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Christian Change Agents
By John W. Kennedy | May 7, 2008
Every job occasionally has its unpleasant side, such as deadlines, tedious paperwork and long days.
But by and large, I have one of the greatest jobs in the world. I get to write for a living. Unlike many Americans, I enjoy what I do. More than a quarter century after graduating from journalism school, I’m still in the profession for which I trained.
It’s a great privilege as a Christian journalist because I tell stories about people whose ministry is making a difference in America. Some of those I’ve interviewed remain friends, and their impact is felt long after the article is published.
I think of Pastor Eric Earhart, a former drug runner whose church is now transforming lives of the down and out. See Upper Room Assembly
I think of Wallace Phillips, who overcame traditional prejudices and is now pastor of a church bridging the racial divide in North Carolina. 
See The Carpenter’s Shop
I think of Sheila Harper, whose post-abortion experiences led her to start an organization that enables women and men throughout the country to experience God’s healing. See SaveOne
I think of Cindi Boston, who, despite inexperience in leadership, had a passion to ensure pregnant girls and women had an alternative to abortion that has saved hundreds of babies from death. See PCC Choices
I think of Joe Fauss, whose compassion for former inmates compelled him to forsake a lucrative business career so that men and women come to know biblical principles that keep them from returning to prison. See Calvary Commission
I think of Rico and Alice Altiery, who relinquished comfortable careers to move to an unfamiliar setting at the request of their pastor, so they could minister to troubled women in desperate need of the Lord’s instruction. See New Life Farm
I think of Nancy C. Anderson, who chose to tell her difficult story about committing
adultery, inspiring others to seek God’s forgiveness that she has experienced, and uncovering a topic that too often is ignored or unduly criticized as a special sin in Christian circles.
See Joyful Marriage
I think of Nate Larkin, a former pastor who fell into sexual sin, who started a ministry showing Christian men how to be transparent with each other about their hidden secrets. See Samson Society
I think of David Zailer, who has overcome lengthy battles with drugs and sex addiction, and is now a role model for other men to do the same. See Operation Integrity
The list could continue. But the point is that God uses unlikely people in ministry. People who didn’t feel qualified, people who failed in their behavior, people who never saw themselves on a path to ministry. These are the Christians who are improving this nation. I’m honored to know them.
Topics: ministry |
May 7th, 2008 at 9:44 am
Dear John,
Thank you for your words of encouragement. The article continues to get results. I never thought about the thousands of copies that get into the hands of prisoners. We are now getting inquiries from other states. May you be blessed today!
May 7th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
thank you for your prayers and words of
encouragement also.we are so blessed to have friends like you and your wife and people of GOD
that have a love for the lost.
May 7th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
once again john new life for women thanks
you for your comments and help.
pastors rico and alice
May 7th, 2008 at 10:46 pm
John, we are so blessed to serve the Lord who forgives — those who have a very troubled past AND those who would be considered “clean” by the world’s standard. We all need the blood of Jesus! And then He teaches us and lets us serve Him!
~Shari Earhart
May 8th, 2008 at 8:15 am
JOHN!
And oh you write so well. I love reading the words that fall from the end of your pen! Especially when they’re about SaveOne! hahaha Seriously, thanks for the words of encouragement. God is so good to take the most horrific regrettable mistake of my life and turn it into an avenue to help others. Only God can do stuff like that. Bless you John for the work you do and the people you reach. You should be at the top of this list.
Love ya man,
Sheila
May 8th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
John,
You are RIGHT ON my friend. Sheila Harper is an amazing woman who God is using to heal the hearts of those wounded by abortion. And for those reading… Sheila is not the only one healed from this past choice. There are thousands of people going through Abortion Recovery programs all over the world. If you’re hurting from a past abortion… contact Sheila through www.saveone.org or visit our website of Abortion Recovery Counselors worldwide.
www.abortionrecovery.org
Thanks John for sharing the prospect of after abortion healing with the world!
-Stacy Massey, President
Abortion Recovery InterNational, Inc.
www.abortionrecoveryinternational.org
www.abortionrecovery.org
May 8th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
You are kind and I value your friendship. Thanks for all you do for the kingdom.
May 8th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Hi John,
Thanks for mentioning me. This is a great group of people to be listed with.
It’s a lot better than other lists I have been on in the past. LOL!
Dave
May 13th, 2008 at 9:21 am
Thank you John! How nice of you to include me in such an honorable list.