Sunday, November 15, 2015

THANKSGIVING 2015

"Oh that man would praise the Lord for His goodness,
and for His wonderful works unto men!"
(Psalm 107:8)

Before everyone sits down with family and friends to share Thanksgiving dinner,
Pat and I want  to let you know what we are thankful for this year:

"It's You!"

We want to express our gratitude for your love, your friendship, your giving and your prayers.  Thank you for being a part of "Greater Works Unlimited," and all that we together were able accomplish this past year. We could not do what we do without you.

During this past year, the Lord has enabled us to share His love and touch lives in many different ways.

In Vietnam we contributed towards the expenses of a three Day Youth Conference with 26 youth leaders, where they received valuable teaching and imparting of God's Word.
> Helped to provide a Water Purification Unit for an orphanage in Vietnam which ministers to  HIV infected children.

In Sri Lanka we are providing the tuition for a pastor to become a certified optician.
> Two Eye Vision Clinics were recently held with your financial help.   At the last clinic 142 people were given glasses, prayed for and ministered to.

In Cambodia we were able to provide 76 water filters for a newly adopted village.
> A new wheelchair was provided for a young boy.
> Food and clothing were given to the residents of  three villages.

In Laos were were able to bring in Bibles and teaching materials for church leaders.

Working with others that share the love of God, financial support was given for:
  •  Rescuing three girls from Human Trafficking in Cambodia.
  • Children in a Ghanaian Orphanage to have a Christmas party and gifts.
  • Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes for Children in Nepal and the Philippines.
  • Providing livestock for sustainable income in China.
  • Support of young missionaries serving in Europe, South Africa and Mexico.  
  • Church construction in Ghana.
  • Financial support for the Persecuted Church in Access Restricted Nations.
  • Support to churches in the United States to reach their communities for Jesus. 

This all speaks of the value of partnership.  Without your help Pat and I know these things would not have been accomplished.  You are an important part of bringing the compassion of the Lord to those that are less fortunate.

Have a Wonderful and Thankful Holiday Season!

Blessings from our grateful hearts - Gary & Pat

PS - Details of our February 2016 trip to Sri Lanka will be coming soon!

Thanksgiving photo courtesy of Cyndy Hull
www.Montana1aDay.com

Sunday, August 16, 2015

HEADING FOR MONTANA

Hi Everyone!

It's August and once again, Pat and I are returning to the "Big Sky" state of Montana.

We will be arriving in Missoula, Montana on Wednesday, August 19th and returning to Las Vegas, on Labor Day, September 7th.  We are excitedly looking forward to times of ministry and visiting family and friends. The cooler weather is a bonus.

The following meetings are scheduled. We still have a few open dates, so if anyone wants to extend an invitation send an e-mail to gary@gwunlimited.com.
  • Thursday, August 20th - 10:00 am  Women of Worship,  Missoula, MT
  • Sunday,  August 23rd - 10:30 am at Barnabas Ministry, Hamilton, MT
  • Wednesday, August 26th - 6:30 p.m. at Christian Assembly Foursquare Church,  Missoula, MT
  • Sunday, August 30th - 10:30 am. at Barnabas Ministry, Hamilton, MT
  • Tuesday, September 1st -evening house meeting in Victor, MT with Karl & Brenda Williams
  • Sunday, September 6th - 10:30 am at House of Praise, Victor, MT
Pat and I are in the process of scheduling our next overseas trip to Sri Lanka for February 2016.  More details of this exciting trip will be sent out at a later date.

As we walk out the destiny the Lord has given to us, we want to thank you for partnering with us through your prayers and financial gifts.  Words can never express how grateful we are, and how important each one of you is to us.

Our prayer for each and everyone of you is that you will continually grow in the love of Christ and be filled with all the fullness of God!

Blessings - Gary
Enjoy more Montana scenes at www.Montana1aDay.com.  
Thank you Cyndy for sharing your God-given talent.



Saturday, June 27, 2015

BRINGING HOPE - PRICELESS

Most of our mission trips are to developing or third world nations.  The greatest need we see is the need for hope. Hope that someone cares and the current situation can and will be changed for good.

Eternal hope is the love of Jesus.   Earthly hope takes many forms to express that love.

The following report was shared by our Cambodian Missionary contacts John and Sotey Yoder.  As you read it - please accept their thanks - and ours - for your part in bringing hope to this young child.
----------------------------------------

Little Piseth from Bird's Nest (Flooded) Village, who was paralyzed by medical malpractice when he was only 6 months old,  received a new wheel chair today (June 18, 2015) from Christ through the generosity of Gary & Pat Richards with Greater Works Unlimited (who noticed the bad condition of his old chair during their recent visit in March), and Lourdes Cabanes; who recently visited his village with a mission team from the Philippines.

Piseth's new chair is built with an actual cushioned seat for better comfort, with lots of room for growth spurts.

Everyone was all smiles as Piseth was loving 
his new ride,  and Sotey & Tye Roath 
were blessed to be able to bring it to him in person. 

Piseth inherited his old chair from 
an uncle who died a few years back. 
Eventually the frame was broken down, 
and the wheels were practically frozen.

Piseth and his family live in Bird's Nest Village
which floods just about every year. 
When we first came here in 2011, most of the houses 
were partially under water.  Partnering with another 
organization and generous donors overseas, 
we've rebuilt nearly every home in the village, 
high above the water level.

The old & new chairs. Amazing how just $100.00 
can make such a big difference in someone's life.

From the Least of These we say "Thank you" ~ Gary and Pat

Saturday, May 30, 2015

SNAPSHOTS OF CAMBODIA

A friend reminded us that we have been back in America for two months - and he is still waiting to read a report on our week in Cambodia.

Here are my favorite images from this trip to Cambodia.  They seem to capture the simplicity of village life, and the satisfaction of helping to meet the most basic needs.

French baguettes are the standard gift when visiting
 village families. This young girl is making sure that
nothing comes between her and her treat.

We greeted this beautiful woman relaxing on her front steps after
Sunday's church service. You can see her new water filter over her
shoulder on the left.  On the right side is the kitchen area of her
small home.  Many homes in this village need better walls to survive
the rainy season.  For about $70 each - a home can be re-sided
with woven bamboo that will last 3 - 4 years. 


Contact us if you want to help financially to add walls to an existing home for $70.  Or for $425 rebuild a home from the ground up with a solid structure, tin roof, and bamboo walls. Plus a water filter!

Church service at Village 99 - under the one tree that offered
some shade!  We sang, shared the Word of God and prayed.
Wonderful fellowship with our Khmer brothers and sisters.
Song books and Bibles in the Khmer language were given to
the Church for all to share.  Thank you for your support that made
it possible for us to provide these materials.

Children are children all around the world.
A simple balloon animal brings joy.

















































For the Least of These, Pat and Gary
PS - more to come on Cambodia - soon - I promise.





Sunday, March 29, 2015

WITH GRATEFUL HEARTS

Safely back home in America, we are still processing all that was accomplished during our month long Southeast Asia Mission Trip.

We find ourselves reflecting on:

©      How our hearts were impacted by the immense need in each nation we visited.

©      How encouraged we are to see so many following the call of God to meet a specific need, knowing it is by His power and provision.

©      How grateful we are for the privilege to touch lives with the amazing love of Jesus Christ. 

©      How often we thank the Lord for your love, prayers and support.

Thank you from our Grateful Hearts – Pat and Gary   ©  ©

                                                NOTE: A report on our week in Cambodia is in the works.

Rural Scene -  Laos






Street Side Cafe - Vietnam














Life on the Canals - Thailand

Monday, March 16, 2015

JESUS LOVES THE LITTLE CHILDREN

If you've ever attended Sunday School or Vacation Bible School you have probably sung this chorus that declares "... Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight; Jesus loves the little children of the world."

We had opportunity to express His love to children at a small orphanage East of Hanoi, Vietnam.

Their parents died from AIDS, and the children are HIV positive. They appear to still be healthy, and hopefully with proper care will live long productive lives.

They are housed in a portion of a beautiful government owned complex. Even though the cost of their care and education is subsidized by the Government, some Christian people have received permission to visit with and minister to the children.

Because it was Saturday, there was no schedule for the day. The children were all gathered in an open hall.  Our team spent about two hours with them, playing games, doing crafts, telling stories. Gary and I made balloon animals which were all quickly adopted.

The team was able to purchase and deliver a water purification unit, to provide clean water for drinking and cooking.  Previously they had to boil the water to purify it and remove the bad odor.  We prayed and laid hands on each child, speaking a blessing over them.

It was a joy to visit these children, to let them know they are loved, that they are not forgotten. To speak hope into their young lives.

For the Least of These ...Gary and Pat




MEASURING TRUE WEALTH

Hanoi, Vietnam - Youth Conference

Wet season in the northern part of Vietnam means it was raining and drizzly during our time there.  The city's many lakes and lush manicured public  gardens are a relaxing contrast to the crowded city streets.

Twenty six youth leaders gathered from various churches in the city, and towns up to 30 miles away. Traveling mostly on busses, many stayed over night in the church house, sleeping on thin foam pads on the floor.

The focus during these three days was intimacy with God. How to develop a closer, more personal relationship with Him.  Based on His great love for us, and not our works.

One session hit home as it focused on our priorities. We were all challenged to ask: Where we spend our time. Are we more intimate with social media than with God.  While Internet, TV, phones, and social media can be good tools, do we allow them to take priority in our lives. It was a  time of personally talking to the Lord, then a prayer of repentance and asking Him to help us prioritize our lives.

On the second afternoon, we prayed individually over each person, speaking God's promises into their lives.  Many received prophetic words and later shared how their hearts were encouraged and strengthened.

It was very humbling to hear their prayer requests, and realize that while these young people have so little material wealth; their hearts are rich deposits of God's love for their families and villages.  What a privilege on the last day to have these amazing, sold out young people lay hands on and pray for us.

The church in northern Vietnam has a strong committed 'Joshua' generation to carry on the work of God. Thank you for your love, prayers, and support as we follow the call to encourage them.  

The adventure continues ... Pat and Gary

  ~ ~ ~ ~ Please note : For their protection, facial features have been obscured.






Wednesday, March 4, 2015

FAMILY REUNION

Sitting in the lobby of The Tawana Bangkok Hotel, observing  people from across the world reunite at the conference we are attending,  we caught a glimpse of the Family of God coming together from every nation tongue and tribe. (Rev 7:9-10) 

As we sing and praise God together I am very aware that we are in the presence of men and women of honor - of great courage, of great valor.  They live, work and serve God in nations where their faith puts their very lives in danger.

Under the protective shield of our blue passport cover we can come and go at will, back to our safe and comfortable home in the US.

They live by faith, protected by the promises of almighty God, counting their life on this earth of less value than eternal life with Christ. 

Thank you for your prayers for us as we travel to some of these nations.  Please pray for them as we are instructed to in Hebrews 13:3 " Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies."

May this song be our prayer:  "Our heart, our desire, is to see the Nations worship."

The adventure continues .... Pat and Gary

Friday, February 27, 2015

LATE NIGHT MEAL

Three planes carried us 8,425 miles for 26 hours and brought us safely from Las Vegas to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport. 

It's only been four months since we passed through and yet we were disoriented trying to find the pre-paid taxi stand.  Then we realized the long que to the bustling desk staffed by harried clerks had been replaced by a row of sleek computerized kiosks. Welcome to modern Thailand.

The driver at Taxi Stand 42 drove us to Thong Ta Resort, just 10 minutes from the airport.  For US $28 we checked into a clean room with air conditioning, running water with breakfast included.

What joy to see an outdoor food court at the corner, still open at 1 a.m.  (Late dinner hours are very typical through out Asia.)

There we feasted on duck rice and duck soup before heading to our room for a good night's sleep.  

The adventure is under way.  More to come - Pat and Gary






Wednesday, February 25, 2015

THE NIGHT BEFORE THE FLIGHT


Last minute details - reviewing our packing list - weighing suitcases - switching the hot water heater to vacation mode - setting the alarm for 2:30 a.m. - okay, I think we're ready.

Excitement keeps us from sleep - until suddenly it's morning and time for our flight.

As we journey to Southeast Asia - you are with us, part of our hearts, part of the adventure.  Words cannot express our gratitude for the love, prayers, support and encouragement from each of you, our family and friends.

Within 24 hours, we'll be halfway around the world in a time zone 15 hours ahead of Las Vegas' time.

The adventure continues.     Pat and Gary

photo courtesy of Cyndy Hull www.Montana1aDay.com




Sunday, February 8, 2015

A PRECIOUS COMMODITY

In January we shared how with your support we were able to help provide water filters to families in Cambodia.

Today we are excited to tell you about the first phase of delivery.

John and Sotey Yoder, our contacts with Reaching Kids International - Cambodia, reported: 
"Over the next few days, we'll have the privilege to distribute Rabbit Water filtration systems (made in Cambodia) to 69 families in two of the five villages we serve, thanks to Christ's provision through our generous friends and partners: Greater Works Unlimited out of Las Vegas, NV, USA; whose founders will be gracing us with their presence us next month. More info when we post the picture albums of the actual distributions."

Ready for delivery.
(inset) Water Filter in a typical Khmer home.

One water filter will provide a family clean water for drinking and cooking for about two years.  The system is simple - a ceramic filter, inside a plastic receptacle tank with a spigot and a lid. Rabbit Water Filters Instructions





Visitors typically bring a gift of fresh bread.
A treat the children especially enjoy.

Friday, January 16, 2015

ENCOURAGEMENT

"Arise, Lord! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless.   You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed...." (Psalm 10:12, 17-18 NIV)

What encourages you? What gives you hope for another day?

Seventy families in Cambodia will be encouraged this month as they receive water filters to provide clean drinking water for their families.    

The Lord hears the cries of the poor, and then allows us to hear them and act on His behalf.  Our ministry partners in Cambodia recently adopted another poor rural village of 50 families. An additional 20 families have been added to other villages they care for. They have little or no decent shelter to call home, and lack basic sanitary facilities.  Clean drinking water is the first priority to prevent sickness and disease.

Through your support, prayers and gifts we were able to meet this need.  The love of Jesus demonstrated in a practical way changes lives.

We will be travelling to South East Asia February 26 - March 25.  Ministering in four nations that are hostile to the Good News. Your prayers are so important as we prepare and as we travel.

May the Lord continue to strengthen and encourage you. Thank you for reaching out in love.

For the least of these, Gary and Pat

The clay filters last about 2 years for one family.


Families receiving water filters in Sept 2013.