Happy New Year! Ooops….another speed bump!  Here is the update!  Several months ago the doctor found a questionable cyst through a CAT scan on my right kidney....

UPDATE:  We just wanted to let you know that Gloria went through her surgery like a champ and is recovering at this moment.  Thank you for your prayers and please continue to pray for a quick and full recovery!

 

*If you are reading this and going "what surgery"?  Feel free to read down to the end of this update, and you can read all about it!


Happy New Year! It seems like only yesterday that we were talking about the beginning of 2017…and now we are already dipping our toes into 2018. Let me correct myself! Not "already" as it has been 365 days, but my how time flies! 

We've enjoyed so many wonderful memories made with family over the holidays! 

 

 

The beginning of a new year often marks the time that we take inventory and see how many of our 2017 resolutions we kept and ask ourselves if they are still worth all the energy and intensity put into them. We ask questions like, "Did those resolutions strengthen my relationship with God, my spiritual walk, my emotional being and my health? Did those resolutions build stronger family ties, strengthen my marriage and make me more effective at my work?" Those are all important questions. If the answers are "Yes", then that is a good indicator to carry those resolutions into the new year.

 

Just as we evaluate the successes of our resolutions, we also consider the failures. We don't choose to dwell on them or beat ourselves up for not accomplishing them but we learn what we can from them, forget them and move on. Like Paul, we should

say, "…forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth into those things which are before…I press toward the mark." (Phil. 3:13-14) In my experience, I find it very interesting that satan is always quick to bring up my failures of the past year

rather than my successes. Revelation 2:10 mentions that he is the "accuser of the brethren." That is what he does…he accuses. "You are a failure as a mother. See the struggles your children go through. You are not a good wife, mom or grandma because if you were, this bad thing would not have happened. You didn't accomplish this or that…so Gloria, it's your fault because you're not organized. You are a failure!"

Satan dwells on our failures. If I listen to him, I would give up, run away or dig a hole and crawl into it! But I find great comfort in God's Word in Philippians 4:13. I cannot and do not have to be perfect, but I do have to be dependent on Christ and abide in Him, finding my sustenance from who He is!

Psalm 62:5-8 says, "I depend on God alone; I put my hope in Him. He alone protects and saves me; He is my defender, and I shall never be defeated. My salvation and honor depend on God; He is my strong protector; He is my shelter. Trust in God at all times, my people. Tell Him all your troubles, for He is our refuge."

John 15:4-5, "Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing."

 

I can't afford to dwell on my failure of the last year. I must press forward and ask for God's wisdom and guidance to help me every step of the way. I would rather choose to try and fail, then to not have tried at all. I know that if I vow to put Christ first and foremost in my life, if I will get into His Word and devour it and if I will spend time in prayer each day…He will give me ALL that I need to live a life of godliness. 

"His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness." 2 Peter 1:3

God has been faithful and will continue to be faithful as long as we are faithful to Him. I can truly rest in the words of the old hymn, "Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus."

 

 

Ooops….another speed bump!  Here is the update!  Several months ago the doctor found a questionable cyst through a CAT scan on my right kidney.  I am scheduled for aspiration surgery on January 24th.  At that time, they are going to drain the 12 centimeter cyst on my kidney.  They are pretty certain it is noncancerous but will do a biopsy at the same time.  The surgeon would like to try this procedure first.  They feel it will refill but feel this is a safer route than surgery to remove it as there is concern about messing and moving other organs during surgery.   They feel with that kind of surgery, there is 50/50 chance it will be successful and a 50/50 chance it would make it worse.  Thus, they are going to do the aspiration to drain it to relieve some of the pain and discomfort and….I look like I am six months pregnant!  (at this age…that doesn't feel very funny…HA!)  I told that to the surgeon and he responded, "Well, the cyst is the size of a baby's head so I can understand why you feel that way."  The surgery requires they will go through the back or side.  I chuckle a bit as it appears that life is taking on the "patch, patch, patch" pattern.

 

We would greatly covet and appreciate your prayers for successful surgery.

 

Sadly though, as a result of this latest speedbump, we felt it necessary to cancel our rallies in Arizona as the window of time for recovery was not matching up.  We are greatly saddened by this but know that we have to at this point.  The dates affected are February 4th in Apache Junction, AZ and February 11th in Glendale, AZ .  Thanks for your understanding, prayers and sticking with us! 

 

 

Gloria

 

 

 


REFLECTION

 


 


 

RECIPE

 

Broccoli Casserole

2 pkgs. frozen chopped broccoli

1/4 c. onion, chopped

1/2 c. butter

2 T. flour

1 tsp. salt

1/2 c. water

8 oz. Cheez Whiz

3 eggs, broken

1/2 c. cracker crumbs

 

Set broccoli out to thaw. Melt better; add onion, flour, salt and water. Stir until smooth. Add Cheez Whiz and eggs. Stir until sauce forms. Mix 1/4 cup cracker crumbs and broccoli. Pour sauce over broccoli. Sprinkle with remaining cracker crumbs. Bake 350 degrees for 45 minutes. 

 

 


 

Merry Christmas, friends! We are in Nashville, TN with the kids and what a joy it is to all be together. I am reminded of many who don't have that blessing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Merry Christmas, friends!

 

We are in Nashville, TN with the kids and what a joy it is to all be together.

 

I am reminded of many who don't have that blessing.

 

Tommy's Prayer

"Shut up! I said shut up!" The anger that flared out of those words sent a cold chill through me. I couldn't imagine anyone screaming that loud in a public place. It was assaulting!

 

It was a week before Christmas, and we were heading home for the holidays. LaShawn, LaDawn, and Donovan were anxious to get home to decorate for Christmas and to do our annual Christmas baking. Despite our rush to get home, I persuaded Larry to stop for just a few moments at a large department store in Missoula, Montana, to buy Christmas decorations and some new Christmas music. The store was crowded with last minute shoppers. Christmas carols were playing over the sound system; children were squealing with delight begging for toys and candy.  It was fun being caught up for a few moments in the hustle and bustle of it all. Well, it was enjoyable until I heard those harsh words.

 

Shoppers around me also hesitated, wondering what was happening. An audience was growing. I peeked around the corner to the aisle where the voice had come from. There stood a tall, good-looking man in his early 30s, loading his cart with cases of alcohol. Looking up into his face with tears flowing down his cheeks was an approximately four-year-old adorable little boy begging, "Please, Daddy, don't drink. Mama said she doesn't want you to drink for Christmas." The father leaned over screaming into the young child's face, "Shut up, I said shut up! I don't care what your mother said. She doesn't know anything,

now leave me alone."

 

I looked at the blond-haired toddler and my heart ached for him.  I sensed by the way he was sobbing, he had witnessed many sad and harsh moments of unhappiness in his home. As young as he was, he knew what an enemy addiction was, and his face revealed the tragic effects of fear and anxiety. I will never forget that sight as long as I live.

 

A few days later, we stopped in a little town in Montana to use a pay telephone (that tells you how long ago this was!) It happened that the phone was in the town's little park that had swings and a slide. A bushy haired, freckle-faced little boy came running up and begged with a cute little lisp, "Pwease push me on the shwing…" I was busy trying to write on my book but the pleading look on his face expressed deep sadness and loneliness. I began to talk to him and asked him questions like, "Where do you live?"

 

He promptly replied, "With my Gramma, but she's sick in the hospital. My mom's visiting her." He jumped on the merry-go-round just as I asked the question, "Where's your daddy, Tommy?"  His countenance dropped, the tears filled his eyes, he grasped ahold of the rail, the corners of his mouth dropped as he revealed his hurt, "My daddy don't wanna come home." And the tears began to flow.  I choked up, but then gained my composure just enough to share Jesus with him.

 

When I returned to the bus, I thought, "Here is a real Tommy, just like the song Lowell wrote years ago entitled, 'Tommy's Prayer.' "

 

Have you ever seen a little boy that kinda likes to smile:

With freckles and bushy hair, who'd run and play for miles?

There are thousands of the little guys who'd love to have a Dad

To love and treasure and be proud of like other fellows have.

But Satan, in his vile ways, has torn apart the home.

Liquor has his Daddy now so he must play alone.

And when the day is finished he turns to go to bed;

His mommy kisses him goodnight—again her eyes are red.

He knows that she's been crying and praying God will hear her:

That Christ will save his Daddy who's in a honky-tonk out there.

He kneels beside his bed to pray—he looks so frail and thin.

Tommy's never been the same since Dad left Mom and him.

He looks up into heaven, the tears roll from his eyes.

He'd like to have a Daddy now like all the other guys.

"Dear Jesus, speak to Daddy now. I miss him when he's gone.

Bring him home to Mommy soon; He's been away so long.

I know you can forgive him for everything he's done;

And I know if You'll just help him, God, I'm sure he will come."

With these last words he falls to sleep; the last words are a prayer

That Christ will save his Daddy who's in a honky-tonk out there.

This could be your little boy who's cold and feeling blue—

Or it could be that little guy who lives right next door to you!

 

This Christmas there will be a lot of broken-hearted Tommy's wishing Daddy wouldn't drink.  And a lot of Tommy's and Suzies' that wish their Daddy's or Mommy's would come home.  Addictions (alcohol, drugs, pornography, work, sports, etc.) have taken a destructive toll in the homes of thousands of children–not just at Christmas, but every day of the year.  Would you consider adopting a Tommy or Suzy in your neighborhood this holiday season, including them in your festivities? As a family, designate some of your Christmas spending money to buy some gifts for them. Help show God's love to these little ones that are in pain and suffering loneliness this Christmas. Remember, it is more blessed to give than receive.

 

 

Gloria

 

 

 


REFLECTION

 

Three C's of Christmas

 

The three C's of Christmas are not cookies, candy and Claus but…Cradle, Cross and Crown…

 

It was only a crude bed of straw in a stable, yet it cradled God's gift of love – His only Son, Baby Jesus- God in human form.

 

On a rough wooden cross hung God's gift – Our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ – who took our sins upon Himself that we might be forgiven. God crucified.

 

At that time He wore a crown of thorns. But when He shall come as ruler over His Kingdom, He shall be crowned with glory and honor and "every knee shall bow…" to our King of Kings!

 

Without the reflection of these three C's  - Cradle, Cross and Crown – in our festivities, Christmas has no deep meaning beyond cookies, candy and Claus.

 

- Mildred Barger


 


 

RECIPE

 

Bon Bons

 

1 c. powdered sugar

1 ½ c. Rice Krispies

1 c. crunchy peanut butter

2 T. butter

 

Stir ingredients and chill. Melt a package of chocolate chips and add about an inch of paraffin when melted. Roll above ingredients into ball shapes and dip in chocolate. (Can also use Hershey chocolate bars).

 

 


Happy Thanksgiving week! We are blessed to be in Nashville and enjoying time with family. We pray you cherish memories made in the past, as well as the present, this Thanksgiving. In Everything, Give Thanks...?

Happy Thanksgiving week! We are blessed to be in Nashville and enjoying time with family. We pray you cherish memories made in the past, as well as the present, this Thanksgiving.

In Everything, Give Thanks?

 

I'm sure some would question that title right now! The world has been in constant chaos from terror attacks, unrest between nations, witch hunts in the white house, civil and racial unrest, lack of respect and honor towards authority, our military, police, etc. To add to that, we've experienced unprecedented hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and fires. The scripture "That which can be shaken will be shaken" (Hebrews 12:27) is happening. Gloria and I were reading in 2 Timothy 3 where He speaks of perilous times—take the time to read it, it's like reading the now daily newspaper. The entire world is seemingly in upheaval.

 

Gloria and I have received countless calls, letters, and emails of so many of our wonderful partners and friends whom are under attack in their health, jobs, relationships, finances, marriages, and struggling with addictions. We know that the devil knows his time is short and is throwing every evil, poisonous dart where he can and while he can to wear down the saints. If ever we need to gird up and hold on to God's Word and promises, it's now. In these times we need to be reminded of John 16:33, "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." 

 

The devil is out to steal our peace, but the good news is, he can't take it unless you let him.

 

Years ago, an acquaintance of ours was in a tragic car accident. He lost both arms and legs. Miraculously he lived and was literally just a torso. His best friend came to visit him in ICU several days after the accident. Upon entering the hospital room, the sight and smell almost caused him to faint. He had no idea it was this tragic. The patient seeing his friend was overwhelmed, smiled and motioned with his head for him to come closer and he said, "It's okay!" The visitor winced as his injured friend continued to motion him to come closer. In a weak but determined voice, the injured man said, "Bill, the devil got my right arm—Bill, the devil got my left arm, he got my right leg, he got my left leg"— then hesitated, smiled and announced, "But he didn't get my heart for Jesus, I will be okay." He lived for many more years serving Christ.

 

I've thought of that true story oftentimes when Gloria and I have experienced deep valleys and heartbreaking journeys. The devil will try to take this or that…but praise God he cannot take our heart and passion for God and He cannot have our faith.

 

Friends, this Thanksgiving, thank God for what you have, not for what you lost. "You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You." Isaiah 26:3.

 

 

Larry & Gloria

 

 

 


REFLECTION

 

 


 


 

RECIPE

 

Spiced Apple Cranberry Sauce

 

With the amazing recipe, not only will your mashed potatoes, turkey and stuffing have a delicious companion, but your house will smell divine!

 

1 cup apple cider (you can substitute water)

1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and diced

3 cups fresh cranberries, washed

1/3-2/3 cup sugar (possibly more to taste)

½ tsp ground cinnamon

1/8 tsp ground cloves

Zest of one small lemon (about 1 tsp)

 

Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan.  Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the temperature to medium-low and simmer until the berries have burst and the mixture has thickened (about 10-15 minutes).  Let cool and serve.  This may be refrigerated for two days or frozen for up to two months.

 


As Larry and I celebrate 52 years in this life together, it feels like we've seen it all; and yet, God is always on the move and showing us new things! I wanted to share Larry's message from our newsletter as we celebrate holidays and prepare for the next year of ministry...Beware! Terrorists in the Pew!

 

As Larry and I celebrate 52 years in this life together, it feels like we've seen it all; and yet, God is always on the move and showing us new things! I wanted to share Larry's message from our newsletter as we celebrate holidays and prepare for the next year of ministry:

 

Beware! Terrorists in the Pew!

 

Have you ever had to call one of those uncomfortable family conferences where you had to air some feelings, either with your mate or your children? You didn't want to address it, but you knew if you didn't address the issue, things could spin out of control causing fractured relationships and/or irreparable damage.

 

Well, that is the burden of Gloria's and my heart. In state after state, church after church, we have seen irrevocable damage being done to the church family with little or no reconciliation or confrontation. We have heard stories from many pastors and members describing scenarios that reflect the church as a breeding ground for bitterness, anger, meanness, fighting, division and certainly not representing the Leader, Jesus Christ, well. Christians, we need to awaken and see where the devil is using our flesh and selfishness to cause discord among the brethren. Proverbs 6:19 states that "discord among the brethren" is one of the seven things God hates. The church is supposed to have the fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control) evident in their lives as to be a reflection of Jesus Christ.

 

One man gleefully grinned and said, "I was the one who split the church years ago!" Appalled, the new pastor said, "Why and what over?" The man responded, "Oh, it was over the placement of the piano on the platform." The pastor quizzed, "Well, just where did you want the piano?" He looked puzzled and hollered to his wife, "Ruth, where was it we wanted the piano?" She couldn't remember. Sadly, this is a true story. How tragic! Because of a personal preference of where the church piano should sit, this gentleman gathered his forces, fought the issue, and split the church. God, help us!

 

In the past 20 plus years on the road, we would say 80 percent of the churches we have ministered in, from all types of denominations, have split over differences whether it be over types of worship, the media ministry, the décor style of the church, the incorporation of new ideas for outreach, who is on the worship team, who is on the leadership team and this list is just the tip of the iceberg. We are not saying that there are not issues that need to be addressed but how we go about it is absolutely critical. So many times, in the course of these disagreements, they turn into fighting, misunderstandings, assumptions and people become wounded, discouraged, embittered and calloused. To ease their pain or to build their ego, others are recruited to "take a side" and before one knows it, another church is starting across town.

 

WHY IS IT THAT CHRISTIANS OFTEN CAUSE THE WOUND INSTEAD OF OFFERING THE BANDAID? We cry, "Why isn't our church growing?" or "Why are our people leaving?" We need to STOP and take a STEP BACK. Who wants to visit a home where the people fight all the time and the very atmosphere is thick with dissension? It is the same with the church. People are very perceptive. There is enough of this behavior taking place in the world all around them. When they also see "mature" Christians participating in the same manner, they say, "If they are supposed to be Christians and they act like that…or if that is the joy of serving Christ…I don't want any part of it." We have to know that our actions not only affect us but are leaving ripples that spread beyond our little sphere. We don't need church dividers; we need church menders. We need Christians who will shut the mouth of the lions, not feed them. We need to see the harm the "terrorists in the pews" are doing to the name and work of God with clarity and determine that we will not participate. In all honesty, if all the time, words and energy that goes into tearing one another down, airing our rightful opinions, and chasing our rights would instead be put into reading God's Word, praying for ourselves and others and "fishing" for souls, we would see a greater harvest of souls coming to Christ!

 

I once heard the statement that the CHURCH THAT DOESN'T FISH…FIGHTS! And I believe it to be true. If the church isn't reaching out and bringing in the lost to be saved, they become dissatisfied and inward focused eventually causing disharmony. The end result–wounded, hurting, embittered brothers and sisters in Christ.

 

 Luke 17:1 says, "It is impossible but that offenses will come, but woe unto him, through whom they come!" Those were words straight from the mouth of our Savior Jesus Christ.

 

Friend…pastor…parishioner…if we cause a Christian brother or sister to stumble through pain, hurt and discouragement…woe to us. We will be held accountable.

 

Lord, please open our eyes and rend our hearts that we may BE PEOPLE that reflect YOU in all situations and treat others how you would have us do so. Forgive us for the times we have said things with arrogance and selfish ambition rather than out of kindness, compassion and forgiveness. May we be a restorer of broken walls that the lost would see the Church as a beacon of hope, restoration and truth rather than a fragmented lost cause.

 

 

 

Larry & Gloria

 

 

 


REFLECTION

 

 


 


 

RECIPE

 

Butterscotch Oatmeal Cookies

 

1 ½ c. flour

1 ½ tsp. baking soda

¼ tsp. salt

½ tsp. cinnamon

2 c. instant oats

1 c. shortening

1 c. brown sugar

1 c. white sugar

2 eggs

 

 

Sift flour, soda, salt and cinnamon; set aside.  Cream shortening and sugars, add eggs and beat. Add flour mixture and oats. Bake at 325 degrees for 15 minutes.

 


Another milestone in our lives!  We just celebrated our 52nd anniversary yesterday on October 16th. I could have never imagined when we said our vows and committed to the "I do" at the church altar making a commitment to each other and to Christ to hit the road together in evangelism, that we would still be on the road 52 years later.

 

Another milestone in our lives!  We just celebrated our 52nd anniversary yesterday on October 16th

 

I could have never imagined when we said our vows and committed to the "I do" at the church altar making a commitment to each other and to Christ to hit the road together in evangelism, that we would still be on the road 52 years later. 

Printed on our wedding napkins were the words, "Each for the other and both for the Lord!"  And, that has proven to be our story.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I cannot even try to explain or describe how wonderful it was that God brought us togetherâ€"and that together we could serve the Lord walking out His purposes and plans for our lives. 

 

 

Seeing hundreds step forward to receive Christ for the first time brings us exciting energy and passion for us to continue going and to continue on. 

 

 

Two weeks ago we had the privilege of ministering in our home church in Sisseton, SD.  It was a great thrill to see the altars filled with those making decisions. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As we were singing and ministering, I was reminiscing back to 1952 when I was 8 years old and walked down the aisle to the altar with my mom and dad and seven brothers.  It was at that moment, we all invited Jesus to come into our hearts and lives.  I cannot explain or express it fully but at the moment I prayed, I knew I was going to be in church work of some kind.  Without a doubt, I knew I was going to follow Jesus forever! 

 

 

 

 

Altar call in Sisseton, SD

Larry told me the other night that when he was twelve years old and stepped forward at the same church and knelt at the same altar, when he said "Amen", he, too, knew he was saved to tell others!  How wonderful to see the church altar still being used to bring the lost and hurting to Christ.

Last Sunday, October 15th, we ministered at Destiny Church in Cheyenne, WY with Pastor Rick McGraw, and God's presence filled the sanctuary when Larry gave the invitation to know Christ.  Those that needed Christ in their lives literally flowed to the altars. 

Pastor Rick & Teri McGraw

Altar call in Cheyenne, WY

It was a joy to see Pastor Rick's parents, Dan and Joan McGraw, who have been our dear friends since we were kids.  We grew up in the same church and youth group.  We love seeing how God brought us both as couples into His work of evangelism.  We celebrated our 52nd anniversary with them on the exact date….52 years later….when Joan was my personal attendant at our wedding.

Dan & Joan McGraw

Larry and I are so honored to have been called to missions and sent together to serve Christ.  The million miles on the road have been worth it all.  Please continue to pray for us for added strength, health and many more souls to be won to the Kingdom.

 

 

 

Gloria

 

 

 


REFLECTION

 

 


 


 

RECIPE

 

Rice Broccoli Dish

 

1 c. uncooked Minute Rice

1 pkg. chopped broccoli, thawed

1 (12 0z) can cream of chicken soup

1/2 c. milk

3 T. butter or margarine

1/2 c. onion, chopped

1/2 c. celery, diced

1 (8 oz) jar Kraft Cheez Whiz

1 can water chestnuts, sliced

 

Mix all ingredients together in a shallow casserole dish. Bake covered at 350 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes, then uncovered for another 10 minutes.

 


Greetings from Sisseton! We are home again for another 10 days until we head south. Our first stop will be Cheyenne, Wyoming for a service on October  15th. Larry and I returned to Sisseton last Thursday after an exciting and busy week on the road.

 

Greetings from Sisseton! We are home again for another 10 days until we head south.

 

Our first stop will be Cheyenne, Wyoming for a service on October  15th.

 

 

Larry and I returned to Sisseton last Thursday after an exciting and busy week on the road.

 

On Thursday, September 28th we headed down the road on interstate then to county gravel roads and ended up in Mud Butte, South Dakota for three services. We literally drove 30-40 miles with only seeing a few ranches tucked away in tree groves in the hills.

 

 

 

It was definitely prairie land, but the drive was so beautiful and quiet!

 

It was 450 miles to get out there and even though some of it looked desolate, how rewarding to see how God touched lives at the Sunday School Convention gathering.

 

 

 

 

I was 8 years old when I invited Jesus into my life and how thrilling it was to see all the young children be so deeply touched by God and responding to the altar call. I know I'm serving the Lord today because of that "moment" I had in my life at 8 years old in a little church in Sisseton, SD.

 

 

 

Precious children making decisions for Christ in Mud Butte, SD

 

From Mud Butte, SD we traveled to Bowman, ND which was another breathtaking drive through cattle country and rolling hills- but nothing was a beautiful as seeing what God did in the lives of those who attended the rally at the Bowman, ND pavilion. 

 

Thank you, Lane & Ann Dingfelder, for bringing us into Bowman!

 

One gentlemen described his encounter with Christ as, "For years I knew the book (Bible), but I never met the author. Now everything has changed."

 

Another rancher confessed after the altar call, "I've been active in church for many years, but I've never asked Jesus to be Lord of my life until tonight when Larry gave the invitation to receive Christ."

 

Seeing lives changes is "fuel" to charge us up and the energy to continue in this ministry!

 

Altar call in Bowman, ND 

 

Three weeks ago, we ministered in Burnsville, Minnesota at The Father's House. What a great time we had ministering to an energetic group of friends and partners. It was so refreshing and fun to see so many friends drive in that we've known for years.

 

Larry sharing the Gospel in Burnsville, MN

 

 

This coming Sunday, October 8th we are looking forward to being in our home church, Family Life Assembly of God in Sisseton, SD. If you're close by, please come and join us for the special morning service.

 

Have a wonderful week, may you feel the presence of the Lord ever-near. Who would have thought that the last few weeks would be reality with earthquakes, flooding, hurricanes and now the tragedy in Las Vegas. The Bible says we are living in perilous times. Please pray for the families of those who were involved.

 

 

 

 

Gloria

 

 

 


REFLECTION

 

 


 


 

RECIPE

 

Squash Casserole

 

1 large buttercup squash

½ c. margarine

4 T. flour

1 ½ c. milk

1/3 lb. cheese, cubed

1 4oz. can mushrooms, drained

 

Bake squash until done, about 1 ½ hours at 350 degrees. Let cool. Heat the margarine, flour and milk. Add the cheese and mushrooms. Simmer until cheese is melted. Scoop pulp out of squash shell and put in a casserole dish. Pour sauce over squash and bake at 325 degrees for 15-20 minutes until bubbly.

 


Hello from Sisseton, South Dakota! Let me see…let me catch my breath!
What an action packed month in Nashville, TN that was filled with surgery, tests, paperwork, more doctor appointments, more tests, and more paperwork!

Hello from Sisseton, South Dakota!

 

Let me see…let me catch my breath!

What an action packed month in Nashville, TN that was filled with surgery, tests, paperwork, more doctor appointments, more tests, and more paperwork! I'm tired of looking at "white jackets" and tubes of blood. I kept telling the doctors and the lab technician that I'm going to bill them for taking so much of my precious Norwegian blood. I guess they didn't take too much, as the scale doesn't show it. I was in 7 different clinics last month; and oh the paperwork, and the same questions over and over and over…sheets and sheets at every clinic. Finally the last 8-10 info forms I filled out I was weary of them asking the same question. One of them was about family history, which I know is important, and asked about how the members of my family died clear back to my grandmother who passed away in the late 1930s. I looked at that too familiar question, "What did your grandmother die from?" tired of answering that same question I chuckled and I wrote down, "Her heart stopped"! Really, isn't that how everyone dies?

 

It's been a great, intense, God trusting, faith building month. We've been on a real journey with a few speed bumps, but God has and will see us through. It seems that the last two years the devil has been trying hard to block us in our ministry but God has remained faithful and we have to realize all the more that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and our job is to take care of them.

We're thankful that my report was good after surgery and the tumor was benign. After the surgery they did a follow up CT scan and found an 11 centimeter cyst connected to my kidney but the doctors and the surgeons have decided that it is more dangerous to try to remove it than to leave it at this time. If it causes more trouble they will try to do something then. They are quite certain it is not cancerous so we are grateful for that.

We were so blessed to be in Nashville where our children are. They taxied us to all of our appointments and treated us like a king and queen while we were there. They did everything for us…what a blessing!

 

We flew out of Nashville on August 30th and we took the opportunity to meet Larry's brother, Leon, and to take in 5 hours at the Minnesota State Fair. How refreshing after seeing clinics and doctors and nurses and tubes of blood! We had a great time!

 

Larry and Gloria with Leon

 

Just couldn't pass up that "Nitro Ice Cream!"

 

We're back in Sisseton now preparing for this month of services. Larry is gnawing at the bit to get back to preaching after what he calls "idling" for one month without a service. We are looking forward to our rallies this month and praying for God's help and direction to complete those that have been advertised. Then we will have to back off again per doctor's orders for a bit.

 

Larry and I want to thank you for your faithfulness at this time, your prayers and your love. You truly are family, thank you.

 

 

Plan to join us for our upcoming services! This Sunday is "September Fest" with a lunch to follow!

 

Sunday, September 10th – 3:00 PM at Miltona, MN

Miltona Community Center, sponsored by Rose City Free Church

5590 Cty Rd 14, Miltona, MN 56354

 

Sunday, September 17th – 10:00 AM at Burnsville, MN

The Father's House at the Burnsville High School - Mraz Theatre

600 E Hwy 13, Burnsville, MN 55337

 

Sunday, September 24th – 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM at Mud Butte, SD

Opal Community Church

17391 Opal Rd, Mud Butte, SD 57758

 

Wednesday, September 27th – 7:00 PM at Bowman, ND

Four Seasons Pavilion

Hwy 12 & Main Street, Bowman, ND 58623

 

 

 

Gloria

 

 

 


REFLECTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 


 

RECIPE

 

Toffee Bars

 

1 1/2 c. butter

1 1/2 c. brown sugar

2 egg yolks

3 c. flour

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

6 Hershey bars

 

Mix all ingredients together (leave out Hershey bars). Spread in a small cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees until golden brown (about 25 minutes). Place Hershey bars on top of warm bars and spread. Let cool and slice.

 


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.

 


 

Summer in full swing.....family reunions, class reunions, 125th celebrations and some HOT weather!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Greetings from Sisseton, SD!  What an exciting past two weeks! Being "on the road" over 52 years and our overloaded schedule, we've only had the opportunity to attend 2 class reunions and few family reunions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With that being said, we had the exciting privilege to attend Larry's 56th class reunion in Peever, SD and that was great! Then we attended my 55th class reunion in Sisseton. Would you believe, my reunion was held in the "Senior Citizen's Center?" (How fitting...chuckle)!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As I walked in with great anticipation, I sauntered around the hall, gazing at the people that I hoped I would recognize. To my pleasant surprise, I recognized some – they looked the same except…white hair, colored hair, and/or no hair. Some were tall and slim, some short and squatty. We all, including me, have definitely taken on a different look since the day we walked down the hall for our high school graduation. Thank God for Carol and those who planned the event.  We all had name tags, or it would have been a long night of the guessing game! 

 

It didn't take but a few minutes and the 55 years seemingly melted away.  We were laughing, joking and reminiscing about our high school days, games, teachers, the pranks we pulled and visions we had for our future at that point in time. Now, here we were in that prophesied future, in our 70's! When we left the hall that night, I felt those of us that were there were privileged to attend this special event as many of our classmates of 1962 are no longer with us.

 

 

Larry and I were also able to attend special July 4th events with family and friends, our home town 125th celebration and we crescendoed last weekend with the "Brooks Family Reunion". It is always so special to be with family, especially toda,y when everyone's lives are so jam-packed. We still had 60+ who were able to make it.

 

 

 

 

Oh my, for the stories my siblings shared! The older they get, the more the stories are embellished! The ages span from a few months old to 81 years. How blessed we are! On a sober note, there were empty chairs and a couple of those missing was the presence of my mom and dad who are home in Heaven. There's something about always having mom and dad at those celebrations; their absence is deafening.  What a family reunion we will have in Heaven – and I don't think it's too far away.

 

 

 

Today we're back in our home office in Sisseton.  We are looking forward to our upcoming rallies and having the privilege to see what God is going to do in the hearts and lives of those who receive Christ as their personal Savior. I must say that the reunion at the altar is the reunion of all reunions!

 

 

I hope that you all have a wonderful month and please plan to join us if you are in the areas of Huron, SD, on July 23rd or Cokato, MN, on the 30th.  More information is listed below for those events.  

 

July 23, 10:30 AM

Huron First Assembly of God

920 Lincoln Ave SW

Huron, SD   57350

605.352.4896

 

July 30, 9 AM

First Baptist Church

395 Broadway Ave N

Cokato MN  55321

 

Gloria

 


QUOTE

 

"Family is like fudge---mostly sweet with a few nuts."

 


CHUCKLE

THINGS YOU HEARD BACK WHEN I WAS IN HIGH SCHOOL!

 

*Did you hear the post office is thinking about charging 7 cents just to mail a letter?   

 

*If they raise the minimum wage to $1.00,  no one will be able to  hire outside help at the store.     

*
When I first started driving, who  would have thought gas would someday cost 25 cents a gallon?    Guess we'd be better off leaving  the car in the garage.     

*Did you see where some baseball player just signed a contract for  $50,000 a year just to play ball?     It wouldn't surprise me if someday they'll be making more than the President.      

*I never thought I'd see the day all our kitchen appliances would be electric. They're even making electric typewriters now.  

*It won't be long before young  couples are going to have to hire  someone to watch their kids so they can both work.                                                                                      

*I'm afraid the Volkswagen car  is going to open the door to a whole lot of foreign business.  

*Thank goodness I won't live to see the day when the Government  takes half our income in taxes. I sometimes wonder if we are  electing the best people to  government.   

*The fast food restaurant is  convenient for a quick meal,  but I seriously doubt they will ever catch on.  

 

*There is no sense going on short trips any more for a weekend. It costs nearly $2.00 a night to stay in a hotel.  

*No one can afford to be sick anymore.  At $15.00 a day in the hospital, it's too rich for  my blood.      

 

*If they think I'll pay 30 cents for a haircut, forget it.   

 


 

RECIPE

 

Summer Salad

 

1 head lettuce, torn

1/2 cup red onion, chopped

1 pt strawberries, sliced

 

Dressing:

1/2 cup mayo

5 Tbsp sugar

2 Tbsp cider vinegar

2 tsp poppyseeds

 

Mix the dressing ingredients in separate bowl.  Pour over the lettuce, onion and strawberries.  Serve right away.

 

Larry and I want to wish you a Happy Father's Day!  As the years go by and both of our father's have now passed on to heaven, we so cherish the memories we shared with them and the legacy that they left us.  We encourage you, if your father is still here on earth, spend time with him, make memories, let him know he is loved!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We thought you would enjoy this little story.  Regardless of the relationship with your earthly father, how wonderful to know our heavenly Father!

 

WHO's YOUR DADDY?

 

A seminary professor was vacationing with his wife in Gatlinburg, TN. One morning, they
were eating breakfast at a little restaurant, hoping to enjoy a quiet, family meal. While they
were waiting for their food, they noticed a distinguished looking, white-haired man moving
from table to table, visiting with the guests. The professor leaned over and whispered to his
wife, "I hope he doesn't come over here." But sure enough, the man did come over to their table.
"Where are you folks from?" he asked in a friendly voice.


"Oklahoma," they answered.


"Great to have you here in Tennessee," the stranger said. "What do you do for a living?"
"I teach at a seminary," he replied.


"Oh, so you teach preachers how to preach, do you? Well, I've got a really great story for you."
And with that, the gentleman pulled up a chair and sat down at the table with the couple. The
professor groaned and thought to himself, "Great… Just what I need, another preacher story!"
The man started, "See that mountain over there," pointing out the restaurant window. "Not far
from the base of that mountain, there was a boy born to an unwed mother. He had a hard time
growing up, because every place he went, he was always asked the same question, 'Hey boy,
who's your daddy?' Whether he was at school, in the grocery store or drug store, people would
ask the same question, 'Who's your daddy?' "


"He would hide at recess and lunch time from other students. He would avoid going in to
stores because that question hurt him so bad. When he was about 12 years old, a new preacher
came to his church. He would always go in late and slip out early to avoid hearing the question,
'Who's your daddy?' But one day, the new preacher said the benediction so fast he got caught
and had to walk out with the crowd."


"Just about the time he got to the back door, the new preacher, not knowing anything about
him, put his hand on his shoulder and asked him, 'Son, who's your daddy?' The whole church
got deathly quiet. He could feel every eye in the church looking at him. Now everyone would
finally know the answer to the question, 'Who's your daddy.' This new preacher, though, sensed
the situation around him and using discernment that only the Holy Spirit could give, said the
following to that scared little boy 'Wait a minute!' he said. 'I know who you are. I see the family
resemblance now. You are a child of God.' With that he patted the boy on his shoulder and said,
'Boy, you've got a great inheritance. Go and claim it.' "


"With that, the boy smiled for the first time in a long time and walked out the door a changed
person. He was never the same again."


"Whenever anybody asked him, 'Who's your Daddy?' he'd just tell them, 'I'm a child of God.'"
The distinguished gentleman got up from the table and said, "Isn't that a great story?"
The professor responded that it really was a great story!


As the man turned to leave, he said, "You know, if that new preacher hadn't told me that I was
one of God's children, I probably never would have amounted to anything!" And he walked away.
The seminary professor and his wife were stunned. He called the waitress over and asked
her, "Do you know who that man was who just left our table?"


The waitress grinned and said, "Of course. Everybody here knows him. That's Ben Hooper.
He's the former governor of Tennessee!"


Friend, today, someone in your life needs a reminder of "WHO" they are. They are created and
made in the very image of God. The Father loves His children so much, He made a way for them
to be together again…through the sacrifice, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Because of
this unselfish and loving act, you can share the GOOD NEWS that they are children of God!

 

Gloria

 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

 

June 18  AM

Elbow Lake, MN,   Victory in the Cross Church,  218-685-6870

 

June 25  AM

Richfield, MN,  Crowne Pointe Church,  612-869-2500


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