As a Life-Line volunteer, how many times have you been thanked, only to realize that
you’re getting more out of serving than the person who’s thanking you? I had an experience
like that recently, when I spoke with Pastor Ken Davis, our board member and newly
licensed pastor.
Rarely have I been more blessed, more exhorted, more encouraged, than after my conversation
with this gifted evangelist.
You may know that Pastor Davis recently earned his ministerial license, and has dedicated
himself full-time to shouldering the burden of helping Pastors Horner and Hakes seek
nonprofit status for Life-Line, which can be arduous. He helps form the mission and
vision for the organization, and works to support these common goals. He lends us
his gifts for business planning, administration, and evangelism. In short, he joins
Pastor Jim and Pastor David in the monstrous task of pioneering a unique and vital
ministry.
“The need is tremendous,” he reminded me. “What are we going to help these people?
Some of these homes are dark places…. The people in prison are living better.”
A longtime member of Sonrise Church, Pastor Davis felt, about ten years ago, that
God was calling him. There was a need in convalescent homes that Life-Line Ministries
proposed to fill. He had attended the ROCK Church’s evening services for many years
and, with the help of former ROCK Pastor Jon Leeder, he was able to introduce Life-Line
to the ROCK Church, where we now find 60% of our volunteers.
He has since seen God work through Life-Line in an extraordinary way. “When we come
into a home, it changes the culture. We’re bringing Christ with us…. It’s the Holy
Spirit. That’s all I can say.”
Though initially squeamish about convalescent homes like a lot of new Life-Line recruits,
he ultimately decided, “It’s not about me.”
Going forward, Pastor Ken says, the idea is to take Life-Line to a national level.
The need for a friendly face, encouragement, prayer, even something so small as an
extra blanket, canvasses our country. Lonely and forgotten people are in residential
homes everywhere.
“The have had productive lives, contributed to society. Some of these people have
incredible stories. They don’t deserve to be left this way.”
Pastor Ken Davis shared his prayers for Life-Line Ministries-- that we succeed with
what we’re doing, have money to travel and go to other churches, and that God raise
up new leaders who are committed to the vision.
His most fervent prayer? “That what we do pleases God.” Amen.
As we closed our conversation, Pastor Ken asked to pray. He prayed over many of the
hopes and concerns that are so common to all of us-- faith in a desperate financial
time, trust in our all-knowing God, and obedience to honor Him when our character
is being tested.
And then he thanked me. After praying for me, encouraging me, and sharing with all
of us in Life-Line his many gifts, he thanked me. I couldn’t thank him enough.
“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or
under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7
