“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.”
~ Philippians 2:3-7 (ESV)
We truly live in unprecedented times. Politicians chose to limit all gatherings of more than 10 people, leaving Churches with minimal choices. A few have stayed open; some held “drive-in church”; most moved services online. My emotions and opinions aside concerning about who is our governing authority, I asked the question “How will online churches minister to people in need?” So I reached out to Pastor Kenny Tomsen at Calvary Worship Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. We had a long conversation about preparedness; overcoming fear and helping Christians learn to put the needs of others before their fear. Then we talked about how they are helping the most vulnerable, the fatherless and the widow.
Pastor Tomsen, what were the obstacles to helping the fatherless and widow during the lockdown?
The main obstacle to overcome was fear. Fear causes us to retreat, to draw inward and focus on our own needs. As humans we fear death more than anything; for many it becomes an all-consuming fear. So during this time we need to be asking “how can we serve others while exercising wisdom simultaneously?” It requires us to dig deep and find new and better ways to invest in people, especially our care ministries that help single mothers and widows. We were being proactive in moving to online services, but had to evaluate how our care ministries would operate. How were we going to utilize volunteers? What would food distribution look like? What about our single moms and elderly? We knew it would shift as we went, so we tried to stay on top of it.
When Fathers in the Field offered gift cards for single moms, did it change how you ministered to the most vulnerable during this time?
The day before Mike McNeill (our Missionary who oversees Colorado) brought those gift cards I was thinking “as the church we need to do more.” Those cards were not just an answer to prayer, but a clear demonstration of what the Epistle of James says, “faith without works is dead.” So Mike bringing those cards was an answer to my prayers; another amazing chance to put our faith to work. At a time when businesses are seeking to protect themselves financially Fathers in the Field went the opposite way to give outside of themselves to help others. The impact this is having leaves me speechless; this should be how the body of Christ gives regularly.
It was an honor for us to help and lead the way. What ministry was sparked by our giving you these gift cards?
Your gift caused a modern miracle. An anonymous couple in our church got wind of this and they matched the gift Fathers in the Field gave. Then our men stepped up and matched too. Not to be out done our food pantry gave a big box of food to go with the cards.
Amazing! How has this impacted your church?
Our Mission statement is “We do life together, to know him and make him known.” Now we are actually doing this. We are living for Christ in every action, not just with words.
What are some of the reactions from single moms during this time?
The generosity of the Church has stunned most of them, reducing them to tears of gratitude. Two of the single moms were doing well financially and they requested that the boxes and cards go to some of the moms whose needs were more desperate. These women took gifts they didn’t need and gave to those in need. What an amazing example of living out their faith by seeing the needs of others as greater than their own.
I am so happy and thrilled to be a part of Calvary Worship Center and Fathers in the Field because I get to see so many great blessings. Watching the people of God go over and above to help those most in need, the fatherless and the widow. Praise God for giving us a season in which we are compelled to live out our faith daily!
When the Lord used me to start Fathers in the Field, it was with a desire to see the Church step up into the lives of the fatherless and widow in mighty ways. Praise God for Churches and people who are putting aside their personal desires to care for the most vulnerable.
Contact me today and let us help your church follow Calvary Worship Center’s example.
Standing in the Gap,
John Smithbaker
Founding Servant
P: 1-844-472-4241
E: info@fathersinthefield.com
