Mark Hankins Ministries

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Labourers Together With God

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Because you are a partner with Mark Hankins Ministries, I would like to share some of the things the Lord has taught me about giving and receiving. One of the eternal laws mentioned throughout the Word is the “law of sowing and reaping.” Second Corinthians 9:6 says, “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” The Phillips Translation says, “Poor sowing means a poor harvest, and generous sowing means a generous harvest.” God’s sowing  system will always outperform man’s saving system. You can actually receive a harvest of blessing from God faster by sowing than by saving!

One time a pastor told me that he didn’t think sowing (or giving) was necessary. I thought, “Tell that to a farmer!” Farmers will actually borrow money to buy seeds to sow. Seedtime and harvest is actually God’s idea and will continue to work the same as they did in the beginning, as long as the earth remains (Genesis 1:12; 8:22). You may have heard the phrase, “Money does not grow on trees.” While that is true in the natural world, we know that the earth is the Lord’s and that we are not limited to the natural world’s economy. So, we can rejoice and say, “It will if you plant it!”

A farmer in eastern Colorado once asked me which piece of farm machinery I thought was the most valuable. I guessed different things, such as the plow or combine, and was surprised to hear his answer, but it made sense. The most important implement a farmer uses is called the planter, which is the machine that puts the seed in the ground. A farmer will actually borrow thousands of dollars to keep it working. If there is a bare spot in the field at harvest time, the farmer knows the planter did not work properly. When there is no seed in the ground, there will be no crop, no harvest, and no increase. Likewise, if I am experiencing a lack, the first thing I should check is my sowing.

Remember, sowing is not throwing! We need to be strategic, consistent, and expectant when we sow our seed. A farmer does not just drive down the road throwing seed out the window, hoping it will grow. No! He sows strategically and systematically. He also sows his seed in prepared soil, expecting a harvest. Like the farmer, we must be strategic and systematic, sowing financial seeds with an expectation of a harvest. Sow or give to the ministry that has ministered to you spiritually. “And those who are taught the Word must share all good things with their teacher; a sharing of wealth takes place between them,” Galatians 6:6 TPT.

“Soak” your seeds with faith by meditating on the Word. Farmers soak some of their seeds in water or fertilizer before they are planted. This greatly decreases the amount of time it takes for the seeds to germinate. The water causes the hard, protective exterior to soften and the germination to speed up. Whatever you plant will grow more quickly and produce a better harvest. Similarly, when you take scriptures concerning finances, meditate on them, and thank God for His promises, you are soaking that financial seed you are about to plant. Maybe your seed is already in the ground. Speak the Word, water it with praise, and watch it grow.

Where should you plant your seed? What is the best ground for getting the greatest yield?  Sow your financial seed in response to the Word of God you have received. Sow into good ground, which are the people or ministries where you have been taught the Word of God. You also can sow to the degree that the Word has ministered to you. Once you see the power of the seed, you then purpose in your heart to give.

Anyone can be generous, no matter the size of your offering. Sow in proportion to your ability. Sowing generously is when you take your sowing seriously. That’s when you think about it months or even years later. In fact, if your giving doesn’t affect you much, neither will your harvest. As you sow consistently, you will always have a harvest.

Next, water the financial seeds you’ve sown with expectation and thanksgiving and don’t get discouraged. Galatians 6:9 says, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.” Harvests never get confused. The seed is guaranteed. Your seed has your return address on it and will come back to you.
When you sow your seed, it is automatically labeled sparing or generous. Not only will you reap after you’ve sown, but you will also reap more than you’ve sown. The reward of generous sowing is that everyone’s need is supplied, and as Paul explained, that causes great thanksgiving to God (2 Corinthians 9:6-12).

Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord…Ephesians 6:8

We are very grateful for every MHM partner who has sowed into the new conference center! We are making great progress now. Because of the great increase in building cost, we have had to re-figure the amount of money required to finish the conference center. Our next phase will include the electrical, AC systems, plumbing, etc. According to the bids we have received, we need an additional $1,000,000 over what we previously estimated to get this next phase finished. This increase is due to nationwide inflation and the increased cost of building materials and equipment. We know God is never surprised when we face challenges, and He will supply all we need. Now we are stretching our faith for the completion of this project, and we ask you to stretch with us. Philippians 4:15-19 says they gave once and then they gave again until they had more than enough. Then it says, “my God shall supply all your needs.”

For we are LABOURERS TOGETHER with God. 1 Corinthians 3:9

We value and thank God for your partnership. We thank you for believing God with us that the money will come for the completion of the Conference Center.

In Christ,
Mark and Trina

September 2020 - September to Remember

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Dear Partner,

2020 has been an unforgettable year of many challenges.  For some it’s been one of loss and for many, it’s been a year of open doors to new opportunities.  We believe this month will be A September To Remember.  The Holy Spirit has been reminding us of story after story of God’s miraculous provision when we trust Him in the area of our finances.  “Remember His marvelous works which He has done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth,” 1 Chronicles 16:12.  Let’s take time to remember, to testify, and to tell our children what the Lord has done for us.

Years ago, when I was a pastor, the biggest giver in the church walked out and I felt hopeless.  I was wondering how we would support the missionaries and pay the bills without this man’s support.   The Lord spoke to me and said, The biggest giver is still here.”  When I asked Him who that giver was, He said, “It’s Me!  As long as I’m here, you’ll never lack for anything.”  I have to say that was true and God has never failed. 

I remember when I was part of a meeting at my dad’s church.  I wasn’t ministering during this service, but one of the speakers was teaching from 1 John 5:14-15 about how we can receive anything we ask for when we praySeveral of this pastor’s church ladies were sitting on the row behind me. I commented to Pastor David Shearin, who was sitting beside me, that “anything” means refrigerators.  I was confused as to why I said that but on the inside the Holy Spirit said, “There’s a woman sitting behind you who has prayed and believed Me for a refrigerator.”  At the end of that meeting, I got up and shared what the Holy Spirit told me and asked that woman to stand.  One of those women stood up. She told us she was caring for a houseful of foster children and her refrigerator had gone out.  The day before she had gone to the store to look at refrigerators.  She did not have the money to buy one, but she prayed and believed God He would provide.  I told her the Lord told me to buy it for her.   Immediately this lady began to rejoice like I’d never seen before!   She danced, she shouted, and before long we all joined in!  God cares about His children.  He hears every believing prayer and sends the answer when we pray.

I also remember the time I bought my dad a Rolex watch. I actually wanted a Rolex, but the Holy Spirit prompted me to get him one first.  He was getting up in age and all he had ever worn was a Timex.  I took him to the jewelry store, and he picked out a beautiful Rolex.  I really didn’t have the money to do that (I made payments for a year on it) but I never regretted honoring my dad.  After he went to heaven, my mother gave me his Rolex and it’s the watch I wear today.  Another time, I wanted to get him a new suit.  We were at the store and he couldn’t make his mind up between two suits that he really liked.  I realized this was my opportunity to bless my father.  I counted it an honor to spend the extra money and bought him both suits, along with shirts and ties.           

Another unforgettable moment to remember was in the Philippines.  A group of ministers from Vietnam were attending our conference and I felt like the Holy Spirit wanted to bless them, so I called them forward and gave them each a hundred-dollar bill.  They were so thankful and actually fell on their faces and began to weep in gratitude.  I later found out the wages they earned in an entire year was only one hundred dollars.  Jesus wanted to bless them.  I was so grateful to be a part.

Remember the woman who broke the alabaster box of perfume and poured it on Jesus’ head?  While some around criticized her extravagant demonstration of love, calling it a waste, Jesus said, “Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. For ye have the poor with you always...but me ye have not always,” Mark 14:6.  She didn’t realize it at the time, but she was actually anointing Jesus for His burial. The rich fragrance of the oil must have comforted Him with each step towards His crucifixion, reminding Him of this woman’s gratitude and worship.  She will never be forgotten, and her story is still being told wherever the Gospel is preached. 

God wants to bless His children, but He uses people to reach out with generosity to help or honor them.  Opportunities are everywhere if we will take them. We recently ate at a restaurant and the waitress was a preacher’s daughter and a Bible School student.  We gave her a good tip and she was so thankful that God prompted us to bless her more.  In fact, all the pastors at the table wanted to give and she was blessed with over $800.   What we didn’t know was she was broke, had just wrecked her car, needed money to go home and she had just cried out to God for a breakthrough.  Her need was our opportunity to make a difference, to let her know her Father God would take care of her.  There’s no telling where the blessing will end when we are generous.

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith,” Galatians 6:10. The blessings of giving are not just financial, but they are spiritual and eternal.   “Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. I am full, having received...things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus,” Philippians 4:15-19.   

Your partnership with the ministries of MHM are a sweet-smelling aroma that get the attention of God.  We believe as you remember what the Lord has done and recognize the opportunities He has given; this will be an incredible “September To Remember.”

In Christ,
Mark and Trina

Click here to see more information about the MHM Conference Center.   

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