by Jonathan W. Ballard, DD
t I never thought in a million years that I would be doing what I am doing. Even though I have endured greatly, I wouldn’t change anything.
In order to be a man or woman of vision you must see the “good” or the “reward” at all times. When you get tired of the groundbreaking labor, you must continue by focusing on God and on the end results. This will give you the strength to carry on in the midst of discouragement and adversity. And much in the same manor as the mule who is rewarded by the farmer with the piece of fruit, God will reward you for your continued efforts.
The ministry of The Church of the Living God has been a groundbreaking process. It has taken many turns for good and bad, but all for the glory of our Lord. It takes a true vision and sincere dedication to make anything work and that’s even true in ministry. You take the good with the bad, but try to only focus on the good. This is what gives a true visionary sight.
I have learned a great deal over the years, but the lesson that stands out the most is that the best way to prove a person is to test him.
History
I was the 9th child out of 11 born to Richard Lee and Helen Elizabeth Ballard and realized my calling very early in life. Making Eagle Scout through the Boy Scouts of America made me realize that God was calling me to lead.
Before being called to full time ministry I obtained a BS in Civil Engineering. I worked for the Wilmington District Corps of Engineers in the Geo-technical and Construction branches until God laid a different career path on my heart. I continued in my education by completing a Doctorate of Divinity. The calling became stronger on my life, under the leadership of my mother, Helen E. Ballard when she started The Church of the Living God in 1990. After assisting her in the ministry for six years, she named me as her successor. In 1996 I was named Senior Pastor of the Church of the Living God. A year later Straightway Ministries was created. This ministry was dedicated to youth and helped us establish the television portion of the ministry
Currently, I am the overseer of six churches within the Church of the Living God Association.
Broadcast Ministry
It’s hard to believe that our broadcast ministry began with a home camcorder, in a community building in Leland, N.C., yet we were able to turn that into a broadcast ministry that has touched many lives over the years. I can honestly say that we have reached millions for Christ through Television (WWAY-TV3), radio (93.7 The Big Talker FM) and foreign missions. Even in difficult times, financially, and spiritually, we relied on the word of God and his promises to bring us through. This has kept our ministry alive and moving forward. I am reminded that the Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4:13, that … “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.” This is the theme song for our broadcast ministry and has proven to be true over the years. (A special thank you to Chuck Kinlaw, Karl Davis, Paul Knight and the old Public Access TV)
Mission Brazil
As Delta Flight 61 landed in the grand city of Rio de Janeiro, many thoughts crossed my mind. Here I was over 3600 miles away from home in a foreign land, and I could barely speak the language (Portuguese). I was here to do the work of God. I know that’s a wonderful thing, but it can be quite scary when you’re in an environment where you must totally trust God. I was in Rio just to make a connection flight to the capital of Brazil, a city called Brasilia. That was where everyone was waiting for me. The previous two trips had confirmed the work that God had given me to do in Brazil; however, I could feel that this trip would be different. I felt that there would be a greater need to spread the Gospel to other cities and places. I had been preaching only in the capital city, in churches and in homes. This was great; however, I felt led by God to the rural areas outside of the busy city. This is where poverty and crime reign supreme. It was amazing to see that major cities in Brazil could look so much like any major American city. Then, right outside of the city limits, it looked like a third world country again. Families were living in cardboard boxes with trash bags and/or old banners laying over them. My heart went out to them anytime and every time that I saw them. Every day, I said to myself, “What am I truly doing here? Am I here just to preach the Word of God or to show the love of God?” I came to the conclusion that it was about both, sharing His Word and His love.
The first couple of days in Brazil have always been about getting reacquainted. Things are different there, the culture and food, but the Spirit of God is the same. I had to settle in a day before heading out to my first preaching engagement. My first appointment was in a city called Goiania. There, I was able to minister in the home of a prominent Brazilian attorney. He invited a group of people into his home so that I could minister the Word of God. It was such a great experience. I felt like the apostles in the Biblical days, because people received the Word and became happy. Soon after, I was scheduled to go to another city called Annapolis (Yes, a city with a name like Annapolis, Maryland, Home of the US Naval Academy). I thought that was pretty neat. As soon as I got there, I was able to see some really poverty-stricken areas. This is the kind of stuff that you see on late night television programs such as Operation Blessings or the Christian Children’s Fund. It tore at my heart.. I remember getting out of the car and sticking my hand in my pocket. I fumbled for all of the loose change that I had. As I walked into the place where I had to preach, I discreetly dropped it along the sidewalk. I think it was about R $3 Reais (that’s about $1.50). Giving that day felt so good. I had only wished I could do more. The service was great, but my heart was really heavy. This is when God spoke to me about “The Brazil Project”.
The Brazil Project
“The Brazil Project” is a series of humanitarian projects and spiritual crusades, which could effectively touch the lives of the people of Brazil on two levels.
First in the natural, by providing basic necessities for life, we can encourage those who are in a bad situation. Unemployment is very high there and most people that work often take second jobs to survive. People come from miles around to gravitate around the big cities. Children are often put on the streets by their parents to beg for anything that will relieve their suffering. They stop cars on the street and will sell anything of value. We were so impacted by what we saw that our church sponsored a project called “Gifts for Brazil“ during the Christmas season. We decided that we would
support an orphanage in the city of Annapolis. So, on my last visit, I was taken to that orphanage to see what our gifts had done. Boy, was I disappointed! What I thought was good enough, wasn’t good at all. I saw hundreds of children with inadequate living quarters and bathing facilities. The food, flies and terrible menu made me pass up lunch with the children. Afterwards, I felt so guilty going to TGIF (Friday’s) for dinner, that I decided not to eat. I just couldn’t! Even though I did all that I could do at that time, I knew that I needed to do more and that I would do more.
The second thing is the spiritual. Giving people hope, faith and power for living through Jesus Christ. This can be done by introducing Jesus to someone that does not know him. The Bible says in Isaiah 61, “proclaiming liberty to those who are captive.” The captivity is sin, and we have the power through the Word of God to set them free. I’ve seen where the people of Brazil are hungry for the truth and the need for someone to show them the way. Brazil has many pagan religions and beliefs. Christian worship is mixed with pagan beliefs to form a new religion weekly. Pagan strongholds seem to divide the country like politics do in America. I believe if you teach people that hope is in the Bible, they can give up false doctrines and beliefs. I was in a church service in a neighboring city, (I can’t recall the name of the township). I began to preach in this overflowing Baptist church. The place was wall-to-wall and standing room only. The music was anointed, and I could feel the presence of God. I began to preach about being separated from God. The church was excited and very vocal during my message. I heard the words, “Amen” and “Hallelujah” echoing through the crowd. But, when I said, ”Don’t let witchcraft or soothsayers separate you from the love of God,” the church got completely silent! Talk about an uncomfortable moment. I paused and said “It sounds like someone knows what I’m talking about.” (I was referring to the silence). The pastor immediately screamed “HALLELUJAH!” It was from that point that I knew that the people needed a spiritual revival in their lives. That is why we are implementing this wonderful project.
I could go on and on about the awesome experiences that I have in Brazil. I thank God for all who have supported our mission to this beautiful country. I truly know that because of your prayers and contributions, all of this is possible. If you will like to support our ministry work in Brazil so that we can continue pursuing our vision, please visit our website at: www.colgleland.org or write us at:
Church of the Living God
PO Box 1289
Leland, N.C. 28451