Bar Ministry

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The man at the ATM bank machine was wearing his pyjamas.

This was not unusual, since the machine is inside our local bar/gambling casino.

People with serious addictions are sometimes not fussy about their wardrobe choices.

We were in this establishment because it was so scorching hot this summer, and the casino is the only spot that has reliable air-conditioning.

I had a diet coke, my husband had a Stella Artois beer, and we split a club sandwich.

The kind server, Gloria, was seeking advice from my husband concerning the long wait her husband was experiencing trying to see a heart specialist.

I watched the people at the machines. They all had the same expressions on their faces, a combination of sadness, expectation, and desperation. Their focus was intense, as they thought that with the next spin their fortunes would change.

I fantasized about going over to the gamblers and telling them that Jesus loves them.

However, this remained just a fantasy. I’m bold when writing about our Lord, but less confident in telling strangers about Him.

I wondered if Christ would have entered establishments such as this if they had been available when he was on earth.

I believe he would have ministered here. He came, not for the righteous, but to call sinners to repentance. He came to love, heal and forgive. Everyone is uniquely precious to God, who longs, through Jesus, to enter into a personal relationship with each of us.

I am still praying for the man in the casino in his pyjamas.

Pixabay photo.

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Published by Sally

I am a retired Sociologist/Educator from Ontario. I now live at the very edge of the North American Continent. I spend my time in contemplation, spiritual reading , intercessory prayer, and maintaining a spiritual garden grotto as a place of prayer in my backyard by the Atlantic.

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35 thoughts on “Bar Ministry”

  1. Excellent post, Sally. I agree with you, Jesus WOULD enter such establishments to share the Gospel. In fact, He does so today by having His people enter them (as you have) and share the message of eternal life with these who are perishing.

    Well done, Sally!

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  2. A good post Sally which fits in with one of my readings today regarding Jesus’s calling of Levi and dining at his house. As you know the Pharisees complained about our Lord keeping undesirable company, but He explained it perfectly – the sick need a doctor! A nautical spin on it for Newfoundland folk would be that only drowning souls need a life ring! The fact that you are willing to be used by God is excellent, He will use your willingness at the right time sister. God bless you and your husband today.

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  3. Great post Sally. You are about our Father’s business. The Great Commission: “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15) Blessings and Peace!

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  4. A bar would be a great place to meet strangers who need Jesus. However, I would not do well with that lacking the boldness to pursue the reason I am there. 😀 Maybe one could plan a strategy like dropping a quarter nearby, then pick it up and ask the stranger if the quarter was his. That might spark a conversation. This reminds me of the long ago game of Drop the Hanky. Maybe that game went the way of the hanky when tissues came in. 😀

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      1. Sure enough! I had a few hankys from my mom. I think I gave them to a niece who was designing a “hanky” quilt or something like that. I don’t think I have any left. Maybe I’ll run to on one or two. I hope so..

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  7. Your prayer for them is sufficient as someone will certainly find time to speak to them not necessarily in such establishments but else where .Thanks a lot for sharing your thoughts and views.God bless.Take care.😊🙏🌹

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    1. Such a great insight, David. Just as I read your words I was also able to imagine Christ sitting next to a desperate gambler and speaking with him.
      He meets all of us where we are, and offers us forgiveness, salvation, and his ongoing friendship. 🤗

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    1. Thanks Dawn for this comment.
      You reminded me that God designs each of us uniquely, and that prayer ministry is also very powerful.
      Perhaps God gives some of us this ministry knowing that we are not as bold as others in speaking directly to others about Jesus.
      Certainly as members of the Body of Christ we are members of a mighty team. 🤗

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    1. Hi !
      Yes, Las Vegas would be another good place to minister.
      Yes, of course, as you say, every place is a good place.
      Many do not yet believe, but hopefully, more and more people will come to the Lord, in faith.
      I appreciate your comment. 🌼🤗

      Liked by 1 person

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