How much value do we all see in making friends in our busy culture? Every text I send, every phone call I make, it always starts with one, or both of us saying, “I’ve been so busy.” Does this sound familiar? So how does sharing the gospel fit into a fast-paced American lifestyle? “You make room for it,” – our daughter Arabella, age 11.
I realized this year, that Shari and I have been talking about how busy we are and how “it should slow down soon” since our first daughter Julia was born. She’s 17 
years old. I’m sure it’s not going to slow down anytime soon. We’ve had to say, “no” to good things, which I’m sure you’ve all had to do as well. We’re currently training a small group of friends in street ministry along with leading a life group from church, raising up our kids through different stages of life, and ministering throughout our day. But, how do we find the time and the people to talk to? “You look for it,” – again, Arabella, age 11.
When I think about Jesus’ life, He began ministry by making friends, He didn’t do it alone (although He could have). He loved the disciples and had a purpose to show them how to fish for people. He lived with them and called them friends. In one of His last prayers he prayed,”…Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.” (John 17 part of verse 11& 12). God gave Jesus the disciples as friends and it’s still how we can meet people today. If we ask God for friends, He will give us a community. We pray, ask, and go.
I spent some time planning a GO outreach with a friend I met in Colorado Springs. Our expectation was that a lot of people would show up to quickly train, pray, separate into groups and go. Six people showed up. Although it wasn’t the turn out I imagined, the people we met have huge hearts for the lost. They were the people that needed to be there and I was so happy they showed up! It’s not everyday that people are taking time out of their life to go talk to homeless and addicted people about Jesus. So, I don’t take these opportunities lightly. I’m so grateful they came!
At the meeting, I met a fellow evangelist which I’m now in contact with, others who are excited to have their own adventure hearing the Holy Spirit on the street, and a pastor that had been praying for revival in Colorado Springs for 45 years. The pastor invited me to her house church and prayer meeting. I met her husband 
and 3 other people to pray with. From a meeting of 6 people, God turned it into being introduced to 10 and we’ll potentially meet 20 more people at the house church, being a total of 30 potential new friends. Since living and ministering in Colorado Springs, God has connected us to over 10 separate ministries impacting our city. They are prayer groups, small groups, ministries, Churches, and organizations dedicated to Kingdom work. God has been connecting us with people like this for the last 7 months which has led to us to taking people out on the streets that are interested in learning how to reach others in the city with the love of the Father! We’re finding a lot more people interested & opportunities to do this through making friends! It’s been really amazing to be a part of what God is doing here in Colorado Springs!!!
In every ministry, there is a remnant of believers who are still wanting to reach the lost and listen to God on how to do it. Pray with us that God will continue to give us more friends that lay down their busy schedule with us to share the gospel and reach the lost on the streets!
Our position with The Navigators is a donor-based ministry meaning, we raise funds to do ministry, just like all other non-profits also have to raise funds to exist and help those in great need in our own country.
We would love to answer any questions you may have about our transition and the ministry we do so please feel free to reach out❤️
With Love & Grateful Hearts,
Matt, Shari, Julia, Ryan, Arabella, & Jackson Devine
