August 2, 2017

Greetings from the road! We have had wonderful services these last couple of weeks and will be closing out this week with some medical checks and procedures in Nashville, TN. As we continue to travel across the country, our heart remains the same. To see the lost and hurting find salvation and peace in Christ!

Greetings from the road! We have had wonderful services these last couple of weeks and will be closing out this week with some medical checks and procedures in Nashville, TN. As we continue to travel across the country, our heart remains the same. To see the lost and hurting find salvation and peace in Christ! I want to share our recent newsletter article with you, as we discuss this mission:

 

Where Have They Gone?

 

I am often presented with the question, "Where have all the Evangelists gone? We have missionaries and revivalists, but not evangelists!" Now please let me explain, I firmly believe that ALL are vital and necessary for the Kingdom of God. However, upon hearing the definition of a revivalist and evangelist: a revivalist is interested in your spiritual growth—an evangelist is interested in spiritual birth, we must realize that we need to continue to have spiritual births so they can grow. Yes, because I am an evangelist, this question above is a huge one, so let me share this story:

 

Carl Boyle, a sales representative, was driving home when he saw a group of young children selling Kool-Aid on a corner of his neighborhood. They had posted the typical hand scrawled sign over their stand stating "Kool-Aid, 25 cents." Carl was intrigued so he pulled over to the curb. As he exited his vehicle, a young man approached and asked if he would like strawberry or grape Kool-Aid. Carl placed his order and handed the boy a dollar. After much deliberation, the children determined he had some change coming and rifled through the cigar box until they finally came up with the correct amount. The boy returned with the change, then stood perched by the side of the car. He finally asked if Carl was finished drinking.

 

"Just about," said Carl. "Why?"

 

"That's the only cup we have, " answered the boy, "and we needed it to stay in business."

 

It is certainly difficult to operate a Kool-Aid business if you only have one cup. I would like to suggest to you that sometimes we make that same mistake in the church today.

 

Tragically, many churches don't even know what an evangelist is. In the rare case that they know what an evangelist is, they don't know how to use him! The fivefold ministry of the church includes the evangelist as stated in Ephesians 4:11-12, "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ."

 

Many of the younger generation of pastors do not have a true concept of what an evangelist is! In their minds, they think of stories of tent meetings held in the thistle or mosquito infested gully near the creek, or some have heard of the healing services in the tents with Oral Roberts, or they have heard the term "the old sawdust trail" where we, as sinners, kick up the sawdust on our way up to the altar and prayed a prayer of salvation. Unfortunately, these are the only pictures many have in their minds of what evangelism is and looks like.

 

You honestly wouldn't want to know how many phone calls I make to schedule soul winning rallies, and receive the following responses: "We are not into that," or "We are going a different direction, therefore your ministry would not go in our church." I need to tell you, I need to explain this sick feeling in the pit of my stomach that I get when I hear that…over and over, time and time…again. Why? Because where do you go from soul winning? What direction is there if you don't win souls first? Where would you be today if it weren't for someone who was concerned about your soul?

 

It used to be in many churches that Sunday mornings were Sunday morning worship, and Sunday nights were dedicated to evangelistic services where you invited the unsaved. There was anticipation and excitement about who was going to come and get saved that night! Factually today, only a few churches have Sunday night services, so where are people getting saved? Many churches are now locked into an hour worship service on Sunday morning because people won't show up for Sunday night services. Thank the Lord for those churches that still have the doors open for Sunday night evangelism.

 

Gloria and I are willing to go and tell the story, but many of the church schedules are filled to the brim with programs. I love the programs and feel they are great but where is the time where people can come to the altar and get saved?

 

Truth be told, Gloria and I could get very discouraged, but we know that we are called together to go to reach the lost, and we know and believe there will always be a door open where the hungry see the lost come to Christ. Jesus said "If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me." Gloria and I are willing "vessels" ready to be used as long as we are able! The fields are white and ripe onto harvest. Thanks for all of you, faithful friends and partners, who keep sending us out into the fields to harvest and praying for this mission - HIS mission. We appreciate you; we are partners in winning the lost!

 

 

 

Gloria

 

 

 


REFLECTION

 

When GOD solves our problems, we have faith in HIS abilities.

When GOD doesn't solve our problems, HE has faith in our abilities.


 


 

RECIPE

 

Honey Glaze Snack

 

4 c. corn cereal squares

1 ½ c. miniature pretzels

1 c. pecans

1/3 c. butter

¼ c. honey

 

Combine pretzels, pecans and cereal. Melt butter in pan, stir in honey and blend well. Pour over cereal to coat. Spread in jellyroll pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly glazed. Stir occasionally. Spread on waxed paper to cool.

 


 

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