Say hi! We're back from an exciting Labor Day weekend at Twin Lakes Christian Center with Pastor Percy and Debbie Kallevig in Elk River, MN. Since it was a holiday weekend, we were so pleased that several partners from the surrounding Minneapolis area were able to join us for the morning service.

It may have been Labor Day by name - but it was Freedom Day for those who responded to the altar call. It's wonderful to see all ages looking for peace and joy in a troubled world.

We've been privileged to be with Pastor Percy several times, and his church continues to grow. We appreciated his and Debbie's love for people and how they compassionately go the extra mile to help and encourage each one they come in contact with (we are proud to have Pastor Percy Kallevig on our board for Larry Lundstrom Ministries).

"Do you want a day when people thank you for having Larry Lundstrom Ministries come to your church? Do you want to see young people come to Christ? Do you want to see people's lives touched by God? Then you should invite Larry and Gloria to come and minister because that is exactly what happened when they came to minister at Twin Lakes Christian Center. Over the years, their message remains to share the Gospel and God continues to use them to bring people to Christ."

Pastor Percy Kallevig

Twin Lakes Christian Center

Elk River, MN

 

 

 

 

 Pastors Carter and Paula Teply have been on staff at Twin Lakes Christian Center for eight years. As you can see by the photo of their beautiful children, you know they serve greatly in the children's ministry.

"Larry and Gloria have been with us several times and we appreciate their down home ministry that spans all ages."

 Pastors Carter & Paula Teply

Youth & Children's Pastors

Twin Lakes Christian Center

Elk River, MN

"I gave my heart to Christ when I was 13 years old in Duluth, MN, and I will never forget it. It is still good! My wife Lori gave her heart to Christ when she was 13 years old at a Lundstrom Family Crusade in Alexandria, MN. We are products of your faithfulness to God. We are so thrilled you are still out, reaching the lost."

Tim & Lori Huffer

Ramsey, MN

 

It was a joy to meet Isaac Gross, who is 21 years old, and interned at Twin Lakes Christian Center working with the youth and children. He is attending North Central University in Minneapolis, MN.

"Larry and Gloria's ministry was very motivating and captivating. I love the joy and happiness they show. The message was simple, not sugar-coated, inspiring and challenging to a generation that is lost."

Isaac Gross

North Central University Student/Intern

"Marian and I are married to brothers. We were so thrilled to hear you were coming to Elk River at Twin Lakes Christian. We absolutely loved your singing, sharing and message. We also love your monthly newsletter, family stories, news and messages - and oh yes - the recipes! We have been partners with you for years - and we will never stop!!! We love you and your ministry!"

Vangie Knudson

Andover, MN

"Thanks for your ministry in song and the powerful salvation message.  It was great to see you again.  We truly enjoy your ministry and continue to see the results when people come to the Lord.  Thanks for the many wonderful times we have had together over the years.  We hope to see you again real soon."

It was special having Larry's brother, Leon, his wife, Ronda, Jeanette Rust (Ronda's mother) and daughter, Larissa, in our Sunday morning service in Elk River. We traveled with Leon and Ronda in ministry years ago. Larissa is a songwriter/singer and has written inspirational songs about her love for God. Her songs are moving up the inspirational music charts quickly. We are proud of you, Larissa!

 

As you know, we are "in the heat" of the upcoming presidential election. Larry and I encourage and challenge you to pray, study the issues of both candidates, and pray that God will give you His mind and will in this election. Follow the biblical principles of how God wants us to live, the future of America, our children, our health system, our finances/economy, the lives of the born and the unborn, and most of all, the spiritual climate of our country. We encourage you to stand up, make your voice heard, and speak for those who cannot. We as America, as you know, are at the cross-roads and the election in November will define our future and destiny in every way.

Larry and I leave next Monday, September 10^th, and we'll be hosting our Fun & Fellowship tour to the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, KY. This is a great time of ministry to, and with, our friends and ministry partners who join us. Please pray for us as we travel. We appreciate your prayers for our safety and health.

Gloria

 

{ August 22, 2012 }

Ahh... let me catch my breath - the last month has felt like the infamous Indy 500 race - so much going on at a neck-breaking pace!

Larry and I decided to make a quick trip to Nashville, Tennessee to be with our daughters LaDawn, LaShawn and granddaughter, Myanna for a few days. LaShawn had to have eye surgery and we wanted to be there for her and to be able to drive her back and forth for doctor appointments, etc. LaDawn had a business trip to South Carolina for a couple days, so we were able to be with our granddaughter, Myanna, while her mom was gone. We get to see them so seldom - that it has been so wonderful to be able to help them a bit and enjoy them. We took these two weeks to minister to our own family, and it has been so good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Every minute spent with family is such a joy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was a twelve hundred mile trip by car to Nashville. When we left Sisseton the crops looked wonderful. We drove about 60 miles south and every mile for the next thousand miles the sites of the corn and bean fields, that had literally been scorched by 100 plus temperatures, broke our hearts. The state of Missouri is total disaster. The rivers are down, water is scarce and nothing is green. When we got beyond Louisville, Kentucky and closer to Nashville we were pleased to have the 100 degree temperatures drop to the mid 90s. Nashville has been blessed with some rain in the last few weeks and so we were so fortunate to see the absolutely gorgeous green grass that looked like carpet on the rolling hills, the beautiful flowering bushes, and all the flowers and plants that are breathtaking.

Larry was going to book a couple services on our way to Nashville, coming down and going back, and me being the tough Norwegian that I am, stated, "Larry I always say 'sure honey let's do it'...but this time, I need a mental and physical getaway." I requested, "I - and you - need a break and we...or at least I need to get my battery recharged." He could hear the hint of desperation and tone of my voice and agreed to leave all the equipment at home and take a two week leave. We've not only been able to enjoy and help our granddaughter and daughters, but have had the privilege to visit a great church for two weeks and be ministered to as we sat and were fed spiritually. What an enriching time...and so timely.

This experience reminds me of our car! Hold on...let me explain. We have this nice 2003 car, and it rides beautifully. While preparing to leave on this trip, Larry was packing the suitcase in the trunk, and he chirps, "You know what? It's a long trip; I'm going to throw the portable battery charger in the trunk, just in case we have any problems on the road." He also threw in a few tools. Well, the first 900 miles went smoothly. Then, we came out from the motel and the car wouldn't start. It was 103 degrees out. I groaned, "Oh no..." Larry smiles, showing the dimple in his cheek, "No problem, I threw the portable battery charger in the trunk." Within 5 minutes he had the charger out, hooked it to the battery, got the car started, put the charger back in the trunk and we were on our way. Relieved I laughed, "Wow, you'd think we'd lived on the road a day or two. As always, you are prepared just in case we have a problem, to get us up and going again."

 

 

Needless to say, that was not the only time. It happened time and time again for the next two days, until we could get the battery changed.

Due to life...endless challenges, up and downs, our spiritual batteries often lose charge. Thank goodness Larry had a little portable auto charger to get us up and going again while we were traveling. God has also provided us with his portable spiritual charger...the Bible, that we can carry with us wherever we go, whenever we feel down or don't know whether we can get started and make it through the day, we can plug into God's Word and soak in it - which is life to our spirits and it gives us strength, wisdom and knowledge to forge on. "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint"(Isaiah 40:31). I am so thankful for God's faithfulness, mercy, forgiveness and His love that keeps me going.

Well...anyway, that's my story, and as they say, "I'm sticking to it!"

Larry and my batteries have been charging now for 10 days and we are packing, ready to drive back to South Dakota, repack and head off to Elk River, MN the following weekend for services. We have an exciting full month of ministry in September and we are anxious to go and share the wonderful gospel message.

We appreciate you and your continued prayers for us - have a great week!

  

Gloria

 

Sunday, July 22^nd in Valley City, ND:

"It was great to have you with us in Valley City for a weekend of evangelistic emphasis. It was great to see many come out from different backgrounds and to see young and old alike respond to the Gospel invitation. Next time you are with us we plan to put forth an even greater effort to team up with believers of every background to reach out to our area."

"We had prayed and invited, and prayed and invited some more - in preparation for your rally here with us recently at Elevation North! We were in total expectancy of what God would do on Sunday morning! And because of your faithfulness to share the message of salvation straight from God's Word, hearts and lives were changed for eternity. In our small, but growing church family - plus the visitors who came, two came forward to accept Christ for the first time ever, and another four individuals rededicated their lives to the Lord! That's what you call "priceless"! And your encouragement through your music and message touched hearts and brought hope for each of us who, like you, live in this real world with all of its challenges and opportunities! Thank you for coming to Elevation North and blessing us all with your anointed, powerful, pertinent message for this time we are living in. Our prayers will continue to encircle both of you as youkeep on -reaching out to the lost, offering them the pure and simple, yet powerful call to become God's child! You are welcome ANYTIME!"

Also, we are preparing and finalizing details for our annual Fun & Fellowship tour on September 10-17^th. By popular demand, we are returning to the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, KY! There are a few spots open if you'd like to join us. Please contact the office at 605-698-7007 for more details or to make arrangements to come along - we'd love to have you with!

Gloria

Tuesday, July 31^st was his farewell and celebration in Sisseton, SD. We stood by his coffin to say our final goodbyes as the funeral director gently closed the lid on the pine box coffin Lowell requested. It was that moment when reality hit home...we will never see him again on his earth! That moment is where our hope in Christ was again defined. The grave is not the end! Lowell is rejoicing in heaven with his wife Connie and enjoying the presence of God.

How many times have you and I been at the gravesite of a friend or family member? This is where the passage in John 14 comes alive, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.  My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going."

Thank God for the hope beyond the grave! It's exciting to know that Lowell had passed own the soul winning baton in Celebration Church in Lakeville, MN to his daughter Londa two years ago. She carries the same anointing as her father did for soul winning.

LaShawn, LaDawn, Donovan, Dante and Myanna were home for uncle Lowell's funeral. What joy and comfort they were to us and Lowell's family.

With the funeral and everything that entails, I didn't have time to share the reports of our rallies in South Dakota and Minnesota. The following are some photos and testimonies that highlight the stories, and next week we'll have a couple more:

Sunday, July 15^th in Watertown, SD:

Ministering at Christian Life Assembly of God with Rev. Cliff Sheldon and his congregation was a joy - as always!

 

 

 

"It was wonderful to have Larry and Gloria in Watertown again. They are a couple whose marriage visibly has one heartbeat -souls. There is always an anointing on them that draws people to Jesus!"

Amanda Harris

"The Lundstroms were a joy to have in our church. They really know how to minister to the young and the old. Many people were touched when they performed."

Savanna Schneider

 

"When you are at a service with Larry & Gloria, it is immediately evident how much they love the Lord and how that love flows through their music and message to those around them. They have a deep desire that all come to that saving knowledge of Jesus as Lord and Savior. They are a beautiful instrument in the Lord's hands."

Shari Jacobson

"Once again we truly enjoyed the ministry of the Lundstroms. They are an authentic couple moving in their gifts to be used by God for the work of the Kingdom of God. Jesus has been faithful to them in their many years together and it shows to everyone around them."

Mary Sheldon

Tuesday, July 17^th in Cokato, MN:

Larry and I were privileged to be a part of a Senior's Luncheon through the First Baptist Church as well as minister at an evening service. There were over 240 that attended and several made decisions for Christ.

We want to say a special thanks to our friends, Orville and Laverne Peterson, who helped to bring us in for the Luncheon and evening service in Cokato.

We want to say thank you to all of you for your concern, love and prayers for our family as we start the transition into life on this earth without Lowell. As always, your support keeps us lifted up and encouraged. Thank you.

It's hard to believe that it's August already. Enjoy these last few weeks of summer and we'll chat again in a couple weeks!

Gloria

It is with deep sadness that we share with you that Larry's brother and my brother-in-law, Lowell Lundstrom, passed away last Friday, July 20^th. However, it is also with great joy and celebration that we know he is in heaven with his sweetheart and wife, Connie, who passed away just last December. Lowell had suffered with Parkinson's for years, had been through heart bypass surgery and had several small strokes. He fought until his last breath staying as active as he could. He never lost his sense of humor and his deep concern to keep everyone focusing on reaching the Lost. There is now no more pain...for Lowell or Connie. I would have loved to have been there to see the sparkle in their eyes for the beautiful reunion as Connie greeted him home...together once again! Lowell missed Connie so much as she truly was his other half.

Five days before he passed away, we talked to him on the phone, "Lowell! What are you up to today? " Without hesitation he said, "Waiting for tomorrow." I chided, "Keep breathing, Lowell, it will come." How wonderful that God gave him his "tomorrow" that he so longed for to go home to heaven.

 

   

He Really Cares About You

Who is Who?

"Who are you..." an immediate puzzled response, "Who are you"? We stared each other down like two cats meeting in an alley, "Gloria Brooks-Lundstrom". I almost chuckled at the look of disbelief and shock painted across his face, "I haven't seen you since high school graduation in 1962." I gave him that certain stare, "Ya, and you are who?" He told me and I gave him the same response...shock!

This uncomfortable, embarrassing moment happened over and over and over. You see, it was my 50^thclass reunion. There were 77 in my graduating class and over 40 of us attended. To my surprise there were no name tags...as was at the 40^th class reunion that I attended...I guess those in charge thought this would be a good mixer to force each one of us to use the three-step method...maybe I should say four step method. One: look, two: guess, three: ask, and four: gasp! Rather than a mixer it was a messer to our minds. Whatever...it worked! Ha! It's amazing what 50 years of absence will hold: college graduation, marriage, new career, new home, grandchildren, advances in career, new toys (boats, motorcycles, classic cars, etc.), great grandchildren, new ventures in traveling...for some it was divorce, death of a mate and retirement. Of course, between all of this, broken bones, arthritis, heart problems, diabetes, cancer, etc. Yes, now some were limping, white hair, no hair, expanding waists, sagging muscles, menopause, false teeth...you name it, it is all a part of the game of life.

It was so fun to catch up with my former classmates and hear them tell us their past fifty years, their present life and what their future plans are.

Here I am with James Pickthorn who was the M.C. at the class reunion. We sat next to each other in 7^thgrade, he has an insurance business right next door to our ministry office and here we are side by side at the 50^th class reunion.

At this time we've lost seventeen classmates...which tells you at the next class reunion (55^th or 60^th), we'll definitely be decreased in number.

Larry and I came back to the house and I sat for a long time and tried to assimilate all I had heard and seen in the short three hours. Wow!

I began thinking about each of us, as far as our past, our present and what our futures would hold. Which made me think about the spiritual picture...the class reunion was great, but what about the future - a heavenly reunion. How many of us will be reunited then? The Bible addresses the past: "Because all people have sinned, they have fallen short of God's glory (Romans 3:23)," the present: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9)," and the future: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love Him (1 Corinthians 2:9)". With all this in mind, it's my prayer that we will all meet again in Heaven - wow, what a class reunion that will be.

Thomastown, Minnesota - ever heard of it? I hadn't until we were there. It's about twenty miles out of Wadena, MN. Nestled in central Minnesota among thousands of breathtaking pine trees is a beautiful country church, Thomastown Covenant Church. It is so picturesque it looks like it came from a scenic magazine. The stained glass windows, the meticulously kept cemetery and the beautiful sunset as we arrived was a gift of God created for us to behold.

But that was nothing compared to the wonderful people who quickly filled the church. There was a camp meeting feeling in the air. We were honored to work with Pastor David Harlow and Jack Trosen, who was instrumental in bringing us in. Jack was the coordinator with Lundstrom Ministries for several years.

"What a privilege to work with you again. Many of the Thomastown people have been familiar with the Lundstrom Ministry over the many years you have faithfully carried on the work the Lord has called you to. It was great to see how the Lord continues to use you and the special gifts He has given from ministry in song to sharing the Word of Truth. There were several first time commitments and several rededications, all of which we so very much thank the Lord. It was also very special for Grayce and me to be able to sit down and recall old times of ministry together over the past many years. Praise God for His faithfulness. We look forward to our time with you again at Paynesville, MN in September. May God's strength and blessing continue to rest upon you both."

Jack and Grayce Trosen

Thomastown Covenant Church

After the service, a woman walked up to me sobbing...my first thought was that she was desperate and hurting and needed prayer. I compassionately put my arm around her to console her and she blurted out, "I am so happy; I cannot stop crying...I gave my heart to God in 1973 at a Lundstrom crusade and I have prayed earnestly every day for my husband since then. We both were very young at the time. Then tonight, when Larry preached the simple salvation message and presented the altar call, giving people an opportunity to come into a relationship with God...he shot out of the pew and went forward to pray the sinner's prayer. God answered my prayers...finally." I teared up, hugged her and said, "I would've traveled all these years over again, just to see this joy on your face because your prayers were answered."

Friends, if you have unsaved loved ones: keep praying - never, never, never give up.

Also, if you are in the area, please be sure to attend our upcoming services:

July 15th - Watertown, SD at 10:30 AM - Christian Life Assembly of God, 201 S Broadway

July 17th - Cokato, MN at 11:30 AM & 7:00 PM - First Baptist Church, 395 Broadway Ave N

July 22nd - Valley City, ND at 10 AM & 6:30 PM - New Life Assembly of God, 520 Wintershow Rd SW

We'd love to see you!

Gloria

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{ Pic of the Week }

 

 

The beauty of the South Dakota prairie land that we see as we travel...

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{ Recipe }

Pistachio Salad

1 pkg. pistachio instant pudding

1 (10 oz.) can crushed pineapple (drained)

1 (4 ½ oz.) container Cool Whip

1 to 2 cups mini marshmallows

¼ to ½ cup slivered almonds or pistachio nuts

Mix pudding according to package directions. Add Cool Whip, pineapple, marshmallows and nuts. Mix together well and decorate with slivered almonds on top. Refrigerate.

Gloria

Happy 69^th Birthday to my husband and best friend... Larry! 

We were sitting here over our morning D&D (date and devotion time) and was sharing with him how wonderful it's been and how blessed I have been to have spent every one of his birthdays together since we were married - which totals 46. If I remember right, the first birthday gift I gave him was a white shirt to wear to church. Gifts were always necessity gifts.

One year ago, Larry had surgery due to his spinal cord being 90% compressed. Our future looked bleak and uncertain - but if you have followed us through the website and newsletter... he has been kickin' hard as ever, keeping up with services across the U.S. and his missions trip to Africa earlier this year. The biggest problem I have now is to "slow him down" and not lift more than he should. I can rejoice and truly say that he is as driven for the Lord in the ministry as always (I just have to take extra vitamins and hang on as tightly as I can as he flies along -ha!). I am thankful that as his wife of 46 ½ years I can truly say that his burden for the lost has never dwindled or wavered. He talks, walks and breathes it - I know - because I am with him 24/7, almost every hour of the day. Many of our friends and family describe our relationship as "joined at the hip" - ha! What a joy and delight to be married to my best friend and to be able to minister with him, right by his side, all these years.

Last weekend we ministered in Alexandria, Minnesota at Living Waters Assembly of God. It was a sweet morning of ministry to families and encouraging the hurting and searching. We were honored to have so many personal friends we've met through the years join us for the morning service, plus a group of RV MAPS volunteers. In case you're wondering what this is, they are retired Seniors who dedicate their time, finances and labor to build on churches all over the U.S. and the world the people may come to Christ. We have a deep respect for them.

We enjoyed working with Associate Pastor Rich , and also Paul Anderson, who runs sound for the church, and Keyes Burgess. What an on-fire, young man who is called to ministry.

"This was my first time being in one of Larry and Gloria's services. I was blessed to be a part of the worship, as both a sound man and as a counselor.

I am also ordained and work with a truckers ministry, so I am familiar with ministering on the road and the hurdles that come with it.

I was touched by their anointed ministry. Mark chapter 16:15 says "Go into all the nations proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ to all, and heal the sick in my name". This is exactly what happened today during their service and worship. The Gospel was clearly proclaimed and the sick and hurting hearts were made whole in Jesus Christ."

Rev. Keyes D Burgess

Living Waters Assembly of God
Alexandria, MN

"Thank you so much for coming to Living Waters Church last Sunday and blessing us with your presence and your Godly wisdom. There was a couple that came to church for the first time who have been struggling in their marriage, and he came forward for salvation. I am so excited! We will continue to mentor them - what a privilege!

We were very blessed to hear your testimony through song and anointed message that the Holy Spirit imparted on you to share with us. It takes committed people like you two to go and minister the message of hope. Everyone needs it. Thanks again - blessings from Minnesota!"

Darla Hacker

It's always such a thrill to see the lives of people changed! We have really enjoyed ministering in the tri-state (MN, ND, SD) area this summer.

Also, if you would like to send a quick birthday wish to Larry, go ahead and send it to our email at llmin@venturecomm.net. He would be tickled!  We were able to do an early celebration last week in the cities with our daughter, LaShawn and grandson, Dante. 

Have a great weekend!

Gloria

 

 

 

 

"Thank you so much for sharing your ministry with us. It's difficult to put words to the impact your visit to our church had. The service was humorous and the music was engaging, but the best part of your visit was how you made a very simple presentation and then stepped aside to let the Holy Spirit do His work. Larry's simple message cut straight to the heart of so many that were in attendance because it was a message of truth brought by a God-gifted evangelist. Thank you for stirring and challenging DeSmit Christian Alliance Church."

Have a great couple weeks until we chat again!

Gloria

 

Gloria

-Lydia M. Child