Believe it or not!

God is a totally awesome God! He is a miracle worker and honors faith. I want my blog readers to be the first to know about what God is doing for our childrens home in India. I showed you a picture of some land that we want to buy so that we can build our childrens home there. Just this morning we recieved a donation for $10,000.00 to go towards this property! Wow! Recently I was informed that the children had gone to the property to pray and ask God for it. When I heard that, I knew that a miracle was in the works. God had to respond to the prayers of those children. In the near future I will be able to post pictures showing the progress of this project. Believe it or not, its beginning to become reality. Isn't a joy to serve others?

The Risk in Serving

If you are considering to give your life to the service of others, be aware of the risk. When the challenge comes to us from the pulpit or by others means to be involved in public service, very seldom are the risks included in the invitation. The main satisfaction in serving comes by giving ones self without anticipating anything in return. That is what love is, it doesn't expect anything in return. The risks involved in public service are many. One who serves is always on display in the publics eyes. There are those whose main job in life is to critic your job as a servant. Some are objective about it while others can be quite hurtful. There are others who always look for the "hidden" agenda, the "motive behind" your service. Some are backbiters (quite cowardly) talking behind ones back. Others are more open in their comments. The secret to overcome these risks is to keep a clean consciense about your service and ministry. Be able to lay your head on your pillow at night and sleep without any concerns. The other thing is not to take any attack personally. This requires to build some defensive mechanism that allows you to love those out to harm you and at the same time not allowing their poison to get to you. Our main purpose is to please the one who has called us to serve. Jesus found that being a public servant required being misunderstood, threatened, verbally abused and humiliated. But with all that He went through was able to stay focused on his goal and purpose in life, to give himself for others. What a joy it is to serve others!

Pajama Party!

Hey, this is my traveling partner Pete. We bought some Indian traditional clothes while in India and decided to wear them to church as we shared about our journey. I must admit that I felt a little strange wearing this outfit while preaching in the service. They actually feel like pajamas, quite comfortable. I also got some strange looks from some folks at the restaurant where we ate afterwards. In India you see lots of men wearing something similar to this on the street it is quite common especially in very hot weather. I sent this pic to our Indian friends where we stayed and they politely said that we looked handsome. Well, different strokes for different folks! What a joy it is to serve others!

Back to Normal?

Its been a few days now that we have returned from the Philippines and India and I'm feeling that things are returning to normal. Hmmmm? Is this a good thing? If returning to normal means that I'm falling back into that dangerous attitude of apathy and complacency meaning that my heart slowly hardens to the needs of people around me and I get an "I don't care" attitude, I don't want to return to normal! If our lives revolve around us getting more, not being content with what we have, desiring the newest gadgets or toys, is this what life is all about? Mother Teresa, what a woman! She saw a need and decided that she was going to give her life away so that the need she saw would be met. Is this kind of lifestyle workable in our culture? Are there people that give their lives away so that others can improve?

Here is a pic of some property that might be available to purchase so that a childrens home and facility can be developed in India. It's about an acre, on a good road, close to public schools and accessable by public transportation. The asking price is $11,000.00 US dollars. Those of you that run across this blog, I ask that you ask God to help us to purchase this land so that we can impact the lives of children in this area. As you look at this pic, can you see the buildings? the play ground? the accomodations of a vibrant ministry? Look hard and you will see it with your eyes of faith. What a joy it is to serve others!

Hopelessness

What is it like to be hopeless? Can you imagine the feeling? Living your life without any hope for a future? This lady sitting on the street has a baby in her lap. She was raised on the street all her life. Now she has a baby that is being raised the same way. This lady had no hope in her past and now has no hope for her future.

The kids in our home would end up like this lady in the picture if it wasn't for the opportunity given them to come and live in our childrens home. The sad thing is that we have only been able to rescue 12 kids. There are so many more that are in this same hopeless situation.

While we were taking our kids to see the doctor, we stopped at at little store to buy them a treat. Each child chose their treat and then traded it for something else and immediatly we were surrounded by dozens of homeless kids. As I looked into their eyes, I saw no life. Dull, lifeless eyes begging for a coin or a piece of bread. My heart broke as the store attendant begin to run them off and curse at them. Complete hopelessness!

This little hut is a school in an "untouchable" village. These are the lowest caste people. This is the first generation that is recieving an education. These people are not given the opportunity to find a job. They are not allowed to work in the fields as laborours. To earn a living the collect wood in the forest and take it into town to sell.

Inside the hut you see the students. This is the first time that they are seeing a white man with a funny hat on. I introduced myself and asked permission to talk to the student body. Through my interpreter I told the kids about a man called Jesus and how his father loved them so much that Jesus came to die on the cross as their saviour. The only hope these people have to be free from hopelessness is "Jesus". In this village we prayed for a lady that was dieing on a mat. I was recently told that this lady has been healed. Jesus Christ is the hope for the world.

What a joy it is to serve others!

India Pics

Here are the kids in our Childrens Home in India. These are the most precious children that you will ever meet. The tall man in the back with the orange shirt is Bubli. He is acting as home director in the absence of his sister who is studying in Australia for a few months. All but one were living on the streets without any hope whatsoever. No parents, nobody to care for them, to love them, the best that they could do is to exist day by day. What a change love makes in a persons life, to give and recieve love makes all the difference in the world. If these kids were to go back into the street they would grow up to be adult street people. In India there is no hope to better oneself in society. You remain permantly in the caste of your birth irregardless of your education staus. Now, these kids are being tutored to catch up with the rest of the students their age. They are recieving medical attention and eating all that they can swallow.

It's a Different World in India

We have been here now in India several days and it is time to begin thinking about coming home. This has been a wonderful experience. God is so good, words can't express His greatness. We arrived directly to the childrens home and were immediately greeted by the children there. They attacked us with hugs and kisses. It was quite overwhelming. The children are so beautiful and to think that just a few months before they were living on the streets without any hope for survival. Now, they are clean, bright eyed, full of energy and enjoying love from people who genuinely care for them. We have seen the street kids, it breaks your heart to see them suffer so. Still hundreds of kids that need help. We have been doing crusades most nights in different villages and the children from the home have been the main attraction, they have learned several dance ruitines and are performing before hundreds of people each night. Just to think that these kids knew nothing about Christ a few months ago now are ministering the gospel. Amazing! We have seen many people each night accept Christ, some awesome healings, tumors disappearing, pain going, many wonderful miracles. Last night I cast out my first demon (in India) out of a lady here. I will post more later about the trip, when I return I will put on some pics. What a joy it is to serve others....

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.