Hello from the Philippines

On the way over, we were re-routed to Taipei, seems that the head winds were too strong and there wasn't enough fuel to reach Hong Kong. So what is an extra 2 hours anyway? We finally arrived in Manila. It was good to see Dhoyet, Cindy and Miggie! Pete went to Cabanatuan with them and I went to Davao to see my friend Herley. Just 10-15 minutes into the flight to Davao the pilot came on and said that we had to go back to Manila because of plane failure. The air pressure in the cabin wasn't working right. Many passengers were suffering with ear pain and head aches. So we changed planes and finally reached Davao. There is always something to keep life interesting. I go to Cebu tomorrow to meet with a pastor and then back to Manila and Pete and I leave for India on Wednesday. All is well, I appreciate your prayers. What a Joy it is to serve others!

Some people are addicted to blogging

I was asked the other day when I was going to update my blog, I guess there are folks addicted to reading blogs like others are addicted to soap operas. My parents celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary this weekend. We had a nice time having lunch with them and enjoying their company. One more piece of information, my daughter Patricia announced that she is going to have a baby. Its due on September 1st and she seems to be doing OK, finding out what morning sickness is all about.
I leave Wednesday for the Philippines and then India. I am excited to do a Pastors conference in India for about 30 pastors. We will be talking about the Principle of Twelve and how to win souls and make disciples. I'll let you know how things go with that.
I will do my best to give updates here while away from home. When I return I'll put some pics on for you to see. What a joy it is to serve others.

Off and Running in 2006

As soon as the New Year arrived it seemed as though everything started to accelerate. Maybe it was the result of fasting for 21 days in December. But many opportunities became available and I'm just trying to keep up with the pace. This is a year of bountiful harvest and the hard places overflow with abundance. The Lord challenged me to step out in faith for me personally, to lead our congregation into a new level of expectation for this year and to increase our involvement in world missions.

God is just waiting for us to step out, beleive and act upon the Word he gives to us. His Word is life and He is a life giving spirit being. Everything about Him involves life. Jesus is the resurection and life. Death could not keep him in the grave. And He is alive in you and alive in me.

We are having a special guest with us to start of the year. Darrel Stott is an awesome man if God that is being used to bring freedom to the captives. Lets look for opportunites to serve others this year and share the Love of Christ.

Happy New Year

Well, it's here, 2006! I really enjoyed 2005, as I look back I can see God's hand in my life. It was a year of great fruitfulness. Our Miracle Catches in Mexico and the Philippines were very successful as we saw thousands of people make a confession of faith in Jesus Christ. In our local church we saw the construction of our new school and gymnasium. By the end of January it will finally be finished. The last items will soon be finished and our students will have a new place to call home. Now it is time to look to the future. I have a promise bursting in my spirit for 2006 that I want to share with you. Psalm 65:11 says "This year is crowned with an bountiful harvest and even the hard places overflow with abundance." Wow. what a promise for 2006! Are you ready for a bountiful harvest? and are you ready for the hard places to over flow with abundance? It's fixin to happen, I am ready for it. Come on! This month I am traveling to the Philippines and India. This will be my first trip to India and I am excited about experiencing something new. We will visit our Childrens home, several villages, a lepers colony and a group called the Untouchables. I also will have a pastors conference ministering to several area pastors. I am expecting a bountiful harvest in 2006, will you join your faith with mine and together find the Joy in Serving Others?

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.