Lifelines Outreach began in April 1997 as a food and clothes ministry to those in need in our community. We had no real idea of what we were doing or how it should be done. In the beginning our only real motivation was helping people with their physical needs. It was not long before the leadership began to realize much more was needed. A new vision was formed around prayer and the power of God's Word to transform our community. We knew the Gospel was for all people and all nationalities, but what ministries do we start to build relationships with people to share Jesus in a context in which they can understand?

It was not long before God began shaping the different ministries that make up Lifelines Outreach. A women in our church approached me about some workers at a local Chinese Restaurant that wanted to learn English. She asked me if I thought I could help. I knew of an individual in our church that had taught ESL classes in Japan and asked her is she would consider teaching these students. After she had spent time considering what God wanted her to do, she said yes to the challenge. We have continued to add workers and locations over the years where we teach English. It has opened many doors for evangelism and discipleship for our friends from other countries who are struggling to understand our culture.

All of our ministries have started small and God has increased them in His own timing as we have remained faithful. God has always provided the leadership and the finances as there has been a need.

If there is one guiding principle to what we do it is building relationships by showing up for ministry each week at each site. It is what real ministry is all about. I have met some of my best friends by doing local missions each week. God can do the same thing for you.