What is Satan’s most lethal weapon to attack a ministry?
Sin? Burnout? Isolation? Finances? Pressure? Loss? Betrayal?
In the decades I have been involved in ministry I have observed that discouragement is what can lead to ministries crumbling. Why? Because it stops forward momentum and without forward momentum ministries atrophy and die.
"Discouragement is the deficit of courage. Biblical courage is the ability to face uncertainty, adversity, danger or suffering with faith- fueled hope that God will keep His word to us, come what may. Discouraged Christians are immobilized threats, diffused gospel bombs, and silenced evangelists. Worldly perceptions and criticism tend to sap our courage.
What is the antidote for discouragement? Thankfulness! It is a counterintuitive antidote to discouragement because it takes the focus from ourselves and our circumstances to our Heavenly Father. The Bible is full of verses on thankfulness." - Jon Bloom Desiring God
The word discouragement is mentioned in the Bible 43 times, whereas the commandment "be courageous" and "do not fear" is proclaimed 114 times! This is why our theme for the banquet was Embrace the Journey!
Our Bible verse was Joshua 1:9 which states
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” NKJV
At PRC, we battle discouragement by praising God and being thankful for:
- The success of the PRCs 20th Annual Banquet!
- Our supporters and donors who fund this ministry!
- The 47 babies born to PRC clients in 2023 who will get to celebrate a birthday in 2024!
- The 115% increase in ultrasounds provided in 2023!
- The 2061 visitors to PRC in 2023!
- Our volunteers and board members donating 1,870 hours of their time to assist PRC in 2023!
- The building our supporters funded and helped us purchase in 2018!
- Reaching more abortion vulnerable moms through our expanded medical services!
May this encourage you to be courageous and thankful in whatever ministry God has called you to: mom, dad, preacher, teacher, mentor, grandparent, friend, priest, missionary, husband, wife, student, volunteer, prolife advocate……
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