Mickey Starling
reporter3@greenepublishing.com
On Saturday, April 18, Amazing Horse Ministries took two horses to visit the residents of Lake Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, in Madison. Rick Lane, founder of the ministry, was joined by Dewey Jones, Penny Romero and Rosemary Lane. Maggie Kelly, activities director for the center, coordinated the visit.
Though the residents were forced to enjoy the visit from their bedroom windows due to coronavirus restrictions, they were still appreciative of the love and support this ministry brought their way. The event was so enjoyed by all that there are plans for the ministry to return when the virus issues have passed. Then, the residents will be able to come out and pet and interact with the horses.
Little Joe and Josey are both Tennessee Walking Horses whose calm demeanors are well suited for entertaining people of all ages. Due to their extensive exposure to crowds and loud noises, they are difficult to spook.
Amazing Horse Ministries is primarily an evangelistic outreach that Lane began eight years ago. The Brooks County resident knew the horses would draw the attention of the public and they certainly have. Lane's approach to evangelism is straightforward and fueled by his passion for people to have a genuine encounter with Jesus. Most often, you will find Lane in various busy locations, sitting atop one of his horses. Lane quietly holds a sign that reads, "If you are ready to know Jesus Christ and be saved … stop and let's talk."
Everything else happens as people read the sign and respond. Lane has found that repeated visits to the same location over a number of days is most effective. "People read the sign and slowly they are moved to a decision as they see it day after day. "I believe the Spirit of God speaks to every single person that reads it," said Lane, who has seen many people come to Christ over the years. One man actually confessed that he was on his way to commit suicide when he saw the sign and decided to give his life to Jesus.
Many others approach Lane and his beautiful horse and just want to pet it. "While they are enjoying the horse, I try to engage them in conversation about their relationship with God. What Lane has found is what he calls an "American epidemic." The majority of people who visit Lane confess to be Christians. Through a simple question, he has discovered a disconnect between their words and what may be their reality. "When I ask why Jesus should let them into Heaven, 98 percent of them shake their head and have no answer," said Lane. "Some of them are even preachers."
Lane goes on to explain that the crucial point of genuine salvation is knowing that Jesus has taken our sin to the cross and bore the punishment for us. "Most people have no concept of the work of the cross in their lives," said Lane. "You have to know you're lost in order to be saved."
One of Lane's favorite locations to camp is any grassy spot that he locates in the midst of a busy inner-city. He will find the owner and obtain permission to use it for a week before setting up camp. The sign and the horse draw crowds throughout the week, sometimes allowing Lane to share the Gospel with up to 500 people. "I get a lot of satisfaction out of helping people," said Lane. "I don't understand everything, but I do understand salvation. I intend to share God's plan with everyone I can."