Greetings from South Dakota! We are always happy to be ministering in our home state - home of one of America's national treasures - Mount Rushmore.
Excuse me but can I use a bit of Larry's humor here? He describes Mt. Rushmore as "our famous ROCK group" from South Dakota. Ha!
Larry and I were blessed again to have been able to attend the Fall Keystone Project in Keystone, SD. The front of the ministry center, which sits high up on a mountain, faces the Mt. Rushmore monument. What a sight! More than the sights, we were delighted to sit under the ministry again of President Richard Greene and others.
We were asked to do music for the three days. Our hearts were touched and challenged by meeting missionaries and pastors from Ethiopia, India, Africa, plus the U.S. Each of them had fully surrendered themselves and were commissioned to give all and to do all to reach the lost and "make disciples".
Visiting with one of the young missionaries I casually asked him about his ministry in Ethiopia, as his excitement was so infectious. I asked him about his church building and he responded, "I will show you." He took out his iphone and pulled up a video of "his church" where he ministers. My knees weakened and I almost burst in to tears. It was a video of a trash dump where multiple thousands live. It is filled with refugees, lepers, and those who are misplaced. He said, "This is where I meet my people. When I was four years old I was brought here and lived in this trash dump for eight years. Someone came and shared the gospel with me and I gave my heart to Christ. I determined I wanted others to find Christ like I did to give them hope. I am here to get further training for how to reach the lost and make disciples to reach more
people."
Larry and I went there to be a small blessing and encouragement through music (they love music), but in turn each one touched our lives deeply.
Their love for God, their sacrificial selfless lives and their testimonies were so inspiring.
From the Keystone Project, we drove by the beautiful Spearfish canyon on our way to Spearfish, South Dakota. The golden leaves snuggled among the towering pines and the sparking streams were a fall showcase of beauty. Only God could create that.
On Sunday morning we had the privilege of ministering at Calvary Temple with Pastor Mark and Ruth Chaplin. What a precious, tender and loving couple. We were blessed with many visitors and when the altar call was given many flowed to the front to pray the salvation prayer and invite Jesus into their lives.
"It was such a joy to have you with you with us this past weekend. We so enjoyed both your fellowship and your ministry. The genuineness of your hearts and faith is such a blessing. Thank you for giving your time to minister both to us personally and to the people of this area.
Your music, mixed with down-to-earth humor and faith in the Lord, together with the practical message of the gospel of Christ was shared in such a way as to appeal to a wide variety of backgrounds and ages. It was refreshing to see the way that you helped people feel embraced and loved, including those from various church backgrounds, as well as those who not connected with a church at all.
I also appreciated the sincere and humble way that you shared Christ ... it is evident that your main desire is for people to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. You simply lived out Christ's love for all people through your personal lives and public ministry. In addition, we are so blessed to see the example that you live out in your relationship as a couple. What a joy and encouragement to see a couple who demonstrate such a genuine Christ-filled love for one another.
We would love to have you again to minister to our people, and if you have the opportunity when coming through, to simply stop by for a visit. We feel like we have made some wonderful new friends!"
Mark Chaplin
Lead Pastor, Spearfish, SD
A most thrilling moment was when Pastor Mark's mother and father, ages 82 and 86, stepped forward as his mother rededicated her life to Christ. It was such a beautiful celebration. Tears of joy were in order!
"If I had to choose one word to describe Larry and Gloria's ministry it would be: Commitment. Commitment to the Lord, to each other, and to the calling God placed upon their lives. We have had the opportunity to participate in several rallies over the years and Larry and Gloria remain faithful to all three of these commitments. Their sincerity and genuineness of heart dissolve apprehensions, which opens hearts toward the Gospel message.
Truly was a blessed day in the Lord's presence. Thank you again for your faithfulness to the Lord and his calling. May the Lord richly bless you and keep you causing His face to shine upon you and give you peace."
Barb Hansen
Calvary Temple in Spearfish, SD
We are finishing our second week in our nine week tour and needless to say, it has been truly action-packed. We will be ministering in Mott, ND tonight, a morning service in Poplar, MT on October 6th, and evening service in Wolf Point on October 8th, October 11th we'll be in Beach, ND and then onto the Billings, MT area. Please remember us in your prayers for safety on the road, good health and awesome altar calls for the Kingdom. It is such a privilege to see how the Holy Spirit moves on lives!
Quote
Q: What rock group has four men that don't sing?
A: Mount Rushmore!
1 shoulder or picnic ham
1 T. dry mustard
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup sweet pickle juice
Place ham on rack of roast pan, skin side up. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 30-35 minutes per pound. Remove from oven 30 minutes before baking time is up. Remove rind; score fat. Combine remaining ingredients. Spread on ham. Bake at 400 for 15-20 minutes.