Non-profit organizations thrive on volunteers. More specifically, para-church ministries (a ministry alongside a church) is not under the umbrella of a local church and relies even more on volunteers. Whereas a business sells products and services to pay its employees and a local church receives tithes and offerings to fund its outreach, a faith-based non-profit ministry, such as the FireEscape Coffeehouse, relies on private donations and generosity to fund its mission. Trying to keep the ministry afloat is much like trying to keep your head above water while chains of utility bills and building repairs threaten to submerge you.
That being said, the one catalyst that has continually kept us from going under has been the providential hand of the Lord. The FireEscape Coffeehouse was brought into existence by the Lord and he has continued to be the single most sustaining agent of its existence. However, the Lord has a reputation of meeting the needs of this ministry using generous hearts. Finances and resources to keep this place open did not just fall from the sky or appear from thin air. The Lord has placed on people's hearts the burden of giving time, money, and resources to the ministry that He has at the FireEscape Coffeehouse.
Before there can be a volunteer revolution, there must be a volunteer resolution. Someone must stand up and commit to carrying on the ministry at the FireEscape Coffeehouse. That may take many different forms. Maybe that means committing to spend three hours once a week (or every other week) investing in the next generation of youth for Jesus. Maybe that means giving a one-time or recurring gift to the ministry so that we can open our doors one of the 52 weekends this year. Maybe that means that you volunteer at concerts and other events by serving behind the scenes.
God uses people of all walks of life to carry out His ministry. Seek the Lord as to what He wants you to do. He has commanded us to go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). The FireEscape Coffeehouse is a place where that can happen and is happening on a weekly basis. We exist to be a resource for the church community to connect with the youth of Chanute. We do not replace regular church involvement. We are a bridge between disciple-makers and would-be disciples. Think about it. Pray about it. Let us work together to impact lives for Christ for God's Kingdom.
For more information about volunteering, visit our website.
That being said, the one catalyst that has continually kept us from going under has been the providential hand of the Lord. The FireEscape Coffeehouse was brought into existence by the Lord and he has continued to be the single most sustaining agent of its existence. However, the Lord has a reputation of meeting the needs of this ministry using generous hearts. Finances and resources to keep this place open did not just fall from the sky or appear from thin air. The Lord has placed on people's hearts the burden of giving time, money, and resources to the ministry that He has at the FireEscape Coffeehouse.
Before there can be a volunteer revolution, there must be a volunteer resolution. Someone must stand up and commit to carrying on the ministry at the FireEscape Coffeehouse. That may take many different forms. Maybe that means committing to spend three hours once a week (or every other week) investing in the next generation of youth for Jesus. Maybe that means giving a one-time or recurring gift to the ministry so that we can open our doors one of the 52 weekends this year. Maybe that means that you volunteer at concerts and other events by serving behind the scenes.
God uses people of all walks of life to carry out His ministry. Seek the Lord as to what He wants you to do. He has commanded us to go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). The FireEscape Coffeehouse is a place where that can happen and is happening on a weekly basis. We exist to be a resource for the church community to connect with the youth of Chanute. We do not replace regular church involvement. We are a bridge between disciple-makers and would-be disciples. Think about it. Pray about it. Let us work together to impact lives for Christ for God's Kingdom.
For more information about volunteering, visit our website.
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