NEWS FROM THE FIELD. . .
Emerson Nazarene, south of Lawton, OK is a Native American Church. Each evening, we began on "Indian time," (about 7:15) and "picked up more passengers" as we went, the last coming in about 8:20. Pastor Lena Calfy was exuberant as the revival meeting progressed. Her people usually come for one night and then do not return. That week they came night after night. God was speaking and people were seeking Him.
El Reno, OK Nazarene is making an impact in their community. People are getting their lives turned around and headed in the right direction. Our Sunday morning service ended with the altar lined and overflowing with people thirsting for more of Jesus.
Many responded as the invitation was given at services in Smyrna and Winchester, TN. As Trish shared the "Evangecube" after the service, a lady said, "Oh, that's what I did tonight. I asked Jesus into my life." We are blessed to be a part of God's redemptive plan.
Nearly 60 joined us for the prayer breakfast that began our revival at Kissimmee, FL Christian Life Church. For many, the services held in a local elementary school were an opportunity for encouragement; for others, they were the beginning of new life in Christ. We rejoiced with Pastor Gene Anspach in the spiritual victories gained.
Pastor Gary Snook was excited about our ministry in Ft. Dodge, IA. "My people needed to hear that we must get beyond the church walls to bring people to Jesus."
In Florida, two concerts were cancelled, but God put us in Tampa to encourage a friend who was there on business, and in Palmetto, FL where our concert was a "shot in the arm" for Pastor Burgess and his people. PTL!
Pastor Tim Pullen was excited about our concert in Waynesville, NC. He had twice the number of people he normally sees for the week night service. Half were visitors. The altar was lined with seekers at the close.
During Sunday concerts at Shelbyville First Nazarene and Tullahoma Westside, the Lord blessed with over 90 at the altars. Praise His name! The prayer foundation you lay, makes a phenomenal difference.
As we drove up to Chillicothe, MO Free Methodist, Pastor Edwards called out, "I'm so glad you're here. We need you! I've been praying for you all week." On Sunday morning. lives in need of redemption found a Saviour, while others vowed to be Jesus in their world.
In Huron, SD, Pastor Black prayed the college kids would still be in town and visitors would come as well. Both prayers were answered with a church full of people. Many came to pray at the close. We rejoice in the seed planted and the harvest reaped.
The altars were lined at concerts in Linton, Jamestown, and Gackle, ND. God continued to bless as many responded in our concert at Moorhead, MN where the service was held in a hotel meeting room.
As we pulled up to the church in Shenandoah, IA, a trailer tire was smoking.. Thank the Lord it happened there instead of on the highway. The next day, we found a repair shop and Pastor Taylor drove to Omaha to get the parts. By 4:30 we were heading to Maryville, MO. The service there was preceded by a cookout for area teens. The kids responded with a "wave" as we sang the first number; the altar was lined. Many of the teens were newcomers. It was the church's first annual area-wide teen concert. Pastor Larry Allen was well pleased with the turn out and the response to the gospel.
On Memorial Day Sunday, we sang for five churches at High Rock Methodist Church near Circleville, WV. Jesus was there, and the response at the altar was overwhelming.
Five CMA bikers helped us with a "Biker Sunday" at Salina Belmont Nazarene. Paul challenged the people to let God stretch them to minister in new areas. Several responded.
After CMA National Rally, we sang at Mena, AR Nazarene. A young teen girl was among those at the altar. We had met and invited her grandmother to the concert. Her mother disappeared years ago leaving a lot of questions unanswered. After the service, she said, "You helped me today."
On the way to CMA National Rally in Hatfield, AR, our new bike trailer was clipped by a Dodge pickup as it left the gas pump after fueling. The man didn't see the bright yellow trailer behind us. He felt terrible: "I'm a Christian; of all the things I could have hit, I'm sorry it had to be this." A policeman came to look at the damage. Maybe he needed to read the message. After returning home, we located a Christian airbrush artist 3 hours from us. One of our CMA buddies recommended a man closer by. It seemed like he was qualified, but we were reluctant to let him do it, because his own bike was muralled with artwork we were embarrassed to look at. "God, do we want this man touching artwork that is dedicated to you?" Then God began to deal with us: "If I could use evil kings in the Bible to accomplish my purpose, don't you think I can use this man to repair your trailer. He needs to spend a few days looking at the messages and artwork on this bike. And he needs to see your life and your dependency on Me and to realize that I can help him too." So Paul and the repairman worked together and God began working on the repairman through the message on the trailer and our witness. That week, several of his buddies came to look at the artwork also. Many seeds were planted and we are praying they will eventually bear fruit. The accident that seemed bad, God used for good!