“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the Ends of the Earth.”   Acts 1:8

                Where would we be today if Jesus had told the disciples to stay in Jerusalem or to only go to Judea and Samaria?  Would the Good News and Saving Grace of God ever have made it to us?  Where would Christianity and Eternal Salvation, THE TRUTH, be today?  Where would we be today? 

                I have been pondering this whole thought a lot lately.  Throughout the Bible it is about God, Our Father wanting a relationship for all eternity with us.  So Jesus was very deliberate in what he said to the disciples about going to all the world.  But what if the disciples would have been as disobedient as we are and said, Jesus said that but we are only going to go to Jerusalem or just to Judea and Samaria.  Where would we be today? What if they would have said, we only want to go to Judea, we will let others deal with the other places? Where would be today?

                God’s Word is to be obeyed... ALL OF IT.  There can be no picking and choosing of what to obey and what not to obey.  The disciples knew this and obeyed.   Thank you and Praise God that they obeyed and went to all of the areas.  The really great part is that their Call was not for the same area but God Called each of them to a different area.  Because of their obedience, the Gospel spread and we are a living testimony of that obedience. 

                Over the last few years there has been a movement by many churches, organizations and other groups to embrace Acts 1:8 as their mantra for missions.  I embrace, encourage and applaud this movement because it truly is obedience to God’s Word.  But I also caution those that embrace this to realize that not all are Called to Jerusalem or even to the Ends of the Earth.  Even within the confines of embracing certain areas, not all are Called there.  God Calls each of us to different places and areas.  Thus as Jesus did, we must embrace the mission area God has placed on the hearts of all Called.  We MUST celebrate their Calling and Praise God for the Calling.  It is partly about celebrating with them their obedience, but it more about Praising God that He is using all.

                In 1999, God Called me/us to the Ends of the Earth.  We did not know at that time the  specifics but we knew the Ends of the Earth.  In 2001, God called us to the Middle East and that Call has not changed.  Although the Middle Eastern region is the primary Call, in being obedient we are to tell people of Jesus wherever and at all times.  In Experiencing God Henry Blackaby says that “when we see God at work, we are to join into that work.”  So if God is working in any area we are to support, celebrate, and join in that work.  That is being obedient. 

                Obedience is not just for the individuals whom God Calls. It is for all of those that are friends, family, organizations, and churches that are aware of the Call.  When we see people called, we are called to pray for them, to encourage them and to support them.  It is not an option, it is obedience. 

                Now back to my original thought.   God through his son Jesus Christ created a perfect way to get the whole world to know Him.  That is to go to Jerusalem (our city), Judea and Samaria (our state and country), and finally the Ends of the Earth (the whole world).  Jesus didn’t say only one area. He knew that He was going to Call each of us to different areas, so it is His plan that we go everywhere. 

                I would encourage you to seek God.  He has Called you to go.  God has Called you to be involved with praying, encouraging and supporting those that have answered the Call.  Pray about what God wants of you. 

NOT IN IT FOR THE MONEY

My Family at Pier's Wedding....Soon Allison will be joining us. 

NOT IN IT FOR THE MONEY!!!!

    A friend of mine who is also in the ministry recently wrote a really powerful newsletter to his Ministry Partners.  Here is how he started it:

"Beloved friends and partners in the Gospel-

Do NOT give money to this ministry.....!

Now that I have your attention, allow me to explain very directly.

Name of Mission Organization (I don't have permission to mention his organization) is not in the fund-raising business.

Though we thank others for their financial support, we make no requests for money, choosing instead to trust God to place it in the hearts of others to financially support this work as HE directs them to."

I was very moved by his honesty and openness in his ministry update.  He has been doing ministry for over 24 years and I know that God has supplied all his needs.  And I know for a fact that over the last few years him and the ministry have suffered due to loss of financial support but yet he has stayed firm.   But what a way to start your ministry update.....
    In the Psalms 50:9-10, God speaking to the people of Israel says this:  "I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills." 
    This passage alone stands as a testament to the truth that our God truly does own it all and everything is His.  And something that each of us must remember.
    Being in a faith based ministry sometimes really takes a whole lot faith and remembering this one verse.  Twice a month, at the middle and the end our trust in God is grown.  And in 10 plus years although sometimes it has been really tough, God has been faithful and demonstrates to us that the cattle on a thousand hills does belong to Him.  
     Over Christmas, Jeannine and I had dinner with a great friend and his wife.  During this conversation he asked me this question, "How are you doing?"  I met his question with we are great and he proceeded to ask the question until I asked him to clarify his question and he said financially. He has walked this road with us for many years and been my confident/prayer partner when the financial road is tough.  I answered this final question with God meets all of our needs although it is not perfect.  I guess that was not a good enough answer because we discussed it more.  Finally and begrudgingly I told him that over the last year our support has drastically decreased (about 35-40 percent to date).  I don't tell you this story to make you feel bad.  I tell you this story to demonstrate to you that even when we struggle that God owns it all and He is gracious with all of it and His love.
    Ten plus years of working with International Commission, three years more with the International Mission Board and God has constantly been faithful to us.  As my friend above who has been living faith based for over 24 years he has no need to request for money, he just prays that God will place it in your hearts.  That is our prayer also that God will place it your hearts t to be our Great Commission Partners and we will let Him direct you. 
    Luke 10:2 says:  He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."  The harvest truly is plentiful and I am honored to be counted as part of the few.  Is God calling you and directing you to become more involved in the harvest.  If God is directing you, D ON"T WAIT....please, please, please let me know and  I would love to share with you how God can use you by GOING, PRAYING, GIVING and being part of the GREAT COMMISSION.  If God is calling you to become more involved with us in our Call, we would love to have you join us.  Please let God touch you and direct you.



    Drinking Camel's Milk in the Arabian Peninsula

WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITIES AND WONDERFUL REWARDS

WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITIES AND WONDERFUL REWARDS

    Does this not sound like the BEST catch phrase to make you want to read more and to find out how you can get such an opportunity.  This was exactly what I saw when I got the Call of our Lord to follow Him into the ministry.  In Mark 10, there was a fantastic conversation between Jesus and His disciples and it comes to completion in verses 28 through 31.

"Then Peter spoke up, “We have left everything to follow you!” Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”  Mark 10:28-31

I think that Peter so accurately expresses to Jesus how I feel sometimes when I am on this journey.  Amazing how this journey goes.  There are many struggles and worries (family, income, health, being away when things happen are just a few).  Then there are the wonderful events that happen and the rewards (seeing the lives changed by people who fall in love with Jesus, experiencing a great awakening in the dark world of the culture in the Middle East and North Africa,  hearing and speaking to the followers who are willing to sacrifice all are just a few of these wonders).  

    All of this leads me to conclusion that truly the catch phrase, "Wonderful Opportunities and Wonderful Rewards;" was an accurate description of this Calling in my life.  With all of this being said, let me share with you about my most recent trip to the region. 

     Overall the trip was a success.  I was able to get all the planning done for the upcoming project in September and solidify some great plans for being able to share in schools and the with the 4 churches in the area.  We also took a one day trip to a remote area of the country.  In this remote area, we prayed for the people and the country.
     Egypt was again a time of training, planning and relationship building.  Egypt has really gone through some drastic events over the last months and this has caused a lot of challenges.  One part of the trip that I was really looking forward to was being able to visit some of the families of the men beheaded for their beliefs.   However this had to be cancelled due to the security issues of going to the area.  I was disappointed but we all know who is in control so there must have been a reason.  With this being cancelled we traveled to some of the areas where we have completed projects and seen people make professions to the Lord. It was a great time of reliving the Work that was happening and has happened.  I also spent a great deal of time in training our local leader there and with meeting possible new connections for the future.

     My next trip back in the region is to Lebanon and a few other places.  Please pray that God is preparing a way there.  Then after trip, I have been invited to Pakistan to preach, meet with Pastors and churches and to share Jesus in July.  This trip will definitely need to be bathed in prayer.  So please join me in prayer.

      Please pray for us as we are going again to have to start looking at Great Commission Partnership and the need to  pray for God to lift up more partners.  If you want to become more involved or want to know more about Great Commission Partners, please let me know.  

      Luke 10:2 says, " He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."  We need you so that we can continue this "Wonderful Opportunity."



SORRY FOR THE DELAY!!!!!!

 

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PLEASE FORGIVE MY ABSENCE

 

    It has been a long time since my last entry into my own blog.  I have struggled in how to write and what to write about.  There is not enough apologies I could write to ask for your forgiveness.  It has been a very hard time for me to write.   The world in the region that God has called me to work as been turned upside down.  People are dying everyday for their faith in the Lord Jesus.  And as the world in this region has turned upside down so has our lives here in California.  In Libya, Egyptians are being killed for their faith.  In Iraq, Christian children are being killed right in front of their parents, so that there will be no future for Christianity in the area.  A the list goes on and on of what is happening in the region. 

    However with all of the persecution and a world turned upside down, God is at work. God is using all of the evil and turning it into His Glory.  The beginnings of a great revival is happening.  In the midst of all of this, people are turning back to God and many are searching for the truth.  Romans 8:28 says:  "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."  So be prepared for the future in this region.  God is working and people are coming to know the truth.

    In less than a week I will be traveling again back to the region.  I will be working on future projects that will happen.  Meeting with friends and then traveling into different areas to encourage and share the truth of Jesus Christ. 

    Please join me in praying for this region and for my trip to the region.  Please pray for safety and that God will get all the GLORY. 



Three Fold Meaning of the Lord's Supper

Note Please:  When I lead a team one of the things I really like to do is to celebrate the Lord's Supper with them sometime near the end of our trip.  I came across this a few trips ago and thought it was so relevant and perfect.  I shared this with my team on the Turkey trip.  I hope you find it as good as I did. 

THREE FOLD MEANING OF THE LORD’S SUPPER

 

"Memorials of Jesus’ death on the cross

On the evening he was betrayed, while Jesus was eating a meal with his disciples, he took some bread and said, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19). They each ate a piece of the bread. When we participate in the Lord’s Supper, we each eat a piece of bread in remembrance of Jesus.

"In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you’" (v. 20). When we drink a small amount of wine (or grape juice) at the Lord’s Supper, we remember that Jesus’ blood was shed for us, and that his blood signified the new covenant. Just as the old covenant was sealed by the sprinkling of blood, the new covenant was established by Jesus’ blood (Hebrews 9:18-28).

 

As Paul said, "For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes" (1 Corinthians 11:26). The Lord’s Supper looks back to the death of Jesus Christ on the cross.

The death of Jesus is a tremendous gift to us. It is precious. When we are given a gift of great value, a gift that involved personal sacrifice for us, how should we receive it? With mourning and regret? No, that is not what the giver wants. Rather, we should receive it with great gratitude, as an expression of great love. If we have tears, they should be tears of joy.

So the Lord’s Supper, although a memorial of a death, is not a funeral, as if Jesus were still dead. Quite the contrary—we observe this memorial knowing that death held Jesus only three days—knowing that death will not hold us forever, either. We rejoice that Jesus has conquered death, and has set free all who were enslaved by a fear of death (Hebrews 2:14-15). We can remember Jesus’ death with the happy knowledge that he has triumphed over sin and death! As Jesus said, our mourning will turn into joy (John 16:20). Coming to the Lord’s table and having communion should be a celebration, not a funeral.

 

Our present relationship with Jesus Christ

The crucifixion of Jesus has a continuing significance to all who have taken up a cross to follow him. We continue to participate in his death and in the new covenant because we participate in his life. Paul wrote, "Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?" (1 Corinthians 10:16). In the Lord’s Supper, we show that we share in Jesus Christ. We commune with him. We are united in him.

The New Testament speaks of our sharing with Jesus in several ways. We share in his crucifixion (Galatians 2:20; Colossians 2:20), death (Romans 6:4), resurrection (Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 2:13; 3:1) and life (Galatians 2:20). Our lives are in him, and he is in us. The Lord’s Supper symbolizes this spiritual reality.

John 6 conveys a similar picture. After Jesus proclaimed himself to be the "bread of life," he said, "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day" (v. 54). Our spiritual food is in Jesus Christ. The Lord’s Supper pictures this ongoing truth. "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him" (v. 56). We signify that we live in Christ, and he lives in us.

So the Lord’s Supper helps us look upward, to Christ, and be mindful that true life can only be in him and with him.

 

Reminds us of Jesus’ return

Jesus said he would not drink the fruit of the vine again until he came in the fullness of the kingdom (Matthew 26:29; Luke 22:18; Mark 14:25). Whenever we participate, we are reminded of Jesus’ promise. There will be a great messianic "banquet," a "wedding supper" of celebration. The bread and wine are miniature rehearsals of what will be the greatest victory celebration in all history. Paul wrote that "For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes" (1 Corinthians 11:26). 

We always look forward, as well as backward and upward and inward and around. The Lord’s Supper is rich in meaning. That is why it has been a prominent part of the Christian tradition throughout the centuries. Sometimes it has been allowed to become a lifeless ritual, done more out of habit than with meaning. When a ritual loses meaning, some people overreact by stopping the ritual entirely. The better response is to restore the meaning. That’s why it is helpful for us to review what we are symbolizing. "

Turkey Wrap Up-Nice to be home

Turkey Wrap Up-Nice To Be Home!!!

    So here I sit, getting ready to tell you about the Turkey trip, how we saw God work, how He protected us and how the Kingdom was expanded.   I apologize it has taken me a few days to get this written, but the jet lag seems to get worse with each trip.  I still haven't rebounded but oh well, I need to exclaim what the Lord has done.

    The whole God's provision and protection started from the minute we were boarding the plane to head to Turkey.  As we were boarding our flight to Turkey from Chicago, 3 of us were pulled aside and told it was a random inspection check.  It is fantastic that Passport Control Officers  were doing their jobs and protecting our great country but wow does it ever do wonders for your nerves.  By the way I think we were the only three that were questioned.  The questions ranged from just about everything.  God allowed us to share exactly why we were going.  That we were sharing the Lord and that we were going to be encouraging the small number of new believers also.  They were just doing their jobs (Praise the Lord) but again we got nervous. 

    Once in Hatay,  Turkey we shared with everyone.  On the first day we attended a small House Church (churches are illegal) of about 14 people and worshipped the ALL MIGHTY in such a very special.  This day was spent primarily encouraging the Lord. 

     As the week progressed we were able to see 9 people make professions of faith and be able to baptize 2 more.  I found out later in the week that 3 new believers wanted to be baptized also but their schedules of school and work didn't work out.  9 people through this trip have now been assured an eternity with our Lord and Savior.

     One last story to share, which definitely is an example of God's Provision and Protection.  The team deemed this story, "63 Seconds."  On Monday evening we were told that there was a Kurdish Children's Refugee Camp where we could deliver winter clothing to.  The team was thrilled to be able to do this since it was only about 15 miles east of where we were.  This was suppose to happen at 2:30 on Tuesday.  Tuesday arrived, the van was loaded with clothing, toys and Bibles.  Soon after leaving we were told that instead of 2:30 it was going to be 4:00pm for the meeting and heading to the camp.  So we got to the meeting place at 4:00pm to find it was moved to 5:00.  So we had some coffee and got into a very deep conversation about demons, the enemy and how our God works.  Soon it was 5:19pm and we started our journey to the camp.  

          Quick note:  In Turkey, all stop lights are timed and the time is shown below the color.  Example:  green lights are 43 seconds long and red lights are 63 seconds long.

    We approached the last light before the camp on the inside lane, just as the light changed to red.  The countdown had begun.  As we watched the time count down, we noticed on the other side the light about a hundred feet ahead was a checkpoint.  Checkpoints mean identification checked and a visual inspection.  With what was with us, this probably meant a full on inspection.  But we knew that God was going to protect us.  The light counted down to 20 seconds and the phone rang.  It was the people we were meeting in the camp.  The Civil Police (CP) were there in the camp.  The CP had torn apart their car looking for anything.  In Turkey, it is wrong and not supported by the government to assist the Kurdish camps.  They had been questioned for about an hour.  They had nothing, we had everything.  The pentility for working in the camps has been severe.  Over the last few months, many of the workers have been told to leave the country and not return, the one thing in common is that they were assisting the camps.  So the light changed green and we did a U-turn and headed back to the hotel.  Here is where God's Provision and Protection was demonstrated to us.  If we would went at our first scheduled time, we would have been there when the CP came.  If we would have been there at 4:00pm, we would have been there when the CP came.  If we would have left at 5:00 pm and not 5:19, we would have been there when the CP came.  If we would have been there when the CP came, our contact would have been immediately kicked out, we would have been given 48 hours to leave the country and all the winter clothing and other stuff would have been confiscated.  Obviously God wanted us to finish the work in the country last week.  The great thing is that another way was opened, just we would not be able to assist. 

    Our prayer was simple.  God we trust you and we will do whatever you want.  If anything else would have been different, within 63 seconds we would have been kicked out of the country.  Amazing how God took care of us and protected us.  The 63 second story is only one of the many stories where we saw God work things out and protect us.  The great thing about this story is that we all knew you were praying with us and lifting up our safety on this whole trip.  

    It was an Amazing God trip.  Each of the team were a blessing not only to each other, but especially to the people of this area who are truly seeking the Lord.  Thank you for supporting us, praying for us and loving us on this trip.

Friday Evening and All is Well...

The Sun Setting over the Med. Sea

 



    It has been an amazing week so far here.  Today was our last really full day, tomorrow will be a modified day as the team will have to get back to the place where we are staying.  We will have to do any last minute visits (which could take time), maybe get some snacks for the flight home, pack, try to get some sleep and then be at the airport at 6:00am on Sunday morning for the beginning of our 24 plus hour trip back home.  So I would like to give you just a few highlights about this week so far. 

1.  We have seen eight people make professions of faith so far this week.  Today we prayed with number eight.  Eight people is a HUGE number when you know the costs of making the decision to follow Jesus.  The costs are family, friends, future and even sometimes their lives.  As Americans we have no idea what the costs are. Even I don't know the costs that this decision is.  And I have lived and traveled in this region for almost 14 years. 
2.  We have been part of a baptism of two new Believers.  And for me the really cool thing is that I got to perform the baptisms.  It was such an honor, blessing and gift from God. 
3.  We have planted numberous seeds and discussed Esau Robb (Jesus the Lord) with to many people to count.
4.  We have met with Believers and encouraged them, disciple them and loved on them over this last week.  Even pictures will not describe or show the hearts and love of these Believers.
5.  We attended a House Church here.  It is the first Christian Church in this area in almost a 100 years and it was a fantastic time to worship with them.
6.  We, but what I should say is, I have been able to rekindle friendships with many who immediately came up to me and hugged on me and of course shared many cheek kisses. 
7.  And finally we have seen and experienced places where the church of Antioch and Paul were. 

    These are just a few of the Amazing things that have happened on this trip so far.  There is one last thing that God has done and that is that He has kept us very safe.  This is a gigantic praise for us so far.  I told the team tonight a reason that we have seen and experienced so many "God Things" this week is because of the prayers and support of each of you.  Thank you for standing with us on this trip.

The Team minus Me