Need Him Volunteer Newsletter
November 2022
THANK YOU for your commitment and support of this ministry. We would not have made 26 years if it weren't for each of you that share our passion for proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
In This Edition....
"Iron Sharpens Iron" Introducing ECHO Buddies
Conversation Tips - Turning Conversations
A Note From a Ministry Partner
The Holiday Season
How Can I Help?
"Iron Sharpens Iron"
Introducing ECHO Buddies
Over the years, we have heard testimonies from you about organic friendships that have formed with other Need Him Volunteers. How such connections provide an outlet for discussion, encouragement, prayer and support.
As Volunteers, what we do can be challenging and even difficult at times. Having another person or "buddy" to lean on can bring strength and insight when the path seems difficult. It also provides a sounding board with someone on how to manage difficult conversations.
We want to take this to another level and provide a platform to help get you connected with other volunteers with similar interests or stations in life. Let us know if you have an interest in being connected with a Buddy and we will get you connected.
Notes From Active ECHO Buddies:
While being a volunteer is satisfying, it can be lonely at times. Having contact with another volunteer helps me to feel "connected".
Ecclesiastes 4:9 states a principle and a promise: " Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor." I have been blessed to find enlightenment, encouragement, and endurance through having a Need Him "Buddy".
Wisdom comes as you and your "buddy" share different perspectives for engaging seekers and both can learn from sharing in their varied experiences.
My "buddy" and I connect several times monthly to share prayer requests and encourage each other. We discuss tactics to improve our conversations in ECHO.
It is great to have someone to bounce ideas off of and to brainstorm on how to better respond to seekers.
Encouragement is readily available as your "buddy" affirms you and often can point out positives such as a 'learning curve experience' even when some conversations may have a disappointing outcome.
Endurance comes as you become bonded with your "buddy" which may easily build your personal accountability to the ministry as well.
When we "see" each other online, we send private messages of encouragement.
Having a "Buddy" has taken my Need Him experience to a new level.
Respond to chris@needhim.org of your interest to be paired with a Buddy and we will get you connected...
Conversation Tips - Turning Conversations
Have you ever been stuck in a conversation and not sure how to turn it toward the Gospel or into a spiritual discussion? We all have faced those slightly awkward moments and want to provide some "Turn Statements" you might want to consider using as you approach these difficult conversations.
No One Cares For Me: I am very sorry you are feeling this way. Please know that Jesus loves you and He has a plan for your life. Your value comes from who we are in Jesus Christ. Can you share how Jesus is part of your life?...
Financial Pressure: We all face pressures in life. Jesus wants to walk with us if we will lean into Him in these times. The Bible tells us to cast our burdens on the Lord and HE will sustain us. Can you share how Jesus is part of your life?....
Struggles in Life: You seem to have a lot going on there, can you share how Jesus Christ is part of your life?
Will Suicide send me to Hell: There is only one thing that determines where a person spends eternity and that is based solely on having a right and true relationship with Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Can we talk about how Jesus has transformed your life?...
Loss of Loved One: I am so very sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine the grief you must feel. I want to encourage you that Jesus loves you and wants to walk with you in this hard time...
Lost in Sin: Thanks for sharing your story. We are ALL broken sinners and all in need of forgiveness and reconciliation. Jesus offers us grace and forgiveness if we will turn to HIM...
Broken Relationship: I am so sorry for the pain and confusion you may feel. I have been rejected before as well. I assure you there is hope for you in this difficult time. God has a plan and purpose for you which even includes your relationships...
I am Stressed Out: I am so sorry for the stress and anxiety you feel. The Bible tells us to cast our burdens on the Lord and HE will carry us...
When all else fails, you can always remember these three words, "Jesus Loves You"...
A Note From a Ministry Partner
To The Volunteers at Need Him,
I wish you guys could hear how often I talk and brag about YOU! I've never seen such a devoted group doing such a potentially thankless job. Please know your commitment to caring so beautifully for the chatters and texters we send your way is certainly not unnoticed. Ever.
In fact, we thank Jesus constantly for you. Yes, not just for the amazing job you do, but for you personally. We praise God for you and believe that Jesus smiles when He sees you. And He certainly sees you. And from what we
hear from the people that have been affected by you, they are smiling too!
Tim Bisagno
aSafePlaceOnline
The Holiday Season
As the Holidays approach, we anticipate a greater need for responders. Whether you have been faithfully serving for years, just taken your first conversation or may not have been active for some time, please know how valued you are as volunteers. The success of the Ministry is built on the hearts of so many faithful and active volunteers. Please know, we cannot do this without you.
Even with all the success from this past year, the need is increasing as we approach the Holiday season. The Holidays seem to bring many life issues to the surface and often open old wounds. Topics like loneliness, hopelessness, and depression are on the rise and the time has never been more right for us to share the Hope of the Gospel Message.
Each day we are doing our absolute best, but are still unable to respond to hundreds of incoming conversations from many hurting and broken. As the Spirit Leads, please consider joining us to meet the broken and hurting.
How Can I Help?
You may ask, "How can I help?" Simply log in and get started. If it has been a while and you have forgotten your login credentials or feel you need a refresher training course, we can quickly get you set up and provide some follow-up training (Via Zoom).
We are praying that each of you consider logging in to help. We understand the hurdles: life is busy, I am not sure I know enough, what if I cannot answer a question, etc... but please remember that it is the Spirit of God who speaks in and through us. We are simply vessels God desires to use to impact this broken world.
The Ministry has many resources for you to sharpen your evangelism skills as well as to share with seekers on the Volunteer Training Portal.
Visit the Portal: https://needhimvolunteer.com/
Password: NHGresources
Respond to chris@needhim.org and he can reset your login credentials or set up a training session for you.
In closing, please know that we are incredibly grateful for each of you giving your time to share the Gospel. Thank you for serving our Lord through us. Please let us know if we can be praying for you in a specific way. Blessings to you...
Need Him Global - - - Chris, Pete, Julie, Karen, and Cathy
