A Moment of Transparency

Many years ago when Shari and I started this ministry vehicle called ImageMakers Ministries, we were wide-eyed and so naïve. Though Shari had already been born into the calling as she sat under Pastors Bob and Sharon Mathieu, I was born into an organized crime family dealing in drugs and other sordid segments of anti-social evils. I really had no idea what I was getting us into. If I was given a dollar for the number of times I argued with God and wanted to give up, I wouldn’t to raise any support, because I would have more money than the Rockefeller family.God has been so faithful and He has used many of you to not just give financial resources and prayer, but more important, God has used many of you to encourage us. I don’t really complain when things don’t look like what I planned because this ministry belongs to God and I am just a passenger on the vehicle while God pilots any way He chooses.

I was sitting in my office one afternoon and was speaking with God on the current situations of ministry and just overall life matters. On the flesh side I was not happy about some of the items I was praying about. Right about that moment, Shari enters my office and places the following letter on my desk:

Let me tell you how I came to support ImageMakers. The founder is Jose Cuesta, born and raised in the slums of Washington D.C. Introduced to violence early. As a young man he became an international drug dealer. Very successful. Very self-satisfied. As he recounted his story he noted that all drug dealers ultimately become addicted themselves. This is when they get careless and end up in jail.

I don’t know anything about his conversion to Christianity. After release he became a popular radio music guy.  At some point he felt led by God to minister to the young people of D.C. He is charismatic, a powerful mouthpiece for God. He gained financial support. ... He and his “white wife” moved their ministry to Baltimore to expand. They have always lived in the poor section of the city where gun fire and drug dealing is the norm. They have established a large help center for anyone in the city who needs help any time night or day. Many helpers are professionals who volunteer for certain periods of time.

Jose contracted Covid, had pneumonia and was hospitalized. Nearly died.  My personal emotional encounter with Jose took place by chance after he had spoken to our church group.  I had never been held in the arms of a black giant-size man who loved me with God’s love. He understood my grief over Tom [name changed]. His compassionate heart is as large as his body.  He is weakened from Covid and age but his love and commitment to God’s children remain strong. 

Wow! This letter literally brought us to tears.

One of our faithful supporters wrote that letter to her daughter and her adult children. In lieu of receiving Christmas gifts from their mom, they were thrilled to send a donation to us to provide Christmas gifts to the children in Baltimore for Christmas ToyMania.

This is the feedback that fuels us to continue the work. This reminds us that our ministry partners are not just donors, but committed cheerleaders to seeing the mission move forward.

I am always reminded of 1 Corinthians 15:58.

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."

We have many projects that we are still waiting for God to move according to His promises, but we continue to stay committed to the ministerial destiny that God has set us on and trust Him in all things. I continue to thank you for hearing God and answering the call.

Though our season has shifted from the busyness of the holidays, we continue to run The Sound online radio station, and the “Kingdom House,” and bless so many that are in need. We are thankful for your financial donations and prayers that keep the ministry moving forward.

Please continue to keep us in prayer; there is so much work to do and we can’t do it without you! You have been a great asset to what God is doing in Sandtown-Winchester and we are thankful that you have partnered with us.