Vapor Ministries

Shuri-te Karate

2008-04-30T11:30:00.016-05:00

Karate ministry? Yes, we have a ministry using Karate that meets in our backyard on Wednesdays from 7:00-8:00 PM. Our goal is to teach all ages, not just self-defense, but how to be at peace with all men, verbally handle situations, build self-confidence, show good stewardship in the physical training of our bodies, apply Scripture to this training, and share the Gospel with visitors.

Who knows, maybe one of these students will use Karate as a vehicle to take the Gospel to Okinawa. This is a 5 minute video that demonstrates our style of Karate. My teacher has a website that explains many aspects of Shuri-te as well.

Russia 2007

2007-09-09T12:53:00.000-05:00

Greg, Yuri, and Becky

This was one of the most incredible trips I have ever experienced. It was a joy and blessing to work with a church that is so in tune with Acts 2:42, "They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." We spent a gread deal of time in fellowship, discipleship, evangelism, and encouragement.

One of the greatest stories I have ever seen is that of a man named Yuri who lost his flat, job, wife, and three children to alcoholism. Homeless in winter, his feet became frostbitten and had to be amputated at the heel. The Russians call him "the man with no feet." He was kicked out of the hospital and tried suicide by overdose and hanging but failed both times. One day a few months ago, Karen (kuh-REN), the pastor in Leningorsk, said that he felt “prompted” to work late. (Prompted by the Spirit I think, but lost in translation). Yuri was trying to reach the pond to drown himself when he bumped into Karen who was walking out of his business thirty minutes later than usual. That meeting changed Yuri's life. The church provided a flat and food for Yuri. A 21 yr. old church member named Andre carries Yuri down the steps to a taxi each Sunday morning for church. Our team bought him a cell phone for emergencies and some clothes to wear for church. Yuri has not made a decision for Christ but is close and writing “Christian Poetry.” He says that he now knows that there is a God and that God loves him through the compassion of this church. I have never seen a better living example of God at work through the church. Our team was moved by this act of compassion. His picture is above with two of our team members.

The Core Church Members

Soccer Evangelism. Russia won, 3-2.

Many Opportunities to Preach the Gospel

Our Team in Little Italy, Manhattan

The New Church Building

Colonel Karen's Armenian Grilled Chicken Restuarant

GONE FISHING

2007-08-09T13:49:00.000-05:00

I will be off to Russia soon for work with the church in Leninogorsk for evangelism, discipleship, and encouragement. Please pray for God to speak through us and protection for our team and families back home.

Gotcha!

2007-05-09T10:07:00.000-05:00

It was two years ago today that God placed our little girl in the arms of my wife and three kids. Now our family is six and will soon be seven when we travel back to China for another little girl that God is blessing us with. The wait time is close to two years now and expected to increase.

When you read this, please pray for the lost little girls of China. Pray that the Chinese government would be moved to make more girls paper ready so that they could be adopted quicker.

Dr. Sam: Present with the Lord

2007-04-30T15:17:00.000-05:00

The time I spent with Dr. Sam Annankra can be counted in a few hours, but those hours were more valuable than gold. There are a few people whose spiritual impact on me has been so meaningful that it bore an impact on major direction in my life, but the quintessential person in that regard was Dr. Sam. For those that do not know him, he was one of our church partners in Ghana, Africa who was instrumental in much of the work our church has done with the Ghanaian people, both in Ghana and in America. Dr. Sam went to be with the Lord today.

I don’t know if he was a Calvinist, a Baptist, a premillennialist, or a Pentecostal. I do know that he was a husband to Esther, a father to many (biological and adopted), a pediatrician, a medical missionary, a colonel, and most importantly, a servant of God. This man was consumed with the Lord, and to define it as a 24/7 desire to serve the Lord would be accurate.

Two stories stand out of this man’s impact on our family. The first was when we were considering a major decision and the time and costs involved. Sam told us, “You don’t wait for the blessing to obey God, you obey first and God will provide the blessing.” This statement and this truth from Scripture helped us move forward with the decision to adopt our daughter from China. The second was when one of our mission teams was having difficulty with some plane tickets and needed the airline to make an exception that was not normally granted. Dr. Sam advised them to tell the airline that, “we serve the Most High God and need these tickets to be refundable……and we need a discount.” The ticket problem was worked out in a miraculous way. This taught me that not only should we know that our God can work things out for His will, but that we should be telling the whole world that we serve a God who will work things out for His will. Dr. Sam spent his vapor time well.

Our friend, Cyndi has a great post about Dr. Sam on her blog if you want to know a little more about him. Do you have a Dr. Sam story? Please add it in the comments section.

God is at Work in Russia

2007-03-22T14:39:00.000-05:00

This is a picture of Pastor Alexander and Julia in the Kama River in Russia. This picture really says a lot to me about meaning of a new creation in Christ.

I am very excited to be returning to Russia this summer. I will be returning with a team to the town of Leninogorsk for discipleship, evangelism, encouragement, and anything else they want us to do. Please pray that our team will persevere through the hindrances that the enemy always puts in our way. Pray that we boldly proclaim the Gospel and bring glory to Him.

Defenders of the Gospel

2007-03-22T12:23:00.000-05:00

With all of the bickering going on in the church today about worship style or bible versions, I think the way the Stams did church speaks volumes. I wrote this for a seminary class. They were faithful to the Gospel even under the sword.

JOHN & BETTY STAM: DEFENDERS OF THE GOSPEL
I became very interested in China missions when I traveled there this summer for the adoption of my daughter. I was struck by the busyness of life, the billions of people, and the lack of hope that many seemed to have. What would draw someone to serve as a long-term missionary in China? How does one conduct a missionary endeavor in a closed communist society? I was told before we left that it was illegal to proselytize and the church service we attended was closed to Chinese citizens by law. Conditions were much worse in the early 1930’s when John and Betty Stam dedicated their lives to mission service in the country of China. Although they were initially separated by time and geography, and had not yet been married, they each carried out their initial phase of mission work, cultural adaptation, and language training. We are very fortunate to have many of their letters, diaries, and poems which offer a unique insight into their lives. When communists burst through their doors, bound them, and removed them from their home in China, the couple wondered if they would survive the next twenty-four hours.

Early Years
Growing up in Paterson, New Jersey where both the English and Holland[1] [Dutch] languages were spoken, John Stam was the fifth of six boys in a family that totaled nine children. Prior to each meal, the Bible was placed and ready for each person to read one chapter and then a prayer was offered.[2] His father Peter, started a mission called Star of Hope, as an evangelistic enterprise to reach all classes of people and train others for open-air preaching and discipleship. John was impacted by this mission, but it was while away at school he came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. His father had hoped he would help full-time in the mission, and a combination of influences made John arrive at the decision to abandon a business career for full-time Christian service.[3] His next big decision would be where to obtain an education for this service.
John’s wife, the former Betty Scott, experienced China first-hand, the daughter of Presbyterian missionaries. Her parents were aware of the hectic schedule and inevitable separation of missionary life so they devoted time for outdoor games, family prayers, and the reading of children’s books.[4] In a poem Betty wrote to her parents, she expressed their commitment in lines such as “but not content with mental culture, seeing my spirit mourn in night, you taught the Word and way for sinners, until Christ’s Spirit brought me light.”[5] Although, it was not expected or intended, it was no surprise that Betty would return to China for mission work after her return to the states for schooling. She was deeply impacted by a conference at Keswick, NJ and devoted herself to live for Christian service.
One year ahead of John, Betty entered Moody Bible Institute and attended weekly CIM (China Inland Mission) meetings. It was at those meetings that she met John and although they were attracted to each other, marriage was to be secondary to the mission work in China.[6] John had intended to be a pastor of some community and saw himself spending a short time in China, five years or so, as a single man, unencumbered for the work of service. Betty applied to CIM and eagerly waited to set sail for China in 1931 while John remained to finish his final year at Moody.

China
Although Betty was very well traveled and had spent a good deal of time in China, this
trip would be under different circumstances. She was an adult, caring for herself and her love was thousands of miles away. She committed herself to the same high standards as her parent’s commitment for the good of the Chinese people.[7] John was very well thought of at Moody and was asked to deliver the address at his graduation, where he stated,
"Let us remind ourselves that the Great Commission was never qualified by clauses calling for advance only if funds were plentiful and no hardship or self-denial involved. On the contrary, we are told to expect tribulation and even persecution, but with it is victory in Christ."[8]
John certainly had missions on his mind, particularly missions in China. He was accepted by CIM in the summer of 1932 and left for China.
The climate for missionary work in China could be one of excitement for the possibilities of God’s work, but it could also be one of uncertainty. Hostilities against Christian missionaries were spiritual and physical. Since the founding of CIM by Hudson Taylor in 1865, who had as its goal to appeal to the working class for mission service in China,[9] the cause of Christ was challenged by political forces that sought to expel China of western influences and in the process killed one hundred and thirty-five missionaries and fifty-three missionary children in1902.[10] Thirty years later, there was no great deal of change with communist bandits ravaging the innocent and no short supply of stories of kidnappings. John and Betty, although separated at the beginning of their mission work, would not be deterred by the unrest.

Life on the Field
Betty had written a poem at the age of eighteen in which she described the characteristics she would look for in a future husband. The final stanza offers a summary of the biblical traits she envisioned:
"He’ll be, he’ll be, my hero-A strong-armed fighting man,
Defender of the Gospel, And Christian gentleman.
Oh, if he asks a question, My answer “Yes” will be!
For I would trust and cherish Him to eternity. "

A few months after John’s arrival in China, he and Betty reunited and were married by the Rev. A. Torrey, son of the famous evangelist. During the service, there was mention of the manner of life and total commitment to the Lord by the young couple. Three quarters of those in attendance were Chinese Christians and many commented on the benefit they received from that.[11] After years of education, training, and waiting, John and Betty were ready for service together.
Their lives during this time were filled with various missionary activities, such as handing out tracts, evangelism, discipleship, and tent meetings. In addition, they forged numerous relationships with other missionaries and indigenous Christians. Although they lived and served in many places in China, their home during this time was the city of Tsingteh, where they worked closely with the evangelist Lo, who John had a deep respect for, to reach the Miaosheo people.[12] A lot of great work was being done by the Stam’s and their Chinese friends, and this success also brought with it the knowledge of their activities by the communists.

Faith in the Face of Danger
The Stams had a little girl, Helen Pricilla, and when she was three months old a period of extreme unrest exploded in the city. Communist bandits intruded their home, but John tried to reason with them, and Betty offered tea. John was dragged away and they came later for Betty and the baby. They were forced to march to another city, and John was allowed to write a letter to CIM that there ransom was $20,000. The end of the letter expresses their attitude at the time. “The Lord bless and guide you, and as for us, may God be glorified whether by life or by death.”[13] The Stams, as told by witnesses, exhibited tremendous courage during this time.
Little is known of their last hours. They most likely knew of their fate, due to the way in which Betty hid the baby, praying that God would sustain the child until someone found her. The rebels had previously discussed killing the infant, because she might cause too much trouble. With hands bound, they were humiliatingly led through the streets in their undergarments. They were forced to kneel and were both beheaded by sword. John was said to have a look of joy on his face and Betty quivered only slightly.[14] News quickly spread, first to those that worked with them and eventually back home. Although certainly grieved, many were encouraged by the thought of John and Betty crossing into eternity together. But what of the baby that was left behind? Thirty hours after the executions, the evangelist Lo risked his life to see what had happened to them and discovered the baby. He said the child was fine as if someone had cared for it for the last thirty hours.[15] Little Helen Pricilla eventually returned to the states and grew to adulthood.

Lessons from John & Betty Stam
The world sees the story of the Stams as a tragedy. While certainly tragic, the world does not see the eternal implications. We may never fully know the purpose of this event in this life, but there are several things we can glean from their lives and their attitudes during their last days. How do we apply what we have learned from their faith, their parents, and their obedience to the call?

Upbringing
As parents of four children, my wife and I have been given an incredible stewardship by God to bring up the lives he has created and help form them into the type of people He wants them to be. How fortunate John and Betty were to be raised by parents that cherished the Word of God. What a wonderful tradition it would be if we did more than only say a short prayer before a meal, but what if we, like the Stams, prayed and read the Scriptures before each meal. The message for our children would be that we place the Bible as vital to life and food takes a second place.
I have been wavering on whether to take my ten year old son on a mission trip next year, but after reading some of Betty’s writings I am convinced that his being there would speak to him in a way that books and stories never could. Betty actually thought that her surrender for service to Christ was not complete unless she volunteered for service in Africa. She felt that China would not be as much of a sacrifice, because it felt like home.[16] What an awesome perspective! As previously stated, Betty’s parents did not expect her to dedicate her life to full-time mission work, but it naturally occurred. Her parents demonstrated the missio Dei by action in the presence of their children. I am asking myself how I can demonstrate the missio Dei to my children. How can I raise them in a way that they see the furtherance of the Gospel and the glorification of God as the essential task of their life?

Spiritual Preparation
As homeschoolers we seek to provide an education for our children that is grounded in biblical principles. Not that parents cannot do this through public or private school, but this was the best decision for our family. It enables us to consistently reinforce that everything they learn has as its sole purpose to edify them for the body of Christ. Everything they learn is a gift from God. This was certainly the attitude of both John and Betty while at Moody Bible Institute. John said himself in his graduation address that, “our educational systems are sweeping us away from faith.” Can one attend public school and a public university and spend his life in secular work and still glorify God? Absolutely. What John was saying, and the lesson we learn from their education, is that all learning must be grounded in the Word of God with its aim to glorify God.
John and Betty were continually forging relationships whether in school or on the mission field. These relationships were a tremendous service to them and they to others in the areas of fellowship, evangelism, and ministry. What relationships am I intentionally building today for evangelism and ministry? Their relationship with the evangelist Lo saved their baby’s life. Betty had felt that it seemed her whole life was one missional relationship after another. They either stayed with or had a missionary couple staying with them her whole childhood. How can I participate in the community of believers?

Following the Call
E. Schuyler English described John Stam, and referencing Philippians 3:7, as a man in the prime of his life, with every opportunity that America offers a young man, who heard the call. He did not count the cost, but those things that were gain to him, those he counted loss for Christ.[17] There is something very affirming when one is called to mission work. Chip Ingram calls this a dislocated heart. It is the overwhelming desire to be in another place for the service of God, to bring the Gospel to the lost, to show mercy to the needy, no matter the costs or the obstacles. Betty Stam’s determination to serve the lost in China was a very compelling part of the reading. Even a deep love for the man she would most likely marry, could not keep her from her true love, the service of God. Although not explicitly stated, the implication that they were risking their lives was a certainty. They were called to China and they responded obediently. Let me respond like that.

Eternal Perspective
Many have remarked that the blood of martyrs is a powerful testimony for the church. I am strangely jealous that John and Betty now know what there suffering brought. I have to trust God that I do not need to know. I am to come closer to God by seeing their faith. English stated just a few years after their death that the witness of John and Betty will continue to be a fragrant flower to those of us who wait down here.[18] I wonder if he knew that some of use would still feel that way seventy years after their death. This is why my wife and I read our children missionary biographies. We want them to hear, and feel, and see the struggles, triumphs, sacrifice, and commitment evident in so many people that have given their lives for God. I want to see and want my children to see that to live for Christ and to die for Christ are not necessarily mutually exclusive. They both have their place in service to God. When I get to Heaven, I hope I get to meet John and Betty and thank them for touching my life.

Bibliography

English, E. Schuyler. By Life and by Death: Excerpts and Lessons from the Diary of John C. Stam. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1938.
Hamilton, E. H. Not Worthy to be Compared: The Story of John and Betty Stam, Revised ed. Publisher not stated, 1936.
Taylor, Mrs. Howard. To Die is Gain: The Triumph of John and Betty Stam, 35th ed. Denton: Westminster Literature Resources, 2004.
Tucker, Ruth A. From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya: A Biographical History of Christian Missions, 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2004.
White, Kathleen. John and Betty Stam. Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers, 1989.

[1] The author of To Die is Gain: The Triumph of John and Betty Stam, Mrs. Howard Taylor chooses to refer to the Dutch language as “Holland.”
[2] Taylor, Mrs. Howard, To Die is Gain: The Triumph of John and Betty Stam. (Denton: Westminster Literature Resources, 2004), 3.
[3] Kathleen White, John and Betty Stam. (Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers, 1989), 28.
[4] Ibid., 41.
[5] Taylor, 25.
[6] Ruth A. Tucker, From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya: A Biographical History of Christian Missions, 2nd ed. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2004), 403.
[7] White, 56.
[8] Taylor, 54-5.
[9] Tucker, 192.
[10] Ibid., 200.
[11] White, 76.
[12] Taylor, 85.
[13] White, 104.
[14] Taylor, 108.
[15] White, 115.
[16] E.H. Hamilton, Not Worthy to be Compared: The Story of John and Betty Stam, Revised ed. (Publisher Not Stated, 1936), 16.
[17] E. Schuyler English, By Life and by Death: Excerpts and Lessons from the Diary of John C. Stam, 2nd ed. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1938), 52.
[18] Ibid., 62.

What about Rick Warren

2006-11-28T19:25:00.000-06:00

There is so much information in the news, on blogs, on websites, etc. about Rick Warren. Some have admiration, and some call him the anti-Christ. I am particularly troubled by comments like the latter. I will admit and affirm that Rick Warren is not perfect, and oh, by the way, he has said that more than once. He recently acknowledged ill preparation and poor judgment in his trip to Syria. There are blogs such as Slice of Laodicea that have made a personal mission of pointing out every little thing they don’t like about him. I have tried to post many times on this blog, but only about 10% of mine make it. The author of this blog (as is her right) does not want to post or perhaps hear anything positive about this man. She sees the seeker sensitive / purpose driven / mega church movement as everything that is wrong with the American church.

Let me say that any church that abandons biblical preaching, worship of God alone, and the message of salvation in Christ alone is headed down the wrong road. The fact remains that every type of church in every denomination may be guilty of this. I see numerous comments in contention against Rick Warren type churches such as they don’t preach exegetically (from passages), they use electric guitars, or they use humor in church. I think most of these folks are trying to protect their tradition.

The key here is that Rick Warren or his methods never saved anybody, and he would agree with me. Conviction of sin by the Holy Spirit and hearing the true Word of God leads people to salvation in Jesus Christ. God does choose many methods and men to do that. He doesn’t have to but he chooses to in many instances. I believe that a fire and brimstone sermon from the pulpit or a street corner are methods He uses just as He uses people to woo unbelievers into their church where they reveal the Gospel in a more subtle way. Both of these methods have produced millions of converts that become mature believers loving one another.

I love the passage in Acts 17 where Paul preaches to the men in Athens. Notice he never says Jesus Christ, but the Gospel is there. What is interesting is the reaction in verses 32-34: Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some began to sneer, but others said, "We shall hear you again concerning this." So Paul went out of their midst. But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them. This has been my experience when I evangelize. Some believe, some sneer, some want to hear more. My fallible methods and poor speech are barriers that God overcomes. The most important thing is that I tell them the truth. It may not be the same way you tell the truth or Paul told the truth.

My goal here is not to defend Rick Warren but rather defend the faith over tradition. Some traditions are great. I love a good potluck. I love that church starts at the same time every week. I love electric guitars. They will pass away but the Word of our God stands forever (Is.40:8b). I know many folks such as those that post on blogs like Slice of Laodicea or the Worldview Network feel as though they are contending for the faith but when they call Rick Warren a tool of the “Illuminati Satanist” and call me “deceived,” I cannot help but wonder what they are protecting. If they were protecting the word of God than you would think, they would affirm Rick Warren’s evangelism methods, even if they don’t prefer them, rather than oppose his methods. When they oppose Rick Warren’s evangelism methods, whose side does that put them on? Press On.

Pictures

2006-05-20T13:32:00.000-05:00

Our team

The town of Vence, one of the main cities that Crossroads International Christian Church is trying to reach in the Cote d’Azur (the Blue Coast aka French Riveria).

The Roman influence in many Southern French towns in evident, such as this Latin writing that probably dates back to the 3rd or 4th century.

This crucifix is in the Catholic Church in Vence. The Catholic church is represented in France, but few French people are interested in any type of religion.

This area is the heart of the church plant. It is the “silicon valley” of Western Europe where many internationals live. Patrick DeMuth (in the light green jacket), is the pastor and his office is upstairs in the building behind him.

This is Nice, the main city in the area where most people arrive by air when they visit Cannes or Monaco.

The millionaire community of Monaco

Home from France

2006-04-12T13:29:00.000-05:00

Now, we are home safe and excited about what God is doing in France. The team there was great, and we are amazed at what they have accomplished. The two main events, the first church service and Bar-B-Q, were successful and will continue to enhance the relationships that the team has started. Kevin and I are thankful for the team that went with us as we were each able to contribute in unique ways.

I was unprepared for the lack of known believers in that area. One French gentleman said, “It is easier to find a Christian in Iraq than in France.” While I was there, I read a book called The Celtic Way of Evangelism, and it occurred to me that the Crossroads team is doing just that. Inviting unbelievers to share fellowship with them and see Christianity lived in relationships, service, and worship without compromising or withholding the Word of God. The seekers hear and see the Gospel and are invited to respond and join them in ministry. I was told that the French have a high outer wall and a low inner wall, meaning that it is hard to break the ice with them, but once you become their friend, you are a friend for life. What better friendship than to introduce them to the Gospel.

I appreciate all of your prayers and your continued prayers for Crossroads International Christian Church. They will continue to meet weekly in various forms and have a traditional worship service monthly. I say traditional meaning music and message, but they are doing this in unique and engaging ways. I will give you some basic information so you can continue to pray for the team in France. This is only a little bit of what they do. They are all extremely busy, diligent, hardworking, and God-exalting.

Patrick & Mary DeMuth (Sophie, Aidan, Julia)
Team Leaders
Hold Weekly Home Bible Study
Hold Weekly Writer’s Club

Todd & Kari Ubanowicz (Josh, Mack, Ransom, Landry, Oliver)
Connectors and Hospitality
Hold Weekly Home Bible Study
Entertain lots of guests

Justus & Samantha Heyman ( Isaiah, Thea, one on the way)
Youth/Children’s Ministry
Hold Weekly Youth Meeting

Also please pray for Alexandra, one of the girls in Sophie’s youth group who is being severely attacked by the enemy.

You can see a few pictures from the week on Mary DeMuth’s blog (just scroll down to April 9), and I will try to put some more up soon.

Awesome First Service and Barbecue

2006-04-09T08:22:00.000-05:00

Everything here is going great. The service yesterday went well with almost 40 people in attendance. Some were not expected, so that was a huge blessing. You can read more and see pictures at Mary Demuth's blog (click on "April 2006" under "Archives" and scroll down to April 9). We are thankful for a successful first service. Thanks for praying.

Today's Texas Barbecue is going extremely well. There are about 90 people here! The barbecue was scheduled for 12 to 3, but it may go on until midnight. Meals and fellowship here go at a much slower pace. The focus is on enjoying the conversation and the company. No one is in a hurry.

I ask that you pray today for the barbecue to continue to go well. Many who attended the first church service yesterday came because of the relationships they had developed with the missionaries living here. This barbecue could be a great opportunity to form relationships with others.

Press On,
Darren

Church Today

2006-04-08T04:26:00.000-05:00

It is 11:30 AM and we are about to leave for the church site and prepare for the service at 3:30. Please pray that the Lord would speak through the worship leaders and through Patrick and Justus who will be speaking. Pray that the children will have fun and hear the lesson. Pray that today will be a huge encouragement to the team living here.

Yesterday we prayer walked in the target area of their church. It is the "Silicon Valley" of Southern France with thousands of people from all over Europe. The majority here have English as a common language so it will be used in the church. Thank you so much for praying with us.

Kevin got to spend the night with Aidan DeMuth last night, so he was very excited and is doing well.

Press On,

Darren

Kevin helping get ready for the barbecue

2006-04-07T14:32:00.000-05:00

Preparing for the Big Event

2006-04-07T06:20:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends and Family,

My internet access is limited and a lot of the screen commands are in French so this will be short. The travel was great and we had a great night's rest. No jet lag problems for anyone on the team. Today we are helping with some outside projects for the event on Sunday. It is a Texas Bar-B-Que and they are praying for about 100 people. Please pray that this will be a fruitful event. I will try to post a picture of Kevin working in the yard. He is doing great and got to spend the evening with two other boys his age, so they had a blast. Tomorrow is the first church service so please pray that the Lord would speak through Patrick when he delivers the message and that everyone's first impression of this new church would be positive.

Press On,

Darren

P.S. Thanks to all of you who are watching over my family.
P.S.S. Thanks to those that provided financially for the hospitality money. I cannot express how much that encouraged them.

Pray for Revival in France

2006-04-01T08:26:00.000-06:00

Please pray for a great God glorifying movement in France. God is there and waiting for people to respond.

What event led to prayer in other towns, millions of converts, and a catalyst for evangelistic activity in the late nineteenth century? Following is a cut and paste from: http://chi.gospelcom.net/DAILYF/2002/09/daily-09-23-2002.shtml

September 23, 1857 • Jeremy Lanphier Led Prayer Revival

by the Staff or associates of Christian History Institute.
© Copyright 1999-2005. All rights reserved.

Jeremy Lanphier had hoped for more. But six people were six people. And did not scripture say, "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of you"? So on this day, September 23, 1857, at lunchtime, he did not moan about the small number who turned out in response to his advertisement. Instead, he knelt with the others in the rented hall in Fulton Street, New York.

America sure needed prayer. The United States was in spiritual, political, and economic decline. Many people were disillusioned with spiritual things because of preachers who had repeatedly predicted the end of the world in the 1840's. Agitation over slavery was breeding political unrest, and civil war seemed near. Just this year, financial panic had hit. Banks failed, railroads went bankrupt, factories closed, unemployment increased.

In lower Manhattan, a Dutch Reformed church had been steadily losing members, largely because of population changes owing to immigration; they hired the layman Jeremy to reverse the trend with an active visitation program. Despite his visits, church members were listless. So he rented the hall on Fulton street and advertised prayer meetings. He himself enjoyed close fellowship with the Lord and thought others might, too. Conditions in the United States got worse; maybe that was a good thing. Sometimes trouble makes people turn to God. The Bank of Philadelphia failed. The third week of Jeremy's program, forty participated and they asked for daily meetings.

On October 10, the stock market crashed. Suddenly people were flocking to the prayer meetings. Within six months 10,000 people were gathering daily for prayer in New York City alone.

Other cities experienced a renewed interest in prayer, too. In Chicago, the Metropolitan Theater was filled every day with 2000 praying people. In Louisville, several thousand came to the Masonic Temple for prayer each morning. Two thousand assembled for daily prayer in Cleveland, and St. Louis churches were filled for months at a time. In many places tents were set up for prayer. The newly formed YMCA also played an important role in holding prayer meetings and spreading the revival throughout the country.

In February, 1858, Gordon Bennett of the New York Herald gave extensive coverage to the prayer revival. Not to be outdone, the New York Tribune devoted an entire issue in April, 1858 to news of the revival. News of the revival traveled west by telegraph. This was the first revival which the media played an important role in spreading.

Lay people, not church leaders led. Prayer, rather than preaching, was the main focus. The meetings themselves were informal -- any person might pray, speak, lead in a song, or give a word of testimony, with a five minute limit placed on each speaker. In spite of loose organization, the prayer meetings avoided the emotionalism displayed in earlier revivals.

Thus the small prayer meeting of Jeremy Lanphier on this day led to the Third Great Awakening. This was the first revival beginning in America with a worldwide impact. The revival spread to Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, Europe, South Africa, India, Australia, and the Pacific islands.

All classes became interested in salvation, backsliders returned, conversions increased, and Christians desired a deeper instruction in spiritual truths. Families established daily devotions, and entire communities underwent a noticeable change in morals. Preaching, which in many places had become intellectual and lifeless, now concentrated on the truths of the gospel of Christ and His cross. As James Buchanan of Scotland summarized, it was a time when "new spiritual life was imparted to the dead, and new spiritual health imparted to the living."

An Unevangelized Nation

2006-03-13T12:51:00.000-06:00

France is an unevangelized nation. What does this mean? Only about 2% of the population knows Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. My son and I will be going there in April to help some friends with the first service for the church they are planting. Please begin praying with us for the full force of the Gospel to move through this region.