The Ministry
The name of the ministry is self-descriptive. Jesus Christ works in the hearts of people, so they do good works that stem from faith in Him. So as much as we are able, we are involved in practical and spiritual helps for others – especially disadvantaged people with whom we have a relationship. Part of our function is encouraging other believers to do the same things and we assist other ministries that have similar purposes. Much of our time is spent training others.
In people terms, the ministry has a small board of believers, a couple of missionaries (Roland and Faylene Beard), and a few supporters who help and pray for us. Everyone is volunteer. There is no paid staff, no separate office, and no career path. We devote most of our time to providing written resources to others and training people with the same material. We generally do not provide financial assistance.
If CHRISTWORKS MINISTRIES ceased to exist tomorrow, our lifestyles would probably not change. Missionaries and board members would continue to lead active Christian lives from home. Having a ministry organization is helpful, however, because it facilitates tasks and opens the way for others to help.
The Mission
In largest terms the ministry’s aim is to build the Kingdom of God – the same Kingdom that Christ came to proclaim and exemplify. Any ministry activity is a lifestyle, so our home or mission trip destinations are places of meeting and encouragement for believers. It all stems from biblical hospitality and love for people. Christ was always mindful of heart issues but also the practical outworking of faith in his followers. By God’s grace we try to do likewise. In practical terms, we primarily provide written resources on biblical topics, which includes teaching and training the same material. You can see subject matter by going to FREE RESOURCES on the menu from the HOME page. We especially target those who are needy or are persecuted.
Since we are a very small ministry, we prayerfully make choices about where, when, and how to help. We know we cannot address all the needs that we hear about. Our direction also changes as the needs change around us. In the end we want confidence that the Spirit of God has led us to address particular need, we prayerfully make decisions about what to do and where to go.
The Faith
CHRISTWORKS MINISTRIES was founded and continues to function because of the good news of Jesus Christ. We firmly believe that He is the solution to heart issues – who we are, how we know God, and how we can be changed to be like Him. There is no apology for this biblical foundation. It is written into our constitution and by-laws. The Kingdom of God is meant to consist of people who have believed by faith that Jesus Christ is the Son of God – God’s answer to our sinful condition or situation. Practical works or the outworking of faith comes out of this foundation. Our helps take different forms and may assist believers or unbelievers, but the message is the same: God loves us, cares for our needs, and wants us to increasingly relate to him. Whether we provide a seminar or provide written resources, the motivation is the same: help people know Christ and become like him. The Bible is our reference text, guide and manual. We consult it and use it regularly to keep us focused. It also provides us an absolutely perfect guide with respect to conduct.
The Story and History in Brief
Like most ministries, this one began very small. It began in Virginia around 1991 and remains based there. For years it was home for a food ministry, then a small church school, then a home school support group. Because of relationships with believers who had needs overseas, written resources began to be developed to help them. The first overseas projects were in Haiti and Uganda. Biblical creation and observing the created heavens began to take the forefront. More mission trips outside the US involved ministry to young people, orphans, and teachers at a Philippine-based Christian organization. Our outreach effort also took the form of this website, where users could download free resources and follow inspirational blogs. Training with written resources currently takes place in several Philippine provinces and occasionally other Asian nations. The written resources are currently being used in several Asian countries through sister organizations that train young people as well as church leaders. Downloads of resources from this website occur regularly from several nations around the world.
The work continues…
