Word and your Grace. You have given us an open door to minister to the residents at the VOA facility. The Gospels are filled with stories of how you sought out those often overlooked by society and loved them. Please grant us humility and love as we reach out to our neighbors at the VOA. In your name Jesus we pray, Amen.