For Him is a God inspired, God directed community-based ministry consisting of the following 10 pillars: Faithful feeding, Clothing, Community Service, Christfit, Baby needs, Hope House, Education, Nursing home, Events, and Finance / giving. Through scriptural inspiration, obedience and God’s divine direction doors were opened which allowed the establishment of the 10 “For Him” pillars of ministry
. This direction was founded in three portions of scripture through which the Lord kept directing Bernie to. Bernie and Kristine drove by this church so many times over the years when we were up visiting family and friends but this past year (2024) we drove by and I felt God said to me – buy that church and I will direct you. Bernie found out who owned the church – emailed them, and then talked with them. They were open to it (Keep in mind Bernie and Kristine live in Tennessee). They purchased the church to be a community outreach based on the love of Jesus. The story really started when God woke me up one night and gave me some scriptures to read and I was like (you want me to get up and read these now in the middle of the night?) I didn’t feel he did so I slept, then he gave me another verse a bit later, I didn’t get up again finally he gave me a 3rd verse and I did get up and I read all three. Gen 4:4, Acts 4:4, Rev 4:4. This was his affirmation to me, what we can expect to happen, and his provision for everything from resources to people. The fact is all we have is his and we should use it all for him, our time, our talents, our money – he gave them all to us and we need to use it for him. Luke 12:48 and Matthew 25:14-30
Through faith and trust the Lord continues to provide, direct and open doors allowing for the establishment and growth of each of the ten “For Him” pillars in “His” time. Pillar 1: Faithful feeding – which will be a soup kitchen open for people to stop in and get something to eat and fellowship. Nothing fancy just two types of soups and some crackers. This is open to everybody. Pillar 2: Clothing – we are going to have a donation room and a place for people to come in and get the clothes, coats, etc. Like a Goodwill type thing except free. Pillar 3: Community Service – I am partnering with the schools, churches, and the community to get community service for the older folks in town. There are several older people living in Ravenswood who don’t have family close by or just need a little help every now and then, so we have a page where they can request needs (change some light bulbs, bring in the water out of the back of their car, yard work, etc.) just things that when living alone or as an older couple might be hard to do on your own. This one really came from mom who when I am up there she has a punch list of things she just can’t do on her own. Anyhow the men/students/women and mentor will go out 2 by 2 on Saturday and knock off the lists. Pillar 4: Christfit – this is a small gym for people to come in and work out – nothing major something like a hotel would have. Pillar 5: Baby needs – this will be diapers, dry formula, food, wipes
Pillar 6: Hope House – this is a ministry already in Ravenswood for ladies who are changing their lives. They already have a place but we will have them use the venue from time to time for different functions
Pillar 7: Education – The goal will be to provide education services and support to the community. We are prayerfully exploring several areas, such as providing free online GED, SAT and ACT study tools individuals can access from anywhere. No need to worry about transportation. Pillar 8: Nursing home ministries – Another ministry the Lord has not fully revealed, which through prayer, patience and obedience will in “His” time come to fruition. The general idea will focus on a group(s) of people and visiting the local nursing homes to be an encouragement to the residents. Pillar 9: Events –Then the church can be used for weddings, praise nights, worship service, etc. The church will always have communion available and be open for people to just come in and pray etc. too – like they have in all the old churches in Europe. No candles though – I don’t need any fires. Pillar 10: Finance / giving – Support provided to other ministries as the Lord leads and burdens us.
