Tuesday, October 27, 2009

What Ever Happened to Evangelism?

It was a joy to preach a series on “Fishing for Souls” for the last 3 Sunday mornings at New Life Community Church in Lake Tapps: Fishing 101 – Love is the Bait; Fishing 201 – Prayer is the Priority; Fishing 301 – Telling People (about God’s saving grace) is the Command.

The Word of God clearly gives many reasons why the followers of Jesus Christ are to “evangelize” (fulfilling the commission of Jesus Christ [Matthew 28:19] in the power of the Holy Spirit [Acts 1:8] ) . . .


Ø It is His desire – Isaiah 45: 22, 1 Timothy 2: 4
Ø It was the disciples first job description – Matthew 4:19
Ø It is our responsibility - 1 Corinthians 9: 16
Ø It is an act of obedience - Matthew. 28: 19
Ø It is an act of Love - John 21: 15
Ø It is an act of compassion - Mark 6: 34
Ø It is the believers call - Acts 1:8
Ø Because we cherish Christ Love (God’s love) - 2 Corinthians 5: 14
Ø Because it is the reason God sent His only Son, Jesus, to die – John 3:16
Ø Because Jesus is the Only Way, the Only Answer and the Only Truth – John 14:6
Ø Because men and women, boys and girls will die and go to hell unless they are born again – Luke 13:3
Ø Because those who believe will never die – John 4:1-15

I firmly and passionately believe that evangelism IS the church’s number one priority!

Here is what Evangelist Luis Palau said in an interview in 1996 -

“If there is no evangelism, there is no church to deal with the other priorities. Discipleship is obviously a strong, ongoing church priority; but there's no one to disciple if you haven't evangelized in the first place. When Jesus went to heaven, the uppermost command on his mind was "Go into all the world and make disciples." Yes, the church exists for the glory of God. But in practice, evangelism should never leave a Christian's mind. The church is always one generation away from extinction. Why are you able to worship? Because God rescued you through the work of someone who evangelized you!”

In general, the passion for evangelism has been lost in America (as well as most western nations) but evangelism is ‘fired up’ in many nations including Africa where our granddaughter and her Kenyan Evangelist husband are seeing literally multitudes of conversions every time they preach/teach the simple gospel of Jesus Christ!!!

Though there certainly are some pastors and churches that are committed to reaching their community and world with the message of the gospel, for the most part our churches have become ‘Bible knowledge centers’ and weak in Biblical evangelism.

If a co-worker or neighbor came to you tomorrow and said, “I want to become a Christian. Will you please show me from the Bible right now exactly what God says about what a Christian is and what I need to do to have eternal life?” Would you be ready that moment to take your Bible and walk that seeker through the verses that will answer his/her questions? Yes, that is the ‘best-case-scenario’ and is probably least likely to happen … but, are you ready? “… faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Romans 10:17

Oh Pastor!!! Oh Church!!! Oh Christian!!! What has happened???

When was the last time you actually sat with someone and opened your Bible and walked him or her through God’s simple plan of salvation? I, sadly, feel that many pastors and most ‘lay people’ have not done it for a long time … or maybe ever! I also believe that most Christians don’t even know what verses to walk the seeker through if he/she asked, “Please show me from the Bible how to become a Christian.”

O God, bring a revival of evangelism back to your pastors and back to your church!

The mission and vision of God on my life and the passion of my heart is to call pastors and churches back to the ministry of evangelism.
Please pray with us for open doors and open hearts. Pray that local church pastors will not be afraid to allow me to help them and join them in ministry with the gifts God has given me. It seems that local church pastors are fearful of many things (it is their responsibility to protect their sheep) but please ask the Lord to open their hearts to the need and the ministry potential (as well as growth) that evangelistic ministry can bring to their church.

Member of NGA (Next Generation Alliance) 
www.palau.org/nga
Luis Palau Evangelistic Association

Thanks for writing to us:
Evangelist Ken and Diane Ramey
14400 SE 270th Pl
Kent, WA 98042
email:  kenramey1@gmail.com

Thanks for supporting us:
RCCF (River City Christian Fellowship)
2740 Bedford Ave.
Placerville, CA 95667

Friday, September 18, 2009

God DOES hear and answer prayer!!!

Do you believe . . . I mean REALLY BELIEVE . . . in the truth that God actually hears the prayers and the cries of His children? And if you believe that God HEARS, do you REALLY BELIEVE that He is moved by your prayers and actually responds?

WE BELIEVE IT!!! And yet, we are just beginning to understand and experience the miraculous power of prayer!

Not only because God’s Word says it (though that is enough!), we are living witnesses of the fact that prayer is powerful AND effective!

Allow these verses from God’s Word to sink in. Ask the Holy Spirit to enable you to believe enough to begin a disciplined and obedient prayer life: (New Living Bible)“I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you.” Matthew 18:19“You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.” Matthew 21:22“I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.” Mark 11:24“You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.” John 14:13“But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!” John 15:7“You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.” John 15:16“At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name.” John 16:23
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” James 1:5

I don’t believe that any ‘earthly man’ has written it better than the great man of prayer, E.M. Bounds:
“How vast are the possibilities of prayer! How wide is its reach! What great things are accomplished by this divinely appointed means of grace! It lays its hand on Almighty God and moves him to do what he would not otherwise do if prayer was not offered. It brings things to pass which would never otherwise occur. The story of prayer is the story of great achievements. Prayer is a wonderful power placed by Almighty God in the hands of his saints, which may be used to accomplish great purposes and to achieve unusual results. Prayer reaches to everything, takes in all things great and small which are promised by God to the children of men. The only limit to prayer are the promises of God and his ability to fulfill those promises. ‘Open thy mouth wide and I will fill it’."
“Prayer is a direct address to God. ‘In everything let your requests be made known unto God.’ Prayer secures blessings, and makes men better because it reaches the ear of God. Prayer is only for the betterment of men when it has affected God and moved him to do something for men. Prayer affects men by affecting God. Prayer moves men because it moves God to move men. Prayer influences men by influencing God to influence them. Prayer moves the hand that moves the world.”

I trust that by now, you understand the passion of our hearts and the call of the Gospel:
“Jesus is the Answer!” and the only way for EVERY need for EVERY person;
Every human being MUST receive Jesus Christ by faith as his/her Savior in order to receive the free gift of eternal salvation and enter into personal relationship with God while alive on this earth;
The ‘call’ of Jesus upon every believer is to be ‘fishers of men’ and be effective and powerful witnesses who reach people with the salvation message.
My heart and desire is to help you, motivate you and implore you, as well as the church, to return to the basics of the Gospel and make your daily obsession to bring men and women, teens and boys and girls to the cross of Christ!

The first step is prayer! I challenge you right now to ask God to give you at least 1 person you are close to who does not know the Lord Jesus as his or her Savior to come to Him very soon! Right now, will you bow your head and pray for that person?! Will you commit to pray every day until he or she receives the Lord?! Will you send us the name of that person so we can join you in prayer for their salvation?! This will be exciting and you will see just what God can do! Don’t worry about the ‘how’, just concern yourself with prayer. The ‘how’ will come on the journey. Will you, right now, bow and ask the Lord to enable you to bear the ‘fruit’ of 1 lost soul for His glory?! It will change your life!!!

E.M. Bounds: “Prayer possibilities open doors for the entrance of the gospel: "Withal praying also for us that God would open to us a door of utterance." Prayer opened for the apostles doors of utterance, created opportunities and made openings to preach the gospel. The appeal by prayer was to God, because God was moved by prayer. God was thereby moved to do his own work in an enlarged way and by new ways. Prayer possibility gives not only great power, and opens doors to the gospel, but it gives facility as well to the gospel. Prayer makes the gospel to go fast and to move with glorious swiftness. A gospel projected by the mighty energies of prayer is neither slow, lazy nor dull. It moves with God's power, with God's radiance and with angelic swiftness.”

This is just the beginning. As the Lord allows, I want to help you step by step, learn to be used of the Lord to reach lost people you know, who will absolutely go to hell if they die without Jesus!

Prayer is the beginning. Prayer for yourself and your relationship with the Lord and then prayer for the lost – specifically naming those who you want to see come to Him before it is to late. Will you pray? Will you allow us to pray with you? It will be exciting to see what God will do!!!

We need to share with you the answer to your prayers on our behalf. Once again, the Lord miraculously, and in the last hour, provided for rent. The Lord moved upon many people’s hearts and they obediently responded and sacrificially gave in order that this need would be met. O how we praise the Lord! Some gifts were large and some were small, but all were significant and such a blessing!!! The Lord is truly giving us our ‘daily bread.’ Friends in our church have provided food, our neighbor has shared from her garden, another neighbor has given food and money and checks have come in the mail – even one came by FedEx from back east! This is all in answer to fervent prayer! Thank you!!!
The Apostle Paul cried out in Ephesians 6:18-20, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.”

Please keep praying for us! Pray that we would be effective witnesses each day as well as a loud voice to the church as we make every effort to call them back to the priority of the gospel!

O Lord, Glorify Yourself at our Expense,

Evangelist Ken & Diane Ramey


Home address:
14400 SE 270th Pl
Kent, WA 98042 Phone: 425-495-3723

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Update #15 August 25, 2009

This might be the most important Update I have sent out. Please read it all and allow God’s Spirit to bless and minister to you.

I want to begin by expressing our deep appreciation for so many emails of love and encouragement! Your expressions of support and prayer touched our hearts! Thank you!

Thank you for praying for Diane. We are on a journey regarding her health. The tests indicated that she has a definite slowing in the abdominal tract and will need continued care and treatment. She is, as always, living each day to the fullest and being the best wife, grandmother, friend and helper possible – and doing a great job! Please continue to pray for her as the Lord brings her to your heart and mind.

Now – the Lord has laid a “Message” on my heart. I pay attention to what is happening in our country and in the church. Obviously, there is much to be concerned about. There are lots of words here, and it is worth the time for you to read and consider . . .

What is the answer? What is God’s answer?

We are watching our country in decline . . .

We have forsaken God. This nation had a special covenant with God from its founding. Our national motto is “In God We Trust.” We used to sing “God Bless America”, and He did. We used to pray in schools. We used to advocate, “Attend the Church of your choice.” We used to close our businesses on Sunday. We still pledge allegiance to one nation, under God. But for most Americans we honor God with our lips, but not with our hearts. Our pulpits were once aflame with righteousness, according to Alexis De Toqueville. America was once great because she was good, but she has ceased to be good, and we are no longer great. Our President has declared we are no longer a Christian nation. He does not attend the National Prayer Breakfast. After two hundred years to the contrary, our Supreme Court has told us God is no longer officially welcome in America, that we cannot not acknowledge Him officially, even though each is free to worship Him as they please. Our Supreme Court removed the Bible, the Ten Commandments (the moral code and basis of Western civilization and Judeo-Christian law), and prayer from public schools, contrary to the will of the majority of Americans. But we have done nothing to restore it. We have acquiesced. We are guilty. What happens to a nation that abandons God? The Bible is very clear on this point. “If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, then He will turn and do you harm and consume you after He has done good to you." Joshua 24:20 The hand of our God is favorably disposed to all those who seek Him, but His power and His anger are against all those who forsake Him." Ezra 8:22 (This is taken from an article written by Allan Parker. If you would like to see the entire “Warning, Disaster is Coming” I would be happy to forward it to you.)

What is the answer? What is God’s answer?

We are watching our churches in decline . . .

Recent trends over the past 40 years indicate that Americans are becoming less interested in what the Christian church has to offer. From 1986-1996 the US population increased 11.4% (24,153,000) yet the combined membership of Protestant denominations decreased by 9.5% (4,498,242).• Not a single county in America has a greater percentage of “churched persons” than 10 years ago!• In 1900 – 27 churches for every 10,000 Americans.• In 1950 – 17 churches for every 10,000 Americans.• In 1996 – Less than 11 churches for every 10,000 Americans. • Approximately 4,000 churches close their doors every year while only 1,500 new churches are opened!• Percentage of people attending church in the US decreased 12% in the years from 1991 to 1996 – (49% to 37%)
Bible believing churches must do something and quick! If these trends continue, who is to say that in 100 years the churches of America won’t become like the churches of modern Western Europe – museums. (This information is copied from an article written by Backpack Truth Ministries. If you want to see the entire article that has many more documented facts, I’ll be happy to send it to you.)


What is the answer? What is God’s answer?


Is God’s #1 answer for Christ-followers to become passionate about standing up for our conservative Christian values as a nation and fight against the political left that is taking our country away from the constitution and the Judeo-Christian roots of America?

Though the above is good – it is not God’s #1 answer!

Is God’s #1 answer for church growth instead of church decline to become more and more like the modern culture in it’s attempt to gain attendees? Is the answer for the church to spend thousands of dollars each week on the ‘production’ so the attendees will ‘love’ the service and come back? Is the answer for the church to have newer, more high-tech auditoriums that feed the needs of the younger attendees and keep them coming?

Though the above might be ok – it is certainly not God’s #1 answer! What God wants . . . is for His Gospel to be preached, both in the church buildings and outside the church building. JESUS is the answer!!! People being rescued from their lost condition and discipled according to the terms of Matthew 28:19, 20 is the mission of the church. The greatest need that all people have, because they are under God’s wrath against sin, is for the blood atonement that only Jesus Christ provides. This comes from the preaching of the Gospel. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8 How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? Romans 10:14 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:17-20

A personal word . . . my passion

I see in the gospel of Jesus Christ the good news of the Son of God, the truth of God. Only Christ can meet the perfect law. Only Christ can satisfy the justice of God. Only Christ can open the way for us into the holiest of all, into the presence of the Father. Only Christ can supply the need of the bankrupt sinner, and only Christ can keep me from falling. "Now unto him who is able to keep you from falling, and who is able to present you faultless before the throne and the presence of his glory with exceeding joy; to him be glory both now and forever." That's why it's necessary for me to preach (to speak or share) the gospel: the beauty of it, the glory of it, the truth of it. I could tell you that salvation is in the church, but it wouldn't be true. I could tell you to come forward after I preach and shake my hand and God would take you to heaven, but it would be a lie. I could tell you, ‘let me baptize you,’ and by obeying the baptismal commandment you will go to heaven, but it wouldn't be so. I could tell you that if you live a good life and pray and go to church on Sunday and give a little offering, God will take you to heaven when you die, but it wouldn't be so. I could tell you to quit drinking, quit lying and cheating and live a good, moral life and you will go to heaven when you die, but that would be a lie — it wouldn't be so. But when I tell you that Christ died for our sins; that Christ is a sufficient Savior; that Christ is an effectual substitute who came down here and gave us a righteousness which we didn't have and couldn't produce, went to the cross, bore our sins, paid our debt, satisfied the justice of God; that he is our living advocate at the right hand of the Father; and that if you come to a living, vital union with him, you'll be saved — that's the truth, and the only truth that will make you free. It’s only Jesus that can save our country! Jesus and His gospel is the only message our church should be preaching! It’s the only way to have real church growth! Jesus is the answer! We are all ‘preachers’ & ‘evangelists’ and ‘tellers’ of the gospel! We all must “get all excited & go tell everybody that Jesus Christ is King!”

Romans 10:9-13 Let me now remind you, dear brothers and sisters, of the Good News (The Gospel) I preached to you . . . Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said . . . if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Do you sense the Holy Spirit giving agreement to all the above? Does your spirit bear witness that what I have written and what we are doing is right?

Will you help us call the church back to the ministry of evangelism? Will you join us in lifting up the gospel of Jesus Christ (ministry of evangelism) in the church and outside the church (missional living) to it’s proper value?

This is good!!! Let the Lord bless and challenge you with this youtube.com video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZiMlwXU6fQ&feature=player_embedded

May God bless you as you seek to be more like Him every day!

O Lord, Glorify Yourself at Our Expense!

Evangelist Ken & Diane Ramey

Home address:
14400 SE 270th Pl
Kent, WA 98042 Phone: 425-495-3723

Monday, July 27, 2009

Ken & Diane Ramey's Ministry Update #13

Psalm 32:8 "The LORD says, 'I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you'."

Beloved,
Today, and this week, we are passionately seeking the face of God in extended times of prayer, reading & meditating on the Word and listening to the Holy Spirit’s counsel as we find ourselves at a major crossroad in our life and ministry. Pray with us. Listen to the Lord. Bask in the undying love, grace and mercy of our God! We appreciate you!


As a part of my prayer time, I love to read the written prayers of others. There are entire books of written prayers that are deep and powerful! The following is a compilation of some prayers that have been specifically meaningful to me today. Diane & I prayed this prayer while on our knees today.

“Our Father in Heaven . . . Lord God Almighty!

We know that You are Jesus, and that You died for us. We know that you rose again, live inside us, and have given us the promise of eternal life, as we are your children. We praise Your Holy Name today! We thank you for all you are and all you have done for us.Control us today by Your Holy Spirit. Let Your Holy Spirit Testify through us and speak the Truth through us. Let Your Holy Spirit Love through us- a perfect unselfish Holy Love; so that we lay down all worldly ambitions, give up our wills, and do Your Holy Will.

Take our thoughts away from making money, or finding security and success in this world. Take our desire away from seeking worldly wealth or fame. Take our eyes away from looking on vain worldly appearances, which deceive and mislead us. Keep our thoughts on doing Your Holy will, not on seeking worldly material things, or vain worldly status. Let Your Holy Spirit give us our ONE desire and ONE purpose. To do Your Will. If You desire us to walk paths of poverty, then so be it. If You desire us to lose everything, that we think is important or valuable, then so be it. If You desire us to sacrifice everything we have and our lives, then so be it. If You desire us to endure pain and seasons of harsh conditions, then so be it. If You desire us to live or die, then so be it.

Let Your Holy Will be done in our lives. For, even our lives are not our own. We owe everything to You. Keep us from looking in the mirror and admiring our own beauty, which is not beauty at all. Let the True Beauty be in us- Your Holy Spirit of Truth and Grace. Keep us from pride and love of self, which is our enemy.

Bless us with absolute, total, unselfish Love - which is only possible through Your Holy Spirit. We give You our lives. Do with us as You Will. Make our lives useful to Your Service. The only ambition we have is to humbly, and honestly do Your Will. We want to lift up Your Name Jesus, not our names. We want to make known the power of Your Holy Spirit, Jesus. We want You to claim us for Yourself, and use us according to Your Divine purpose.

We are convinced that You have given us a Mission – thank You for your call on our lives. But, no matter the job or task that You assign to us, we will be contented, and full of Joy, to do Your Holy Will, Lord Jesus.

Let Your Holy Spirit’s POWER be alive in us forever, and give us, and continue to give us, Purpose, Hope, and Peace and Joy. For without You, we perish.

Lord, we give up all our own plans and purposes, all our own desires and hopes, and we accept Your will for our life. We give ourselves, our life, our all, unreservedly to be Yours forever. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit. Use us, O Lord, we pray; send us where You want. Work out Your whole will in our life at any cost, now and forever.In the precious name of Jesus, we Pray! Amen & Amen”

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26

Evangelist Ken & Diane Ramey

Home address:
14400 SE 270th Pl
Kent, WA 98042
Phone: 425-495-3723

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Ken & Diane Ramey's Ministry Update #11

The Real Career “Making His Mission Your Mission”
. . . from the hearts of Ken & Diane Ramey


Update #11 Monday, July 13, 2009

Each Monday I try to catch you up on what is happening in our lives. Try to read it all! Feel free to respond back! Give input! Ask questions! Grab a cup of coffee and catch up on what God is doing in and through us! (A note from Diane: “We sure do love it when we hear from you!) BTW – Diane wrote a very special “Diane’s Doodlings” near the end of this Update and there is a very special letter from the Luis Palau NGA Association.

“I can't impress this on you too strongly. God is looking over your shoulder. Christ himself is the Judge, with the final say on everyone, living and dead. He is about to break into the open with his rule, so proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don't ever quit. Just keep it simple. You're going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They'll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. But you—keep your eye on what you're doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God's servant.”
2 Timothy 4:5 THE MESSAGE

We had the joy on Sunday to present our ministry to the congregation of New Life Community Church of Lake Tapps, WA. This is a wonderful group of people led by a true ‘Missional Living” Pastor, Bill Austel, and his precious wife, Heidi. They were “kids” in our youth group in the late 1970’s & early 80’s at Temple Baptist Church in Tacoma, were I was their Word of Life Representative and then their youth pastor. Truly, it is such a joy to be privileged to see ‘your spiritual kids’ grow up to be serving the Lord! I received the following letter from Pastor Bill Austel on Monday, July 13th . . .

“Ken,
Thank you so much for your ministry to us yesterday! It was clear to me that our people were riveted by your testimony and your passion for ministry. I can't thank you enough for sharing your testimony of God's grace and mercy in your life and the way you have chosen to use it for His glory.
The universal message that God would take any one of our lives and, by His grace and mercy, make something of it that He would delight to use for His glory is one that simply must be heard.
Through the course of the day, from our time of worship together to your sharing to the fellowship afterwards, it was clear to see that the people of NLCC have endeared themselves to you and Diane. Thank you for giving our little church the opportunity to share this exciting journey with you and for allowing us to pray over you and the ministry to which God has called you. Serving the King together, Bill ” (Pastor Bill Austel)

Each week, the Lord, through His Word, prayer and the inner ministry of the Holy Spirit, the counsel and encouragement of others, articles and books and ministry opportunities, confirms and renews our passion to the mission and vision to which He had led us! Praise the Lord!!!

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?' Then I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'" - Isaiah 6:8, NASB

My prayerfor us all: "Gracious God, our Heavenly Father, we praise You for the great love that You have shown to us through the redeeming death and triumphant resurrection of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. We pray that You would enable us by the power of Your Holy Spirit to proclaim faithfully the Good News of Your Kingdom and Your Love. Forgive us for failing to take the Gospel to our family, neighbors, co-workers, friends, all we come in contact with and all the peoples of the world. Deliver us from ignorance, error, lovelessness, judgment, pride, selfishness, impurity, and cowardice. Enable us to be loving, truthful, kind, humble, sympathetic, pure, and courageous. Salvation belongs to You, O God, Who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb. We ask You to make our Gospel witness effective. Anoint our proclamation with the Holy Spirit; use it to gather all that You already know who will one day stand before You and the Lamb giving praise. This we ask by the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen."

An email that came today in response to yesterday’s ministry at New Life Community Church: “Hi Ken, I wanted to let you know I was able to relate part of your sermon today to one of (my daughters’) teachers regarding our plan vs God's path. I also really appreciated your open and very honest testimony. I applaud your courage and I know God will use your willingness to be transparent in a way that is amazing. I would still like to sit down with you sometime this week and talk about a few things that are on my mind. Hope you have a great day! John

Just this afternoon Diane ran upstairs to my office where I was ‘cleaning up’ J and said I needed to immediately read an article she had just received as a forward from our dear friend and mentor, Anneli Dietz. I did, and it was a challenge and a blessing: “THE BAIT” by Craig Kinsley. The point of the 6-page article was this … What bait are we using? “What is or is not drawing people to our message of salvation? What bait should we be using? The answer is both quite simple and yet eternally complicated. Love is the answer. Not a manmade love, but Divine Love. A Love that should be pursued because it is not natural. A Love that Jesus displayed in such a way that the hardest of hearts could be turned to Home. A Love that was demonstrated through a variety of miracles, signs and wonders. A Love that broke circumstances and excavated the Divine purpose buried deep within the human heart. Simply showing someone their sin doesn’t change them. Showing them the way of Love and Life will change the world.” If you would like me to forward the entire article, please reply and I’m happy to!

Leonard Ravenhill made this plea many years ago . . . “The attitude of the average Christian today is relax and be raptured. But He (Jesus) is coming… and when God gets angry you’ve no idea what it is. Like a thousand volcanoes exploding. He has appointed a day in which He is going to judge the world and the poor blind world doesn’t know much about it and the poor blind church doesn’t think much about it now.”

I came upon a wonderful website with it’s motto, “To inspire in every Christian a God-glorifying passion to fulfill the great commission.” http://www.livingwaters.com/ This site is filled with lots of excellent information and passion, but I would like you to watch the “Weekly Witnessing” clip (2nd one down) and let me know any thoughts you might have. At this time in my evangelistic journey, I struggle with this kind of witnessing. There are a few words the ‘victim’ said that, I believe, might show us why a ‘missional living’ lifestyle could be the best way to win people to Christ.

Diane’s Doodlings - - -
We think it is important for you to hear from me each update as well. One of the questions I get a lot is, “How are you, Diane, in all of this?” People want to know how I am feeling about living by faith, how I am about a possible necessary move, is my faith being tested, and what I REALLY think about this new vision/ministry that Maverick Evangelist Ken Ramey is embarking on. In case any of you want to know the answer to any of those questions….here it is! How am I? I am THRILLED beyond any words I can express of watching my husband come back to life and us being back about The Father’s Business! The stage is set…we are on the brink of eternity….there is nothing else either of us desire other than obeying The Master and His Call on our lives. He called us out when we were newlyweds to be employed by Him full time. We have had some HUGE bumps on our 40 year journey together….some daunting negative schooling straight from the Father’s Hands…requiring us to be put on the shelf for a time. We embrace those “bumps” that satan meant for evil….but God meant for our good! Hallelujah! We praise Him for every jolt…each one had a purpose! Independently, I was praying that the Lord would reveal to Ken when it was time to jump off that shelf. There were times we thought that moment might never arrive again in our lives. But there was a confidence buried deep within me that believed He was NOT done with us in His Service….but it was more important that Ken believed that. So I prayed earnestly for a year, not sharing my prayer with Ken. Then one day, while Ken was working, he txt me saying God was speaking to Him….and I replied…”Are you listening?” and he answered, “YES!” I knew then that God was beginning to answer my prayer. Wow! What a vision God implanted in Ken! Could it be more timely, considering where we find our world today? All I can do is marvel at His Great Love and be so very grateful that He bent His Ear to my prayer and gave me audience. How He accomplishes His Purpose through us via this new ministry and passion He has laid on my husband’s heart is not my business. It is the Lord’s! My job is to support Ken, knowing with every fiber of my being, this new vision/ministry that He is setting out before us, is clearly His “orders” (job) for us and we cannot….MUST NOT….do anything less but follow His Leading. Oh sure! I am human! I have A LOT of questions, musings, worries, fears and wonderings. But at the same time, I have such peace, joy and contentment that passes all understanding, that we ARE in the Center of His Will…..and we don’t want to be anywhere else! We don’t dare! The question about “living by faith” is not a new term for us. We have been doing that most of our married lives, really! So….when my faith is weak, God allows me to watch as He honors my husbands STRONG faith in God’s Provision for us….and I find myself, it seems, continually asking God to forgive me again for my doubting Him! Yes…my faith gets stretched and at times I feel tested….I ask “what about the bills, Lord?”….. asking the Lord…..”What? Are you really going to make this 60 year old couple move AGAIN?”…..but none of those earthly questions diminish the Peace He has given me to support my husband in being obedient to His Call….with my whole heart….I am there! I don’t need to know the why’s, and how’s and wherefore’s. God will do it! Some of His Provision will be through His People….because I believe God still moves in the hearts of His People. Some will be miraculous gifts from where….we know not! There will be lean times…..and doing without. We are acquainted with that. Some times we will viewed as “worthy of our hire”. The earthly circumstance does not alter our Heavenly Call. So will you please pray for us that as we seek Him with our whole hearts and follow His Call, and as we fight like the rest of you against the spiritual principalities of the air, please pray that we will remain strong in The Lord and that He will bless our endeavors to restore, in these (surely) last days, evangelism in our churches and abroad.
Opps! I was asked to be pithy! I guess I am not good at being pithy. Ken knew that! I am wondering why he asked me to try and do that! J I know! To keep you all from eye strain! Too late, I know! J I hope that clears up for all who are wondering how I am “feeling” about this new venture in our lives. We both feel like we had at least one more great adventure in us….He surely called us….so we can be confident….HE WILL TAKE GOOD CARE OF US! He always has! Until next time…..May Jesus Christ Be Praised. Hey! We are praying for you! Believe it!
Always Looking Up…..Diane

A Letter from “NGA” – Luis Palau’s Next Generation Alliance

Ken,
As Director of the Next Generation Alliance, it has been my privilege to read and evaluate your application for membership with NGA. We want to commend you on your godly character your passion for Christ, and your desire to be a part of a fellowship of Evangelists.
After assessing the information that you have provided regarding your vision for ministry, it is obvious that you have a heart for evangelism. At this time, I would like to extend to you the opportunity to become one of our member evangelists. This position enables you to use our logos and communicate to your constituency that you are a member evangelist with the Luis Palau Association and NGA. As a member, your name/organization will be listed on the NGA website and be linked to your website (if applicable). You will also receive all current information on meetings, conferences and collaborative festivals.
As a member evangelist, we ask that you please comply with the Membership Agreement that you have already read and signed. Also, please feel free to contact us with any questions you many have.
Every blessing to you,

Dr. Tim Robnett Kevin Palau
Director, Next Generation Alliance Executive Vice President, Luis Palau Association


Evangelist Ken & Diane Ramey
Home address:
14400 SE 270th Pl
Kent, WA 98042 Phone: 425-495-3723

Monday, June 8, 2009

Church Service looks like a "Staff Meeting?"

A small vision of what a church service could be –

On early Sunday morning, May 31st, I lay in bed excited to go to church at New Life Community in Lake Tapps for the first time. God gave me a vision of what an exciting church service would be for me. Throughout the many years of pastoral ministry, I have had the joy to attend some fantastic “staff meetings” in many local churches where I served. It was these staff meetings that I looked forward to the most! At a Spirit-led church “staff meeting”, all the elements that should be in the church service, happened:

  • The leader (Sr Pastor) prayed and planned for excellence in each staff meeting
    There was excitement and anticipation of all the staff and most were always early (a leader who is ‘on time’ is LATE!)
  • We started on time (having already had ‘small talk and fellowship in the office before staff meeting) and began with the leader praying for God’s presence and blessing on our time.
  • Then we worshipped – either with a worship pastor leading with his/her guitar or with CD’s on a stereo. The worship is awesome because we are in love with Jesus and love to sing His praises together! Worship clears out the enemy and unifies the worshippers. God is glorified!
  • After worship singing, or during, we shared and prayed for one another. We shared personal burdens, concerns, hopes and dreams. Many times we would all gather around a specific staff member for intense prayer.
  • Then we would move to a challenge from the Word – from the Sr Pastor or from one he asked to share. The message to the staff was always intentional and strong… not just milk.
  • After the Word, we had discussion around the table: each shared what was happening in his/her ministry; each had specific prayer needs in their ministry; many would seek help or counsel about something specific they faced in their ministry.
  • Then prayer happened again – specifically for the ministries!
  • Finally, the leader would bring a challenge focused on the big picture – the Mission of the church and the Vision – how are we doing to accomplish the mission? It was a “get all excited” message and “keep on keeping on” challenge!

EVERYONE always left the staff meeting trained, blessed, encouraged and challenged to be all we could be for God’s glory for the accomplishment of His purpose in our church.

In my vision on that Sunday morning in May, I saw the Sunday church service. If all believers are really ‘ministers’ (staff members), the church service could be seen as a staff meeting! Yes, this would be difficult for large churches, therefore the small groups would be ‘staff meeting’ as the church trains, blesses, encourages and challenges every member to be an effective and successful Christ Follower for the Glory of God and the growth of the local church. I believe this kind of church service would cause every member to feel like an equal staff member – part of the team doing the work of ministry – each in his/her mission field.

To me, this is an exciting vision! I want to see this happen in a church someday!

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Following Jesus

Last summer, our precious grand-daughter, Emma, decided to go fishing. She went alone. She tried and tried. She was … patient. She finally used the right bait. Emma caught her first fish – it was little and a ‘throw back’ but her first fish!!! She will never forget it! She was so excited she talked about it for days.
Just last week, Emma caught a 14” trout. We didn’t get a picture but she, once again, was thrilled. The fight was fun and the prize was worth it!!! This is a “Jesus picture” of what He meant to be our life’s-joy . . . following Him and allowing Him to make us “Fisher’s of Men!”


Following Jesus is at the core of Missional Living


“Follow”: to get behind; to get in back of; to be in the same way; going in the same way; signifying a likeness, companion or union.
To follow someone means not taking the initiative, not suggesting a certain path and not challenging the direction you’re going.


1. To follow Jesus means reaching out to people! Matthew 4:19 "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."

2. To follow Jesus means discarding dead ways. Matthew 8:22 But Jesus told him, "Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead."

3. To follow Jesus means not hesitating. Matthew 9:9 As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. John 1:43 The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, "Follow me."

4. To follow Jesus means to deny yourself. Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

5. To follow Jesus means to let go of materialism. Matthew 19:21 Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

6. To follow Jesus means to listen. John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

7. To follow Jesus means to sacrificially serve Him. John 12:25-26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
Service means sacrifice!!! By the death of personal desire and personal ambition a man becomes a servant of God. Only by spending your life do you keep it!!

LOYALTY is what Jesus is talking about!!! We have only to think of what this world would have lost if there had not been men prepared to forget their personal safety, security, selfish gain and selfish advancement. The world owes everything to people who recklessly spent their strength and gave themselves to God and to others. No doubt we will exist longer if we take things easily, if we avoid all strain, if we sit at the fire and enjoy life, if we look after ourselves as a hypochondriac looks after his health. No doubt we will exist longer--but we will never live.

Playing it safe is not a part of being a follower! Being a follower is risky business! It means loyal service to our Master no matter what He asks or where He leads!!

8. To follow Jesus means to follow Him without getting distracted by other things or other people! John 21:15-22 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!" When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?" Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me."