Another Generation

Twenty-seven young men and women sit before us, minds and hearts open to receive the Word of God.  

The years roll back as my heart returns to our Bible School days when Gary and I had this same eager expectation: that God has great plans and purposes for us, and the confidence that He would certainly reveal them soon. 

From today’s perspective, forty plus years further on our journey with God, Gary and I confidently assured these expectant students that God is absolutely faithful, never-changing and true to His promises.  However, His picture often looks considerably different than we expect, because His thoughts and plans are so much more intricate and long-reaching than ours. (Isaiah 55:8-9) 

The course on ‘Activating the Gifts of Holy Spirit’, was a joy to both teach and model. The Holy Spirit was present to speak through us, filling and flowing through the students as they put into practice what they learned.

Yes, the upstairs classroom was hot and humid. Fans kept it relatively cool, except on the day the power went off, but we all persevered.  The privilege of speaking into their lives was worth it. A week later Gary was invited to be the graduation speaker.

Bible School teaching is one of my favorite things to do.  I understand why my mother loved teaching about Holy Spirit at Shiloh Training Institute. 

(Gary and I attended Shiloh in the ‘80’s. Mom & Gary both taught there for several years. Located in Hamilton, Montana, the school has since closed)

It’s been a month since we returned to India. We are settled in our flat (aka apartment) and have both had opportunity to share the Word at our home church where we were warmly welcomed back. 

There are challenges.   One cool, peaceful morning while on our balcony chatting with my sister, two utility poles on our street erupted in flames and sparks with a gunshot-like explosion. This created a power surge throughout the neighborhood.  After resetting breakers, we discovered that both our air conditioner units and our refrigerator were damaged. Parts and repair will take a week. We are grateful the temperature has cooled off some and the fans are working.

There is so much chaos and tragedy in our world, and yet there is a feeling of anticipation –  what will God do? The light of Jesus shines in the darkness – and darkness will never overcome it.  ( John 1:5) We are each called to be light, to bring hope and Jesus wherever we find ourselves. 

 Our prayer is that your passion for Jesus will burn bright, that your flame will light the way for many hurting hearts to find the hope that only He can give them.

The Journey Continues - Pat

Tea Pluckers Harvesting the Second Flush

Living the Good Life God Has Planned

 For we are God's handiwork ….. that we may do those good works which God planned beforehand for us ….  living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live.  
(excerpt from Ephesians 2:10 AMPC)

What an amazing promise! Gary and I are incredibly blessed to be living the ‘good life which God made ready for us’.  It’s a life that supersedes our greatest expectations, dreams and plans as declared in Ephesians 3:20-21.

Sharing the truth of God’s Word is a passion for both of us.    We truly believe that Jesus would have come for one soul, and we don’t hesitate to journey to a small gathering of hungry hearts. 

It’s a joy to be part of the Body of Christ wherever we go:  at a remote village cottage meeting, a gathering of church leaders, discipleship training course, Sunday morning services or a midweek Bible study.

Discipleship Training Course

The overriding focus of every teaching we share is the same message Jesus stated in John 10:10. He said that His reason for leaving heaven and coming to earth, was so that those who choose to believe in Him and accept His saving grace would have abundant life.  

Not just life – which is a wonderful thing – but abundant life – overflowing, victorious, healthy life, joy-filled life in Christ.

Cottage (Home) Meetings

Monsoon rains are coming to our part of the country – and we’re heading back to the US for the next three months.  We plan to reconnect with as many of you as possible.  

MONTANA DATES

Come be part of our Montana meetings if you are anywhere close. 

• Thursday, June 19th – @ 6:00 p.m. CrossPoint Women, Corvallis, MT
• Sunday, June 22nd @ 10 a.m. CrossPoint Church
     Corvallis, MT with Pastors Scot and Shelly Colwell
• Sunday, June 29th - 10:30 a.m. The Place Church
    Hamilton, MT with Pastors Mike and Denise Echterling

Wherever you are along your Journey with God, our prayer is that you will be encouraged today.  Gary and I are not special, or more loved – we are just two ordinary people, who serve an extraordinary God, and learned to say ‘YES’ when he says go.

True Abundant Life is only found in Jesus, lived by the power of Holy Spirit, anchored in the love of Father God.  His plans are so incredibly better than yours or mine! 

Thank you for sharing our Journey.  Let's continue together ~ Pat

Focusing on a Heart Relationship with God

Gary and I have been blessed to share the messages from the Word of God several times in the past month. The focus has been on living a genuine life as a follower of Jesus.  Not just a believer.  Not just a church member. But a true disciple. 

A life lived following the heart of God is characterized by:

Sincere worship - from our hearts, more than words sung during a church service.  Followers of Jesus need to be sincere and honest - every day, in every place.

Bold witness - from our hearts.  The more time we spend in the presence of the Lord, the more we are transformed into His image and live like Jesus lived.  Jesus lived to tell others about the Kingdom of God.  That is the calling for every believer.

Are you ready to be challenged?  Be open. Ask the Lord to speak to your heart. Take action when He speaks to you.

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. Ephesians 1:17 NIV

Our prayer is that your heart will be stirred by the Word of God; that Holy Spirit will reveal deeper truth about Who God is;  and that you will follow Him with all of your heart.

The Journey Continues ~ Pat and Gary

The Earth is the Lord's

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,

    the world, and all who live in it;

for he founded it on the seas

    and established it on the waters.  Psalm 24:1-2 NIV

God is moving throughout the earth.  Gather25 was an unprecedented, and free, 25-hour global broadcast event telling the story and mission of the global Church, by the global Church. This was an opportunity for the 2.5 billion believers across the world to gather in prayer, worship, repentance, and commissioning, There was great rejoicing as we heard incredible stories of what God is doing around the world. 

Session 3 was broadcast from New Delhi, India.  This minute and a half intro video provides a wonderful look into India with a concise explanation how the Christian experience varies greatly throughout this great nation.  As you watch this video, may your heart be stirred, encouraged and motivated to pray. You'll want to watch more - click for the entire broadcast from India. 

It is a great joy for Gary and I to be living overseas.  Wow – just typing that makes me tear up.    It’s been our lifelong desire to spend more time overseas than in America. Now that it is our reality, we are continually amazed and grateful. 

Since we are foreigners, which can draw unwanted attention, our main role is to encourage and strengthen the local Body of Christ so that they can share the love of Jesus with their family, friends and neighbors.  

Sharing the Word of God with hungry hearts, seeing them respond and begin to apply God’s truth to their lives is rewarding.

We are so grateful that you are part of our Journey with God, which is only possible because of your faithful prayers, love and support.   

This Amazing Journey Continues ~ Pat and Gary

Joy To The World

There was much rejoicing this week as Gary and I taught the second week of a 4-week discipleship course. The overall topic for the week was “Transformation”. 

Joy was the overwhelming emotion as we saw Holy Spirit meet people at every level. 

In class:  Holy Spirit infilling with evidence of speaking in tongues, deeper revelation of spiritual gifts and fruit of the Spirit, and the power of Holy Spirit that is available to each of us. Challenging reminders that in this life we will have persecution - but Jesus overcame the world, and so can we. 

During an evening meeting at a local church, we prayed for everyone there, and many miracle testimonies were shared.  Including one woman who hadn’t walked normally for 20 years. After prayer she grabbed Gary’s hand and began walking back and forth in the room. Pain had left her body. Thank you Jesus! 

The church gathers in a courtyard with concrete walls and floor, and tent-like fabric panels for a ceiling.    Everyone was bundled up in jackets and scarves, sitting on thin mats covering the cold concrete floor, listening attentively as the word was shared in English and translated into Punjabi.

 Open Doors World Watch List,  monitors countries whose government or primary religion is strongly opposed to Christianity.  For everyone’s protection, we are careful not to share specific details of our location or to share our travels on social media.

Our prayer for you this Christmas is that you will receive a new, deeper understanding of Immanuel; God with Us. God with You. 

You will be abundantly enriched in every way as you give generously on every occasion,  for when we take your gifts to those in need,  it causes many to give thanks to God. 2 Corinthians 9:11 TPT

Merry Christmas

With All Our Love

Gary and Pat

Delicious home-cooked food

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God Satisfies Hungry Hearts

This hill city sits at 6,709 feet with spectacular views of the Himalaya mountains, presided over by Kangchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world.

For three days in October, I was one of two speakers at an Annual Conference.  The network includes five neighboring cities and all participated in this conference. The church was packed. 

Since I have ministered here for many years and know the pastors well, it was like being with family.

It was arguably one of the best conferences I have been a part of or attended.  The theme was “Intimacy with Jesus.” Every service was filled with an atmosphere of hunger and expectancy.  Every service was marked by the Presence of the Lord – you could truly feel that God was in the room.  People rejoiced and danced! Each message touched the hearts of the people and the response to God's Word was immediate.  There were healings, deliverances, salvations and people recommitting their lives to the Lord and desiring a new and deeper walk with Jesus.  

Many testified with tears of what they experienced and declared that their lives would never be the same.

Messages are translated from English to the
local language.

In just a couple weeks, I will be travelling to speak at another Church's 30th Anniversary.  I am expecting the same anointing and presence of the Lord to be there.  His desire is that lives are changed for eternity.  Thank you so very much for all your prayers, they are impactful!

Is your heart hungry for more of God? Do you also desire closer fellowship with your Savior?  Then go for it - spend time in worship, read the Word of God, talk to Jesus. He will satisfy your hungry heart.

The Journey Continues ~ Gary

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Overwhelming Gratitude

October is not normally thought of as a month of new beginnings – but for Gary and I, it’s the start of another adventure as we are back overseas for the next eight months.  Our flights from Las Vegas were smooth and uneventful.  Four flights over 30+ hours, 12 time zones and the international date line – all make for a long journey.  We left hot, dry weather and landed in hot, humid, rainy weather.  

The monsoon season (also called rainy or wet season) is usually June through September but is lingering this year.  It’s hard to understand how continual rains impact daily life until you see standing water in all low-lying areas,  and realize the water simply has no place to go.  We’re grateful the rains have been coming at night and the days are relatively bright. 

 

Empty lot next-door - monsoon (rainy season)

Same lot - dry season

Hindus are celebrating one of their most important annual festivals called Durga Puja. Schools are closed, shop hours are varied, and many people take time off work to participate in this 10-day celebration.  A local school yard has been converted into a temporary temple, loudspeakers on the street blast prayers and worship chants as worshippers in their holiday finery arrive for the festival.  It's a reminder that less than five percent of this vast nation are followers of our Lord.  

There is a sense of overwhelming gratitude in our hearts.  Living overseas has been a long-standing desire and to finally see the reality is amazing.  

There is also an increased awareness of the power of prayer, and the value of the prayers of God’s people.

In September, after dinner at a friend’s house, she prayed for our trip, specifically for safety as we travelled.  I had a deep revelation of the power of the prayers of God’s people.  I will never take for granted the countless people who say ‘I or we are praying for you.” 

It struck me that it was the prayers of God’s people, and the faithfulness of Almighty God that literally stopped the destructive plans of the enemy and spared Gary and I from serious harm this past summer.  

At the end of an enjoyable day in Kalispell, Montana, we were heading back to the car when I tripped on a raised piece of sidewalk. One moment I was walking full speed ahead - then I wasn't.

Gary saw it happen in slow motion - but couldn't catch me. He breathed a prayer, 'Don't let her break anything'.  He saw my sunglasses fly backwards, my head turn to the side, and I landed with my arm across my chest - not on my palms.  Wow! 

I just remember sort of 'coming to' and feeling a wave of pain. I was bruised, sore, and had a sprained toe - which still aches if I walk too much. But WOW it could have been really serious. 

That same day we were crossing two lanes of traffic, and as we crossed the first lane, a van in the second lane blew through the crosswalk without stopping or even slowing down. If Gary hadn't stopped walking at the edge of the first lane, he would have been hit!

So yes - we believe in miracles and God's protection and are incredibly grateful for the covering prayers of God’s people.  Every prayer, every expression of love, every gift of support is cherished.  Our awareness of the eternal, spiritual is heightened.

May you personally experience the power of God in your life, your family, wherever you need a miracle.

The Journey Continues ~ Pat

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Our Summer Adventure

As we left Montana, driving south on US 93, the Big Hole Valley opened up before us in a vast expanse, intersected by a seemingly  endless highway.  

That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” I Corinthians 2:9 NLT

A fitting view as our time in Montana drew to a close.  The past four weeks have been filled with God's love and presence as we reconnected with family and friends, enjoyed the beauty of Montana, experienced God's bountiful provision and supernatural protection.

What a joy to share with our partner churches, bringing the message of God's great love for each of us.  A love that we must embrace and really, truly believe before we can share that message with hurting hearts around us. Your mission field is wherever your feet walk. The people in Your circle of influence need His love.

Our trip back to Las Vegas took us through Arizona where God truly showed up as we shared at Living Water Church and enjoyed sweet fellowship with friends.  Another drive will take us to visit friends in Durango Colorado, before we reach Las Vegas to repack and prepare to travel back to India.  

Airline tickets are booked leaving on October 5th - arriving October 7th.  Our cozy flat (apartment) awaits us.  

Two days after we land, Gary heads to our favorite hill city to speak at a church conference.

What a great adventure. What an amazing God we serve. 

Our life verse sums it up:  Ephesians 3:20-21 AMPC  Now to Him Who, by the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams] To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it).

May your heart embrace God's incredible love for you - and allow Him to lead you into His 'super-abundantly' for your life.  

The Journey Continues - Gary and Pat

Just Be Available

We left the heavy monsoon rains in overseas, and are now ready to leave the intense heat of Las Vegas.  August in Montana sounds wonderful - doesn't it?

Here's our schedule -  we are really excited to reconnect with our Montana supporters, friends and family. Please join us when you can.

• Sunday August 11th @ 10:30 a.m. The Place Church, Hamilton, MT
  with Pastors Mike and Denise Echterling
• Sunday August 18th @ 10 a.m. CrossPoint Church, Corvallis, MT
  with Pastors Scot and Shelly Colwell
• Sunday September 1st @ 10:30 a.m.  House of Praise, Victor, MT
  with Pastors Jim and Lorraine Andrusky
• Tuesday August 27th @ 6:00 p.m.  - CrossPoint Women, Corvallis, MT
  
  

"Your mission field is wherever your feet are." Gary & Pat Richards

It's true! Everyone in your circle of influence needs a touch from Jesus.

Available is defined as: 'Present and ready for use, at hand, accessible; or willing to do something.'  

Am I available? Are you available? To say yes to the Lord - wherever and whenever He says 'Go'.

Here are a few thoughts from Gary on what it means to "Just Be Available"

People often ask Pat and I, “What is the key to your success in ministry and life?”  

The answer is very simple; “If you want to be successful and want God to work in your life, then be available for Him.”

As a young Christian, I read Matthew 22:14, ”Many are called but few are chosen.” I knew right then I didn’t want just to be called, I wanted to be chosen. But what did I need to do?  I prayed and asked, ‘Lord, how do I get from being called to being chosen’? 

He simply replied, “Say, yes to me and always make yourself available.”

This is all Pat and I know to do and it has taken us where we could never have imagined, doing what we would never have been able to do in our own wisdom, strength or ability.

But how do we actually make ourselves available? What does that look like?  Do I have to volunteer more, give more to the church, read my Bible more?  No. Being available can include those things but it is much bigger than that.

To be available means to say yes to God, whenever and wherever.  It means allowing God to be God.   Being available means adjusting our agendas, and plans to fit God’s agendas and plans.  It is having an eternal perspective rather than a temporal one.

It is prioritizing that which is a priority to God and includes:

• Submitting your time, talents and resources to God.
• Obeying Him, even when it is difficult and costs you something.
• Thinking more about God and His purpose for your life and less about yourself.
• Aligning yourself with God and His purposes daily.
• It means living with the knowledge that as a follower of Jesus your life is not your own, you have been bought with a price.

God has never asked about our ability or our inability, but about our availability.

Isaiah made himself available to God. Isaiah 6:8 says, “And I heard the voice of the Lord saying ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?'  Then said I, 'Here I am! Send me.' ”

The greatest thing that we can do to bless and serve the world is to be available when God calls.

So, I want to ask you one simple question today:   Are you available? I promise you, making yourself available to God will involve risk on your part. I also promise you that by being available you will be blessed beyond measure and you will be a blessing to others in ways you can’t begin to imagine.

Here's the link to one of our current favorite songs: Elevation Worship “Available.”  Click here for the lyrics.

As you listen, let it become a prayer and a tool to dedicate yourself to being available to Him.  It will change your life and the lives of others!

The journey of availability continues ~ Gary & Pat

It's Just So Different

Early morning walks through the surrounding neighborhoods provide continual fascination.  It's a bit of a challenge to be up and out just after dawn; before the sun gets too high and the humidity makes it unbearable. While I do encounter a few fellow walkers, it's the closest to 'quiet' as it gets.

Its radically outside any comfort zone I ever had.  I stay observant and always feel safe, so don’t worry about that. 

Here are a few random observations that most of us don't see on a regular basis. (This assumes you live in a developed or first world nation, like the United States, Canada or parts of Europe.)

Trash is dumped in empty lots and occasionally burned along the edge of the road.

Cows. I know I keep mentioning the cows - but now they are calving and its cows and adorable newborn calves.    The ones I see on my walks have owners who move them to empty lots each day to graze.  (Which means dodging cow pies on the road)

There are small Hindu temples at many corners and junctions. People passing by stop for a moment to pay their respects to the enshrined deity before resuming their tasks.

Daily life spills out into the streets.  Especially in the poorer neighborhoods where houses are one or two rooms, an outdoor toilet, water is hauled from the faucet along the road. The public water supply is turned on at 7 am for a few hours each day.

This is life at it’s most basic.

Laundry is washed in buckets
and hung to dry
wherever there is room.

Transporting huge loads of goods by truck,
motorbike or balanced on a woman's head.

Ministry is also different.  As foreigners we try to keep a low profile by not openly sharing about Jesus in public places, only in private homes and at church.  Deliberately not being flashy or attracting more attention than our white skin already does.  We are careful about using social  media and not promoting ourselves.  It’s really all about Jesus anyway.

While everything about life in here is so different than life in America or Canada, one thing is constant: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, forever.” Hebrews 13:8.   It’s why we’re here. It’s why we live. It is our purpose to share His love wherever we go.

May this truth encourage your heart today.  When it seems that everything in your life is changing - Jesus is eternally the same. 

The Journey Continues ~ Pat

It’s pre-monsoon or summer season.
Flowers are blooming profusely.
The food is always delicious.

Packing and Preparing

Eye glasses are sorted, labelled and packaged. Suitcases are almost ready to zip shut.  Tickets are purchased, passports current, visas secured.

And yet I find the most important preparation is inside of  my heart. 

Each time  I hear the worship song "Build My Life" on the radio, at church it challenges my heart.  

What am I building my life on. What am I filling my heart with.

Open up my eyes in wonder

Show me who you are

Fill me with your heart and

Lead me in your love to those around me

The lyrics challenge my heart and renew my resolve to fully allow the immeasurable love of Jesus to fill my heart and lead me. To not be lead by my personal desires, or societies expectations.

As we prepare to journey to Thailand and onwards this week, we appreciate your love, your prayers, your support.  Our prayer for you is that regardless of where you find yourself in life - that your eyes would be open to the wonder of our awesome God, and this would be your prayer:

I will build my life upon your love

It is a firm foundation

I will put my trust in your alone

And I will not be shaken

Build My Life - Listen  

Build My Life - Lyrics

Join us on the Journey - Pat