Dear Pastor,
I thank you for taking the time to allow me a chance to share my heart. A few years after giving my life to Christ in 2001, I had lunch with Art Bailey. Art was the Executive Director for Baltimore of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. He asked me then if I thought of going to seminary; I told him I had thought of that, and I remember his look and his words. He told me not to go. He said, "you have no idea how desperately the church and pastors need men like you to support them and walk with them." I had no idea what he meant, but 20 years later I see how God led my heart and how Cross Victory Ministries is to help edify, encourage, and uplift the shepherd and the church. I believe the Holy Spirit spoke through that man that day, and today our ministry is not just about the things of today, but the things that go beyond our generation. We are multi-faceted in our outreach and focus. At the core its... Life is not about you, you are about life... a life that leaves a legacy, in Christ.
I thank you for taking the time to allow me a chance to share my heart. A few years after giving my life to Christ in 2001, I had lunch with Art Bailey. Art was the Executive Director for Baltimore of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. He asked me then if I thought of going to seminary; I told him I had thought of that, and I remember his look and his words. He told me not to go. He said, "you have no idea how desperately the church and pastors need men like you to support them and walk with them." I had no idea what he meant, but 20 years later I see how God led my heart and how Cross Victory Ministries is to help edify, encourage, and uplift the shepherd and the church. I believe the Holy Spirit spoke through that man that day, and today our ministry is not just about the things of today, but the things that go beyond our generation. We are multi-faceted in our outreach and focus. At the core its... Life is not about you, you are about life... a life that leaves a legacy, in Christ.
Mission: Legacy
At the core of it is something that has grown over the years. From street ministries in Baltimore to men's groups to years of prayer and Bible reading alone with the Lord, He has continually guided me to where I am today: challenging the church and those 50-80+ years of age to come alive and leave a gift to the generations to come, a blessing (Ex. 20:5b-6; Ps. 78:4-7).
I have created a workbook I call the 333 Life Booklet to help others leave a message that God has put on their hearts, so those belonging to future generations do not make the same mistakes and stumble in the darkness.
I became a grandfather in 2022. Each year I read a new Bible, to hear fresh from my Father what He has to say to me that year of life. But when my grandson was born, all that changed. I thought I would make notes and dedicate a Bible to him, but what has come out of it is truly an outpouring of my life, my victories and struggles. I'm not trying to leave him a commentary or some theological study, but instead trying to take the Living Word and bring it alive through how it applied to my life. (see below)
I ask you to pray about allowing me to share this with your church. I will allow the Holy Spirit to lead you, whether you would welcome me to your men's group, mid-week service, or Sunday message. Also, if you are open to it, I would be available to talk to you about a weekend of edification, challenge and encouragement, where we offer programs and services Friday evening through Sunday (men, seniors, prayer, or a day of freedom).
Thank you again for your time. I pray each day you draw closer to Christ, and continue to walk in victory through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. You are not alone!
Many Blessings,
John
A look inside my grandson's Bible
I have created a workbook I call the 333 Life Booklet to help others leave a message that God has put on their hearts, so those belonging to future generations do not make the same mistakes and stumble in the darkness.
I became a grandfather in 2022. Each year I read a new Bible, to hear fresh from my Father what He has to say to me that year of life. But when my grandson was born, all that changed. I thought I would make notes and dedicate a Bible to him, but what has come out of it is truly an outpouring of my life, my victories and struggles. I'm not trying to leave him a commentary or some theological study, but instead trying to take the Living Word and bring it alive through how it applied to my life. (see below)
I ask you to pray about allowing me to share this with your church. I will allow the Holy Spirit to lead you, whether you would welcome me to your men's group, mid-week service, or Sunday message. Also, if you are open to it, I would be available to talk to you about a weekend of edification, challenge and encouragement, where we offer programs and services Friday evening through Sunday (men, seniors, prayer, or a day of freedom).
Thank you again for your time. I pray each day you draw closer to Christ, and continue to walk in victory through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. You are not alone!
Many Blessings,
John
A look inside my grandson's Bible
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