Well we're off to a good start for the teen trip to Mexico. I found a rental place for vans today that is $200 lower than the others.
The church we're building in Jitonhueca is moving right along, but we're needing a couple thousand more dollars to finish the plumbing and walls. That's not bad considering this whole 30 X 40 building has only cost us about $2000 to date. If you're able to help, you can donate on line or send a check to the address on our website.
Keep the work in Mexico in your prayers.
Monday, February 09, 2004
We are going to be able to take the group of teens from Wynne Chapel to Navojoa, Mexico this coming Spring break, March 15-20. Please keep us all in your prayers, for safety, for effectiveness in witnessing and for changed lives, both the kids and those they touch.
The kids have already raised $700 towards the trip. They are excited about the opportunity and looking forward to working and helping people! At the church last night the youth led the service and gave short testimonials about what the trip meant to them. They lit up as they told how good it made them feel to see the smiles on the faces of the people that they had helped.
I think it can best be summed up by the title of Max Lucado's new book:
"IT'S NOT ABOUT ME"
We start to live when we realize that. Jesus put it this way in the gospel of John 12:25,
"He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal."
A parallel passage in Luke 17:33 reads like this in Eugene Pattersons "The Message,"
"If you grasp and cling to life on your terms, you'll lose it, but if you let that life go, you'll get life on God's terms."
The kids have already raised $700 towards the trip. They are excited about the opportunity and looking forward to working and helping people! At the church last night the youth led the service and gave short testimonials about what the trip meant to them. They lit up as they told how good it made them feel to see the smiles on the faces of the people that they had helped.
I think it can best be summed up by the title of Max Lucado's new book:
"IT'S NOT ABOUT ME"
We start to live when we realize that. Jesus put it this way in the gospel of John 12:25,
"He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal."
A parallel passage in Luke 17:33 reads like this in Eugene Pattersons "The Message,"
"If you grasp and cling to life on your terms, you'll lose it, but if you let that life go, you'll get life on God's terms."
Wednesday, February 04, 2004
My wife and I chose many years ago not to support the Super Bowl and other things like it for the same reason there is so much discussion going on about it now. Dancing transvestites, men and women grabbing themselves, exposing themselves and animated characters making sexual suggestions. But it's a good game, right? Though it was reported that the upper management of CBS preapproved EVERYTHING; even though we and CBS knew what hiring MTV would do for the half-time show...it's just a game.
When will we as Christians wake up and stop supporting things that clearly DO NOT GLORIFY GOD? Some churches even cancel services to support "the game." What are we teaching the children?
1 John 2:15-16 (NASB)
Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.
When will we as Christians wake up and stop supporting things that clearly DO NOT GLORIFY GOD? Some churches even cancel services to support "the game." What are we teaching the children?
1 John 2:15-16 (NASB)
Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.
Sunday, February 01, 2004
Yesterday I took 20 teens from my Youth group at Wynne Chapel down to Tucson. We went to help Pastor David Rey distribute fliers throughout his neighborhood. The fliers announced "Free Food" to be given out at noon. After the kids distributed the fliers they helped unload the food truck, set up the food lines and then distribute it to the people as they came through the line. They also helped people carry the loaded bags to their cars and some to their homes. They did a SUPER JOB.
Some of these same kids are interested in going to Navojoa to help in anyway they can. We'll be taking a group of them either this spring break or in June.
We were also able to take 2 more bicycles for the ministry in Mexico. Pastor Manuel has one that we took him in September but he asked if we could spare one for his son (Isaias - music) and helper. We're happy to be able to tell them yes because of your generation donations of bikes you're not using and Leroy Kennedy's donation of the labor to fix them. We also sent Pastor Lan a lawnmower so he can keep the grounds of the Mission Station groomed.
All in all a great day of ministry! Praise the Lord!
Some of these same kids are interested in going to Navojoa to help in anyway they can. We'll be taking a group of them either this spring break or in June.
We were also able to take 2 more bicycles for the ministry in Mexico. Pastor Manuel has one that we took him in September but he asked if we could spare one for his son (Isaias - music) and helper. We're happy to be able to tell them yes because of your generation donations of bikes you're not using and Leroy Kennedy's donation of the labor to fix them. We also sent Pastor Lan a lawnmower so he can keep the grounds of the Mission Station groomed.
All in all a great day of ministry! Praise the Lord!
Wednesday, January 28, 2004
There's a lot going around about "contagious" Christianity, evangelism, etc. The Lord gave me a great experience yesterday at the eye doctor that falls into that category.
I was called in by the assistant optometrist to run some preliminary tests and struck up a conversation with her. I remarked on the fancy machines and asked questions about her job, which moved on to questions about her life. Within 10 minutes she was sharing that she really wanted to be an actress. We talked about a church I used to work at in Tempe and she "lit up" because she had been there. She wanted more of that experience with the Lord.
I interfaced with the Doctor, the lady that measured me and helped me select the right glasses and the billing clerk. With each one of them I was able to draw them out to talk about themselves and their lives instead of "just work."
The result was uplifting for all of us. What could have been just another customer turned into a fun experience (we laughed a lot) and one where they knew I cared about them as people and not just employees at the eye doctors.
I want to try to duplicate that experience wherever I go because it was exhilarating not only for me but the people I came into contact with that day.
SPREAD THE JOY OF THE LORD WHEREVER YOU GO. PEOPLE WILL WANT TO GET ON BOARD THAT "HEAVEN-BOUND" PATH.
I was called in by the assistant optometrist to run some preliminary tests and struck up a conversation with her. I remarked on the fancy machines and asked questions about her job, which moved on to questions about her life. Within 10 minutes she was sharing that she really wanted to be an actress. We talked about a church I used to work at in Tempe and she "lit up" because she had been there. She wanted more of that experience with the Lord.
I interfaced with the Doctor, the lady that measured me and helped me select the right glasses and the billing clerk. With each one of them I was able to draw them out to talk about themselves and their lives instead of "just work."
The result was uplifting for all of us. What could have been just another customer turned into a fun experience (we laughed a lot) and one where they knew I cared about them as people and not just employees at the eye doctors.
I want to try to duplicate that experience wherever I go because it was exhilarating not only for me but the people I came into contact with that day.
SPREAD THE JOY OF THE LORD WHEREVER YOU GO. PEOPLE WILL WANT TO GET ON BOARD THAT "HEAVEN-BOUND" PATH.
Tuesday, January 27, 2004
Just wanted to let you know Reflection will be singing a "mini-concert" at First Southern Baptist Church in Safford on Saturday, February 14 at 6:00 p.m.
A 60 passenger bus was recently donated to the ministry of R & R Ranch. We are in the process of determining whether it can be used in the Mexico ministry or if it should be sold and the money put into the general fund.
Wednesday of this week I'll be going with Pastor David Rey to pick up a classic Datsun 240Z that was donated to the Mexico work. If it's as good as they say, it will be worth in the neighborhood of $10,000. Praise the Lord.
A 60 passenger bus was recently donated to the ministry of R & R Ranch. We are in the process of determining whether it can be used in the Mexico ministry or if it should be sold and the money put into the general fund.
Wednesday of this week I'll be going with Pastor David Rey to pick up a classic Datsun 240Z that was donated to the Mexico work. If it's as good as they say, it will be worth in the neighborhood of $10,000. Praise the Lord.
Monday, January 19, 2004
The trend in our world is toward "tolerance" and "acceptance." Of course this only applies to non-Christians. Christians are not to be "tolerated" or "accepted" because we hold the belief that Jesus is the only way to God.
We must remember that we believe that BECAUSE JESUS SAID IT in John 14:6. "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. NO MAN COMES TO THE FATHER BUT BY ME." (emphasis mine).
There is an erroneous belief circulating among people, and yes, sadly even among some "Christians," that Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and all other people pray to the same God. NOT!
The God of the Bible is the target of our prayers as Christians.
The all-powerful, all-knowing Creator of the universe.
The triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit as described in the Bible.
We shouldn't go around bashing, tearing down, or likewise speaking ill of other religions, but neither should we lend any credence to their belief system. It's theirs. We don't have to buy into it. So many of these other religions and cults use the Bible as a basis for their writings. However, they edit them to suit their needs. God warns us in the Bible not to do this.
Just remember the 'One Thing'
"Thou shall have no other God's before me." (Ex 20)
We must remember that we believe that BECAUSE JESUS SAID IT in John 14:6. "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. NO MAN COMES TO THE FATHER BUT BY ME." (emphasis mine).
There is an erroneous belief circulating among people, and yes, sadly even among some "Christians," that Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and all other people pray to the same God. NOT!
The God of the Bible is the target of our prayers as Christians.
The all-powerful, all-knowing Creator of the universe.
The triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit as described in the Bible.
We shouldn't go around bashing, tearing down, or likewise speaking ill of other religions, but neither should we lend any credence to their belief system. It's theirs. We don't have to buy into it. So many of these other religions and cults use the Bible as a basis for their writings. However, they edit them to suit their needs. God warns us in the Bible not to do this.
Just remember the 'One Thing'
"Thou shall have no other God's before me." (Ex 20)
Friday, January 16, 2004
At the R & R Ranch we are dedicated to serving Christians and non-Christians alike through our music ministry and the church planting/building in Mexico. I've always thought the work was important but it didn't hit home how much until I read the chilling statistics from 2 recent polls by George Barna:
QUESTION ASKED: How many hold a Biblical Worldview?
ASKED TO: 2033 adults across the United States and 601 Senior Pastors across denominational lines
DEFINITION of Biblical Worldview:
* Absolute moral truths exist
* Truth is defined by the Bible
* Jesus lived a sinless life
* God is the all-powerful and all-knowing Creator of the universe and He still rules it today
* Satan is real
* A Christian has a responsibility to share their faith in Christ with other people.
* The Bible is accurate in all of it's teachings
RESPONSE:
BORN-AGAIN CHRISTIANS: 9% held this Biblical worldview
SENIOR PASTORS: 51% held this Biblical worldview
MY QUESTIONS:
What are the other 49% of pastor teaching?
Why do the 91% of "born-again" people call themselves "Christians"?
QUESTION ASKED: How many hold a Biblical Worldview?
ASKED TO: 2033 adults across the United States and 601 Senior Pastors across denominational lines
DEFINITION of Biblical Worldview:
* Absolute moral truths exist
* Truth is defined by the Bible
* Jesus lived a sinless life
* God is the all-powerful and all-knowing Creator of the universe and He still rules it today
* Satan is real
* A Christian has a responsibility to share their faith in Christ with other people.
* The Bible is accurate in all of it's teachings
RESPONSE:
BORN-AGAIN CHRISTIANS: 9% held this Biblical worldview
SENIOR PASTORS: 51% held this Biblical worldview
MY QUESTIONS:
What are the other 49% of pastor teaching?
Why do the 91% of "born-again" people call themselves "Christians"?
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
Saturday, January 10, 2004
Friday, January 09, 2004
Greetings! I've just returned from a Pastor's conference where the theme was "Renewing Your Passion for God." A good point was made; without that passion our ministry can become "routine" or "rutting!" Personal time with God is important but it must be nurtured into passion, not just an obligatory daily bible reading or group of petitions directed toward God. We must fully understand how awesome He is and when we do, others will see that and respond.
I was also able to share a power point presentation of our latest trip to Mexico with several people who have joined us in prayer for the ministry of R & R Ranch.
Have a God-Blessed Day!
I was also able to share a power point presentation of our latest trip to Mexico with several people who have joined us in prayer for the ministry of R & R Ranch.
Have a God-Blessed Day!
Saturday, January 03, 2004
Pastor Rey was able to go to Navojoa during the Christmas break. He went to help organize the volunteer workers that came to distribute food and clothing. 600 bags of food passed were out in Jitonhueca, Chucarit, Navojoa, Burabampo and San Pedro along with clothes.
While there they also showed the Jesus film in three of the villages (Burabampo, Jitonhueca, San Pedro). 150 people accepted the Lord following the showing of the film. They also had a clown ministry for the children and painted the kids faces.
PRAISE GOD!
P.S. Pastor Rey also told me of the need for $763. to buy brick for the new church building in Jitionhueca and $303 to repair the roof of the caretaker, Tomas. Please pray about how you may be able to help. You can donate online with the link at the right or mail a check to: R & R Ranch, 5008 N. Joe Hines Road, Willcox, AZ 85643. All donations are tax deductible.
While there they also showed the Jesus film in three of the villages (Burabampo, Jitonhueca, San Pedro). 150 people accepted the Lord following the showing of the film. They also had a clown ministry for the children and painted the kids faces.
PRAISE GOD!
P.S. Pastor Rey also told me of the need for $763. to buy brick for the new church building in Jitionhueca and $303 to repair the roof of the caretaker, Tomas. Please pray about how you may be able to help. You can donate online with the link at the right or mail a check to: R & R Ranch, 5008 N. Joe Hines Road, Willcox, AZ 85643. All donations are tax deductible.
Thursday, January 01, 2004
Wednesday, December 31, 2003
May God richly bless your new year.
May you purposely bless God in this new year.
But before you think about tomorrow and the days to come...
Think back over all the Lord has done in your life this past year
and thank Him, thank Him, thank Him.
On behalf of the R & R Ranch, I would like to thank you for making this the best year of ministry ever! You helped build churches in Mexico, start new churches, support 3 pastors, supplied clothing to needy, helped with emergency medical needs, the music ministry of Reflection in nursing homes, revivals, camp meetings and helped to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to many, many people.
Monday, December 29, 2003
I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas. This is such a blessed time of year as we remember the birth of our Savior and then move on to live a new year for Him. Sharon and I enjoyed spending a few days with my Mom and Dad in Mesa, AZ. My sister's family came down from Globe for one of the days. We also celebrated our 18th year of marriage on the 26th of December.
A new resident was added to the nursing home at NCCH. Her name is Rosalea. She doesn't speak much English so it will be a good opportunity to practice my Spanish for our trips into Mexico!
A new resident was added to the nursing home at NCCH. Her name is Rosalea. She doesn't speak much English so it will be a good opportunity to practice my Spanish for our trips into Mexico!
Thursday, December 25, 2003
Tuesday, December 23, 2003
Pastor Rey told me today that there is a need in both San Carlos and Navojoa for orphanages. In Navojoa, we already have a facility that would work with a little fixing up.
Please pray that God would lead a couple (or couples) to us that would like to run such a facility!
The possibility has arisen to begin a radio ministry in the San Carlos area. Pray for wisdom in this area as well. Pastor Isaias is currently preaching on a radio station in Navojoa and Pastor Guadalupe is trying to get a time on the station as well. But that station needs a bigger antenna to reach further into Sonora. Perhaps you know about these things and can help in this area. Contact us (link at right) and let us know. But all of you, please, pray!
Please pray that God would lead a couple (or couples) to us that would like to run such a facility!
The possibility has arisen to begin a radio ministry in the San Carlos area. Pray for wisdom in this area as well. Pastor Isaias is currently preaching on a radio station in Navojoa and Pastor Guadalupe is trying to get a time on the station as well. But that station needs a bigger antenna to reach further into Sonora. Perhaps you know about these things and can help in this area. Contact us (link at right) and let us know. But all of you, please, pray!
On Christmas Day approximately 50 people will be taking food baskets into the Navojoa area. Pray that they will not only meet physical needs but touch people's lives in such a way that they will want to pursue a relationship with Christ.
Pray specifically for:
Pastor Guadalupe's congregation in Navojoa and the churches he oversees.
Pastor Manuel's congregations in San Pedro, Rodeo, Burabampo and Jitonhueca
Pastor Juan's congregation in Chucarit
Pastor Manuel's weekly radio broadcast and evangelistic services
Thanks!
Pray specifically for:
Pastor Guadalupe's congregation in Navojoa and the churches he oversees.
Pastor Manuel's congregations in San Pedro, Rodeo, Burabampo and Jitonhueca
Pastor Juan's congregation in Chucarit
Pastor Manuel's weekly radio broadcast and evangelistic services
Thanks!
Monday, December 22, 2003
Sharon hands out gifts at Northern Cochise Community Hospital's Nursing Home
Bea gives a gift to our friend Mary
Casa de Esperanza, in Cochise, Arizona
Henry from Casa de Esperanza presents us with a Christmas gift
Yesterday was great! We handed out the Christmas ornaments that Sharon and Bea made to all the residents at both nursing homes. They made extra so there was enough to give one to every patient on the hospital side as well.
We let the residents pick their favorite Christmas carols to sing along with and read the Christmas story from Luke. God really blesses us through this ministry.
We have been working on our next recording...all songs about heaven. That's a blessing too, because your mind is ever on the Lord and what He's preparing for us. Are you prepared for Him?
We let the residents pick their favorite Christmas carols to sing along with and read the Christmas story from Luke. God really blesses us through this ministry.
We have been working on our next recording...all songs about heaven. That's a blessing too, because your mind is ever on the Lord and what He's preparing for us. Are you prepared for Him?
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