Where Did the Time Go?

This is a commonly asked question that really doesn’t have an answer.  We all know that the clock ticks at the same pace day after day – and yet there are times when it ‘seems’ as if the days go by at double speed.

That’s how Gary and I feel about our three months in the United States.  Our sturdy Chevy Equinox logged 5,125 miles as we drove north from Las Vegas to Montana’s Bitterroot Valley, then further north into Alberta, Canada and back down to Las Vegas.  Reconnecting with family and friends, ministering at partner churches, marveling at the beauty of God’s creation.  Our hearts are filled with gratitude for everyone who hosted us, fed us an allowed us to stay in their homes. Truly the Family of God in action.

When you travel a lot, there is no routine.   It takes a conscious effort to stay focused and aware of the Lord’s purpose and presence in our lives.

When everything in our lives is changing – the Lord is our Rock.  His Word, His presence anchors us to His heart.

I love this passage in The Passion Translation: 

So it is impossible for God to lie for we know that his promise and his vow will never change!

And now we have run into his heart to hide ourselves in his faithfulness. This is where we find his strength and comfort, for he empowers us to seize what has already been established ahead of time—an unshakable hope! 

We have this certain hope like a strong, unbreakable anchor holding our souls to God himself. Our anchor of hope is fastened to the mercy seat in the heavenly realm beyond the sacred threshold, and where Jesus, our forerunner, has gone in before us. He is now and forever our royal Priest like Melchizedek.  Hebrews 6: 18 – 20 TPT

Breathtaking Reminder of God's Faithfulness

Tim Hortons Coffee - a Canadian Tradition

Gary and I could never have imagined this life.  We find ourselves continually in awe, wondering how God got us to this point.  We are living out our dream, our calling.  It is the most rewarding life because we are following His heart, His voice:  saying Yes Lord.

NOW: Take your seat, buckle up and prepare to go with us around the world in this five-minute video. 

•  In this brief summary of what God is doing around the world you will see photos from Ghana West Africa, Thailand with the Akha people group, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), and of course India – where we are based. 
  
  
• These faithful men and women are serving God in their home nations where we often cannot go.  We are blessed to support them in prayer, encouragement and financial support.  They are seeing a harvest of souls and transformed lives right where God has placed them.

God is moving through ordinary people like you and I.  Each of us has a mission field: it is right where our feet our today, touching those within our circle, within our reach. Say Yes to God.   Don’t give up! Don’t forget His promises to you personally. Follow after His heart and see what He will do.  

 The Journey Continues with our Faithful God  ~ Pat

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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 India – 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. It's a joy to speak at our home church here in India. 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?  We invite you to listen to these teachings.  Be open. Ask the Lord to speak to your heart. Take action when He speaks to you.

Grasshoppers or Meat Eaters: When we have a 'grasshopper mentality', we will never see ourselves as the meat-eating giant-killers God says we are. 

Two Types of Worship: Palm Sunday or Resurrection Sunday: Do we worship from emotion or from the heart? (Enjoy Nepali worship. This is the full service. message starts at 53 minutes)

Worship in Spirit and in Truth: it's the kind of worship Father God is looking for.

Come and See. Go and Tell: Instructions to the first evangelists on Resurrection Sunday morning.  This is still our mission today. (Enjoy Nepali worship. This is the full Service. Message starts at 1:13.)

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 in India.  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

Join us in India as you listen to one or more of our recent teachings.  Shared in English and translated into Hindi.

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.

India is #11 on Open Doors World Watch List, which 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

The hill city of Darjeeling, West Bengal, India 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 Full Gospel Praise and Worship‘s Annual Conference.  Their network includes churches in five neighboring hill cities, and all participated in this conference. The church was packed. 

Since I have ministered at Full Gospel 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 Nepali
- the most common language in the Darjeeling area

In just a couple weeks, November 13-17, I will be in the city of Hyderabad, Telangana, South India speaking at Penuel Gospel 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

Enjoy a few moments of worship - Nepali style

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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 in our India home 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 Jesus. 

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.  India is home - our cozy flat (apartment) awaits us.  

Two days after we land, Gary heads to our favorite hill city, Darjeeling, West Bengal, 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 India, 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

We said 'Yes' to living in India - and look what God allowed us to experience

Welcome Home - back in America

Upon arrival into the United States, all persons regardless of their citizenship, are required to go through US Immigration, collect their baggage, then go through US Customs.

When we returned to the United States last week – we simply presented our passports, which the Immigration official scanned, stamped and handed back to us with a poignant greeting “Welcome Home”.

Our customs form read ‘Nothing to Declare’. We handed it the officer and walked out to the warm embrace of friends at the arrival gate in Las Vegas. 

God is a lot like that US Immigration Official.   It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been away, where you’ve travelled, how tired and dirty you are – when you return, He simply stamps you with His love, puts His arms around you and says, “Welcome Home Child”.

Then we have the opportunity to declare and surrender all those things that we shouldn’t be carrying around – fear, hurt, discouragement, worry, habits, indifference.

Surrender them to Jesus – He’s like the Customs Officer for heart matters. He’ll take them and dispose of them properly. Imagine how much less baggage you’ll have to carry around.  How much lighter your heart will feel. 

We’re officially back in Las Vegas for the next two months.  Although it’s been our home for many years, somehow it no longer feels like ‘home’ – our hearts have been transplanted and taken root in India.

What's ahead for us?  August will find us enjoying Montana's big-skies and cool summer days, reconnecting with friends and families and sharing at our partner churches.  We'll share that schedule soon. 

Plans are to return to India by early October.  Our cozy flat is waiting for us.

We're often asked, 'What does it feel like to be back home in the United States?'    It's good to be back and we definitely feel loved and warmly welcomed by all our friends and supporters.  

Morning walks in our Las Vegas neighborhood feel  'sanitized' without the dust, garbage, cows, cowpies or stray dogs. 

Thank you for sharing our journey as we continue with God.   ~ Pat

Be prepared to be challenged and blessed as you listen to Gary's recent teaching. "How Do I Smell?"

Have you read our book?  Click the image for more info or to order from Amazon.com. 

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.

Christians face severe persecution in several India states. The Chief Minister of West Bengal, the state where we are based, fights for minorities, including minority religions, which has kept the persecution here to a minimum.  

While everything about life in India 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.

There was a powerful anointing for freedom as we sang "Break Every Chain". (In both English and Nepali) The Word Holy Spirit directed me to share instructs us to keep our freedom.  May you be challenged as you listen to leave those chains on the ground.  Pat

Happy to be back in Sri Lanka

India makes a great base for us to travel to other parts of Asia. Flying to Colombo, Sri Lanka from Siliguri, West Bengal, India took us 2 short flights - a total of 8 hours with travel and layovers, and we are in the same time zone.  No jet lag! Yeah!!  (For those of you wondering, neither India nor Sri Lanka observes Daylight Savings Time)

Compare this to the last time we flew from Las Vegas to Sri Lanka – 4 flights and almost 40 hours travel time (including airport layovers), plus we crossed the international date line. The lack of sleep and 12+ hour time difference results in jetlag that takes 3-4 days to fully recover.

Outreaches are planned for the next three weekends.  Plans are to leave by 5 a.m. Saturday morning, drive 3 – 4 hours to the town where we will hold an eye clinic starting around 9 a.m.   Sunday morning there will be a revival church service.  Late Sunday we’ll drive back to Moratuwa where we are staying with our ministry partners.  It’s a joy to be  ministering together after almost 5 years.   

During the week we’ll spend time at Adara Sevana (Love Shelter), a school for the differently abled and share at a weekly healing meeting. 

Students who completed the week of training.

Gary's second week in South India was fruitful: imparting the Word of God to hungry hearts. He received several precious notes of gratitude from the students - sharing how their lives were impacted during the training sessions. Pat was blessed with several gifts and lots of love and prayers sent back with Gary.

Sunday Services:  This past Sunday, Gary and I shared at two different places.  I had a 2 hour taxi ride one way (with Sister Hannah my translator) to a small village called Nagrakata. (Taxis here are hired autos, quite reasonably priced)

Gary shared the Word at our home church in India. The people came hungry to meet with God.  He is always faithful to touch hearts and change lives. 

Raising up the Next Generation

What adventure in faith are you on at the moment?   Sharing our adventures reminds us that as followers of Jesus - every day of our life is an opportunity to share the love of Jesus - wherever you find yourself - with whoever you find yourself with.

Your love and prayers are so important - our hearts are encouraged with every email or message we get from you.

The journey continues ~ Pat

 

God is Love

The Bible has a lot to say about love.  When you think about it, the entire Bible is God’s love letter to mankind.  The book of 1st John actually tells us that “God is Love “(1 John 4:8 &16).  He wasn’t content to ‘be’ love;  He was compelled by love to rescue us from sin and death.  John 3:16  in the New Living Translation explains that  “… this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

Once we receive the love of Jesus, are born-again into the family of God, the only logical response to His great love – is to love others!  For Gary and I, at this time in our lives, that means living in India.   This may sound like a great sacrifice of service to God – but really it brings us such joy and satisfaction – that we can’t imagine doing anything else.  

Our love for others is our grateful response to the love God first demonstrated to us. 1 John 4:19 TPT

Seeking Hearts

One of our greatest joys is to see people with a passionate desire for more of God.   To be part of meeting their thirst for a deeper knowledge of God’s Word; to experience His powerful presence together;  there is  no greater satisfaction in life.

Gary is in Hyderabad, Telangana teaching Session #2 of the Legacy Foundation Course for Pastors, leaders and hungry believers.   This training course is hosted by churches in various parts of India and other nations and includes four (4) week-long sessions. Men and women of all ages and walks of life leave their families, jobs and churches so that they can learn and experience a deeper understanding of God’s Word and what it means to walk in the fullness of Holy Spirit.

Reports after Session #1 were that lives were changed. Some students were born again, healed, freed from demonic oppression. Their minds were renewed by God's Word, which leads to transformation of their lives (Romans 12:1-2). The students are now more firmly established in their salvation, filled with the Spirit of God, and strengthened in faith.  With a firmer understanding of God’s Word, they are better equipped to share the Good News of Jesus Christ to others.

You can see their earnest desire for God on their faces.

Next week Gary will be at a different church in the nearby town of Tandur, teaching Session #2 to a new group of hungry students. Your prayers are invaluable.  The schedule is intense with full days of classes and multiple meetings on the weekend and some evenings.  

Wherever you are in your walk with God – our prayer is that you would pursue a closer relationship with Him. Allow God’s great unending love to fill your heart. If you haven’t received Jesus into your life and asked Him to be Lord and Savior – what are you waiting for?   Then share His love with other people – right where you are.  You don’t have to travel far to find someone who needs encouragement and love.

The journey continues ~ Pat

================================

Did you know we wrote a book?  It’s a book about God. His amazing love. His detailed plans. Sit down with us over a cup of coffee or tea (with a few ‘biscuits’ of course) as we share some of the amazing stories from our Journeys With God. This book is not chronological, it is not all inclusive or even finished, as He continues to write the story of our lives.   Our hope is that you will be encouraged on your journey. Say ‘Yes’ to God and see what He will do.

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Merry Christmas from India

What an amazing joy to be celebrating Christmas in our own flat (apartment) in India!   Pat and I are so excited to be able to split our time between India and America. Plans are to use India as our base for missions in South East Asia, then avoid the heavy monsoon season by spending the summer months in the US.  

The weeks leading up to Christmas have been busy with Christmas outreaches. It's a perfect opportunity to talk about Jesus in this Hindu nation.  Children at the tea garden village of Baginbari prepared a special program with songs and dancing.  They were given toys, groceries for the family and a snack box to enjoy.  

Seven families hosted evening gatherings in their homes - carols were sung, the story of Jesus was shared, food was enjoyed.  Nepali people love to sing and dance - the video is a little rough - but captures their enthusiasm. The first few seconds do not have sound.  Regardless of the setting - a humble village with a dirt courtyard or a beautiful home - the love of Jesus was shared and hearts were encouraged. 

Thank you for being a part of what God is doing in India.  Your love, prayers and support makes it possible for us to be the hands and feet of Jesus.  May the following excerpt from my Christmas message encourage your heart as you celebrate His birth - and receive the precious gift of Jesus.

Christmas blessings from India - Gary and Pat 

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Christmas can be a discouraging time of year for some, because of a loss of a loved one, a failed marriage, loss of a job, poor health or a child who has not come home.

The good news is that you have a reason to rejoice because God has four amazing gifts for you. These gifts are not wrapped in ribbon and bows, but are manifested in Jesus Christ, who is the greatest gift you can ever receive.

Isaiah 9:6 reads,” For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

1. Jesus is 'Wonderful Counselor.' His counsel is unfailing and flawless, perfectly suited to the situation, always practical and wise.  
   
   
2. If you need a miracle, Jesus is your 'Mighty God' who is for you and wants to be invited to help you fight the visible and invisible battles you experience.
   
   
3. When you need comfort, Jesus is your 'Everlasting Father.'  Talking about God as a Father brings complicated emotions for some. But the love of your Heavenly Father is unlike any love you could ever know.  A Father, who loves you unconditionally and will never leave you nor forsake you.
   
   
4. If you are overwhelmed by life, Jesus is your 'Prince of Peace.' True peace is not the absence of a storm.  True peace is found in the presence of God, and you can have peace in your soul no matter what your circumstances might be.

This Christmas Season receive God’s great gift “...to us a child is born, to us a son is given.”  He is your 'Wonderful Counselor', 'Mighty God', 'Everlasting Father', and 'Prince of Peace.'

Whatever you are going through, Jesus is exactly what you need!