Johnhwilburn.com

Last year I had a friend who struggled with an addiction to alcohol and cigarettes. He repented of that sin on a Sunday night and rededicated his life to the Lord. The next morning I told him he needed a new place to hang out since the rum-shop is where he spent most of his time.

By Tuesday he had gone back to the rum…..

And God had laid a burden upon my heart.

I’ve shared often my desire to create a refuge for men. A place where they can relax, have a meal, get counseling, or study Scripture without interruption or disruption from others. Most importantly this would be a place where sinful influences wouldn’t be allowed.

This vision had been in my mind and heart for months. But it took a while to follow that up with action because of the planning, work, and finances involved.

Slowly this year the Lord allowed me to begin creating a refuge.

This started by having a fence made along my wall (since painted white) for added protection, and allow my dog to run loose in the yard.

After my trip home in the States I knew it was time to have two picnic tables made. So a little over two-weeks ago, friends came to help build them.

Then last week we finished things up with a coat of wood-stain!

I am incredibly grateful for the work God has allowed me to do on this refuge

But now comes the hard part….

starting the ministry!

The funny thing is having a burden or even vision isn’t difficult at all. But ACTING on that burden is hard because you have to take a leap of faith. I’m willing to do this because the Lord will continue blessing. But this step of faith is also necessary because a burden without action is worthless.

Please pray for me as I begin outreach ministries in the mornings for men (outside of their work hours) and community events in the evening. Also pray as I get a grill organized for the backyard (someone is building it now) so we can begin having barbecues for the community.

These tables are a reminder to me that the God who placed a burden upon my heart will always be faithful to help me act on that burden.