My First Real Christmas
This first Christmas, we were attending church and they read the true story of Christmas…a baby born in a manger. I remember singing, "Away in a Manger". That year I was invited to be in the Christmas program. Wow, that was exciting for an 8-year old! I got to be an angel watching over the baby Jesus in the play. Of course, my brothers knew I wasn't an angel at home…but in church I was! I still remember the homemade angel costume with a halo made out of sparkly pipe cleaners twisted together to make me look angelic. It was all so new and fun to me.
This first Christmas, I remember I was so intent to see that same "bright star in the east". I'd pile on the layers and squeeze into my snowsuit, run out into the mammoth snow banks and lie down. I'd stretch out my arms and paddle them as fast as I could to make a snow angel. Then I'd lay there, in the silence of the night, and gaze up into the heavens in hopes (and determination) that I could find that same bright shining star that announced the birth of the Christ-child.
This first Christmas, "Home" was totally different. My brothers and I made a makeshift manger where I laid my doll wrapped in a blanket. I was Mary, one brother was Joseph, and the other ones were the wisemen. Then we proceeded to recite our lines that we had learned for the church Christmas program. I remember Mom reading the Christmas story as we sat and listened intently. Then, KABOOM! It was time to open presents. Can you imagine seven boys and me and the accompanying noise and squealing as we ripped open our gifts? If I remember correctly, we each received one larger gift, which mine was always a doll, and then something like a paint set, coloring books or crayons.
Yes…as I think back to my first real Christmas, knowing Jesus as my personal Savior, it was truly an unforgettable experience.
I don't know about you, but I often long for those seemingly simple but unforgettable Christmases of days past. In the midst of the busyness and rushing this year, may we all take time to reminisce of our first Christmas. May we never forget the true meaning of Christmas - knowing the Babe in the manger, knowing He lived, knowing He died for each one of us and knowing that He rose from the grave and lives today. What joy and peace He brings! May you feel His presence this Christmas and always.
May His love surround you at Christmastime and always!
All the way to Branson, we visited, sang, played games, and ate Christmas goodies that our guests brought. There's nothing like fellowship! Of those that joined us, I think about 12 of them have gone with us on several of our previous tours. It is become a yearly tradition of a "friends gathering". Once they go on a tour, they often go again and again. It was a joy to have Connie Simons and Marilee Trosen join us another year. It's always fun to have them come along!
was the Wissman family from Seward, NE. They have 13 children and they all play instruments and sing. The little 3 year old daughter stole our hearts. Of course, this family reminded me of Larry and I and of our days in ministry when we had all of our children with us. At one time we had 3 Lundstrom couples, and 8 little Lundstroms who all sang and took part in the Lundstrom TV specials, rallies and crusades. Yes…this Momma got emotional, I miss those days. 
going to be in Branson and found out where we were. We met one of the couples in the 1980s at a church rally and they've been following us through our newsletters ever since. 
with them as we've only seen them once this year for just a few hours each. Also, Happy second Anniversary, LaShawn and Liam - today!
Lowell in prayer, as he is struggling with Parkinson's. I went back to Sisseton to be with my Mother, brother and family for Thanksgiving.
also gutted out all the bay areas doing year-end inventory and reorganization of our ministry equipment and products. We left South Dakota last August 11th and the motorhome, which is our office, won't return to Sisseton until next May, 2010. As you well know paperwork and "stuff" piles up! Larry has been busy booking 2010 and I've been kept busy with office work and phone calls. What better place to have to work than in toasty Arizona. 
NE, but the temp was to drop to 23 degrees and it was to be one of the pivotal points of the storm. At that point we had to abandon our plans and make a quick decision to get out of Nebraska. We definitely didn't want to get caught in a snow storm and have the plumbing and pipes freeze and explode. We quickly packed up and headed off. The first day we drove from Nebraska to Kansas, into the corner of Oklahoma and on to Texas. The second day we scurried in to Albuquerque, NM with the storm nipping at our heels all the way. Just as we pulled into Albuquerque, about 2 hours later, the rain poured and temps dropped to 30 so we hunkered down next to the Victory Family church to wait for it to pass. The next day, Albuquerque had what we'd call a South Dakota snowstorm. While the storm was dumping a load of snow, Pastor Jerry and Geanette Bernard looked at us and said, "Larry and Gloria, did you bring this? We haven't seen a storm like this in many, many years." We confessed, "Maybe we did -ha!" 
Let me back up, before we left Nebraska, we had two wonderful services. On Wednesday night we were in O'Neill, NE where three Pastors had joined together for a wonderful evening service. There was excitement in the air and we were all thrilled to see those who made decisions for Christ. 
invited us to come. They put a lot of effort and prayer into the outreaches and God has definitely honored it. Sunday morning, there were close to 60 who responded to the altar call. This included several young families - what a thrill! When I looked in the counseling room and saw those precious families, it brought tears to my eyes. It's those moments of people coming to Christ that keep us going. God is so faithful, and we are still willing to go.
Saturday evening and well over 50 people go forward on Sunday morning; many for the first and many of those were children and young people. Words like faithful and consistent should be used in describing Larry & Gloria's ministry. They very unselfishly lift up Jesus Christ and allow Him to draw "all" unto Himself. They come to build up a church by kindling a relationship between people and Jesus Christ. Thank you for coming and for your incredible faithfulness!"
and tears of joy made the trip out east worth every soul that came to Christ. 
We also met them in the early years of our ministry and are thankful that their burden for the Lost and their influence to bring us in saw a great harvest come to fruition. They shared:
"I saw 6 or 7 youth who recommitted their lives to God. One of them had professed to be a Christian but didnot remember the specific time when he accepted Christ as his savior, so this became his moment of personal decision. I think several others had accepted Christ in the past and had come to the point where the cares of the world were having a bit of asmothering effect on them. Through your ministry on Sunday, I believe that God spoke to them and rekindled the flame of their commitment. I also had the opportunity to speak to another young believer about the assurance of salvation, which I believe he had been seeking, and I pray that God will use this moment as a time to which he can look with assurance that Christ is Lord of his life. In addition to these happenings, I thank you for giving Shanita the opportunity to be a counselor to the younger children. I think it was really good for her. And I appreciated the challenge that you have given me to look outward more than I do. That's an ongoing process that God is working in me."
Watching them, I remarked, "Larry, look at all those geese." He looked up and heard them honking and he said, "Well if that won't give you hunting fever." I commented, "Boy they are really moving fast - they feel that chill in the air and are heading south- I think they're smarter than us, we are heading north." Just then I saw about 15-20 geese going the opposite direction - north! I figured they must have an instinct and a compass like me, which is not good! I can get lost in direction by just blinking my eyes. 
my life." What they don't know or want to believe is that their own free Will is going take them to an eternal destination that they won't like and when they get there it will be too late to turn around.
Amidst the pouring rain we had a spot here and there where the sun peeked through so we could enjoy the fall scenery. Arriving in the beautiful state of Vermont, I was mesmerized by the countless white steeples of churches peeking through the fall leaves displaying their brilliant colors of red, yellows and oranges. As we were driving down the road, we saw a bumper sticker that read "I live in Vermont…..and I can do whatever I want." That sticker resonated the reality of the mindset of a godless generation. I am sure if you follow the news, you are aware that on April 15, 2009, the Verm
ont Supreme Court judges passed the law of same sex marriages. Plain and simply put, it made it legal for a man to marry a man or a woman to marry a woman. You and I definitely know this is not God's law. Vermont is also the home of the infamous "Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream". The day the law was passed and men began marrying men, Ben and Jerry's made a special ice cream advertising it for same sex wedding celebrations. They switched the name from "Chubby Hubby" to "Hubby Hubby". How appalling! As you know, several states are following suit on same sex marriage. The bumper sticker "I live in Vermont ... and I can do whatever I want" is a very apparent outward burst of rebellion. While in Vermont, Larry and I talked to many college age students and young couples and inquired int
o their view of the new law. The overwhelming answer we received was "Well ya, I agree it is kind of weird, but now we are used to it, and ya, that's just the way it is". God help us not to continue to "get used to sin", and the collateral damage it is causing the upcoming generations. Christian moms and dads…grandpas and grandmas…stand up and fight for your children and grandchildren while we can still make a difference. We need to do it while we still can. Ok, so you can see I am fired up, but frankly we need to be! Our children and grandchildren's futures are too important to stay silent!
onnecticut and drove through New York City (sure glad Larry was driving as I was a stress wreck). The more I saw the graffiti, the more I prayed our car wouldn't break down. Ha. From New York we drove on to Philadelphia and arrived just in time for rush hour traffic. We pulled off downtown Philly and hunted down a small restaurant that has been there since the early 1900's. Our daughter LaShawn keeps telling us you can't go out East without having a fresh lobster. She said, "Mom and Dad, it is only $20 for a 2# lobster." That got Larry's attention as 
well as mine. We drove through the old streets of Philly where they are so narrow that I am sure they were built only for Model T's or today's smart cars. We finally reached our destination and happily ordered the lobster. It was scrumptious, as you can see by the photo of Larry. Of course, I had my own. It may be several years before we get lobster so I figured, "Why not? Yummy!" We are now in Pennslyvania and are making our way towards Cumberland , Maryland, for weekend services. 
knowing where to go, Larry and I said simultaneously, "We need to get directions again." We at once noticed that there was a Sheriff's car parked about 200 feet ahead of us. "Perfect!" we thought! Certainly we would be able to get directions from the sheriff as this is his/her territory. Larry pulled the Suburban up close to the Sheriff car, and I motioned to the uniformed individual in the car hoping to get a response, but there was no response. I waved again and again, and after still being unable to attain a response, it dawned on me that the sheriff had fallen asleep on duty. Giving the benefit of the doubt I told Larry, "It must be time for his lunch break and he's taking a little nap." 
Still in pursuit of directions to a Perkins, we eventually made our way down the street hoping to find someone willing to help. We finally found a lady willing to help and relayed our curious experience. She said she had driven down the street for weeks and never realized it was a dummy in there; the whole time she thought it was a real policeman. It goes to show "Things are not always as they appear!"
small piece of paper with a string attached. She asked that we write our prayer requests on it and tie it to a balloon. She then beckoned us to go out onto the balcony of the beautiful A-framed lodge that was nestled among hundreds of towering pine trees. In a quiet moment, we prayed over the requests represented and then released the balloons (along with the needs/burdens represented) go. They soared up, up, up and soon were in infinity.
the words, "If you find this balloon, please call Park Rapids Assembly of God at this number to let us know where you found this balloon." 
On Sunday morning, Larry and I sang and ministered in the two morning services at Oak Creek Assembly of God. It has been a joy to watch my brother's church grow through the years from less than 20 to over 2300. Jerry and Sherry's hearts beat for the lost and hurting and so do ours, so we are a good fit for ministry. We love that church. They never fail to welcome us with open arms and an excess of love! It is always exciting to see what God is going to do next at Oak Creek Assembly of God.
weekend with Larry and Gloria. Larry presented the message of salvation in a way that anyone could clearly understand, whether they came from a churched or unchurched background. 88 decisions for Christ were registered that morning, with many of them being first-time decisions.Thank you for being such a great blessing to all of us at Oak Creek Assembly of God!"
invitation for those to come to Christ, he raised his hand and went forward. You know how tough 19 year olds are to reach, but without hesitation, he responded to receive Christ this morning. Your trip here would have been worth it even if it were just for my son." 
a private meal and evening gathering. Several prayed the prayer of salvation that evening answering the prayer of Leo and Dorothy that lives would be changed.
was so touched to see people of all ages and all walks of life who turned to God. 
There was a joy of a testimony like that of Jason and Carol Reed from Cohasset, MN. Jason sauntered up to me and said, "My parents came to Christ under your ministry years ago and our family and our lives were never the same again. Thanks for being at the right place at the right time." His wife Carol added, "Oh, I have followed your ministry for years and years, since I was a little girl." (wow - that made me feel old -ha!) The Reed's are such a sweet family.
Schumacher, greeted Larry at the counter and said, "Larry, I know you. I'm coming to see you and Gloria tomorrow. Larry, my dad got saved in your service here 3 years ago. He now has terminal cancer and is in his last days - but thank God, we know he'll be in Heaven and we'll see him again." When I talked to Linda on Sunday I told her the trip here 3 years ago would've been worth it, even if only for her father. With tears in her eyes she acknowledged, "Yes, it would've been." It's those testimonies that give us the strength to keep pushing on to win the Lost.
Larry and Gloria will always be welcomed by our people at Park Rapids Assembly of God Church."
I was just sitting here thinking about how quickly this summer has passed by, especially with all the events and busyness. I was thinking back to a couple weeks ago when LaDawn and Dante and Myanna spent a couple days with us in Minnesota. The grandkids begged Grandpa to come into the lake and swim with them. Being the kid he is… he did. They played, had water fights, giggled and laughed. After they ran out of energy, Myanna got on her green river raft and was floating in the water. Amidst all the fun, Myanna noticed that she had floated out to a depth over her head, panicked and hollered for Papa! Quickly he dashed towards her and soon was up to his chin in the water. She hollered again as Larry stretched out his arms into the deep water to grab the raft. Successfully, he was able to grab a corner and pull her into shallow water. Relieved, but still a bit scared, I heard Myanna say to Dante, "Dante, Grandpa would've been willing to die to save me." What a touching compliment. 
For a limited time, 
August. Larry has had the privilege to attend every General Council since 1961. It is a good opportunity for him to reconnect with pastors and old friends, as well as, to make new friends and open the doors for scheduling rallies in fresh areas with newly acquainted pastors. The trip from Sisseton to Orlando and back was a total of 3,600 miles. That is a long trip! Larry also served as a relief driver for the bus driver during this marathon trip. I would say that Larry has had enough experience driving motorcoaches to be of help! (Chuckle!) He was also excited to be able to spend time with the young people in order to challenge them in soulwinning and to encourage them that they can be a light in a dark world making a profound impact on their peers' lives. We 
desperately need this young generation to reach others in their generation. There are so many that are already lost, broken and hurting at such young ages. Who will reach them?
Now…for me…I stayed at our home office and alternated between keeping fires going and putting fires out. I am on the road about 9-10 months out of the year so I long for this time to be "home". I capitalized on this time and took the privilege of spending extra moments with my precious mother who is 93 years young. She is amazing and so full of fun and life. I also had a surprise….our daughter, LaShawn, from Nashville, TN, came through this area so I was able to spend nearly two days with her. It is a rare occurrence with both of our traveling schedules---if we are here…she is there…and vice versa! I miss my children and grandchildren so much; if we are anywhere close, we try to grab the opportunity to see them whenever we can. Larry was also able to sneak in some time with 
LaShawn on his way back to Sisseton. All in all, it was a busy but enjoyable week. Any time with family is precious!