Giving Tuesday -- I hate asking, but......!

 I know it's been a long time since I wrote a blog. I think I have a good excuse and some of those excuses are pictured above. Stephanie and I have been so busy. God has answered our prayers to expand our territory. Do you remember the prayer of Jabez?

"Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, 'Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.' And God granted his request." (1 Chronicles 4:10)

YES, God has blessed us. YES, he has enlarged our territory, and YES, he has kept us safe from harm and pain! THAT IS WHY WE ARE SO BUSY!

But, today I had to make an exception in our busy schedule!

TODAY IS GIVING TUESDAY! AND....

I am asking you to give to support the ministry God has granted and blessed. We do not ask for support from our group members, although some of them give anyway. We are counting on YOU to support us with your prayers as well as your financial gifts. Please consider helping us financially by giving through Missionary Ventures. Their partnership is so valuable to us and if it were not for them, we would not be able to do what we do. Your gift to Missionary Ventures, preferenced to Steve & Stephanie Rhoades, will directly support what we do here in Bluffton, Indiana! Please follow this link to give:

Giving link

Just follow the link, scroll down to the red button that says "give missionary support"

I hate asking for financial support, but this ministry is so important and God has called us to serve. SO, I make an exception and ask you to help!

If you want to know EXACTLY what we have been up to, READ BELOW!

Throughout 2024 we have met directly or indirectly with over 100 "persons of peace." (those interested in developing a relationship with the Lord) We host discipleship groups 4 days a week, one each morning and one each evening. We also participate in a church plant in Fort Wayne on Sunday Evenings, enjoy a motorcycle ride group most weeks, and host countless groups at "the meeting place." We have hosted bible studies for other ministries, a DCS Foster parent workshop, and lately, we have been hosting BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) groups. Our schedule is packed and we praise God for our expanded territory. 

Beyond "the meeting place" God has fulfilled a joy of mine by allowing me to preach his word at our church multiple times throughout the year. I just love preaching and sharing God's word!

Right now, our primary ministry is hosting discipleship groups for a local Women's recovery and transitional home. The photo above is from a recent graduation ceremony! We love these women so much and are proud to be on the journey with them as they recover from various life events. Each of them is trying to grow in their faith and organize their lives in a way that keeps God at the center. Their GOD stories are amazing, and it is obvious that God is at work in their personal lives and the lives of their families. 

Many of you may not know that we also started a Lazer/Engraving Business venture. We purchased a Lazer in November of 2023 in order to supplement our financial resources. But, our long-term goal was to use this purchase as a MINISTRY TOOL. We are hoping to provide opportunities for needy families to use our machine to help supplement their own income. God has already started to fulfill this dream as we have a couple of young ladies who are interested in learning! PRAISE GOD!

Do you want to join us on this journey? Contact us personally at 260-553-0735 or rhoadzie@gmail.com for more information! If you receive unexpected income and wish to bless us financially, a gift would be greatly appreciated! Just use the link show above!