Daily Walk: You Are Making A Difference
Romans 1:8 NAS
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world.
Your Next Step Ministries was birthed in 2004 to equip individuals and churches to make more and better disciples. In 2008 we formed Your Next Step Institute as a school for marketplace leaders, church leaders and missionaries to clarify their focus and sharpen their skills in making disciples within their sphere of influence. Since forming the Institute, God has done some amazing things that are such a source of great encouragement to both Joan and me that we wish to share them with you. When you give to Your Next Step, you are making a difference in people’s lives. Here are some of the ways your funds are changing the world.
There are 5 Categories that we wish to highlight:
1. Missions
2. Training
3. Partnerships
4. Mentoring
5. Counseling
1. Missions
Our graduates have been involved in missionary efforts in Vietnam, China, Haiti, France, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Rwanda, England, France, Zambia, and India. They have been involved in training pastors and house church planters, working among AID’s Orphans. They have participated in disaster relief, sports evangelism, prayer walking, and church planting.
2. Training
Joan and I were both involved in training leaders this year. Joan worked with the South Carolina Baptist Convention and Waccamaw Baptist Association teaching through Your Next Step in Prayer. I had the privilege of training youth workers with Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Child Evangelism Fellowship. I also taught conferences for several area churches ranging from Spiritual Warfare to Spiritual Gifts.
3. Partnerships
This year we have enjoyed three strategic partnerships. Seacoast Vineyard Church has graciously allowed Your Next Step Institute to meet at their facilities on Monday Mornings from 6:30 – 8:00 AM. The Rock Church in Conway has partnered with us by outsourcing their counseling to YNSI. And the latest partnership is with Columbia International University. CIU and YNSI are now ministry partners for higher education. Those who graduate from YNSI can go to CIU at a significantly reduced rate. Brain Weiler is our first graduate to take advantage of this offer. He plans to begin working toward a Master’s of Divinity degree in 2011. Way to go Brian! We’re proud of you dude.
4. Mentoring
An accurate summary of the work of YNSI would have to include a statement on how we help believers navigate life’s transitions. In reflecting on this aspect of our ministry this year, five guys who come to mind. Two are business leaders, three are pastors. One of the business guys I prayed with to trust Christ this year. He is now a YNSI student. The other marketplace guy is praying through school, ministry and job options for 2011. We are still processing. One guy transitioned from marketplace to pastoring. And the other two pastor types are each looking at furthering their academic pursuits-one at the Master’s degree level the other at the Doctorate level-in order to deepen their message for greater fruitfulness. Walking with these men has been a highlight of 2010 for me.
5. Counseling
Joan and I have journeyed through some tough times and some triumphant times with folks in 2011. We’ve prayed with, and for, folks through loss due to death and divorce, sickness, joblessness, and geographical moves. We rejoiced in seeing some marriages saved, in seeing some folks who were Christ-less coming to know Him, in watching as new opportunities emerged and as new ministries were launched. It has been an emotional year of both trials and triumphs.
As Maria Von Trapp sang, “These are a few of my favorite things.” When you contribute to Your Next Step Ministries, you are making a difference in people’s lives. You are helping them successfully navigate life’s transitions. In the process, you are enabling us to train them to be disciples of Jesus Christ through their transitions and to make disciples for Jesus Christ as a result of better life alignment.
We are currently seeking to raise $ 25,000. As of Wednesday morning, $12,125.31 has been graciously provided. We are grateful for the support and are using the resources to impact the World for Christ. Thank you for your prayers, trust and investment. You are the key to others taking their next step.
What is Your Next Step?
Prayer
Father, thank You for Your activity in Your Next Step Ministries. Please continue to use them for Your glory. Meet all of their needs in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Take Your Next Step,
Dr. L. Douglas Dorman