I am convinced God is using Lance Mishleau, director of The Cause Ministry (The Cause), and other Wisconsin young people, to lead individuals to a meaningful relationship with Jesus.
The Cause began with a group of guys, ages 18–21, who envisioned a music ministry to share with young people around the country. After leading music together one Sabbath for church in November 2001, they knew the Lord was calling them, and they said, “Let’s just do it.”
Beginning in Summer 2002, Greg Creek (now a youth pastor in Kansas), Clint and Lance Mishleau, and Beau Baartz attended summer camps and youth events where they led out in praise and worship. They were also invited to teen and youth departments at camp meetings throughout the United States. Lance says, “The Lord guided each of the original members in mighty ways.”
Four years later, the Lord continues to open doors for The Cause, now a ministry with a more defined mission. Lance believes the Lord gave the team their motto, “Leading Youth to Lead the Church.” They desire to “utilize the youth for outreach, personal and public evangelism, while encouraging and gaining [individuals] for His Kingdom.” The Cause team selected 1 Timothy 2:5–7 as their ministry’s inspiration. Three original members are still involved with The Cause. New members joined the team, adding their organizational, musical, and speaking talents. These new members include Brennan Hallock, Lee Ann Paulsen, Michelle Paulsen, Randy Paulsen, and Keith Wyland.
The Cause team provides Bible studies at Wisconsin Academy and speaks and leads worship music at youth and young adult events in Wisconsin. They also challenge youth to action. Recently, they encouraged academy students to distribute fliers for an upcoming evangelistic series at the Fox Valley (Wisconsin) Church.
Their ministry has spread to other places in the United States. View the event calendar at www.thecauseministry.org to see their busy schedule. In May, part of the team traveled to Australia to assist with a youth rally.
The Cause musicians play for mini-concerts, church services, special music, evangelistic meetings, camp meetings, and at Christian coffeehouses, connecting with young people everywhere they go. Visit www.myspace.com/causeministries to read comments by young people who were blessed, challenged, and motivated as a result of their music and speaking ministry. One wrote, “Hey guys... I was at the concert the other night at Concordia.... You guys did a great job, and it is great what you do for Christ. See ya!”
Lance challenges young people to “step out in faith, today, and do something for the One who has done ‘everything’ for you already. Not because you feel like you have to, but because you are willing. Then, watch what the Lord is going to do in your life! Not because God feels like He has to, but because He is willing to do it for you! (Luke 5:12, 13)”
The Cause team asks for your prayers for their ministry. To schedule The Cause for youth or young adult events, or to contribute financially to this ministry, please contact Lance at TheCauseMinistry@aol.com, or by mail: P.O. Box 7104, Appleton, WI 54912.
Diane Thurber is the Lake Union Herald managing editor.
