There is an old song that says "I've been everywhere, yes, I've been everywhere, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Kansas, etc." That is the way I feel at this point. In the past two weeks we have cris-crossed the prairie lands of South Dakota twice. After the Seniors' Retreat in the Black Hills, we dashed back to Sisseton to pick up our 
guests for the Fun and Fellowship tour to the National Quartet Convention and headed off to the hills of Kentucky. En route we saw many sights and tourist areas. On Thursday, September 11th, we pulled into Louisville, KY, filled with great anticipation for the National Quartet Convention. We were not disappointed! Not only were we entertained, but
we were deeply ministered unto by the Gold City Quartet, Legacy 5, Signature Sound, Gaither Quartet, Hoppers, Florida Boys, Kingsmen, Greater Vision, Pfeifers, and the award winning Booth Brothers. There were dozens and dozens of other groups that sang also from morning all the way to midnight. For all of our Southern Gospel lovers, they 
God blessed Larry and I with a great group of friends to join us on this years Fun and Fellowship tour. Our next tour, Lord willing, will be a Christmas In Branson tour in December of 2009. We would love to have you join us!
After an action-packed seven day tour, we darted back to Sisseton to repack for our next venture. On Wednesday, September 17, we departed once again crossing the state to Eagle Butte which is located on the Cheyenne River Reservation.
d to also partner with Melena Dugan of Operation Outreach located in Ohio and Convoy of Hope from Springfield, Missouri. We had two semi-trucks filled with food and clothing to distribute. We began the venture with setting up two tents, laying out massive lines of tables for the distribution and organizing thousands of articles of clothing. When all was said and
done, according to Craig Chadwick from Operation Outreach, we distributed 71,000 pounds of food which would feed 3,500 families. Before the food distribution, we sang and ministered under the tent about every hour and a half sharing the simple Gospel message and providing an opportunity for people to accept Christ through an altar call. The last estim
ate we received was that approximately 300-400 people received Christ. There was also much one-on-one witnessing, counseling and ministry taking place all over the grounds. Several bible study groups are being implemented in four communities to assist with the follow-up of these precious new believers.
Addie, the pastor of the Church of God in Eagle Butte, headed up the kitchen and feeding effort. On Friday, a free lunch was served to the gathering. We were thrilled to be joined by so many Native Americans joyously and enthusiastically helping out in all areas of the outreach helping their community. We were also delighted to have many of the clergy from the surrounding areas assist in the event in whatever way they could. 
We were especially blessed to have seventeen students from Trinity Bible College in Ellendale, ND, along with their instructor Chuck 
Operation Outreach Director, Melena Dugan, and Operation Outreach Director/Driver, Craig Chadwick, said, "We have worked these events for over ten years. We have often had college students work with us, but this was by far the best group of students. We have never had harder workers as they were. There wasn't anything they wouldn't do or couldn't do, and they jumped right in to complete the task at hand." What a compliment to Chuck, his team and Trinity Bible College!
About a year ago, God gave Larry and I a vision to do this outreach to those in need in our home state. The event and response was truly overwhelming! Please pray for all of those who made commitments that they will get plugged into the Bible studies and they will continue to grow and reach their peers for Christ. The tears of repen
tance and the smiles on their faces after they prayed made all the effort worth it!
We thank Melinda from Operation Outreach along with recording artist, Red Cloud, who ministered to the youth. Also, we extend a special thanks to Mel Erickson of Dakota Missionary Evangelism who led the outreach and mentored us in this new venture. Mel is one of the hardest working missionaries we have met. He and his wife, Corliss, have an unwavering burden to help Native Americans.
Invitations are already coming in to return to the reservations in South Dakota to conduct soulwinning rallies. Tentatively, we are scheduled to go to Mission, South Dakota, in July of 2009 for a large soulwinning event that usually draws 2,000-3,000 people. We are looking forward to it!
As you can tell by all of the above, it has been a wonderful and exciting month. May you be blessed and have a great couple weeks until we talk again!
the craziness of the past couple weeks, we had intended to put a picture of those from our hometown of Sisseton that attended the Senior's Retreat in the Black Hills last time, but it was missed. Thank you for coming all that way. We so enjoyed our time together!"Not what we gain, but what we gain measures the worth of the life we live."
-Unknown
The Picnic
A Jewish Rabbi and a Catholic Priest met at the town's annual 4th of July picnic. Old friends, they began their usual banter.
'This baked ham is really delicious,' the priest teased the rabbi. 'You really ought to try it. I know it's against your religion, but I can't understand why such a wonderful food should be forbidden! You don't know what you're missing. You just haven't lived until you've tried Mrs. Hall's prized Virginia Baked Ham. Tell me, Rabbi, when are you going to break down and try it?'
The rabbi looked at the priest with a big grin, and said, 'At your wedding.'
Zucchini Garlic Pasta
Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside to drain; discard all but two tbsp of drippings. Saute' onion and garlic in drippings until tender, about three minutes. Add the zucchini and salt, cook until tender, about six minutes. Drain pasta and add to the zucchini mixture. Add lemon juice and bacon; toss. Transfer to a serving bowl or platter, sprinkle with cheese.
Don't wrestle with a slippery cutting board! Use a section of foam fabric shelf liner or rug gripper underneath any glass, plastic or wooden cutting board to hold it securely in place while you use it.
looked like a playground of giant gold cylinders. Then, as we neared the Missouri River, we were delighted to enjoy miles and miles of sunflower fields. If you have never visited the prairie lands of South Dakota, you must visit our great state. The sights of dancing deer and antelope, roaming buffalo, and thousands of pheasants and wild turkeys entertained us on the trip. I exclaimed, "This was truly a wonderful 'vacation drive' being able to enjoy God's beautiful creation and breathtaking scenery." The only downer of the trip was by the time we had gotten to the world renown Wall Drug, the mercury in the thermometer peaked at 103 degrees. Before arriving there, we read a billboard that said, "Wall Drug...Free Ice Water, Homemade Donuts, Pies and Ice Cream." Needless to say, the sign got Larry's attention and the suburban came to a much-welcome screeching halt. We got a 5 cent cup of coffee and a piece of homemade blackberry pie with some unforgettable homemade ice cream. We then took off again as HAPPY travelers!
offer. The younger generation and our families need our prayers, our Godly guidance, encouragement and seasoned advice. They need to hear the stories of our faith and of God's provision through the rough times.
overwhelming love and passion for the seniors. Their energy for ministry will never be forgotten. They poured their hearts and strength out to each one that attended. They shared the following regarding the retreat:
"My wife and I really appreciated your ministry at the S.D. Senior's Retreat in the Black Hills. Even though my wife and I are in our late 30's we enjoyed ourselves immensely. We brought 18 senior's from our church, and they all had a wonderful time. The ministry time was excellent, and the fellowship time refreshing. The messages you shared for the senior's ministered to my wife and I as well. 
We were happy to be invited back to minister with Pastor Scott and Nancy Jans in Fairbanks, IA at the Lord of the Harvest Lutheran church. There were smiles and joy during the whole service as we sang and ministered...especially at the altar call when they float up to the altar to make decisions for Christ and reaffirmations of their faith. Scott and Nancy's hearts burn with great fervor to see the lost come to Christ. 
We've known both Percy and Perry since they were about 4 yrs old and their parents were pastoring in North Dakota. They are two great guys and both are wonderful pastors. 
Larry took of Dean and Maggie it shows what happened when they prayed. Look at the joy that glows forth from them. Dean said, "This was the day. This was the appointed time for Maggie and I. We loved the service, the music and the message. When Larry gave the invitation, we knew it was for us and it was the right time. Now when we die we know we will go to heaven." 
tenor drum for Rosemont High School. They marched and performed that day. Last Monday their band was requested to play for over 3000 of Minnesota's school teachers and they received an overwhelming response. Dante said their appreciation made their whole summer practice worth it. 
our ministry back to the area.
From Harlan, we traveled over to Palmer, IA, to the Faith Lutheran Church pastored by our long-time friends, Pastor Dennis and Joan Niles. Joan prepared us a home-cooked meal of BBQ ribs, mashed potatoes,
received new strength. Again, Joan and I appreciate the ministry of the evangelist and Larry and Gloria establish a clear standard in that gift area. We pray God will give them wonderful open doors and hungry hearts."
on the road. She told us, "I had forgotten how good your ministry was. I'm so glad I came. It was great."
have known them since....well...since Larry and I were newlyweds.
with a ministry that the whole family enjoys.
Celebration.
twice.
the realization that they have to get back there somehow. Unbelievably...Ripley's believe it or not...they had one oar. Yes, I said ONE oar. Someone had forgotten to put the second oar in the boat. Need I tell you they were in trouble? You'll never get anywhere with one oar, you'll just go in circles. Thank God for those men with creative minds! Alan took his huge fishing net, and crisscrossed the net with bungicords. That was supposed to be the second oar (chuckle). Thus began the five hour trek back to land. Well, thankfully they made it back okay, but they will all tell you they definitely had sore arm muscles. Of course, you know me, I chuckled because it wasn't happening to me. That experience was an unexpected, added adventure for them. 
This true story so reminded me of life in general. How many times are we just sailing through life and it seems the motor of our life stalls, or something happens to stop us. I call those "bumps" in life. When Plan #1 falls apart, we rush into Plan #2. Often times it appears that we are going in circles, not making any headway. It's like having only one oar. In a panic we cry out to God, thankfully he throws us an "oar" of faith or perseverance to help us to keep paddling on. In the natural there are moments that it doesn't seem like we'll make it...but if we hold onto God's promises in His word...we eventually come through. Maybe not the way we planned, and maybe not without scars or disappointments, but we make it! 
Can it really be mid-July already? It seems like everything goes so fast I can hardly catch my breath. 
our family together in one place. I continually remind my nine brothers that I truly am their "favorite" sister. Of course they chuckle and say, "Yea...because you are our 
how Mom handled our sibling squabbles. If we got in a disagreement or fight, she would pull us both by the nape of the neck, put us face to face, and quietly, but firmly command, "Say, I'm sorry." Ewww! That was so frustrating! That was the last thing we wanted to say, but she made us do it anyway. We ground out the words, "I'm sorry" to each other. She would then command, "Now give him/her a kiss on the cheek." This was a punishment worse than getting a spanking. Very unwillingly, as she held us firmly in place by our shirt collar, we reluctantly gave each other the fateful kiss. We then gave each other a look that emphasized, "No sale!", but as soon as our eyes met, we would break out in laughter! In just moments, we were friends again until the next squabble arose. HA! Ohhh...the lessons we learned.
always encouraging, challenging, and uplifting to the Body of Christ.
his "Sword" with all of his notes and reflections in it. I tried to encourage him, "Honey, hopefully, if there is anything left of it, wherever it fell off or if anyone finds it, let's pray that person has the heart to send it back." Years ago, I had written in his bible, "If lost, please return to (our address). We would deeply appreciate it." We gave the problem of the lost bible to the Lord and Larry borrowed my bible for the service. 
orship leaders at Christian Life Center for nearly twelve years. Back in the mid-80's, Scott and Nancy, both single at the time, traveled with us in ministry on the road. Scott ran sound, sang and drove bus. Nancy sang and did whatever needed to be done. They went on to be married after they left Lundstrom Ministries. We are so proud of them and their ministry. I chuckled at what Nancy said, "Wow...you guys are ageless!" Whatever that means! HA! She continued, "You guys have been so faithful to stay out there all of these years touching lives. We had a lot of great memories being with your ministry."
eat impact in our communities. Tim was also a great help with helping set up and tear down at the park. This couple had the following comments regarding the service:
walk with the Lord. It was a beautiful evening and a wonderful day that the Lord blessed us with. We so appreciate Larry and Gloria and their heart to reach the lost and be a blessing to the Body of Christ. On a personal note, our family is always blessed by the time we get to spend with Larry and Gloria. Thanks again for coming to Glenwood!"
Last weekend, we were invited to minister at the Wadena Evangelical Church in Wadena, MN, with Pastor Jeff Heisler. I remember being in Wadena a few weeks after Larry and I were married in November 1965. Wow..my memory still works! Yea for me! We have returned several times through the years.
trimmings including a yummy birthday cake. That was so kind of them! Jack said the following about our time of ministry in Wadena:
Pastor Jeff has a burning desire to reach the lost for Christ. Many churches and pastors express that they want to reach the lost...but often it doesn't seem to get much further than the expression. Pastor Jeff set a goal for 2008 to reach 24 people for Christ: his heart is to reach the unchurched and unsaved, not transplants from another church As of last Sunday, before we came, he had 18 people make commitments, and he was believing God for another 6 by the end of the year in order to reach his goal. Then, Jeff said, "It is only June 29th and we have almost reached our goal. There is still a half a year left. We need to believe for a lot more!". God is definitely pouring out His blessings and giving Pastor Jeff the desire of his heart. As you can see by the altar response in the photo, God drew many who were searching and hungry for Him. 
e someone makes a commitment to Christ, he buys a special candle and places it withing a glass globe. The glass globe has their name etched on it along with the date they received Christ. He places them on the altar and lights them every Sunday morning. He has 18 candles burning representing the 18 who have given their lives to Christ this year thus far. What a moving sight! It is a great testimony and also a great motivation to bring in the lost so they might be saved. At the end of this year, he will present each convert this beautiful candle as a symbol and reminder of their commitment to Christ. He will be placing many more on the altar as a result of Sunday's altar call.
marriage went by slowly and was filled with many challenges...each year since has raced by like speeding bullets. I remember thinking that anyone 25 years old was...old, 35 years of age was... older, 45 years old was... ancient, and 55 years and up was... over the hill - HA! So where does that put us now!! Please be kind with your thoughts!
no matter what walk of life, age or race, he will take out 3 coins and share the simple plan of salvation - and 9 out of 10 times will lead that person to Christ." I love his heart that is sold out for Christ. Larry has been on the road for 47 years (he was on the road four years before we got married in 1965), and his love and zeal for ministry is as fresh and fiery today as when he left for ministry on the road in 1961 with his brother Lowell and Lowell's wife Connie. 
On June 8th, we had the honor and privilege to minister at New Life Assembly of God in Ellendale, North Dakota. The church meets in the Trinity Bible college chapel. We had a wonderful service. Our hosts were Pastor Dave Bennett, his wife Rose, and Dr. Lavonne Larson. Pastor Dave is an Evangelism teacher at the college, along with holding many other positions. After the service he told us, "Larry and Gloria, when you gave the altar call, I bowed my head and thought, 'Wow Lord, that was a great message on soul-winning, we needed to hear that.'" Then added, "When I looked up and saw all the people who responded to the altar call...I almost fell out of my chair! It was really great." Among all those who made decisions for Christ, was a
couple that David and Rose have been praying for and loving on for several months. Praise the Lord!
have to agree "they musta' done me well", as I'm still out here on the road in ministry after 42 ½ years. We had great teachers who were excited about preparing us for ministry. I am ever-indebted to them.
there,
of God. Their love for God and souls reverberate through them. They have a wonderful congregation and are making a difference in the Kingdom.
Evangelists Larry and Gloria Lundstrom. Their ministry here at Calvary Assembly of God Church was a tremendous blessing to our people as they shared both in music and the Word of God with conviction and boldness, yet with a spirit of humility.
helps, and that they are always in the middle of what God is doing - what a great blessing. Randy and Juli's daughter, and her husband drove back from the Milwaukee area on Father's Day. They attend my brother, Pastor Jerry Brook's church in Oak Creek, WI. I had to chuckle because she said to me, 
God, in Sisseton. It is always a joy to connect with our friends and family. This time our ministry took place at the same time as graduation and Memorial Day weekend. With this in mind, Larry built his sermon around the question, "What is your belief system?". He addressed the graduates and since it was Memorial Day weekend, he also honored those that had "graduated" from this world into their heavenly home. 
each one had made on our lives. Then, we noticed many graves with markers that bore the names of believers that had faithfully prayed for Larry and I as young people. They were seniors when we were teenagers. They challenged us through their examples of living godly lives as well as their faith-filled prayers to believe for miracles and answers to prayer. We cherish each one who had a part in our lives...pastors, staff, children's pastors, Sunday school teachers and youth leaders. We were always reminded of Ecclesiastes 12:1, "Remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth." We were taught and encouraged to make a commitment of our lives to Christ while we were young and that God would always be there to direct our steps and pathways of our life. It is because of the prayers of many of these saints and role models that Larry and I are in ministry today. We are grateful to all of those who took time to invest in our lives.
did I agree to? Mom is 92 ½ and is getting a driver's license???" (Not that she isn't capable to be driving, but we do not think it is wise or safe at her age with the traffic she would encounter) Still flabbergasted, I wondered what I had agreed to. The next morning, I called her, "Mom, why do you want a driver's license?" Jokingly I asked, "Do you plan on driving the Senior Citizen Transit Bus?" To which she chuckled, "Oh Missy...don't worry. I'm not getting a driver's license. I am getting an ID card for traveling identification." Whew...was I ever relieved! 
don't want you to fall. I would feel so terrible and responsible if you ever got hurt." She sweetly complied as she took the cane that my dad once used and away we went. Just as we were about to enter the building, she stopped, looked up at me and firmly commanded, "Missy, you take the cane...I don't want them to think I'm using the cane." I broke out in laughter, "Oh, thanks, Mom. You are 92 ½ and I'm 64 years old and you want them to think it's mine." She just laughed. 
and they all gave me beautiful Mother's Day cards with heart-touching verses. Often I don't feel I'm worthy of all those "flowery" kind words...but I'll gladly accept them! Often times, while parenting, we feel inadequate in how we're raising our children. We ponder and wonder if we did the right things in the right way. So, I need those verses of love and appreciation to keep me going. I was so happy to have our granddaughter, Myanna, with us on Mother's Day. She is such a joy to us. 
"Wow! Our church is still beaming with excitement and joy at seeing nearly half in attendance on Sunday respond to the altar call, many committing their lives to Christ for the first time. Thanks Larry and Gloria for your anointed and outstanding Gospel ministry!
was a guessing game as to how much to trim. Of course, Larry and I had a lot of laughs. One thing we know for sure - pruning is not our calling! The bushes looked like they got a haircut from a first-time barber student..that's okay, they'll grow out again. 