Pray for our Medellin pastor and wife's employment

Our pastor and wife in Medellin, Colombia make clothes for a living. They do such a great job.  Before we left Colombia, they made us some fun clothes.  3 skirts for Kimberly, Sarah, and I.  2 nice shirts for our boys (which are a tad big, so they'll wear them later.)  And this adorable dress for Mary! =)They had them all packed up so nicely.

They would like to start their own line of clothes (they normally sew for other companies) and this is the tag they'd like to use. =) 

Us girls wearing our skirts from them.

~I took these pictures of Mary (wearing the adorable purple dress they made her) when she was 13 months, but never got them posted on my blog. =) 
[She was laughing at Noah and Sarah who were peeking around the corner! =)]

We thought that Bro. Alberto and Sis. Alba did such a great job making these clothes for us!

***Please help us pray that God will continue to meet their financial needs through their sewing.  They don't make much, and many times, the stores that contract them end up not paying them on time. (And this is after them making 100's of articles of clothing over a period of weeks!)

~What's Christmas about?~

It's more than turkey and stuffing...
It's more than presents and wrapping!
It's more than santa and toys...
It's more than all the Christmas noise!
It's more than reindeer and a sled...
It's about our Savior in a manger bed!  Written by Sarah (11) Dec., 2011

posted by Sarah

Snowball Cookie Recipe...

Snowball Cookies...from Taste of Home
I made these cookies and they were delish. 8 23

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Crisco® Light Olive Oil
• 1 1/4 cups quick rolled oats
• 1 (18.25 oz.) pkg. Pillsbury® White Cake
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsps. clear vanilla
• 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
• Powdered sugar

Directions

• Heat oven to 350°F.
• Combine olive oil and oats. Let stand 5 minutes. Stir in cake mix, eggs and vanilla until well blended. Fold in nuts. Form into 1-inch balls and place about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
• Bake 8 minutes or until set. Cool on cookie sheet 1 minute. Remove cookies to cooling rack. Roll in powdered sugar while still slightly warm. Yield: 7 dozen cookies.
•  
• Post by Kimberly

Think about it for a moment...

With little prayer, work is a drudgery and fraught with hindrances.
With prayer, work is a joy and progresses smoothly.
With much prayer, God works what no amount of labor by a multitude could ever do.

Con poca oración, el trabajo es un trabajo pesado y lleno de obstáculos.
Con la oración, el trabajo es una alegría y progresa sin problemas.
Con mucha oración, Dios hace lo que ninguna cantidad de trabajo por una multitud nunca podría hacer.                 - Phillip (Felipe)

Some Great Reasons To Pray

It used to be common to meet someone called to a ministry of prayer.  Where are those called to such today?  Nowadays when you meet someone who prays much, you have met a rare person.  But if Christians really believed these four points, there would be a lot more great pray-ers.   

1.) History Makers Are Those Who Pray

Some used to be intercessors but are now living off the blessings of a past life.  They are still good people, but has-beens in prayer living a busy life.  Some others have yet to discover the glorious blessings of forsaking all to spend their life in the precious presence of God.  But those praying now may not realize it, but they are the real movers and shakers of history.  For pray-ers make history by teaming up with God.  

2.) Those Who Pray Are Marked

Those given to a ministry of prayer if they are wholly sanctified are marked by a sweetness, a brokenness, a carefulness.  The Spirit of God rests on them.  To be with them is to be in the presence of Jesus.  They follow our Lord.   They live in the very presence of our Lord.  They bear the image of our Lord.    

3.) Great Things Follow Those Who Pray

God’s answers to prayer are spiritual blessings.  Revivals and awakenings sweep down by prayer.  God fearing congregations, glorious denominations, saintly grandparents, godly parents, holy youth have all been birthed by prayer.  Pastors and missionaries, evangelists and faithful laity rise up as armies in answer to prayer.  Who could place a value on prayer?  To try would be fruitless.   

4.) Prayer Brings Much More
Oh, we must pray that the Lord of the Harvest would send forth [prayer] laborers!  For prayer begets prayer.  And much prayer begets much glory, holiness, and blessings from the God who inspires and leads us in such a high calling.       

-Phillip

~God sent me a Christmas tree~

~I told you here on my blog that I was going to let Sarah post about this simple little tree in the kids' room.  It's known to our family as "Sarah's tree!"   Soooo, here's her version...with a little bit of help from Mommy! =)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I really wanted a tree for OUR room, but Daddy didn't feel like it was wise to spend the money for a 2nd Christmas tree...(When we don't know WHERE we are going to store it yet).  I kept telling Mommy ideas like we could gather branches and form a tree to wrap lights around, etc. for I REALLY wanted a tree for our room.
Finally Daddy and Mommy told me to PRAY about God giving me one or helping me to find one (along side of the road, in the trash or where ever. =)
One night I asked Mommy how to have FAITH that God would answer my prayer for a Christmas tree. (She told me to make sure and pray "If it's Your will" and then trust God to do what was best!=)
[All the while She and Daddy were PRAYING HARD that God would answer my prayer! =)

The next day (Thanksgiving eve) as we were walking to get last minute supplies for our Thanksgiving dinner...Mommy (Who was DETERMINED to help Jesus answer this prayer for her little girl...IF He wanted to answer it =) saw a part of a Christmas tree sticking out of a black garbage bag on the street corner.  Mommy went over and looked in the bag and it was just this simple little tree and it's base.  Mommy called me over and said, "Look, Sarah,...look what Jesus just found you?!"
So, we picked up the tree and couldn't wait to get home to show Daddy THE TREE THAT JESUS GAVE US for our room!!  =) ~

posted by Sarah

Christians, thank God for His holiness

Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.  (Psalm 97:12)

Matthew Henry said…

It is God's holiness which, above all his attributes, the angels celebrate. (Isa 6:3), Holy, holy, holy. Sinners tremble, but saints rejoice, at the remembrance of God's holiness, (Psa30:4).  (Commentary on the Whole Bible)

Charles Spurgeon’s affirms…

“And give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness” - which is the harmony of all his attributes, the superlative wholeness of his character. This is a terror to the wicked, and a cause of thankfulness to the gracious.  In reference to the triumphs of the gospel, this text teaches us to rejoice greatly in its purifying effect; it is the death of sin and the life of virtue. An unholy gospel is no gospel. The holiness of the religion of Jesus is its glory, it is that which makes it glad tidings, since while man is left in his sins no bliss can be his portion. Salvation from sin is the priceless gift of our thrice holy God, therefore let us magnify him for ever and ever. He will fill the world with holiness, and so with happiness, therefore let us glory in his holy name, world without end.  (Treasury of David)

Adam Clarke asserts…

But why should you give thanks at the remembrance that God is holy? Because he has said, Be ye holy; for I am holy: and in holiness alone true happiness is to be found. As he, therefore, who hath called you is holy; so be ye holy in all manner of conversation. False Christians hate the doctrine of Christian holiness; they are willing to be holy in another, but not holy in themselves. There is too much cross-bearing and self-denial in the doctrine of holiness for them. A perfect heart they neither expect nor wish. (Commentary on the Bible)

We thank God that Jesus came to save His people from their sins.  For if we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  Thinking of God’s holiness fills God's child with joy and thankfulness.  His holiness once meant certain eternal damnation for us because we were sinners and the wages of sin is death.  But God commands us to be holy and in love He has provided holiness through the blood of Jesus Christ.  When through faith in Christ we cooperate with His grace, God makes and keeps us as He wants us.  For if we walk in the light . . . the blood of Jesus cleanseth us from all sin.  “Thank you, God, for Your holiness.  Because of Your holiness we have hope.”  - Phillip

You Can Trust This Friend

A.B. Simpson, Christian, Writer, C&MA founder

This is my beloved, and this is my friend—Song of Solomon 5:16

God is our friend. Which of you shall have a friend, . . . at midnight? asked Jesus (Luke 11:5). This concept of God as our friend has deep significance for each one of us. Who has not had a friend, who in some respects was more of a friend than anyone in the family? Reflect upon that friendship. Recall each act of love. Think of all you could trust that friend to do for you and all the ways in which he or she stood by you. Then as you concentrate the whole weight of recollection and affection, put God in that place of confidence and realize He is all that friend has been and infinitely more.
Our Friend! The one who is personally interested in us, who has set His heart upon us, who has come near to us in the tender and delicate intimacy of unspeakable fellowship. He has given us invaluable pledges and promises, He has done very much for us, He is ever ready to go to any trouble or expense to aid us. To Him we come in prayer-our heavenly Friend.   (From Days of Heaven on Earth by A.B. Simpson, founder of the Christian & Missionary Alliance)

This and that...

Although I really like Argentina, there is nothing like a good Colombian lunch and a tinto. (A tinto is a Colombian cup of dark, sweet coffee and it is often sweetened with their raw sugar cane sugar which is similar to our brown sugar.) We can make the coffee here in Argentina...but it is a little harder to make the lunch. I would really like to have a Colombian lunch right now. :o)

We saw these neat bikes made out of bamboo while walking here in Arg. And this is Mary's cute hair-do.

The kids at the park.

Some cool bark.

A neat restaurant.

Look at that neat tree in the background.

A pretty tree in the park.

-Post by Kimberly

Dating vs. Courtship

A friend asked me for my opinion regarding dating verses courtship.  Here are some Biblical principles I quickly wrote regarding relationships.  I don't have all the answers I want yet.  I do know that dating as our generation has defined it is broken.  For some people courting and dating are one and the same, so they should be defined.

According to Wikipedia under the definition of "Courtship" I found the following interesting points:

"Courtship is the period in a couple's relationship which precedes their engagement and marriage, or establishment of an agreed relationship of a more enduring kind. In courtship, a couple get to know each other and decide if there will be an engagement or other such agreement.

"In earlier 1800s, young adults were expected to court with the intention of finding a marriage partner, rather than for social reasons. In America, in the 1820s, the phrase 'date' was most closely associated with prostitution. However, by the Jazz Age of the 1920s, dating for fun was becoming a cultural expectation, and by the 1930s, it was assumed that any popular young person would have lots of dates. This form of dating, though, was usually chaster than is seen today, since pre-marital sex was not considered the norm."

So, in taking in account their history and their usual current usages, I understand the generally accepted meanings of the words "court" and "date" to imply the following.  Court seems to be with a more serious commitment in mind.  Date usually seems to be for social fun and may or may not end up with a committed type of attitude.  And among the many of the "Christian" youths that we have known, in a big part dating seems to be for giving myself pleasures at the expense of my special friend with the high hopes that all will end well.  That is how I will use these words here.  But whether we consider ourselves pro-dating or pro-courting, we must adhere to Biblical principles.

1.)  We must first of all be concerned with the reality of who we are as a people. 
As Christians, we do not belong to ourselves.  In the very context of sexual purity and impurity God tells us in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20,
"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." 
I cannot do just anything I want.  With my body, I must do all to the glory of He who bought me, for He owns me, not I myself.

2.)  We must answer to someone -- our Lord and King.
"In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes."  (Judges 21:25)
But we DO have a King, and we cannot do what just seems right or feels good.  Our King tells us what to do in Scripture.  But most young people aren't even trying to find out and do what Scripture teaches here in our dating, therefore...
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." (Hosea 4:6) 
Our couples and their resultant marriages are destroyed for a lack of knowledge.  The very things the young dating couples are doing right now WILL impact their marriages later.
So the entirety of our lives (including our relationships) must be submitted to the revealed will of God.  (God reveals His will in Biblical principles.)

3.)  Modern Recreationally Motivated Dating (dating just for fun) is Heretical not Scriptural.
It's not even mentioned in Scripture and hardly even found in all of history until our modern history.  It is motivated by a godless society based on pleasing the flesh rather than basing their actions on the Word of God. 
Why would people date without any intention of marrying?
- To satisfy the lust of the flesh... either through immorality or entertainment.
- To satisfy heartfelt passions, that may be Biblical, but not seeking them in God's way.  (ie. wanting to enter into a relationship that requires no lifelong commitment whatsoever.  So that you can take off at anytime.)
None of this reflects Scriptural principles, so it must be disregarded as such. 

4.)  The defraud commandment.

Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.  (1 Thessalonians 4:5-7)

One of the meanings of "defraud" here is that of arousing "the lust of concupiscence" or arousing the other's "passionate desire."  Or we could say that defraud here means to create the desire in someone for that which you cannot lawfully fulfill.  This happens all the time with couples getting off alone on a date to arouse desires in each other that should not be fostered nor can they be lawfully fulfilled.  That is why it's not wise for couples of the opposite sex be alone unless they are married or in special circumstances of which they are safe and accountable.  (such as a drive together to church, etc.)  Because hormones, chemistry, emotions, attraction (or whatever you might wish to call it) between the opposite sexes are natural and unavoidable, but should not be fed nor allowed to blossom until they are lawful.  To purposely sexually arouse someone other than your spouse is to defraud them and is denounced by God in Scripture.  And to purposely cause someone to have an emotional affair with you is also playing with fire.  For God promises to avenge such behavior.  And many times it ends with dysfunctional marriages, broken homes, and broken hearts. 

5.)  The principle of treating the young ladies as our sisters.
1 Timothy 5:2 teaches us that our conduct with the younger women is to be as with sisters and with all purity.  Young men, that means not touching them in inappropriate ways.  That means having nothing but pure motives with them.  That means not arousing in them desires which would be sinful to fulfill.  That means treating them as you would want the men of the world to treat your little sister.  Period.

6.)  Paul told young Timothy (and us) to flee youthful lusts.
In many points we are told to "wrestle," but when it comes to lusts we are told to "flee."  (A side point here: The more you protect your eyes, men, the more you can passionately love and be satisfied with one woman.  Ladies, that is why modest clothes are important.  And that is why there must be a carefulness between the courting couple.)   Why does God say to flee lusts?  You will not be able to be in a relationship with a person of the opposite sex and be ALONE with him/her for an extended length of time without falling.  Those who have tried it know I am telling the truth.  And remember that "falling" comes a long time before the world says it does.  Biblically, one can't be strong enough, Godly enough, or disciplined enough to do something that God already told you not to do.  Don't be alone with a person of the opposite sex where you can be in a position to compromise yourself... because it will likely happen if you stay there long enough. 
I never have forgotten an illustration by Paul Washer that I heard months ago; it goes like this:
I am a married man.  Imagine that you came to a hotel suite, and you found me alone with a woman other than my wife.  I answer the door and say, "Come in, Jane and I here were just making cookies." 
You would say, "You can't do that!"
"Why not?" I ask, "We weren't doing anything wrong."
"It's just wrong.  You can't be alone with someone of the opposite sex who isn't your wife.  There are too many dangers!"
Exactly.  And we encourage and condone that with young people in the dating game.  I am a married man.  A man with a dear wife and precious children who I value and would never want to lose.  I am a man with much responsibility, I am responsible for various churches.  I answer to a lot of people, pastors, and to supporters.  This is going to make me want to be so much more careful to not fall.  How much more careful (than any adolescent) would I be alone with a woman who is not my wife!  But with adolescents who have less experience, less wisdom, less discipline, and much less to lose than I have to lose, we send them off to be alone for hours at a time with someone of the opposite sex.  And we expect them not to fall morally?  With so much less to lose than us adults who would never think of being alone with women of the opposite sex?

This is why I feel like dating as it is commonly defined is unwise, unScriptural, and dangerous.  Courting as it is commonly defined seems to be the only other safe option I know of in our culture.  As to how courtship should be practiced Scripturally, I am still open to answers.  I did find helpful and interesting modern day love story shared by Marrianne Brown of her and Philip's courtship and marriage.  It seemed to be Biblical and defined both dating and courtship in a wholesome and seemingly Biblical way.  Here is a selection on her blog that I found intriguing and something I'd like to learn more about:

"One of those Wednesday evenings when we pulled into my driveway, Philip turned off the car and turned to me. It was in that conversation that Philip laid out his ideas of how relationships progressed. Stage #1 Friendship - This was the very basis for a relationship, basic information, finding if there were shared goals and ideas, finding out their commitment to God and His Word. Asking, "Is this person even a possible candidate for a wife/husband? If there was friendship and compatibility of goals and ideas and commitment to Christ then it was possible to progress to Stage #2 - Dating - sharing things that you wouldn't share on a friendship level, further probing of personal philosophies and background, examining theological ideas further. Deciding yes, this person is a possible life partner which would lead to Stage #3 - Courtship - This person has the characteristics of a life partner but there are some things that need to be talked about that are just not appropriate at level #2 - finances, any previous sin that would affect the relationship, all those "sticky" things that are "where the rubber meets the road". If the relationship withstands those scrutinies then the next step would be Stage #4 - Engagement - the actual commitment to marry this person, premarital counseling, and preparing for Stage #5 - Marriage.
That Wednesday evening Philip shared that we were in Stage #1 and he was praying about how to progress. That was one of the things I appreciated about him - I never had to guess about where we were at or how he was viewing the relationship. He'd had many years to figure out how to avoid some of the common pitfalls of romantic relationships and it sure saved me a lot of anxiousness and fear!"    (From "Our Story - Part Six"  http://philipmarianne.blogspot.com/2011/08/our-story-part-six.html )  With the definition of dating given here, I can agree with dating.    

Credit belongs to Paul Washer for a lot of what I shared here.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AP6cc2aBecE  And credit to my professor Dr. Allan P. Brown for his teaching on 1 Thessalonians 4:5-7.   - Phillip
    

Were God's people too patriotic in Jeremiah?

"When tyranny comes... it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross."

"Then spake the priest and the prophets unto the princes and to all the people, saying, This man is worthy to die; for the hath prophesied against this city, as ye have heard with your ears."

Next to this verse Jeremiah 26:11 I have written in my Bible, "A backslidden nation church is Very Patriotic."

Now, I'm all for being patriotic if that simply means loving and seeking the good of our country.  But often the farther away from God a nation becomes, the more the priests (religious leaders), prophets (preachers), and princes (political leaders) as in Jeremiah 26 get upset if you say anything against their political agenda. But later on in this passage we see the princes and people defending Jeremiah, so here the religious leaders seem even more patriotic than the others.

I have finally come to the point where I am liking more and more Paul's philosophy in 1 Corinthians 2:2 when it comes to politics. "For I determined not to know anything among you save Jesus Christ and Him crucified."

Note: These are simply personal thoughts that came while reading this passage and thoughts that I may have to adjust with time.  So please feel free to disagree with me, and I'll have no hard feelings.  Thanks, Phillip

Happenings in our home...

One morning Mary was on Mommy's bed and wanted a drink of water. But she had food in her mouth so I wouldn't let her.  And this is what she did...

Mary is so dramatic  :-)

Since Daddy has no private office, he usually uses earplugs while he is trying to study, which is most of the time.  This morning our family was around the breakfast table, and Daddy who was going to have family devotions said, "I want everybody to lend me an ear."  Then Sarah asked him, "What would you do if you had five ears?" Daddy answered, "I'd put an earplug in every one of them."
We (including Daddy) thought it was pretty clever. =)
-Post by Kimberly

Solomon: Loving Fast Horses & Beautiful Women, Just Like Daddy

David had a perfect heart, but played around the limits of what God forbad.  His son Solomon lost his integrity following his daddy.  How? God prohibited Israel’s kings from multiplying horses and wives. 

            He shall not

[1] multiply horses to himself, nor

[2] cause the people to return to Egypt… Neither shall he

[3] multiply wives to himself… neither shall he

[4] greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.  (Deuteronomy 17:16-17)

David in the spoils of war killed many of the horses, but reserved horses for a hundred chariots.  (2 Samuel 8:4)
When David perceived that God had established him as king he already had multiple wives. (2 Samuel 3:3)  But he took even “more concubines and wives.” (2 Samuel 5:13) 

David had these blind spots or ignorance.   But ignorance is not bliss.  David could have said, “It’s just a little thing; it won’t matter.”  
 Solomon imitated his Godly father's sins of ignorance.  But Solomon sinned much more.  For he not only had 1,400 chariots and even more horses [sin 1], but he also had a fine business giving horse rides for the people to go down to Egypt [sin 2].  Solomon went far beyond David’s sin not only in the quantity of horses, but in that he caused the people to return to Egypt and multiplied the silver [sin 4] so that it was as stones in abundance. (1 Kings 10:26-29)

 And like his daddy, Solomon had an unusual love for women.  And his 1,000 wives, queens, and concubines [sin3] turned his heart from God.  So David’s heart was perfect (v. 4), with some small sins of ignorance.  But ignorance is not bliss, for our children following our mistakes could lose their souls over it.  Or at least they could lose God's blessing in their lives.       -Phillip

Ministry trip to Medellin and Cartegena, Colombia

Blessed, successful, and fun describe my trip to the churches in Medellin and Cartegena.   In summary:

Santa Fe, Antioquia, Colombia.  Our Medellin church is also in Antioquia.  (creative commons, laloking97, flicker.com)

1. The leaders with their families are growing spiritually in both churches.
2. We witnessed to and prayed with various people.
3. I saw people seeking after holiness.
4. Several broke down in tears at the preaching of Bible truths; they have genuine spiritual hunger.
5. A good number worked hard, studied, and finished their homework in the classes we offered.  (If you want to study the two topics we studied, read Wesley's 37th sermon and 1 Peter 1:16, "Be ye holy.")
6. We encountered a problem due to ignorance of Biblical teachings, but God beautifully orchestrated an opportunity to teach what God wants and resolve the problem.  Several told me that in their heart they had not felt comfortable and now felt happy and relieved to have clear Biblical directions on this.
7. We gave the churches and their leaders a pile of helpful Christian books.
8. We had great heart to heart talks in the homes of the church leaders.  I listened to them and showed them love and support. 
9. I see them faithful in spite of a lot of hardships.

So thanks for praying; don't let up.  God is answering.  Hopefully next time, I'll be able to take a camera and have more pictures for you.              - Phillip

A Day In The Home Of A Colombian Pastor

 Actually five days, and this time with Pastor Alberto family in Medellin.  Some pics and a quick rundown are in order.   
I left home for 10 days to split the time between the churches in Medellin and Cartegena preaching and teaching.  Today I left Medellin for Cartegena so here are the pics of the first half of the trip.   

Emanuel (6 years old) and I.  He is Pastor Alberto and Alba's youngest son.

 These trips are always difficult but enjoyable.  I always enjoy what God teaches me when serving our Colombian brethren.

Their oldest son is about 16 I think.  A year or two ago he said that he wanted to play the guitar.  So he is teaching himself and doing a good job of it.  He's a good student and wants to take his daddy's place someday as pastor.  He's trying to serve God; pray for God's protection and blessing in his life.  Actually pray for the whole family.

 I saw a great sign on the door to their kid's room.  "Awake thou that sleepest, and you'll be given light.  Ephesians 5:14"  I think I have the reference right.  Anyway that was their paraphrase of the verse.

Pastor Alberto, his wife Alba, and their daughter Natay.  Here in their home they make clothes for a living.  While there this time, they were working on about 400 plus boys long sleeve button up shirts.  This is how they support themselves.  Thanks to some of you supporting us we were able to help get them set up with commercial equipment in the past.  They do professional work both as seamstress and tailor.  (More pics of their work perhaps in the future.)  But they only make around 2 dollars profit per shirt. 

 We also did pastoral visits.  I wish I had pics to explain the poverty, but the camera stayed at home with Heather.  God gave us a thrilling time as we confessed Christ, his saving power, and prayed together!

A picture in front of the machine we were able to purchase for them thanks to you.  Natay (19 years old) is peeking around the corner.  Pray for her.  She gave her life to God and is growing.  Pray that God blesses and protects her spiritually and in every way.  She and a young man here share affection for each other, help us pray for God's will please.

After sewing the clothes they snip off threads, neatly fold them, attach tags, and then bag each item in celophane.  (Pardon the spelling, I can't remember how to spell that, and this blog spell check won't switch out of Spanish.  Feel free to comment on any corrections in this post and I'll correct it.)

While getting ready to start service Pastor Alberto entered the sactuary early to pray.

His wife Alba soon joined him in pre-service prayer.  Also, they are early risers.  His is often up during the night to pray and she usually up before 4 am to spend a good time with God in prayer and Bible before starting her day with her family and sewing.  Alberto sews too, when he isn't out or studying.

Here is a pic someone took during the service. ( Pardon the quality of all the pics, someone loaned me these pics.)

 Earlier I mentioned these trips being difficult; here's what I meant.  It's always hard to leave my family alone with my wife to care for our five children, homeschool, etc. alone.  But Heather goes on anyway with such a cheery, sacrificial, selfless, and hardworking attitude.  God has blessed me tremendously with Heather.  I love that dear lady so much.  Pray for her right now please.

Alberto, a sanctified man, asked me to preach and teach on holiness the whole time.  This was the last service and God blessed us with His presence and help in a special way.

And now Heather packs for yet another move.  A move to another country.  A move to where we have no home. . . yet.  A move to keep dragging suitcases, children, and school work along.  And sunshine too; she brings a smile and happiness to my heart, our children's hearts, and to everybody else's hearts.  God has used her to brighten a lot of night around this wide world.
 

This was a precious time of tears and calling upon God.  Different ones testified to God specifically working in their lives.  I believe it.  They testified to God showing them light on specifics in their lives, specifics God wanted changed.

Please keep praying, for tomorrow we start classes and preaching again.  I so need God's wisdom and annointing.  And then next week I get to go home to my dear family.  I love my job as daddy and husband.  So the first thing I plan to do is just to be there for whatever needs they have.  Then Argentina.  So we must keep packing. 

Hidden wonders of God before my eyes

Have you ever been tempted to think that God isn't doing great works?  In the church world, in politics, in your own life, is God just letting things happen while sitting idly by?

Wonder no more.  Check out the lesson of these two verses. 

"O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!"  (Habakkuk 1:2)  At times it may seem like we pray and pray and nothing happens.  Through human eyes we may not see God work the way we want to see Him work. But then three verses later...

"Behold ye among the heathen and regard, and wonder marvelously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you." (Habakkuk 1:5)

Right now, the puppets on the stage of history can do nothing without God's permission.  God is bringing much greater wonders to pass than we can even know, and it is far beyond that which could be explained.   For it is not that which we see with our eyes.  It is Spiritual, a GREAT work, and He is doing it in our days before our very eyes.  And we get to witness it.  I  see even now some of these great wonders by faith.  Praise God!!  See it?

Notable quotes about the Bible

Abraham Lincoln: "I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man. All the good from the Savior of the world is communicated to us through this book."

W. E. Gladstone: "I have known ninety-five of the world's great men in my time, and of these eighty-seven were followers of the Bible. The Bible is stamped with a Specialty of Origin, and an immeasurable distance separates it from all competitors."

George Washington: "It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible."

Napoleon: "The Bible is no mere book, but a Living Creature, with a power that conquers all that oppose it."

Queen Victoria: "That book accounts for the supremacy of England."

Daniel Webster: "If there is anything in my thoughts or style to commend, the credit is due to my parents for instilling in me an early love of the Scriptures. If we abide by the principles taught in the Bible, our country will go on prospering and to prosper; but if we and our posterity neglect its instructions and authority, no man can tell how sudden a catastrophe may overwhelm us and bury all our glory in profound obscurity."

Thomas Carlyle: "The Bible is the truest utterance that ever came by alphabetic letters from the soul of man, through which, as through a window divinely opened, all men can look into the stillness of eternity, and discern in glimpses their far-distant, long-forgotten home."

John Ruskin: "Whatever merit there is in anything that I have written is simply due to the fact that when I was a child my mother daily read me a part of the Bible and daily made me learn a part of it by heart."

Charles A. Dana: "The grand old Book still stands; and this old earth, the more its leaves are turned and pondered, the more it will sustain and illustrate the pages of the Sacred Word."

Thomas Huxley: "The Bible has been the Magna Charta of the poor and oppressed. The human race is not in a position to dispense with It."

W. H. Seward: "The whole hope of human progress is suspended on the ever growing influence of the Bible."

Patrick Henry: 'The Bible is worth all other books which have ever been printed."

U. S. Grant: "The Bible is the sheet-anchor of our liberties."

Horace Greeley: "It is impossible to enslave mentally or socially a Bible-reading people. The principles of the Bible are the groundwork of human freedom."

Andrew Jackson: "That book, sir, is the rock on which our republic rests."

Robert E. Lee: "In all my perplexities and distresses, the Bible has never failed to give me light and strength."

Lord Tennyson: "Bible reading is an education in itself."

John Quincy Adams: "So great is my veneration for the Bible that the earlier my children begin to read it the more confident will be my hope that they will prove useful citizens of their country and respectable members of society. I have for many years made it a practice to read through the Bible once every year."

Immanuel Kant: "The existence of the Bible, as a book for the people, is the greatest benefit which the human race has ever experienced. Every attempt to belittle it is a crime against humanity."

Charles Dickens: "The New Testament is the very best book that ever was or ever will be known in the world."

Sir William Herschel: "All human discoveries seem to be made only for the purpose of confirming more and more strongly the truths contained in the Sacred Scriptures."

Sir Isaac Newton: "There are more sure marks of authenticity in the Bible than in any profane history."

Goethe: "Let mental culture go on advancing, let the natural sciences progress in ever greater extent and depth, and the human mind widen itself as much as it desires, beyond the elevation and moral culture of Christianity, as it shines forth in the gospels, it will not go."

Henry H. Haley, Haley's Bible Handbook" (Michigan: Zondervan, 1965) pp. 18-19 found online here.

Step into an enchanted world

It's been said to the youth:
"Never look at study as an obligation, but rather an opportunity to enter into the beautiful and marvelous world of knowledge." 

How much more lovely and mysteriously fantastic is this world in the spiritual realm!  The treasures gained from crying after God and studying His Word are invaluable and indescribably precious.  

"Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God." (Proverbs 2:3-5)

T.M. Anderson said, "We discover the eternal things of God in direct proportion to the measure of our seeking in prayer."  For Jesus in reference to prayer said, "He that seeketh findeth." (Luke 11:10)  "The things of God knoweth no man save the spirit of God." (1 Corinthians 2:11)  In other words, Mr. Anderson is saying that we do not discover the things of God by mere chance.

At the rate you are seeking, what of God will you discover?  
You may be enamored with the unfathomable God.  

"God, may our searching reflect the worth of what is hidden to the eyes of the world."        - Phillip

Progress: Formational Classes in Colombia

In July we had the honor of hosting a fellow GHM missionary (who also served in Russia & Romania) and class professor (who also teaches at Wright State University) Daryl Hausman and his daughter Brittany in our home. And finally some pictures. We had four days of classes on Holiness along with 4 services that week with Daryl, Alberto, Luis, and Rigoberto preaching.

What a happy time when Daryl and Brittany arrived at the airport!

Pastor Alberto and his family (from Medellin) greeting the church.  Here greetings and introductions are an important part of the service.

Daryl and Brittany (middle & right) with interpreter bringing greetings from our home church in the USA.

Daryl Hausman (right) getting ready to preach on entire sanctification.

Some of the girls and young ladies present in the services.

One of the midweek services during the singing.

Heather and Kimberly (as well as the rest of us) enjoyed having Brittany add her talent to the music.

A panoramic view of one of the evening services.

Some who were present at the classes along with some of their families.  Daryl & Brittany Hausman from the USA, Pastor Luis from Peru, Pastor Alberto and family from Medellin, Pastor Jimmy & wife Farly from Bogota, Heather & I and our children, Pastor Edermin from Bogota, Lay Leader Rigoberto & family & Nancy from Cartegena.

Diligent note-taking students.

Professor and Minister Daryl Hausman teaching with his interpreter.  We so appreciate the sweet presence of the God's Holy Spirit Who melted our hearts, gave us precious unity, and moved on our hearts with a hunger to seek after Him.  What a wonderful and invaluable time this was!

Another classroom shot.  We were honored to have Edermin Cortez and his wife and son join us.  (foreground)  Edermin is a national pastor who works with Raymond Shreve.

The day that Daryl and Brittany left we had some time to do a bit of sightseeing.  This is the dining room of of the Quinta of Simon Bolivar.  You history buffs know that he was known as "The Liberator."  "He played a key role in Latin America's successful struggle for independence from the Spanish Empire, and is today considered one of the most influential politicians in Latin American history. Following the triumph over the Spanish Monarchy, Bolívar participated in the foundation of the first union of independent nations in Latin America, a republic, which was named Gran Colombia, and of which he was president from 1819 to 1830. Bolívar remains regarded in Latin America as a hero, visionary, revolutionary, and liberator. During his lifetime, he led Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Panama, and Bolivia to independence, and helped lay the foundations for democratic ideology in much of Latin America."  (Wikipedia)
 

After seeing Simon Bolivar's house, we went up the mountain for a bird's eye view of Bogota.  Afterwards we went out for a coffee (sort of a Colombian thing) and then sadly said our goodbyes and I took Daryl and Brittany to the airport.

Thanks for praying for this special time.  These deliberate times of teaching and preaching are important in the Spiritual formation of the Christian Nation Church here in Colombia.  And it's not just important for our local churches but with the visiting of other pastors this time (and they hope to come back), these times are important for the edification and the formation of the holiness church here in South America.  Please keep up the prayer support.                              - Phillip