Whetstone Ministries » Sharpening the Focus

Looking Ahead

rfuhrman — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 03:10:27 +0000

As to the year ahead, we have determined to do three specific things. One is to assemble a working team of men in our local area that will be involved in the events and small group activities that we are doing. Second, we want offer a mentorship that would impact some younger men. I believe that there are some men that would like to have an older man he could learn from regarding life and spiritual growth. I foresee working with group of about 5-7 men for a period of one year. This small team of men would meet as a group and with me as individuals at regular intervals. Reading, reflection and specific assignments would be met in an effort to develop spiritual maturity. These men would also participate in the other efforts of the ministry. Third, we are expanding the number of group outreaches for fathers and sons as we focus on the local area. Our objective is to “spread the net” and trust the Lord to bring the “increase”. Since teaching is an important element in the Whetstone mission I will accept more opportunities to preach, conduct more small group encounters and teach other men to lead groups. In summary, our objectives this year are to form a Whetstone leadership team, initiate a mentorship program for growing young men, and seek out those men that need to connect in life giving relationships. My wife also has a special burden for grandmothers and will be preparing a special outreach for them.

Ministry

rfuhrman — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 17:14:17 +0000

Dear Friends,

Ministry is as close as the next person we meet. Every person is fighting some sort of a battle and we have the opportunity to join with them in the fight. I have come to realize that I cannot fix anyone, although that is what I have been trying to do all my life. I assumed that ministry amounted to finding out what the problem was and then to offer something to fix the problem. In reality problems are God’s provision to know Him better. It is no secret that trials are one of God’s primary means to blessings. That is what James tells us. Difficulties are to be seen as friends, to be welcomed into our life to produce good things. It sure is hard and painful sometimes to go through problems, but that is the very opportunity we all have to connect with each other in the battles we encounter. There is nothing like a good friend to fight with us in the battle, to feel each other’s pain; to know God in deeper ways. How are you doing? I would like to hear from you.

Your friend,
Ron

PODS

rfuhrman — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 14:58:15 +0000

PODS stands for personal,observation, discipleship (or discovery), and spiritual growth. It is a word we’ve adapted to our small group approach. Over the last three years I have been involved as a chaplain in training. The training utilized small groups with a goal of personal and professional growth. I know the concept is not new and many are using this very successfully but for me it was a new thing.

My mode of ministry was teaching. I believed that if we just tell people the truth that the Lord would then produce the change. I was missing one important element in the process and that was that God wants to connect people in deep relationships to aid the growth process.

I have learned that the Lord uses people in the process of spiritual growth and it is exciting to see others growing in the Lord. I have also seen men participate in a group for a long time and miss some of the important dynamics of the group. It took me almost three years to finally realize what it was that I was experiencing.

Do you have a personal growth experience that you’d like top share with others? What can we do to help you launch a ministry to men? Send me your thoughts, questions and comments.

For more information about PODS, Learn More.

Giving Thanks

rfuhrman — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 22:28:18 +0000

I am so glad our nation’s leaders decided it was a good idea to encourage folks to set aside some time to give thanks. I can think of so many things that have happened this year for which we are grateful. We are thankful for all of you who have involved themselves in one of our events, for those who have grown closer to the Lord, for the safety He has provided over the many hundreds of miles we have traveled and for a clearer understanding of how we are to work out His calling . I continue to be amazed at how God uses people to do His work. I often feel like John Newton who said, “I am a great sinner but Christ is a greater Saviour.”

Our hunt camps were the best so far. Next year we plan to include opportunities for those who would prefer not to hunt with a gun but with a camera. In addition, we are planning on several Boundary Waters canoe trips. Permits are available in the early spring and I would like to encourage those that have never been there to take this opportunity to experience this part of God’s creation. I am also planning a leadership training trip for the early spring. If you would like to learn how to disciple men consider taking this time with a small group to experience growth as a Christian man.

Opportunities

rfuhrman — Wed, 23 May 2007 19:13:21 +0000

The other day I shared a message with some men and was impressed with the fact that God does not ‘need’ us to work for Him, because He is self-sufficient. But it is a privilege to serve Him, however, and to be a part of His plan. This morning I felt burdened and asked the Lord to use me today. On two separate occasions as I was doing normal things, I met strangers that had needs and both individuals opened parts of their wounded hearts to me. I believe the Lord allowed me to share His love with them. It is not hard to find a person with needs, if they are alive and breathing most likely they have a need. I trust that God will use you to care for hurting people, in fact it may be the next stranger you meet.