Mary's Place

Things are going well in Minnesota. I have been putting job applications in everywhere. The economy is tough even for a fella with a MBA. I have a couple of leads: one at North Central University and the other at Minnesota Teen Challenge. While I am waiting on those to come through, I will have to find something to bring in revenue. I am staying with my great friend, Pastor Marty Bownik, Senior Pastor of the Edge Christian Fellowship in Rodgers MN-- http://www.edgecf.org/ I am on a Sabbatical from Ministry until January—that means I am on a break. I will start ministering again early sometime in January. It is interesting how many people remember me playing football for the Vikings. It’s been 11 years since I last played. I was asked at the gym to do a radio promo and an autograph session for a discount for a gym membership. It’s all good because it’s the first time in a while I have been able to associate with nonbelievers. If I am successful at getting them to come to church, I am going to try and hit every Anytime Fitness in the area and get people more people to come. I miss Dawniqua and I miss my kids. I will be seeing them this weekend, thank God. This morning, I was able to serve the homeless and transition shelter called Mary’s Place, which is located in Downtown Minneapolis right behind Target Field-- http://www.sharingandcaringhands.org/MarysPlace.htm. This ministry is amazing they serve three meals a day feeding 1,000 people daily. They also give out food clothes, and they also serve as a transitional home for single mothers. The place is awesome. What stood out the most was 94% of the donations they receive goes directly to helping people. WoW! Dawniqua and I have been discussing a similar ministry, but it will be specifically for women and children enslaved to sex trafficking. This will be a ministry “Endurance Church” will provide in addition to the normal kingdom expansion business. It is time to get busy. What is interesting is Minneapolis has the best social services programs in the country. And, during the recession people are moving in from all over the country because of them. However, they are afraid. Why? Because if we begin cutting back, as a country, social service programs may be the first to go, and these homeless people are thinking, “who will help us?” Help us Lord!
I am living life. I am a believer and I am stepping out in faith. I pray that God allows me to minister to the people of Minneapolis for years to come. Oh, Dawniqua met a lady at Regent who is from Minneapolis. She is in the divinity program. She is about to get married to Ron Henderson they call him Mr. Fitness. It is interesting how God is bringing all of these Athletes together…I wonder what He is up to…?

Heading Home from the Dominican Republic

I had an amazing time ministering in the Dominican Republic. There is a lot to be done here; as is the case throughout the world. But, the Dominican Republic has the fourth highest rate in the world for human trafficking. God is beginning to give me a burden to help fight against the modern day slavery. I pray that I can help stop this horrifying practice. And, maybe in the Dominican Republic I can do that. I just need the wisdom to know how to fight. I am glad I know there are genuine believers that I have a connection with. I am happy that people gave their heart to Christ because of our ministering, furthermore, I am glad that we were able to both bless and encourage the saints of the DR. What next? Home and then wait for my next assignment. But, until then I will keep on with my studies, being the best single dad I can be, ministering, and growing in Christ.

Missions trip day of rest

I hope that you have been able to keep up with the missions trip on fb...when I get back to the states I am going to up load all of the videos and pictures taken on the trip to the blog. Nevertheless, I have a couple of thoughts about the trip. The first thought is mission trips are always life changing: I have not gone on a trip yet where the experience itself has not been rewarding. I am fully aware that the primary point of the trip for the missionary is not to seek to be changed but to serve, yet, change is a residual effect of the trip itself. Second, acknowledging the amazing bond that develops between the people on the trip itself. It almost reminds me of playing football: the camaraderie, the games, and the relationships. To me mission trips have the same vibe. There is a lot interaction with the people you go on the trip with, but there are also battles to overcome in the process. Third, you have to be mature to be on a missions trip. I would not recommend you attempt a missions trip unless you can get some type of affirmation from your leader about your level of maturity. An immature believer can be used of the enemy to cause a boat load of havoc on a trip if he or she does not posses some level of maturity. Remember the individuals receiving the missionaries are expecting the best. Lastly, minister with all that you have...preach, teach, pray, prophecy, do what it is God is asking of you. As long as you stay in order...

Missions Trip

Hey going to make a quick post today. I am here in the Dominican Republic on a missions trip for Calvary Revival Church. Things are going well. We are helping out a great church http://www.hope4drnow.org/hope4drnow.org/Home.html. We have been ministering at their vacation bible school, village church, and through their outreach ministry. This ministry is run by pastor Ruben and Vicki Dominguez, who have eight children. The church has two other local ministries under it, and they have aspirations of starting a orphanage. I have had trouble up loading the videos to the blog so I resolved to put the all of them on my facebook page. Check out the journey...

Thank you!

Thank you Friends and Family,
I really appreciate your helping me to achieve my financial goals for the Bosnian and Dominican Republic mission trips. You really did a wonderful thing.
Your contribution meant that I will be able to effectively minister the love of Christ to Children on both sides of the planet. I will be leading two teams in two countries that are economically depressed and troubled with monolithic religious animosity. These kids are going to be so happy to see a former professional football player who loves Jesus.
Imagine the look on their faces when they get the good news that they can now play American Football with a former football player—please pray for me. Talk about investing your talents for the Kingdom. Thank you for your sacrifice.
If you ever need me to help with a charitable cause of your own, please let me return the favor. I'm pretty good at teaching the Bible so if I can help out in anyway, please let me know.
Again, thanks so much for all you've done!
Cordially,
Minister Anthony Bass