December 25, 2007

It was nice to spend Christmas with Patricia and her family. With family spread all over Texas, it was good to be with at least some of them. Anna Jewel stole the party with her out going personality and the food and fellowship was enjoyable. Can't wait for 2008, it will be a year of new beginnings and great blessings. Merry Christmas everyone!

Christmas East India Style

Thanks to the donations of friends and folks that desire to bless the Children's Home in India, gifts are now being bought for the children. The custom is for the kids to get a new set of clothes and shoes for Christmas and a new set of clothes for New Years. We are going to have some very happy kids who know that God loves them and that He has promised to care for them. Apart from this, many children in an Untouchable Village will also get some much needed food during the Christmas season. I can't think of a better way to celebrate Christmas than to share the message of Gods love for the world accompanied with some food to fill their empty belly's. Thanks again for your gifts! If you still want to give to this project send your tax deductible donations to True Vine Ministry P.O. Box 890 Harlingen, TX 78551 Please make a notation that the gift is for India.

Time for Thanksgiving

It's that time of the year again to celebrate God's goodness, grace and mercy for us and to be thankful for his amazing blessings he has bestowed. We live in a blessed country, in amazing times and God is moving and doing some awesome things in the world today.

To update the project for the India Childrens Home, the building is continuing to go up as funds come in. The kids are growing in every way and doing great. We are still receiving financial gifts to bless the kids and staff for Christmas. Send you offering to True Vine P.O. Box 890 Harlingen, TX 78551

Drop me a line at pveach@yahoo.com

Why make it hard?

"True religion and undefiled is to care for the widows and orphans and to keep yourself undefiled." These words are found in the number one sold book of "All time", the Bible. Why do such simple words become so hard to live by? Jesus even said, "when did you feed me, clothe me or visit me? If you did it to one of these little ones, you've given it unto me." In the past 40 years of church life the poverty mentality has thankfully been removed from our way of thinking. We have learned how to prosper and we found out that God does want to bless us. He does so, so that we can be a channel for his blessings. A funnel through witch his blessing can flow. Are you that funnel? Are you sowing into those who are less fortunate than yourself? I've been amazed at the attitude of some of my companions at work that are sowing into the childrens home and project. They are for the most part "unchurched" but feel compassion for these orpah kids in South India. Lets not make it so hard. Lets find the joy of serving others!

Thank you!

A big thank you to everyone that is giving towards the constuction as well and the Christmas project for the Childrens Home. If you would like to contribute towards these projects see in the lower entries the information you need. It is a joy to serve others!

Progress!

As you can see in this picture the construction is going forward in the Children's home. The columns are being filled and some walls are going up. We are so thankful for the love and support that our friends are giving. We need your help! Please pray and ask the Lord what part you can play in this project. At this time we can only help twelve children. There are so many more on the streets barely surviving without any hope for the future. This home will give us the ability to rescue many more children and raise them in the love of God. Any gift that you can send is appreciated, it will go entirely to build this childrens home. Jesus said in Luke 12:33, "Sell what you have and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven." I personally have been challenged to cut back in many areas to have funds available to send for this project. You can send your gift to TrueVine Ministries P.O. Box 890 Harlingen, TX 78551. Join us to serve others!

Christmas for India Orphans

Christmas is just around the corner. The Indian tradition for Christmas is to give new clothes to the kids for both Christmas and New years. We are talking about shirt and pants for the boys and a dress for the girls and a new pair of shoes for each. This is a big difference from the X-boxes and other big tag items that children in America ask for. I want to raise One Thousand US dollars for the Children at the Home in South India this Christmas. The staff there also never ask or require anything for themselves and serve the kids year round. I would like to bless them too with a special Christmas gift. Its best if we send money there rather than the clothes, the staff will know what sizes to get each child. If you need a tax receipt send your offering to TrueVine Ministry P.O Box 890 Harlingen, TX 78551 or if you want to send it direct to me, 1400 Island View #215 Canyon Lake, TX 78133. Mark on your check Christmas in India and 100% will be used for that purpose. If there is more than needed the balance will be used on the Contruction Program. Put a smile on a child face this year, be a part of those who live to serve others!

A knock on the Door!

I live in the small town of Canyon Lake. Most people like to be left alone and enjoy their privacy. As I was uploading the previous blog I heard a knock on the door. First time any one knocked the two months I lived here. I opened the door to find a new neighbor lady standing there. She asked if I was a missionary. I thought she was looking for the Mormon missionaries that live on the next floor but as I looked at her I saw that she needed more than what they could offer. I told her that I could help her as she began to cry. "I have committed the unforgiveable sin" she said. We sat down on the stairs and talked as she bore her soul. As I encouraged her and counseled the presence of God began to touch her and she was set free from guilt and condemnation. It just takes a knock on the door. Jesus said, "knock and it shall be opened, seek and you will find." Being available to serve is AWESOME!

Anybody out there?

I need some feedback, suggestions, ideas. Solomon said that "two are better than one and a three fold cord is not easily broken." As you can tell from this blog, I am working on a project along with some other concerned people. Please, give me some creative ideas to help get this project up and running and along with the ideas give me some effort to bring them to pass. Why do all this? Once you look into the eyes of a child that are empty and hopeless you will understand. I see the faces at night when I go to bed and in my prayers every morning. Homeless kids in India grow up into homeless adults later like this lady. She has a baby in her lap sitting on the street. Come on somebody, join with me to serve others!

IT WORKS, give it a try!

I met a friend at work who was raised Baptist and I have been sharing with him and we have been getting together for some fellowship. He had gone through a long dry spell without selling and was getting desperate. One day I shared with him about the Childrens home and the needs that it has and so later he comes and gives me 40 dollars to use for the home. He said that he wanted to sow some seed into the project. The very next week he made two small sales. Later when we were talking he said. "Pat. I now know why I only made two small sales, the Lord told me to give you 100 dollars for the project and I only gave 40." He gave me the rest and the next week he sold more than any one else. He has been sowing seed into the project ever since and God has been blessing him greatly. How about you, do you need a financial miracle? Ask the Lord about sowing some seed into the Childrens home and see how much God can begin to Bless you. Join me is serving Others!

This is Beyond Words!

This is Usha, she is one of the girls that lives in the Children's home. This is why this home is so wonderful, it is making disciples of Jesus Christ. She was taken off the streets, came to the home with TB, was healed, saved, filled with the Spirit and is serving God. Look at that face! This is what makes it all worth the sacrifice and giving to see God do so many miracles like this in childrens lives. Please pray about sowing into this construction project, lets work together to see lives changed. Join with me to serve others.

Thank You!

Recently I was able to send $3000.00 for the Children's home construction project in South India, thank you to everyone that is sowing seed into this ministry. We still have a ways to go to finish and we are trusting in the Lord to supply this need. For your Tax deductible donation send to: True Vine Ministry P.O. Box 698 Olmito, TX 78575 Thanks again!

A Voice

I've been thinking about the term "A voice", John the Baptist said that he was a "voice crying in the wilderness." He was a voice announcing the coming of the Christ but was a voice disregarded by many people of that day. There are countries that do not allow a "voice" to be heard. In other places where there is freedom to "voice" or sound a opinion, they are discouraged to do so. There are people speaking for the unborn in America. Others speak out for spotted owls and other voiceless species. It is good for voices to be heard for those who are silent, whose circumstances will never allow their voices to be heard. I realize that I AM A VOICE. I speak for many important issues but have realized recently that I am a voice for 12 Orhan children in India. The voices of these kids will never be heard outside of their immediate dwellings. I am a voice not only for these kids but for the countless thousands of children who merely exist on the streets of South India. Who will speak about this issue? There are people very uncomfortable when they hear my voice speaking on the behalf of these kids but if I dont speak, WHO WILL? People don't like to hear that finances are needed to build them a home. BE Quiet, Shut UP is the unspoken response I get. Don't bother me with this, it makes me uncomfortable to know that there are people in need. I admire the voices speaking on behalf of the unborn in america and those who speak out for those whose voices are silent. I can't be quiet, I won't shut up. The need is too great to stay silent. I am a voice crying in the wilderness hoping that someone will hear my heart and help me to reach and build a home for 100 orphans in South India. Join your voice with mine and lets raise the cry together and see miracles in these kids lives. Isn't it a Joy to Serve Others?

Update

It's been a while since my last post. I'm living in Canyon Lake, TX working at the Hill Country Resort. I'm in sales and do about three presentations daily to folks that are interested in owning their vacation. It's an interesting line of work and feel at home here. Since we work on Sundays the boss asked me to do a chapel service before work, so about 12 of us meet for a short meditation. There are many different religions represented that it has been interesting to see how the Lord is touching each heart in a different way. I also get opportunities to minister to the clients that come in, its amazing how the Lord sets up appointments for different people to meet with me. Drop a line to say hello.... Blessings to ya'll

INDIA PROJECT

Recently some people have asked me how they can give to the Childrens Home Construction Project. I have two suggestions: You may send your offering to True Vine Ministry P.O. Box 698 Olmito, Texas and every penny will be used for the project, just put India Project in the memo line or drop a note and say what it is for. If you dont require a Tax receipt for your gift you can send to Patrick Veach P.O. Box 890 Harlingen, TX 78551 and all the gift will be used for the construction project. Soon building will continue as funds are made available. Join the team of serving others!!

Looking for a church

Im in San Antonio looking for a church to attend. What am I looking for? Here in SA there are lots of options to choose from, huge churches, seeker sensitive churches, tv evangelist churches. Last week I was in a church and the service was over in one hour. Convienent but like going through a fast food line at Micky D's. I would like to find a church with cell groups, a church that has a vision to reach souls and that has a heart for missions. Hmmmmm, sounds like the vision I had. Maybe someday I will start a new church....will see. I still have a heart to serve others!

Looking for a JOB!

I've heard that looking for a job could be a full time job, well, I believe that to be true. Since my adventure in Truck driving, I'm looking into some othe options. I've had a few interviews and some more are coming up. I went to a Employment Agency and the lady asked me what kind of job I was looking for? I answered, "The Ceo of a company." After all thats what I'm trained to do. She said that I will be hard to place in a job. So I realize that the CEO is out, but not entirely. Even though I might not be the official CEO, I can act like one in my heart! Its all about ATTITUDE! Isn't it a joy to serve others?

Childrens Home Update

God is so good! He has helped us to buy property, build the security wall and now the foundation to phase one is in! Remember, this home will handle 100 homeless and famliless children and each life will be transformed by Gods love. This is a faith project, please pray with us and give generously as God prospers you.Send your offerings to:Grace Point Fellowship P.O. Box 1790 Harlingen, TX 78551

Fender Bender

Ooooops, as they say, "accidents happen". This one was avoidable, just miscalculated a little of all places in a truck stop parking lot. The verse that comes to mind is, "many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord delivers them out of them all."

Breakdown

There's lot to experience out on the road and one thing that no one wants to endure is a "Breakdown," especially at 4am in the middle of a rain storm. Yep, my wind shield wipers stopped working in the middle of the night, in the middle of a storm! I called our breakdown department and was directed to the nearest garage where I had to wait two hours for the mechanic to arrive and then approval from the company to make the repairs. So, I'm learning that breakdowns are an inconvience that one just has to endure.

In life, sometimes there are breakdowns in different areas. Breakdown in health, jobs, marriages, friends and the list goes on. Does life stop during a breakdown? No, life still goes on. No one likes to deal with them but everyone has to from time to time. I've been looking for some good to come out of this, share the Lord with someone, get a little rest, catch up on my blog. There is always something positive that can come out of a breakdown. While life continues to run swiftly, all I can do is make the best out of my situation and be thankful that my breakdown wasn't worse.

Road signs

What a lovely drive today from New York State to Pennslyvania. Got to get off the freeway and drive some back roads in the mountains to see some of the countryside. What a beautiful land we live in! No wonder people from all over the world want to come here to live. I saw some Amish men plowing with horses. Their farms are so beautiful and so clean. Interesting not to see light poles or telephone wires running from house to house. The weather has been gorgeous, blue sky, cool evenings, excellent for cruising the countryside. Would of liked to have stopped to take come pics, but was running late to pick up a load and had to move on. I'm driving nights now, its so much better than fighting with the traffic during the day.

I was thinking about road signs today and the one that caught my attention was "Construction ahead". God is still working on all of us and the same way we have to slow down for the construction workers, lighten up and allow God to do his work in peoples lives. We so often want to "help God" straiten folks out. Just let the construction fulfill its purpose and soon the project will be complete. Some day, Gods work in our lives will be finished. Lets be patient, and enjoy serving others!

God is God!

Authour Unknown:

Life is easy when you are up on that mountain. And you got peace of mind like you've never known. But then things change and you are down in the valley, oh, don't lose faith for you are never alone. For the God of the mountain is still the God of the valley. When things go wrong, He will make them right. And the God of the good times is still the God of the bad times. The God of the day is still the God of the night.

We talk of faith when we are up in the mountain. But the top comes so easy when life is at its best. But its down in the valley of trials and temptations, that is when your faith is really put to the test.

Oh the God of the mountain is still the God in the valley. When things go wrong, He will make them right. And the God of the good times is still the God in the bad times, the God of the mountain is still the God in the night.

On the other side

On saturday evening I called a church I found on the Internet that is just 5 miles from the truck stop I'm in. I called the church again Sunday morning and talked with the pastor to ask for a ride to service. He said if a young man came that he would send him to get me. He didn't show up! I was reflecting over 30 years of ministry if I as a pastor had recieved similar phone messages from people wanting to be picked up for service. I know that I went on many personal pickups to bring different ones to church and I'm sure that there was a time or two that it just didn't work out to pick up a needy soul. Now that I am on the "other side" it is interesting to catch a glimpe of "church life" with a different perspective. If someday I get back into ministry, I will have a more understanding knowledge of what some of peoples needs are and try to do a better job at meeting those needs. So, here I am in my truck having my own worship time, thank God that he promised never to leave us or to forsake us, His presence is here but I miss gathering with Gods people for worship. Last Sunday at home it was so wonderful to be with family worshipping God together. I'm learning to be thankful for the things that I took for granted when my mind and efforts were focused on other matters. I guess that God is still working on all of us! It is a joy to serve others.

Donaldsonville, Ga

Life is the same on the other side of the tracks!

Truckin-On

This is my home on wheels. It's a Freightliner Classic, sleeps two has closets, place for a 12 vold refrigerator and other accesories. I've been through Texas, Lousiana, Florida, Georgia, S. Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Penslyvania and New Jersey! Beautiful sights and beautiful places. Lots of hard work. It's finally nice to make an honest living!

Jason & Lilia

My son Jason was married to Lilia on April 14th in Nuevo Progresso Mexico. I'm proud of what he has become as a man and beleive that he has a bright future ahead.

New House

After 6 months of trials, a new house has been rented for the kids in Chirala, India. In this picture there are some members of the church family celebrating Palm Sunday in front of the new home for the kids. Joseph and Hepsiba are the family parents and are doing an excellent job caring for the kids. Construction continues on the Childrens Home that will care for 100 kids. Thanks for your prayers and support for this project.

Hindu Idols

Hinduism has thousand of gods. This Monkey god is just a block from our friends home, they are awakened every morning with loud music coming from this idol. Its very annoying when you are trying to get as much rest as possible only to be woke up by this horible sound. This other idol is out at an "Untouchable" village. Even the poorest of the poor find the means to set up some kind of alter for worship.

Project Update

Construction continues on the Childrens home in India. As you can see its all being done by hand, its lots of work. This is a faith project, we are building as funds come in. Send your gift to Word of God Church P.O. Box 1790 Harlingen, TX 78551 and put India in the memo line. All gifts are tax deductible and 100% are used for the project. Thanks for your prayers and support!

Sarah's Birthday

Sarah was the first girl brought into the childrens home in India, she was sold by her family into a form of slavery and rescued by members of our staff. She is now 13 and is a beautiful young lady. In this picture you see Joeseph and Hepsiba, they are the house parents for the kids. They just moved into a new house and are blessed to be all together again. Hepsiba is expecting a baby and she is excited about having her own child to care for as well.

Divine connections

Don't take for granted the people you meet, some might be a divine connection. I have had a couple of these recently. One guy I met on a greyhound but going to Dallas, another is a cuban room mate. Having traveled to Cuba we had something immediatly in common. He was in charge of a Methodist congregation there and now lives in the States. It is not a coincidence that our paths crossed. God always puts people across our paths for us to share with and minister too. Look for your divine connections, allow the Holy Spirit to speak through you to encourage and bless others. It makes serving others exciting!

Childrens home update

As you know, construction has begun on the childrens home in India. The foundation is being dug and materials bought. Because of the size of this building digging as been taking some time as all is done by hand. When pictures are available I'll be sure to post them for you. I am still committed to see this project completed, thanks for your prayers and continual support for this project. You may send your checks to Word of God Church, P.O. Box 1790, Harlingen, Tx 78551 and put India project in the memo line.

Break

I just finished my first half of training, now I'm off to Dallas to find another one to finish the task. Hopefully I'll finish this soon and get some sort of schedule of my own. Right now if I understand how this is working, I get one day off for every week worked. So If I can count my fingers and toes I see that I get about 4 days off a month. There are some other options that will become available farther down the way, just have to pay my dues for now and keep on truckin!

I find myself with opportunities to minister to people along the way. Thanks for your prayers. Still is a joy to serve others!

Blessed by the little things

Now that I work for a living, ha, ha. I'm seeing life from a different point of view. I've been enjoying the little things of life. Like today my trainer made me a chicken dinner in a little slow cooker that plugs into his truck. It was amazing how good it tasted and how easy it was to make. My bed in the truck is just a small mattress and when I lay my head on my pillow at night, I'm so thankful that I have a bed to sleep on. My trainer snores and is able to go to sleep before me, but I can even find something in that to be thankful for. David said, I was yound and now Im old, I've yet to see the rightous forsaken or his seed beggin for bread. Its good to be thankful for the little things, helps your day to be better.

On the road

Still driving between Laredo and Houston. I'm getting a feel for it, all is well. I closed the comments for this blog, if you want to communicate with me, feel free to write at pveach@yahoo.com. Ya'all have a blessed day!

Friends

The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. Do you have this kind of relationship with God, the kind that he considers you to be His friend? Friendship is important to God. He wants to be our "Best friend". A best friend is the kind of friend that you can say anything too and still be loved and accepted. Its an "unconditional love". Beside God, its important to have friends in our lives. It is said that over a life time a man has maybe "5" friends. Thats not very many. I've had very few friends over my life. Even though I have shown myself friendly to many, friends have been hard to come by. Having been a pastor, friends are even more difficult to come by. And having resigned the pastorate it becomes clear who my true friends are. Job said "My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God;". A friend is one who takes prayer seriously, is willing to shed tears to God for his friends. He takes problems and situations about his friend to God in prayer. Its interesting how Jobs friends treated him when he was going through the most difficult time on his life. They criticized him, judged him and left him alone to suffer in his afflictions. Job says "All my intimate friends detest me; those I love have turned against me." David says "Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me." There is a risk to develop close friends, a friend that you become open to and tranparent to, one with who you share your heart with. The pain is deep when a close friend turns against you. Many just dissappear. Solomon said "If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!"

Friends are important, we need them. We need friends who love us and will help us when one falls. Modern friends I think enjoy twisting the knife in ones back, enjoy pouring salt into a wound, enjoy seeing one hurt. There is hope though, Jesus is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. As I have made decisions in my life and have found who my friends are, I am blessed to have a friend that I can talk to face to face, one that will never leave me, a friend who is loving and compassionate and will also speak truth to me when needed. Thank God for Jesus, My friend!

Whewwwww!!!!!!

On Thursday my trainer picked me up and off we went. He had run out of hours so he tossed me the keys and off we went carring a load of diapers from Laredo to Houston Texas. All went well even having to navigate Houston during rush hour. We dropped the load in Houston and picked up another one back to Laredo. Its been pretty much non-stop. I'm back in Laredo sitting in a hotel until Tuesday or Wednesday, my trainer has the weekend off and then has to go to court on Tuesday to get custody of a girl he is trying to adopt. I have some time to update my blog and to, pay some bills and get ready for the next trip. It looks like I will be going back and forth between Laredo and Houston for another 4 weeks and then start going 48 states until training is over. My trainer is a Christian man (Luthern) so we have some things in common. Drop me a comment, I enjoy reading them ALL, nice to hear from you.

Orientation finished

Today I finished orientation with Werner Enterprizes and will be assigned a trainer in a couple of days. Then I will have to accomplish 275 driving hours and pass a driving test to be assigned my own truck and start to work. I've been bunking with a man from Baton Rouge and come to find out his momma and sisters attended Bethany for a while and this guy has been running from the Lord. He knows that we are together for a couple of days coz he has a momma that is praying for him. He hasn't been to open to recieve Gods love but the seed is being sown into his heart. This is a different mission field but the goal is still the same, win souls and make disciples. Isn't it a joy to serve others?

I am excited to see how God is blessing Word of God Church with the addition of Danny and Lorena Rodriguez. With out a doubt they have a fresh enthusiasm and zeal to see this church grow and be a blessing to the community. As I observe them take the lead I can see Gods wisdom in having me step down. Jesus is the head of the church and He knows what he is doing. I encourage you that are members and a part of the family to embrace the new pastors and support them with the same energy that you did with us. You will be blessed as you find your place in the body of Christ and serve others.

Vasti

I recently returned from India. It was good to see the children again and to meet a new comer "Vasti". Vasti is about 6-7 yrs of age and came by the home begging for some food. After some questioning it was learned that her mother died of aids and her dad was an alcoholic. He was so addicted to booze that he sold his daughters blood to buy his next drink. Not much else is known about her other than observing her she needs to get some meat on her bones and fatten up abit. Ther other kids are doing great! I got to get some hugs and kisses from several of the children. Five or so were out at a school sporting event for the days that I was there. I can't imagine what the lives of these kids wopuld be like if they were left on their own.

Construction will soon begin on the childrens home. We have raised enough money to start and it will be good to see this project get under way. Keep these kids and this project in your prayers. It still is a joy to serve others.

Life Goes On!

Yes, this is a true statement, "life goes on". No matter what circumstances come our way, life continues to move on. Today I passed my CDL test at the Roadmasters Drivers School and I have been pre-hired with Werner Enterprizes. I will be starting with them in the middle of February. After orientation I will travel with a trainer and then step out on my own. Life goes on! Today I had another opportunity to share with a fellow class mate about the the Word of God, sowing life into him. Yesterday one of the students was complaining about her glands beginning to swell up so I asked it I could pray with her and today she came back without any pain. Life goes on! Isn't a joy to serve others?

Ministry is were you are

This is what Jesus meant when he said that we are salt and light. Light is to minister to the darkness and salt is to minister to what it is applied to, to give taste. We are to bring light and taste to the world. We are to minister to the needs that we find. People need life. They are dead in their tresspasses and sins. Just minister where you are. Let God's love flow through you. Let people see your good works and glorify God.

Miracle Fruit?

A friend of mine sent me information about this berry found in the Amazon rain forest. Could it a miracle fruit? Check out my webpage www.mymonavie.com/patrickveach

Tell me what you think.

My Grand Girls

Anna is 5 months now and is a "Jewel". Calista is a beautiful young lady, very intelligent and loving. I am very blessed to have such beautiful girls to spoil and love. Ahhhhh, the joy of being Grandpa!

Pastor Installation this Sunday

To all my friends that drop in to read my thoughts, I want to invite you this sundays AM service to witness the installation of the Danny Rodriguez as pastor. There will also be a food fellowship in the evening for the folks to get aquainted with Danny and his family. As the board of directors prayed, fasted and sought God about this appointment I am expectant of what God is fixin to do. I am confident that the folks I love and preached to will be well taken care of and treated with respect. Paul said, I sowed, Apollos watered but God gave the increase. It's time to see the increase for WOG church.

Artic Blast

Brrrrr..... We were dismissed yesterday from school at noon as the temperture began to approach 32 degrees. With roads iced over the next morning classes were again cancelled for the day. I can't think of better conditions to learn to drive than on roads covered with black ice! Can you imagine a bunch of rookies behind the wheel of a 18 wheeler trucking down the road? I'm sure in the future that I will get my chance to drive in adverse circumstances. Can't wait!

Serving in a new place

I finished my first week of truck driving school. It was quite a challenge. There is a big difference from the atmomsphere of our nice comfortable office at church and the class room I find myself in. I'm so thrilled that I have an opportunity to be light in the dark and take light into a dark place. I find myself still with a desire to pastor, but now its not to pew sitting folks its to lost folks. I'm realizing that I might be the only person who will share Gods good news to these people and already opportunities are arising to be light and to share Gods light. I find myself offering to pray for people even though are are total non believers in God. I've found that there are very few folks who will refuse an offer to pray. Jesus said, "you are the light of the world." My pulpit has changed from a building to the world. I will let my light shine before men so that they can see my good works and glorify my father in heaven!

Transition

On January 14th, I announced my resignation as the pastor of the church I served since 2001. I must say that I served a great people, a people that love God and love others. I will really miss everybody and the privilege to serve them. Danny Rodriguez will now have the joy of serving this flock. I'm confident that he will be a great blessing to the people and take them onto the next level of growth. As in any transition there will be change. Change is good. We often times get stuck in a comfortable ruitine and stay there. God has to stir the pot so that we will stay on our toes. God has a great plan for this people and I am excited to see God continue to move in the lives of His people. Remember, Jesus said, "I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it." It's his church, He is in charge and He knows what is best. Trust Him and His wisdom.

My other friend Darrell

Yes, it is that time of the year again. Darrell Stott is with us. What a wonderful time we had last night! The presence of God brought great joy into our midst as people were enjoying God's presence. I'd suggust that those living in the RGV and have the opportunity to come and visit us, you will not be disappointed. He is here through Sunday the 7th, call the office for more information.

Fasting

At the first of every year I have been practising a fast. Usually I go for 21 days on water only. After the 3rd day it seems to get easier as hunger pains come to a stop and don't start up again untill until the end. The hardest part about it is that I normally am a muncher and I find myself walking to the frig, opening it and seeing what is inside or walking into the pantry and looking around. It's really silly coz I know that I'm not eating. This year I tried to do the Masters cleanse. It is a form of lemonade that you make up and can drink several times a day. It has a good taste to it but I think still stimulates enough to make one hungry. One thing for sure is that after fasting the third day I can really sence the presence of God. That is worth it all!