News / Education
Coordinator discusses Panama City Spring Break ministry
Q&A emphasizes ministry and evangelism
LifeWay News: Why is BeachReach an important ministry opportunity?
Angel Ellis: I believe BeachReach is an important ministry opportunity because it is the Gospel of Jesus in action. Throughout the New Testament, Jesus consistently went to where the people were. In Matthew 9 Jesus went to the home of Matthew, a tax collector, who later became one of his disciples. The religious leaders of that day questioned why Jesus would eat with “sinners.” His response, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” There is no gray area in the Bible when it comes to sharing our faith or putting our faith into action because Jesus modeled this for us. He says whatever we’ve done unto the least of these we’ve done it unto Him (Matthew 25:40). He says with humility consider others better than yourselves (Phil. 2:3). His Word says it is not His will that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). I believe BeachReach is a means for the Gospel of Jesus to be shared in a loving way.
LN: What do you love most about the BeachReach weeks?
AE: I love seeing college students and their leaders share their faith in Jesus Christ. In 1 Peter 3:15 it says always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. By serving spring breakers through a free meal or by providing a free ride, students and their leaders are exemplifying the love of Christ. However, the avenue of service does not omit the responsibility to pursue conversations. Walls between two complete strangers simply seem to crumble over a plate of pancakes and through providing a ride to someone. As a result, the Gospel of Christ is presented.
Another thing I love about BeachReach is that students and leaders from various church backgrounds and ministries join hands for the Gospel. Although some of our methods may vary, our message is the same. I love experiencing and participating in unity among the Body of Christ.
LN: What tangible ways do you minister to students during Beach Reach? I’ve heard that pancakes can make a spiritual difference.
AE: We minister through a free pancake breakfast and by providing free van rides at night. We partner with local businesses, churches and disaster relief to make this possible. We could not do this ministry without any of them. For more info, download the podcast on Threads Media.
LN: Many people think that reaching the young adult generation is hopeless. What do you think?
AE: Absolutely not!!!! Our God is a God of hope! It is so easy to judge those who are following the ways of the world but the Bible says that the Gospel is foolishness to those who are perishing. They do not yet understand. In Luke 15 with Jesus portrayed as the shepherd and us as sheep it says that the Shepherd would leave the flock to go after the one lost sheep. It says in Luke 15:7 that there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous persons who do not need to repent. Young or old – people are in need of a Shepherd and that Shepherd is Jesus. If anyone thinks this is a lost generation then how I wish they could have seen the 800 leaders and students from across this country and Canada sharing their faith and serving the streets of Panama City Beach, Fla., this past spring. It would move anyone into repentance and then into action.
LN: Describe one of the most memorable ministry experiences you have had through your time at BeachReach.
AE: There are so many stories. Stories of unity, prayers answered, repentance, salvation, life-change, and the list goes on and on. What I love most about this ministry is seeing two generations of believers come together to make this ministry possible: College students and retired disaster relief workers. The second thing I love about BeachReach is that what students and leaders learn here is completely transferrable to their church and campus ministries back home, which makes BeachReach much more than just another event. BeachReach is a normal day in the Christian life.
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