Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature... and make disciples of all nations.
Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature... and make disciples of all nations.
Scott and Nancy Hinkle
Three words help define direction for the life of a Christ follower—purpose, mission and assignments.
The faith of a Christ follower is proactive, lived out every day serving, blessing, reaching others. Let’s do it together.
As we set our sights to bring Good News to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, we knew it would be different than any other time we have brought a team to share the Good News.
The mayor of New Orleans cancelled all parades and balls. Of course, there is a pandemic. Then the mayor closed all bars and liquor sales and closed the infamous Bourbon Street and parts of the French Quarter at 7 pm on what would normally be the days where the streets would be wall to wall people.
I was asked is Mardi Gras and the outreach going to happen…my answer …YES!
How did I know something would take place?
Because the Holy Spirit emphatically directed us to go!
I’m reminded of the words in Romans 4:18 “Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became…”
The possibility of witnessing on the streets looked bleak, but just as Abraham had a promise from God, we had a directive from the Holy Spirit.
Our perspective and strategy became restructured. Our usual army became a Precision Strike unit of just 55. A precision strike is where a weapon, munitions or special team is implemented to neutralize a particular target.
Our “target” was the broken and empty lives of men and women on the streets on New Orleans.
With all the restrictions, reduced street time, drastically diminished crowds and frigid temperatures this holy bold Precision Strike team became as need sensitive missiles searching to rescue hurting people from the clutches of darkness.
IT HAPPENED!!
“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)
In just two and a half days this specially assembled and anointed team combed the streets and individually found those who needed The Good News!
Miraculously, in this condensed time 555 people were personally prayed with …salvation, healing, recommitments, the Baptism in the Holy Spirit and so many other needs received ministry.
There was a time of worship and intercession on the riverfront by Jackson Square bringing a powerful presence of the Holy Spirit amongst those coming to party.
On Valentines Day we were able to share the gospel easily using a specially designed tract “Love Changes Hearts…Any Heart!”
We were privileged to partner with Pastor Steve & Becky Smith and Westpoint Church in Gretna as they hosted our team meetings.
Beyond bringing hope to many in New Orleans it’s time to ramp up the spreading of the life changing gospel in every town and city in America.
I cannot escape the exhortation that came to me almost one year ago …more gospel to more people in more places. The strategy to pursue this was simple
If we cannot do this, then do that. If we cannot go here—then go there! Absolutely refuse to be paralyzed and do nothing.
Paul wrote “making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:16 NIV). He exhorts us to not shrink back but move ahead.
With your prayers joining together with Nancy, myself and SHOM as well as your generous gifts we not only launched Precision Strike Mardi Gras but continue to go forward in these most crucial times.
Scott and Nancy have worked whole-heartedly in evangelism and urban outreach since their conversion in the early '70's. As "missionaries to America", their heart is to reach the lost, minister to the hurting and to mobilize churches to reach out to their own communities. Their commitment to the Lord and their desire to do His will is readily evident to all who meet them. They have been a great asset to our local church.
At a time when most American Christians have lost the priority of evangelism, God has raised up Scott Hinkle to reorder our priorities. I pray the church will listen to his message and reclaim our mission to share Christ’s love.
I thank God for Scott Hinkle, who has never forgotten his initial mandate and call. He is burdened not only with reaching the lost himself but also training a new, emerging generation of evangelists to go forth and be tangible expressions of Christ to the nations.
Be a prayer partner praying regularly for the outreaches, ministry, Scott and Nancy and their team.
Come participate and serve in an outreach (ie Mardi Gras New Orleans). You may come yourself or even bring a group. Contact us for more information shom2@aol.com. These events are posted on Facebook and Twitter,too.
Host an Increase The Reach event in your church.
Become a monthly donor partnering with SHOM in spreading the Gospel.
With over four decades partnering together with churches worldwide for community evangelism, SHOM has developed an initiative to help any church reach more people with the gospel.
What is an initiative? -- “A plan or program that is intended to help solve a problem.” Merriam Webster Dictionary
AN INCREASE THE REACH weekend is flexible in structure and presents a positive and proven practical approach to effectively address bringing the gospel to a community in urban, suburban or rural settings. Attention is primarily focused upon two areas.
A Sunday service of ministry imparting a heart for reaching others is a vital part of the INCREASE THE REACH INITIATIVE.
If you are interested in more detailed information or to schedule INCREASE THE REACH in your church please contact our office at shom2@aol.com or 214-212-0409.