My name is Robert Welch and I grew up in the hills of North Alabama. I knew the Lord as a young man and I believe He put a calling on my life for service in His kingdom. As I got older, I got busy with life and I allowed those distractions to lead me into a lukewarm spiritual state. However, God knew the desires of my heart and took me through a very painful time to chasten me, remove the dross from my life, bring me back to Himself and set me on fire for His kingdom. During this time, He gave me a heart for people in difficult situations, such as homeless, destitute, addicted, and the persecuted church around the world.
The Lord gave me this calling from Isaiah 61:1-2:
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to reclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all him mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.”
He planted me right here in Bulverde Texas about 15 minutes north of San Antonio. As I have turned my life over to His plan, He is opening doors of opportunity to reach people with the gospel. I work with homeless people in San Antonio, in drug infested areas of the city, to pray for them, bring them off the streets, and disciple them in a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Over the last few years, I have built long term relationships with Floyd, Nina, Maria, John and others through my street ministry. I also have the privilege of taking one evening a week and spending time with about 50 Afghan refugee children. I play soccer with these children and am building relationships to teach them and more importantly, show them our Heavenly Fathers love.
The Lord allowed me to rent a 3000 square-foot building for my shop where I sell reclaimed wood and furniture. Inside we have prayer meetings, Discipleship, and a Friday night fellowship meal where the public is welcome to attend. We eat, spend time in praise and worship, and pray for one another, and let God communicate to us through different teachers He brings our way. We are currently going to be using the shop to hand out food to about 100 families who are needy in our area. We are hoping to build community with these people where they can experience the love of God in a discipleship setting. As I patiently wait on the Lord for restoration in my own personal family, the Lord is taking the little I have to offer Him and multiplying it for His kingdom. He is a merciful God and near to the broken-hearted.
Prayer Retreat
UTSA college students
Afghan kids
Praying with Andres on the street, we asked for God’s help.
UTSA college students Bible Study
This is part of our street ministry. These two men, Josiah, and Matthew, go with me to the most drug infested places in the city. This is Olivia who really loves Jesus, and she has asked us to get her a large print Bible. She lives on the street in her wheelchair.
This is with the Afghan refugee children. Our soccer ball got stuck on the roof! I always take a new soccer ball from Walmart and ask God to show me which kid to give it to. I’m building relationships with these kids, and I’ve come to know them well; Abbas, Esan, Zia, Maboob and Adnan to just name a few.
The Afghan refugee children
This was the Men’s Retreat where we covered conquering lust. Men’s lives were changed as a direct result of our time together. One man shared his testimony about how God set him totally free 14 years ago.
Youth meeting at the Vintage Barn with Prayer for revival, praise and worship, and Discipleship.
Fellowship meeting at the barn. Praying for Rodrigo as he shares his testimony and was baptized outside the barn.
Passover gathering at the barn where we went through the Old Testament story of the Hebrews, leaving Egypt, and how Jesus fulfilled all these things.
Spending time with the migrants in San Antonio who are coming across the Texas border. We take food and clothes and gospel tracts. And when our translator is there, we have a worship service.
Mission trip to Vietnam, where I spoke to about 200 Vietnamese and Chinese business men and women how to use a small business to reach out to the lost and poor in your community.
Praying with some of the police women at the San Francisco Police Department. Praying for protection and a lack of fear as they work in the city of San Francisco serving the people.
Having the Alzheimer dementia patients over from Bella Groves to do a craft and a Bible lesson. They come to the barn twice a month.
Baptizing a young man named Daniel down at the river who came to Christ and wanted to follow the Lord in baptism.
Sharing blankets and clothes and food and the Gospel with migrants in San Antonio, Texas.
San Antonio
Me and some other people are going to be working with the people that are…
Help us use Christ’s Resources for Christ’s Warriors and connect with us any way you can. Much like a stone thrown into a pond creates ripples that go out in all directions, we are helping each individual realize their incredible gifts and self-worth so they in turn can be the strength that helps their brothers and sisters. Any resource can become a blessing – from prayer, to work skills and training, to social networking and/or financial support. One gift at a time, no matter how small, exactly mirrors how all astounding events in human history have happened, with one idea or purpose and one person, then the next person and the next, all joining forces until you have an army – an army of Warriors!