Born For Challenges: A Little About Me
Pastor Jeremy Empie
Since this is my first article, I’d like to introduce myself and tell you about my family.
I was born in 1984 (to 2 amazing parents) with Cerebral Palsy that effects my entire body. I am confined to a wheelchair and need help doing everyday tasks (such as getting up in the morning, eating, brushing teeth and so forth). Before you start feeling sorry for me, read on…
God is awesome and He always has a plan! He has a major call on my life (as He does your life). Through my disability he has used me to minister to thousands of people throughout the years and He continues to do so each and every day. One of my favorite Bible verses is found in Romans 8:27-29: “And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.”
In 2009, I met the love of my life, Katie, and we have been happily married since 2010. I thank God for sending her to me! We live in Iowa and serve in full time ministry together. Our ministry, Jesus Saves International Ministries, was founded in 2007 by myself. We are about to launch a church on February 11th, 6 PM at 201 High Avenue East called Bethesda House.
My heart is to see the Body of Christ actually operate as a Body. Let’s look at this scripture:
1 Corinthians 12:27-31 (NLT): All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church: first are apostles, second are prophets, third are teachers, then those who do miracles, those who have the gift of healing, those who can help others, those who have the gift of leadership, those who speak in unknown languages. Are we all apostles? Are we all prophets? Are we all teachers? Do we all have the power to do miracles? Do we all have the gift of healing? Do we all have the ability to speak in unknown languages? Do we all have the ability to interpret unknown languages? Of course not! So you should earnestly desire the most helpful gifts. But now let me show you a way of life that is best of all.
To achieve the above passage, it won’t be easy, nor will it happen overnight. However, we must aim to work together, always. We are on the same team, #TeamChrist! Our ultimate goal in life should be:
Lead as many people to Christ as I can.
Everything else is meaningless. Everything else is going to burn up. Lord, help us to be mindful
of this!
Pastor Jeremy Empie Jeremy@TheBethesdaHouse.org (641) 569-7024
