A creative idea - much closer to home!

To round out the busy week that Ken and I had, last night we went to a ministry kick off of a new not-for-profit called Firm Base.  After just posting about the creative ideas that Jesus gives to His followers to help them use their gifts and talents, it was so fitting to hear about Firm Base.

This ministry is the "creative idea" of my son-in-law, Tim Johnson.  Over the last almost twenty years, I have watched both Tim and Gwen go through some really tough periods of growth and change.  But through it all, they knew that as a team - as a family - they were called to serve Jesus.  I have written many posts about the sacrificial work they are doing with the youth in their local church.  I can attest to the many, many hours that they spend each week just being there for the youth and young adults that Jesus has brought into their path.   And the seed of this ministry was sown many, years ago.  I remember hearing Gwen talk about Tim being able to use his gifts of construction and home repair and car repair to help other people.  Gwen actually had drawn the logo in one of her journals many years before Firm Base came into reality.

It has taken hours and hours of work for Tim, and the team that he has brought together, to give Firm Base it's own firm base.  He has filed reams of paperwork and worked with government agencies to make this an official ministry.  And soon (hopefully) the last necessary document will arrive from the State of Illinois so that Firm Base can begin to receive monetary donations.  Every creative idea requires foot work to make it happen.  And these dedicated people have gone the distance to bring Tim's dream into reality.   

They began their kick off last night with prayer.  And prayer is the number one needed item to make Firm Base all that Jesus wants it to be.  Of course there will be other needs as the ministry begins to serve their community.  It blessed me to hear the team talking about making an impact on the clients they serve - not only meeting their physical needs, but also being there to minister to them.  Tim has a dream to help empower people by giving them hands on training to do repairs for themselves.  It reminded me of the saying  "If you give a man a fish he eats for a day, but if you teach a man to fish he will eat for a lifetime".  

Tim is marathon runner.  He and Gwen have a wall full of race medals.  

I have watched them train for these races.  Seen the determination and shear will to complete these long  distances.  I am convinced that Firm Base will succeed because it was born of that creative idea, sown by the Holy Spirit, brought from dream to reality by Tim, Gwen, Michael and Jason.    I love that their Firm Base badges are hanging on this rack.  They are determined to run this race also!

Won't you take a minute and click on that link above that will take you to their web page.  They are also on Facebook and you can follow them there. If you know someone who needs a ministry like this, please let them know.  Or, if you or someone you know would like to help out in some way, give them a call.  If you have any questions about Tim or the team - or anything else, let me know.   Most of all, won't you join me in praying for this new ministry - for Gwen and Tim and their family also as they step into this new level of ministry.   I could not be more proud of them!

Jesus, thank you again for the plan and purpose you have for each of us.  Thank you Holy Spirit, for giving each of us that seed creative idea that helps us to use our gifts and talents.  Jesus, pour out your blessings on Firm Base and all that are involved.  Make those connections that are needed to bring those who need help into contact with the helpers you are providing.