Love is Kind

During a master's level ministry class, the question was asked, "How could you make a difference?" Founder Teresa Sheppard struggled to come up with a concept. Sheppard always believed we should "treat people like people" (That means showing kindness and respect to other humans because they are human, too.), but how do you turn that mindset into a ministry? How do you love people like Jesus did but not force religion on them? 

Jesus walked around with his crew (disciples) and broke bread with people. Jesus didn't pick the religious people to hang out with. Jesus went to visit with tax collectors, doctors, prostitutes, sick, disowned, rich, poor, women, and even non-Jews. (Racial and gender issues were a thing even in the Bible days.)

The premise was and is simple. Try to be more like Jesus. Go to people and be kind. (Love is kind) Maybe a food trailer was a way to do that? Sheppard's brother built a custom, "Rustic, Appalachian Style" food trailer. The idea:  Set-up the food trailer,  give a complimentary beverage and pastry to anyone who orders, and be kind to them.  It was to show them the love of Jesus and be there to pray with them if they wanted. 

Food-Trucking, it "ain't" for everyone, y'all. But, the intention was good. There had to be a way to make the ministry work, minus the food trailer. 

Sheppard has been active in business, non-profits, and church most of her life.  She knew God was calling her.  This website is a start.  Books, blogs, media, and events will be part of the ministry. 

Sheppard learned from her career in sales that a one-time meeting at an event typically yields little results. Anything meaningful occurs only when a relationship is developed over time. Sheppard's background in business is what made her keenly aware of the value of Marketplace Ministry.  It is a ministry that often goes without notice or recognition.  The place of marketplace ministry is priceless.  It may play a large role in this ministry and in an awakening or revival. 

Marketplace Ministry

Marketplace ministry is when you minister to others during the course of everyday life.  Maybe you are a barber, baker, entrepreneur, attorney, salesperson, homemaker, or whatever.  

You encounter others, and when you show them love. You are ministering to them. 

Many Forms of Love

Love comes in many forms. We are talking about  Agape love. It is a selfless love that does good without want of a return.  It is doing the right thing, because it is the right thing. 

You may show love by going above and beyond to help a client. Love be in volunteering talent, resources, or finances.  It may be as simple as a smile.  A smile goes a long way to someone that doesn't have one. 

Another important form of love is grace.  There are times when, even with the best intentions, we fail.  We are greedy, difficult, hurried, and impatient.  We are human.  When those situations happen, Agape love would have you show grace to others and even to yourself.  

Most Important - Jesus

There are times during your daily routine, someone may see Jesus in you. You may even be blessed with the opportunity to share Jesus with someone else, and make their eternity better.  

How it works

We will attend events, meet with business people, non-profits, churches, and communities.  We stay in touch with newsletters, blogs, website, and social media accounts.   It is not a once-and-done, but a "We are your people, and we are here with you." 

The idea is that no matter who you are, what you look like, what you did wrong, who you voted for, your financial status,  your religion (or lack thereof) you are human. We want to show you love, kindness, send uplifting words (we love the way Paul in the Bible sent letters to his people), and connect you.

Sheppard organized an event called FEAST (Food Entertainment and Activies because we are Stronger Together) in 2016.  It was a beautiful thing to see community, government, businesses, nonprofits, and families come together.  It was powerful.  Love is powerful. "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." -Martin Luther King, Jr.

Team Effort 

This ministry is a living, growing, changing team effort.  

We Believe 

At the risk of scaring you away, we feel it is important to share our beliefs.  We will keep it simple.

• We believe in Holy Trinity (Father,Son, Holy Spirit) 
• We believe a relationship with Jesus is necessary for access to Heaven
• We believe the Holy Bible is the infallible inspired living word of God.  
• We believe in free will.  Meaning, God allows you to choose for yourself what you believe.
• We believe there is value in a Biblically sound local church.  We are pro-church. 

#love #kindness #jesusislove #neighbors #gathered #networking #business #church #community

#nonprofit #volunteer #donate #opportunities #connect #grow