in full force…and wow…are they turned on for God! They helped advertise, push the rally and invited some of their unsaved friends. When the altar call was given, several teenagers gave their hearts to Christ for the first time. Talk about celebration….this photo shows it!

That same night, we were overjoyed to see partners Gary and Phyllis Hanson from Irwin, IA. We first met them in 1983 when they came to our service and Phyllis gave her heart to Christ that morning. At that point, she informed us her marriage was in trouble and she was suffering from severe depression. The other night, Phyllis said,

"Our lives have been completely changed. My husband came to Christ later that year. Since then we are involved in the church praise team and the CMA (Christian Motorcycle Association) which has taken us to Florida, California, Canada and the big Sturgis, SD, bike rally to share Christ. We have now become involved in a new area of ministry call the SOWERS (Servants On Wheels Ever Ready). It is a ministry designed for retired-aged couples who have a RV and drive to locations all over the U.S. to work on construction, painting, etc. We are also involved in the Orlando, FL, area and work at the Africa Inland Mission where we work with missionaries and retired missionaries.

Serving the Lord is sure a blessing. All of this came about because of your ministry and us getting saved. Thanks for giving us this chance to experience this new life."

P.S. " The best things in life are not things!"

Another "pearl" in that Harlan altar call was Candie Olson, a mother of two. She walked up to me in the fellowship hall radiating such joy.

"I don't want to bother you, but I want to share something with you. I was raised in a single parent home and never knew what a father's love was. I always felt a void and emptiness in my life. Two weeks ago, I attended a funeral of my friend that was 21 years old that died of cancer. I felt such compassion from the pastors who officiated the funeral. I was moved by their compassion. I have been coming back for two weeks. Tonight, I loved your music and was especially touched when you expressed that God is always with us all the time. I needed that! While I was sitting in the service and came to the altar, I felt a tugging at my heart and I heard God say that tonight was the night that I should give my heart to Him and that He would fill the void. I did and I feel so happy and free. Thank you for being here!"

From Harlan we drove to New Sharon, IA, where our friend, Lois Stephens spearheaded a rally at the Rock Center on Saturday night. It was a precious night of ministry. There was mostly a Christian crowd, but we were thrilled to see five respond to the altar call. A counselor rejoiced, "We have prayed years and years for that gentleman…he would only go to church on Easter and Christmas, but he came tonight and gave his heart to Christ." His response was definitely an answer to many prayers that have gone up to the Lord for years on his behalf.

"I enjoyed the music, the message and the Spirit in the meeting."

Pastor Pinkerton:

"It was good to hear the Gospel message in clear and concise words. Praise God for sharing the truth to meet the needs of hurting people. "

"Dear Larry and Gloria,

It was such a pleasure to have you return to New Sharon for an evangelistic rally. We so enjoyed your ministry in song and Word. As the anointed message was proclaimed, God moved on hearts and people responded to the altar. We praise God for your ministry.

It was also my privilege to attend your Sunday morning services at the Community of Hope Church in Montezuma, IA. Again as God's Word was preached and anointed, many people came forward to accept Christ. It is such a joy to see people accept Christ as their Savior. As Larry said at dismissal, 'Heaven is rejoicing with us over those that were saved'.

I also enjoyed our time of personal fellowship. It was priceless! May God continue to guide and protect you as you continue on the road for Him."

"How fun it was to see you again. I last saw you in Ankeny, IA, when I was eight years old. Your ministry is greater today than when I first saw you. May God continue to use you to bring people to Christ."

NOTE: He says, "If I"…not a preacher, evangelist, singing group, or church be lifted up…but rather I (Christ)…He will do the drawing!

Have a great week!

"The surest way to be happy is to seek happiness for others."

- Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

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CHUCKLE

 

* It's easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.

* The good Lord didn't create anything without a purpose, but mosquitoes come close.

* Peace starts with a smile.

* When you get to your wits end, you'll find God lives there.

* Be ye fishers of men. You catch 'em - He'll clean 'em.

 

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PIC OF THE WEEK

 

 

 

We are so happy to have our granddaughter, Myanna, with us.

She is such a blessing and great help "On the Road"!

 

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RECIPE

 

Jello and Ice Cream Pie

1 lg. pkg. Jello, any flavor

 

3 c. boiling water

 

2 c. fresh strawberries or 2 (10 oz.) pkgs. frozen strawberries, thawed and drained

 

2 pt. vanilla ice cream

 

Dissolve Jello in hot water. Stir in ice cream until melted. Chill until very thick and fold in strawberries. Pour into a torte pan lined with graham cracker crust. Chill.

 

 

** Submitted by Phyllis Reinert and featured in our new cookbook Tastes of Friendship.

 

For a limited time, with the purchase of Tastes of Friendship , you will receive one of our best selling cookbooks, Lunchies, Munchies and Household Hints for FREE!     To take advantage of this offer, click here to go to our online store,   and add Tastes of Friendship to your cart only.  You will receive your free cookbook in the mail shortly after.  You may also call the office at 605-698-7007.  Enjoy!

 

               

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HOUSEHOLD HINT

 

Take your bananas apart when you get home from the store. If you leave them connected at the stem, they ripen faster.

 

With life as busy as it is, it is good that we have a legal holiday stamped on the calendar to encourage us to pull back from the hectic schedules, take a big deep breath and relax.

We had a precious service and altar call. Pastor Chris has a beautiful family with precious little ones. He is doing a wonderful job of pastoring. Pastor Chris was a youth pastor before being voted in as a senior pastor. We hadn't been to Grand Forks since they had the big flood years ago so it sure was good to be back.

Blessings on you…have a wonderful weekend. We will talk in a couple of weeks!

With Father's Day coming up, I can't even imagine the responsibility my father must have felt raising ten sons and one daughter. I often felt like an onion in a flower patch - no sisters to cling to or hang out with. But, I really didn't have much time to dwell in self pity. I think my dad created the saying, "When I work…everyone works!" Our house sat on 12 lots and nearly half of that was a garden which he raised all his own vegetables, etc. He kept us occupied pulling weeds, doing away with potato bugs, pickin beans and other veggies, mowing the grass, housework, laundry, cooking and baking, babysitting, canning, ironing…just to name a few of the odd jobs! With all that being said, we really didn't have time to think on self. As soon as my brothers were old enough to do much of the above, at about age of 8 or 10, they were promoted to another part of the family work force. My father took them down to his business, Brook's Motors where they started sweeping floors, polishing cars, and chasing parts. Eventually they became part's men, automechanics, car salesmen, and auto painters/detailers. Six of my brothers stayed with the car dealership, two went into ministry, one became a school teacher in MN, and another an engineer for Boeing Aircraft in Seattle, WA. No doubt about it, Mom and Dad taught us how to work and demanded that we work hard, do our best, be men and women of integrity, and a light and testimony in a dark world. Dad engrained in us that no matter what we were told to do-do it-if you don't know how to do it-do it-if you didn't want to do it-do it-if you didn't like the job-do it. There were no excuses or no "outs"; it was going to be done! Even though we fussed and whined about a lot of the work he made us do, it prepared us for the long and intense life we were about to encounter.

I'm mostly thankful for the day, in 1952, that he took all of us to a little church that preached the full gospel. That day eight of us gave our hearts to Jesus and that was the beginning of a new destiny for each one of us. What joy and peace he brought to us in our family and home. God has been so good!

This Father's Day…take time to appreciate your Father if you still have him. Life is uncertain and short, and we never know when they will take that last breath. Tell him you love him, he needs to hear it. Have a great Father's Day!

Greetings from home…Sisseton, South Dakota! After being gone for five months and our last visual memory being of blowing snow, great snowdrifts and cold, it was a delight as the old song says, " to see the green, green grass of home." Sitting here by the window, I can see the robins and blackbirds fighting over ground territory to find worms for their young. Beneath our deck is a nest with four little robin beaks reaching skyward anxiously awaiting for luscious worms from their mother. I love to watch the motherly instinct how she protects and provides for her young. That's was real mothers do!

We arrived home May 28th. The next day, LaDawn and our two grandchildren scurried home for the long Memorial Day weekend. Even though we came home road weary and seemingly braindead, it was so refreshing and fun to have them come as a welcome committee.

Last Sunday, we held a service with Pastor Todd and Pam Gafkjen at Harvest Church in Wahpeton, ND. It was a great service and the altar was lined with many making decisions for Christ. Several teenagers walked up to us after church and said, "We really enjoyed your ministry. You touched our hearts." A few minutes later, a lady and her husband, (about my age…young! HA!) approached me with tears of joy, "I have always been in church and thought I was okay because I was a good religious person, but this morning, I felt God tugging on my heart to rededicate my life because I had more of religion than a relationship." She continued, "After I prayed, I felt something I have not felt before…an assurance of my salvation. Now when I die, I know I will go to heaven. " She bubbled, "oh yes, my daughter gave her life to Christ for the first time also!"

When we arrived home a few days ago, we had some huge barren spots on our lawn. It was a bit discouraging to see that only weeds were growing. I tried to encourage Larry, "Honey, look at these cracks in the ground…it's screaming for water. I believe that if we can really water it well, if there is dormant grass or seeds, it will spring forth." For the last five days, we have been very intent on watering and guess what, there is grass peeking through. Excitedly I've said, "Honey, it just needed water." It reminds me of the verse in Psalms 143:6, "I stretch forth my hand unto Thee, my soul thirsteth after Thee as a thirsty land." Psalm 63:1-2 says, "My flesh longeth for Thee on a dry thirsty land where no water is; to see Thy power and glory."

There are times in my life I feel so thirsty for God just as that ground thirsts for water in order to grow. It is those times that God bids us to "Be still and know that I am God." Over and over in the Word He says that those that seek Him shall find Him.

At this very moment, to be honest I am weary in body, but I am also very hungry for more time with God that I might feel more of His presence in my life…how about you?

Have a great day, week and month! Thanks for keeping up with us on the road!

"Thank you, thank you, Larry and Gloria, for coming to our new church on Mother's Day!  What an encouragement it was to all of us in this new Kingdom work, and for those who made first time decisions for Christ, their lives are forever changed!  When you come, we can always count on a clear-cut Gospel message that draws people to Christ - and your spiritual fervor and joy come through touching everyone in attendance at the rally!"

Last Sunday, May 17^th, was another big milestone in my life - I turned 65. It was also our daughter LaDawn's birthday; it's so great to be able to celebrate our birthdays together. Our son Donovan called to wish me a Happy Birthday and nonchalantly asked how old I was. I quipped, "It's the big one, the Medicare birthday - I'm 65!" There was a short pause of silence and a slight groan as he said, "Noooo, you're not 65." I reaffirmed him, "Oh yes." I'm reminded of the woman who had never met the love of her life, and her biological clock was ticking away. Someone stopped and asked her how old she was, factually, she responded, "I'm too young for Medicare…and too old for men-to-care." Cute huh!

On May 17^th we were also privileged to be back in Eau Claire, WI to minister at Evangel Temple with Associate Paul Smith. Paul and his wife have a vision and the gusto to reach the unchurched that are without Christ. It was a great service.

"Larry and Gloria have such a warm and genuine spirit about them. We want to express our appreciation to the Lundstrom's ministry for the time they spent with us. During that time it was evident in all they said and did that their passion for ministry is seeing the lost encounter Jesus by His Spirit."

For nearly 60 years I've gone with my mother, every Memorial Day, to put flowers by the graves of our loved ones. As the years go by we are visiting more graves, as so many friends and family have passed away. Last year as I stood by the gravesite of my father, brother, sister, sister-in-law, grandparents, and other Lundstroms who have passed, I realized again how short life is. The older we get, the shorter the dash seems between the birthdate and the death date. One poem worth reading is called "The Dash" by Linda Ellis: http://www.lindaellis.net/Read_The_Dash.htm What really matters is not what "we've spent" in life, or for what, but "how we spent" our lives - for who and on those who are lost and hurting without Christ. Larry and I continue to go…preach…and encourage, because we know for many people who come to our services, we may never see them again. Their funeral flowers could be in bloom and in town.

This Memorial Day as you gather with loved ones, remember and appreciate the gift of time and life that God has given you. Take the time to share Christ with those you love.

A couple of years ago, I secretly made him a May basket, proceeded to sneak out of the motorhome, knocked on the outside door and Larry answered. I proudly handed him the basket and shouted as I began to ran away, "Come and catch me!" Off we went running at full speed through a Super Walmart parking lot. Out of breath Larry finally cornered me as I entered the outdoor garden center. People looked at us with curiosity probably thinking I had shoplifted something and a manager was chasing me. Then Larry grabbed me, pulled me into his arms, and kissed me. We were giggling hysterically and everyone looking on chuckled at, I am sure, a comical sight.

We've been crisscrossing from Pennsylvania to Michigan to Indiana and back to Michigan these last few weeks. Last Sunday we were in Jonesville, MI, at the Hillsdale Assembly of God pastored by Dennis and Joyce Haarer. We have had the pleasure of ministering in their church before, and they, too, are a sweet and tender couple.

A touching moment in the service was when we asked Ray and Carol Curran to give a testimony of what happened in their lives when we ministered there in 2004. Ray shared the following,

"We were religious people doing the religious thing but never had a relationship with Christ. We were never happy. Then one day, our friends, Bill and Donna Miller, invited us to come to church to hear Larry and Gloria Lundstrom. They said we would enjoy the singing and the preaching. We agreed to accompany our friends. We listened to their music and their time of ministry and loved it. Then, Larry preached about a relationship with Christ…not religion. When he gave the altar call, the Holy Spirit moved on our hearts and we stepped forward to the altar and prayed the sinner's prayer. Wow…what a change! We now have a personal relationship with Christ. Our lives have never been the same. Since we came to Christ, several of our children and their families have gotten saved. We are so thankful our friends, the Millers, invited us to church or this would have never happened."

This time when we ministered at Hillsdale Assembly of God, Ray and Carol invited a couple of their friends and they were saved. It is testimonies like these that give us the strength and perseverance to keep pushing on the road. The bible says in John 12:32 "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." If we are faithful to go and to lift Him up, the Holy Spirit does the rest…He draws them unto Himself.

Have a great week and I wish a very special Mother's Day to all of you mothers who give your heart and soul to fulfill this extraordinary calling on your life.

 

 

 

P.S. Special thanks to Walt and Joan Clutter for allowing us to park our motorhome by their beautiful pond providing us a peaceful refuge while in Clarion, PA. They also spoiled us with home-cooked meals and sweet fellowship. Many, many thanks!

April showers…well, I can tell you this…we have had showers, showers and more showers here in Pennsylvania. The spring flowers are making their debut, but they are begging for sunshine. As a matter of fact, so am I. Here it is almost May and it was down to 38 degrees a couple of nights ago. Is this what they call global warming (chuckle)? They are predicting the temperatures will reach 70-80 degrees this weekend; maybe we will go from winter to summer in three days.

I last wrote to you from Grantsville, Maryland, where we had a service with Pastor John and Leona Munley. Talk about an energy-packed ministry couple with an earth-shaking testimony! We had a wonderful service and a sweet altar call. I refer to it as "sweet" because when God moves people to repentance, there is a sweet aroma of God's presence that is so special.

"On Wednesday evening, April 8^th, Maranatha Assembly of God, of Grantsville, MD, had the privilege of hosting Larry and Gloria Lundstrom. The Lundstrom's were not new to Maranatha as they had ministered here many years previous. Much to this pastor's surprise, people from about eight surrounding churches and varying denominations filed in prior to the service for about 30 minutes and the sanctuary began to fill. Old friends, as they consider themselves, sat and were waiting with great expectation to hear the Lundstrom's music and to witness the power of God. By the time the fellowship, the worship and the Word was complete, the anointing fell and the altar began to fill with several new converts and many who rededicated their lives. What a great night in the presence of the Lord! Larry and Gloria will always be received with great expectation at Maranatha Assembly of God!"

On Easter Sunday, we ministered at Cornerstone Assembly of God in Boynton, Pennsylvania, pastored by Rev. and Mrs. Thomas Twigg. They are another wonderful ministry couple with a passion for the Lost, plus a sense of humor like unto to my husband, Larry. Scary! HA! While eating Easter dinner at the Alpine Restaurant, I looked at the two of them and said, "You two are too much alike; I don't know if it is good to have you both together for any length of time." Seriously, it was great and they very much enjoyed exchanging jokes. Now, Larry has some new ones! HA!

From Boynton, PA, we drove to Romney, WV, on April 15^th for a Wednesday evening service. We were delighted to have two churches come together to host a joint service. There was also a precious altar call at this service, but unfortunately I left the memory card out of the camera so we were unable to take any pictures and share them with you.

While we were in the Grantsville, MD, area, we had the opportunity to visit with several friends that we have known since the 70's. Once of those was Hilda Maust who just lost here husband, Ivan, a few months ago. He pastored Maple Glen Mennonite Church for several years and then began to do some hospice work. Hilda and Ivan were instrumental, along with our friends, Raymond and Martha Yoder, to bring us back into the Grantsville area for services this time. If you have been staying current with the "On the Road" updates and have seen the pictures of the many various altar calls, you know that God blessed their efforts. Martha Yoder sent us down the road with homemade bread, strawberry jam, cinnamon rolls and three homemade soups. What a special treat!

On Thursday, April 16^th, we packed up the motorhome and drove to central Pennsylvania, specifically the Clarion area. Again, we have been blessed to have friends like Walt and Joan Clutter who have literally made an RV space with water, electricity hook-ups located behind their house that we are able to use. It is located adjacent to a beautiful pond, stunning flowers, and swimming geese…aha…peace, quiet and beauty…just what the doctor ordered. I feel like we are staying in a scenic park. We will be staying here for about another week…how blessed we are!

"There were several things I really appreciated about your ministry. First, the interaction between the two of you while you ministered revealed a very visible love for one another. Secondly, your authenticity; because you were real, people felt like they knew you. Lastly, I felt it was so important that you shared your real-life experiences as it gave hope to our people."

Sitting here at my work table in the motorhome, I can look out the window and see the pond. The rain is softly falling. I can see spring flowers bursting forth. The grass is so green and the flowers are proudly displaying their brilliant colors of yellows, purples, blues and whites. As I observe this tranquil scene, I am reminded of Lamentations 3 where it states, "His mercies are new every morning. Great is Thy faithfulness." As sure as spring follows a long winter season, God is always faithful in His mercies and blessings although we may go through long, cold seasons of discouragement, pain or loss. In the midst of a gray day, He allows the Son to break through…just as it literally did a few minutes ago to brighten my day. Great is thy faithfulness! I pray that whatever is taking place in your life at this time, you will sense His love and faithfulness!

Greetings from the beautiful state of Maryland! I love Easter for two main reasons :

1. Christ rose triumphantly over death and the grave!

2. It was in the Easter season that both Larry and I gave our hearts to Christ.

The past two weeks have been filled with Easter resurrection testimonies. Stories of men and women, teens and children passing from spiritual death unto life. It has been so exciting and encouraging.

We were privileged to be back with our pastor friends, Bill and Lynna Roberts at Christ Chapel in Woodbridge, VA, which is located about 30 miles from the nation's capital. Bill and Lynna have such an overwhelming love for people. We first ministered at Christ Chapel in the early 80s. Since then, they have continued to grow, multiply and add numerous support groups into this multi-cultural community. Among their growth is a school, daycare, master's commission, college course (which is an extension of Valley Forge Christian College), etc. Lives are being transformed in great numbers.

We held two AM services and I spoke to the Women on Sunday night who were so hungry for God. After the first service and altar call, pastor Robert said, "We've had Larry and Gloria come to Christ Chapel every 2-3 years since the early 80s. Every time they come to sing and preach, we have been blessed. It doesn't matter if Larry preaches 10 minutes or an hour; the altars are always filled with precious people coming to Christ." He continued, "The altar calls confirm the calling and the anointing of the evangelist, which is God's gift to the church."

From Woodbridge, we scurried on to the historical and beautiful Harpers Ferry, WV. On Wednesday night, April 1^st, we ministered at Bolivar Pentecostal Church with Rev. Bev J Turner. He's such a tender-hearted pastor with a vision to reach the lost. Again, many made decisions for Christ.  Charlotte Demory counseled with Roger and Debby Thomas, who made a first time commitment to Christ. The joy of the Lord literally beamed from their faces.

"Larry and Gloria are one of the Lord's special gifts to the church. We are many times weighted down with the burdens of life. In their effervescence, they come along and remind you that joy is a fundamental right of the Christian life. Their ministry exudes victory which is crucial in these times of intense spiritual warfare. The result is many come to Jesus for the first time, and the whole church is challenged to boldly step out, and share the miracle of their own experiences in Christ. Everyone is blessed!"

Rev. Bev Turner

From Harpers Ferry, we drove to Salisbury, PA where we held a service last Sunday morning, April 5^th at the Oak Dale Church. It's nestled in the beautiful hills of Pennsylvania and pastured by Rev. Joe and Naomi Byler, another precious couple. We have been blessed to meet so many sweet and loving pastors and wives through the years. Again, when the altar call was given, people flowed from the pews to the altar to commit their lives to Christ. Larry and I just stand in awe watching what God does and we are so humbled to think that we can have a part in reaching the Lost and hurting. It's so exciting to see each one come to Christ.

"Larry and Gloria, thank you for ministering to us at Oak Dale with your gift of evangelism. We have been planting and watering and God has used you to help gather in the harvest. You are loved and appreciated, and we look forward to you coming again to minister to us."

Pastor Joe Byler

Gloria

All aboard! We are all packed up in the motor home en route to Washington D.C. area. We were anxious to hit the road again. We will have services next Sunday in Woodbridge, VA which is only a hop-skip- and a jump…25 miles from the nation's capital.

We've had a wonderful 2 months in Florida. God opened up so many doors of personal ministry to so many who needed encouragement. With the crisis America is going through, everyone needs encouragement…including us.

We just couldn't leave Florida without visiting Plant City, FL, the home of miles and miles of strawberry fields. They have markets all along the road. As we drove along, Larry saw a big sign that read, "Fresh Strawberry Shortcake, Strawberry Sundaes, and Strawberry Malts". The line to go in was no less than 100 people at any given time. Larry was anxious to get in line. If I'd asked him to wait in line that long to buy potatoes or squash, he would've quickly said, "Forget that, it's not worth the wait." But…fresh strawberry shortcake well…he did it. I couldn't believe it! I couldn't resist taking a picture of him when he came through the line with his treat! He saw me and showed me the shortcake, which I insisted we share (much to his disappointment). There were trays of goodies all around us. Larry took the first bite, grinned until his dimples showed and gave me the "OK" sign that it was the right decision to wait with 100 others to get it.

Oh yes…I wanted to update you on the Discovery Shuttle Launch from March 15^th. The earlier launch had to be cancelled due to a hydrogen valve leak. Late that Sunday afternoon (the 15^th) we drove from Orlando to Titisville, about 15 miles away. We sailed right in there, despite knowing there would be a HUGE crowd…DUH! This was the 50^th Anniversary of Cape Canaveral's launch. We were blessed to be able to drive right up to the beach area of the Atlantic Ocean in Titisville where we could view the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, which was about 8 miles across the water. When we got there the space shuttle Discovery was scheduled to launch in about 1 hour. Thousands lined up on the beach for miles and miles. There were motorcycles, bikes, campers, motor homes, and thousands of cars - and no, that's not an exaggeration.

You could feel the excitement in the air. It was exhilarating! At 7:45 PM, just as the sun was setting, Discovery rose from a seaside pad. The launch was flawless. Here's Larry's perspective in his own words, of this unforgettable event:

"What an awesome sight to behold as we watched first a small fire, like a blowtorch lifting into the sky. It just seemed to come so close as we were on the other side of the river watching intensely and breathlessly as our American heroes were being lifted out of this atmosphere heading for outer space. It raised so high and then we could see two large tanks break away from the shuttle and plunge to the ocean below. Then it appeared to turn straight upward and as it did we could hear he thrusters burning 5000 Pounds of Solid fuel per second. We could hear it and we could feel it. Then as we watched the trail of smoke like a snake going up into the sky with different Hughes of color hitting the smoke gave an array of colors as we watched the rocket shuttle disappear out of our sight.

I couldn't help but think of another event even more powerful than this one. The Word records that Jesus spoke to the 500 that were with him and instructed them to Go into all the world with the message. He had just proven that He was alive and did exactly what He said He would do when He said, "I have the power to lay down my life and I have the power to take it again". As He was commissioning this group to go…….into all the world and tell them the good news - that's great news - when suddenly another spectacular event happens: Jesus begins to ascend right before their eyes, up, up, up He goes and all around they stood there gazing as He disappeared out of their sight. Everyone must have been numb and speechless, just staring and trying to get a grasp of what they had just witnessed with their own eyes. The Lord had to sort of nudge them with an angel who said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven," (Acts 1:11).

Have a wonderful week - talk to you soon! God's blessings on you!

On Sunday morning we ministered at Son Harvest Church in Crosby, TX where he pastors. Not surprisingly, we were greeted by an exceptionally loving and kind congregation. I think they blessed us as much as we were trying to be a blessing to them. When Larry gave the invitation for those to come to Christ or to renew their relationships with Christ, they literally flowed to the altar with tears of repentance flowing down their faces.

"The ministry of Larry and Gloria brought joy, laughter, song, and the true love of Christ into our church. The results were many re-dedications and brand new salvations. What a great time we had. Larry and Gloria also made my wife and I, (the Pastor) feel as if we had known them forever. What a great couple. They will bring life to anyone they come in contact with. This ministry is a must to have in your church."

After church and lunch, Pastor Richard drove us back into Houston where we had the privilege of attending the Elim Church Conference. It's a time of restoration and renewal for Pastors, Missionaries, Evangelists and Ministers. We sat and drank from the well and were immersed in 30 plus hours of ministry in the next 3 days. The teaching and preaching was exceptionally anointed. Larry and I sat like sponges, soaking up encouragement and truths. We were definitely challenged by each session. We also made new friends from several countries and all over the U.S. It was like a bit of Heaven.  It was also fun getting to visit with Dave Walls who is a teacher and Associate Director of Shiloh Ministries in Liberty, TX.

Before leaving Houston, we had the pleasure of spending a couple hours with our friend, John Sommer. John was a keyboardist with us on the road years ago. He was a delight then - and still is. John works with his father, Carl Sommer, who is a devoted author, educator and President of Advance Publishing. Carl has written over a hundred books, many for children and teens, and they have been translated into many languages. His series of children's books have always been a favorite of our grandchildren. John is also a great musician, a partner with his father in Advance Publishing, and has a recording studio amongst his many endeavors.

Last Thursday we flew out of Houston, TX, back to Orlando and on to Winter Haven, FL. The flight coming back was open seating. I sat between 2 business men. The one by the window was a born again Christian, and we had a wonderful time talking about the Lord and discussing scriptures. On the isle side was the other business man who is employed by NASA as a flight director in Houston's NASA command center. What an interesting conversation we had! He, along with 49 others were en route to Cape Canaveral to do the last minute preparation and check-up to make sure that the shuttle is ready for launch (which would be tonight, 3-11-09). The shuttle was supposed to be launched a month ago, but was delayed due to some problems. This man turned to me and asked, "Have you ever gone to Cape Canaveral to watch the lift-off?" Of course, I responded, "No I haven't." I could hardly finish my answer when he turned to me with excitement, eyes all lit up, and said, "Oh, you've just got to go see it - it's the experience of a lifetime. This is NASA's 50^th year anniversary…you don't want to miss it! It's set to launch this coming Wednesday night." He proceeded to direct me to where we should drive to, informing me that there is a place about 5 miles away, which he assured me the sight will be bigger than life. With a chuckle I quickly replied, "The question is will I be able to feel the big thrust at take-off?" To which he responded, "Well I've never been there for it, I'm always in the command center at the screen, direction from Houston…but I'm sure you'll feel it!"

I'm illiterate when it comes to all that NASA stuff, but I thought to myself, "Praise God, I have Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, my protector, provider, friend, and healer at the command center in Heaven looking down and wanting to direct our lives." I'm encouraged to know that Jesus Christ will be coming soon, and I don't feel it's too far off. He's encouraging us to hold fast until He comes. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 declares, "¹⁶For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. ¹⁸Therefore encourage each other with these words."

Wow, what a great lift-off that will be as we go home to Heaven! No Cape Canaveral launch will ever be able to compete with the breathtaking thrill and joy of the Lord coming to take us home. Yes, I'm getting excited just thinking about it!