Showing posts with label outreach. Show all posts
Showing posts with label outreach. Show all posts

Friday, March 4, 2016

A Prophetic Update: Taking Back Territory for Jesus!

Clarion Call: Prophetic Movement Rising


Hey everyone, Conrad here from ConradRocks.Net! You know, sometimes it feels like the days just blend together in a whirlwind of activity. I always say, "I need you Jesus," because honestly, I really do. It's a constant prayer, and I hope it's yours too. I wanted to give you all a peek behind the scenes of what we've been up to lately. It’s not just podcasts and videos here; we’re out there actively engaging in the supernatural work that God is doing! This past week has been incredibly busy, and I felt compelled to share a recap with you. So, let's dive in!

National Day of Prayer: A Prophetic Convergence



We’ve been heavily involved with the National Day of Prayer, and let me tell you, it’s been nothing short of amazing. We’re not just about formalities; this is about a real, spiritual move of God. I’m so proud of Kari Archer, who led worship; her talents are truly a gift from the Lord. Her mom must be so proud! I feel a prophetic anointing on her. You know, there is just so much happening, it can be overwhelming, but in a good way.




Then, there's the "Appeal to Heaven" flag. Remember that vision I had a year or two back about a green tree in the spirit? Well, it turns out that tree is on the Appeal to Heaven flag. It’s crazy how God works! This flag was flown by George Washington’s Navy, and its message, inspired by John Locke, is that when all else fails, we must appeal to heaven. This flag being so prominent during the National Day of Prayer, along with this movement, feels like a clear sign – they're in sync!

Collaboration and Community


I’m so grateful for the Temple Baptist Church in Temple, Texas, for hosting us and for their amazing hospitality. It's incredible when the body of Christ comes together like this. We had food, drinks, and great fellowship – it was the perfect place for our meeting. We had such a good time. Gwen, the area coordinator, along with Lindsey and Cynthia Todd, have been such pillars in this movement as well, and they are all doing an amazing job. I even have a video introduction on the Northwest Mississippi National Day of Prayer Facebook page you can check out! We’re a team, a family, and we’re pressing in.



And let’s not forget the incredibly talented Amy Rylander; while Khari was leading worship she was doing some powerful prophetic art in real time! You should definitely check out the periscope link to see what I mean.

Prophetic Stakes: Taking Territory for Jesus

Now, let’s talk about the railroad spikes – these are prophetic, folks! Diane Rogers, the Northeast coordinator for Mississippi, showed them to me and it blew my mind! It all ties back to Isaiah 54, which speaks of enlarging our tents, strengthening our stakes, and inheriting the Gentiles. These aren’t just random railroad spikes. Someone had the vision to get one for each county in Mississippi, each marked with Joshua 1:3: "Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses."




Susan and I have actually been drawn to the railroad theme for some time now, which makes this so much more impactful. The Northwest Mississippi slogan for the National Day of Prayer is “Take It.” It's our mission to bury these stakes in each of Mississippi's 82 counties, symbolically taking back the state for Jesus! We are claiming territory, making a statement, a supernatural declaration. It’s incredibly powerful and I am blown away with how this has come together.

And, on that same note, during the meeting, a woman showed up with an actual tent peg! This felt like another confirmation, a powerful message that God was putting us on the right track with this specific scripture.

A Clarion Call: A Prophetic Timing

I even got a message from someone in another state, completely unrelated, about a strategic prayer movement and a clarion call! This clarion call, a blowing of the trumpet which even happened during our meeting with Diane’s shofar from Jerusalem, confirms that now is the time for believers to rise up! I’m tellin’ ya folks, a lot of prophetic stuff is happening right now.

A Blast from the Past

Malcolm Auburn called me up and said, “Conrad, something about 2 Chronicles 7:14!” I told him that’s all I’ve been talking about for the last decade! The fact that the National Day of Prayer is also using that verse is a pretty awesome confirmation.



Taking it to the Streets: Love and Prayer in Action

After the conference, we saw the movie “Sons of God” and were impacted by their ministry in Jackson so we went and visited the next day. We were able to see what they are doing! They take condemned houses in rough neighborhoods and rehab them, putting Christians inside to be a light in the darkness. This is the same vision the Lord gave me recently of light cutting through the darkness. It's not about pushing darkness away, it's about transforming lives by bring in the light of Jesus! I just love that.



Kelly, from the ministry, shared a story about a man who was living in the cemetery behind their church. They loved him, they prayed for him, and now he’s helping them with their ministry! He saw his life turned around by the love of Jesus! It’s so powerful to see first-hand the transformation God brings.

And here’s the kicker: Kelly told us that they were doing the same thing with tent pegs in their area! They were taking that scripture from Isaiah 54 and putting it into practice. The fact that we heard that just the day before at our meeting, and the fact that we even had our railroad spike in the car at that time... well, Susan and I looked at each other like “wow... this is super duper prophetic”. God is speaking loudly.

Next, we went down to Beale Street. Our approach there is all about love. We’re not yelling at people; we're walking with signs that say "Jesus" and "Free Prayer.” As we approach people, they can see us coming and they have the choice to say “no” or “yes”. It's a completely different tactic. It’s all about showing the love of Christ. We don't just pray for people and leave, we talk with them. We try to find out what's on their hearts.




Kingdom Keys: Unlocking Hearts

We ask people about things like unforgiveness or pride, because often there are deep rooted reasons why people are on Beale Street. We want to see how the Spirit of God leads them. We guide them to seek first the Kingdom of God and all that will be added unto them! We're using the Kingdom keys to unlock chains and bring spiritual freedom.

We met a homeless lady who flagged us down and asked for prayer. We had goody bags we gave them. We talked with them and it was awesome.

And then there was Moses! He came running out of a building on Beale Street and said, “I need prayer, dude!” He then prayed for us in such a powerful, spirit-filled way! This just reminded me of the scripture we were focusing on in Joshua 13 – what a prophetic connection!

Serving and Feeding: The Mid-South Food Bank



The last thing that we did that week is help out at the Mid-South Food Bank through Live Point Church, who wants to stay anonymous for now, but does so much to help the community. They help feed many people with multiple locations each month. It’s amazing. I helped them unload and direct traffic, and it’s a great way to serve. They train kids to help too.

Well, that’s a snapshot of what we’ve been up to. There is so much more, as I mentioned, I took a ton of pictures! I don’t always share this side of things on the podcast, so I wanted to update you all!

Remember, if you’re involved in the National Day of Prayer, please sign up on the national website! It’s so important that your events show up in online searches. 

We are also going to be doing things like going to Walmarts to stir excitement and start prayer walks. It's about getting to know our neighbors and talking about the National Day of Prayer!

This isn’t just about us; it’s about Team Jesus rising up! There’s a spiritual battle raging, and it's time to engage. It's time to step into your calling. It's time for a supernatural awakening!

Leave a comment below and share your thoughts on the prophetic movement happening right now.

God bless you all! It's time to make a difference! Remember, it’s time for Team Jesus to Rise Up!

Friday, February 26, 2016

Prayer Outreach Beale St Memphis TN #TeamJesus

I am not able to film all the stuff that we do during the "Free Prayer" outreach.  But here is a clip of what we do during the slow moments.  Beale St is lit up at like Vegas at night and it is quite a mesmerizing place to minister. I can see why people go there.

We go there because it is the heartbeat of Memphis.  To change a city, we must change it’s heart.

We are making some Christian friends that are employees on Beale St.  We think of them as sentinels of Beale St for Jesus.  We are hoping to find a way to get free parking, because parking can get expensive if there is an event nearby. The more expensive parking is, however,  the more people there are to minister to.

We gave away 3 care packages this last Wednesday and got to chat with each person we gave the packets to. Our goal is to not just give them care packets but to give them Kingdom keys that can transform their lives. We want to get them on fire for Jesus and for that fire to be contagious. They were eager for prayer and hungry for someone just to talk to them. They are ignored by so many people, that they often light up for any type of conversation.   We like to talk about the life transforming power of #Jesus.

One man was from Houston and he really desired prayer.  We talked to him for quite some time. One of the awesome things about that encounter is we had some resource pages so that he could find a place to stay and get a warm meal :-).

We found this one man sitting all by himself he seemed sad and lonely. We spent quite some time speaking with him and prayed for him.  The Lord told me to give him a hug. His face lit up and he hugged all three of us.  The hugs seemed to do something miraculous for him. He began to smile and even laugh after that.

We post these videos to inspire you to change your neighborhood and cities for Jesus.

We are at a precipice in history.

It is time for #TeamJesus to rise up!




Monday, February 22, 2016

Miracles in Memphis: A Day of Divine Healing

Faith in Action: Miraculous Healings and Spiritual Warfare at the VA




Hey there, faithful followers! It's Conrad from ConradRocks.Net, and I've got an incredible story to share with you today. Recently, I had the privilege of witnessing some truly miraculous events that reaffirmed my belief in the power of prayer and the healing touch of Jesus. Join me as I recount a day filled with supernatural encounters and life-changing moments at the VA hospital in Memphis.

From Worship to Healing

Our day began like many others, with a group of us gathering in the park for worship. As we praised the Lord, a powerful thought struck us – why not take our faith directly to those who need it most? With a burst of inspiration, we decided to head to the VA hospital, armed with nothing but our signs and an unwavering belief in the healing power of Jesus.

The anticipation was palpable as we carpooled to the hospital. You could feel the excitement in the air, a tangible sense that we were about to witness something extraordinary. Little did we know just how incredible our day would become.

Divine Encounters in the Hospital Hallway

As we entered the hospital, we found ourselves in a long construction hallway. It was here that we encountered our first miracle of the day. A woman named Sibylle, barely able to walk and clearly in agony, caught sight of our "Need Free Prayer" sign and stopped us.

My friend Garry, a true man of faith, began talking to her about her relationship with God and the importance of forgiveness. Then, he prayed for her. What happened next was nothing short of miraculous. Sibylle, who had been struggling to stand moments before, was now raising her hands in praise and even dancing! Her diabetic foot pain had significantly decreased, and she was overcome with joy.

This encounter set the tone for the rest of our day. We had witnessed the healing power of Jesus firsthand, and our faith was ignited like never before.

Facing Spiritual Warfare in the Waiting Room

As we made our way to the VA waiting room, we encountered a stark contrast to the joy we had just experienced. The atmosphere was heavy with apathy and unbelief. It was a stark reminder of the spiritual warfare we face when doing God's work.

Despite the challenging environment, we persevered. We approached people, offering prayer and healing in Jesus' name. While many declined, we found a willing participant in a man named Earl. When asked about his faith, Earl humbly replied that he had faith the size of a mustard seed – the perfect answer!

We prayed for Earl, who was visibly in pain with swollen legs. At first, he was hesitant to stand, still gripped by disbelief. But as he left the waiting room, something amazing happened. By the time we caught up with him in the parking lot, Earl was dancing and running, completely healed!

The Power of Childlike Faith

This experience with Earl taught me a valuable lesson about the power of childlike faith. Even when our initial prayers don't seem to yield immediate results, we must trust in God's timing and continue to believe. Earl's healing didn't manifest instantly, but his willingness to take that first step of faith opened the door for a miraculous transformation.

Spreading Hope and Healing

Our day of miracles didn't end at the VA hospital. We felt led to continue our mission at the local bus station, a place where we've witnessed many powerful encounters in the past. Although the crowd was smaller than usual, we were able to minister to a young woman struggling with unforgiveness. Through prayer and counsel, we saw her begin to experience emotional healing and freedom.

Biblical Reflections on Healing

As I reflect on the events of that day, I'm reminded of Jesus' words in Mark 16:17-18: "And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."

Our experiences at the VA hospital and bus station were living testimonies to the truth of this scripture. We saw people healed, set free from emotional bondage, and touched by the supernatural power of God. It's a powerful reminder that the miracles we read about in the Bible are not confined to ancient history – they're available to us today through faith in Jesus Christ.

Personal Reflections and Growth

This day of miracles has had a profound impact on my own faith journey. With each healing we witness, I find my faith growing stronger and my boldness increasing. It's as if we're climbing from one plateau of faith to the next, continually expanding our understanding of what's possible through Christ.

I'm also learning the importance of persistence in prayer. Just as Jesus sometimes prayed for people multiple times before they received full healing, we must be willing to press in and not give up at the first sign of resistance. Our experience with Earl is a perfect example of this principle in action.

As I wrap up this account of our miraculous day in Memphis, I want to encourage you, my dear readers, to step out in faith. The same Jesus who healed Sibylle's feet and restored Earl's ability to walk is alive and active today. He wants to use you to bring His healing touch to a hurting world.

Don't let fear or doubt hold you back. Remember, even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. If you're facing physical, emotional, or spiritual challenges, I invite you to reach out. Follow me on social media, and we will stand with you in prayer.

And for those of you who want to see these miracles for yourself, I've included a link to the video footage from our day at the VA in my bio. Watch it, be inspired, and then go out and be the hands and feet of Jesus in your own community.

Until we meet again, remember to dig deeper and go higher in your faith journey. The supernatural realm is closer than you think, and Jesus is waiting to work miracles through you!




Tuesday, February 16, 2016

#TeamJesus on Beale St

Conrad Rocks does more than just podcasts. Sometimes we actually go out and DO STUFF for #Jesus!

We learned a lot from ministries like  Memphis Union Mission, Merge Memphis, and the Urban Bicycle Food Ministry .  Great people that truly have a heart for the people in Memphis.  
We saw what Valerie Cambpell was doing with the 52 Random Acts of kindness and what Merge Memphis was doing with Project Warm Memphis- so we  started making goodie bags for the homeless.  

I wanted to share a couple of clips with you to give you an idea of what we are talking about. 
Keep in mind, while we are actually ministering, i am not in the habit of getting it on camera.  

Thanks to Michael Burke,  Garry and Nancy Nesbit (and others) for helping out.  More to come from them in the future.  







Friday, February 12, 2016

Spiritual Encounters at the Memphis Bus Station: A Journey of Faith and Compassion

Memphis Bus Station Adventure



Hey there, fellow believers! It's Conrad from ConradRocks.Net, and I'm excited to share with you an incredible experience I recently had at the Memphis bus station. As a follower of Jesus, I'm always looking for opportunities to spread His love and message. This adventure at the bus station was not just an eye-opener but a powerful reminder of how God works in mysterious ways.

Before I dive into the details of our Memphis experience, let me remind you of something crucial: you must be born again to see the kingdom of heaven. This truth, straight from Jesus' words in John 3:3, is at the core of my ministry and my book. It's not just about seeing supernatural phenomena; it's about truly understanding and experiencing the kingdom of God.

The Call to Action: Stepping Out in Faith

When my friend Michael suggested we go to the bus station to pray for people, I'll admit, I was hesitant. My past experiences at bus stations, particularly in Houston, weren't exactly pleasant. But then I remembered - this is exactly what God has called us to do. We can't reclaim what the devil has stolen by sitting on our couches, can we?

As Christians, we're called to be doers of the word, not just hearers. James 1:22 reminds us, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." This verse echoed in my mind as we prepared for our mission.

I couldn't help but recall a frightening incident at the Houston bus station a few years back. I was carrying my tablet, hoping to listen to some sermons during my journey, when I noticed some guys heading straight for me with obvious ill intent. In that moment, the Spirit rose up within me, and I started praying in tongues right there. Those would-be robbers looked at each other, then at me, and quickly left. Praise God for His protection! As Psalm 3:3 says, "But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high."

Arriving at the Memphis Bus Station: A Pleasant Surprise

To my relief, the Memphis bus station was a far cry from my expectations. It was clean, safe, and even had a police officer on duty. This immediately put me at ease and reinforced my belief that God was guiding our steps.

Before entering, we took a moment to pray together, asking for divine appointments and words of knowledge. It's crucial to keep that vertical relationship with God open, ensuring we're not operating from our carnal minds but allowing the love of Jesus to flow through us. As Colossians 3:17 instructs us, "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Encounters with the Broken and the Hopeful

As we walked in with our "Free Prayer" signs, I scanned the room, asking the Lord to guide me. The Holy Spirit quickly directed me to a lady who seemed relieved to see us. We chatted with her, learning about her passion for children's ministry, and prayed for her endeavors.

One thing I've learned in my spiritual journey is the importance of building relationships. It's not just about saying a prayer and leaving; it's about showing genuine care and interest in people's lives. That's why I always invite people to connect on Facebook - it's a great ministry tool that allows for ongoing connection without being too invasive.

As we moved through the station, I was surprised by how many people declined prayer. It made me wonder if the media's portrayal of Christians has affected people's perceptions. Nevertheless, we persevered, knowing that our role is to offer the plan of salvation and let Jesus do the work in their hearts. As 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 reminds us, "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow."

Divine Appointments: Clothes for the Needy and Angelic Encounters

God's timing is always perfect. We met a young man who told us about a girl who had run out crying, with no extra clothes. Amazingly, we had brought women's clothes in our van! It was a beautiful reminder of how God prepares us for the needs we'll encounter. This experience brought to mind Matthew 25:36, where Jesus says, "I needed clothes and you clothed me." By serving others, we're serving Christ Himself.

We also met a woman who shared her incredible story of dying three times as a child and encountering an angel. These supernatural experiences remind us of the reality of the spiritual realm and God's constant presence in our lives. Hebrews 13:2 tells us, "Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it." Her story was a powerful testament to this truth.

Hope for the Hopeless: Ex-Prisoners and the Abandoned

One of the most touching moments was praying with Andrew, a man recently released from prison who had found the Lord during his incarceration. His enthusiasm for prayer was inspiring, and I believe God has great plans for his life. Andrew's transformation reminded me of Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

We also encountered a young woman who had been abandoned at the bus station by her foster parents. Her story broke our hearts, but it also reminded us of the importance of showing Christ's love to those who feel rejected and alone. Isaiah 41:10 says, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." We shared this promise with her, hoping to bring some comfort to her troubled soul.

A Call to Action for Christians 

This experience at the Memphis bus station reinforced my belief that we, as Christians, need to be more proactive in our faith. Imagine if just 1% of the 210 million Christians in America committed to prayer walking their neighborhoods and sharing Jesus with others each week. We could transform our nation!

The decline in the number of professing Christians in America (from 86% in 1990 to 70% in 2014) is alarming. But I believe it's not too late to turn the tide. We need to step out of our comfort zones and be the hands and feet of Jesus in our communities. As Jesus commands us in Matthew 5:14-16, "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

The Power of Prayer and Action

Throughout our time at the bus station, I was reminded of the power of prayer combined with action. James 2:17 tells us, "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." Our willingness to step out and engage with people opened doors for God to work in miraculous ways.

I encourage you to start small if you're feeling overwhelmed. Maybe begin by praying for your neighbors or offering to help someone in need. As you grow more comfortable, consider joining or organizing prayer walks in your community. Remember, every act of obedience, no matter how small, can have a ripple effect in the Kingdom of God.

Be the Change

I want to encourage you, dear reader, to take action. If I can do this, you can too! I'm just an ordinary person stepping out in faith, trying to go for God. Whether it's organizing a prayer walk in your neighborhood, participating in the National Day of Prayer, or simply sharing your faith with someone at work, every act of obedience counts.

Remember 2 Chronicles 7:14: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." Let's be those people who humble ourselves, pray, and seek God's face for the healing of our nation.

Will you join me in this mission? Share this post with your friends, gather a group for prayer, and let's take back our neighborhoods, cities, and nation for Jesus. Together, we can make a difference!

As we wrap up, I want to leave you with one final thought. Our experiences at the Memphis bus station were just a small glimpse of what God can do when we make ourselves available to Him. Ephesians 3:20 reminds us that God "is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." So, let's dream big, pray boldly, and act faithfully. Who knows what incredible things God might do through us?

Until next time, keep digging deeper and going higher in your faith journey!

A Personal Reflection

As I reflect on our experience at the Memphis bus station, I'm reminded of how far I've come in my own spiritual journey. There was a time when the thought of approaching strangers to offer prayer would have terrified me. But through God's grace and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, I've grown bolder in my faith.

This growth didn't happen overnight. It's been a process of continually stepping out of my comfort zone, trusting God, and witnessing His faithfulness time and time again. Each experience, whether at a bus station, on the streets, or in everyday encounters, has built my faith and confidence in God's ability to use me for His purposes.

I share this personal reflection to encourage you, dear reader. Maybe you're feeling inadequate or afraid to step out in faith. Remember, God doesn't call the equipped; He equips the called. As 2 Timothy 1:7 says, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

The Importance of Spiritual Preparedness

Our experience at the bus station also highlighted the importance of being spiritually prepared. We didn't just show up with good intentions; we came equipped with prayer, the Word of God, and a willingness to be used by the Holy Spirit.

This preparedness reminds me of Ephesians 6:11-13, which instructs us to "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."

In practical terms, this means staying rooted in God's Word, maintaining an active prayer life, and cultivating a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's leading. It's this spiritual foundation that enables us to be effective witnesses for Christ, whether we're at a bus station or in our everyday lives.

A Word of Encouragement

As we conclude this reflection on our Memphis bus station adventure, I want to leave you with a word of encouragement. Your willingness to step out in faith, no matter how small the step may seem, can have a profound impact on the Kingdom of God.

Remember, Jesus often used ordinary people and everyday situations to demonstrate His extraordinary power and love. The disciples were fishermen, tax collectors, and ordinary folks like you and me. Yet, God used them to change the world.

So, I challenge you: What's your "bus station"? Where is God calling you to step out in faith? It might be your workplace, your neighborhood, or even your own family. Wherever it is, know that God is with you, and He will equip you for the task at hand.

Let's commit to being the change we want to see in our world. Let's be bold in our faith, compassionate in our actions, and unwavering in our commitment to spreading the love of Jesus. Together, we can make a difference, one prayer, one act of kindness, one testimony at a time.

May God bless you and empower you as you embark on your own spiritual adventures!


Friday, January 8, 2016

Tina Tatum - Tackling Human Trafficking in America

Ministry Spotlight - Interview with Tina Tatum from R3 The Movement.

Human Trafficking awareness month
Domestic statistics
Sex Trafficking is the #2 money maker 
Reach, Rescue, and Redeem explained
How you can help
What the Bible Says
January Events - TV and Radio



xxx
xxx


Friday, October 9, 2015

Misty Hodges Interview - Gay Pride Outreach Tarrant County

Reaching the Unreachable: A Divine Encounter at Gay Pride


As I sat down for another edition of "Coffee with Conrad," I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. Today's guest was none other than Misty Hodges, a passionate street evangelist whose dedication to spreading the Gospel never ceases to amaze me. You might remember her from our previous interviews about the satanic black mass in Oklahoma City or her experiences in Washington D.C. during the Supreme Court hearings on gay marriage. Misty is truly on the front lines of faith, reaching out to those who might never set foot in a church.

Our conversation today centered around her recent experience evangelizing at the Tarrant County gay pride event. As always, Misty's unwavering commitment to sharing God's love shone through every word she spoke.

The Power of Persistence and Prayer

Misty began by describing how she and a team of about 25 people from various ministries attended the event. Armed with signs displaying Scripture and Gospel tracts, they set out to minister to the LGBTQ+ community and their supporters. What struck me most was the stark contrast between this year's experience and last year's.

"Last year, we faced a lot of harassment from the police," Misty explained. "They tried to prevent us from getting close to the event. We actually had to take them to court, and we won the lawsuit."

This victory paved the way for a completely different atmosphere this time around. The police not only allowed them to minister freely but even defended them when necessary. It's a powerful reminder of how standing firm in our faith and rights can open doors for the Gospel.

Divine Appointments in Unexpected Places

As Misty shared more about their interactions at the event, I was moved by the hunger for truth she encountered, especially among the youth. "At every point, we had around 25 to 30 people gathered around our speakers, listening for long periods," she said. "Towards the end, we had a group of teenagers, probably 16 to 20 years old, who were absolutely captivated by our message."

What these young people craved most, according to Misty, was a sense of purpose and destiny. In a world that often leaves them feeling confused and directionless, the message of God's love and plan for their lives resonated deeply. It's a poignant reminder that beneath the surface of pride events and rainbow flags, there are souls yearning for something more.

Addressing the Heart of the Matter

One of the most powerful aspects of Misty's ministry is her approach to addressing sensitive issues like homosexuality. She emphasized the importance of presenting the truth in love, acknowledging the reality of temptation while offering hope through Christ.

"We talk to them about how it is a sin that they can overcome, about resisting the devil, and how to put that into play as a Christian," Misty explained. "Some of them say they're Christian but don't know what to do because they're having these temptations."

Her words struck a chord with me. In our current cultural climate, where affirming every lifestyle choice is often seen as the only loving response, Misty's approach offers a much-needed balance of truth and grace.



Breaking Stereotypes: The Heart of a Street Preacher

As our conversation continued, we touched on a topic close to my heart: the often-misunderstood nature of street preaching. Media portrayals tend to focus on the most confrontational moments, painting street preachers as hateful or aggressive. Misty's experiences tell a different story.

"The people that I minister with, they tell the truth of what the Bible says," she clarified. "People don't like to be confronted with their sin, so they feel like we're being hateful when we're not. We're only addressing sin and offering the hope of salvation through Jesus."

Misty went on to describe the sacrifices these ministers make, funding their own trips and pouring out their hearts for people they may never see again. It's a powerful testament to the love that drives them – a love that compels them to speak truth, even when it's unpopular.

The Call to Action: Everyday Evangelism

As our interview drew to a close, I asked Misty about the passion that drives her ministry. Her response was both simple and profound: "I started asking the Lord to show me why people do what they do... When I started to see God's perspective of the lost and dying, this holy anger rose up inside of me."

This perspective shift led Misty to a realization that has fueled her ministry ever since: many of the people she encounters at these events will never step foot in a church. If we don't go to them, who will?

Her words challenge me – and I hope they challenge you, too. We don't all need to be street preachers, but we are all called to share the love of Christ. Misty offered some practical advice for those feeling the stirring to evangelize:

1. Look for existing groups in your area that are already doing outreach.

2. Start by pursuing daily divine appointments – be open to sharing your faith in everyday situations.

3. Don't let a lack of knowledge hold you back. Start with what you know, and grow from there.

4. Ask God to give you a heart for the lost and to show you opportunities to share His love.

A Prayer for the Called

We ended our time together with a powerful prayer. Misty asked God to stir the hearts of listeners, to give direction on where to go and who to minister to. She reminded us that the call to "go" isn't just for a select few – it's for all believers.

As I reflect on our conversation, I'm filled with a renewed sense of purpose and urgency. Yes, our culture seems to be sliding further from Biblical values. But as Misty so beautifully demonstrated, God can use willing hearts to make a profound impact.

I want to challenge you, dear reader: How can you step out in faith today? Whether it's striking up a conversation at your local coffee shop or supporting ministries like Misty's, we all have a role to play in sharing the transformative love of Christ.

If you'd like to learn more about Misty's ministry or connect with her, you can find her on Facebook

Thank you for being part of the Conrad Rocks community. If this post has touched you, please consider sharing it with your friends, family, and even those you might consider "enemies." Together, we can make a difference, one conversation at a time.

Until next time, keep digging deeper and reaching higher for Christ.


God bless,

Conrad


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Friday, March 13, 2015

A Journey from Tragedy to Triumph: Mike Norris' Story

Bicycles, Burritos, and God's Plan



I had the honor of interviewing Mike Norris, a man with an incredible testimony of how God took the tragedy of losing his teenage son and transformed it into a ministry that is changing lives across the globe. 

In 2011, Mike received the devastating news that his 18-year-old son Christopher, along with Christopher's mother and two other children, had been killed in a car accident while traveling home from a family trip. Christopher had been an active participant in mission trips and was scheduled to leave for Japan just days after the accident occurred. 

In the months following this horrific loss, Mike struggled with anger and questioned God. But in the midst of his grief, God spoke to him, impressing John 3:16 on his heart and giving Mike peace that Christopher, as a believer, now had eternal life.

About a year later, Mike took his first mission trip to Thailand, visiting the orphanage his church had been supporting. The experience opened his eyes and heart. When his friend Bobby approached him about doing a 500-mile bike ride across Thailand to raise money for the orphanage, in memory of Christopher, Mike knew he had to do it, despite weighing nearly 300 pounds at the time.

That first ride in 2012 was the start of something big. Over the next few years, Mike lost a significant amount of weight, rode thousands of training miles, and watched the bike ride fundraiser, now called the Tour of Hope, grow to over 20 participants and raise more than $60,000 for the orphanage. A weekly burrito ministry Bobby had started to feed the homeless also exploded, now operating out of a church and serving hundreds each week.

Mike never planned or expected any of this, but he sees God's hand orchestrating every detail, even using the devastating loss of his son to bring about a greater good and impact many lives. His family has found healing and purpose through the ministry that developed. While Mike may never understand why he had to lose Christopher, he knows he has to find and follow God's plan in the midst of the tragedy. 

Mike's story is a powerful example of beauty from ashes, of God working all things together for good even through unimaginable pain. I know God will continue to use Mike, his family, and their ministry to touch many more lives with the gospel and the love of Christ in the years to come. You can follow their journey on Facebook at "Ride 4 Him."

Friday, March 6, 2015

Ministry Spotlight with Jill Dyson - Angel Street Ministries #CWC

 Angel Street: Empowering Memphis Girls



I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Jill Dyson on my podcast, Coffee with Conrad. Jill is an accomplished singer-songwriter from Memphis with a passion for faith, family, music and philanthropy.

During our conversation, Jill shared how her song "Carry the Light" was inspired by Philippians 2:15 and encapsulates her mission to bring hope and the love of Jesus to the city of Memphis, especially through her involvement with Angel Street Ministry.

Angel Street Ministry focuses on mentoring and empowering young girls in some of the poorest neighborhoods of North Memphis. Jill explained how it started with leading a children's choir for a women's ministry Christmas event. The girls were so engaged and excited that it grew into an ongoing program providing music education, mentoring, and connecting the girls to opportunities to develop their talents and leadership potential.

Jill shared moving stories of the transformative impact Angel Street has had on girls in the program, like Jasmine and Terrian, who have blossomed into confident young leaders. Jill's love for Memphis and its people shines through. As she put it, "I can be a part of their lives and have a lifelong journey with them where we become family, we become friends."

My biggest takeaway from this inspiring interview is that one person, fueled by faith and compassion, can make a profound difference in a community. Jill Dyson is a shining example of what it means to "carry the light" and spread hope, one life at a time. I encourage you to learn more about Jill's music and Angel Street Ministry at JillDyson.com.


Check out the song Carry the Light here!