As we get ready to celebrate the Independence of our country this 4th of July, Rose and I also celebrate our dependence on God and of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.
Isaiah 9:6-7: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this."
It is hard to believe that on 7/7/2008, a year will have marked time since Rose and I made the life-long commitment to serve the Lord and be "married" to His service as a family.
Rose and I have navigated our family through many uncharted territories at the Lord's calling and direction. Learning to live no longer from paycheck to paycheck, but by His divine direction financially, has stretched Rose and I in so many ways to "lean on the everlasting arms." I look back over the past 51 weeks and say, "Yes, Lord, Yes you did this." I look back over the dollars that have come in and say, "Great is the Lord." Rose and I thank you so much for all your prayers, financial gifts, and gifts in kind through your own businesses, and talents that have helped move the Kingdom of God forward for HIS glory. Your service to Him will be richly and deeply rewarded.
We have seen people discipled, saved, baptized, healed, and moved to a closer relationship with the Lord. God has allowed us to minister the Gospel in 4 different countries on 3 different continents. We thank God for what He has done as we are His Jars of Clay to equip and reach the world "One person at a Time".
You can view the pictures of this past year by visiting our photo link on our website. www.tbgrace.org You can also view the video that is true as it relates to our hearts for Israel. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsPKQyXmRKE
Out of Israel the Ministry of Touched By Grace gave birth, not only to its beginnings, but to new life in our family through Rachel on January 14th, 2008. As the ministry exists to proclaim the Glory of the Lord throughout the whole earth, this video from Martha Herndon, who's life was changed while visiting Israel this year, will offer some snapshots of God's hand at work. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_haJV6VoHoE
You can view our Christian Israel tour page at http://www.tbgrace.org/tour.html
As we close this year and look forward to the next we see how God has brought more opportunities to spread the Gospel. Right now we have opportunities for ministry in Ukraine, Africa, America, and our return to Israel this fall.
Rose and I have been praying every day since January 25th, 2008 at 2:45 pm for the increase to reach the world. We believe it is going to come to pass because of what the Word of God promises. Not because of emotionalism, guilt, arm twisting or good works. We believe that the Word of God is what we are standing on.
This year the new opportunities in Israel and other parts of the world bring a new budget to take the gospel further. With an existing food and clothes pantry in Israel we have been asked to direct, to evangelism and training in countries like Ukraine, Kenya and others, will require more faith to believe God for the expanded resources to make these opportunities a reality in reaching the world for Christ.
Accepting the fact that our family will never be what is considered the "norm" in America is alright because we know that this is what God created us to do for His Glory and purpose while on the earth. After ten years of praying, waiting, seeking, asking, and wondering about our created purpose it is now real life for us.
The line in the movie "The Queen" continually plays over in my head and has been seared by the Holy Spirit to my heart that no matter how hard it gets, "My whole life no matter how long or short shall be devoted to your service." In addition, I cling to the words the Lord gave me a year ago which were, "You and Rose minister and I WILL PROVIDE". I have clung to both of these statements to pull me through the difficult days.
In conclusion, the first year has brought much joy and ministry and it is time to close the chapter on this part of our life and move forward to the next chapter in the expansion of the Kingdom of God. Rose and I want to make a significant mark as vessels for the Lord before we leave this earth to be with our Heavenly Father. You can help equip us to reach that goal again this coming year. Thank you for your partnership in the Gospel with us. As the Book of Matthew tells all of us we are to "Go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father , the Son, and the Holy Spirit. " Nothing could be more important in our world today that preaches many other ways to receive eternal life.
Standing on the Active and Living Word, (Hebrews 4:12-13)
