Mindy grew up in IN but attending a church in Ohio. We were married in that church and my brother-in-law now serves as the pastor there. Throughout the years I have enjoyed visiting the good people there and have learned much from them. There is one specific man in the church, Mr. Noe, that I love to hear pray. He is almost completely blind, but he is such a great example in so many ways. At one point I had the privilege to go to breakfast with him, and he shared with me about his wife that had recently passed. They had been married for over 63 ½ years, and he spoke with such love and kindness about her. I asked him if he would give me marriage advice, and what he said was both challenging and convicting. I broke down what he said into these 10 principles and believe they will help you as they have helped me. 

Love her

He teared up as he shared with me how much he loved his wife. It might seem like a general statement to say “love your spouse,” but this man was dedicated and devoted to his wife for 63 1/2 years; that’s a long time!

The Bible talks a lot about love, but it dedicates a “love chapter” that goes in-depth on the definition and details of love. Love is patient, forgiving and gives multiple chances. Love is never failing. In the “love chapter” of the Bible, 1 Corinthians 13, God chooses to use the word charity for love. We know charity as an action of giving without expecting to receive back. You don’t give charity to a person or organization and think you will receive back, you give knowing you will not receive anything back. And charity is the love that belongs in marriage. Not giving and expecting to receive back, rather giving happily from the heart without consideration for receiving back. When we give with charity, we are demonstrating real, Biblical love.

As the church is to love Christ, the man is to love his wife and as the church is to submit and respect Christ so the wife is to do to her husband. Ephesians 5 goes on further to say that the love is to be so strong that the man should love his wife as he loves his own body. No one neglects their own body: If you are cold, you cover up; if you are hungry, you get something to eat; if you are tired, you get some rest. No one on purpose tries to make their body suffer… and you are to love your spouse like you love your own body.  

I once heard someone say that the greatest thing you can do for your children is to love their mother. 

Love the kids the Lord gave you

Child bearing is a very painful and difficult thing – and when a father chooses not to love or spend time with the children his wife gave birth to, he is not only saying that he doesn’t love the children, but also that he doesn’t care about the pain she went through to give birth to them. Spend time with the children; love them.

Don’t discuss problems and certain things in front of children

Children are a lot smarter than we give them credit for, so be careful what you talk about in front of them. It is wise to stop a conversation and go to the bedroom or another room in moments of disagreement. 

To be continued…

Two weeks ago we began a series, and this week we will continue with the next three thoughts about Good Teachers: 

A Good Teacher Thinks of Their Students Outside the Classroom 

A good teacher has an inner compulsion to invest into the lives of others. The good teacher’s love and concern goes outside the classroom settings and overflows into the life and schedule. A good teacher prays for the students, thinks of them in class preparation, contacts them on important dates, and is intentionally involved in their lives. Adding value to their lives, inside and outside of the classroom, is on the forefront of a good teacher’s heart and mind. And since every student is unique, a good teacher finds a way to connect and help each individual. They are not numbers or stats, they are individual souls of whom you have been entrusted. 

A Good Teacher Listens

This does not mean every student should talk, but this does mean you should be on the lookout for questions. Some students will show concern or questions with a raised hand, while many more show it in their facial expressions or lack of interest. Listening means finding the question behind the question. Is the student really asking about that specific subject, or is there a bigger issue to which the teacher should be attentive? Listen for doubts, listen for sarcasm, listen for disinterest, and listen for deeper needs the students possess. While a teacher usually does the majority of talking, there is equal or greater wisdom in listening. Listen and you might just learn how to better serve your students. 

A Good Teacher is Patient

This does not come easy to most of us, but a good teacher is patient with their pupils. The best example of a teacher is the Lord Jesus. It seems His disciples asked silly questions on a constant basis, or they didn’t understand His teaching, but Jesus was patient with them. While there is a time to be assertive,  patience is mostly needed. If the teacher loses their cool, the students may be afraid to open up in the future. If the teacher is sarcastic about an answer, they may be afraid to raise their hand or ask for clarification. If a teacher is patient, the students will learn, and the teacher will maintain control and authority. When tempers flair and sarcasm is present, respect and authority are far removed. Show love by showing patience. 

To be continued… 

Part 2 of 6 – helpful thoughts by Jeff

Last week we began a series, and this week we will continue with the next three thoughts about Good Teachers: 

A Good Teacher Prepares Their Classroom

Your classroom might be at a school, church, house, or under a baobab tree, but a good teacher works to make the environment a good one. A safe, fun, and healthy environment is more than desks and chairs. It is a place where the teacher shows concern, invites student involvement, and manages negative attitudes. Arrive early to prepare, clear your head and make sure the classroom provides what is needed for the day. Distractions will present themselves in many forms, but a good teacher will do their best to pivot and keep the classroom a pleasant and welcoming place to learn. A good teacher is the emotional thermostat for the students, so be prepared and in control of your classroom. 

A Good Teacher Prepares Their Material

Teaching is much more than off loading information. A good teacher realizes they are investing into another person, not merely imparting material. Because of the natural influence a teacher has, a good teacher prepares the appropriate material specifically for their pupils. “Winging it” is not an option for the good teacher. A good teacher is willing to invest time, thought, and love into preparing the best material for their pupils. 

A Good Teacher Prepares Themself

Prepare yourself mentally by getting the right amount of sleep and having the correct motives and thoughts. Prepare yourself physically by getting up on time and eating a good meal. Prepare yourself spiritually by guarding your personal time in prayer and Bible reading. And prepare yourself emotionally by thinking through what you’ve studied and having a clearcut plan for that specific class time. 

To be continued… 

by Evangelist Ethan LeCroy, taken from teaching at a VSM Missions Class 

For more information about Evangelist Ethan LeCroy, click here: https://evangelistethanlecroy.com/

In ministry, it’s easy to fall into the habit of simply surviving rather than thriving. Many leaders and pastors find themselves overwhelmed, merely getting by rather than flourishing in their calling. But if Jesus came to give us life more abundantly, then that must apply to ministry as well. Over the past nine years in full-time ministry, God has reshaped my perspective, teaching me that thriving in ministry is not just about external success but about internally thriving in the Lord.

Here are three key elements that have helped me transition from merely surviving to thriving in ministry: motivation, vision, and focus.

1. The Right Motivation

Ministry requires the right motivation because external success alone is not enough to sustain us. It’s easy to measure success by church attendance, altar calls, or external growth, but these things can fluctuate. If our motivation is based solely on results, attention, people-pleasing, or obligation, we can quickly become discouraged when challenges arise.

The true, lasting motivation in ministry must be love—love for Christ, love from Christ, and love for the lost.

• Love of Christ: Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:14, “The love of Christ constraineth us.” This love pushes us forward when we feel like giving up. We serve because we have experienced Christ’s love, and that love compels us to keep going.

• Love for Christ: Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15). Our service should be a response to our love for Him, not an obligation to earn His favor.

• Love for the Lost: The world is filled with people who have never heard the gospel. The reality that over 42% of the world remains unreached should drive us to action. Like Jesus, who was moved with compassion when He saw the multitudes, our hearts should be stirred for those who need Him.

2. A Clear Vision

Vision is not just about dreams or aspirations—it is about seeing what God wants to accomplish through us. Vision in ministry comes from the Spirit’s leading, faith, and a willingness to move forward despite challenges.

• Have a Big Vision: We serve a big God, so our vision should reflect that. Too often, we think small when God calls us to something greater.

• Have a Biblically Grounded Vision: Our hearts are prone to wander, so we must ensure that our vision aligns with God’s purpose. Every ambition should be tested against the Great Commission.

• Pursue Vision with Action: A vision without action accomplishes nothing. Many of the great missionaries and leaders we admire—William Carey, Amy Carmichael, Jim Elliot—took bold steps of faith to pursue the vision God gave them. If God calls us to something, we must trust Him and move forward.

3. Maintaining Focus

One of the greatest struggles in ministry is losing focus. Churches can become distracted by a multitude of activities while neglecting the core mission—reaching souls and making disciples.

• Avoid Distractions: If the devil can’t get us off track, he will try to sidetrack us. Even good things can become distractions if they take us away from the main thing.

• Stay Committed to the Mission: Success is not about doing a million things but about doing the right things well. Our primary focus should always be on souls, discipleship, and fulfilling the Great Commission.

• Learn from Those Who Stayed Focused: My grandfather pastored a small country church for over 50 years. He had vision, motivation, and most importantly, he never lost focus. Because of his faithfulness, his ministry continues to impact lives today.

Conclusion

Thriving in ministry isn’t about external numbers or recognition. It’s about having the right motivation, a clear vision, and a steadfast focus. If we are driven by love, guided by God’s vision, and committed to our mission, we can serve with joy and purpose for the long haul.

So ask yourself: Why are you doing what you’re doing? Is your motivation rooted in love? Is your vision aligned with God’s purpose? Are you staying focused on what truly matters? If we get these things right, we can move from merely surviving to truly thriving in ministry.

To hear more from Evangelist Ethan LeCroy, check out this Mission Post podcast episode: https://youtu.be/KuZ9qeVvLzM

Submitted by Mitch McCormack, Missionary in Peru, South America

As a leader in our church, I often find myself searching for ways to influence the young people in our community. Our church is located in a very poor area, and many teenagers we encounter lack direction. That’s why we created the Timothy Initiative—a summer program designed to help teenagers develop a deeper relationship with God and see the opportunities that faith can bring to their lives.

The Timothy Initiative is built around the idea that young people with good reputations in our church should be given an opportunity to grow in their faith and serve as an example to others. We specifically reach out to those who have already shown an interest in the Bible and church activities. By selecting these teens, we hope to encourage others—those who may only attend for social reasons—to consider taking their faith more seriously.

Each summer, we run the program as a structured alternative to school. Mornings from 9 AM to lunchtime are dedicated to devotionals, reading the New Testament, and studying material emphasizing that whatever career path they choose, they will always be Christians first. They receive notebooks to document their spiritual journey, and we aim to get through a large portion of the New Testament together.

Beyond the classroom setting, we strive to make the initiative engaging. After morning sessions, we provide lunch—something I personally cover—and then spend the afternoons doing a mix of fun, work, and outreach activities. One day might be painting the church, another might be handing out flyers and evangelizing, while another could be a fun outing like go-karting.

One core component of the program is ensuring that each participant learns how to confidently share the gospel. We practice this in class and then go out into the community to apply what we’ve learned. Another requirement is arriving two hours before church services to clean and prepare, reinforcing a sense of responsibility and service. Additionally, each participant is assigned a ministry role that aligns with their strengths, whether that’s organizing sports activities or assisting with youth programs.

To ensure commitment, we have a written contract outlining the expectations—maintaining a good testimony, attending required events, and fully participating in the program. In return, we provide meals, activities, and, most importantly, spiritual mentorship. These are the young men I want to invest in for the long term, helping them navigate their faith beyond just this summer experience.

Our focus group is primarily juniors and seniors in high school, though we extend the age range to include 14- to 25-year-olds. This year, our primary group has been ages 15 to 18. The ultimate goal is to guide them toward a deeper commitment to God and help them explore the possibility of full-time ministry.

I truly believe that through this initiative, we’re not only strengthening their faith but also shaping future leaders in our church. I hope this insight into our Timothy Initiative can be helpful to others considering similar programs. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, feel free to reach out!

The following is taken from a Mission Class lesson by Travis Snode.

In 2 Corinthians 4, the Apostle Paul presents a profound truth about the Christian life, particularly for those engaged in missions and ministry. He reminds us that the gospel, though glorious, is carried within frail and flawed human vessels. This reality underscores both the humility and the power of God’s work through us.

The Gospel in Earthen Vessels

Paul describes believers as “earthen vessels” that contain the greatest treasure—the gospel of Jesus Christ. He states in verse 7, “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” This means that while we, as humans, are weak, broken, and imperfect, God has chosen to work through us so that His power, not our own, is glorified.

Imagine finding a priceless jewel wrapped in an old, tattered cloth. The contrast between the wrapping and the treasure inside highlights the value of what is contained within. Similarly, the immense worth of the gospel stands in stark contrast to our human frailties. Yet, God chooses to shine through our weaknesses so that His glory is evident to all.

The Cost of Missions: A Call to Die

Missionary Amy Carmichael once said that missions is a chance to die. This statement reflects the essence of Paul’s message in 2 Corinthians 4. Serving Christ and spreading His gospel require daily dying to self. Paul explains this reality in verses 8-10:

“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.“

To follow Christ is to embrace suffering, rejection, and even humiliation. It means stepping into situations where we feel incompetent, weak, and inadequate—especially on the mission field, where cultural and linguistic barriers make even basic tasks difficult. This daily dying to self is not just metaphorical but a tangible reality for those who dedicate their lives to serving the Lord.

Finding Strength in Weakness

Paul reassures us that through these struggles, the life of Jesus is made manifest. When we are weak, God’s strength is revealed. This truth provides both comfort and purpose. The hardships we face in ministry—whether rejection, persecution, or personal inadequacy—are not meaningless; they are the means by which God’s power is displayed through us.

Verse 11 reinforces this truth: “For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.” In other words, our sufferings serve as a testimony to the life and power of Christ working through us.

Embracing the Cost

There is no illusion in Scripture that following Christ is easy. Every believer, whether a missionary or not, will experience loss, grief, and pain in some form. The Christian walk is one of surrender—of dying daily so that Christ may live through us.

For those called to the mission field, this surrender often means stepping into the unknown, feeling unqualified, and enduring hardship. But the beauty of the gospel is that God uses our brokenness to display His glory. As we die to ourselves, His life shines through us, bringing hope and salvation to the world.

In the end, missions—and the Christian life itself—is about embracing the call to die, so that Christ may be seen and known. And in that death, we find the greatest joy: the life of Jesus shining through us for His glory.