In June of 2014, Energize Ministries produced our first Pray for Your Pastor bus tour, making stops across eighteen cities from Charlotte, NC to San Francisco, CA. The purpose of the tour was to:
1. Create awareness for the often hidden needs of our pastors.
2. Show our commitment to raising the standard of care for pastors.
3. Educate our audience about the vital needs to continually invest in their leaders.
4. Help churchgoers and congregations become more actively involved in pastoral care.
5. Develop new and strengthen existing relationships with our broadcast partners.
We completed that tour because we believe God called us to it. We saw in each of the above goals the words of Ephesians 3:20 come to life. Indeed, “God is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or even imagine!” So what now, and what about the years to come? After much prayer and planning we’ve committed to continue these tours through the next five years. In fact, by the time you read this, we’ll be in the midst of another Pray for Your Pastor tour! These tours will help us to:
1. Gain ground in the ongoing spiritual war against our nations’ pastors.
2. Enable the church to better recognize and understand the attacks against our pastors.
3. Help us establish greater pastoral care programs.
4. Demonstrate to congregations the value of their supportive prayer.
5. Ultimately, fulfill our vision of encouraging a nation of Christians to actively care for their pastors.
We needed a newer bus, and through God’s unique providence, we found one! It’s already set up for our needs and will easily serve us well for the next five years. Our goal is to have it completely paid for by July 31, 2015. This is why we are asking for your specific prayers- and if you feel led, your financial support.
We need to raise $45,000. In effect, this is a short term capital campaign- a first for us. We can’t fulfil this huge expectation without your help. If you are interested in contributing to this bus and these tours, please respond generously. Most of you know we make our plans based on what we believe God asks us to do, whether or not we have the resources to do it. This campaign is a defining moment for our ministry!
Please pray over this with us. Your prayers are essential to this ministry, and this is a unique opportunity to become spiritually and financially invested in these upcoming tours. I personally invite you to take this next step of faith with us and to see what God will do through your support.
We live by His promise in Philippians 4:19- “My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” We rest fully in that promise. Thank you for your ongoing support and faithfulness to this ministry. You make a difference to us and the many ministers we support. To God be the glory for all generations!
Serving His servants,
Andy Bowersox | Executive Director | Energize Ministries