Faithfulness and Transformation in Challenging Times
Summary
### Summary
Hello everyone, Pastor Jared Michael here. It's been a while since we launched our podcast, "Changing the Heartbeat with Jared Michael," and today I want to share some updates and reflections. Our podcast campaign, "The Real and the Raw," aimed to address real issues plaguing inner cities, such as addiction and poverty, with honesty and transparency. We promised to be real and raw, and God has done amazing things through this initiative.
When COVID-19 hit, it changed everything, including our ability to release podcasts regularly. However, it also opened new doors for ministry. Our community in southwest Baltimore, known as Ground Zero, faced severe challenges with drug addiction, violence, and poverty. One of our key outreaches, the Bread of Life Soup Kitchen, had to adapt quickly. We transitioned to serving meals to-go, and the response was overwhelming. We went from serving hundreds to thousands of people weekly, meeting new needs as schools and other soup kitchens shut down.
God spoke to my heart about staying open and being a lighthouse in our community. Despite the challenges, we remained faithful, and God provided through generous donations and partnerships, like the Maryland Food Bank. We even expanded our services to include Fridays, ensuring families had enough food for the weekends.
As the pandemic continued, we saw the importance of being flexible and responsive to God's leading. We started outdoor church services to address the spiritual needs of our community, especially after witnessing violence and unrest. These services brought hope and transformation, with people like Mike and Norris finding freedom from addiction.
Throughout this season, God has taught us the importance of faithfulness and being willing to be used, even when it's inconvenient. We prayed for God to use us, and He did, often in ways we didn't expect. Our mission is to see a need and meet it, find a hurt and heal it. This is what it means to be busy about our Father's business.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faithfulness in Uncertainty: When COVID-19 hit, our community faced unprecedented challenges. Yet, God called us to stay open and serve, even when we didn't have a clear plan. Faithfulness in uncertain times allows God to work through us in ways we can't foresee. [07:19]
2. Meeting Physical and Spiritual Needs: Our soup kitchen adapted to serve thousands, but we also recognized the need for spiritual nourishment. Outdoor church services brought hope and transformation, showing that meeting both physical and spiritual needs is crucial. [19:26]
3. God's Provision Through Generosity: Despite the financial strain, God provided through generous donations and partnerships. This allowed us to not only sustain our ministry but also bless other nonprofits. God's provision often comes through the generosity of His people. [27:32]
4. The Power of Being Used by God: Praying for God to use us means being ready for Him to call us into action, even when it's inconvenient. Being used by God can be draining, but it brings about incredible transformation and fulfillment. [23:41]
5. Seeing and Meeting Needs: Our mission is to see a need and meet it, find a hurt and heal it. This requires eyes to see and a heart compelled to act. Jesus was drawn to needs, and as His followers, we should be too. [30:33]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:26] - Launching the Podcast
[03:02] - Impact of COVID-19
[05:04] - Adapting the Soup Kitchen
[07:19] - Staying Open and Faithful
[09:02] - Expanding Services
[12:07] - Pivoting in Ministry
[14:15] - Addressing Community Needs
[17:12] - The Importance of Time and Effort
[18:37] - Responding to Violence
[19:26] - Outdoor Church Services
[20:45] - Addressing Racial Injustice
[21:42] - Stories of Transformation
[23:41] - The Reality of Being Used by God
[27:32] - God's Provision
[30:33] - Seeing and Meeting Needs
[32:19] - Encouragement and Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 25:35-40 (NIV)
> "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’"
2. James 2:14-17 (NIV)
> "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
3. Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV)
> "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."
#### Observation Questions
1. What were some of the key challenges faced by the community in southwest Baltimore during the COVID-19 pandemic? [05:04]
2. How did the Bread of Life Soup Kitchen adapt its services in response to the pandemic? [07:19]
3. What role did the Maryland Food Bank play in supporting the Bread of Life Soup Kitchen? [07:57]
4. Can you identify specific examples of transformation and hope mentioned in the sermon, such as the stories of Mike and Norris? [23:41]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the passage from Matthew 25:35-40 relate to the actions taken by the Bread of Life Soup Kitchen during the pandemic?
2. In what ways does James 2:14-17 challenge believers to respond to the needs of their community, as seen in the sermon? [14:15]
3. How does Galatians 6:9-10 encourage believers to remain faithful and persistent in their good works, even when it is inconvenient? [24:23]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between faithfulness and God's provision? [27:32]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to meet a need in your community. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [07:19]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being flexible and responsive to God's leading. How can you cultivate a more flexible and responsive attitude in your own life? [09:02]
3. Pastor Jared mentioned the power of being used by God, even when it is inconvenient. Have you ever felt used by God in a way that was challenging? How did you handle it? [23:41]
4. The mission of seeing a need and meeting it, finding a hurt and healing it, is central to the sermon. Identify a specific need or hurt in your community that you feel called to address. What steps can you take to begin meeting that need? [30:33]
5. How can you encourage generosity and partnership within your own community, similar to how the Maryland Food Bank supported the Bread of Life Soup Kitchen? [27:32]
6. Reflect on the story of the Hispanic family that was helped by the church. How can you be more attentive to the needs of those who may feel marginalized or overlooked in your community? [15:44]
7. Pastor Jared spoke about the importance of being busy about our Father's business. What specific actions can you take this week to be more engaged in serving others and fulfilling God's mission? [32:19]
Devotional
Day 1: Faithfulness in Uncertainty
Description: When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, many communities faced unprecedented challenges. In southwest Baltimore, a community already grappling with drug addiction, violence, and poverty, the situation became even more dire. Despite the uncertainty and lack of a clear plan, the call to remain open and serve was strong. Faithfulness in such times allows God to work through us in ways we cannot foresee. By staying open and adapting to new circumstances, the community was able to serve thousands of meals weekly and provide hope and support to those in need. This faithfulness, even in the face of uncertainty, demonstrates the power of trusting in God's plan and being willing to serve despite the challenges. [07:19]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: Think of a time when you faced uncertainty. How did you respond? How can you practice faithfulness in your current circumstances, trusting that God will work through you?
Day 2: Meeting Physical and Spiritual Needs
Description: The pandemic highlighted the importance of addressing both physical and spiritual needs within the community. The Bread of Life Soup Kitchen adapted to serve thousands of meals to-go, ensuring that families had enough food even as other resources shut down. Recognizing the spiritual hunger as well, outdoor church services were initiated, bringing hope and transformation to many. These services provided a space for people to find freedom from addiction and experience spiritual renewal. Meeting both physical and spiritual needs is crucial in holistic ministry, as it addresses the complete well-being of individuals. [19:26]
Matthew 25:35-36 (ESV): "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me."
Reflection: In what ways can you help meet the physical and spiritual needs of those around you? How can you be more attentive to the holistic well-being of your community?
Day 3: God's Provision Through Generosity
Description: Despite the financial strain brought on by the pandemic, God's provision was evident through the generosity of His people. Donations and partnerships, such as with the Maryland Food Bank, allowed the ministry to not only sustain its operations but also expand its services. This generosity enabled the community to serve thousands of meals weekly and support other nonprofits. God's provision often comes through the generosity of others, reminding us of the importance of being open to giving and receiving support. [27:32]
2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV): "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced God's provision through the generosity of others. How can you be a conduit of God's provision to someone in need today?
Day 4: The Power of Being Used by God
Description: Praying for God to use us means being ready to act, even when it's inconvenient. Being used by God can be draining, but it brings about incredible transformation and fulfillment. The community in southwest Baltimore witnessed this firsthand as they remained open and responsive to God's leading. Stories of transformation, such as individuals finding freedom from addiction, highlight the power of being willing to be used by God. This willingness to serve, even when it's challenging, demonstrates the impact of being available for God's work. [23:41]
Isaiah 6:8 (ESV): "And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then I said, 'Here I am! Send me.'"
Reflection: Are you willing to be used by God, even when it's inconvenient? What steps can you take to be more available for God's work in your life and community?
Day 5: Seeing and Meeting Needs
Description: The mission to see a need and meet it, find a hurt and heal it, requires eyes to see and a heart compelled to act. Jesus was drawn to needs, and as His followers, we should be too. The community in southwest Baltimore exemplified this mission by adapting their services to meet the growing needs during the pandemic. By being attentive to the needs around them and responding with compassion, they were able to provide both physical and spiritual support to those in need. This mission calls us to be proactive in seeking out and addressing the needs in our own communities. [30:33]
James 2:15-17 (ESV): "If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
Reflection: What needs do you see in your community that you can help meet? How can you be more proactive in seeking out and addressing the needs of those around you?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "My heart was simply just to be honest and to share how we can tangibly be people that see change in our lifetime. And don't just continually see a need and just keep pushing it to the side and saying, man, that's just terrible what's going on. Or that's terrible when we read things in the news or we drive through inner cities. And we see communities that are just overwhelmed with poverty and so many different things." (24 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We basically just serve them a meal and we love on them. We let them feel the dignity of what it is to be not just a human, but to be a child of God. And so we've been doing this for years, just serving people and loving on them right where they're at. And so they come in addicted and high homeless. We've got families that come in that need meals. And so this is a big way to just help out in their life." (21 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Think about it. Jesus ministered to people universally. Like it didn’t matter their background to him. It didn’t matter where they were from. Didn’t matter what ethnic group it was, the need that attracted Jesus to them, the need, and that’s really what the Lord’s really been dealing with my heart over the past couple of months is getting back to the ground roots of the need is what should be drawing his church, his people, like when there’s a need we’re drawn to it." (33 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Our mission as Christians on earth, because remember earth, we’re just passing through this place. Heaven is our eternal home. If you’re not a Christian watching today, maybe this podcast will get you thinking about eternity, but as a pastor and as a Christian, I understand this earth is just temporary. So what I have here on earth, isn’t necessarily just for me. It’s that the needs around me can, can be met. Does that make sense?" (31 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We pray God use us. But then when he says, okay. Here’s the need, I need you to be used, we get mad, God, you know, the timings off God, you know, do you know my schedule right now? Like, come on, seriously, God, and God’s got to maybe scratching his head a little bit saying, I’m confused. You prayed, use me. So I’m trying to use you." (23 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We started making everything to go and it like it took off. We started opening up, staying open Tuesdays and Thursdays, serving right out the church door, obviously masked up and everything sanitized and safe, but still serving. And before long, we started meeting a whole new window of people, people from around our community that that were coming and saying, thank you. Thank you so much for staying open. Our kids normally would bring home food for our family, but all that got shut down. So thank you. And before long, what would normally be hundreds of people a week, we started to serve. Well, sorry, we used to serve hundreds of people a week. Now we were serving thousands of people. Yeah, that’s how drastic this change. See, when you pray for something, don’t be alarmed when God comes in a different way. But it’s really what you prayed for all along." (53 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We had families coming up that, that were in tears. Think about this in tears. Cause they said, someone told them about our church soup kitchen being open and they were literally starving. Now, when I say literally starving, we think of like third world countries, but people literally in our inner cities are starving. You know, they’re addicted maybe to drugs, maybe families. We, we, we have Hispanic families that, that are, are, are from, you know, around the world. That, that come into the city of Baltimore and don’t speak much, much English and don’t know how to, you know, really adapt to living in the United States. And so a resource like what we have is a blessing to them. Cause even though the, the, the language gap is different, when you give someone a meal, that’s universal." (51 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We started to stand all of this stuff going where we’re in the middle of the summer. Oh, well, sorry. The beginning of the summer and the food bank who was one of our big partners called us and said, Hey, um, we admire you guys staying open when no one else was staying open your community. You were the, the, the soup kitchen. You guys were running. Um, we really appreciate that. And so the lady on the phone said to honor your commitment. We’re going to serve the people in your community now, the food bank and a Christian organization. They’re a nonprofit, um, that has a couple of locations that basically supply food to nonprofits and churches and soup kitchens to help them keep running." (34 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We went from mid-March just, just praying, God, we’re going to stay open. I feel the urge. We’re going to stay open. I would feel the call, not even knowing if we’re going to make it two months. And here we are months and months and months later, thousands of people serve, but now it’s overflowing from us that we’re blessing other nonprofits. We’re seeing God transform lives. And that’s why I want to just end today with just encouraging you. We’re in a wild season. We’re in a crazy season. We’re in what some would maybe even call a hopeless season to some degree, but the church of Jesus Christ has the hope of the world inside of them called Jesus." (40 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus is looking for Christians to step up to the plate in a season like this and be used to be used sometimes means you’re a bridge. And the cool thing about a bridge is it provides a lot of great scenery, right? If you’re driving, we have what we call the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which apparently right underneath the Francis Scott Key Bridge is where our national anthem was written. And it’s beautiful. You can drive over by the top of the peak of it. It’s beautiful. The harbor right over the water. I mean, it’s just gorgeous. But the thing about the bridge is if you’re going to desire to be used and be a bridge to help people find hope and healing in their life, it means people are going to walk over you. It’s going to be draining. It’s going to be tiring. It’s going to be times when it just feels like I just need to, I need the rest." (51 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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