In driving from Bend to Portland I has to pass through the Mt. Hood National Park - wow, breathtaking. A nice secondary of this trip has been the diversity of God's creation and how glorious His handiwork truly is! Often I found myself simply in awe and worshipping the Lord for His amazing artistic glory!
The Greater Portland Baptist Church rolled out the red carpet for me. This is the last church I will visit on this trip to the Pacific Northwest. I must say, all of the churches treated me great but the Pastor and this church family went over the top. After the service on Wednesday night, I spent roughly 45-60 minutes talking with church members and feeling excited about all the Lord is going to do!
I would say this is the beginning of my deputation experience. I tried to enter this phase of my mission work with the desire to encourage and challenge believers to a greater walk with the Lord and a great passion for the unreached nations of this world. I am not sure if I accomplished that goal, but I do believe the Lord has stirred some hearts and hopefully awakened the church! Praise the LORD - I look forward to doing more and going further for the gospel and the Name of Jesus Christ!
Friday, June 29, 2007
Bend, Oregon
Sunday night preached at a small church attempting to do big things. The church is leasing but has its eyes on the future with the desire to purchase its own land and building. Pastor Peil has a true desire to see this town come to Christ and is doing a fine job at training his people and reaching his community.
In meeting with a few of the members, there is a true sense of God's righteousness and a desire to follow the Lord. Again, I am impressed with how the Lord uses smaller churches to accomplish so much of His purpose! It is easy to think the mega-church is where the Lord will work since there are so many resources available - however, this trip and especially this church has proven to me just the opposite.
As Paul would teach, the body of Christ is diverse and each of the members has a true and distinct purpose. None of us function well without the other!
In meeting with a few of the members, there is a true sense of God's righteousness and a desire to follow the Lord. Again, I am impressed with how the Lord uses smaller churches to accomplish so much of His purpose! It is easy to think the mega-church is where the Lord will work since there are so many resources available - however, this trip and especially this church has proven to me just the opposite.
As Paul would teach, the body of Christ is diverse and each of the members has a true and distinct purpose. None of us function well without the other!
Friday, June 22, 2007
Pasco, WA
Wednesday I traveled from Seattle to Pasco. The trip had me cross through the mountains and drive through the desert. I went from 68 degree temps to 96 degree temps - quite a change!
Riverview Baptist Church was a lot of fun! This church has a lot going on. My Wednesday schedule went something like this: preached 10-15 minutes to the Spanish church, preached 10-15 minutes to the Korean church, preached 10-15 minutes to the public school teens, and finally preached 20 minutes to the adult service! WOW - what a blessing to be involved in so many different ministries in so short a period!
The next morning the Pastor (Dr. John Paisely) invited me back to preach on the radio. Preaching on the radio was quite a thrill for me - just knowing that God's word is being broadcast for thousands to hear... very fun! For many years now the church has owned and operated a local radio station. In the last few years, they have been helping missionaries set up radio stations on the foreign field. It is possible this church might even come to Zambia to help set up a new station in the Eastern Province!! Praise the LORD!!
Riverview Baptist Church was a lot of fun! This church has a lot going on. My Wednesday schedule went something like this: preached 10-15 minutes to the Spanish church, preached 10-15 minutes to the Korean church, preached 10-15 minutes to the public school teens, and finally preached 20 minutes to the adult service! WOW - what a blessing to be involved in so many different ministries in so short a period!
The next morning the Pastor (Dr. John Paisely) invited me back to preach on the radio. Preaching on the radio was quite a thrill for me - just knowing that God's word is being broadcast for thousands to hear... very fun! For many years now the church has owned and operated a local radio station. In the last few years, they have been helping missionaries set up radio stations on the foreign field. It is possible this church might even come to Zambia to help set up a new station in the Eastern Province!! Praise the LORD!!
Monday, June 18, 2007
Marysville, WA
Sunday PM - services started at 7 pm at Northwest Baptist Church on Father's day. I met the pastor for dinner before the service to get to know and hear about his ministry as well as introduce where the Lord is directing me. His church is a growing group of believers eager to attempt great things for God.
The Sunday night service is my favorite time to preach. People seem more relaxed and ready to receive the word of God. After the service, no one was in a hurry to leave but many people stayed around to talk about the message and encourage each other. A huge highlight to this particular service involved a young lady coming forward and receiving Christ as Lord and Saviour. Always fun to be part of!!
This month long trip to the Pacific Northwest has allowed me to come into contact with so many people. I honestly count it a huge privildge to open God's word and allow the Spirit of God to inspire and convince believers to take that next step of faith - To God be the Glory!
The Sunday night service is my favorite time to preach. People seem more relaxed and ready to receive the word of God. After the service, no one was in a hurry to leave but many people stayed around to talk about the message and encourage each other. A huge highlight to this particular service involved a young lady coming forward and receiving Christ as Lord and Saviour. Always fun to be part of!!
This month long trip to the Pacific Northwest has allowed me to come into contact with so many people. I honestly count it a huge privildge to open God's word and allow the Spirit of God to inspire and convince believers to take that next step of faith - To God be the Glory!
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Fircrest, WA
Sunday AM - Liberty Baptist Church. Had a good meeting and believed the Lord used me to encourage some people. The Pastor really has a love for his people and doing a fine job of Biblically teaching. Today's message was from Luke 15 - the prodigal son's relationship with his father.
This church has just recently taken on a new missionary to Zambia - always interesting to find out others are going to Zambia. When I am in Zambia, it does not appear there are many missionaries doing much but the truth is the Lord does have His people working hard throughout the nation to evangelize and teach God's truth!
This church has just recently taken on a new missionary to Zambia - always interesting to find out others are going to Zambia. When I am in Zambia, it does not appear there are many missionaries doing much but the truth is the Lord does have His people working hard throughout the nation to evangelize and teach God's truth!
Friday, June 15, 2007
Arlington, WA
Although most churches do not have services on Thursday, last night I was able to visit Fellowship Baptist Church. The church has been in existence for 18 years and has a small but strong group of believers attending. It continues to amaze me how much the Lord does with these little churches. The walls of this little church were lined with posters of missionaries that they support and pray for throughout the world. The hymn says, "little is much when God is in it" and the Lord has proved that over to me again!
This tour of the Pacific Northwest has allowed me to meet so many steadfast and real Christians. I look forward to seeing the Lord use Pastor Stiff as he continues to faithfully preach and encourage his church to walk in righteousness and pursue godliness!
This tour of the Pacific Northwest has allowed me to meet so many steadfast and real Christians. I look forward to seeing the Lord use Pastor Stiff as he continues to faithfully preach and encourage his church to walk in righteousness and pursue godliness!
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Bellingham, WA
The Wednesday evening service started about 7 - the pastor, his family and one other family had arrived. I was a bit worried it would be a small crowd. However, within the next 10 - 15 minutes another 20 or so people had wandered through the doors. It was a great service - the pastor has an amazing zeal and love for God.
Just recently his church went through some difficult times that did leave a scar but did strengthen the body as a whole. Amazing how those two opposites can actually work in unison! After the service was over, the pastor asked all the church members to stay behind and with a prayer partner spend some time with the Lord. I enjoy seeing how the Lord uses each pastor in different ways. The body of Christ truly is diverse!!
The pastor took me back to his house after the service and spent a couple hours just talking with me and giving me names and numbers of area pastors he think could help me reach Africa. It certainly is exciting when a man that hardly knows me is willing to put his name on the line in order for me to accomplish a piece of the Great Commission - To God be the Glory!!
“Availability is rarer than ability”-Anonymous.
Just recently his church went through some difficult times that did leave a scar but did strengthen the body as a whole. Amazing how those two opposites can actually work in unison! After the service was over, the pastor asked all the church members to stay behind and with a prayer partner spend some time with the Lord. I enjoy seeing how the Lord uses each pastor in different ways. The body of Christ truly is diverse!!
The pastor took me back to his house after the service and spent a couple hours just talking with me and giving me names and numbers of area pastors he think could help me reach Africa. It certainly is exciting when a man that hardly knows me is willing to put his name on the line in order for me to accomplish a piece of the Great Commission - To God be the Glory!!
“Availability is rarer than ability”-Anonymous.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Spokane, WA
I left Saturday for a 5 hour drive to Spokane from Seattle. The drive, although rainy, was quite scenic. I took I90 through the mountains all the way to Spokane - in that almost 300 miles of travel the landscape transforms from mountains to rolling hills to flat farm land - it was great preparation for weekend!
I had the priviledge of preaching God's word at 2 different churches on Sunday. Sunday morning went well - the church family was small but truly a people seeking the Lord. The Pastor has an ambitious spirit and truly desires to see revival come to this area of the country. Sunday evening was lots of fun. It was the type of church that a person immediately feels welcome. I was given the entire service to share the ministry in Zambia as well as preach from God's word. Again, the Lord blessed and many people came to the altar searching and asking the Lord to somehow use them in the Great Commission plan of reconciling mankind to the Father.
In both of these churches I met people that are just ordinary believers but that truly want to serve the Lord with all their heart! It certainly brings joy and satisfaction in life to be labouring in such a way that has eternal ramifications --- to God be the glory!
I had the priviledge of preaching God's word at 2 different churches on Sunday. Sunday morning went well - the church family was small but truly a people seeking the Lord. The Pastor has an ambitious spirit and truly desires to see revival come to this area of the country. Sunday evening was lots of fun. It was the type of church that a person immediately feels welcome. I was given the entire service to share the ministry in Zambia as well as preach from God's word. Again, the Lord blessed and many people came to the altar searching and asking the Lord to somehow use them in the Great Commission plan of reconciling mankind to the Father.
In both of these churches I met people that are just ordinary believers but that truly want to serve the Lord with all their heart! It certainly brings joy and satisfaction in life to be labouring in such a way that has eternal ramifications --- to God be the glory!
Astoria, Oregon
Travel seems to be my life for the month of June. I am quite pleased to have a full preaching schedule but I am looking to travel many miles in the next few weeks. Fortunately, I have met some great people on the adventure...
My first move away from the Tacoma/Seattle area led me to Astoria - named the "San Francisco of Oregon" - its likeness comes through windy roads and amazingly steep hills. I was permitted to preach at Bayview Baptist Church in which the Lord blessed and many hearts were touched. I believe this church will pray for me and the work in Africa as well as possibly make the trip and get involved in the work! The Pastor set me up to stay at a members house - turned out to be a wonderful situation. The homeowners (Gary and Paula) were very hospitable and went out of their way to accommodate me. This family not only took care of me but took me on a tour of one of America's quaintest areas to live!
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Pacific Northwest - Deputation
The Lord is blessing and providing multiple opportunities for me to present the work in Zambia and allow churches to support both prayerfully and provisionally. Here is a list of the following churches to be visited in the next couple weeks:
June 3rd - Faith Baptist Church, Tacoma (Pastor Mark Smith)
June 3rd - Faith Baptist Church, East Ashford (Pastor Joe Koehler)
June 6th - Bayview Baptist Church, Astoria Oregon (Pastor Andy Roberts)
June 10th - Independent Baptist Church, Spokane Washington (Pastor Bill Anker)
June 10th - Faith Baptist Church, Spokane Washington (Pastor Greg Boyle)
June 13th - Evergreen Baptist Church, Bellingham Washington (Pastor Tavv Shaver)
June 17th - Fellowship Baptist Church, Arlingtone Washington (Pastor Greg Stiff)
June 17th - Northwest Baptist Church, Marysville Washington (Pastor Kirby Campbell)
June 20th - Riverview Baptist Church, Pasco Washington (Pastor John Paisley)
June 24th - open (am)
June 24th - Victory Baptist Church, Bend Oregon (Pastor Richard Peil)
June 27th - Greater Portland Baptist Church, Portland Oregon (Pastor Rick Adams)
Please pray for the Lord following while I travel:
i. Souls to be saved
ii. Churches to pray and support the work in Zambia
iii. Safety on the road
June 3rd - Faith Baptist Church, Tacoma (Pastor Mark Smith)
June 3rd - Faith Baptist Church, East Ashford (Pastor Joe Koehler)
June 6th - Bayview Baptist Church, Astoria Oregon (Pastor Andy Roberts)
June 10th - Independent Baptist Church, Spokane Washington (Pastor Bill Anker)
June 10th - Faith Baptist Church, Spokane Washington (Pastor Greg Boyle)
June 13th - Evergreen Baptist Church, Bellingham Washington (Pastor Tavv Shaver)
June 17th - Fellowship Baptist Church, Arlingtone Washington (Pastor Greg Stiff)
June 17th - Northwest Baptist Church, Marysville Washington (Pastor Kirby Campbell)
June 20th - Riverview Baptist Church, Pasco Washington (Pastor John Paisley)
June 24th - open (am)
June 24th - Victory Baptist Church, Bend Oregon (Pastor Richard Peil)
June 27th - Greater Portland Baptist Church, Portland Oregon (Pastor Rick Adams)
Please pray for the Lord following while I travel:
i. Souls to be saved
ii. Churches to pray and support the work in Zambia
iii. Safety on the road
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