Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Do You See What I See?

The New Year will find us returning to Ghana, West Africa from January 15th to February 16th, 2014.

Ministry will include Crusades, Conferences, Church Meetings, Prison Outreach, Orphanages, Schools and Radio Broadcasts. We are also very excited that we will be holding three Eye Vision Clinics!

The lack of eye care in Third World Nations is alarming.  According to an April 2010 Rotary Club Article, Africa has 1 Optometrist per 1,000,000 people!  Many of them have visual impairments that can be easily corrected with eye glasses, but  sadly they cannot afford them.

Why an Eye Clinic?  An Eye Clinic is an extremely effective way to demonstrate the love of God in a very simple yet tangible way.  One minute the person's vision is blurred, and the next minute they can see better with glasses.

Working with a local team, Pat and I will be giving each person an eye exam and vision test,  prescribing the correct prescription and personally fitting each one with a free pair of glasses.

However, the most important aspect of the eye clinic is not just to provide a pair of glasses, but to share how they can receive their spiritual sight and be born again be believing in Jesus Christ.

We covet your prayers while we are on this ministry trip.  We are believing for souls to be saved,  God's Presence to be in every meeting and for Him to confirm  His Word with Signs and Wonders!

Pat and I have been praying for each one of you that this New Year be filled with God's Favor and Blessings; that you will see His Purpose and Promises fulfilled in each of your lives!

Merry Christmas and Blessings - Gary

Blessings for Ghana
Partners in Ministry - Harry and Debbie Lovell
Everything by Prayer


Labeling and Sorting












Tuesday, November 26, 2013

THANKSGIVING!

"And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing."  (Psalm 107:22)

As Pat and I reflect on all that the Lord has done and provided for this past year - we could not help but start Praising the Lord and Thanking Him for His abundant blessings and  for each of you - our  ministry partners - who have stood with us financially and in prayer.

Here is a list of what the Lord allowed us, with your help, to be a part of during the past year.  There is so much, that we might have left something out.   Join us in praising and thanking our Awesome God for all that was accomplished.

During the past 12 months, the Lord has enabled us to share His love in many different ways:
.  Four Houses Built in Cambodian Villages
.  Funding to help construct 2 Toilet Facilities in Cambodian  Villages
.  Food supplies delivered to 4 Villages in Cambodia
.  Outreach to the Ocean for 50 Cambodian Children and 20 Adults
.  Twelve Families in Cambodia received Water Filters to provide clean drinking water
.  Mango Trees supplied for Sustainable Income in Cambodia
.  Feeding Outreach  provided to children in Myanmar (Burma)
.  Financial Support to build a Training Center for Leaders in India
.  Scholarship help for a young man to serve with Operation Mobilization
.  Books, Bibles and Supplies delivered to underground churches in Laos.
.  Funding for a Youth Conference in Myanmar (Burma)
.  Church  meetings in Myanmar, Laos and India  where souls were saved..
.  Support given to Missionaries  and Pastors in Cambodia, Thailand and India
.  Eye Vision training and supplies for holding Vision Clinics
.  200 pairs of eye glasses in assorted prescriptions for our 1st Eye Vision Clinic in Ghana.

Without your help, Pat and I know these things would not have been accomplished. You are important and have a part in bringing the Good News to those who are less fortunate - Thank You!

Have a Wonderful and Grateful Thanksgiving!

Blessings - Gary and Pat

Delivering Food Supplies in Cambodia

Twelve Families Received Water Filters





Sunday, September 8, 2013

Refreshing Water

Guest Blogger – John Yoder – reports directly from Cambodia on September 2, 2013.

John and his wife Sotey,  along with their young children Jayme and Anna, live in Phnom Penh, ministering to the poorest of the poor through Reaching Kids International.

Thanks to your prayers, support, and gifts - Greater Works Unlimited is able to help change lives physically and spiritually.  Here's John's report:

New Water Filters for Twelve Families at the Rock Quarry Village

This was a busy week as we traveled to three villages in rural Cambodia where RKI has been serving since 2011; building homes and relationships with the kids, their families, and single adults as well. Lately our whole family has been going out, and the kids seem to be enjoying the time spent. We are so blessed to be here in Cambodia hanging out with such incredible folks week after week.

Today, among many other cool things we got to do during our Saturday outreach to the Phnom Baset rock quarry village, we were blessed to deliver new clean water filter systems to twelve families that hadn't received one from us yet, or had one that broke or was unusable from the past. This blessing was provided by Christ through the generosity of our friends Gary and Pat Richards through their ministry: Greater Works Unlimited. 

Gary and Pat have come to Cambodia twice, and besides funding new homes in other villages we serve, through their ministry they've provided several new homes in this community, and were here in person back in March to help (physically and financially) bring 65 residents to the ocean resort of Sihanoukville, for a treat our friends here still talk about.

See more photos of village outreach at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Reaching-Kids-International-Cambodia/254018964638104

Distributing Water Filters

Representatives from the families who
will now have clean drinking water

A simple system - results in clean water - better health and hygiene.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

VISION CLINICS

Since coming back to the U.S. it has been a very busy and productive summer for both  Pat and I.

We have been taking Mission Training Classes to be able to perform eye exams in Third World countries!  

What an exciting opportunity to show the compassion of Jesus.  Not only will we be able to provide an essential need by helping many to see better physically; but more importantly it will give us access to help others receive their spiritual sight.  This is a great tool to preach the love of Jesus and bring souls into the Kingdom of Heaven.

When we return to S.E. Asia in the fall, we will be talking to our contacts about setting up Vision Clinics during the next visit.  There is still much work that needs to be done.  One of the most important aspects is having good local translators while giving the eye exams and also when the glasses are being given out - so the patient really understands what is happening, and their glasses fit correctly.  Then another translator, or local believer, will share with them how they can receive spiritual vision - through accepting Jesus as their Savior.

We even have a source that will supply all the glasses we need, for every type of prescription, at just $1.00 a pair! How awesome is that!  

The long-term goal is to find and train locals in doing the eye exams so that the work can be carried on without us being there.  

Please pray for Sri Lanka.  We have wonderful contacts there who Pat has ministered with.  They have had a church burned and many people hurt because of radical Hindus opposing  the spread of  the Gospel. Continue to pray for the pastors and evangelists who are risking their lives in bringing the Good News to a needy people.  Pray for healing for those that have been seriously injured; and salvation for those who did this.

Have a great rest of the Summer!  Will catch you later!

Blessings - Gary

  




Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Answering the Call!

India is a second home to Pat and I.  We have been ministering there since 1996.

One of the highlights of ministering in India is the opportunity to minister to the Youth!

They are on fire for the Lord!  The young people pictured below are having an impact on their nation right now, starting in their teens and twenties.

Programs and political leaders will never bring change.  Change will come through the Church.

These young men and women are answering the call found in Isaiah 6:8: " Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" 

Please pray for these young people. They have made themselves available.  They are on fire for the Lord.   They are the hope of India!

Catch you later -  Gary

Young Life - Siliguri, India

Living Word Center - Matigara, India




Saturday, April 27, 2013

VILLAGE OUTREACH - Cambodia Journey Part Two

OUTREACH  Defined

Noun - The extent or length of reaching out
Verb - Reach further than
Synonyms - Transcend


It's hard to explain the experience of village outreach. Reaching out not just with human goodness - but with the love and compassion of Jesus Christ.  Going beyond what we can offer in ourselves and becoming His hands and feet on the earth.

Delivering practical help - noodles to feed their family for a week, deworming pills.  Bringing emotional strength - knowing that they are not forgotten - but cared for.  Sharing spiritual truths - a short Bible teaching, songs and games with the children.

"When he saw the crowds, he was deeply moved with compassion for them, because they were troubled and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." Matthew 9:36 ISV

Because you gave finances. Because you prayed.  We are able to go. They are able to receive.   God is glorified and His name is praised.

Thank you - for the least of these - Pat


 

Friday, April 19, 2013

NEW LIFE!

Easter Sunday morning, I was ministering in a church in India on "God's Promises".  When the service ended my interpreter, Pastor Deepak, came to me with his wife and a child.

He said, "Pastor Gary, Do you remember that  two years ago you and Pastor Pat prayed for my wife to have a child?  We had been waiting so long and look - this is Janet, God's answer to your prayer!"

What a testimony to the power of the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior who brings life when everything seems dead and barren.

Whatever you are believing for; whatever may seem dead; whatever may seem barren in your life; the Lord wants to bring Life!

May the Blessings and the Promises of our Risen Savior be yours today!

Blessings - Gary

Catch You Soon!
The joy of answered prayer.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

CAMBODIA JOURNEY 2013 - PART ONE

Location update: Pat is back in the United States, while Gary is ministering in India.

The next few Journal Posts will report on our adventures in Cambodia. While in the middle of travelling and 'doing',  it is difficult to sit down and convey to you everything that has taken place.  (Not to mention inconsistent internet access)

John and Sotey Yoder - missionaries with Reaching Kids International - Cambodia - hosted us for a week of outreach to the villages they work with on a weekly basis.  Weather was hot, the land is dry, and at the village of Phnom Basett (also called Rock Quarry Village) the swimming hole is almost  dry.  So a trip to the beach was planned. For most of the villagers - this was their first time to the beach!  Ever! 

Here is John's report of the Great Beach Adventure:

We came to Sihanoukville, Cambodia (ocean beach resort town on the Gulf of Thailand) to host 65 residents (50 children, 15 adults) from the Phnom Baset rock quarry village, for their first visit here ever!

Gary and Pat , along with RKI volunteer Dina and Sothary (our Khmer gospel teacher/ translator) helped the children in and out of the water to have the time of their lives from mid-morning to late in the afternoon on Saturday the 16th of March.

Sotey did an incredible job purchasing all food, drinks, and beach rentals.  After Sotey handed out sea-sick medicine to all who get car sick because they're not used to riding in moving vehicles (four hour bus trip one way), the four of us spent the night in Sihanoukville then visited the Kbal Chhay Waterfall on the way back to Phnom Penh.

Praise God for showering these kids (and adults) with His love during this event, and for His provision through the generosity of our faithful donors.  It is a day they will never forget.






 Stay tuned for the next installment of CAMBODIA JOURNEYS.    
Live each day with purpose.  Pat


Monday, March 25, 2013

NATION CHANGERS! Part Two

Where ever there is darkness God will send light!  Where ever there are lies, God will bring truth!

In Part 1 we shared about journeying into nations where the government is hostile to the spreading of the Gospel of  Jesus Christ.

The second Access Restricted Nation we ministered in has been experiencing new freedom economically.  More importantly, we are eye witnesses to the new freedom coming to the nation spiritually.

Bibles and other evangelistic material are not readily available to the people of that nation. Receiving a supply of Bibles and other printed material that we brought in gave great joy to the Pastor and evangelists we met with. It was a privilege to minister the Word of God to them, and then pray for and encourage them in their service to the Lord.

What joy there was when we were taken to see a church that is under construction.  The government is allowing the church to be built because one of the local evangelists prayed for a paralyzed man that God miraculously healed!  Because of this miracle - the whole village is open to the message of Jesus Christ and a church was started.   Truth will prevail and darkness will leave!
Delivering The Good News

Thank You for being a vital part in bringing the Light and Truth of the Gospel to S.E. Asia!

Catch You Soon - Gary and Pat


Church Being Built

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

NATION CHANGERS! Part One

During the first week of March, Pat and I were part of a team that journeyed into two Southeast Asian nations which have been categorized as Access Restricted.   This means that the government is hostile to the spreading of the Gospel.

We are not able to mention the names of the countries, nor show the faces of the leaders that we met with because of  safety issues concerning their identity. However, the days we meet with them were empowering.

In the first country, we conducted a C.E.P. (Church Empowerment Program). Over 100  young men and women came to be instructed, activated, and receive impartation to do the work of the ministry.  Our being there brought them great joy and as Pat and I  ministered the Word of God we could see the impact the Word was having.

The program ended the last day by commissioning everyone to the work of the Lord and providing them with evangelistic Gospel materials in their language.

 At the end, one young man came running up to me sobbing and held on to me for the longest time. It was his way of thanking us for coming.  Pat and I want to thank you for helping us go - your prayers and your support have had an impact on so many that will help bring the Gospel to this Nation and change it forever!

Blessings - Gary

 


Sunday, March 10, 2013

THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE

View into Myanmar
The Golden Triangle of Southeast Asia is an area of beauty, history, violence, suffering and hope.  Warm hospitable people of various tribes populate the hill country, even as many migrate to cities desperate to escape the cycle of poverty and isolation.  False hope is offered through the illegal trade of opium.  The Hall of Opium  was a heart breaking education on the tragic history of the opium wars, and the illicit opium trade that has destroyed lives for centuries. In spite of Government eradication programs, illegal activity continues to grow, and will only slow when the demand lessens, and people are given other options to adequately support their families.

As we traveled in the nations of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos, hope was evident in the faces of many who have received the love of Jesus.  Our team brought encouragement as we taught young adults and children; visited orphanages and homes; sharing the love of Jesus and a connection to 'the outside world.'  We saw first hand the daily struggles and challenges and heard their hearts' request to continually remember them in prayer.
MeKong River
Confluence of MeKong & Ruak
          


Monday, February 25, 2013

THOSE OF LIKE MIND

People in America are often surprised and amazed at our decision to travel to SE Asia to share the Love of Jesus Christ with people we don't yet know.

As we meet with missionaries and indigenous ministers at the conference in Bangkok, there is an instant connection and recognition that these are people of like heart and mind.  We become part of a company of many with the same purpose.

Our first few days in Bangkok have been spent adjusting to the 15 hour time difference; exploring local food stalls and indulging in the best Pad Thai; fellowshipping with a multi-cultural group of Believers in Jesus at NewSong Church Bangkok.
                  
Pad Thai 
Bangkok Street Scene
          
As they say in Thailand - "Sawadee Ka"      Pat & Gary

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

GOD'S AMEN

Do you believe in coincidence?  We don't really - but we do believe that God sets things up in advance so that when we 'happen' upon it - it seems like a coincidence to us.  A Godly-coincidence if you will.

Reading Our Daily Bread for February 20th (the day we leave on our journey to  SE Asia)  we were amazed at the scripture verse:

"In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."  Proverbs 3:6

When we listen to His voice, God will continually give us direction for our lives.  His confirmation; God's Amen; brings peace to our hearts and confidence to walk the path He leads us on.

Thank you to all our friends, family, Pastors in so many churches who are standing with us as we take this journey.   In the Body of Christ we may be the feet - but without the rest of the members - the feet can't go anywhere.

Your love, prayers, support and encouragement give us strength.

We're excited for what God is going to do.  We're excited to share with you the good reports along the way.

Stay tuned. Catch you in Asia!  Gary and Pat






Tuesday, February 5, 2013

MEETING A BASIC NEED


It is such a wonderful experience to make a difference in the lives of other people.  We work with John and Sotey and Mike with Reaching Kids International - Cambodia.  Here’s the latest humanitarian aid that your support and prayers have allowed Greater Works Unlimited to partner in.

Here’s what John shared:  


“For several generations of families at the Phnom Baset rock quarry village, and many other villages in rural Cambodia; going to 'the bathroom' means walking over the rocky soil, through some bushes or forests to relieve themselves out of plain sight, or 'holding it' till night fall so they don't have to walk so far. After some research, RKI's builders have come up with a plan to build a stand alone toilet facility, with two toilets; at the rock quarry village for only $850.00. This will give these folks a sanitary and convenient place to 'do their business' for the first time in their lives.



“We had a great meeting with our friends there, and when we told them the good news (toilets being built), they burst into cheers and applause! I've never seen or heard anything like it in the five years that we've served the poor in different capacities here.”

Gary and I will be in Cambodia March 2013 and can’t wait to see and be a part of the village outreaches once again.

   

Thursday, January 17, 2013

THE COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN

Is it me - or does time seem to be moving faster than ever?

Where did the days of 'we have plenty of time' go?

Thankfully, plane tickets have been purchased and rooms at the Christian Guest House booked. Our contacts in S.E. Asia are anxiously awaiting us and prayer and fasting have begun.

But ......
  •  I still have to get my last Hepatitis C shot
  • Clothes need to be bought for both Pat and I (old ones are getting tight!)
  • Visa pictures taken. Thank goodness for Visa on Arrival at the airports overseas. Instead of sending your passport away to the foreign embassy and wondering if you would ever see your passport again, you now can get your entry visa when you arrive at your destination.
  • Obtaining crisp, clean U.S. money.  No seriously, some countries we travel to do not have ATM's or banks for foreign exchange.  To exchange your money with a merchant it has to be PERFECT.  No creases, no tears, no fading of Benjamin Franklin's face.  Pat and I almost couldn't pay our hotel bill in one country because of a small tear in the corner of a $100 bill.  (Did I mention they don't take credit or debit cards in the entire country?)
  • Getting our house winterized and arranging for someone to watch it while we are gone  Thank God for Christian neighbors!  Oh, and our birds and plants to be given to someone for safe keeping.
  • And a million other things!! Last trip I forgot my glasses, can you believe that - so I had to get a pair made in Malaysia.
However, it is all worth it for the Kingdom of God and the souls that will be saved, healed, delivered and shown the love of God.

Can't wait to be on the plane heading to Thailand - that's when I know I'll be able to finally relax!

Catch you later - Gary

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

GREAT EXPECTATIONS



It's 2013!  Crazy, I know!

Both Pat and I love the beginning of a new year. We love the fresh start and great expectations in God that are stretched out before us.

2012 has been a year of favor and repositioning. We are amazed how the favor of the Lord has gone before us and opened doors we could not possibly think would be opened to us.  We have seen much change and freedom come into our lives and ministry this past year.

Excitement is in our house as we get ready to head back to S.E. Asia in February.  We will be ministering in Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, India and God only know where else!  We're looking forward to reconnecting with 'old' friends,  making new friends, having new adventures, experiencing new food and sharing all of it with you!

We want to encourage you to continually expect great things from the Lord.  Expectation is the womb for faith. Expect the favor of the Lord and His faithfulness to position you for your destiny.  All for the purpose of God to be fulfilled in your life.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give yo hope and a future." (NIV)

Catch you soon!  Gary