Several years ago, a preacher moved to Houston, Texas. Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area.
When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change.
As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, " you better
give the quarter back, it would be wrong to keep it." Then he thought, "Oh, forget it, it's only a quarter."
"Who would worry about this little amount of money ? Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare, they would never miss it.
Accept it as a gift from God and keep it."
When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, and then handed the quarter to the driver and said, "You gave me too much change."
The driver, with a smile replied, "Aren't you the new preacher in town ? I've been thinking about going to worship somewhere. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. I'll see you at church on Sunday."
When the preacher stepped off the bus, he literally grabbed the
nearest light pole, and held on, and said, "O God," "I almost sold your Son for a quarter."
OUR LIVES ARE THE ONLY BIBLE SOME PEOPLE WILL EVER READ !!!!
Valerie Rae Hanneman
Genesis 6:8 “But Noah was different. GOD liked what he saw in Noah.” (NIV)
Genesis 6:14 "Build yourself a ship from teakwood.” (NIV)
Genesis 6:19-21 “You are also to take two of each living creature, a male and a female, on board the ship, to preserve their lives with you: two of every species of bird, mammal, and reptile--two of everything so as to preserve their lives along with yours. Also get all the food you'll need and store it up for you and them." (NIV)
Genesis 6:22 “Noah did everything God commanded him to do” (NIV)
Genesis 7:6 “Noah was 600 years old when the flood waters covered the Earth.”(NIV)
In the fall of 2000 I was filling out the church attendance slip trying to squeeze my e-mail address into that impossibly small area that they gave you for it. I wondered why they had the space for e-mail address anyway. As far as I could tell they never used them. ‘How would you use them?’ a small voice asked in my head. I thought it would be great if somebody in the church would use them in an e-mail ministry. They could send out devotions, prayer lists and announcements. They could use it as an outreach to the farthest reaches of cyber-space. Because I felt that this was a great thing for the church to be doing, I went to Willie and asked him what they did with the e-mail addresses. He responded that they didn’t do anything with them but were hoping to someday. I told Pastor Willie what I thought the church should do with them. Willie thought it was a great idea! An inspired idea! The perfect use for the e-mail addresses! When would I be able to get it started? ‘HUH?’ screamed my mind, ‘I didn’t mean me! I meant someone who was EQUIPPED to do this!’ As Willie and I talked I got the definite impression that Willie figured that because Father had given me the idea, He meant for me to lead it. But that couldn’t be right - I’d never written anything except some “Letters to the Editor” This ministry needed a skilled writer - not a letter writer. Willie told me to pray about it. The next few days ideas for devotionals started popping into my head. But it was a long way from idea to paper. When I actually tried to write something, phrases, funny comments, Bible verses just came to me. I wrote three devotionals and sent them over to Willie along with my acceptance to begin the e-Ministry - if these devotionals were acceptable. They were.
Noah is an unlikely hero. Looking at him you knew that he was not able to accomplish what God was asking him to do. He was an old man - probably around 450 years old. He lived in a desert and had probably never seen a big body of water or a boat. He wasn’t a carpenter or a zookeeper. He had never been rained on. Imagine the conversation......
“Noah” “Yes, LORD?” “I want you to build an ark”“Okay, LORD. What is an ark?” “It’s a really big boat.” “Okay, but what is a boat?” “Here’s the deal, Noah. I am going to destroy every living thing on the earth cause I am sick and tired of the evil that is going on down there. To be honest - I am sorry I ever created mankind. But you are the exception. This boat is going to save you and your family. I am going to make it rain for 40 days and 40 nights and the boat is going to float on top of the water.” “LORD?” “Yes, Noah?” “What is rain?” “You will find out Noah, for now just build the boat - oh and Noah?” “Yes, LORD?” “When the ark is finished, I want you to fill it with two of every living animal and enough food to feed them.” “I will do my best to serve You, LORD” “That’s all I need, Noah, to accomplish great things”
By himself Noah was not able to accomplish the task that God set for him. But what he was able to do was to be available to be used by God, to have faith in God’s leading, to surrender his life. And because he was able, God was able to use him to save humanity and the animals.
God seems to like doing that, doesn’t He? He takes the most unlikely of people - people who do not have the skills and knowledge necessary to accomplish what God intends - and then He uses them to do what He intends.
Moses, another old man in the desert, did not want to go back to Egypt and challenge the most powerful man on the planet. But he did and the children of Israel were lead out of slavery and close to the promised land. Or Joshua and his army marched around Jericho. And on the seventh day, as the soldiers within Jericho mocked them crying out “Here come the ring-around-the-rosie boys!,” the walls fell and Jericho was destroyed. God told Gideon to lead an army against the Midianites. Gideon raised an army of 32,000. God reduced the army to 300. And they defeated thousands upon thousands of Midianites. Or a young boy of fourteen running fearlessly at a seven foot giant warrior in full battle armor. And David defeated Goliath with a slingshot and a stone.
God doesn’t call the best equipped for person for His purposes. And that is kinda weird isn’t it? When I go to the dentist I want a person who has the training and is able to do the work. When my car needs to be fixed, I want the person who has the skills and is able to do the work. But God doesn’t work that way.
My dentist depends on himself to accomplish the dental work. My mechanic depends on himself to accomplish the repairs to my car. They are able- they have the ability to do the work.
None of these people that God used were able to do the work that God asked them to do. They didn’t have the knowledge, they didn’t have the skills, they didn’t have the strength. They didn’t have a chance to succeed. That made them perfect for God’s purposes.
Because they knew that they were not able to accomplish God’s purpose by themselves they knew that only God’s power in their lives would make them succeed. They knew better than to try to take the credit for what was accomplished. And that is why God chose them. In their weakness He was strong. In their inability He showed that He was able.
The e-Ministry is four years old now. It succeeds not because I am able to craft words together, but because God is able to craft words together. It succeeds because I am not able - but He is.
Do you accomplish what you accomplish for God because you are able? Or are you able to accomplish what you accomplish because He is able? Do you have ability or availability?
Father, if this e-ministry depended on my abilities - it would be a garbled mess. I always want to be available to you to be used by You and to show the world that in my weakness You are strong.
A revival of real praying would produce a spiritual revolution. E.M Bounds
I’m involved in the Anne Graham Lotz Bible Study of Revelation. Extraordinary is the only way to describe it. This past week we did Revelation, Chapter 4. This is the chapter when John is taken into the throne room of God and describes what he sees. I urge you to read this chapter, and as you do, picture it in your mind. In your mind place the crystal sea before the throne, the emerald rainbow around the throne, the 24 elders, the thousands of angels and there on the throne see Jesus - not as the gentle shepherd or as the crucified sacrifice but as the King of kings and LORD of lords, before Whom every knee shall bow. Let your mind be dazzled by the glory of what you imagine. Then remember this - God’s Word says that eyes have not seen nor mind conceived of what is really waiting for us when we are finally in that throne room. Our weak imaginings do not even begin to scratch the surface of His reality. How cool is that?
During the Care Fresno Sleepover last Friday I was informed of a family whose parents had split up earlier in the week. The father showed up at the family house on Friday and during the argument with his wife threatened to come and take the children away from the sleepover. Although nothing came of his threats, it was the stress producer of the night. I am requesting prayer for this family. It is a blended family - his children, her children and their children, so this breakup has far-reaching implications for all of the children.
Kristen Nolte was involved in a car accident last week (other guy’s fault). Other than a couple of bumps and bruises she is fine. Unfortunately her car was totaled. On an up-note, Kristen will shortly be leaving on her exciting mission trip to Southeast Asia. Please pray for her safety.
We continue to pray for the following: Laurie Olvera, Laura in Ohio, Geri Kinnish & her heart, Lorna’s mother & recovery from the car accident, Ben & recovery from head surgery, John Rogers & cancer, Bryan Hitch & his blood pressure, Lillian Seward & shingles, Chris Vercoe & family, for Judi Wright & her mom, Nola, Chuck Beal & his heart, new employment opportunities for Dan Hansen, Michelle Kammer to find a church home, Angel in Mississippi to find a church home, Shirley Carpenter, Ruth Howell’s recovery, Tim & Lorna’s adoption of Drew, Bobbie Ronsley & lupus, Brent Clapp, Brandon & leukemia, Stan Reed & cancer, Kassel Coon in Afghanistan, Ray Rahn & his wife, George & Margie Martin.
Pray for our missionaries - Dr. George Pe Myat & the hospital in the Congo, Bounkham & Khamla’s mission to Laos, Laurie Bethall in Prague, Judy, Faye & Miisaw as they work at the New Life Center in Thailand, Jan & Larry Martin in Thailand, The Reaching Hand Society in India, and all the missionaries worldwide.
Please keep our two church plants in prayer. Please pray for Karl & Shellie Roth with Flipside. Please pray for Horacio & Cheryl Aleman at the LIFEhouse in Reedley.
Pray for our pastors, our leadership, our ministries, and Father’s provision for His Church. Pray that we recognize opportunities to share our faith with others.
Pray for our country, her leadership and our military.
King of kings and LORD of lords,
My mind has been captured this week with my imaginings of the glory of Your throne room. It dazzles me, Jesus, to imagine You seated on the throne and all the wonders that surround You. But what brings me the greatest joy is that, as I imagine the 4 creatures, the 24 elders, the thousands of angels, the multitudes that surround Your throne from every tribe, tongue and nation, I see me on my knees before You, my hands outstretched to You, crying out in chorus with the rest - “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty!” When I am in that throne room in my mind, this world just fades away and there is only You.
Daddy, we pray for this family in turmoil. Heal the rifts between the parents, and should they choose to live separate lives, let them consider the well-being of their children first - not last. We pray for these precious children whose lives are so completely torn apart by the actions of their parents. Continue to be with them and lead their spirits beside the still waters. Give them peace.
LORD Jesus, we thank You for how You protected Kristen during the car accident. We ask that You continue to protect her as she travels so far away from us. Help her trip to be fruitful as she does Your kingdom’s work.
Holy Spirit, we continue to pray for our friends and family, those we know and those we don’t who continue to be on our prayer chain. We have seen You move in these situations and we can only humble ourselves before You in awe. We ask that Your power and mercy continue to infuse these situations.
We pray for our missionaries Dr. George Pe Myat, Bounkham & Khamla, Laurie Bethall, Judy, Faye & Miisaw, Jan & Larry Martin, The Reaching Hand Society, and all of Your missionaries worldwide. Pour Your Holy Spirit on them. Comfort them when they are troubled, protect them in every situation.
Our hearts and souls will never tire of singing Your praises.
We pray Your mercy and abundance on the two new churches, Flipside and LIFEHouse. We pray Your blessings on these two pastors and their families who have responded to Your call and have stepped out in faith to serve You.
With thankful hearts we lift our pastors before You, LORD God. We ask that You continue to supply for their needs. We pray for our leadership and ask, Holy One, that You fill them with Your wisdom. Bless the many areas of ministry that our churches are involved in. Provide for their needs and keep the vision of those involved fresh.
Jehovah Shalom, God of Peace, our lives are so busy that we don’t always recognize opportunities to share the Good News of You until they have passed us by. Help us to not let our busyness keeping us from seeing what You would have us see or touching the lives of those You guide us too.
Father, with humble spirits we fall on our knees before You and lift our country before You. Heal our land, LORD Jesus, and bring her back to You. Holy Spirit fill our leaders with wisdom as they make decisions. LORD of All, protect those who serve our country so bravely.
Triune God, thank You for Your presence in our lives. You fill us, You complete us, You make us whole. You are our breath, You are our life, because of You there is no death for us. You are our dreams fulfilled, You give us hope for the future and You make life worth living. Have mercy on us, LORD God, as we live for You.
When I read stories like this - I wonder - how different would my day-by-day faith be if I lived day-by-day knowing that being attacked for my faith was a real and present possibility - Valerie
Christian Families Attacked in Maharashtra, India
Vijayesh Lal, Compass Direct
Hindu extremists physically attacked 11 Christian families from Jamanya village in Jalgaon district, Maharashtra state, India, on May 15 and 16. Village officials had summoned the families to a panchayat (community court) on May 15 and asked them to renounce their faith. When the families refused, the men were beaten with heavy sticks and chased from the village. On the following day, the mob attacked the women and children; some children fainted after being beaten. Witnesses said the mob also tried to disrobe the women. Police are investigating the case, and local Christians say they will push for a resolution to the three years of hostility in the village.
Valerie Rae Hanneman
Luke 10:37 "The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." (NIV)
Luke 18:11 "The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector" (NIV)
I was driving to church one Sonday morning when I saw a young African-American man crossing Millbrook right past Ashlan. He was dressed all in black - shoes, pants, shirt. He had a long black duster coat on and one of those head coverings that wrap around the head and fall behind the head - a “do-rag” - also in black. My eyes narrowed just looking at this young thug. ‘What trouble are you headed for?’ I thought to myself. Much to my shock he suddenly started jogging across the street towards an elderly white woman on the sidewalk. ‘Oh my gosh! What’s he doing? How am I going to help her! He’s probably got a gun - a knife - something hidden under that duster!’ I panicked inside - instantly thinking the worst. As I started to slow down to help her, he caught up to her as she was half-way up a walkway. As they continued up the walkway, he said something, she laughed, he then opened the door to the Ebenezer Presbyterian Church for her and followed her in. The door shut behind them.
Our verse in Luke 10 comes at the end of Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan. We call it the parable of the good Samaritan - although Jesus never called the Samaritan "good." If he would have called the Samaritan "good," His listeners would have thought that the Samaritan was dead because for the Jewish people the only good Samaritan was a dead Samaritan. Ethnic tensions ran high between the two groups. The Jewish people looked down on the Samaritans as half-breed mongrels not even worthy of speaking to. (And they didn’t speak to them - remember how shocked the Samaritan woman at the well was when Jesus spoke to her?) The Samaritans resented the Jewish snobbery and the Jewish insistence on Jerusalem being the only real place to worship Jehovah. When Jesus told of the Samaritan helping the half-dead Jewish man, shocked silence probably filled the room. The idea of a Samaritan being a neighbor to the Jewish man was more than they could fathom. Their prejudice ran so deep that when Jesus asked the expert in the law who the neighbor to the injured man was, the expert could not even say, "The Samaritan." Instead he choose to continue to ignore the ethnicity of the man by answering "The one who had mercy on him." Even in the Presence of God Himself this expert could not let go of his prejudices.
In the second parable Jesus told of a Pharisee - the creme de la creme of the religious folk - who went to the Temple to thank God that he (the Pharisee - not God) was so holy and so righteous and so good that he wasn’t like any other man - and most of all - he wasn’t like the tax collector who was also in the Temple. He was prejudiced against the tax collector because of the tax collector’s socio-economic position.
It was probably a toss-up on who the Jewish people despised most of all - the Samaritans or the tax collectors. They despised the Samaritans because of their ethnicity, they despised the tax collectors because of their socio-economic position. That God would welcome either of these groups into His presence was simply incomprehensible to them. There was just no way that God would expect them to share Heaven with these dredges of society.
And these prejudicial people were God’s chosen people.
Just as I am God’s chosen child.
Father has brought me back to that Sonday morning several times. I don’t like going there to much - it certainly wasn’t my finest hour. But Father brings me back to remind me that sometimes what I am seeing is not what I am seeing.
What I saw was a young man dressed in black walking across the street then hurrying to open the church door for an elderly woman. But using the filter of my own prejudices, my mind convinced me that what I was looking at was a thug - a gangsta - looking to cause trouble - probably going towards that woman to rob her. Because of that - I didn’t see what I was seeing and I saw what wasn’t there.
That young man is a person with whom Father desires to have a relationship with. In fact, just knowing that he was going into the church increases the odds that he is already in relationship with Father. But I took one look at his age, at his clothing and said "thug" and because of that - I counted him unworthy. I counted him as less than me. And in doing so made myself no different than that expert in the law or the Pharisee in the Temple.
Father doesn’t like it when His children act that way. Father expects us to look at others in the world the same way that He does. Father doesn’t see the ethnicity or the age, He doesn’t see if they are "religious" or not, rich or poor, Gucci clothes or Goodwill hand-me-downs. Father sees souls in need of a Savior - and He expects me to see them the same way.
When I look at a person and see them through the false filters of my mind rather than through the eyes Father wants me to see them with then I block the flow of love that Father has for this person. I need to look at everybody with God’s eyes.
It isn’t easy to do - to filter everybody through God’s eyes, but in the Kingdom - Father wants us to be seeing what we are really seeing - and not what our mind is seeing.
Holy God, bring me back to that Sonday morning as often as I need to be there. Remind me to not see what I think I am seeing - but to see what You see.
Hey Flipside Supporters,
Please be in prayer for our 3rd consecutive service this weekend. The past two weeks have been blessed and God is proving Himself to be good, time and time again.
Please pray for 250 people to be at this service, and at our next one on June 26th
Pray also for God’s abundant blessing on our Kids Sports Camp (June 20-24) and our VBS at Cobb Ranch (July 18-22)
Our church will only have significance and power as God chooses to pour out His blessing on us and I am counting on your prayers on our behalf for that.
I would love to see as many of you as possible this Sunday at 10am at Valley Oak Elementary (465 E. Champlain) to help provide the momentum we need building up to our launch.
One of the best ways you can help us get ready for our launch is simply by being present at our monthly services.
I am thankful for what God has done through all of you, and for what He is going to do in us. I hope to see some of you on Sunday.
Blessings, Karl
The sea enters the rivers before the rivers can run into the sea. In like manner, God comes to us before we go to Him; and heaven enters into our souls before we can enter into heaven. Peter Drelincourt .
We have received the following praise report from Lorraine Esparza, “Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who prayed for my daughter and son-in-law. They have found a church to not only attend but be a part of. They have volunteered to work in the children's ministry. My daughter even went to church Friday night and called me today to ask me to invite her whenever there's a women's function going on in our church. God is doing a mighty work in her. Praise God!”
We have a prayer request from Georgette Bersani for her friend Laurie Olvera. Laurie has had a mole removed from her arm that was determined to be pre-cancerous, and now they have removed another from her leg that they are doing tests on. Laurie is in “a tizzy” about the whole situation. Laurie says that she believes in God, but she has a few issues with Christianity, so prayer that she will come to a better relationship with Jesus is also requested.
We have an update on Laura, Patty & JT’s niece in Ohio - and unfortunately the news is not so good. Laura’s body is continuing to reject the bone marrow transplant so they have her on major steroids. This has weakened her body so much that very shortly she will be unable to walk. They are going to try a new treatment that washes the blood. If this treatment is successful then they will be able to reduce the steroids and Laura will start to regain her strength.
We continue to pray for the following: Geri Kinnish & her heart, Lorna’s mother & recovery from the car accident, Ben & recovery from head surgery, John Rogers & cancer, , Bryan Hitch & his blood pressure, Lillian Seward & shingles, Chris Vercoe & family, for Judi Wright & her mom, Nola, Chuck Beal & his heart, new employment opportunities for Dan Hansen, Michelle Kammer to find a church home, Angel in Mississippi to find a good church home, Shirley Carpenter, Donna Hemphill & shingles, Ruth Howell’s recovery, Tim & Lorna’s adoption of Drew, Bobbie Ronsley & lupus, Brent Clapp, Brandon & leukemia, Stan Reed & cancer, Kassel Coon in Afghanistan, Ray Rahn & his wife, George & Margie Martin.
Pray for our missionaries - The Reaching Hand Society in India, Dr. George Pe Myat & the hospital in the Congo, Bounkham & Khamla’s mission to Laos, Laurie Bethall in Prague, Judy, Faye & Miisaw as they work at the New Life Center in Thailand, Jan & Larry Martin in Thailand, and all the missionaries worldwide.
Please keep our two church plants in prayer. Please pray for Karl & Shellie Roth with Flipside. Please pray for Horacio & Cheryl Aleman at the LIFEhouse in Reedley.
Pray for our pastors, our leadership, our ministries, and Father’s provision for His Church. Pray that we recognize opportunities to share our faith with others.
Pray for our country, her leadership and our military.
Everlasting Father,
This is our favorite time, our time with You. It is the time when we can escape from the expectations of family, friends and jobs. We can drop the masks that we show the world. We can simply be who we are and rest within Your mighty love. Thank You for meeting us in our quiet place. We reach for You and find You reaching for us.
LORD of All, we thank You and we praise You that You are our Father. We thank You that You answered the prayers of a mother, Lorraine, as she prayed for her children. We thank You for the honor of standing beside her and joining her in prayer. Please continue to bless and keep this young couple as they serve You.
We ask that Your healing hand be upon Laurie Olvera. Calm her spirit LORD a she undergoes these tests. Bring her into relationship with You.
Abba, we cry out for Laura as they start this new treatment on her. We pray for the success of the treatment and that it allows Laura to regain her strength and her life.
Holy Spirit, we thank You for the guidance You give us. We thank You for the many times we cling to You when the storms of life surround us. We could not survive this world on a daily basis if we didn’t have You.
LORD Jesus, Emmanuel, we pray for those people and situations that continue on our prayer list. We ask that You shine the light of Your glory anew into each of these lives. From safety while serving in the military, to new jobs, to health concerns, each situation represents a person who needs You. Your will be done. We love You, LORD.
You are God Almighty. Our desire is to walk before You and be blameless.
We pray for the missionaries that serve Your purpose in places scattered all over the world. Be with them, LORD, comfort them, provide for their needs and keep them safe.
Loving Abba, we pray for our pastors of our churches as they serve You. Grant them wisdom as they lead us. Renew their vision, strengthen them, and give them peace. We pray for our church leadership and for the ministries that they represent. Help us to keep our focus solely on You.
LORD Jesus, we want to engage our world in Your name. Help us to step out of our comfort zone. Show us somebody today who needs You and give us the courage to speak up for You.
We pray for Your abundance to be on LIFEHouse and Flipside Churches. Continue to raise up leaders in the churches who have a passion to serve You. Bless them with new growth. Bless the pastors, Karl and Horacio, and their families.
Father, our Country is facing so many challenges both at home and abroad. We need You so desperately - make Your presence known. Guide our leaders as they make decisions that will determine the fate of our nation. Protect our military as they serve freedom’s call.
LORD God, we seek no other will but that Your will be done in us. We choose no other life but that Your life be revealed in us. We have no other love but that Your love be paramount in our lives. We bend our knee to no other God, but joyfully bow before You in worship. You are our God, we are Your children.
Father, it is hard to leave this quiet place with You - but You have called us to be Your light and salt to this hurting world - and so we go out in Your name. Bless us as we go. Help us to live a life that is pleasing in Your sight. In Your precious name we pray - Amen.
Valerie Rae Hanneman
Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (KJV)
Steven had a science project that he was working on that involved paper airplanes and how far they flew with paperclips on different parts of the plane. We were out in the street in front of our house flying planes and writing down distances when my neighbor three houses down decided to ride his son’s bike down to talk. This neighbor also just happens to be the ex-husband of a co-worker of mine and he just happens to be someone that I had purchased marijuana for on a couple of occasions. (This was during the time I was in rebellion against Father) I was surprised when he rode up because our relationship was polite - but distant. (Not only was the ex-wife still a friend - but I have made a 180 degree turn-around in my life since those purchases). Much to my surprise - he wanted to talk religion. He asked me how to get to Heaven, and I told him about accepting Jesus as Savior. “And that’s all?” he asked. When I told him that was it he said, “What about baptism?” When I told him that baptism was the outward symbol of an inward change he told me I didn’t know what I was talking about. I gaped at him in surprise because I may not know everything about my faith - but I’ve got the salvation issue down pat. He then told me that baptism was part of salvation and you weren’t fully saved until you were baptized. Then he started quoting scripture to me. I tried to have a calm discussion with him but it was impossible. Every time I tried to say something he would interrupt me with more Bible verses. I quickly realized that he wasn’t really interested in a discussion - he was only interested in beating me over the head with the Bible until I conceded that he was right. When I saw that he was trying to bait me I told him that we would have to agree to disagree on this issue because I really needed to help my son with his science project.
My neighbor’s faith comes with strings attached. There are a lot of beliefs that come with strings attached. The one with the most strings attached is “If I am good enough God will let me into heaven.” That belief is almost completely human driven. God’s only participation is to place the “good” on the scales with the “bad” to see if the good outweighs the bad enough to get the pearl gates to open. Then there is the belief that God saves you from your sins but if you do something bad you could lose your salvation. This is a fifty/fifty belief. God does the initial work of salvation - but then you have to do your share or else you will lose your salvation. Then there is my neighbor’s belief that says that God saves you from your sins but that salvation is not complete until you do something to “seal the deal” You might “seal the deal” through baptism, or through speaking in tongues, or by going on a missionary trip, or by tithing or who know what else - but you have to do your part. This belief is almost completely God driven - but not quite.
The Bible states that salvation is a gift of God. There are no strings attached to it. If a person wants to give you a gift but tells you that there is something that you have to do to earn that gift then it isn’t really a gift - is it? It is your wages - it is what you have earned. My paycheck - small as it is - is not a gift when it is given to me. I have earned every penny of it. Salvation that is not complete until we have done something to earn it is not a gift - it is our wages for doing whatever we had to do to earn it.
The Bible talks about our wages - what we have earned - when it says that the wages of sin is death. That is all that our actions - our sins - have earned for us. But it doesn’t stop there - it continues when it says, “But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our LORD.” (Romans 6:23)
God has given us a gift of eternal life and there are no strings attached to it. It is a gift full of grace and mercy - a gift that it is impossible for us to earn. A gift that is freely given to us.
And like any gift we have received for our birthday, Christmas or any other occasion - the only thing that we have to do to receive God’s gift of eternal life is to reach out and accept it. It really is that simple.
How do we accept this gift?
First we must recognize that we are sinners - that we have done things that are wrong. Well - that is certainly not a difficult thing to acknowledge is it? I can only name one Person who was completely free of sin - and it wasn’t me. (Wasn’t you either) In 1 John 1:9 the Word of God says, “If we confess our sins, He (Jesus) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Next we simply have to confess that He is Lord and ask Him to come into our hearts. Romans 10:9 - 10 says, “That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved”
The gift of God is really that simple and because God is eternal, His gift is eternal.
Have you accepted God’s gift of eternal life through Jesus - or are you still trying to earn your way by fulfilling some strings that are attached?
If you are not sure about your relationship with God, I urge you to call Fresno First Baptist Church, (559) BAP-TIST and speak to one of the pastors. Or call 1 (888) Need-Him to speak to a representative from the Billy Graham Organization. Or contact me at valerie@fresnofirst.org.
God’s gift is free - don’t lose out on this gift by trying to earn it.
LORD Jesus, I pray for all of those who are reading this devotional. I pray that they will search their hearts to see if they have received Your free gift of eternal life. LORD, if they have received your gift, I rejoice with them and look forward to seeing them when we are all home with You. If they have not then I pray that You call them to You, speak to them and urge them to accept You as Savior and LORD of their lives. Bring Your joy and peace to them.
Hey everyone, thanks so much for your prayers this past week. The funeral for the little 1 ˝ year old, Ty, went as well as could be hoped for considering the circumstances. It was terribly difficult but God was present. Everyone celebrated Ty’s life and heard the gospel very clearly. Some families came to church on Mother’s day after being at the service. The family is doing well but still in need of much prayer.
Through me being the TBall coordinator, the service I did for Ty (the family lives here in the Ranchos), a women’s retreat our ladies were on, and some key connections we’ve made with families out here, there is quite a ground swell of interest in our church. I understand that MANY families are going to come to our service this coming Sunday. When I say MANY, I mean MANY. Most of whom have not been to church before. Very cool. There really is a lot of interest in what we are doing and how we are doing it. God seems to be showing us great favor and moving rapidly.
On the family front, Kaleb’s last TBall game is this Saturday with his team party following. He (we) are also doing a “Dinosaur Party” on Friday night for all his “school friends”. Both boys have really connected well with some other kids and Shel and I couldn’t be more pleased. They both enjoy school and Kaleb even wants to go to school when it isn’t his school day! Amazing the turn around! Thank you so much for your prayers!
A huge praise, a lady who has come to the last 3 services told me on Sunday that her doctors thought she has breast cancer. She asked me to pray for her and healing. I did. She called last night to say she returned from her doctor’s visit to discuss options and he told her she doesn’t have cancer! Praise God! God healed her and we are to thankful and giving Him all the praise! We still believe God is in the healing business!
Last night we had our Jr High group meeting. Our youth guy, Jay, is great. The kids love him, he loves the kids, and there were 35 Jr Hi kids here having a great time! I am really proud of Jay. Joe loves the group and loves the fact that his friends love coming.
We’re developing our multimedia area of worship. Brooke is fabulous at creating a video image for the worship and message. This Sunday will be our first one with 3 screens running “ethereal” type video images during worship and preaching, sometimes on all 3 screens, sometimes on the center screen with words on the two side screens. It is very cool but quite involved regarding set up and running it. Pray God blesses the effort and elements and it enhances the type of service we are doing. Rick is awesome and doing a wonderful job putting the band, lighting, etc together in a way that really “hits” the target for the unchurched we are going after. A couple young families told me after last Sunday’s service that they “love the band and the style of music”. They were people who have not been to church before but were invited to Flipside by people whom we’ve reached recently!
Here are some things to pray for:
1) our upcoming back to back services the next 2 Sundays. Pray God blesses us according to His goodness and grace
2) people to continue to join the Flipside team in ministry and giving
3) Shel’s part time position
4) finances for Flipside
5) upcoming “Sports Camp” in June for kids and VBS in July. Amy is working hard and doing a great job putting all the details together for a rapidly growing children’s ministry at a “traveling church in a box”.
Thank you so much for your ongoing prayers and support of what God is doing in our church plant. Your prayers and giving are helping to build God’s Kingdom. I love you and appreciate your partnership in ministry. Blessings, Karl
With all things, it is always what comes to us from outside, freely and by surprise as a gift from heaven, without our having sought it, that brings us pure joy. Simone Weil
I saw a miracle this morning. The sun came up, shone through my neighbor’s tree and lit up the brilliant purple flowers on our trumpet vine in the back yard. It was like Father had put a spotlight on them. I look out my bedroom window every morning and today was the first time I realized that that plant had even bloomed. Thank You, LORD God for the everyday miracles of Your creation. Help us to slow down enough to see them.
Lorna’s mother was in a car accident last week. Her car was rear-ended and she was seriously injured. She will be being moved to San Joaquin Rehabilitation Hospital.
Great news on Dennis Galloway! His problem with uremic acid building in his system as taken a turn for the better. He is free from having to take tests for the next two months!
Geri Kinnish is having problems with her heart. She and her doctors are working on the best course of treatment for her. Please continue to pray for her.
Some great news on Brigg Noyes. He just underwent an examination on the hole in his heart and this situation is so improved that they have changed his every other month examinations to every four months.
Annie sent us an update on her father - “I want to give you an update on my father, John Rogers. He is doing very well. He is not in remission, and probably never will be, but his cancer is being held at bay with his chemotherapy. For eight months he had to wear a Cervical Collar (the type of collar they put on people who have whiplash) and could not drive, but a couple of weeks ago the doctor cleared him to take it off and he is once again driving. I want to thank everyone for their prayers over the past several months and to praise God for his grace and healing.”
Esther Johnson went home to Father on May 7th. Her Celebration of Life services will be held at FFBC on Thursday, May 12th at noon. Please keep her family in prayer.
We have a prayer request from Barbara for her friend Ben who took a fall at his home and is in ICU at St. Agnes after head surgery.
We continue to pray for the following: Matt & Michelle in the loss of their daughter, Bryan Hitch & his blood pressure, Wally Peterson & Family, Lillian Seward & shingles, Chris Vercoe & family, for Judi Wright & her mom, Nola, Daniel Rodriquez, Mom Rumsey to come home from the hospital, Chuck Beal & his heart, new employment opportunities for Dan Hansen, Michelle Kammer to find a church home, Angel in Mississippi to find a good church home, Shirley Carpenter, Donna Hemphill & shingles, Ruth Howell’s recovery, Tim & Lorna’s adoption of Drew, Bobbie Ronsley & lupus, Brent Clapp, Brandon & leukemia, Stan Reed & cancer, Kassel Coon in Afghanistan, Ray Rahn & his wife, George & Margie Martin.
Pray for our missionaries - Jan & Larry Martin in Thailand, The Reaching Hand Society in India, Dr. George Pe Myat & the hospital in the Congo, Bounkham & Khamla’s mission to Laos, Laurie Bethall in Prague, Judy, Faye & Miisaw as they work at the New Life Center in Thailand and all the missionaries worldwide.
Please keep our two church plants in prayer. Please pray for Karl & Shellie Roth with Flipside. Please pray for Horacio & Cheryl Aleman at the LIFEhouse in Reedley.
Pray for our pastors, our leadership, our ministries, and Father’s provision for His Church. Pray that we recognize opportunities to share our faith with others.
Pray for our country, her leadership and our military.
Alpha and Omega,
You are the Uncreated One - You have no beginning and You have no end. You fill eternity with Your presence. We are in awe that You should even know our names let alone love us as deeply as You do. Thank You for Your relentless love.
Great Healer, we lift Lorna’s mom before You and ask that You restore her body after this car accident. We thank You, Holy God, for protecting her life.
LORD of All, thank You for what You have done for Dennis Galloway. We thank You and praise You for this good man and for his heart to serve You.
Comforter, Geri is going through a tough time right now - a scary time. We ask that You be with her and her doctors as they determine the best course of treatment for her heart.
LORD God, we sing praises to You not only because You are worthy of our praise - but also because of the way You have touched Brigg’s heart and are healing the hole in it. We ask Your continued blessings on this little boy.
Thank You, Father, for the way that You have touched John Rogers and are allowing him to improve enough to drive. We ask that You continue to be with him during this time.
We pray for Esther’s family and ask that You comfort them with the sure knowledge that Esther is dancing on the streets of gold.
Healer of Body & Soul, we ask Your mercy on Ben as he recovers from surgery on his head.
We pray, Holy Spirit, for all those who continue to be on our prayer list. We ask that You will be done in each of these lives and situations. Pour Your abundance upon them.
LORD Jesus, we ask Your mercy upon the missionaries who serve You around the world. We ask that You provide for their needs both physical and spiritual. Keep them safe as they serve You, and touch the hearts and souls of those they minister to.
Creator of Life, we pray in agreement for Flipside Church and the LIFEHouse Church. We ask that you bless both of these new congregations and that they and those who serve in them will make a major impact on the world in Your name.
LORD God, You are our Rock, our fortress and our Deliverer. We yield ourselves to You completely.
Holy Spirit, we ask that You touch our pastors this week and bring comfort to their spirits. Strengthen then when they are weak, give them rest when they are weary, fill their lives with songs of praise. Help us to support and love them in every situation. Bless the leadership of our congregations and grant them wisdom as they lead the ministries. Bless our ministries with Your abundance.
LORD God, help us to see this world as You see it. Help us to reach out to others in Your name. Father, help us to not get so caught up in the busyness of church that we overlook our purpose - which is to glorify You, reach the lost and build the Church. Give us opportunities to share Your glory and love with others.
God bless America. Bless our leadership with wisdom. Please protect those who serve our country.
Father, hear the cry of our hearts. Help us to live so strongly for You in our words, our thoughts and our actions that people don’t need to even ask if we are Christians - they just know it.
In Your name we pray - Amen
A Dream Come True.
Seventeen smart and beautiful looking ladies in bright sparkling coloured sarees with bright smiles on their faces walked gently holding beautiful fancy trays filled with various flowers and fruits along with turmeric to represent purity and holiness, coconuts to portray long life, sugar crystals to represent sweetness in life and red cherries to represent the blood of Jesus which has cleansed each one of us and made us His children, grapes to signify the Lord's supper and sparkling saree and jewels to deck the bride Susan who was to be engaged to my missionary son Remo on 10th April 2005 at Warangal.
When I saw Susan for the first time for a very short time in December 2004. I said "Lord, She is my Dream Girl". Both Remo and Susan and their families fasted and waited for the Lord's will and Praise be to Him everything went smoothly and culminated on the engagement day.
I need to thank all RHS Board Members, all my relatives, friends, colleagues and mission leaders who graced the occasion.
A VERY SPECIAL thanks to all RHS staff who though had not received their March salary took a loan of Rs. 900/- each and hired 2 jeeps for 3 days. They had prepared special songs for the occasion and served and helped in all the engagement ceremony. They were not just colleagues attending the engagement they were ONE BIG FAMILY.
The March 2005 salaries for the staff were paid on the 26th April 2005 and we now wait on the Lord for His provision for April 2005. I am sure He being Jehovah Jireh will certainly provide.
My special thanks to all those who chipped in during the financial crisis in March/April 2005 to help in many Government programme and in the prison ministry. I stand in awe to see God at Work.
In the midst of great joy in April there is some deep sorrow too. On 22nd April my grandmother who was 100 year of age went to be with the Lord. In the last 3 years my father, then my mother and now my grandmother have gone to be with the Lord. My husband went to be with the Lord 19 years ago and yet it looks like yesterday.
From my husband and father I learnt - Integrity and Honesty
From my mother I learnt - A Life of Prayer
From my grandmother I learnt - A strong will. To be clean, neat and smart all through the day. I also leant to keep smiling come what may and to keep going.
Unlike my grandmother, I do cry a lot, but I always hear His voice, gently correcting me and healing me and so soon I bubble with joy and keep going with His help. I feel truly blessed to be His child.
Other miracles also happened in April due to your prayers and your sacrificial gifts we were able to send Mahender to Vizag to be treated for a complicated fracture of left hand. He needed internal fixation. For the surgery and the stay alone he needed Rs. 14,000/-, which the Lord in a very miraculous way provided for. He is perfectly fine now.
Do you remember Mukae for whom you had prayed for physical healing that led to her deliverance from becoming a witchdoctor of the village? She had her family are growing in the Lord.
For the first time lady staffs have started to survey and go to interior tribal villages on their own. I am thrilled to see how staff have blossomed out and are working under very difficult situations to "Reach the unreached, and Reach them Completely" They need your prayers.
Do you remember Prabhati, wife of Niranjan who was recently married? They live in Rabaguda Center - a village that has neither approach road nor electricity. Please praise the Lord along with me for Prabhati a city girl, yet has fitted very well into this Koya village and feels one with the village woman. Another dream of mine come true. Yeah, our God is an awesome God.
Remo is waiting for the money for the tsunami response project to reach him. Money has been raised and pray that God will open up miraculous ways to receive this so that the needy can be helped.
Our children from Anand Niketan are back home for their summer vacations. I note that Ruth, daughter of Sopon and Shanti and Sanjoy, son of John and Minothi are poor in their studies. Please pray for God's wisdom for them. Please pray that God will enable us to find a good teacher to teach the children English and math during the holidays.
Please pray for my children David and Mary to come to the saving knowledge of the Lord's Salvation.
Did you know that 2 lady staff, Jyoti and Sobita has been gifted with a motorbike? This is enabling them to go into interior villages on their own. Please pray that Minothi and Rukmoni will also be provided with a motorbike. We look to God for His provision. We will be getting cycles for Shanti, Hannah, Sandhya and Prabhati. We praise God for His provisions in this regard.
In the last week the electricity has been erratic, my computer is acting most funny. Now for the past 2 days there is no electricity. And from today evening the telephone lines are down. It is the 29th April 2005 at 7:08 PM and I am writing this newsletter by candlelight and I have no idea as to when I will be able to send this out.
I am in the midst of many fulfilled dreams and I am expanding my horizon and dreaming dreams for the Lord.
May the Lord bless you all for standing with us in prayers and sacrificial financial support.
Closing with prayers
With love and prayers.
Yours in Christ
Iris
PRAYER FOR THE NATION
Written by Max Lucado for the National Day of Prayer, 2005
Dear God,
Not to us, O LORD, but to You goes all the glory.
We depend on You. You give birth and breath and determine our days. You make every nation and set every boundary. We exist by Your power.
We exist for Your glory. Showcase Your power through this land. Display Your justice in our courts, wisdom in our governments, guidance in our schools and love in our homes.
Have mercy upon our sins. We have disrespected Your word, disregarded Your gifts, discarded Your children. We are sorry. Forgive us, dear Father.
Grant strength to all our leaders. May they serve You first and honor You most. Remind us of the brevity of this life and the beauty of the next. Prepare our souls for the day we meet You in eternity.
This we pray in Your holy name,
Amen
We have to pray with our eyes on God - not on the difficulties. O. Chambers
I attended Rick Owen’s memorial service this past Monday. It was a beautiful services full of tears and laughter as Rick’s life was celebrated. Because Rick was a veteran he was honored with a military salute. It was beautiful - and when the lone trumpet started to play Taps, tears filled my eyes and my heart sang the words. That was when I realized that this song - although beautiful and moving - did not really apply to Rick. “Day is done - gone the sun - from the hills, from the skies, from the seas. All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.” Rick’s day is not done - he is in his Father’s presence and his day has just begun. Nor is the Son gone. Rick is with the Light of the World and has no need of any earthly sun. Jesus’ glory lights up all of heaven. Now the rest of it - I can agree with - all is well for Rick. Please continue to pray for the Owen’s family.
I saw on this past Sonday that Larry Mead has finally made it into a walker.
Bryan Hitch discovered - rather dramatically - that he is suffering from high blood pressure. His doctors have him taking tests (yucko) to determine the best course of treatment. Please keep Bryan in prayer that this problem will be brought under control.
From Flipside church we have a prayer request for Matt & Michelle whose 1 ˝ year old daughter drowned in an spa on Sonday. Please pray for this young couple. I can’t even begin to imagine the pain.
Dennis Galloway has uremic acid building in his system and has to go in every two days to get this checked. The medication is causing damage to his kidneys. Please pray for healing for this brother of ours.
Kelli Hastings was hospitalized last week with chest pains & numbness. Thankfully this was caused by a reaction to her medication (as opposed to what those symptoms usually indicate!) and Kelli was back in services on Sonday.
Geri Kinnish is waiting for results on some medical tests that she has undergone. Please pray that the tests have a positive result.
Wally Peterson’s father passed away on April 13th. Please keep Wally & his family in prayer.
Carol Robertshaw took a fall recently and had to get her head stitched up. Her fall was caused by her becoming dehydrated. Please pray for a quick recovery
Lillian Seward is having a horrible time with shingles. She is homebound and would love for us to visit her. Give her a call, drop her a card, or go by and visit. She would love it! Please pray for a quick healing.
Pray for Chris Vercoe and her family. They are going through some difficult times - particularly her son Steven.
Judi Wright is requesting prayer for God’s guidance as she has to make some difficult decisions about her mother, Nola Ambler.
Please pray for Daniel Rodriquez. His mother passed away on April 11th after a battle with cancer. Daniel is one of our high school students and was one of our Care Fresno Kids.
Ross & Bobbie Rumsey are requesting prayer for Mom Rumsey that she will be able to return home from the hospital. Ross is the director of our TV Ministries.
Maddy & Hannah Neumann are requesting prayer for their uncle Chuck Beal who is having heart problems.
After 28 years, Dan Hansen’s job is finished. He and Lois are out of town visiting family but will soon be back. Please pray that God will open new opportunities for Dan.
We continue to pray for the following: Esther Johnson’s continued recovery, Michelle Kammer to find a church home, Angel in Missisppi to find a good church home.Baby Morgan, Shirley Carpenter, Ace Estes & shingles, Donna Hemphill & shingles, Ruth Howell’s continued recovery, Tim & Lorna’s adoption of Drew, Bobbie Ronsley & lupus, Brent Clapp, Brandon & leukemia, Stan Reed & cancer, Kassel Coon serving in Afghanistan, Ray Rahn & his wife, Brigg Noyes, George & Margie Martin, John Rogers and cancer.
Pray for our missionaries - Judy, Faye & Miisaw as they work at the New Life Center in Thailand, Jan & Larry Martin in Thailand, The Reaching Hand Society in India, Dr. George Pe Myat & the hospital in the Congo, Bounkham & Khamla’s mission to Laos, Laurie Bethall in Prague, and all the missionaries worldwide.
Please keep our two church plants in prayer. Please pray for Karl & Shellie Roth with Flipside. Please pray for Horacio & Cheryl Aleman at the LIFEhouse in Reedley.
Pray for our pastors, our leadership, our ministries, and Father’s provision for His Church. Pray that we recognize opportunities to share our faith with others.
Pray for our country, her leadership and our military.
Eternal Immortal Invisible King,
Holy God we love You so much. We are so grateful for this life you have given to us on this earth and even more grateful for the life we will have in You for eternity.
We offer You praise for the great news we have had this week. Thank You that Larry is doing better and that he is in a walker. Continue to heal him. Thank You that Kelli just had a reaction to her medication and that she is out of the hospital and back with her church family.
Holy Spirt, Great Comforter, we call out for the families who have lost loved ones and ask that You bring them peace for their spirits. We call out for Leslie Owens and the family as they mourn Rick. We pray for Wally Peterson & his family as they grieve the loss of Wally’s father. We pray for Daniel, LORD God, and ask that You guide this young man while he mourns his mother. Abba, with our hearts filled with grief we lift up Matt and Michelle and we pray LORD God that You hold them close to Your mighty heart as they try to cope with the loss of this baby daughter
We pray for those who are dealing with illnesses, LORD God. We ask that You grant Bryan’s doctor’s wisdom in dealing with his high blood pressure. We pray in agreement for Dennis Galloway that he will receive complete healing of his body. We pray for Geri Kinnish and that the results of her tests are good.. We ask that You quickly heal Carol’s head and that she remembers to drink more water. We pray that Your healing touch be upon Lillian as she recovers from shingles. We pray for Mom Rumsey that she be able to come home from the hospital soon. We ask Your mercy on Uncle Chuck with his heart problems.
We lift up before You, Our Father, those who are facing family issues. We call out for Chris, her family and in particular her son Steven. We pray that You speak to Judi and guide her in the decisions that she needs to make regarding her mother, Nola. Father, comfort her spirit. We ask that You guide Dan into the place you would have him serve You through his employment. Bring him to the right job.
LORD Jesus, we pray for those who continue to remain on our hearts and in our prayers. We ask LORD that Your will be done in each of these lives.
We pray for the missionaries that serve You throughout the world. We ask that You bless them and protect them.
We pray for the LIFEhouse in Reedley, bless them with Your abundance and guide Horacio & Cheryl as they serve Your purposes. We lift up Karl & Shellie as they work to build the Flipside Church. Holy Spirit, provide for their needs and bless their efforts.
Emanuel, we ask that You be with our pastors, the leadership of our churches and the ministries that reach out to the lost and build the Church. We pray that You provide for the needs of Your Eternal Church as we build Your Kingdom.
Glorious God, someday we will bow in worship at Your feet. We live for that time. While we wait we ask that You use us to fulfill Your purpose. Give us opportunities to share our faith with others. Give us hands that reach out in love, feet that hurry to do Your will, eyes that see what You see, ears that listen for You to speak to us and hearts that are like Your’s.
We pray for our country, LORD, protect her and guide her. Be with the leadership of our country and grant them wisdom while they make decisions. Be with those who serve us in the military. Keep them safe and give them peace.
LORD God, have mercy upon us as we seek You. Touch us anew with Your love.
You are our God, we are Your people. We rejoice in You and You alone. Amen
Larry and Jan Martin,
International Ministries, American Baptist Churches,USA
Ban Luang, Thailand, May, 2005
Dear Partners in Ministry,
We hit April running and the heat hit us full on. We pulled out and dusted off the fans and strategically placed them around, joking that the electric bill was going to be high. A few days later we joked again that the electric bill probably was going to be cheap, as we started to experience regular, long power outages, 2 of them over 6 hours long. That has been the order of the month with the longest being 30 hours long and causing us to have an impromptu party to use up some meat that was starting to defrost.
No power means a number of things, no fans, no lights, no computer and most drastically no water. We generally pump up water from a well. The 30 hour outage saw us fixing up the tap on the rain water tank to get a more efficient flow - making it possible to bucket water to the bathroom and kitchen.
We had a number of events in April and we thank you for joining us in prayer for them. Our annual mission conference was good. We enjoyed being led by our speaker through Philippians.
We joined in the Thai New Year celebrations in our village and were able to pray for God’s blessing on some of our neighbors, but for the most part avoided the water fights.
The Junior High English week was sparsely attended most of the students figured they were on ‘vacation’. The 9 that did come had a great time and really enjoyed the various activities especially making and consuming snacks each day.
The primary age English week was deliberately limited in numbers as we were using it as an opportunity to train up some young people from our old church at Payameng Rai. We picked up a 13 year old and 3, 14 year olds and brought them home and installed them in our spare room for a week long slumber party. They told the Bible story each morning, led games, and craft. Larry went through the activities with them the day before and made sure they could do them, Jan led them in Bible studies and developed her nagging skills to new heights, ‘Turn off the lights’, ‘Quiet!’, ‘Go to sleep!’, ‘Do your washing’, ‘Have you cleaned your teeth?’ ‘Hurry up!’ and of course they were here in the 30 hour black-out so we had ‘Use the water sparingly.’ We all had a wonderful time and praise God for them and their passion to be used by God for His Kingdom.
We pray that, that passion is evident in all our lives (yours and ours) and that God blesses each of us with fruit.
May you know His presence daily.
Larry and Jan
Prayer and Praise Points
Praise God for what has happened here in the last month and pray that seeds planted would grow.
Pray for Hair, Pim, Add, and Fai, that they would continue in their desire to be used by God.
Pray for the Ethnic Thai team meeting (May 5,6) as we thrash out some issues.
The new school year starts this month and we will be starting our regular school program, pray for opportunities to interact on a deeper level with the teachers.
Pray for Larry as he has extra meetings in Chiang Mai this month involving travel.