Ministry on the Margins at Elliston COG

When I was approached to write an article for Ministry on the Margins, I was hesitant to write. I didn’t want to feel like we were bragging about what we are doing for the Kingdom of God. I had to realize it wasn’t bragging, but that it was to encourage the body of Christ. I don’t think that we are anything special but we all can do something to help those around us. Some don’t believe they can because of the resources that they have. Many small churches feel that they are insignificant in the Kingdom work and they don’t have the resources that some do. Maybe your church is small and you don’t feel you can do much. I want to encourage you to look for opportunities to partner with others. You can use what you have to help others accomplish the Kingdom work. We have to realize that God has entrusted us with the greatest resource, ourselves and the people around us. If we will allow the Holy Spirit to lead us then we can utilize our resources to meet the needs of those around us. It’s not about our lack, but it’s about what Jesus can do in us. I hope that by sharing it will encourage you to think about what you can do for Jesus.

Jesus said we are to Love God and Love People (Matthew 22:36-40). 1 John 3:17 lets us know that if we see someone in need we should meet that need. If we don’t, then how can the love of God be in us? We need to be Jesus to those around us.

We (Elliston Church of God) are striving to be Jesus to our community and the world. We do what we can with the resources that we have to impact those around us and the world. So let me share some things about how we have been Jesus to those around us.

In November of 2018 we did two different events for those who were in need.

The first event was to help those in need locally. We started collecting caps, scarfs, gloves, coats, and blankets. We collected for several weeks and at the conclusion the church was able to donate the items we collected to an organization to help the homeless and Veterans in Roanoke.

For the second event, we held a benefit singing and hot dog sale. We used this to help those who were impacted by Hurricane Florence and Michael. The proceeds that were raised from this event were given to Hope Charitable Services to meet the needs of the hurricane victims.

Another way that we have tried to reach into our community was to host a Bass Fishing Seminar on February 15, 2019. This event literally fell into our laps. We didn’t have a lot of time to get it organized and set up, but we did what we could. We were privileged to have Pro Nathan Light of 3B Outdoors, Travis Decker of Rush Lures, and Phillip Cox, the 2012 Oakley Big Bass Champion with us. They all shared their craft with those who attended and didn’t charge us anything for doing the event. We did this event in anticipation of reaching out to the men in our community and surrounding communities. We decided to not just limit it to the men but all were welcome to come. We were fortunate to have been able to give away numerous door prizes donated from many businesses in our area. But what made this even more special was that not only did those who attend hear about secrets of the trade, but they heard about the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In April we decided to help the Pregnancy Resource Center (PRC). We organized a diaper and wipe drive at the church. We collected diapers and wipes until Mother’s Day to give to the PRC so they can minister to the pregnant women who come to them. The PRC helps out these expecting mothers in many ways. I would encourage you to look them up and see what you can do to help them. They have many testimonies of the people they have helped.

We are planning to do more for our community to see Jesus move in their lives. My prayer is that this will help you to think about the many different ways you can be Jesus to your community.

Respectfully and humbly submitted,

Pastor Ronnie Duncan
Elliston Church of God