A DYING ART ?

NOTE: A great word from the founder of the 'Barnabus Bulletin'
ministry on the internet.

ENCOURAGEMENT - a DYING ART??
-by Rodney Francis.

As we enter our 12th year of "Barnabas Bulletin", I would like to
focus on the purpose as to why this BB Ministry was started. It
came as a result of my ministering in Asia amongst a group of
discouraged ministers and missionaries from eight different
countries. That experience gave me a burden for Christian Leaders,
as I have observed over the years how many get discouraged in
their calling. The burden did not leave me, and then God spoke to
me in England, told me to encourage them, and gave me the name
"Barnabas Bulletin".

The name "Barnabas" means "son of prophecy; son of consolation."
"Consolation" means "a person or thing that is a source of comfort
in a time of suffering, grief, disappointment, etc." (Collins Dictionary).

The Bible describes him as: ". . .they sent out Barnabas to go as
far as to Antioch. When he came and had seen the grace of God,
he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart
they should continue with the Lord. For he was a good man, full of
the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added
to the Lord" (Acts 11:22-24). Barnabas was an encourager. He
saw the good and the potential in others and encouraged them
accordingly. The ministry of encouragement is one that every
Christian can function in. Everywhere one looks today people need
encouraging. You need encouraging ~ and I need encouraging!
The word "encourage" means "1. to inspire (someone) with the
courage or confidence (to do something). 2. to stimulate (something
or someone to do something) by approval or help; support" (Collins).

WHEN WAS the LAST TIME You ENCOURAGED SOMEBODY?

Tragically it seems that few Christians consciously go out of their
way to encourage others. Why not? Is it because we are looking
for it from others, but don't realize that we can make the first move
and encourage others? Ask yourself, "When was the last time you
audibly encouraged someone else?" (When was the last time
someone audibly encouraged you?). It certainly does not happen
enough. What a difference it makes when someone comes
alongside and tells you they believe in you, in your calling, and that
God is pleased with you? There is power in your tongue and words
when you speak out positive encouragement to others!

I have been in Christian Ministry for over 50 years. In that time I
have seen scores of men and women rise up with a great call of
God on their lives and they begin to do exploits for Jesus. But after
a time they "disappear" and are never heard of again. What
happened? Discouragement got to them and caused them to doubt
the call of God. The resulting decisions made in those times of
discouragement brought about things that "robbed" them of the call
of God on their lives. If only there were those who could discern
what was happening and could have gotten alongside of them with
words of encouragement, then God's called men and women
would not have "fallen by the wayside" in to a normal, but
unfulfilling life-style. I say this because there is nothing more
wonderful than to know the call and will of God ~ and to be walking in it.

May we all make a conscious effort to be more aware of the
importance of the ministry of encouragement. Yes, encouraging
others is an important and vital ministry ~ much more than we
realize! As the world continues to reject the risen Christ Jesus and
spirals on it downwards path, Christians everywhere will need to be
more and more encouraged to "stand firm in the faith" and not to be
side-tracked by the temptations of the world, the flesh and the devil
(1 John 2:15-17). Make no mistake about it: we are in a war, and
the battle is raging! That means the ministry of encouragement is
urgently needed to be spoken out to others. It needs an audible
voice. It needs more than a silent prayer! It needs you and me to
be aware of situations that people are in, and to come alongside
and speak out the words of encouragement they need to hear! You
can do that! I can do that!

Be encouraged to look for opportunities ~ more opportunities ~ to
encourage others in these days. Your encouragement is
desperately needed! Your encouragement may be a matter of life
or death for some! You will be amazed at what your words of
encouragement to others will accomplish. So don't hold back. As
you encourage others, you will also be encouraged yourself! Right
now you and I do not know whether our next word of
encouragement for someone may prove to be a divine encounter
that will change the rest of their lives for God and for good! Do not
hold back!