Hello from Winter Haven, FL. My heart certainly goes out to the people all through the U.S. for the nasty weekend weather they had to endure. So many places we've called are buried in snow. I told a friend in Wisconsin last night, "Aren't you happy spring is almost here...and that this isn't the beginning of winter?" After hearing about all the snow in our home area of South Dakota, a gentleman in church asked me, "Why would anyone live in South Dakota, Minnesota or North Dakota?" I answered him, "Anyone can live in sunny Florida, Arizona, Texas or beautiful Hawaii...but it takes a real tough person to be able to survive those blustery, snowy, icy, sub-temperatures in the Midwest. Yes, we are survivors," I told him. He chuckled and quipped, "I wouldn't call that tough....I'd call it dumb!" Oh well, to each his own opinion. But then, when I stop to think about it, that's why we're here in Florida. Ha!
Last Saturday we drove through the Tampa, FL area and over to Palm Harbor. 
It's nestled between Clearwater and Tarpon Springs. What a beautiful place, and right on the water. We were at the Palm Harbor Assembly of God church two years ago and it was a delight to return again to be with Pastor Joe Peterson and his wife, Cathy. They were well known evangelists who cris-crossed the U.S. years ago. They have been pastoring in Palm Harbor for the past several years. It is a great church with warm and friendly people. We had a wonderful service and altar call response. Pastor Joe said, "It was a delight having Larry and Gloria back with us in Palm Harbor, FL. We enjoyed 
their music and so appreciated their anointed ministry and God's touch on their lives. As always, souls came to the altar and that's why we love having them come. We've known the Lundstrom's since way back in the sixties, so it was fun going down memory lane with them while they were visiting."
Another special couple who is on staff with Pastor Peterson is Carl and Betty Malz. Carl worked with Lundstrom Ministries for years and spoke at the Family Life weekend with us. Betty is a well-known author whose book, "My Glimpse of Eternity" shares her testimony of how she was clinically dead for 28 minutes 
and how God literally raised her up from her death bed. Carl and Betty have not only been wonderful friends but godly mentors to us. We are always able to glean something from them, and it was such a joy to see them again. Carl said, " What a joy to be with Larry and Gloria again. We share so many fond memories of our ministry together while we were all part of the Lowell Lundstrom Ministry team. I told Larry and Gloria, 'You get better every time I hear you.' Larry's message was great and we enjoyed hearing Gloria's testimony of how God healed her from her ladder accident. The fire of the Holy Spirit burns in them more brightly than ever." We were also 
honored to have Rev. and Mrs. Vic Unruh, formally of Kansas, with us. We've ministered many times in their churches through the years. They always have smiles on their faces and a great attitude. Everyone who meets them, including us, are always encouraged and ministered unto by the love and warmth that flows out of them.
Last Thursday I was fighting a bug of some sort...but, like the mail must go through... I threw myself together as best as I could to get to the library and do some work. As much as I tried to look good I still thought that I looked grungy! Briefcase in tow I was walking a block and a half from the parking lot towards the library. I was thinking of how awful I felt and thought to myself, "Oh, I hope I don't look as bad as I feel." Just then I heard a voice holler out, "Lady, you are sooo beautiful. You are the most beautiful lady I've seen today...you are beautiful!" I thought, "There must be someone else on this street." Slowly and as inconspicuously as I could, I looked in each direction and I was the only one on the street. Again, only louder and in a higher pitch I heard, "Yes, lady! It's you! You're so beautiful!" I finally got up enough nerve to turn around to see who it was. It was a street drunk, literally hanging onto a light pole, staggering, trying to stand, with his liquor bottle in a brown paper bag. I cracked up laughing. I thought "That explains the compliment...he's not even in his right mind. He's drunk!" But, he did encourage me and made my day. God has such a great sense of humor!
We all go through times where we feel less than beautiful or handsome. Sometimes we question our worth and our confidence and sometimes we even question our worth to God. John 15:15 says that Jesus is our Lord and Savior and He proclaims, "I've called you friend." Don't you love that? A good thing about a true friend is that he loves at all times, through all circumstances. No strings attached...it's what is called true, unconditional love. That's the love Jesus has for us. When you are having "one of those days" remember that God loves you and you are special to Him. Let that encouragement spur you on and have a great week!
A minister was planning a wedding at the close of the Sunday morning service. After the benediction, he planned to call the couple down for a brief ceremony in front of the congregation. But for the life of him, he couldn't think of the names of those who were to be married. "Will those wanting to get married please come to the front?" he questioned.
Immediately, nine single ladies, three widows, four widowers and six single men stepped to the front.
"Be careful...if you stretch the truth, it may snap back at you!" -Unknown
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like a puzzle when you are traveling coast to coast. I understand what he has to do to make it work, but it was just one of those days. I was living hour by hour. I looked at him, smiled and said, "Not today, try landing tomorrow." HA! We had a pleasant surprise last Saturday. Our son, Donovan was working a job at Sea World running sound for a concert in Orlando. He was only an hour from where we are so we drove over and he got us in free. It was so much fun to see 
him even though he was so very busy working. At least we got to see him in action. We miss him so much. It's hard to have your children grow up and leave home, especially when they live so far away. He's based out of Nashville, TN but is gone most of the time on the road so we don't get to see him as often as we'd like to. It was 28 degrees that morning so the concert that afternoon was cold and windy. Once again, it was comical to see these Floridians wrapped up in coats and blankets like mummies, ha! 
only six miles from Cocoa Beach. By the way, Larry calls the town "Hot Cocoa, FL". We had a wonderful Sunday morning service. It was a joy to be back with Pastor Leslie Ray and his family at Cocoa First Assembly of God. On their church van the words "The Church That Loves" are written; and how true that is. When we walked in the doors they greeted us as if we were lost cousins that they hadn't seen in years. We had a sweet morning service and a good altar call response. One couple who had driven by the church on Sunday morning looked at the marquee, saw our names on it, (they didn't know 
who we were) and felt drawn to pull into the church parking lot and come into the service. When the altar call was given they responded along with several others and gave their hearts to Christ for the first time. I'm always thrilled to see how God draws people to Himself. This time He used the church sign. Never underestimate the value of advertising. 
great lady who has a loving heart for the lost and hurting. June said, "I enjoyed Larry and Gloria's ministry through music and preaching of the word.
Most of all I appreciated the altar call and response. I was so blessed by those who made decisions for Christ." It was also a joy to meet John Harden. His love for God just spilled out all over. John said, "I loved your ministry, brother. Boy, you brought some spirit into that service. I was blessed by your music and message."
them the nice orange color. Of course, I didn't know that they spray them with something to make the orange color come out of them. They continued, "The ones that look kind of brownish and ugly are the sweetest tasting ones." Being Norwegian, I just had to challenge that. I walked down into the grove and found a beautiful big, orange-colored, orange. My taste buds were 
dancing anxiously waiting to try the first segment of the orange. I quickly peeled it, put the segment of orange in my mouth and ugh, it was so tough, tart and bitter. I puckered up and spit it out. What a disappointment! It looked so perfect and delicious. Then I went back to my cousins orange tree and took off a navel orange. It looked kind of scrungy and brownish in some spots. As soon as I began to peel it, the juice was oozing out. I put it in my mouth. It was so sweet and juicy; I just stood there and delighted in each bite.
& Janet Stubenrauch, by Cypress Gardens Lake in Winter Haven, FL. They have graciously opened up their home offices to allow us to work out of and we've been able to drive out for weekend ministry. Amidst our busy schedule we have been able to visit and get caught up on years past. Last Thursday, Dorothy Burleson, who is my dad's sister and my cousin's mother, flew in from California to visit. Dorothy just turned 90 last week. What a delight to see her again! She is so vivacious and such a godly woman and prayer warrior. All of my family is precious to us, but I have a special place in my heart for aunt Dorothy. She is greatly responsible for getting our family to go to church. That was back in the early 50's (Hmm...that's over a half century ago). Dorothy, her husband Frank, and their family lived 12 miles from us, just over the Minnesota border in the little 
community of Browns Valley. They were loving and persistent and kept inviting us to go to church. We always had an excuse, "too busy, not now or another time". Finally they came and insisted that we go with them. All it took was once! We all went into this little Gospel Tabernacle in Sisseton, South Dakota. We loved the happy, foot-stomping, hand-clapping music. The message was powerful and anointed, and we experienced and found something we had never felt before. Most of the people were like us...they appeared not to have much as far as earthly goods, but they were all so happy because they had Jesus! Their joy just bubbled out of them. Their true happiness made us thirst after "whatever they had".
We wanted it! Soon our family received Christ and WOW what a joy and peace that came into our lives and family. You talk about a life-style change - it really happens! From that point on we wrapped our lives in the Word, church and ministry to others. Life had new meaning. As Paul Harvey says, "the rest of the story is"...we have served God ever since. Would you believe...for over 54 years. Each day gets sweeter. God is so good! So anyway, it was a special thrill and opportunity to be able to thank Dorothy face to face for her part in bringing us to Christ. My cousins, Gary and Janet Stubenrauch are so dear to us and have been such a blessing to us each time we've come to Florida to minister.
thought that was okay, but I think those two beautiful cats thought, "Good the bosses are gone, we'll outwit Larry and Gloria in no time." We'd be gone a few hours and come back to see the folding door open and there in the "off-limits" room sat the two cats staring at us with their dancing blue eyes and waving their tails up in the air as if to say, "Aha!...just try to catch us!" The challenge was on. Larry and I would try to herd those cats out of the livingroom and, needless to say, they gave us our daily exercise program. I got so tickled watching Larry go on the cat hunt. Larry finally won and carried them out one by one and locking the door behind him. This little game went on for 3 days, so 
on the fourth day we decided enough of this game. I took their heavy antique grand piano stool and braced it up against the side of the door so they couldn't get through. To our surprise...we came back a few minutes later to find out that they must have both given it a body slam hard enough that it pushed the piano stool and door open just enough to sneak through again! What a week of cat games! Actually, Larry enjoyed the challenge. When my cousins came back home I asked them, "What do you feed those cats?" She said, "Good, healthy cat food." I readily agreed and told her, "I think I need to start eating that cat food. Whatever they are eating to make them that strong...I need it!" She just chuckled. 
your breath away. It is so sweet and inviting. By the way, Larry has picked his favorite navel orange tree and has literally stripped it since he's been here. Speaking of fragrance, it reminds me of the scripture in 2 Corinthians 2:14-16, "Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things?" It is my prayer that my life will carry such a sweet fragrance of Christ that whomever I come in contact with will be drawn to Him. 
Powell. Upon arrival he said, "My wife, Joy, and I remember you from way-y-y-y- back." I questioned, "And just-t-t-how far back?" He smiled and said, "In the late 60's and early 70's in Panama City, FL." I gulped, "Well, the good news is we are still alive and going." He just chuckled. On Sunday morning we were greeted by an exuberant and loving congregation. They were action packed, enthusiastic and ready to "have church". And that we did! When I asked how many had ever been in one of our services in the past about 40 raised their hands. There were several snow birds from all over the mid-west who had attended our family rallies somewhere, at sometime. 
traveled in. They had called us earlier and asked for directions and where they could park their rig. Larry assured them, "Hey don't worry about that. There's a huge parking area as you turn into the church parking lot. Pull into the empty lot, it's not paved, but you'll have lots of room to park." They took our "good advice" and drove into the vacant lot and were surprised as the duals were sinking into the sand. We did not know it was soft sand. Good thing they were really blessed by the morning service before they went out to tackle getting it out! The harder Jim tried the deeper it sank into the sand. Larry and another man from the church chained our suburban and another big pick-up to the motor-home and pulled at the same time. With God's favor and mercy they got it out. I was so shook and felt so badly that I 
went into the church and prayed. I was afraid the rigs would pull the back bumper off their beautiful motor-home. I heard a big roar of engines as they huffed and puffed, and pulled and tugged and thank the Lord, they got it out without any damage. I can't help but think that God was looking down at us and saying, "You dummies...I got you out of this one...just don't let it happen again!" Liz and Jim were so relieved, as we all were, and they were so kind through the whole ordeal. 
year warning people of spiritual destruction and then give them hope through a simple gospel message. As you can see, and as we've seen in the altar calls at our services...people will respond if given the opportunity. Well, I gotta run. Have a great week!
We had a wonderful weekend of ministry in Winter Haven, FL. Winter Haven is about 30 miles south of Orlando. We ministered at New Hope Church two years ago with Pastor and Mrs. Dennis Gipson. It was so good to be back and to see that their church continues to grow. When Pastor Gipson introduced us he said, "This is Larry & Gloria's fourth trip here and every time they come people get saved. That's what I like about their ministry and that's what this church is all about...people coming to Christ." Later he added, "Larry and Gloria's ministry gets better
each time they come." That comment touched our hearts. Speaking of touching our hearts, there were several precious decisions for Christ. Among them was a sharp looking, young married couple who I would guess to be in their late 20's. They made first time decisions for Christ. The church congregation was thrilled!
sther said, "It was so good being able to see our friends, Larry and Gloria again. The service was wonderful. We really enjoyed the music, time of ministry, and Gloria's personal testimony. We were especially thrilled with the altar call." Duane and Grace Hoven from Ada, MN were also in attendance. They have been 
friends and partners of our ministry for over 20 years. Their daughter, Jennie traveled with us on the road and tutored our son, Donovan. Jennie was a great teacher and worker and was such a blessing to us and our ministry. Grace Hoven commented, "It was so good to see Larry and Gloria at New Hope Church in Winter Haven. We love their music and ministry. Larry and Gloria are like family to us." It's always great seeing friends and partners in our services as we criss-cross the United States and Canada. 
"Be still and know that I am God."
rigs - which would include motor homes, fifth wheels, campers and coaches - and to my total amazement there were not hundreds there, but near 3,000 literally crowded into the Florida fairgrounds.
Coming back from the RV Expo we spotted a fresh fruit and vegetable stand.
of course, Florida's infamous, huge, red juicy strawberries.
booking, and we're both working on sermon preparations.
We went through the Orlando phonebook
Jesus? 
Getting ready to leave on this 4 month tour has literally eaten up any spare time that I might have hoped for. Larry and I diligently sorted through boxes of office mail and papers, and tried to get caught up on some projects that our Sisseton, SD office needed before we embarked on this tour.
the airport.
We had a smooth flight to 
Then, December 28th winter arrived!
photos.
into Minneapolis and drove home to Sisseton, along with her boyfriend, Liam Birt. Liam is originally from Toronto, Canada, and now resides in Nashville, Tennessee. They have been dating for about three years. It was so much fun having them with us for four days. Sunday night, while visiting in the living room, Liam asked our blessing and permission to marry LaShawn. We were ecstatic to say the least and of course, granted his request. So...we will be having a wedding coming up in 2007. They are currently working on scheduling a wedding date. We are so happy for both of them. Liam is a special man and has won the hearts of all our family. 
Well, that news sent the remaining Christmas celebrations into motion. We were anxiously awaiting the arrival of the rest of our family. LaDawn, Dante' and Myanna were scheduled to come home on the 23rd. This year, we were disappointed that our son, Donovan, who also lives in Nashville, wouldn't be able to make it home. I tried really hard not to let that bother me realizing that with schedules, work and distance, family get-togethers don't always happen the way Dad and Mom want them to. I had psyched myself to stay upbeat, but on the afternoon of December 23rd, while we were waiting for LaDawn and the kids to drive in, a deep pain arose in my heart as I so desired our whole family to be together. 
back into the house. Once all of the exhilaration from their arrival died down, LaDawn asked if we could help her carry in some gifts from the back seat of the car right away so, we hastened back outside. When Larry opened the back door of her car, Donovan jumped out from his hiding place under a blanket. Larry squealed and hollered, and I didn't know what was going on at this point. When I peered in and saw Donovan, I just stood there stunned for a few seconds literally in disbelief. I then wrapped my arms around his neck, hugged him and just held him. Needless to say, tears of joy were trickling down my cheeks. Larry hollered out with a big grin on his face, "This is the best Christmas gift I could ever get-to have my whole family home for Christmas!" At that point we were all ambulant 
with excitement. 
eating, snacking, reminiscing of days gone by, swapping sibling stories, and playing games. It was such a special time, words just cannot fully express! The vacation time together went only too fast but all the memories will last a lifetime. 
ory. 
