November 8, 2006
Hi...another week is history already. We've been in Pennsylvania this past week. Our friends, Walter, Joan and Roger Clutter invited us to park our motorcoach at their farm outside of Clarion, PA. Their place is transfixed by a beautiful pond. The landscape is so serene. When I open the shades in the morning, I'm almost convinced I'm in a park somewhere. They even have a picnic table right outside our door, but it's much too c
old for a picnic these days. A couple of nights ago the temperature dropped to 18 degrees. That chilliness would definitely put a damper on a picnic. Ha! We come through this area about every two years to minister. It's been great because we are able to set up office and Larry is able to take a couple of days to do some much needed repairs on the coach. It seems it always needs some tweeking between trips. We are so blessed by the hospitality and fellowship of the Clutters, and we are so thankful as well to Walt for helping Larry with the repairs.
Also, about every two years we are in the area of one of our favorite
photographers which is the Weeter Photography Studio in Knox, PA. The first time we had photos taken, the owner, Mark Weeter, took them which dates back to the early 80's. Wow! Now, for the past three trips to this area and the studio, his son, Aaron Weeter, has been taking them. We consider him a great friend, and he's so great to work with. We have been very blessed and are extremely appreciative to Weeter Photography for providing our ministry with photos.
On Sunday, we ministered at Riverhill Evangelical Church in Shippenville, PA. We were greeted by a loving congregation and many visitors. Pastor Terry Jacobs is another action-packed, on-the-go pastor that makes things happen. He encouraged his congregation to invite visitors and fill the pews...and they did. Last Sunday happened to be their Fall Festival Outreach. Here's what Pastor Terry had to say...
"Larry and Gloria Lundstom were with us at 
Riverhill Evangelical Church on Nov. 5, 2006. They have an excellent spirit about them and ministered in a non-threatening, under the radar kind of way to the families of our church. A couple that I invited, that live across the street, made first time decisions for Christ. Another couple, who we were getting close to losing in the church due to falling away, rededicated their lives to the Lord, and two teenagers made decisions for Christ as well. I would strongly recommend the ministry of Larry and Gloria. They will minister to your entire church no matter what your musical preference."
I had a somewhat humorous experience a couple of days ago. Each year at this time I suffer what I call, "the end of the year tour syndrome". By this time of year, I'm tired and just holding on. Anyway, I was huffin' and puffin' finding it 
difficult to breathe. Finally I told Larry, "I really need to stop and have my blood pressure checked." We pulled up to a nearby hospital entered the hospital pharmacy. I asked if I could have my blood pressure checked and the employee informed me they didn't have a way to check blood pressure there. (This blew my mind!.) I suggested going over to the hospital wing, and the same employee also tried to convince me it couldn't be done there. I asked her where I could go to have it taken and she said, "I suggest you run down to the Super Walmart and have it taken there as they have a blood pressure machine." I informed her that I had thought of that, but I wanted to be sure the machine and reading was accurate. Then I prodded, "Do you think that machine is accurate?" Her response to me was, "Close enough!" I was dumb-founded. I walked out of the hospital pharmacy with the words, "close enough" ringing in my ears. When I got to the car, I couldn't help but chuckle...close enough! Close enough to what!
Anyway, Larry and I drove to Walmart. I sat in the chair, cuffed up and took a minute to relax so it would give me a resting rate reading. I noticed a middle-aged lady peering over my shoulder. When I looked up at her she piped up, "I just want to see what your blood pressure is." I just smiled and thought to myself, "Whatever makes you happy, go for it!" I pushed the button to start the blood pressure machine and in about a minute the numbers rolled up. The lady watching put her head right next to mine and barked, "Holy cow....you're dead. You're a walking dead." It read 166 over 95. I thought again, "Is this accurate or close enough?" Larry and I weren't sure about this being close enough to accurate so we proceeded onto a clinic. Sure enough, the reading wasn't close enough. It was actually much higher. I am now on medication and thankfully, it is gradually lowering.
The two words close enough will forever linger in my mind. In fact close enough can kill you.
Spiritually speaking, churches, preachers and even friends will pamper the unsaved when asked about their commitment to Christ. Not wanting to push or offend their friends or parishioners, they will pat them on the back and reassure them that they are good enough or should we say close enough? Well, you simply can't be good enough to get to heaven or close enough to get to heaven. The Bible says in Rev. 3:15-16, where John is speaking to the churches, "I know thy works, that though art neither cold nor hot; I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." (KJV)
When making a decision for Christ, friend, there is no close enough decision. Either you are safe or lost. Which are you today? The good news is you can pray right now and ask God to forgive your sins and invite Him into your heart. He will come in and abide with you. You'll be glad you did.
Pic of the Week
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Heaven is a bargain, whatever the cost. (Unknown)
CHUCKLE OF THE WEEK
A little boy climbed up on his grandpa's knee and said, "Grandpa, make a sound like a frog." Grandpa asked, "Why do you want me to make a sound like a frog?" The little boy said, "Because I heard mama and daddy talking, and they said as soon as you croak, we're going to Disney World."
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
One Dish Meal
1 onion, chopped
1 lb ground beef
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can milk
1 cup celery, cut
6 oz uncooked noodles
1 can peas
salt
Brown onion and ground beef. Add the rest of the ingredients. Can be garnished with potato chips, nuts or cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 ½ hours. Serves 6.
HOUSEHOLD HINT OF THE WEEK
With all the baking that accompanies the holiday season, we thought this hint might be helpful...
Measure dry ingredients, such as flour, over wax paper. If any is spilled, fold up the paper and pour it back into the container. No waste!
Last Saturday, we drove from Western Maryland to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. I am sure that as you read the word, Lancaster, your mind like most immediately recalled the October tragedy that took place in the Amish community where senseless shootings of ten children occurred at the Nickel Mine schoolhouse. Lancaster County is still reeling over this tragedy. While conversing with some pastors, they assured us that out of this horrible tragedy, a barrier has been broken between the English and the Amish. (I was told that according to the Amish if you aren't Amish, you are considered English.) There is now an enormous river of forgiveness and charity being shared between the Amish and the English. We were thankful to hear that bit of good news firsthand.
"It was so wonderful to have Larry and Gloria minister at Lancaster First Assembly of God on Sunday. They were such a blessing to the church and to us. Larry made a statement that really touched our hearts. He said that a pastor prepares the soil of the soul, plants seeds and waters them making it possible for the evangelist to come in and harvest. The Great Harvest touches souls and draws them to Himself. We were blessed to have many come to Christ at the altar that morning. To God be all the glory! 
and various other materials when a precious senior saint came to me and asked if she could pray for me. My heart melted as at that moment I really just needed someone to hug me and pray for me. Her love, compassion and prayer lifted me. Later that afternoon, when I was looking at Larry's photos that he was preparing for the website, I saw this one of her praying for me. Larry observed my expression as I studied it and said, "Honey, I just had to take this photo as her compassion for you was so precious." 
We had the opportunity to stop and see our friends, Paul and Brenda Secord in Waynesboro, Virginia. Paul and Brenda own the Virginia House of Music through which they sell pianos. Paul was the pianist for the Lundstrom's years ago. They graciously hosted us in their home. I prodded Paul to sit down at his grand piano to play and sing for us. He did! I can't tell you how soul-refreshing it was. Had I the opportunity, I could have sat there for hours and soaked it in. Not only are they our dear friends but they also partner with our ministry. They shared the following with us:
foot boa constrictor. The snake brought its head around and scared me silly. The snake handler saw me jump back and exclaimed, "It's okay...it's a boa constrictor; he won't hurt you." It took me a few seconds to get my heart back into my chest, and the man continuing to try and ease my fear encouraged me, "Go ahead. Touch him. It's okay." Not wanting to appear like the 5'8 wimp that I am, I chuckled, "Oh well, I may as well." I bravely took the challenge and touched the massive reptile. I began to relax and told the handler, "Oh, it doesn't feel like scales, it's so soft." Just then, the snake's head lurched from underneath the guy's arm, lashed its tongue out at me, and I announced, "Okay, that's enough! I'm done!" The handler just chuckled along with my husband who insisted that he needed to get a photo of me with the snake....so here it is!
ic Pastor at the church. He ushered us into a candlelit dinner they were serving to honor the church choir who had rehearsed all day preparing for their upcoming Christmas Cantata. Wow! Did we ever come at the right time?! We were treated to oven baked Cornish hens, dressing, oven-baked seasoned potatoes, green beans, carrots, salad, pumpkin and cranberry muffins, a choice of 4-6 desserts, coffee, raspberry tea, sodas and with all of that, I still may have forgotten something. Are you hungry yet? Oh, was it delicious! The only problem was that we were so full we had a hard time setting up and rehearsing as we just wanted to lay down and take a nap. 
and wives on this tour. Pastor John Jordan his wife, Stephanie, along with their three lovely children were no exception. They were such a joy to be with. 
heard you were coming to minister and immediately decided to invite him to the meeting. I shared my intentions with my church friends. They just squealed and said they would be praying for him. Well, he came with me and that night in church, a couple, C.L. and Linda Wilkerson, who were counselors, sat next to us and were praying. After Larry preached and gave the altar call, C.L. reached over and asked my husband if he wanted to give his life to Christ. My husband readily responded, 'Yes.' Both my husband and teenage son went forward to receive Christ. What a difference God has made in our lives."
us, "When Larry and Gloria Lundstrom came to our church in Beckley ten years ago, we were counselors. Gloria met with all of the counselors before the service and challenged us to get out of our comfort zone and sit by someone we normally didn't sit with. She encouraged us to sit by someone who was hurting, visiting or who didn't know the Lord. We took the challenge! The minute we walked into the sanctuary, we saw Dr. Bose Mikkilineni. My husband knew that was who we were to sit by. After the message was presented and the altar call was in progress, C.L. looked at Dr. Bose and asked if he wanted to go forward. He responded with a yes, and God's perfect work was accomplished. We have been delighted to see Dr. Bose mature into such an awesome man of God. Thanks, Larry and Gloria. We love you."
experienced a bit of deja' vu as Larry and I were here as newlyweds in the mid-60's. Ooooh....talk about water under the bridge! This time around, we are celebrating our 41st anniversary. Several couples in their 30's came up to us after the services and exclaimed, "My parents brought me to see you when I was six years old...ten years old....a teenager." Boy, does that ever make you feel aged. I guess it's true! HA! 
On Saturday, we were greeted by Shannon, the music minister at the church. Larry questioned Shannon, "Do you remember when the Lundstrom's were here?" He just chuckled and I interjectted, "Larry, he wasn't even born yet." Shannon laughed and announced, "Oh, I know all about you. You are a staple. Your ministry has left a huge impact in this area of Maryland."
We enjoyed ministering in the two morning worship services. There were several people who attended that we knew from our prior times of ministry in this area. There were many rededications along with a few first time decisions. Altar calls never grow old! They are always exciting! 
filled with excitement and expectation. We were able to renew acquaintances with many friends we had made in years prior dating all the way back to the late '60's. We were once again blessed as many shared of how they came to Christ under the Lundstrom ministry and continue to faithfully serve God. God greatly anointed the music and message and when the altar call was given, several flocked to the altar to make decisions for Christ. 
We were personally overjoyed to be invited over to Pastor Joe and Naomi's home for a delicious home-cooked meal and fellowship with them and their precious family. They have 12 children-four are gone from home leaving eight children still at home. They are all so talented and full of energy. Each child plays a musical instrument and the family performs concerts. What fun we had visiting with them. After the meal, they presented us with a beautiful anniversary cake. How sweet of them!
released this week stating that we have just crossed the 300 million mark for the estimated population in America. With the increased number of people in our nation and all of our diversity, you are able to choose whatever church you desire. With the myriad of options, wouldn't you think everyone would be rushing to church? Wouldn't you think every church in America would be packed to overflowing? I think so! There are choices of large or small churches...traditional or charismatic...fast or slow music....conventional or contemporary worship. Every doctrine imaginable is out there. There is healing, faith (name it/claim it), gifts of the spirit, and the list is too long to finish. The overwhelming choice is yours. 
Christian Television). President Garth Coonce and his beautiful wife, Tina, birthed this TV ministry almost 30 years ago. TCT has 17 stations in the United States and currently broadcasts in 170 countries with the potential of reaching over 4 billion people. What an awesome opportunity! We sang (rather Larry sang lead and I sang with him as my voice is still weak from bronchitis). Praise God--- I felt God's touch, strength and anointing as we ministered, 
and I didn't cough or sputter once. During the interview, I was able to encourage hurting families and parents with prodigals while Larry, of course, got out his gun...HA...and went hunting for the unsaved. There was a great response of people calling in, asking for prayer and many received Christ. It was so great to see Garth and Tina again. It was also a delight to meet our hosts, Myles and Valerie Holmes, who interviewed us. It was a precious time. 
On October 16th, Larry and I will celebrate our journey into our 41st year of marriage and ministry. We are usually literally like the old song that says, "We are a thousand miles from home." Normally, we are a far distance away from our children physically so it is impossible to spend that special day with them, but Larry and I always make it a priority to go on a special date, even if it isn't on the exact anniversary date. As long as we celebrate, it works! 
w Ryland and his wife, Erma, Roetland. We originally met them in the late 60's and some of their children came to the Lord under Lundstrom Ministries. It is always a joy to hear those testimonies. They shared this testimony with us:
Little did I know that when I took the picture of Larry and the comedian, there was a tragic story that loomed beneath his big grin. Since that night, the Lord has been convicting me again to never assume that just because someone is smiling doesn't mean that they aren't hurting inside or have a need just beneath the surface. I do my best to assume that every time I meet someone, there is a ministry opportunity in which I can encourage and pray with them. There have been times in my life when I have hurt so deeply and have questioned God, "Why me???" When those times come, 2 Corinthians 1:4-5 comes to mind, "Who comforteth us in all our tribulations that we may be able to comfort them that are in any trouble." In other words, God doesn't want us to waste our pain. He wants us to turn our pain into a pulpit so that we may help someone else. I love the verse in Psalm 34:18 that says, "The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart."
Speaking of being fed spiritually, Larry and I were able to visit Tri-Lakes Center Church last Sunday. Due to many mission's conventions that are being held in September and October, we were unable to schedule a service for that particular Sunday, but I guess God knew that we would be needing some recoup time. Sunday morning, we were privileged to visit this church pastored by our friends, Mark and Kari Shorey. Their beautiful church is also one of Branson's most prestigious theaters. It was originally owned by country singer, Mel Tillis, and through a series of events, it has now become a church. They rent it out during the week back to Mel Tillis, Dino (the famous pianist), and other various artists. 
doing a fantastic job of building a congregation. Pastor Mark's brother, Kevin Shorey, also helps with worship. Kevin is married to Cindy, Mel Tillis' daughter who handles the scheduling for the events in the theater. What a joy to see these young couples making a difference in people's lives in Branson. They have a vision for the Lost and at every service, people are getting saved. When Pastor Mark preached about reaching the Lost, I could hardly hold Larry in his chair as he was so excited about the message. It was so refreshing to sit and take in the Word under someone else's ministry. 
handle the thought of being left out so I pleaded with Larry, "I'll just come in when the service starts, run the sound and maybe talk some, but I won't sing a note." He knows me well enough to know that I don't talk some.....I talk much! Anyway, God gave me the strength. I walked in just before they introduced us and God gave us a wonderful service. The altar was filled with people coming to Christ. How precious a time it was! At the end of the altar call, I walked back out to the coach and went right to bed. Through the years Larry has always said, "If Gloria goes to bed....she's seriously sick." He's right! 
On Monday, Dave Slyter took the challenge to go up on top of our coach to try and seal the vent that Larry thought he had fixed when he fell and broke my leg.....remember!!!! Our children have forbidden him, along with me, to go up on top of the coach again. He fusses about it, but he knows if he tries to go up a ladder, I'll pull him down. Anyway, thanks, Dave, for taking the vent challenge! We hope it's fixed. I'm tired of streams in the aisles. HA! 
Family Farm in Star Light, Indiana. It reminded Larry and I of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. A family has turned the farm into a "Gathering Place". There are acres filled with fresh vegetables and fruits. They have farm markets with homemade goodies, baked goods, jellies, gifts, plants, and much more. Oh my...the mum plants and pumpkin displays were beautiful! I would have loved to have taken what 
they call a bushel basket mum plant with me. We ended the farm experience with a scrumptious dinner they served our group consisting of delicious home-cooked southern fried chicken with all the southern side dishes. To top it off, they served us fresh berry cobbler with ice cream. Oh, was Larry ever happy! 
After all that, we rushed into Louisville to the big expo center for the National Quartet Convention. Nearly 40,000 people attended. With the massive number of people, there were not any up-close seats available except for the VIP's and singing groups. Each night at the convention they had people sign up for an opportunity to sit in the Winner's Circle which consisted of special chairs located only 5-10 feet from the stage. Gene and Pat Ellis from Lenexa, KS, walked up to me just before we were seated for the evening concert. He told me that he had put their names in the drawing for the Winner's Circle and added, "With thousands of people here our chances are slim, but I signed up anyway."
later a VIP came up to our section, motioned to Gene and Pat, and informed them they had won a spot for two in the Winner's Circle. Ecstatically, they bounded down the steps and were seated literally a stone's throw from the stage where all the artists performed. We were so thrilled to think that out of thousands of entries, their name was pulled out of the box. I love it when God gives people extra blessings and bonuses. Gene and Pat were so deserving of it. 
dozens of quartets and groups including Gold City, Florida Boys, Legacy, Hoppers, Crabb Family, and so many more just about sang us up to heaven. HA! The concert went from 6:00PM to almost 1:00AM. Several of our guests were seniors. Who ever said seniors are too old to party? Our entire group was so energy-filled they acted like people fueled with high octane. HA! We finally got back to the hotel about 2:00AM. I was like a dead duck, but some of them were still going strong. Wow!
observed artists bringing fluid pieces of glass to life as art. After that insightful adventure, we scurried off to the Belle of Louisville steamboat for a cruise down the beautiful Ohio River. We were served another southern dinner of chicken and steak with all the trimmings. The weather was almost 90 degrees and picture perfect making the cruise spectacular. By this time, it was already time to rush back to the Expo Center once again for the Quartet Convention. As was the case the night before, we listened to many hours of Gospel music and were heaven bound. It was so refreshing to be able to sit back and let someone minister to us through music and testimony. Everyone in our group was thrilled with the Quartet Convention.
On Sunday morning, we began our long journey back. All day Sunday and Monday we talked, sang, and our guests gave their testimonies of how they came to Christ. We laughed, we cried, we prayed, and we encouraged each other. Like one of our guests said, "I loved the whole tour, but my favorite time was in the coach when you and Larry shared and everyone gave their testimonies." Larry and I felt like this tour was just a taste of what heaven will be like. 
On Saturday we drove over to Owatonna, MN, which is about an hour from Minneapolis and set up our equipment at the Cornerstone Evangelical Free church. It was a such a joy to be with our special friends, Pastor Doug & Deb Jones. We've known them since they were teenagers. We saw them get married, raise their three sons and pastor churches in several states. We've been honored to be with them at each of those pastorates. It's been a personal thrill to watch this couple grow in Christ and to see how God has blessed their ministry. Pastor Doug is on our Board of Directors, and Debbie is on our Advisory Board. They had the following to share about our ministry:
for everyone. Their anointed singing, along with ther gifted speaking and preaching were powerful, yet tender, reaching each heart from young to old. God was in our midst doing His work until at the altar stood a group of people representing precious souls coming to Christ for the very first time. Others also were recommiting their lives to Christ. In a nutshell, when Larry and Gloria come and minister, you can be assured of a few things: a couple who is friendly and concerned for all, a ministry that is totally anointed of God, and a harvest of souls for the Kingdom of God. Thank you so much for your continued faithfulness to Christ and for coming to minister!" 
On Sunday, we had an awesome service at Cornerstone with many making decisions for Christ. Several came up to us afterwards and thanked us for being faithful in ministry. They assured us, "Because of your faithfulness we are serving the Lord today." I wish I could have had time to get all their photos and testimonies of what God has done in their lives since they were saved. 
Patti Ivance and her 2 children, Katie and Rachel, bounced up to me and bubbled, "Gloria, I was one of those young kids who came to Christ at your Lundstrom Crusade that you held here in Owatonna in the mid 70's. My parents took me every night. I loved it. And now that I'm a parent, it was a joy bringing my children here this morning. They loved it. You really blessed us with your ministry this morning. Thanks for coming." 
Since Cook is nestled in a resort area, we had several visitors who were on vacation attend the service. A precious lady from the Sydney, Australia, area hugged me and said, "Oh this was so wonderful! I loved the music, the message and especially the altar call to see so many saved! Please come to Australia!" 
is known as the Hull Rust Mahoning mine. The Hibbing taconite open pit covers 3, 075 acres with the maximum length being 3.5 miles. More than 800 million tons of iron-ore have been shipped from this location. Of course, Larry wasn't nearly as interested in the big hole as he was in the monster truck, better known as the King of the Lode. This haul truck was the world's largest 240 ton diesel electric haul truck. Larry was mesmerized! He scampered down the path and when he stood by it, he looked like a toddler instead of a full grown man. I think he felt petite standing by it. He loved every inch of that monster truck. 
Lutheran church in Fairbanks in the early 80's. They wanted to get a photo of the four of us so they asked the next tourists coming down the sidewalk if they would please take the photo. This couple chirped, "Sure. Hi Lundstrom's! We have followed you for years. We are from Madison, SD." At that moment, another couple walked up to all of us and exclaimed, "The Lundstroms...what are you doing way up here in Hibbing? We are from Prairie Lakes, SD." By this time, there was a group of eight of us visiting. It was a sweet time. They thanked us for staying in ministry all of these years. Wow! As tired as we were with 400 miles yet to go, their kindness and testimonies infused us with energy. Of course...it took several coffee stops along the way to keep us both awake. After meeting all of those precious people, I realized God allowed them to be there to encourage a weary couple...Larry and I! Isn't it wonderful that no matter where you go, God has some of His people there. When you meet, an immediate bond takes place. You are no longer strangers but friends.
were in Cook, MN, a precious senior in her early 80's, walked up to me and hugged me. She said, "I've been following you and your ministry for over 40 years. We drove all over Minnesota to see you and we bought all of your record albums. I still have them all. A few weeks ago," she continued, "my granddaughter who is in her teens picked up one of your Lundstrom 33 1/3 long play record albums...she took it out of the cover and gasped, 'Grandma, where did you get that big CD? I've never seen one so big!'"