Greetings from Billings, Montana. What an exciting week! I spent most of the week preparing for the Montana Assemblies of God State Women's Retreat. I prayed for months for God's guidance and direction as to what to minister.

The retreat began Friday afternoon at the Holiday Convention Center in Billings, Montana. The women gathered from all over the state along with some from surrounding states. They arrived with expectation for God to do miracles in their lives...and God did! On Friday evening, I spoke on "The Gift of Forgiveness". I shared on the importance of ridding your heart of unforgiveness, bitterness and resentment and then allowing God to fill their lives with joy and peace.

One young wife, whose husband is currently serving in Iraq, shared how God had revealed to her much unforgiveness that she had in her life towards her husband which was causing serious marital strife. Immediately following the Friday night session, she e-mailed him asking for forgiveness for the trouble that she had caused in their relationship. Saturday afternoon, she ran up to me bubbling with joy. She exclaimed, "Gloria, my husband called me from Iraq and said, 'Honey, it's okay. You're forgiven. Let's go forward from here.'" That was just one of the dozens of testimonies shared.

On Saturday night, I felt led of the Lord to minister to hurting mothers, grandmothers and wives of prodigals. The atmosphere in the convention hall became so heavy as I could sense the intense pain and burdens these women were carrying. I gave an altar call for those with prodigals in their lives to come forward so we could pray for their lost loved ones. I then requested for some of the women still left in their seats to come up and form two lines. The hurting women could then pass between the two lines and receive prayer from these precious prayer warriors. My heart was overwhelmed as I watched more than 130 hurting moms with prodigal children, grandmothers with prodigal grandchildren and wives of prodigal husbands walk through the line to be prayed for by about 100 women. Oh how the tears flowed. The bible states that God puts our tears in a bottle. With the amount of tears of compassion and hurt that were spilled, we would have needed a huge tank to hold them. I will never forget the looks of desperation etched on their faces as they pleaded with God to bring their prodigals home. It is a scene which will be imprinted on my memory forever. Words just cannot express or describe the love that poured forth from the prayer team. WOW! The next morning, several women came up to me and said, "Gloria, I loved the retreat. I have been so ministered unto, but I especially want to thank you for asking us and allowing us to take part in praying and encouraging others. I have been so spiritually fed and blessed through the various sessions that I was so ready to pour out to others."

One particular testimony that blessed me was shared on the following Tuesday morning, October 2^nd, while Larry and I attended a funeral of a dear friend and giant of the faith, the Reverend R. L. Brandt. The funeral took place in Billings. This godly man and his precious wife, Marion, have left a huge impact on our lives through the years. After the funeral, Larry and I were standing in the hallway visiting and a lady bounced up to me. Her face was tear-stained but she was had a million dollar smile on her face. She grabbed my arm and said, "Gloria, I want to thank you for the retreat. I will never be the same. I want to especially thank you for your message regarding prodigals. My son is a prodigal and hasn't called home for so long. I prayed and prayed for him. Then, on Saturday night, I walked through the line and has those many women pray for me and my son. AND...last night, he called! It was an answer to my desperate prayer. The phone call went great. I am so happy. We have a new start, something of which we can build on. Praise the Lord!"

I wished I would have documented and videotaped the dozens of testimonies of what God did this weekend, but I didn't. However, it is all documented in heaven and in those whose lives were touched by God.

The new Women's Ministries director, Juanita Rockstad, whom we have known for years, was a joy to work with. She said,

"Gloria, thanks for coming to us. Your messages on forgiveness, hope and soulwinning have changed the lives of our Montana women. Come back again real soon."

After the retreat, I told Juanita, "What a privilege it was to be invited to be your speaker...more than that, however, what a privilege it was to stand there and watch what God did in the lives of all those women. I was blessed and touched just as much or even more than they were."

I was thrilled to have in attendance two former Women's Ministries directors, Floral Goodman and Noralyn Baker, with whom I have worked with through the years. They are special friends.

Floral Goodman shared the following,

"An awesome ladies retreat! Gloria speaks woman two woman about the needs and issues confronting them with biblical counsel and instruction. What a joy to be in her sessions. I love her!"

Noralyn Baker commented,

"Gloria, how refreshing your message and ministry was to us at the 2007 Montana Women's Retreat. You allowed yourself to be transparent with us for God's glory. Thus we can relate to you for our benefit. Also, you spoke to us where we are and applied the scripture to our level where we live at that moment! Thank you for being the Lord's vessel to us. As you and Larry ministered to us in music, you modeled a godly marriage. Thank you!"

It was also an honor to have the newly elected District Superintendent's wife, Lois Warneke, join us for Friday night. She and her husband formerly pastored in Great Falls, Montana, and had a wonderful church and ministry there. Lois shared, "Gloria, the Friday night service was so refreshing and it was so wonderful to see how God touched all of those women through your message on forgiveness. I wished I could have stayed for all weekend but I had other ministry commitments. "

All in all, it was truly an awesome and blessed weekend of ministry.

I want to encourage all of you with prodigals-never, never give up! God's Word says in Jeremiah 31:16-17, "Thus saith the Lord; refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be reward, saith the Lord; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy. And there is hope in thine end, saith the Lord, that thy children shall come again from the land of the enemy."

He has promised He shall bring our prodigals back from the land of the enemy. I love that encouraging word, SHALL. He didn't say, "I might", "I'll think about it", "I'll ponder it", or "If I have time..." His Word is positive and in future tense... "..and they shall come again from the land of the enemy." What a great promise! In God's Word, it also instructs that we should train up a child in the way he/she should go. I like what one person added, "...And Dads and Moms... walk that way yourself!" God puts the heat on us as parents to live the godly life by lip and lifestyle, and then to raise our children in the fear of the Lord. We also must remember that God gave them a free will and what they do with it has blessings or consequences. No matter what, our part of parenting is to love, pray, love, pray, love, pray and expect God to bring them home again. Oh what a day of rejoicing that will be!

As you are reading this, we will be en route from Montana to North Dakota. We will be ministering this Sunday at the Williston Assembly of God. If you can drive in to join us for a rally, please do so.

Story of Greatness

-Marilee Dunklee Pierce

Greetings from Montana Wheat Country, Townsend, Montana. We just completed another action-packed week with rallies in three Montana communities. Yes, we are tired, but rejoicing in the great numbers of those who made decisions for Christ.

A little over a week ago on Tuesday, we drove over to Dillon, Montana. It's a little community known to attract fly-fishing enthusiasts. Larry and I were invited to sing and speak at a community banquet hosted by the Presbyterian, Methodist, Free Lutheran, Assembly of God, and Vineyard churches. What a wonderful group of pastors! Larry and I love the opportunity to minister at united church events. I like to refer to it as "practicing heaven on earth". The Bible says in Hebrews 10:24-25, "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together." So often we are caught up in our own four walls (or fishbowl) we fail to fellowship with other believers of other churches. At the banquet, we were introduced by Pastor Chuck Bush of the Dillon Assembly of God church. He started out by saying, "The Lundstroms have a real special place in my heart. If it were not for them, I probably wouldn't be saved or pastoring a church. Larry and Gloria, along with all of the Lundstroms, came to an area where I lived to minister. I was away from God and through their ministry, I rededicated my life to God and here I am today."

Here is a bit of Pastor Bush's testimony:

It is thrilling to hear testimonies of the many who have come to Christ under both/either of the Lundstrom Ministries and are now in ministry themselves.

Thursday night, September 13th, we held a service at Gateway Christian Fellowship in Anaconda, Montana, with Pastor Phil and Tina Masters. It was a special joy for us as we have literally watched Pastor Phil grow up. Larry and I knew his grandparents when we were teenagers as they pastored in Milbank, SD; we were influenced by their Godly lives. Then, years later, we were able to minister at Phil's parents' church in Butte, Montana. We remember Phil as he grew from a young lad to a teenager and finally to a young man full of vitality and energy. We also remember Phil and Tina as newlyweds and now, all of these years later, we are back with Phil and Tina who are doing a great job of pastoring their congregation. When Pastor Phil introduced us to the congregation, it was almost like a replay of Pastor Chuck Bush's introduction from Dillon. We are thankful that we have had just a little itty bitty part of seeing them come to Christ and go into ministry. We also had a great time with their son who is a junior in high school...that makes it the fourth generation of the Masters' family.

We had another precious altar call in Anaconda with several couples being touched by the Lord Pastor Masters shared this about the service, "Once again, we considered the opportunity to have the Lundstroms with us in Anaconda a privilege. The night of ministry we shared will be an altar, a "memorial" for the people to strengthen the commitments they made to God. The music, personal sharing, and message all focused on the Spirit awakening eternity in the hearts of people who attended."

We were also happy to see our dear friend, Vivian Swihart, whom we have known since the late 60's. She always gave our children ceramic Christmas decorations or some treat when they were little. They never forgot her kindness. She also brought me Bath and Body goodies to enjoy. And I WILL enjoy them!

From Anaconda, we motored back to Townsend, MT, to set up our equipment for the Sunday morning service at Alliance Bible Church. Larry trained eleven counselors and they shared with us after church, "When we looked around at the crowd and only saw two visitors, we were worried that no one would go forward and it would be embarrassing for us eleven counselors to be standing there alone. When Larry gave the altar call, about half of the church body came forward. We stood in shock and almost unbelief that so many responded. Many of these people had attended the church for years. They are good wonderful people, and we assumed that they were saved and ready to go to heaven. When Larry asked several of them if they had ever given their lives to Christ before, many responded, 'No, this is the first time.' We, counselors, almost fell to the floor. Larry and Gloria, you will never know how many miracles happened in that service. We are thrilled and ready to follow up on them!"

As I am sitting here writing this at my little table in our motorhome, the front drapes are open and I can see the whitecaps on the Missouri River about an eighth of a mile away with the mountains in the background. It is so beautiful! There is a nip in the air. In fact, they are predicting snow showers in the higher elevations tonight. Ewww...it's too soon for snow.

About 200 feet in front of the motorhome sits a huge antelope with its rack spiraling up in the air through the grass like antennas. It is just sitting there, relaxed and gazing, entertaining me. It's doing what I want to be doing at this moment-NOTHING! I, too, just want to relax and watch the water drift by. Somehow, I am sure it is not caught up with the demands and schedule we, humans, face daily. But then again, he will have to literally run for his life when hunting season opens. So, I guess, I am still better off!

In the midst of my crazy day, God is telling me, Psalm 46:10, "Be still and know I am God." I desperately need to do that today. The engines of all my deadlines and tasks that need to be done are revving, and I need to take a fifteen minute break to sit, enjoy the scenery and recharge.

How about you? Maybe you need a break, too. Take it! Be refreshed and encouraged to know that God is near. He longs to minister peace to my soul and to yours as well. I am going to retreat right now. Have a great week!

Greetings from West Central Montana! Last Saturday evening, we pulled our motorcoach into the Trailhead Christian Fellowship parking lot which is nestled next to the Missouri River Reservoir. We were greeted by ten antelope prancing in the fields ahead of us. We stopped our motorcoach as we studied them...they abruptly stopped, turned to look at us, yelped as if to say, "Humans-RUN!", and they disappeared from sight. What a beautiful welcome committee they were with their white powderpuff tails. We had traveled in from Billings, Montana, where we ministered for the past week.

On September 2^nd, we ministered at Parkhill Assembly of God with Pastor and Mrs. Robert Fox. What a sweet couple who share a loving pastor's heart. Their congregation reflects their same sweet spirit. Sunday morning after the morning service, Luz and Harold Luce came up to me and said, "Gloria, I am five months pregnant and as soon as you and Larry began to sing, my baby began kicking in my tummy." Then she grinned as she patted her belly, "My baby likes your music!" CUTE!

We had a precious service with several making decisions for Christ. Pastor Fox shared the following:

"I heartily recommend Larry and Gloria to our pastors and churches. Their music...inspired; their testimony...transparent; their message...evangelistic and to the point; the results...gratifying-souls came to Christ. We really enjoyed the Lundstrom's and they were easy to host."

Tuesday night, September 4^th, we sang for the Light for the Lost banquet at Parkhill Assembly of God. I had a rough time of singing as I had come down with what the doctor diagnosed as "a real nasty, nasty case of bronchitis." The doctor put me on some strong antibiotics and an inhaler. When I breathe, it still sounds like a whistling train rolling through town. Oh well!

On Thursday, September 6th, we drove over to Laurel, Montana, a suburb of Billings, for an evening rally with Pastor and Mrs. John Farnes. They are another great ministry couple who are making a difference for Christ in that community. I squawked through the music, but I made it! It is a good thing that God doesn't depend on my singing for people to come to Christ. HA! As usual, the Holy Spirit took over and did what He so faithfully does, drew the Lost and hurting onto Himself. Several responded to the altar call, and I believe four of them were first time commitments. Thank God altar calls never grow old. Each time someone comes to Christ, it is like a physical and spiritual blood transfusion to Larry and I.

Pastor Farnes said this about the evening: "We had an awesome night with the Lundstroms here in Laurel! Several people came to Jesus for the first time, several others rededicated their lives to Christ. Members from our congregation had the opportunity to pray with these people, share with them and start them down the path of new life in Christ! (If that doesn't energize the flock, check the pulse, or get a shovel folks...) We now have the Divine responsibility as the Body of Christ to nurture these new lives into disciples themselves. The fields are still white for harvest. Thank you, Larry and Gloria, for sharing in Laurel and for still working those fields!"

After the services, Larry is always swamped with all of his favorite-age little friends. They are revved, and they want to help "Uncle" Larry load in and out the equipment. Larry and the kids just giggle, laugh and carry on. It is a delight to watch! I believe that children can see happy, bubbly adults. Prayerfully, they can see that being a Christian is fun, even when you get big and old! My mom always told me, "SPEAK to the children when they are little....and prayerfully they will LISTEN to you when they get big." It is all about building bridges.

On Saturday, September 8^th, we drove from the Billings area over to Whitehall, Montana, a small community about 35 miles from Butte, Montana. We were graciously greeted by the wife of Pastor Chuck Lanes, Sandy, and their son, Bill and his wife, Dina, who serve as the Associate Pastors of the church. Bill and Dina have four picture-perfect children, ages 2-6. She has her hands full! WOW! The two little girls look like little princesses and the two little boys are cute as buttons but fearless and action-packed! All four wanted to help "Uncle" Larry carry in the equipment. They tugged, pulled and grunted as they carried them in. We sure got our free entertainment for the day.

On Sunday morning, Whitehall Assembly of God filled up with many visitors and much anticipation of what God was going to do. No one was disappointed. When Larry gave the altar call, many responded to make commitments for Christ. Needless to say, there was a party in heaven AND earth going on that morning.

Associate Pastor Bill Lanes shared,

"We were very pleased to have Larry and Gloria with us this past Sunday. Their ministry touches young and old alike and their encouraging message of hope was well received. Several people rededicated their lives to Christ during the altar service. We appreciate their heart for the family and ability to reach into the lives of people."

After that precious service and a week that had been packed with rallies and other commitments, we joyfully but wearily headed up the road to the Helena area where we had the motorcoach parked. As we drove along Canyon Ferry Reservoir, which is part of the Missouri River, the scenery was absolutely breathtaking. People were boating and fishing. I then spotted some windsurfers, and I pleaded with Larry to pull over so we could just sit and watch for awhile. The sun, breeze and water were perfect enabling them to get their sails up.

While observing, I noticed a young man with a lime green sail was sliding effortlessly over the water and waves. He glided about a quarter of a mile up the river and back again. I then noticed another guy with a multi-colored sail who on the contrary was struggling about 30 feet off the shore. He would try to get the sail up, get his feet in position and attempt to turn the sail into the wind . About halfway to his goal of getting the sail up, he would then jump on, and the sail would plummet down causing him to lose his balance, thus he, the sail, and the surfboard would plunge into the water. I watched as he struggled to pull himself up once again jumping onto the board only to have the sail flop down. He lost his balance and into the water he went again. This process was repeated several times. I was sitting in the vehicle with the window down cheering him on like his own personal cheerleader and grunting with him as he would fall into the water. I knew he was getting physically tired of fighting it. I kept chanting out loud, "Keep going. You'll make it! You'll make it!" After many failed attempts, he finally caught the sail in the wind and away he sailed. I was so glad he didn't give up.

I guess the episode I had just witnessed reminded me so much of me! I watch some people go through life effortlessly with what seems like little or no trouble setting their sails to take them wherever they want and to do whatever they want to do. Then, there is me. I'm like the wind-surfer that struggles and struggles to muscle that big rig. It seems like I am always physically or spiritually muscling events. Some days I get so weary I tell Larry, "I'm just too tired to muscle this project." Then, I recall the words my mother told me about 40 years ago when I was going through a tough time and wanted some sympathy. She looked at me lovingly but sternly and said, "Missy, self-pity is one luxury no woman can afford." With that 220 volt jolt of truth, I learned not to give up and to keep trying and pushing on. If your sail of life, like mine, flops-I encourage to not give up. Get up, gird up and with God, you will be up and sailing again. When I go through my challenges I go back to the scripture in Isaiah 41:10, "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

Are you challenged or discouraged today? Don't give up or give in. Muscle the situation as God is with you.

Greetings from Billings, Montana!

The date was Saturday, August 25^th and it was truly a deja vu moment. There we stood on the stage, Lowell and Connie Lundstrom, Larry and myself, under the big yellow tent in Lakeville, Minnesota, singing "The Traveling Song" just as we did so many times in the '70's and '80's.

Back in May of 1961, Larry's brother, Lowell, and wife, Connie, graduated from Bible School. My husband, Larry, graduated from high school the following day, and the very next day the three of them journeyed off into full-time evangelism. Larry and I were married in October of 1965. These two couples filled with boundless energy, enthusiasm and the call of God on their lives ventured off traveling throughout the United States and Canada, singing, preaching at city-wide crusades, speaking on the radio, appearing in television specials, participating in conferences, and etc. Crowds grew and people came to Christ by the thousands. Larrry and Lowell's youngest brother, Leon, and his wife, Ronda, joined the team in 1971 as a drummer. Now the three Lundstrom brothers, wives and their families were singing and playing their instruments together spreading the Gospel news! The name "Lundstrom" became a household name in the Midwest due to the television specials and weekly television program.

In December of 1982, Larry, I and our three children embarked on a new adventure and formed the Larry Lundstrom Family ministry. We ministered all across the US and Canada focusing on salvation and ministering to families. One by one, our children grew up and left the nest. In 1997, it was back to Larry and I. Since then, Larry and I have traveled over ten months a year sharing the simple Gospel message with thousands making decisions for Christ.

During the week of August 19th-26th, Lowell and Connie Lundstrom celebrated 50 years of ministry and marriage. We were honored to be invited to be a part of the celebration. The Original Lundstrom's consisting of Lowell, Connie, Larry and myself, took the stage for a concert on Saturday night (the 25^th) and were joined by Leon and Ronda, and several of the children playing keyboards, drums, guitars, percussion, etc. What a reunion we had! As we stood there singing, after being apart for 25 years, once again, I was reminded of God's faithfulness to all of us through the years. One person commented, "As you all got on the stage, there was that same family magic and anointing that you all once shared and I felt it flow tonight." It was a wonderful and unforgettable evening. It was amazing to see that from the original Lundstrom's in the 60's, there are now three generations that fill the stage.

It was also a special treat to see and reacquaint ourselves with dozens of former staff, team members, guest speakers and singers.

All in all, it was an action-packed, emotion-filled weekend. Here are some photos of the big event. You may know or recognize several of them. Have fun!

  

Greetings from Minneapolis, MN! Have you ever heard the statement, "The faster I go...the behinder I get"? I don't know if it is my age catching up with me or what! This past week in my estimation, I worked like a speeding bullet, but it seems I could never catch up. (I hope I am not the only one who feels that way.) I am, however, very organized in one area---that is putting up dozens of yellow post-its reminding me of the endless forget-me-nots that are screaming to be done plus writing down list upon list on legal size tablets of tasks that need to be accomplished. Just when I get a few items crossed off the list, somehow the list grows and another pile of mail is added to my already overcrowded list.

Last Monday I was scurrying around multi-tasking as much as I was able. On top of my to-do list was packing for our Fall tour. Our motorhome won't see Sisseton until next May so it requires a lot of strategizing and planning to pack clothes for three seasons, along with the office essentials, study materials, and ministry stock needed for nine months. As we, Norgwegians, would say when we are overwhelmed, "Uffda!" May I be real honest and say, "Yes, I have been stressed over all of it!"

On Monday afternoon, I was working at my desk when a pastor called for some information about an upcoming rally. Good ol' multitasker Gloria also had brownies in the oven, permanent press clothes in the dryer, and I was working on the website update, proofing a newsletter, answering mail and sending sympathy and anniversary cards to partners. Confidently, I put the pastor on hold and ran to get Larry's rally schedule book. At that point, our personal cell phone rang. I quickly answered it, put the person on hold, just in time to answer my business cell phone which began to ring. Now, I had two cell phones and a home office phone all waiting for me to get back to them. At that precise moment, I heard the buzzer on the dryer sound off reminding me to grab the permanent press clothes out of the dryer so they wouldn't be wrinkled. Just then, I heard the timer on the oven buzz alerting me the brownies were done and needed to get out of the oven right away so they wouldn't overbake. It was at this point, I went into panic mode. I quickly gave the pastor on my cell phone the date he needed and hung up. I then ran to take the other pastor off hold and as I picked up the phone he said, "Gloria, can you hold a couple of minutes while I check these dates?" I obliged and went back to the other cell phone I was still holding in my hand and gave a quick answer to take care of that phone call.

I had it all figured out...I had 1-2 minutes to wrap up my other tasks before I needed to get back to the original phone call. I left the phone on hold, ran to the laundry room, grabbed Larry's good slacks and shirt, quickly flung them over a chair so they wouldn't be wrinkled, raced up 16 steps to the kitchen, turned off the annoying buzzer on the oven, pulled the brownies out of the oven, put them on the counter and literally flew down the stairs once again, grabbed the phone just to hear, "Here, Gloria, I'm back with my schedule book. Sorry to keep you waiting." If he only knew! HA! By this time I was gasping for breath and my heart was nearly racing out of my chest. Moments after I hung up the phone, Larry walked in after loading stock in the motorcoach, and nonchalantly chirped, "How's it going, Babe?" Gasping for breath I said, "Do you really want to know?" I recounted the flurry of the last few minutes. He fell in the chair in hilarious fits of laughter. When I heard myself retelling him my panicked saga, it did sound rather hilarious. Anyway, we both started to laugh. Larry said, "It seems to me your life is always a storybook." Well, it didn't start out funny-but it did end up being funny.

In the Psalms, David cries out over and over, "When I was in distress (overwhelmed), I called to the Lord." I've been overwhelmed so much of the past week. I've had to take the Psalmist's advice to call on the Lord. Psalm 46:1 says, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble." I like the word PRESENT mentioned there! That means...NOW! And when I get overwhelmed, I need Him now...how about you? Well, enough of that.

Before we left Sisseton, we had the pleasure to be able to spend a few hours with our evangelist friends, Curt and Linda Long. They have also been on the evangelistic field for over 40 years. Their ministry is based out of Sisseton, SD, as well. Linda and I attended Bible School together in Aberdeen, SD, way, way, way back when. They reminded me that I was responsible for them getting together and getting married. They have a great ministry and a wonderful family.

This weekend we will be attending Lowell and Connie Lundstrom's 50^th celebration of marriage and ministry. On Saturday night, the three Lundstrom brothers, wives, most of the children and grandchildren will be reuniting for a family reunion concert under the big tent at 7 PM at Celebration Church in Lakeville, MN. If you can join us, we would love to have you come!

Due to a hectic schedule this upcoming week, the next update will be posted on September 5^th. At that time, we will post photos and highlights from the anniversary! Have a great week.

Gloria

Greetings from Sisseton! I've been home for a week and it has been nice being home! Larry arrived back from Indianapolis, Indiana, where he attended the General Council of the Assemblies of God. He took our grandson, Dante', along with him. I'm glad that they could spend time together and get refreshed in the Lord. There were thousands of pastors, missionaries and laymen that filled the arena for the various events. Also joining them were about 15,000 teenagers who attended the Youth Convention and/or Fine Arts Festival. Larry heard such marvelous reports of the youth services that he attended one on Friday night. He said, "Those kids sure know how to worship and connect with God." The speaker asked for those teenagers who would be willing to be "missionaries" to the Lost in their schools to stand and come forward as a public commitment that they will witness to their peers in school. Larry said about 3-5,000 responded. We need to pray for them that they will have the strength, courage and steadfastness to carry out their commitment. Just think of the impact these students will have on their classmates. I was thrilled to hear that Dante' was one of those who responded to the call.

Larry was a co-driver alongside Randy and Hazel Hahne, who are pastors from Winner, SD. Together, they escorted the coach filled with teachers, preachers and Bible college students to

Pastor John Brady and his beautiful wife, Naomi, who pastor in Ellendale, North Dakota, hosted the group. Both of them are special to us as Naomi grew up in our home town and church in Sisseton. Naomi babysat our two daughters, LaShawn and LaDawn, when they were six and one year old. Wow...that was a long time ago! Pastor John and Naomi celebrated their 30^th wedding anniversary while they were in Indianapolis. Congratulations to a very special couple!

As I mentioned before, I stayed back in Sisseton to hold the home office down. I was also able to spend time with my precious mother. Conferences and events come and go but I only have a few days out of the year I can spend with her so I savor each moment. She has been my inspiration and prayer partner for over sixty years. She has prayed me through hundreds of trials and valleys.

Oh yes, then last Thursday, I committed to set aside 4-6 hours for a few nights to clean a sadly neglected drawer or two. I have drawers that I have "stuffed" things in for years and haven't gotten back to organize and clean out. Oh my...what all I uncovered! When you live on the road, 10 ½ months out of the year, everything gets shoved aside and piles up, until another time when you have more time to attack it. I decided that time was NOW! I chose to begin on my daughter's drawers as it is always easier to throw away someone else's stuff rather than your own. I found items in her drawers from when she left home 22 years ago. OUCH! I had been waiting for her to do it but she only gets home 2-3 days a year and, of course, we don't want to work when we can relax!

Spring or fall cleaning reminds me so much of tackling messy areas in our lives - like unforgiveness. We get offended or cause offense in someone else and we stuff it deep down inside. Offense after offense happens and we continue to shove them down. Let's face it...it's impossible to go through life or sometimes hardly a day without getting offended. It's going to happen as it happens to all of us. What we do with unforgiveness is up to us. We have a choice to make-do we hold on to it and be unhappy and miserable or choose to get rid of it. If we make the choice to hold on to it, our hearts soon become bitter and cold causing us to crowd out the joy and blessings that come from God. How do I know? I've been there. I've lived there. God spoke to my heart the verse in Matthew 6:14-15, "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." I knew that I wanted God's blessing in my life but I also knew I had sinned and certainly wanted God's forgiveness. Now the choice was mine. I didn't feel like forgiving but I chose, through God's help, to forgive others and I asked forgiveness of those that I hurt. As soon as I released the offense and hurt, my heart felt like it had gone through a Merry Maid Cleaning Service. I felt so clean, free and happy! God began to pour out His blessing on my life and it was just awesome. What freedom I felt. I would encourage you, if your heart is cluttered with unforgiveness or hurt, give it up! Get rid of it! Experience God's blessing in your life. You will never regret it.

Gloria

We had an exciting and fun-filled weekend! We were invited by Jeff Nordin, the music minister at Christ Chapel in Woodbridge, VA, who is also our former keyboard player for our ministry team back in the 80's, to come to Willmar, Minnesota. He invited us to take part in his family reunion by sharing in music and ministry. The reunion was held in a beautiful lake home setting a few miles out of Willmar at Jeff's parents, Doug and LaDon Nordin's. This was the inclusive Krueger Family Reunion. The Krueger family tree consists of six sons and six daughters so you can just imagine how many children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren were there. Family members flew in from as far away as Texas, California, Oregon, Virginia, Colorado and several other states. It is always wonderful to see families make that special effort to spend a few action-packed days together. They estimated there were about 225 family and extended family that attended all or at least a portion of the festivities. (We tried to get a photo of the entire family but due to a heavy rainfall on Saturday and busy schedules, many had already left by the time this photo was taken.) Many of the family members had never met, or at least had not seen each other, for many, many years. It was touching to see all of them connect and reconnect! What was even more wonderful was that most of the family are born-again Christians with many active in full-time ministry. It was thrilling to hear the testimonies from this extended family how their Godly parents had left an indelible impact upon all their lives down through the generations. They shared how their parents guided them spiritually, taught them how to pray, and encouraged them in their individual walks with the Lord. God certainly honored these parents' prayers along with what they had sown into all these lives. Truly, this is a blessed family!

On Sunday morning, Larry and I shared about the importance of family. We communicated on how we are families forever thus the importance of building family relationships through faith, love and forgiveness. The Krueger family has definitely practiced this.

One particular humorous moment at the reunion was when I sat down to visit with the eldest of the living siblings (five daughters and one son) from the original twelve, Vila Baker. This lady is so mentally sharp, spiritually tuned and physically beautiful as are her other living sisters. After a few minutes of visiting, I was commenting how mentally sharp she was for her age. She said, "Gloria, you know what? My son, Chuck Baker, built a beautiful casket for me years ago. He is a master craftsman, you know! Yeah, he has the casket stored in my other son, Sherlan's, basement." She took a big breath and with a twinkle in her eye and voice, she chirped, "I never thought I would have to wait this long before I used it!" Then she added, "I guess God's not done with me yet!" I assured her that all of her children, grandchildren, great and great, great grandchildren need her prayers and encouragement.

It was also great to see an old friend, Don Kuehl at the reunion.  Larry and I met him as teenagers.  He still looks great!  I also got to spend some time with Benita Lee.  She and her husband, Kenton, live in Tacomah, Washington and she is on staff at Life Center there.

And, oh my....talk about food! For 2 ½ days, we participated in an endless open buffet. There were tables and tables of every kind of meat, dish and dessert imaginable. Larry and Myanna loved it...of course, I did too!

Speaking of our granddaughter, Myanna, she loved the excitement and fun with all of the kids. This past weekend was her last weekend with us on the road. After the morning family worship service, we packed equipment, loaded up the motorcoach, and Larry and Myanna made their way back into Willmar to join about 35 others on a chartered coach heading to Indianapolis, Indiana, for the General Council Conference of the Assemblies of God. They asked if Larry would help drive the coach...I guess he's had enough experience! HA! After driving coach for approximately 44 years, he should be adequately experienced, huh?!

En route to Indianapolis, they stopped in Minneapolis to drop off Myanna who was anxious to see her mom. Larry then picked up our grandson, Dante', who is accompanying him to the conference so he could be a part of the youth conference where 15,000 teenagers will be attending. They are having special services and concerts aimed just for teens. We are praying that Dante' will receive a fresh touch from the Lord. It is so important for our children and grandchildren to attend events that will help build their lives spiritually. Larry and one other driver drove straight through the night and arrived safely in Indianapolis. After I bid Larry and Myanna good-bye, I grabbed a blanket, snuggled in my bed in the coach and took a much desired power nap. I then visited, once again, that evening with the Nordin family.

Monday morning, I and me (HA!) lazily journeyed back the two hours to Sisseton. It was a quiet but emotional journey with both Larry and Myanna absent. Just before Myanna left, she grabbed my hand and said, "Grandma, I've been with you for eleven weeks and four days." She flung her arms around me and we hugged, kissed and held on to each other. I didn't want to let her go as she was such a joy to us. When I returned home, I carried a load of stuff up the steps and set it on the kitchen counter. I looked over at the coffee maker and there was a 3x5 yellow Post-it that Myanna must have placed there just before we left the house. It read,

After I read it, I was almost in tears. I was assured that the special times we had together- the fun, the giggles, the chat times, the devotions, and the times of prayer were a great investment in her young life.

I love what I read in the Bible just a few moments ago in the book of Deuteronomy. Forty years the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness. They learned that God's firm promises still stand, both in the times of blessing when they obey him and in the times of judgment when they sinned against Him by disobeying His law. Deuteronomy 6:2 really spoke to me as I read and pondered it. I felt it was very appropriate after attending the Krueger Family Reunion and spending the last eleven weeks sowing into Myanna's life. This verse is referring to obeying God and His blessing will follow. It reads, "So that you and your son and your grandson might fear (or love) the Lord your God, to keep all His statutes and His commandments, which I command you, all the days of your life and that your days may be prolonged." And, may I add my own thought: "And be blessed from generation to generation." That is my heart's deepest prayer for my children and grandchildren. I am sure that is your heart's prayer, too. Keep investing and God will provide the promise. Have a great week!

Gloria

Can you believe it is August already? This year is fleeting by so quickly, I can hardly believe it! Last weekend, we drove to southwest Iowa for a weekend of ministry. We squeezed everything we needed for a church service (which was a lot) along with Myanna and ourselves into our suburban and hit the road. We chose to drive our suburban on this trip because of the fuel prices...I am sure you can understand.

Being in a smaller rig allowed us to take some secondary roads through the beautiful Iowa cornfield country. As we were driving along we saw several sweet corn stands. Excitedly, I chirped, "Honey, look! The sweet corn is ready to eat already!" Larry looked at me like I was joking and said, "Honey, it's the first of August. It should be ready." I gasped, "Oh, it is, isn't it. Where did the past two months go?" When I was a teenager, my mother used to tell me, "Missy, the older you get, the faster life seems to fly by." Way back then I remember thinking, "Not for me...it's not going fast enough! I want to be in junior high. I want to be in high school. I want to drive a car. I want to date, etc." It seemed to me that time stood still while I was impatiently awaiting those seasons in my life. Well, those seasons plus fifty more seasons of my life have come and gone since then. Now, I must admit, it does indeed seem like life is racing by more quickly than I can keep up with.

Last weekend, we were invited to minister in the small community of Arthur, Iowa, at the Arthur Evangelical Church. What a loving group of people! The congregation is awaiting the arrival of their new pastor so we were graciously hosted by layman Reese Johnson, and by interim pastor Allen.  There were precious decisions made for Christ with six of them being first-time decisions. One lady who had been invited to the morning service by a good friend gave her life to Christ at the service. After the altar call, she came back to the friend who had invited her and said with an exuberant sentiment of joy, "Thank you, thank you for inviting me!" Even if she had been the only one that responded to the invitation, the long trip to Iowa and back would have been worth every mile.

After the altar call, Reese Johnson, commented, "The service was wonderful! The music was great, the songs and testimonies were touching. There was a salvation thrust throughout the entire service. No one could miss the message of salvation. Oh yes, I loved your humor and the joy the two of you shared. It kept the service alive and moving."

Many friends and partners drove in for the morning service, including Roger and Beverly Sorensen from Harlan, Iowa. It was also great to see our long time friends, Lewellyn and Wanda Larson of Kiron, Iowa. Wanda sewed most of the dresses our daughters wore when they were little for the Lundstrom weekly television programs and specials. Lewellyn and Wanda invited us into their home for birthday cake to celebrate Myanna's 9^th birthday on the 27^th. It was Myanna's favorite cake-- marble with white fluffy frosting.

Lewellyn and Wanda shared the following regarding the time of ministry in Arthur, "We always love coming to your services because there is something for everyone, and everyone feels a part of it, including the children. What continually thrills us is that the salvation message is so simple and powerful that anyone of any age can understand it. There are always people coming to Christ at your altar calls. That is truly what it is all about, isn't it!"

Well, Larry and I would agree with that last statement...what this ministry is all about is reaching the Lost and hurting.

We rode back to Sisseton Monday evening, exhausted and weary, but Larry and I were both rejoicing over those whose lives were changed. Last Sunday, one of our faithful followers and partners asked, "Do you ever get tired?" I chuckled and confessed, "Oh yes! After 42 years on the road, we get very tired." I continued, "I would never live this lifestyle for any amount of money. It's way too tough! But," I added, "the clock is ticking fast towards eternity. Larry and I are doing what we can do to save as many people as we can from going to a godless eternity in hell forever and ever."  The Great Commission doesn't address it as "If you would like to go into all the world to preach the Gospel", rather it is a command, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation" (Mark 16:15). We are just trying to obey the command. We are so honored to be able to have a small part to enlarge heaven.

We would appreciate it if you would pray for us as we need your prayers and support to keep going. Have a great week!

Gloria

Whoo…it's another sweltering, hot, South Dakota summer day. The temps are soaring in the high 90s. I walked outside and it was as if I had walked into a sauna-it literally takes your breath away!

We've had a wonderful time of ministry in Wisconsin. We left Tomah and headed out to Grantsburg, Wisconsin for a weekend of ministry. Grantsburg borders the Wisconsin-Minnesota border. We went by way of Minneapolis and dropped off Myanna to spend a weekend with her Mommy and brother. Myanna is always so upbeat and happy, so we sure missed her those couple of days. She and Grandpa Larry have this special connection. I remember being that age and how I absolutely loved being with my Grandpa Brooks. To me he was magical, adventurous, and fun; plus he made me feel so loved, special, and secure. Larry and Myanna's relationship reminds me of my Grandpa Brooks and me. She's definitely Grandpa's little shadow and that's good for both of them. Last week Grandpa asked her if he can walk her down the isle when she grows up and gets married. She paused a few seconds and chirped, "Sure, if you're still alive!" HA! She turns 9 years old this Friday, July 27^th and I can hardly believe it!

Back to the road...we had a wonderful time ministering in Grantsburg, WI. We were invited by the Grace Baptist church in Grantsburg to take part in their annual Water Cross days. The original plan was to be downtown by the water on a stage right in the middle of all the action, but somehow it didn't work out so we were at the Grace Baptist Church with Interim Pastor David Prosser. We had a nice crowd on Sunday morning despite all the activities going on. There were precious decisions made at the altar call. We were told that people went forward that the congregation had been praying for a long, long time. Needless to say, there was a lot of rejoicing in the counseling room.

Just before the morning service, Larry and I joined Pastor Dave and the elders for prayer. We prayed for the upcoming service and for much needed rain as they are experiencing a serious drought. As we were praying, the sky got darker, clouds rolled in, and it began to sprinkle-then the rain fell-and then heavy rain came down. I kind of chuckle now, realizing that God knew this all along. If we had been downtown as originally planned we would've been rained out. This way, we had a beautiful sanctuary to hold the service in. Don't you love the way God works?

Our hosts, Bill and Leesa Shultz invited us to park our motor coach in their huge backyard amongst the beautiful towering pines; it was like being at a park. Before we parked back there we asked if there was any prediction of rain for us to worry about the coach sinking into the sand. We were reassured that there was no rain in the forecast, and they hadn't had rain for many, many days. We rolled that coach in and parked it with none of us knowing that God was going to send the rain Sunday morning. While we were singing and preaching, the rain was falling and continued to get heavier. We got a bit concerned…so right after the service we scurried back to the motor coach to move it off the grass and out into the street. By the time we got that done, it was POURING rain. We all rejoiced doubly over the much needed rain and also that we got the coach out before it began to sink into the sand. Can you imagine that huge coach sinking in? That would've been an enormous task and an outrageous tow truck bill-ouch! Thank you Jesus!  We also want to thank you, Bill and Leesa for your hospitality.  We had a wonderful time meeting you.  Here are some kind words from these kind people:

Late Sunday we drove back to Minneapolis, picked up Myanna and drove back to Sisseton, SD to work this week in the office. On the way home we stopped at a grocery store to get some milk and other beverages. Coming out of the store, I happened to walk by a lady who was unloading a grocery cart filled with canning jars, containers of salt, jugs of vinegar, and huge batches of fresh dill. I knew right away what she was going to be doing…canning pickles. The aroma of that fresh dill…the smell was so strong and enticing. I had an immediate flash back of many years ago when Mom and I would can dozens and dozens of quart jars of dill pickles (along with everything else!). She and I handpicked those cucumbers from a huge garden. We needed bushels because we had a family of 10 or 11 at that time. I always loved the smell of the dill as I picked it out of the garden. After we washed them, I put a sprig of it in each jar along with the spices, onions, salt, vinegar and boiling water...I can just smell it now in my memory- HA!

As I reminisced about this experience of years past, I was reminded of how God wants us to live such a godly life that when people walk by us or come in contact with us they will catch the sweet aroma of Christ pouring forth out of us. It's God's plan for us to live a life that is so attracting to the world that it would create a desire and a thirst for God and His righteousness in their hearts. I love the scripture 2 Corinthians 2:15: "For we are unto God a sweet aroma of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish."

Amidst the busyness in my life and the intensity that I frequently get caught up in, I often have to remind myself, "Gloria, you need to chill, lighten up, and relax, for that sweet aroma to flow out of you to others- they need Jesus." I want to be that sweet smelling aroma to others all around me…how about you?

Speaking of a sweet smelling aroma, Larry and I have met so many people whose lives have poured forth into ours. One of those is Sheri McPherson from the Tomah, Wisconsin area. She has been a prayer warrior and a friend when we're in need, indeed, for the many past years. It was so good to see her again.

Have a great week and keep cool!