Monday, June 30, 2014

God's Mission, My Mission!!




 

God's Mission, My Mission
 
    In July of 2001, we started down a very long and fun road that has brought us to this place today.  That one month in 2001 changed our lives forever.  We headed into our final interviews, physicals and paperwork to leave for the Middle East and begin this journey that has led us here today.  Then at the end of August, I left a career at Target as a Store Team Leader and Trainer, then 9/11 happened, we worked from the U.S. until we could move over to region.  And since then we have seen God bless us in great and wonderful ways.
   
   
    Recently I heard from someone that they don't understand how I "can work with these people."  The comment shocked me and broke my heart because for me all I can see is how God is working in the lives of these people,  how many are becoming seekers of the One and True Living God, and holding onto the promise that God is beginning a Great Revival and Awakening in this region.  A Lebanese Pastor friend once told me that he works in this region because he hopes that he will have the privilege of telling the last person about Jesus Christ before Jesus returns.  This Pastor Friend got it and I pray that I get it too.  Although there is a great lostness in this region, there is also a openness to listen and to share. 
 
      
    Over the years, we have lived in Jordan, Lebanon and then back to the U.S.  Over the last almost 10 years I have traveled many miles back to this region where I have had the blessing of leading many teams and working with many wonderful people and believers.  Plus I have seen God working in a great ways throughout this region.
 
 
    What is next?  We will continue to follow the Lord has this door open for me to walk through.  I will continue to share the truth, so that this young boy pictured above will someday have the opportunity to grow up and be able to worship and praise the One True and Living God. 
 
 
 
 
    How do I do this?  First, through the Power of the Lord.  Second, through the Love and Support of my wife, Jeannine; who has sacrificed so much for me to continue to answer His Call.  And finally through each of you that pray for us and support us.  Please hold us up in your prayers.  Although the work in the region will be continuing and I will be working diligently on this, we are also going to be focusing a lot of effort on raising our Ministry Partnership levels.  God has been very faithful in supplying all of our needs during this wonderful journey, we have recently had many partners who have had to reduce their support or stop due to work situations.  So our support is at a very dangerous level right now. 
     Thank you again for praying for us and reading this blog.  It means a lot.  If you would like to comment on this blog, please do and I will share them with everyone.  Each of you are such a blessing to us.
 








Thursday, June 26, 2014

Final Report Arabian Peninsula


FINAL REPORT ARABIAN PENINSULA
 
 
    I have waited a week to do this last report from the Arabian Peninsula for several reasons.  I wanted to be able to really look at the work that the Lord had done with the team, before and after the trip.  I wanted to hear from the team about what they thought of this adventure and to see also how God has worked in their lives, since returning.  Based on these two reasons, I can say that no matter what happened;  God gets all the Glory for the things that happened because we obeyed to go. 
    There were many interesting things that transpired on this trip.  A few, I have never experienced as a leader of a team and challenges that were new and could have easily have taken our focus of what the Lord was doing.  However, this was a great team and they refused to let the enemy get, a little toe into the work that was happening.  They were truly a blessing to me.
    We were able to share with many about the Good News of Jesus Christ.  We were able to uplift, worship and participate in several local church services, which were such a blessing to the team and the churches.  I would like to share the story of one young man, who because of the team is now actively seeking.  The team actually met him early into our trip and he was a instrumental in several of the conversations that were to take place.  The team spend many hours with him, sharing and building a relationship with him and several of his friends.  After our departure, he began to question even more about the future and this was because of the team.  This is just one of the teams contacts. 
     Sharing, telling, interacting and building relationships was just a few of the things the team did while they were there.  They experienced camels, camels, and more camels on a daily basis.  We prayed together at least twice a day and shared in the Words of the Bible.  The team praised the Lord from the cliffs over looking the Arabian Peninsula to the mountains surrounding the place we were staying.  The teamed prayed for one of team members, who became ill on this trip.  And the team prayed with the churches for open doors into their community.  The great thing about this trip is that there were souls that made the eternal decision to walk with God. 
    In my final thought, I am ALWAYS amazed that God can bring together people, who have never met except on a few phone calls; and do amazing and eternal work.  In this region of the world, there is a need to share the Gospel and to reach the area for Jesus Christ.  God wants to do an eternal work here, he just needs people who are willing to break ground, toll the ground and plant the seeds.  This team did just that.  They did it without complaining (or at least not much-the heat and humidity was really bad), they went when a door was open (even a crack), they shared in any way they could and they were faithful to the Call of the Lord.  To them, thank you for going.  To you, thank you for praying, supporting and praying more.  May our Lord bless each of you daily.

Saturday, June 14, 2014

THE LAST DAY HAS BEGUN


THE LAST DAY HAS BEGUN
SOON WE WILL BE FLYING HOME

    Well it has begun.  In about 8 hours we will head to the airport to start our 30 hour plus journey home.   Yesterday was a lazy day and an exciting day.  Lazy because little did we have scheduled but resting, shopping, our final dinner together (which our hosts and their families joined us), and then a spiritual warfare meeting that happened later (but that will have to wait till home to tell about). 
     In this episode of our adventure, I would like to tell you about us and their contributions to the team and the region. 

Bernie:  Amazing man and friend.  He came as he usually does on these trips with me.  His job is to be a Police Officer in the US, so he is our protection and my eyes when I tend to not see the safety.  He is my right hand on these trips in so many ways.  He loves the region and the people and in every action he demonstrate this love. 
Steve:  He is a Pastor in the US and here he was able to share the Word of the Lord in church.  He became a friend to many.  He would pray when anyone needed prayer.  He was our excitement.  In everything he would find the excitement. 
Skip:  He like Steve is a Pastor in the US.  He spoke God's word with abandon here.  He brought the truth and yet he maintained our team's balance.  He would make laugh, he would make us smile and for me he was my rock which I could hold onto. 
Dona Beth:  This will probably be her last adventure and she is a trooper.  Despite all of the health issues.  When she has been unable to go with us, she was praying for us.  She is an example of strength.
Becca:  For someone young, she is an amazing person.  When she prays, you feel the Spirit.  Becca has a true heart for serving the Lord and although because this is a man dominated area was unable to share as much as she wanted, at every opportunity she shared.  God has big plans for her.  Becca was also our humor more than just a few times.  Her comments of "my filter is down" had us all laughing.  There is a story that I promised her that I would never share, but would let her share, but for me it will ALWAYS be the highlight of this trip. 
Gavin:  Amazing is the understatement here.  God gave him a talent of music and he recognizes it.  When he sings, it truly draws you into the presences of the Lord.  The people here were blown away from the talent of God gave him.  He blessed the team and the people here and his affect because he came and answered the call will have a long history here.  And for me personally, I have know Gavin for most of his life and this adventure I got to know him as the man has become.  Totally in AWE at what God has created in him. 
    God does nothing by accident and this group of WONDERFUL people being here was no example.  I have only told a brief little bit about each of them.  I wish I could tell you more but you would be here all day.  I am blessed and honored to be here with them. 
    This will be my last blog until we return home to the US.  Thank you for your prayers, love and support.  In a spiritual battle, like what is happening here and now; we need people praying, loving and supporting those in the middle. Each of us could feel your prayers and love.  Thank you to the family and friends for allowing them to come to this region and share the light of our Lord, Jesus Christ.



     

Friday, June 13, 2014

Friday Ended and Today the Last Full Day


Yesterday Friday
Today is the LAST FULL DAY


    The last day and a half here have been stressful for the team and I am sure for you at home.  So let me first start by saying THANK YOU for your prayers.  I will give you an update, one of our team members (Dona Beth); had a problem with her blood sugar levels and I spent pretty much all day yesterday with her at the hospital here.  I have not checked on her today because she is asleep, but last night she was much better and almost back to her typical self.  The worry and love that this team has for each other was evident in how they handled this situation (AMAZING), but it did had enormous amounts of stress on the team.  So THANK YOU again for praying.
    Yesterday was a day filled with almost constant travel for the team as they went from one church service to another.  Here Friday is the equal of Sunday in the States, so they were very busy.  The day started at the English Congregation where it was their Pastor's last Sunday, so we celebrated with them his last Sunday.  He has been here for 3 years.  Gavin was able to join in the worship, by singing two songs for the church and the Pastor.  Quick story here is that the Pastor's wife has been asking for months for their worship team to sing "Beautiful," and it has not happened but Gavin, who I believe does not pick out his songs until he walks up there; sang the song.  It was so beautiful, when looking around their were few dry eyes in the house.
    Then from there, it was the Pakistan Fellowship, with about 25-30 men; then from there it was the Pakistan Church of approximately 125 people, where Skip sang.  After this service, like the night before when Steve spoke, they "honored" the team with a feast fit for a king.   The team came back in, just fired up from the day of celebrating with the few believers in this country.
     Today is truly our last full day.  It will be a day of trying to wrap up the last few things that the Lord has brought us here to do.  Please continue to pray for us like you have been.  Being on these adventures is never easy and rarely without a few bumps, curves or stress and this has been no exception.  I have been blessed to have a team that has bonded together for the purpose of sharing.  It has been fantastic. 
      Tonight's blog will be the last until we arrive back in the United States.  So I would like to tell you about this team that was ordained to be here at this time in history for this moment, and how they have been a blessing to the people, each other and the Lord.
      Our devotional passage this morning will be:
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

May our Lord, Savior and God bless each of you this day.  Thank you for your prayers.
              

Thursday, June 12, 2014

TODAY IS OUR FRIDAY


TODAY IS OUR FRIDAY

(and the attacks have begun)

    Yesterday was an easy day but a late day, a day fill with joy and yet sadness.  Part of the team was able to go and interact in the market, while another part went and met with some more Seekers in the morning.  Then it was back to start getting ready for a marathon couple of days.  Last night, the group went and Worshipped, Celebrated and had a great time with the Pakistani Church.  Steve was the speaker, which I heard he did a great job sharing (I was unable to attend due to circumstances beyond my control).  And Gavin was again a hit with his musical talent and abilities.  After the service, the team interacted with the whole church and all I have heard was that "They really honored us."  The team came back very pumped.
    Today will be a marathon day for the team, again I do not know how much I will be them, but I will report at the end how God worked.  They got back so late last night that I was unable to get their pictures but I will try today to get some for you on FB.  Right now the team will be with at least 5 different groups, worshipping, celebrating, speaking and praying.  Please lift them up as the day goes on.
    Please pray for the team extra hard these next few days until we get home.  The enemy is definitely attacking.  Pray of the health of each person of the team (please give this some extra doses of prayer), for the wisdom of each of the speakers today, pray for the team as they interact that they may be able to share fully, pray that God be God and do great things. 


    Addition:   I forgot to add our verses today.  Please read Ephesians 3:20:  "To him who is able to do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine."

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

HUMP DAY Closed with a Bang


HUMP DAY Closed With A Bang (or a swallow)
The Schedule Gets Busy From Here

    Good Morning from the Arabian Peninsula.  I woke up rather early this morning even for me, somewhere around 4 am.  Five times a day in this region there is a "Call To Prayer,"  this morning it seemed exceedingly loud to me and woke me up.  Usually I can sleep right through it, no problems at all.  This week the team visited a Mosque where we prayed to One Living, True, and Active God that there would soon be a Great Revival in this land and call back to Him.  During this visit, we were talking and a comment was made what would happen if the Believers in America would seriously pray 5-7 times a day to God for Revival;  It makes you think, what would happen?
    Yesterday, Hump Day: was a day filled with tears, homesickness, fatigue, heat and humidity exhaustion and ended with much laughter, bonding, smiles, and prayer.  The middle of the week is ALWAYS the toughest day of the week on these adventures and yesterday was no different.  It is the day where the enemy feels it is time to attack with abandon and thus I usually try to keep this day low key.  So yesterday, we started our day as we do everyday with a time of devotion and prayer, then we headed to a place where many in this region come to pray to (supposedly) the tomb of the prophet Job.  Here we spent our own time in prayer for God to speak to each of the thousands upon thousands that will come to this place.  We especially prayed that God would speak through visions and dreams as the season of fasting and prayer, called Ramadan will begin shortly after we leave.  This region so needs to have the Almighty God speak to them.
    Then we arrived back where are staying to have a time of rest because we knew it was going to be a very late evening (usually we are in by 8:30/9:00pm) but last night we were eating dinner at 8:30 and back around 10:00 or later (but we had to stop for ice cream before arriving home because, led by Becca; the team wanted ice cream). 
    We went to visit the man (a seeker, but I think is already a Believer) that we visited on our first day.  He is a leader of his people, and at my request; wanted to show us his families herd of camels and allow us to milk camels, drink the fresh milk (see the pictures on FB) and it came to be known, introduce us to his cousin; who will soon be sharing in the Good News.  
     I forgot that in the middle of our day, Dona Beth was invited to be part of a meeting and ESL class with a young lady, who is a Believer. 
     Before I tell you what we will be doing today, I thought I would share with you some of heartbreaking statistics of this region and country.  In this country, there are less then a 1000 Believers in the whole country, this country has one of the fewest amount of workers in the world (less then 20) and the closest ones next to where we are and who we are working with is 850 kilometers away.  Scaring a frightening facts for a country that is primed and ready for a revival.
     Today begins 2 days of hectic schedule.  Beginning around 4, we will begin to have at least 5 meetings, with the potential to 7 or more meetings, which has the potential to be around 300 people we will talk to in these days. Skip, Steve and Gavin will be speaking, performing music and the other 4 of us will be speaking to each one of the people about Kingdom things.  Please pray for all of us on this.
     Here are the verses that we will be part of our daily devotion:



Philippians 4:13

13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

2 Timothy 4:17

 7 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.

We definitely can feel your prayers and love here.  Thank you.

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Day 3 Ended, Day 4 Begins and Our Middle of the Trip Begins




Day 3 Ended
Day 4 Has Begun
Our Middle or Halfway Point

    Yesterday was a very long and busy day for us, not because of the multitude of visits but because we spent quite along time coming and going to our destination.  There were many winding roads and many ups and downs as we headed to our destination.   Our journey took us southwest of our location to a closed place and a place of much danger for believers.  This was our most intense day of the trip because of the location.  However along the way we were met by 2 seekers and were able as the day went to share and become friends.  We were also able to shout to heavens from the cliffs about how Great our God is.  Pretty cool experience.  When we arrived our location, we were able to spend much time in prayer and sharing with our new friends.
     As we met last night, it is amazing that the group is beginning to see the weight of being a Believer in this land.  For them to turn to Our God means there is a great cost.  There have been several conversations that have gotten all the way to the point and then they stop or in case of a recent conversation, the person  said that I lean towards Jesus, but my family and the government it would not be good.  There is a GREAT cost in this region, something we in America never will understand due to our freedoms.  Please hold up the group in prayers that we would have wisdom but more importantly, that these people would understand that the cost here might be hard, but the eternal rewards are fantastic.
     I have been blessed with another great team.  From our youngest is Becca (not my daughter, Becca; but because of the name she immediately is a favorite) to our oldest Steve (Gavin, Skip, Bernie and Dona Beth make up the rest) this is a fantastic team.  They have bonded and at every turn in the road or up the hill, you see the Light of our Lord shining in their faces and in their actions.  Truly a wonderful thing to be with them.
     Today we will head out of the city again for a time of prayer, then to have more conversations with the ESL and finally to head back out to the Sheik's home to spend time with him (yes, he is a Seeker), to learn culturally about camels.  We will get to milk them and the group is hoping to ride them.  And through the whole time, we are praying to add to the Kingdom one more Eternal Brother.
    Today is our halfway point on this adventure.  We are all getting physically tired, emotionally drained and yet expectant about what God has yet planned for us.  This is today's devotion:

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.

    Please pray for us that today, our HUMP DAY; that we would first be able to share and add to the Kingdom.  Secondly for our physical and emotional fatigue.  And finally, Please join us in praising the Lord for allowing us to join Him in this, His Work.






Monday, June 9, 2014

Day 3 Ended and Now we start Day 4



DAY 3 ENDED, NOW DAY 4 STARTS

    It always amazes me what God does and how His plans are not our plans.  Yesterday we went to visit a friend up about an hour outside of the city, where we broke bread, shared in music (Gavin did a fantastic job, so Spirit filled) and some great conversation.  This person is so close.  We asked if we could pray for him and his response was I want to pray for you because you have come a long way to see me.  Truly a wonderful time.  Then a friend entered his home right before, and in most cases the conversation would stop, but when asked if we should continue he replied, "Yes, please continue."  The friend was a government official and it was so wonderful to see his willingness to continue and not be ashamed.  So great.
     Then on the way back we stopped at the highest point of the area and prayed over the area.  God tells us to take everything to Him in prayer, He listens and will answer.  And we were able to see a herd of camel running alongside of us on the drive home...TOO COOL.
      The evening was filled with another ESL and more open sharing of the Spirit, the lives here and many conversations.  Last night's conversation was on forgiveness and bitterness.  Pretty deep conversations.
      Today we are headed to different places.  One is for prayer, one is to visit the burial tomb of the prophet Job and the last is to partake in a meal and another time of sharing in the home of a seeker.  Right now it seems that we will be partaking of a traditional meal also at the home.  And yes he owns many camels.  It seems that I am not the only one on the team who loves CAMELS.
       Here is today's verse for us on strength:


The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights


Thank you again for your prayers.

Sunday, June 8, 2014

Day 2 Ended and Day 3 Begins


DAY 2 ENDED WITH A BANG
DAY 3 WILL BE ABOUT CAMELS

    Good Morning from the Arabian Peninsula where we have been enjoying the weather, about 90 degrees and 75% humidity, to the wonderful people of this region.  Yesterday was a pretty good day, as they should be when you are walking with the Lord.
    Yesterday 3 of our group (Dona Beth, Becca, and Gavin) began the day by going to a home of a wonderful person where they were welcome in and we able to share, talk and enjoy the beginning steps of this lady.  The other 4 of us headed to the Souk (market) and did intercession and interaction with the local people.  Then we all came back and begin our time open conversation in the English classes that were happening.  Dona Beth, Steve and Becca were able to be with the children and enjoy their openness, friendliness and just fun.  Then later the group met with a group of adults learning English and were able to speak about families, hobbies, interest and pretty much anything else that arose.  They all said that they enjoyed this because of the sharing that was happening.  Then in the evening we participated in our first Church service.  What started as 20 people ended with over 60 (yes I counted),  listening to Skip speak God's Word and challenging the people to become light and remember that Jesus came to save the world.  And Gavin joined in with their worship group to celebrate worshipping our Lord.  It was a good day!
     Today we are headed to visit the local Mosque and pray to OUR LORD.  Then we head outside where we are to meet a "friend" and soon a "brother."  We will be with him and his family and his many, many  camels (I will be in Heaven, love those animals) and share a wonderful meal with eternal results.  
     Today during our time together, we will be looking at the following Words:

You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!

     Thank you again for walking this road with us...




Saturday, June 7, 2014

DAY 1 ENDED AND DAY 2 BEGINS



DAY 1 ENDED AND DAY 2 BEGINS

    I started to write the blog last night about Day 1 ending but crashed and slept until about 2 hours ago so forgive me for not writing.  I have tried to upload pictures onto the blog and right now it doesn't seem to be working, so please check out the Facebook album. 
     Yesterday was a good day, although the team was exhausted.  We spent time sharing a Lebanese meal together and then came back where we are staying for some orientation and a meeting with one of the Pastor's of the churches where both Skip and Steve will be preaching at towards the end of the week.  Then we changed plans and the team went up to a high point to overlook the valley and pray for the people of this region, the contacts for this week and the Work that is happening.  During our time together when we returned, the team shared how the hearts of the workers here and then praying together and for the area were the highlight of the day.  It is always great when God's people come together with one heart, one direction, and one goal to pray unto the Lord.  Pretty good day.
      Today, or right now the team is still asleep, they needed their sleep.  We will begin here in about 3 hours.  The day will be a busy day, with meetings, ESL, a couple of home visits, a time of interaction in the city and then tonight Skip will be speaking at the English Speaking Church and Gavin will be playing music.  It is a very exciting time. 
      God has led me to share each morning during our devotion about strength.  This is how we start our day in devotion and prayer.  So I thought I would share with you our verse so that as you could pray for us as we begin our day and you end your day. 

Colossians 1:10-12
New International Version (NIV)
10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you[a] to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.


Please continue to hold the group up in prayers and thank you for standing beside us on this WONDERFUL ADVENTURE.

Friday, June 6, 2014

OVER 30 HOURS AGO



OVER 30 HOURS AGO

    Over a year ago a group of 7 of us started a journey that has brought us to the Arabia Peninsula last night  or should I say early this morning.  It took us over 30 hours to travel from California and Oklahoma to make it here and it all begins in just a few short hours.  The team is all sleeping right now or at least I hope they are. 
    The journey over here although long was filled with lots of laughter and fun.  It was amazing to watch the team jell together over the flight.  We had one person (Steve) who after putting his luggage through the scanners instead of walking though the body scanners, ducked up the luggage cart rack and had the airport security laughing so hard along with us laughing.  Of course they did send him back through but it was fun to watch.
    There were conversation throughout the plane as everyone got to know each and of course there were the hilarious ways that we all looked while sleeping on the plane.  The best look I saw was of one of us (Gavin) who slept, mouth open and one open.  But you will see no pictures of any of this.  Way, way to embarrassing.
     I will start posting pictures tonight of what is happening.  It is great to be here, with luggage, with our bodies tired but here and to be able to begin the journey that started a year ago.  We could not have come this far with each of you. Thank you for coming along side of us, with your support and prayers. 
    This is the passage that we ended our night with last night:


If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen





Wednesday, June 4, 2014

The Arabian Peninsula: Soon Begins


THE ARABIAN PENINSULA
 
 

    I just couldn't resist myself but to add this picture.  Jeannine sent it to me last week and I find it so right since in just about 4 hours I will be starting the trip to the Arabian Peninsula.  Here are the basics for the trip:
 
1.  There is a team of  seven of us (from California and Oklahoma) headed to the southwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula.
2.  We will arrive there after 30 plus hours in transit.
3.  We are doing a multitude of different things from working at the beach, doing ESL, working with local churches and other various things.
4.  We are 9-11 hours ahead of your time (11 hours from California, 9 hours from Oklahoma).
5.  We will be in-country for 9 days, and then another approximately 30 hours home.
 
    This only covers a few of different things we will be doing.  The team is very excited about what is going to happen.  We have already begun to see many works.  There is a great harvest beginning and we just the beginning of the things that will happen. 
    Please lift up the team daily, the people we will come in contact with and our families here in the States.  Please check back often or even daily to this blog to see what God is doing on this trip.  Also please leave your comments, I would love to share then with the team.
 
God Bless,
Ron