F.Y.I.

This is information that will inform you about church business. Yes, as much as I detest it, church is a business. Churches have bills to pay, salaries to pay, missionaries to support, poor people to help, countless opportunities to be a blessing to others. Since taking the leadership of this church in 2001, our summers have come and gone very smoothly. We didn't experience the summer slump that so many pastors warned me about. This year has been different. There are so many possibilities as to why this is so, fuel increases, electricity increase, sewage and water went up recently, school supplies, as well as many other hidden factors that people are concerned about. It is possible that people are using their regular church donations to offset these unwelcomed rise in prices, its possible that some people are using donation money to pay for family vacations, it could be that church donations are being used to pay on overspending on credit cards and other interest bearing accounts. This summer has helped me to re-focus on the fact that God is my source. He always has been and always will be. Faith in Him will get the job done. Knowing that God will not fail me, does not remove the responsibility of church members and family from contributing to support their local church and ministries. I just have one question for you, are you spending on yourself that which belongs to God? Something to ponder and think about.

F.O.G.

When my nephew Jake was here a couple of monthes ago, he mentioned the word "fog" and said that it was an acronym for the "Favor of God." Grace is defined as "unmerited favor", something that God give to us that we can't afford or earn. We need to expect the F.O.G. to be working in our lives. For example, a month ago a insect inspector founds termites in our church building. He gave is a quote of a couple thousand dollars to take care of the problem. Pete, our contractor called a man who also has a extirminating business and said that if we could wait a couple of weeks that he was going to do a big job close by and would have some extra chemicals and would take care of us for free. Now that is F.O.G.! I've been getting phone calls from some friends in Mexico telling me that they have seen me on TBN Enlace. Evidently there is advertising about the crusade that covers all of central and south America, Europe, Africa and the middle east. That is F.O.G.! The bible says that Jesus found favor with both God and man. Can you believe that you too have favor with God? and how about with man? If so, expect for both God and man to pass on blessings to you that you can't earn or afford. God desires to bless you simply because He thinks that you are pretty special. God enjoys serving his kids!

Grandkid Invasion

They turn ones ruitine upside down! The noise level increases! Grandkids can be brutal to grandparents! When you mix a 6 yr old boy with a 5 year old girl the results can be dangerous. I survived! Barely, but I made it! It nice for them to come a visit, good to maintain some kind of relationship with them, good to reinforce values in their lives and its wonderful to send them back to mom and dad. It seemed that each one recieved some sort of battle wound, scratches, bruises, owies and of course they would come to grandpa to pray for them. Its nice to be valued by somebody. So I have three of these critters and one more due within the next six weeks. That makes 4! Whats a guy to do? Thank God that He gives grace for these kind of events. I'll enjoy the peace and quiet until we're invaded again! Thanks for your prayers!

I'm proud of my leaders

What America needs is leadership! Children need leadership at home, employlee's need leadership from management, churches need leadership. I have some awesome leaders in my church. Men who are willing to sacrifice their time and lives to reach out to make a difference in the lives of others. Its not easy to be a leader. For some leadership comes natural, others have to make an effort to lead. We need in our churches today men who will lead men. Men who will make an effort to mentor and disciple other men. Men who will impart spiritual gifts and knowledge, men who will lead other men to Christ, men who will be fathers to their children, men who are willing to give of themselves for others. I have some of these men working with me. I am priviledged to work with them. Guys, thanks for all you do, got to luv you all!

Blogging down

I've found myself bogging down on my blog entrys. Actually since I started to blog my devotional journal, I've had less time to think about blogging. It will be wonderful to take possesion of our new school and gym. We will be having a sunday morning service on the 30th there with a pot-luck dinner afterward. Soon the basketball hoops will be hoisted into place and we will be able to enjoy some games and activities.

Our project in India is starting to come together. Funds are coming in to build the security wall around our property there and soon we can begin to build the childrens home. My buddy Pete and I are going to India in August and we will be able to get the project off the ground.

I got a feeling that this crusade in Palenque, Chiapas Mexico just might be the last one that I do. Just a feeling, don't know for sure. I am expected though to see great results in this crusade. God wants so much to save, heal and bless people so I'm looking forward to see what will come about.

As we see the last days approaching, the word tell us "not to forsake the assembling of ourselves as the habit of some is." Why is that in there? Because in the last days, people will become complacent and will find other things to do with their lives that to them are more important than joining together with Gods people for worship, fellowship and spiritual grooming. If you are falling into this trap, make yourself do what is best for your spiritual life and growth. Don't be a slacker, stir up the gift of God that is in you and fulfill Gods plan and purpose for your life.

Its getting interesting!

And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

We know by watching the news and reading the newspaper that things are getting interesting in our world. We are seeing an increase of wars and rumours of wars. But don't get bummered out because the end is not yet. It is a good time though to get your house in order. Things can begin to escalate quickly and we don't want to get caught napping, sleeping, caught up in the worlds game. Now is the time to increase the fire, get closer to God, do His will, live for him, make every day count. Soon we will be out of this life and eternity will be here. Are you living for eternity or are you living for yourself in the here and now?

Looking forward

I've been busy of late getting ready for the events coming up this August. On the 3rd - 5th I will be doing a crusade in Palenque, Chiapas Mexico. We are expecting 2-5 thousand people each night to come and listen to Gods Word and to encounter Gods power in their lives. Then on the 13th we will be leaving for India to see the kids in the Childrens home there and begin construction on the new facilities. We also will be doing an Encounter for leaders of the church that we are visiting. Please pray for these events that God will be glorified and His power released to set people free.

Faces of India

This was taken last January at a village I ministered at. I been able to look at the faces of people in many countries. I've seen hopeless, empty eyes, eyes with no future, I've seen the pain and hardship of peoples suffering. I've been blessed to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ to hurting people. Several people in this foto were healed and delivered from impossible situations. God asked the question, "Who will go for me?" The answer came, "Here I am Lord, send me." The need is so great, you and I must go!

It was a lie!

After receiving an alert for rain, just the opposite happened, sun, sun and more sun! Hot and sunny was reality. What should be done to weather men that don't say the truth? Any suggestions?

Soggy Fourth of July

Just got a weather alert in my KGBT personal weather alert email and it says to expect thunderstorms today. I was planning to do some work in my yard maybe plant some shrubs, at least the gound will be a little softer and the clouds will give me a break from the blistering heat. If you life feels like a "bad weather day" and the storm clouds are threatening you, just remember that above the clouds the sun is shining. Storms are only temporary, they threaten and sometimes bring fear, but soon they are past. Hang in there you storm will soon be gone and the sun will shine again.

More puppies on the way

Becky took our shnauzer to the vet to have a ex-ray to see how many she is carrying. The results show 6-7 little creatures in her womb. Wow, that's amazing! We just gave away the last of the labs, looks like soon we will have some AKC registered puppies to sell. By the way, we are now taking orders, first come, first serve! If you mention that you read this announcement from my blog we will give you a blog-readers discount. Hey, sounds like a deal to me!

Something to laugh at

On our way back from visiting friends in Fort Worth, we stopping in San Antonio to visit with our very pregnant daughter Trish. We stopped by the Valero Gas Station and Convience Store where Chris, Trisha's husband works. He was in the back office doing some work when we arrived, a co-worker called for him to come out. As soon as he came into the store area with his staff attending customers, I lifted my voice and said, "Are you the guy that knocked up my daughter?" Trish was standing there very pregnant, he embarassingly said, "not me sir, I wouldn't do that." It was good for a laugh and of course Chris was quite embarrassed. Isn't it a joy to serve others?

Worship & Popcorn?

Last week an acquaintance dropped off at my office a DVD called "The sea resounds". It's about a revival that is taking place in the Fiji Islands. If you get the chance, find it and watch it, it will have a profound effect on your life. So, during the preaching time today we watched the DVD. We gave away free popcorn and offered water and soft drinks to all that wanted it. I don't know of many churches that offer popcorn during a worship service, you never know what you will see happen at our church. Next time we will make Giant Pickles available also. Isn't it a joy to serve others?

Van sold in Mexico

Remember the van I wrote about a few weeks ago? Well, it has sold in Mexico and I should of made close to a thousand dollars on the transaction for the Childrens home in India. Every little bit helps. Isn't it a joy to serve others?

Letter From Bubli, India

Dearest Pat,

How are you doing ? I am doing fine by the grace of the Lord. All of us here and all the children are praying for you everyday. I found a remote village with untouchable people. Those people are very downcast in the society. I found that there are some orphan children too. It would not be possible for us to bring them here to our orphanage so I am planning about visiting them sometimes and share food with them. I also discovered that they are carrying many diseases in them. I talked to the village leader if he would let the orphan children in their village to join our orphanage, but he is not willing. If God helps us, in the future I wish we would go and help the kids there. We may be needed to start a small children's home just for the kids there. Everything else is fine here. Children are going to school. I was very angry with the teachers of the school. The school teachers, on seeing that our children do not have parents, are asking our children to do all the work at school. While other children are playing, our children are working, washing dishes of teachers, supplying water to their bathrooms, etc. I noticed it a few times but I thought they are doing it on schedule basis, I mean, alternatingly, some children work and some children play. But when I learnt that it is mostly our children most of the time, I was very angry with them. The teachers are not very happy with me. I reported this to the headmaster and told that I will take this matter to higher oficials. The children are excited with their new books and new classes. I also bought a net for a swing and they are greatly excited about that. Every now and then when they have a break, they will come and swing in it, counting 25 swings each. I am also thinking of buying a video game. Please continue praying for me. I am praying for you everyday. God Bless You.

In His Service, Bubbles.

Can you see why I am consumed to build a Childrens Home in India?

Chamula Indians

People all over the world need to hear about Jesus. In San Juan Chamula, Chiapas Mexico, people who accept Jesus may pay a high price when they become Christians. This woman is now a widow, her husband was killed for his faith in Jesus. This boy will grow up with out a father. As I travel to remote places I come to understand just how easy it is to be a Christian in America. We experience little if any persecution and normally whine and complain about every insignificant thing. Instead of complaining we should be thankful the Gods' bountiful blessings in our lives.

 

Pray for our soldiers!

This war will not be won by weapons, it will be won by prayer. Please take time to pray for our brave men and women who are in harms way. Pray for our President and his cabinet, pray for the generals that they obtain wisdom to know how to proceed. We ought to be proud of them for serving us so that we can be free!

 

All our kids graduate to next grade!

All of the kids in our childrens home in India have passed onto the next grade. This is a great accomplishment for them. You have to understand that living on the streets, they had no education before coming to us. Now, they all attend public school in the morning and in the afternoon we have a tutor that teaches them. During our last trip to India, we observed the interaction between the kids and the tutor. I was impressed with the desire that the children have to improve themselves and obtain knowledge. This pic might look sad seeing the kids study while sitting on the floor. This room serves as a study room, bed room, play room and living room. At night, bed rolls are laid out and the kids sleep. In the afternoon, they study and learn skits and dance ruitines. We are desiring to build a childrens home for these children as well as for other orphan kids. Thanks for your prayers and support for this project. It is a joy to serv others!

 

My Pet Peeve

Allow me to vent! Why can't people make it to church ontime? We make it to work on time, the airport on time, the football game on time, what is so hard about coming to church on time? I know that God isn't offended by it, but I have taken on His offense. If the President were to come to town, we would arrive early out of repect to him. Why can't we at least be on time when we come into the pressence of the creator of the universe? And what gets my goad more is people that get up and leave the service early. Sometimes I feel like embarrassing them publicly but know that it wouldn't to any good. To me it is disrepectful to God for people to arrive late and leave early. Leave your comment.

Resistence in Palenque

My campaign director told me the other day that there has been more oppoistion to this crusade that we are organizing than any other he has done. The opposition isn't coming from the devil rather than from religous people. It was the religous people that opposed Jesus when he walked this earth. I'm calling my intercessors to pray for a breakthrough in this crusade. It will be August 3,4,5 in Palenque, Chiapas Mexico.