December, 2013 Newsletter
BEAUTY FOR ASHES
Each evangelistic trip
this year came with its own adversity, however, we continued to
fight through the last three months of sickness and weather to carry
the hope and warmth of the gospel to those in need of encouragement
and to those who had hearts that were as cold as the weather
outside.
The fires of revival melted the snow in a small community in Indiana
as people gathered in their elementary school gymnasium for
services. I may not have been able to play city league basketball
with my friends when I was in elementary school, but the Coach of
Heaven put me in and gave me the privilege to preach about doing it
His way in the game called life and two lives were drafted to the
winning team. As I thought about the struggles I had as a child not
being able to play on the court with my friends, I BOLDLY say, “TAKE
THAT DEVIL! I MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PLAY ON A COURT, BUT THANKS BE TO
GOD, I CAN PREACH ON ONE!”
I was privileged to preach in a new church closer to home in the
state of Arkansas. The Lord met with us and ministered to the church
and reminded them of His Great Love and to keep praying until He
answers.
After we left the Ozarks and returned home for a week, our new
pastor asked me to preach a combined youth service with our church
and our neighboring church. God honors His people when they come
together and dwell in unity. Four young men accepted Christ and
courageously stood before their peers and acknowledged the Lord as
their Savior.
Following the energetic meeting with the young folks, electricity
was in the air as we went to the 4th Annual Sunflower State Camp
Meeting in Derby, Kansas. The people were truly plugged into Heaven.
It was HIGH VOLTAGE from the beginning to the end. The power of God
was so strong, it might have been a “shock” to some folks, but I
personally like to be jolted by His power every now and then. I was
honored to preach Thursday night of this electrifying meeting and
two people were glorious saved.
We set out on Thanksgiving day for services in the back woods of
Tennessee. The gracious pastor met us and lead us to the church.
Although the church is hard to find for flatlanders like us, God
definitely knows where it is because His presence is felt each time
we have been there. Sunday morning one young boy made the trip he
will never soon forget for at the altar his life was forever
changed.
As we reflect on this past year, Ulcerative Colitis didn’t destroy
us, sickness didn’t hinder us, my grandma’s open heart surgery
didn’t stop us, but it all only refined us and made us stronger and
more determined than ever to come forth as beautiful as pure silver.
I am reminded by the prophet Isaiah that Jesus came to give us
Beauty for Ashes. Though we may have walked through the fire, we
were not burnt. Instead, we came forth shining like the sun with the
oil of joy adorned in the garment of praise for His glory!
Isaiah 61:3 (KJV)
3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty
for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for
the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of
righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.
Thank You to all those who make this ministry possible through your
many prayers and your gracious financial support!
Merry Christmas,
