Something about the title The Unlikely Missionary: From Pew-Warmer to Poverty-Fighter stirred my soul. I knew I had to read it. As I read my heart immediately engaged with the author Dan King. Though different circumstances, it still felt like he was writing my story.
I connected with Dan, the BibleDude, through Facebook and twitter and began to learn from him. I hope you will do the same.
Dan has recently released a new book out Activist Faith: From Him and For Him which is full of step-by-step ideas for each of us to begin implementing as we reach out in our own communities.
Today we will talk about what it means to live on purpose.
[powerpress]
1. Did you always know that your purpose would be found through serving others?
It was later in my twenties when I got serious about God. Digging in through scriptures I realized it was all about was serving others.
I was self-centered and then became God-centered.
2. In your new best-selling book “Activist Faith” I love how you speak frankly about the Poverty Epidemic. Can you describe that for the listeners?
Activist Faith is co-authored with Dillon Burroughs and Daniel Darling. Poverty is dear to our hearts. Blogging for a year through Change.org with a focus on poverty my view began to change.
The more I researched I realized how wide-spread poverty is, including right here in our backyards. People are starving when they go to bed here.
As I meet more people, my perceptions have changed. I know now a lot of those that live in poverty are some of the hardest workers I’ve seen.
Activist Faith gives specific ways for others to help.
3. In Chapter Nine of Activist Faith you speak about Orphans and how the church is positioned to be the answer. Can you give us a few examples of how we can make a difference?
There is more to do beyond foster care.
One church took on the orphan problem in their community. They eliminated the foster care waiting list by opening their homes for foster care. They became the solution.
Ask yourself – how can we serve the children?
Give foster parents a date night. Doing the little things we can do makes a huge difference.
4. What kind of disciplined routine do you maintain to accomplish so much? How do you balance ministry and family?
Balance is tricky.
Make sure your family is included in what you are doing. Make them a part.
If you’re raising money, let them help with a garage sale.
It’s not a me thing — it’s about family.
5. Can you describe how you came to find your God-given purpose?
I’m not sure that I’m in my sweet spot. The best is when I am dying to my self-centered self and living out God’s will.
A lot of times we think God’s will is a point, then when we don’t hit that point we think we are failures. God’s purpose is more about staying within God’s word and serving how we can.
There are many ways to serve.
6. Can you describe how serving in Africa changed your life? And give a word of encouragement to those of us who serve in our communities?
Africa was my first mission trip and it is still blowing my mind.
The people are people just like me. They are very joyous and rich in their own way.
Even in our own communities they have hopes and dreams just like you and I.
“My mission field is right where I am.” [tweet that]
7. Can you tell us about The Idea Camp conference in Austin?
Check out theideacamp.com. We focus more on the people coming.
We love conversations that will drive areas we can all serve in. What is shared will spur on the rest of us to step out.
The ideas for Help One Now and how I got involved started at theideacamp.com.
This year we will be focusing on human care. Dan will be sharing from Activist Faith.
We’ll share more ideas about taking care of people.
8. Can you leave us with some encouraging words?
I’m just a guy — a dude! I’m an ordinary guy asking God to use me. I’m not a big pastor or trained guy. I just pour myself out for others.
Do little things where you are and they’ll lead to big things.
It doesn’t matter who you are God can use you as long as you say “Here I am, Lord.”
Reader: How do you serve in your own community?
Thank you, Dan King. You can connect with Dan via: president http://fistbumpmedia.com, author http://theunlikelymissionary.com, co-author http://activistfaith.org, founder/editor http://bibledude.net, social media editor http://www.thehighcalling.org, twitter @bibledude
Click here to subscribe in itunes.
Here’s an easy way to share this podcast? Click here to show your support.
Will you please rate this podcast in iTunes by leaving a short written review by clicking here. Reviews are incredibly important for helping others discover it when they search.
This post contains affiliate links.
Two of some of my favorite people! Your hearts and passion is contagious! You both inspire me. :)