We trust this ministry update finds you doing well. Next to God’s Word perhaps A.W. Tozer best described our heart for challenging men and churches to know God and make Him known. Our spiritual journey is never-ending as we seek a deeper relationship with God and learn of His plan for our lives. Growing in our faith, knowledge, and application of His Word is always an exciting, challenging, and dynamic proposition.
This January was a particularly busy time for our ministry. Two major leadership workshops (one in Spokane and one in the Bay Area), a large men’s retreat in Boise, Idaho, four businessmen’s luncheons, a radio program, and some opportunities to mentor coaches and players from NFL and college teams were part of our month. We also have been planning for our spring series of R3 Men’s Equipping Conferences. It’s been a fun ride on the Men’s Ministry bus. And this doesn’t happen without the power of the Holy Spirit, a lot of prayer, and the financial support from great friends like you.
Recently, we have been blessed to launch a relationship with Bishop C.S. Johnson, the founding pastor of the New Life Christian Center International denomination. Out of the 50 churches that belong to this new evangelical denomination, six are located here in the United States, with the remaining 43 churches located throughout Africa. We initially piqued his interest about further conversations to reach men through providing a MMC Toolkit that was funded through our Year-end Gift Program. Again, thank you faith partners. The MMC Toolkit includes four of our latest books on men’s ministry and a host of resources designed to assist leaders in turbo-charging their men’s ministry in order to mentor and reach unsaved men. Bishop Johnson is thrilled to have the resources, consultation, and practical guidance our team has offered him.
Unfortunately, in today’s culture, too many men have fallen away from their faith. The Billy Graham Association suggests that up to 80% of young men under eighteen years of age will leave the church with many never to return. Only six million out of 115 million men over the age of fifteen in this country testify to ever being discipled. Too many men are feeling: lonely, emotionally isolated, friendless, confused about how to define manhood, success driven, spiritually empty, anxious, distracted…and the list goes on.
In their words the Old Testament prophet Malachi (Mal. 4:6) and the Apostle Luke (Luke 1:15) both told us that men needed to become more engaged with their families as spiritual mentors. Friends, we are fighting a spiritual war. As told to us in John 10:10 “Satan comes like a thief to steal, kill, and destroy…”.
The Apostle Paul issued an alert to the struggling men of his day that applies more than ever to men today, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.” – 1 Corinthians 1:13 That is why we devote ourselves to spending the time and resources necessary to help guide men and churches in developing a road map to grow the church body, as well as bring in new men to the churches.
For the past 34 years, faith-partners, like you, have provided the encouragement and support that enables us to keep moving forward. During those tough days when things just don’t seem to be going well is when we get a letter from someone who has been impacted by the resources, messages, and counsel we have provided from God’s Word. And like Bishop Johnson, other denominations are using our materials to impact their churches. Please continue to pray for our team and the ability of MMC to meet all the challenges and opportunities God is putting before us. To God be the glory for the great work He is doing through your provisions and confirmation.
~In His Service, Jim Grassi (Founder/President) & James Steiner (CEO/Chief Servant)
