Giving Joyful Thanks to God

You are a blessing in our lives, and to those God has called us to minister to.  Because of your heart of love, your faithful prayers, and generous giving, the love of Jesus continues to be shared with many people in countries around the world. 

Most of the nations we travel to remain closed to international travel.  Through the generous support of our donors, we have been able to send finances to our ministry partners in Thailand, Cambodia, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Ghana.  They are taking the opportunity to reach out with practical help, food, medicine, all in the name of Jesus. Families are being cared for, the Gospel is being preached, people are receiving Jesus as Savior and receiving water baptism.

So, two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers … will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.   2 Corinthians 9:12 NLT

The nation of Myanmar (formerly Burma) is heavy on our hearts. 

Myanmar is the scene of the longest civil war in the world, which began in 1948. Christians are vulnerable to persecution by insurgent groups and the army, and more than 100,000 Christians in the north live in Internal Displacement Camps (IDPs) where they are deprived of access to food and health care. 

On February 1, 2021, the Myanmar military took over the nation, arresting and deposing the elected officials.  The Burmese people protested, and the military responded with violence and death.  Communication and news were cut off for weeks at a time.  Our contacts have been in touch when they have internet access.  Photos they sent show villages being burned, people fleeing through the jungle. They remain safe for the moment, even while packing and preparing if they need to flee their village.

Why? It’s a combination of persecution against primarily Christian tribes, and the military’s goal to consolidate their power and rule through fear and oppression.

Will you pray with us for Myanmar and the Nations: Lord Jesus, bring peace to the ongoing conflict impacting so many nations, and provide ways for Christians who’ve been internally displaced to return home. Comfort, strengthen and heal all believers affected by violence. Thank You for the many people who’ve boldly given their lives to You, despite opposition from their family and local community. Help them to stand strong and grow in their faith, and may their transformation touch the lives of their loved ones. Amen.

Against all odds, the church is active and alive. Persecution is rising – but that only happens where Christians are living out their faith and taking a stand for the gospel even when it costs the most.

Regardless of what changes in our world, in our lives; when things don’t look the way they used to; when challenges and loss overwhelm our hearts; or during seasons when things are going well – we rejoice in the unchanging love and faithfulness of our amazing God.

Jesus told his disciples to rejoice that their names were written in Heaven (Luke 10:20). It is the greatest blessing of all - the gift of eternal life through Jesus.

What Church Looks Like

During this season of Thanksgiving, may your heart be encouraged and renewed as we rejoice together giving joyful thanks to the Father, because He we share in the kingdom of His light. 

We pray this so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,  being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,  and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. Colossians 1:10-12 NIV

With thankful hearts - Gary and Pat

Food Distribution & Sharing Jesus' Love

Eye Vision Clinic

Good News To Share!

'Thank you' cannot convey the gratitude we feel for your ongoing support in finances and prayer.

Although we are unable to travel overseas at this time, we are able to send financial support to our ministry partners in Thailand, Cambodia, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Ghana.

Here's a brief update on Sri Lanka, which has been in lockdown for several months. Food supplies are hard to find, food shortage is an issue as only a few shops are open, the cost of living has gone up drastically.  

Our ministry partners sent this report:
    We managed to get 25 packs of food stuff for the students at Adara Sevana (School for the Differently-Abled). They were really blessed and we told them that it was from you, and they wished blessings to both of you.  Special thank you and greetings from Chanuka, the blind boy.

    God is really good to us. We are thankful to him.  As we are in lockdown and the government is trying to stop importing stuff, we have a scarcity of some food.  God lead us to the place where we can get what is needed, milk powder was a blessing.

  

Pat and I want you to know how much we value your love, your prayers, your support and every encouraging word;  it all makes an impact in the lives of those you help  minister to and brings glory to God!

"This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else." 
2 Corinthians 9:12-13

Blessings  - Gary

After Montana and a BIG Announcement

Our time in Montana truly was rich and full. It was great to escape the heat of Las Vegas. Montana also has experienced unusually hot temperatures, but the cool evenings and mornings make it pleasant and refreshing. Scripture says that God walked with Adam and Eve in the cool of the day, and that's how we felt as we spent time with Him enjoying the beauty of His creation.

An extended stay gave us time to fellowship with our network of friends, family and churches.  We were privileged to shared at several church meetings, ladies groups, a men's breakfast, and a youth group that raised funds to help with overseas missions. What a joy to see young people with a heart for God and helping others. 

We joked that we were 'getting fat on people's love', as we shared meals together, encouraging  and strengthening each other in the Lord.  

And now for an exciting announcement - we've published the first edition of our book! It's called 'No Problem. The Adventures & Misadventures of a Couple Who Said "YES" to God.'

You can get your copy two ways:

1. The self-published paperback version is just $5 and includes postage within the US.  Click here to order and pay online with credit or debit card.  

2. The Kindle e-book is available on  Amazon for $1.99.  Follow this link: No Problem Kindle E-book

Click here to enjoy a sample. It's written as if we were sitting across the table sharing a cup of coffee or tea, sharing stories of God's goodness and mercy.

Our prayer for you during this season of your life is from Ephesians 1:17-18 in The Passion Translation: "I pray that the Father of glory, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, would impart to you the riches of the Spirit of wisdom and the Spirit of revelation to know him through your deepening intimacy with him.  I pray that the light of God will illuminate the eyes of your imagination, flooding you with light, until you experience the full revelation of the hope of his calling—that is, the wealth of God’s glorious inheritances that he finds in us, his holy ones!"  

The Journey is exciting. Our God is Amazing.  Stay Strong ~ Pat & Gary

A GREAT OPPORTUNITY!

With the countries where we minister still in lockdown, we felt to spend more time in Montana. It's a great opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Big Sky Country, visit family and friends, and share the Word of God.  

We will be flying into Missoula Friday, June 11, returning to Las Vegas Monday, July 26.

Here is our meeting schedule so far:

If you would like to invite us to share at a church service or home group - please send us an e-mail.

• Wednesday, June 16 - 6:00 pm Youth Night with The Place Church,
  at the paintball field Hamilton, MT  with Pastors Jesse & Michelle Haynie
  
  
• Sunday, June 20 -10:30 am at "Barnabas Ministry," Hamilton, MT
  with Pastor Nancy Pendergast
  
  
• Sunday, July 11 -10:30 am at "Barnabas Ministry," Hamilton, MT
  with Pastor Nancy Pendergast
  
  
• Thursday, July 15th - 10:00 am at "Women of Worship," Missoula MT
  with Pastor Lorraine Andrusky
  
  
• Sunday, July 18th - 10:00 am at "CrossPoint Church," Corvallis, MT
  with Pastors Scot and Shelly Colwell
  
  
• Sunday, July 25th - 10:30 am at "House of Praise," Victor MT
  with Pastors Jim and Lorraine Andrusky

(For details on any of these meetings just reply to this e-mail and let us know what you need)

Our prayer for you is that you will be keenly aware that the Lord's goodness and mercy is following you, guarding you, every day of your life.

See you in Montana ~ Gary

Click here to listen to Gary's encouraging teaching "Catalyst" shared recently at Meadows Fellowship, Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Message Continues - Christ is Risen!

Happy Resurrection Sunday!  We celebrate the new life that Jesus gives and welcome the season of Spring as it brings new life and growth in the natural.

"He is not here; He is risen, just as He said.  Come and see the place where He lay." Mt. 28:6

During the past year, COVID-19 caused lockdowns throughout our world. People thought that it would stop the advancement of the Gospel, as churches were either closed or attendance drastically reduced.

While Pat and I are still unable to travel internationally, our partners around the world report that the message of Christ's resurrection and Lordship is advancing.  Churches are reopening, evangelism is expanding, home groups are being established, families are being cared for, the Gospel is being preached and people are receiving Jesus as Savior and receiving water baptism.

Cambodia:  local pastors are evangelizing, holding Church home services, conducting water baptisms, and caring for families with food supplies.

Sri Lanka: eye clinics are being held in remote villages, discipleship training and church services have resumed.  

India: the Community Development Center has reopened. School tutoring, Bible classes, sewing and guitar lesson are being held to proclaim Jesus and evangelize the area. The inventory of eye glasses  is being replenished so Eye Clinics can be held.

The Gospel is being shared, nothing can stop it and no one can limit it! Remember, just as nothing can stop the gospel from being proclaimed, nothing can stop God's plan for your life!

 

May you and your family be blessed with abundant joy, peace and happiness this Easter!    Gary

Waiting on God - Key to a Peaceful Life

I think God is trying to make a point!  During a single morning this week four different sources emphasized the need to wait on God, spend time in His presence, believing that He is at work. 

First: The scripture verse of the day in the YouVersion Bible app was Psalm 40:1-2.  I particularly like the Amplified version:

"I waited patiently and expectantly for the Lord; and He inclined to me and heard my cry.  He brought me me up out of a horrible pit [a pit of tumult and of destruction], out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, steadying my steps and establishing my path." 

David graphically describes his place of distress as 'a pit of tumult and of destruction'; contrasted with the steady rock that God set him upon.

Second: The Give Him 15 prayer devotional with Dutch Sheets delved into David's passionate return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, placing it in the tent or tabernacle with 24 hour worship.  (1 Chronicles 15 & 16. )

So great was David's desire for God's presence, his jubilant celebration in the streets of the city embarrassed his wife.  Now we who have received Jesus as our Lord and Savior, have become the dwelling place of His presence, His great light shining in our hearts.  2 Corinthians 4:7 NLT 

Third: A dear friend is recovering from a difficult and intense surgery. Her son updated her Caring Bridge page and shared a powerful poem that reminds us to "Above all, trust in the slow work of God."

Patient Trust by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

Fourth: While clearing out old e-mails, I came across a reminder to myself to listen to a powerful song by Juanita Bynum "I Don't Mind Waiting".  I encourage you to find a quiet place with a cup of tea or coffee, and take time to listen as she shares her testimony and this powerful song of encouragement.

God got my attention.  I took time, for worship, prayer and reading His Word.  I plan to take time again tomorrow, and the next day.  Regardless of how long my list tasks is. In spite of how I feel. I want to be one of those that passionately, continually waits in God's presence, before tackling the day.

How about you?  You might be in a a season of waiting - as many of us are.  Unable to pursue the activities and relationships you desire.  I encourage you to pursue the most important relationship of your life - Jesus Christ.  

Wait. Patiently. Trust.  Let Him pull you up and out of the tumult and destruction and set your feet on the Rock.

End Well To Start Strong!

 Hi Everyone,

Can you believe that we are coming to the end of another year?  It's been a difficult year for many on so many different levels.

People are winding down, closing the year out.  Thinking that if God didn't move by now,  too late, the year is over.

I want to encourage you that our God can do a lot in a few days.

• He freed 3-6 million Israelites from slavery in Egypt in a single night. 

• Jesus was crucified, placed in a tomb and in 3 days He was resurrected to free us from sin.

Jesus is still moving, still healing, still blessing, still reconciling, still making a way!

I'm uncertain what 2021 holds but this is what I am certain of:

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."  Heb. 13:8

The Lord spoke to my heart that He wants us to 'End the Year Well' so we can "Start the New Year Strong."

Let me share four quick thoughts on how we can do this.

1. Focus your attention on Jesus.

Hebrews 12:2 "Looking away from all that will distract us and focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith. " AMP

We have to look away from everything that will try to distract us and look intently on Jesus. In every area of our lives, the direction we take - not our intentions, hopes, dreams, prayers, beliefs - but the direction we take ultimately determines our destiny.  We must keep the main the main thing and that is Jesus!

2. Decide who is writing your story.

Notice that Hebrews 12:2  says, He is the Author and Finisher of our life story.

Who are you allowing to write your story?  Social media, news, your past, peers, hurts, disappointments, fear, your failures?

I might not know your story or what you have gone through. But you need to believe that Jesus does know and He has purpose and destiny for you.  Allow Him to rewrite your story so you can end this year well.

3. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you.

Romans 8:14 reads, "For all who are allowing themselves to be led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." AMP

Hebrews 11:8 "Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going."

Oswald Chambers said, "Faith may not know where its being led
but it loves the one doing the leading."

You and I might not know where we are being led, nor what the future holds, but we do know the One who holds our future. This is our confidence.

4. Press On!

Philippians 3:14  "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." 

Marathon runners sometimes "hit the wall" at a certain mile in their race.  Fatigue, discouragement and negativity can overwhelm them.  This past year many have "hit the wall" spiritually. You have to encourage yourself the same way Paul did.   Look to the reward that is waiting for you and know that the Lord is there to help you!

Wishing you and your family a Joy-filled and Jesus-filled Christmas!  He has great things for you in 2021.

Blessings and Love - Gary & Pat