5 Reasons To Make An Altar of Remembrance For Your Ministry

All throughout the Bible, people built altars of remembrance either to commemorate an event for themselves or upon God’s direction. A chronicle of your ministry’s journey can be a fun and impactful display. Here are five reasons to make a photographic altar of remembrance for your ministry.

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Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles and the judgments he uttered.

1 Chronicles 16:12 ESV

In the book of Joshua, the Lord stopped the flow of the Jordan river so the entire nation of Israel could cross over on dry soil to the promised land. Then the Lord commanded Joshua and his men to build an altar of twelve stones so that when anyone asked why there was an altar in the middle of the Jordan river, the Israelites could tell their story “so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever” (Joshua 4:24).

All throughout the Bible, people built altars of remembrance either to commemorate an event for themselves or upon God’s direction. We all have stories about what the Lord has done in our lives and in our ministries. We remember and share our stories in many ways. The Israelites usually did it with stone because that was the only lasting material they had, but now we have many ways to record our stories, including photographs. 

Whether you hang photos in a main hallway, or collect them in an album for your lobby, a chronicle of your ministry’s journey can be a fun and impactful display. Here are five reasons to make a photographic altar of remembrance for your ministry.

A Remembrance of Humble Beginnings

Start with photos depicting simple beginnings. Include shots of your make-shift, second-hand supplies cluttering the folding tables and homeless file folders stacked against bare walls. The contrast of the past crying “look how far we’ve come!” into the present surroundings can be a powerful testimony to the Lord’s providence and blessings over your ministry.

But you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth.

Deuteronomy 8:18a

A Remembrance of Suffering And Grace

We don’t like to be reminded of our suffering, but I invite you to display photos of hard times to remember the challenges the Lord brought you through. These photos set the stage for stories of unexpected miracles and of how God used all things for good. As you recall His grace during your desperation, you’ll grow in confidence of the mighty, loving Master you serve. 

A Remembrance of Servants

The foundation of every ministry includes service. Photos of the people you’ve served are evidence of God providing for those in need. People who see how you’ve helped others are more likely to reach out themselves or act as God’s messengers for those who need you. 

A Remembrance of Service

Don’t forget to feature you and your ministry partners! Photos of your labor testify to the Lord’s hands and feet at work. They depict the immeasurable blessings of servanthood and fellowship, inspiring your visitors to do the same.

New Memories

When our daughter was young, I made scrapbook calendars for the grandparents (and myself) for Christmas every year. Each month featured photos of special moments from the same month the year before. 

Every month was a special remembrance. We could see how much my daughter had grown and what she accomplished. We told stories of the special days captured in the photos, and those conversations then became new memories.

Your Ministry’s Altar of Rememberance

Memories are more than talk of days gone by. Memories are stories that change lives. The Book of Revelation says that in the last days, Satan is defeated by the blood of the Lamb and testimonies of God’s love. I encourage you to begin thinking of how to build an altar of remembrance for your ministry today.

What photo of your ministry at work comes to mind first? How can you begin building an altar of remembrance with this photo?

Next Steps

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Valerie Riese

Valerie is a wife, mother, blogger, breast cancer survivor, and virtual assistant. After suffering years of debilitating anxiety, she learned that victory over anxiety comes only through surrender to Jesus. Valerie writes to point women to the Jesus as co-director of Candidly Christian, and as a freelance writer and editor. You can learn more about Valerie at ValerieRiese.com

He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it  (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

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