Family Reflextions

It was so good to have family home for Christmas. We have so much to be thankful for. I am thankful for my son Jason, he has taught me so much about life. Since we adopted him as a new born baby, Jason has taught me about unconditional love. I learned how the father loves us and is committment to us as we too have been adopted into His family. I am proud that Jason is serving the Lord and walking in Gods purpose for his life. I guess out of my three children, I love him the most.

I also am thankful for Robert, our first born child. I am so proud of Robert as I see him now as a husband and father. I see his patience with his two boys, his tender care and love for his wife, Gracie. Robert has taught me to never give up on the promises of God. As through his teen years I wondered a time or two what might be the outcome of his life. He is a great son, and now a great husband and father. I guess out of my three kids, I love Robert the most.

Then there is Patricia, I missed her this Christmas as well as Chris her husband and Calista my grand daughter. I am so proud of Trisha. She has been a perfect daughter, (Trish, I know that you are not perfect, so don't think that you have to be). She has brought such joy to my life. She also has taught me many lessons of life. She has the laughter and joy of her mother, always positive and looking at the best in people. As I reflect about Trisha, her birth caused me to make an appointment with a Urologist and get a vascetomy ASAP. But seriously, out of all my kids, I love Trisha the most.

Grandpa and Dylan

Random thoughts

I just recieved word that the three children in our Childrens Home in India have been released from the hospital and are doing well. One of the directors of the home was also in the hospital and is also released. We are thankful for the Lord touching these kids.

My fast is coming to an end. Just a few more days to go. I think that it ends on Tuesday. I am expectant to see what the Lord will do in 2006. I beleive that this is the year for a bountiful harvest and even the hard places will over flow with abundance.

It will be nice to have family together for Christmas, even though I am not eating it will be nice to fellowship and watch everybody enjoy themselves. I hope that Becky likes the Iron and pots and pans that I purchased for her. (haha) If not, she can take them back to Big lots and exchange them for something else she might want..... Isn't it a joy to serve one another?

The Joy of Fasting

Sounds like a contradiction? How can there be joy in fasting? To many it seems absurd to deny their bodies three daily square meals and drink only water. There are many benefits to fasting, both spiritually and phyiscally. I am not going to expound on those here. I am on day 13 of a 21 day water only fast. It seems especially strange to fast during the holidays where there is so many good things to eat. Just the other night we had our christmas dinner and celebration. There I sat watching everybody enjoy their meal while I drank my glass of bad tasting water. Don't feel sorry for me though, the results are out standing. As my body becomes weak, my spirit becomes stronger. The anointing increases during a time of fasting. My ability to be sensitive to hear Gods voice is clearer. Obedience to His will is easier, and discovering His will for our church for the next year also becomes easier to define. One reason to fast is to prepare for my next trip to the Phillippines and to India in January. I want to be ready to cast out any demon that presents itself. I am expecting for God to move mightily there in the lives of the people. Fasting is a wonderful way to serve others.

Mission Accomplished

It took just one look in the Valley Morning Star Classified adds to find the perfect gift for the wife. If I tell you what it is, then I'll have to kill ya. (kidding) So what do you buy for the lady that almost has it all? The advertisment on the TV always says that "a diamond is a ladies best friend." But we all know that that is a BIG LIE! My mind goes to our childrens home in India during this Christmas season. Usha, a twelve year old girl is visiting the hospital every other day to receive treatment for puss pockets that she has on her skull. Seems that she needs some injections and ointment to be applied to her wounds. Ouch!! Anyway, while we are enjoying the blessings of God this year we really ought to be thankful for prosperity, health and all the blessings that we have been given over the years. Remember that it is more blessed to give than it is to receive.

Christmas is almost here!

I finally bit the bullet and bought a Christmas tree. Being raised in the Pacific Northwest and having worked in the Christmas tree Industry as a child to being an adult, I appreciate a good fresh tree. Even when we lived in Mexico as missionaries I was able to find something that looked green and resembled a tree. I've thought about buying an artificial tree and not bother about buying a fresh one each year. I just can't bring myself to do that. Every year, I have a hard time to get into the christmas spirit. As I reflect on why that is, I guess that as a child I had such high expectations of what might be under the tree that when my expectations weren't met and Santa let me down, I became disappointed. I detest the comercialism of Christmas, but do enjoy giving. Our tree is beautiful! Rebecca did an awesome job of decorating it and our home does have a christmas feeling to it. There are still some days until the big day arrives, maybe I'll be more into the season. One of my holiday thrills is the day after christmas when the tree is taken down and I light a match to it the evening and watch it burn!!

More Crusade pics from Tapachula, Chiapas

The devestation was massive in Tapachula, Chiapas from huricane Stan. The death toll is still unknown, but the estimate is in the thousands. I spoke to people that lost everything and yet there was in their eyes an unshakeable faith in God to provide and meet their needs. Where this river runs there used to be "colonias" and streets and churches, but now is just rubble. There are still people in shelters recieving food and clothes from friends and agencies. One lady told me with tears in her eyes that she was so thankful for the message of hope that God still loved her and has a good plan for her life. There were about 1,500 people that accepted Christ and many people were healed of different illnesses. What a joy it is to serve others!

Crusade Update

What a joy it was to visit Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico and to minister to the lovely people of that region. There were approximately 11,000 during the three nights of conferences. Healings and miracles were seen each night with about 1500 decisions for Christ. A 94 year old woman was healed and started walking for the first time in years! A woman testified that she had no more pain that she had been dealing with from cancer! A mother brought her baby that was burning with fever for three days and the babies temperature returned to normal. Legs, arms, backs, shoulders and many other parts of the body were healed through the prayer of faith. Hope was given to the city recently devastated from huricane Stan. I spoke with people that lost everything, I noticed an inner strenght from the christian beleivers that are have put their hope and faith in God rather than material things.

Tapachula Crusade

I´ve havn´t had the opportunity to update my blog recently, it seems like I´ve been on the road trying to arrive and prepare for the crusade. On Friday, I did an interview with Televisa. This station covers all of Chiapas, southern Mexico and parts of Guatemala. The first night of the cruade there were about 2000 in attendance. About 300 people accepted Christ and there were many testimonies of healings. Tumors disappeared, back and kidney pain disappeared as well as many others things. The huricane Stan devestated this area. About 36 colonias totally were washed away in the torrent of water that swept through the area. Thousands of people were killed many others lost everything. The Lord is bringing a word of comfort and faith to this city to help ease the pain of the tragedy that happened. His great love is being put poured upon these needy people. More updates later with pics.........

Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico

I will be leaving this thursday for Tapachula to do another Miracle and Healing Crusade. Friday I have a live Television Interview at 10:00am and the crusade in the evening. This area was devestated by huricane Stan leaving thousands homeless and in need. Pray that this crusade meets the spiritual needs of the people there and that thousands will come to find Christ as savior, healer and deliverer.

Too much to eat!

Thanksgiving has come and gone, but its effects will last for awhile. The experts say that the average American will gain seven pounds this holiday season; I think that I am almost there just after one day! I went to the gym this morning to work out and to relieve some of the guilt of eating like a pig yesterday, but to my dismay it was closed for the weekend. During the course of the year I'm able to control my eating habits, I actually eat very healthy. But when the fattening food is sitting right in front of me, I give in and eat, and eat and eat some more. Is it a case of lack of self control? Am I giving into the screams of my flesh? I'm disappointed in myself for over indulging at the thanksgiving dinner table. The problem continues with the left-overs that keep staring at me. I saw pumpkin pies that need to be eaten, what about the blue berry pie? The left over sweet potatoes and stuffing? Should I let it go to waste? I think NOT! I guess its OK to live the abundant life and enjoy Gods bounty a few days out of the year, God help me to shed these unwanted pounds and live a life that truly is pleasing to you. Christmas dinner, I can't wait!

More Pics from San Cristobal

This a group of people from Chenalo. They came a good distance to be in the crusade. Chenalo is a very dangerous place to be a Christian. Several years ago there was a masacre that left many dead. These people are heros for their faith in Christ living each day serving the Lord. On the left, my interpreter, Chalic, was one of the first to be removed from his home. He now is the pastor of the largest Indigenous church in San Cristobal. He is a mighty man of God, a man of faith and is another hero serving God in this region.

On the bottom left is a dance team that literally raised the dust. What a joy to see the body of Christ come together to praise and worship the Lord.

Totally Awesome!!

Words really cannot express what our eyes saw and what we experienced in the crusade at San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas. Each night the Bull ring was full and Sunday night it was jammed. What a joy to minister to these special people. We heard testimonies of eyesight being restored, deaf ears opening, respitory illnesses healed, tumors dissapearing, pain leaving and many more. On Sunday night approximately 1,200 people responded to accept Christ. We were totally amazed at the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of these lovely people. A picture is worth a thousand words so look at these and rejoice with Gods goodness. If you see some white spots in the pics, it is possible that they are angels visiting our meetings.

Chamula Crusade

I am writing this from San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas. We have had two glorious nights of ministry here. Hundreds of people have come to Christ and many bodies have been healed of different sicknesses. Upon returning home I will post some pictures of what we have seen God do. Thank you for your prayers, I certainly can feel them here. This morning, Sunday, I will be preaching in the largest Indigenous church here in town expecting for a great move and outpouring of Gods love. Will keep ya all updated. What a Joy it is to serve others.

God Have Mercy!!

This is the most horendous thing that I have ever seen. What else could be more sickening than eating the brains and bodies of dead unborn babies? Folks, believe it or not this is happening in our world today. Look at these at you own risk, they are very gross and sickening.

Up coming Events

This is a call for help!! I need some intercessors to intercede for some awesome opportunites that are coming soon. On November 18-20, I will be in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico doing a crusade in the local "Bull Ring." We are expecting 10,000 Chamula Indians to join us as we gather together to see our Lord shower his love and blessings upon the people. On December 2-4, I will be in Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico doing another large crusade for the people that were devestated by huricane Stan. Thousands were displaced from their homes and are in desperate need to hear a message of hope and to reassure them of Gods love for them.

In January, I will be visiting the Phillippines for a few days meeting with key pastors and leaders and from there continue on to India to visit our recently formed Childrens Home. I will be ministering to pastors, leaders as well as evangelizing in remote villages. I will be touching a group called the "untouchables", a group of lepers and many other needy people in that country.

I need to be covered in Intercession for these events, pray for a fresh anointing to flow through me and for a great harvest of souls to come into the kingdom of God. It's harvest time! What a joy it is to serve others!

Dogs, mans best friend?

Everyone drools, and coos over how cute the little puppy is. Then you hear, oh please can we take him home? The eyes of the petitioner have just taken on those sulky, sad puppy eyes. Please? Pretty please? Let me vent a little here, I'd rather vent in my blog than taking out my frustration on the little creature. It starts in the back yard where our three little canine guests live. I spent good money laying grass in the yard, putting up a nice white picket fence around it to keep the neighbors animals out and now to my horror my yard looks like a war zone. The nicely mown, watered, manicured yard is a thing of the past with dog bombs laying all over. Second irritating thing. Our little female miniture schnauzer is in heat. She can't stay out side or our male will hump her and because this is her first heat we want to wait until the next one before allowing "Rocky" to make more little Rockys'. Lady is in the house now, dripping drops of blood where ever she sits, lies or plays. To solve the problem Becky bought her some childrens training pants to wear. They keep her from dripping but she looks like a weird animal and she is constantly removing her panties. Who ever said that a Dog is mans best friend needs to live in my shoes for a month and deal with these inconveniences and maybe his mind will change. I have to stop writing now to go home and take the dogs for a walk, feed them and fix whatever damage is done. God gives us grace to serve others but I need some grace to serve these criters.

Olympus Gym

One of the stuggles in life is the attempt to be and stay healthy. When one is young and feels indestructable, little effort is made to stay in shape. We live recklessly and eat every unhealthy thing in sight, abuse our bodies and think nothing of it. But as one ages, being healthy becomes more important. The "Baby Boomer" generation is now in their 50's and approaching the Golden years. We understand that quality of life really does depend on being healthy. So, my pass time involves working out at the Olympus Gym. I just reached my six month anniversary of working out on a pretty regular basis. After my prayer and devotion time, I go to gym to work out. The first half hour is aerobic excercise and the last half hour is lifting some weights. I must admit that my flesh would rather sleep than excercise. I have enjoyed some of the results though. By working out and semi watching my diet I have been able to keep off about seven pounds. Lifting weights have helped me to tone up in some areas even though those abs are still hiding behind a soft belly. I admit that they will probably stay hidden unless something supernatural happens. I work out Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. I have more energy and feel awake and alive, also since working out I've been able to enjoy a good nights rest. I hope that I can maintain the discipline to continue working out, to continue to feel good and hopefully age with grace. The apostle Paul said that "bodily excercise profits a little", so I'll enjoy the little profit that I obtain from this. I also am taking Pat Robertsons Age defying shake in the morning. This seems to help reduce my appetite and seems to give me additional energy during the day. You can find this shake on the "700 club" web page and search for the "age defying shake". God will be able to use to be a blessing to others as long as our bodies are healthy, so lets stay as healthy as possible so that we can find "Joy in Serving Others."

Blog Humbug!!

Can you beleive that its almost Christmas? I was reminded today that the season is upon us as I attended a photo shoot at our church for the staff Christmas card. For those of you that know me, you know that I hate pictures. So once again they had to drag me into this make shift studio, and had the audacity to ask me to smile, say cheese, merry Christmas as the camera snapped. I'd rather go to the dentist than have my picture taken.
This is one of those deals where the church gets a free directory made as each member comes to have a family protrait done. Each family also gets one free picture, but as you know there really isn't anything free in this world. The Photo company hopes that each family will bite the bullet and order a package of prints to give away as Christmas gifts or to display in their homes. (As I write this, guess what? Becky is in making a deal with these people. I wonder how much this will hurt my pocket book?) The members of the church that have been here the last four years will know that we have not had a directory done since the previous pastor, hmmm I wonder why? When they previously called to solicit our business it was a pleasure for me to say that I wasn't interested. But somehow this year it slipped past me and here I am suffering for Jesus getting my picture taken.
I guess that there is a silver lining around every cloud. I won't have to do this for another year. Thats 365 days and counting. Isn't it a Joy to Serve Others?

Ladies Encounter

What a joy to see the presence of God on the lives of the women that returned from the Encounter Sunday morning! The Lord really is doing a remarkable work in the earth today and it is a privilege to be a part of it. It is harvest time and souls are in the balance. Jesus said to lift up your eyes unto the fields and see that they are white already to harvest. We must take advantage of every opportunity to share the Good News with people that need to know about Jesus. The testimonies of the ladies were refreshing and faith inspiring. They were full of the Holy Ghost and super excited about the change and transformation that took place in their lives. It's hard to explain but its kinda like putting a filthy car through the car wash. It enters at one end filthy and leaves the other end super clean. That is what happens in these encounters, lives are cleaned up by God's love and grace. Keep up the good work! There truly is joy in serving others!

Time Change Almost Blooper

Twice a year we enjoy the task of changing our clocks. In the spring we spring ahead one hour and in the fall, yes, we fall back one hour. I really didn't realize how much I depend on my computer for the correct time. After all the time is just down on the bottom right corner for me to easily see. But if the computers date is not correctly set the time will change and catch you by surprize. That's what happened to me today. My computers date was one day ahead. So when I came into the office this morning to work and get things ready for Sunday, I was an hour off. This is where the blooper comes in. I had to perform an Quincenera Ceremony at 2:00pm. A very formal Quincenera at that! I was in my office getting ready to go home to change and come back in time to do the ceremony and according to the computer time I had plenty of time to spare. Then I heard the sound of people out in the sanctuary. Somebodies voice said "Hello?" I peaked out to see the quincenera people ready and I'm not properly dressed! I shot out the door, raced home, threw on my suit, raced back to the church, and all I can say is thank God that we live in the Valley where nothing starts on time, (except Sunday Service). Walking through the door at 2:20 I acted as though it was all planned out, I recieved the notes from the mom about who the sponcers were, and started the program. Deep down in my heart I was embarrassed, how could this happen to me? I've never in 30 years been late for an event like this. Afterwards Earl, the sound man, looked at my computer and there was the problem, the time changed on my computer Friday instead of Saturday putting me one hour late for my appontment. Sometimes things happen that makes us look bad when in our hearts all we want to do is Serve Others to the best of our ability.

Blog, Blog, Blog

I can see that it could be dificult to write something interesting on a daily basis in my blog. I really don't consider myself to be all that interesting, so to find something that folks might like to read is going to be a challenge. This weekend our ladies are having their Encounter God Weekend Retreat. We are expecting a good group of ladies hungry for God to attend. The leaders have been working very hard to prepare and we are anticipating to hear the good report on Sunday about what God has done in their lives. All the work is worth it to see a live changed and blessed. What value can you put on a live that passes from death to life?

Anyway, what's a guy to do while his wife is out of town for a couple of days? Tonight, I have a quincenera practise to go to and tomorrow officiate the ceremony. So that should be fun. I have four dogs at home to keep me busy as well as two cats and "big guy" our miniture Mccaw. So don't feel sorry for me, I'll have a great time with my furry friends.

Just an update on the childrens home, one of our kids went to the hospital for the day. Came to be that he has Malaria. So he is being treated and should be better in a couple of weeks. A few more children will be added next month to our home so we are excited about that.

All I know that one of the greatest experiences is to be able to serve others. Lets practise this and find the joy in serving others.

Our Building Project

Patience, patience and more patience I find is needed when in middle of a building project. I'm frequently frustrated at the seemingly slow pace of the project. I feel sometimes that I can do a better and faster job than some of the professional workers. Our contractor, Pete resassures me everyday that progress is being made. When our project is finished, the students of Destiny Christian Academy will thoroughly enjoy the new class rooms, gym, showers, game room and Texas size roominess. We will have one of the finest campuses in all of South Texas for our community to enjoy. Getting back to my frustration, it might not be spiritual for me to expose these feelings and I know that God is using this project to work in me some character building principles, so bring it on, I can handle it. I know that my frustration will not help the project to be finished any faster, so I'm learning to relax and let it be finished in due season. Please do not pray for me to be more patient. The bible says that tribulation produces patience and beleive me I have all the tribulation that I can presently handle. I was hoping to be using our new facilities by Thanksgiving, well now it looks more like Christmas, or if all goes well maybe Easter is more likely. Patience, patience and more patience.....there truly is Joy in Serving Others.

India Orphanage Update

I just chatted with Sudheera the Director of the Childrens home in India. So far things are going ok, even though this month has been one for learning and discovering just what is involved in caring for orphans. She told me that a great dificulty is dealing with parents that bring their children to the home and want to leave them to be cared for. One father of seven stopped by the first day and asked if he could leave five kids because he cannot feed them. This is a daily occurance. At this time there are six children with the potential of twelve. The need is much greater but at this time twelve seems to be the all they can handle. The condition of the home is far below "American Standards" but as you can see in these pics, the children are happy to be off the street, to eat three meals a day and have somebody to love and care for them. Every time I chat with Sudheera I can sence the love that she has for these children. Both she, and her family are loving these kids and sharing the love of Christ with them. The home still has many needs. The children sleep on mats, eat their meals on the floor and are waiting the the Lord to provide chairs for them to sit on. Please pray for Sudheera, her family and these children that the Lord will provide for them and show them that there are people in this world that really do find joy in serving others.

Great Job Team!

Just an update on our encounter this weekend. All I can say this that God is faithful! I'm so proud of my team of men that handled the activities this weekend. If you haven't ever attended an encounter weekend it might be dificult for you to really understand the impact that they have on mens lives. One of the greatest miracles for me is to see a mans life change before your eyes. And that is exactly what happened this weekend. Mens lives were changed. I arrived to the encounter facilities early in Sunday morning to share my two teachings and as soon as I saw the men I knew that they had been in the presence of God. All of my team were instumental in this great victory. Thanks Pete, Ronnie, David, Bill, Jaime, Luis, Delton, Abe, Marvin and Doug. You all contributed to this awesome weekend. My team is learning that there is Joy In Serving Others!

Time of Refreshing, Lesin, Switzerland

I have come to learn over the years that true Joy comes through serving others. Rebecca and I had the wonderful privilege of being a part of a team serving Bill and Emogene Kaiser who are the directors of Time of Refreshing. This ministry is to be a blessing to American Missionaries serving in Europe. About 100 missionaries gathered together at the Classic Hotel in Leysin to be refreshed in spirit, soul and body. The Hotel and food is paid for by the generous donations of churches and individuals in the U.S. that want the missionaries to know that they are not forgotten. What a joy to serve these awesome Servants of God. As they arrived to the hotel, we valeted (parked their cars), carried their luggage, prepared special gifts for their rooms. In each conference, rose gifts were given to some attendees. Needless to say, each missionary was greatly blessed. The Word and Worship was awesome as God's presence touched hearts and lives. The testimonies given by several missionaries told the story of how much this ministry is needed and appreciated. Some received strenght to continue their journey, others realized that they are not alone. Others realized that they truely are loved. What a joy it is to serve!

Serving in India

Recently we were able to open a small orphanage in India. What a blessing it is to serve others! I have learned that there are thousands of orphans living on the streets, just surviving day by day the best they can. Pure and undefiled religion is to take care of orphans and widows and to stay unpoluted from the world. The day that the home opened, a father came by and asked our director to take five of his seven kids because he could not feed them any more. He actually knelt down and grabbed her feet as he pleaded with her for help. The need is great!

I am so proud of our congregation as they have cooperated to fund this project. Their passion for others is evident through their generosity. This is Sudheera, she is feeding some street children "lemon rice". Jesus said that there is a reward for the one who offers a glass of water to one thirsty. There truly is joy in serving others.

Proud of my Team

This weekend is our Men's Encounter. We are anticipating a good turnout and most of all wonderful results. Our success though will be the result of my teams preparation and desire to serve the attendees. I'm proud to lead this group of men. They are committed, dedicated men with a desire to serve God and one another. Our success will only come about as a result of our unity. My team have learned how to lay down their agendas, and personal ambitions. The goal of the team is more important and individual goals. This team has the potential to impact our region. My team has learned and practise the priniciple that less is more. Less of them and more of Christ. As a result of prayer, fasting and the goodness of God, mens lives will be changed and transformed this weekend. Marriages will be healed, fathers will return to their place of leadership in the home, hearts will be healed and mended, Jesus will be exalted as he works in their hearts.

First Blog

This is the beginning of a new journey for me. I hope that this will be a blessing to others. I've asked myself, "why blog?" Good question, I guess the answer would be to be a blessing and inspiration to others. God told Abraham that through him all the families of the earth would be blessed. So we were made for the intent to be a blessing. Go ahead and say it, " I am a blessing and through me all the families of the earth will be blessed. Actually an old friend inspired me to blog. He doesn't even realize that I have been blessed by reading his blogs. So thanks Ron Corzine for being a blessing to me. You see, life has to do much about passing to others the blessings that we have recieved. As we live like this, true contentment will be ours. I will be sharing some spiritual things as well as personal thoughts and desires. I will be posting some pictures of our missionary journies around the world. Hopefully you too will be inspired to find the Joy in Serving Others.