I AM READY

By Rick Mathes

The slave asked the young country preacher, “Was you sent or did you went?” It’s a question we should ask every minister. My proof-source is the Word of God and so I am going to use four golden verses to outline my personal calling which may serve as a guideline for you to follow.

My Baptist Brethren, in a church of 600 ordained me a prison minister and Chuck Colson, founder-director of Prison Fellowship encouraged me to form a Mission Gate aftercare ministry and my wife and I joined Sen. Jim and Brenda Talent to form this ministry in 1985.

Romans 1:14-15 (NASB77) I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. ¹⁵ Thus, for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.

We knew we were called and chosen of God to step out of the boat in faith. So I preached an average of 7 times a week in churches and prisons all over two states. We were ready to go anywhere so we put our home up for sale to show the Lord we were dead serious.

Acts 21:13 (NASB77) Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

I abused my body terribly with alcohol, drugs, etc. for the 25 years I ran with the devil. I have since spent all I am and have clean with what was left on my health which isn’t much. I have the body of a man that could die any moment. I remarked to my doctor, “My zeal for the Lord is killing me.” His nurse replied, “What a great way to go!” I want to die in the pulpit so I treat each sermon I deliver as my last. I’ve passed the 70 year mark and I’m ready.

2 Corinthians 10:6 (NASB77) and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.

When my sheep (ex-offenders) know better but defy the Gospel I jump on them with both feet big time! If they don’t repent, I throw them out of our program. I consider that their actions are the equivalent of giving Jesus the finger. Don’t mess with my Lord, my wife or my ministry!

2 Timothy 4:6 (NASB77) For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.

So I am pressing on to lead that last soul to the Cross of salvation. There will be a last one and I can’t help but inquire, is that you? If you are I am eternally grateful o the Lord that he gave me the eternal honor to introduce you sinner to your Savior. Do it now!