Word International Ministries Al Ain

WIN - Al Ain Men’s Ministry 11^th Year Anniversary Message

Matthew 3:1-3 (NKJV)

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, ² and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" ³ For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying:

"The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the LORD; Make His paths straight.' "

Mark 1:14-20 (NKJV)

Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, ¹⁵ and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel."

Four Fisherman Called as Disciples

¹⁶ And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. ¹⁷ Then Jesus said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men." ¹⁸ They immediately left their nets and followed Him. ¹⁹ When He had gone a little farther from there, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the boat mending their nets. ²⁰ And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after Him.

Luke 5:1-11 (NKJV)

So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, ² and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. ³ Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon's, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat. ⁴ When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, "Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." ⁵ But Simon answered and said to Him, "Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net." ⁶ And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. ⁷ So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. ⁸ When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!" ⁹ For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; ¹⁰ and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men." ¹¹ So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.

My family and I would like to congratulate Bro. Teody Galit and the WIN Al Ain Men’s ministry on their 11^th year anniversary today. May the Lord bless your families and ministry members as you continue to build the Next Generation Church by laying down the foundation of God’s word in your hearts today.

We would also want to thank Bro. Ben Carpio of WIN – Dubai for coming over to speak to us today. He is our WIN UAE Men’s Ministry National Coordinator. At the same time we also extend our deep condolences to him for the death of his beloved wife Esperanza “Espie” Carpio last July 26, 2008. May the comfort and peace of the Holy Ghost be upon him and his family during this time of grief.

The theme for this month is “Evangelism.” The challenge I would like to set before the men of this church is to pass on the fire of the gospel to the next generation. In the verses I have mentioned above, John first came to preach repentance to all men. After he was put into prison, Jesus took over and continued what John has started. After which Jesus commissioned others to become “fishers of men.”

Jesus started with a “few good men.” Jesus handpicked his disciples and spent quality time with these few that would eventually change the world. It did not take Jesus much to change the world. These were humble fishermen trying to make a living. However, God had plans for them. They may not look like much at first; the difference was that Jesus was with them till the end.

Men need not fear becoming witnesses for God to this world. We need men to speak the truth to today’s generation. Their secret was not in their education or skill. They could not even at one time catch fish in spite of their experience in fishing. Jesus even had to tell them how to catch fish the right way. The disciples’ secret was Jesus Himself being with them.

Acts 4:13 (NKJV)

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.

Men of God! Be strong IN THE LORD! Don’t look upon yourself for strength. There isn’t any! Jesus is our strength. He will provide. Don’t look unto men. Look unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith. You can do great and mighty things for the Kingdom of God if you know Him personally as Lord and Saviour

Dan 11:32b (NKJV)

…but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.

In spite of our weaknesses and limitations we can still change the history of the world. It is not WHAT you know but WHO you know! Get to know Jesus in your life and He will use you for His glory and for His kingdom here on earth. With the power of the Holy Spirit, God the Father will send you in the name of Jesus to the uttermost parts of the earth to share the love of Christ to all men!

What are we waiting for? GO! And become fishers of MEN!

From my family to yours,

Ptr. Edward Barcial

WIN – Al Ain