What does it take to reach people in inner cities?
We as a people have our work cut out. As the demographics constantly change, and the economic crisis impacts literally millions of families. We can be so absorbed with our own situation and be numb to needs. And yet, throughout, things do not just stay the same. Things change, either for better or for worse. Kinda sounds, like the words stated often enough at a marriage altar. For better or for worse. Yes, in the inner cities things can change very rapidly. I know. Being a young kid growing up in the violent and drug infested streets of Santa Ana, Ca. And just simply to be convinced one can quickly pick up or log into our favorite news media of today. Many people email, comment or judge. and its so easy to do that. Yet, God has put us in the place of our surrounding to make a difference. Yes, and you can make a difference. Even if its one by one, we still can make a difference. We have been called by God to change our environment, not our environment to change us.
5 ways we make a difference in today's inner city?
1. Pray for your community
Pray for loved ones involved. Pray for their salvation. Without prayer we're telling God we don't need His help. Remember, only God can change a heart. Only God can forgive sin. Pray.
2. Live an exemplary life.
What I mean is be an example. Jesus said in Matt. 7:1-5, that how can we judge others or may I say, how could we attempt to help others when we ourselves are still diseased, and engulfed in a sinful lifestyle. Am I talking perfection? No. I'm talking of a life pleasing to God, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Live a life worthy of following.
3. Involve yourself in missions and outreach of your church.
Many people think they must be a TV personality or a preacher in some large evangelistic crusade. Did you know, that a doctor does not do surgery with a chainsaw, but a scalpel. You can reach others just by being yourself. Just by you being you. You being right with God, living in the Lord, being submitted to authority and having a love for others. That means you becoming an agent of change. Its you and me heeding to the outward call of God.
5 ways we make a difference in today's inner city?
1. Pray for your community
Pray for loved ones involved. Pray for their salvation. Without prayer we're telling God we don't need His help. Remember, only God can change a heart. Only God can forgive sin. Pray.
2. Live an exemplary life.
What I mean is be an example. Jesus said in Matt. 7:1-5, that how can we judge others or may I say, how could we attempt to help others when we ourselves are still diseased, and engulfed in a sinful lifestyle. Am I talking perfection? No. I'm talking of a life pleasing to God, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Live a life worthy of following.
3. Involve yourself in missions and outreach of your church.
Many people think they must be a TV personality or a preacher in some large evangelistic crusade. Did you know, that a doctor does not do surgery with a chainsaw, but a scalpel. You can reach others just by being yourself. Just by you being you. You being right with God, living in the Lord, being submitted to authority and having a love for others. That means you becoming an agent of change. Its you and me heeding to the outward call of God.
4. Develop a passion for disciplemaking.
The object of evangelism is discipleship. That's what Jesus planned and had in mind when He called the 12 disciples. And that's what he did. He worked and taught them how to live. He exemplified what it would take to bring the gospel to generations around the globe. He trained them in such a way, to prepare them for the hardship of they would endure in futuristic missionary endeavors. 2 Tim 2:2; Matt 28: 19-20. Jesus said:
1.) Go with my Power - v. 18
2.) Go with My Program - v.19
3.) Go with My Presence - v.20
My pastor, Sonny Arguinzoni Sr. and founder of Victory Outreach International, has experience many, many times much more than myself concerning urban evangelistic and global transformation. commented:
"If there was ever a time that Christians have been challenged in the inner city it is today – this day and hour that we’re living. In fact, you will find that the Holy Spirit seems to be targeting the inner cities." Internalizing the Vision (1995, 31)
Picture this: If we were to lead 1,000 people to God each year for 10 years. That would be 10,000 people reached at the end of 10 years. Right? But, if we as leaders, disciple 2 people each year, and if they double themselves each year for 10 years, the number would be 59,049 disciples. Is that amazing!!? So, develop a passion for disciplemaking . . .
5. Become a steadfast Christian
This simply means stay on top of things. Do not let up concerning your love for God, people and your personal life. Many a success story has come to pass, because of consistency. If we were to read of powerful figures in scripture, we would come to find they were individuals with faults and imperfections. Just like us. Yet, they always returned to the Lord ,and never strayed far from God's grace and call of God. Now, I'm not saying we should go and indulge in any type of sin. I'm saying, we will make mistakes in life. Yet, we must stay on the battlefield, faithfully. I have been a minister of the gospel, a simple individual working with people 16 years. And in those 16 years I've had one goal in mind. To lead people to the Lord, build them up in the faith, and release them into God's field. And, I'm happy to say. It's worked. Yes, that's right, The Vision Continues. Yes, friends, it is your time. We can make a difference. Our greatest days are ahead of us. Oh, and may I say, that the greatest ever to be born have yet to be born. That the greatest singers, greatest evangelists, and pastors are yet to be risen up. You are part of a new breed, a new generation. And God is willing, if you are available. Then, you will become someone who'll surely make a difference in thousands of lives concerning their eternal destinies. One of my friends and mentor, Pastor Sam Sanchez, who is now in the glories of heaven, used to say, "He has not called sharp tools. He has called tools He can sharpen!"
Dietrich Bonhoeffer also said it right that: "The righteous man is one who lives for the next generation." God will use you and be with you every step of the way in our efforts.
Name: roy valverde
