“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Rock Ministries of Philadelphia brings the Gospel of Jesus Christ to at-risk young men in Philadelphia’s inner city. Our friends, Buddy Osborn and Paul Orr, lead this fruitful ministry. We encourage you to click on the link and visit their website.

In 2007, we were inspired by a Christian family whose mom attended the same Precepts Bible Study as I did. For their birthdays, rather than asking for gifts for themselves, they received new books for a Christian school in New Orleans that was devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

We prayerfully and enthusiastically took their lead. They spurred us on! Instead of receiving gifts for ourselves, we invited our family and friends to give to the outreach. After all four of our 2007 birthdays, 200 new books were donated by our family and friends for this Christian school. Joshua and Gabrielle insisted on loading all 40+ pounds of books into the car as we prepared to head to the shipping store to send the books off to New Orleans. They were so excited to give these new library books to the children in New Orleans.

For our 2008 birthdays, we prayerfully chose to have birthday outreaches for Rock Ministries of Philadelphia. This ministry shares the love, hope and salvation of Jesus to young men in Philadelphia.

Gabrielle’s 6th birthday party theme in May was “flip flops”, and she received $400 in gift cards for new footwear for these young men of Rock Ministries. Joshua’s 8th birthday party theme was “basketball” and he received sporting goods gift cards and 28 new basketballs. THANK YOU FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

Joshua and Gabrielle’s hearts were filled with excitement and joy! “…remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” Acts 20:35
Our prayer is that each young man who receives the footwear gifts cards and/or the basketballs will know God’s perfect love, salvation and provision.

May He be glorified and honored! “Whoever is kind to the needy honors God.” Proverbs 14:31 We always remember that we are all needful in different ways and in one similar way…we all need the Lord Jesus.

Buddy Osborn (pictured above with Brie & Josh) asked us recently if Rock Ministries could put Joshua and Gabrielle’s picture and their birthday outreach story in their upcoming newsletter. Our initial thought (admittedly without praying first) was “no” because we want God to receive the glory and honor. We did not want to draw attention to ourselves. However, the Lord quieted our hearts and gently whispered to us “say yes”…if we shine our lights with a pure heart…He is thereby glorified! “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

So, we share this to give glory to God. And whenever you share a testimony and a “God story”, then life, belief and deepening faith always follow. And we share to show how we were inspired by another family as they were shining their lights, doing good works, and bringing glory to Him!
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24

May we all shine our lights and spur one another on toward love and good deeds in His name!

Feel free to leave a comment and share your ideas…so you may spur us on! 🙂