wonderful relief to be out of the bitter Midwest cold.

Our cousins, Gary and Janet Stubenrach offered to pick us up at the airport. Waiting at the curb of the terminal, we looked like eskimos with heavy sweaters, gloves and our big winter coats draped over our arms. They laughed, "You won't need all that hot stuff here, as it is 83 degrees." May I add, it was a welcomed 83 degrees. Seriously, our hearts go out to all of you having to deal with this cold weather. Every time we have a tour going to Florida, my brother Bill says, "Boy aren't you glad that people in warm weather need Jesus and encouragement too - ha!" Yes, we are glad.

Larry loves one-on-one witnessing and yesterday we had the opportunity to visit with a very successful business man for about 2 hours. When he found out that we were in ministry and Larry was a preacher, he shared his story and personal journey with us. He went from a background with no church to Mormonism, in which he became a student of the Bible and memorized most of it and was a missionary for two years. He was so steeped in the Word that he was allowed to read, that after a while the Word began to convict him that there was something wrong. The Word convinced him that Mormonism was not for him. He admitted, "They are good people who work hard and eat right, but use works to make it to heaven." The more he read the Word, it made him dig deeper to find out who God really was and the truth about this man, Jesus.

In his deep hunger and desire to know more, the pendulum swung to the extreme, and he came to a conclusion that not everything is convincing about the Bible and believed there is possibly a heaven, but no hell. As he continued to share, he admitted that he is really now confused as to what he believes and why.

Larry joyfullyshared Christ with him, we were serious, we laughed, and we shared. When we got ready to leave, this business man smiled, "You two should be in sales...you could really sell. You're happy, you truly believe what you believe, and you are convincing...in fact...I can tell that what you represent is real. You both show the joy and it's very convincing that you definitely have something that I need to think about."

Well, we didn't get to pray with him...but we planted a seed and were able to be a part of God showing Himself in that man's life. One of his statements was, "What you believe is so simple and convincing." We took that as a compliment.

The Gospel is not brain surgery...it is heart changing. In this new year, may God help each of us to demonstrate and display the love of Jesus. Take the challenge: Each person you meet or come in contact with, sow a seed and water with love...and prayerfully it will grow, creating hunger for God, and change their lives.

Burger Beef Soup