I hope everyone will take some time to watch the slideshow posted under “photos” on our website, for they tell the story of our recent Kingdom-building trip to Cuba. As they say, “a picture is like a thousand words.” As always, our trip to Cuba was amazing as God worked in mighty ways IN us and THROUGH us. He put together the perfect team from 5 different churches to come alongside the church in Santiago de Cuba. Our assignment was to build the Kingdom both spiritually and physically. Our team members were able to minister in three different services with 700-1,800 in attendance in each service. We saw Cubans hungry for more of God, His Word, full of worship and praise…even in their very adverse circumstances! In our words, the trip was humbling, inspiring, convicting, and a blessing….all at the same time!
We asked our team members to share a brief testimony of the trip, and here are some of their responses:
"But to me the most important thing is that we as a team came together, traveled to Cuba and helped people that we did not know, and may never see again, because that is what the Lord lead each of us to do"
"Sharing your time, talents and treasures is a gift that only you can give, and I am thankful to have been a small part of it"
"He did bring me to Cuba to change me and to draw me nearer to HIM and HIS heartbeat. I never going to forget what I experienced in Cuba"
"When we got to Santiago I even got a burst of energy. I never felt tired and walked up and down some thousand plus stairs. I felt great and started to see things very differently. Even seeing the assignment that the LORD gave me as very fun."
"We plan, we meet, we raise funds to go and help our brother and sisters in Cuba, and as Americans it is easy to pat ourselves on the back and say look at what we have done. We did not go to Cuba we were brought to Cuba by God so that we could be changed"
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
Cuba Update
We are still painting on the 5th floor of the church. The engineer/architect is a woman and she is very pleased with our work. The ceilings took 4 coats of white and the walls 2 coats of green. We are having fun, but I have noticed that everyone is slowing down. Their midweek service, they call a bible study, is on Tuesday night. It didn't start till 8:00 and we had a great time worshipping. They moved the service to the old part of the church because of construction in what is to be the main sanctuary and it would hold everyone. They set up closed circuit tv and people sat all around on various floors in the construction debris and watched the service...so hungry!!! We were honored with the presence of the general superintendent of the assemblies of God Pastor Hector Hunter. He preached in spanish and we had an interpretor in english, so we actually understood the message!! It was powerful.
Every day they have prayer from 8:00 to noon and as we are working you hear singing, and praying all around the building in various rooms. It is amazaing!
We will finish our work tomorrow, and say our goodbyes. We begin our trek home early Friday morning and will arrive in tampa around 4:30 pm.
The picutres will tell so much, just cant get them emailed from here. You see few cell phones, the locals don't have computers and wireless in the public internet cafes is very new tecnology and very slow. Each of my emails have taken a long time to send.
We have had no interruptions from any of the officials and everything has been perfect. Continue to pray for our health and for a smooth exit and re-entry to the USA.
Every day they have prayer from 8:00 to noon and as we are working you hear singing, and praying all around the building in various rooms. It is amazaing!
We will finish our work tomorrow, and say our goodbyes. We begin our trek home early Friday morning and will arrive in tampa around 4:30 pm.
The picutres will tell so much, just cant get them emailed from here. You see few cell phones, the locals don't have computers and wireless in the public internet cafes is very new tecnology and very slow. Each of my emails have taken a long time to send.
We have had no interruptions from any of the officials and everything has been perfect. Continue to pray for our health and for a smooth exit and re-entry to the USA.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Quick Recap of Easter & Monday
Just want you all to know that we had a great time celebrating Easter in Cuba. We went to the sunrise service at 6:30 am. The music and celebration was awesome (the message probably was also but we couldn’t understand it), They fed us breakfast, then I preached the main service. My interpreter was amazing and God moved in a powerful way. My message was “To Know Him and the Power of His Resurrection” from Phil. 3:10. Then we had a short afternoon and rejoined them for evening service, which started at 8:00 and was over at 11:00!!
We were up early to work at the church today. We painted the Sunday school rooms on the 5th floor—3 coats on the ceilings of 4 rooms and hung some light fixtures. Tomorrow we paint the walls “verde” which is green.
We are tired, and blessed! We have had a couple of team members sick from food/water, so pray for healing and for protection for us all. God is amazing and we are thankful He chose us to be here!
We were up early to work at the church today. We painted the Sunday school rooms on the 5th floor—3 coats on the ceilings of 4 rooms and hung some light fixtures. Tomorrow we paint the walls “verde” which is green.
We are tired, and blessed! We have had a couple of team members sick from food/water, so pray for healing and for protection for us all. God is amazing and we are thankful He chose us to be here!
Arrived in Cuba and off to a great start!
We arrived safe and sound on Friday morning in Santiago de Cuba…what a beautiful country! The weather has been gorgeous and the mountains and the Caribbean are more fabulous that words can express. The Cuban people are lovely and the Christians are warm, friendly, and love to hug! We visited the church as soon as we arrived and they were busy working on their 5-story structure. It is a beautiful building and will be the largest church in Cuba when finished. Of course they are already meeting in the church and as we were discussing our week during lunch they invited us to minister in their services this weekend.
We started full-swing with Josh preaching for the “Youth” service last night. They said about 200 young people would be in attendance, but word spread fast that Americans would be there the first two floors were packed with all ages—over 700 in attendance. We had a party. Josh preached and the Holy Spirit moved and the team laid hands on those in need and the Holy Spirit moved! Then we had a dancing, singing, party in the Holy Ghost. They love to sing and dance, so we got our aerobic exercise. What a blast!
Since it is Easter weekend they did not want to work at the church today so they could get ready for Sunday, so we took a fun day, visited an old military fort on the coast that was used during the war. It is like time stood still and nothing structurally as changed since the 1950’s. We have some pics, but not a chance to upload, so hoping to get some pics of the country out in the next couple of days.
Tomorrow they will pick us up at our hotel at 6:15 am and we will join them for their sunrise service at 6:30 am. They will feed us breakfast at the church, they I will preach for the 8:45 am service—their theme “Resurrection Sunday” of course. Then we will have lunch and head back to the hotel for the afternoon. Then one of our team members from Orlando will preach the evening service.
Monday we will begin work on the church building. Laying marble tile on the 3rd and 4th floors, and painting the classrooms on the top story. We are not sure what else God has in store, but we are ready!
We started full-swing with Josh preaching for the “Youth” service last night. They said about 200 young people would be in attendance, but word spread fast that Americans would be there the first two floors were packed with all ages—over 700 in attendance. We had a party. Josh preached and the Holy Spirit moved and the team laid hands on those in need and the Holy Spirit moved! Then we had a dancing, singing, party in the Holy Ghost. They love to sing and dance, so we got our aerobic exercise. What a blast!
Since it is Easter weekend they did not want to work at the church today so they could get ready for Sunday, so we took a fun day, visited an old military fort on the coast that was used during the war. It is like time stood still and nothing structurally as changed since the 1950’s. We have some pics, but not a chance to upload, so hoping to get some pics of the country out in the next couple of days.
Tomorrow they will pick us up at our hotel at 6:15 am and we will join them for their sunrise service at 6:30 am. They will feed us breakfast at the church, they I will preach for the 8:45 am service—their theme “Resurrection Sunday” of course. Then we will have lunch and head back to the hotel for the afternoon. Then one of our team members from Orlando will preach the evening service.
Monday we will begin work on the church building. Laying marble tile on the 3rd and 4th floors, and painting the classrooms on the top story. We are not sure what else God has in store, but we are ready!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Cuba Itinerary
We are preparing to leave on our next assignment to lead a team to Santiago, Cuba, for a week of missions construction work and ministry. Gerald Jackson, an Assemblies of God U. S. Missionary to Cuba, will be leading us as we go to help complete the construction of one of the largest churches in Cuba. The building is in its final stages and we will be doing some finishing work, laying flooring tile, as well as some electrical work. In addition, Debbie will be ministering in women’s meetings throughout the week. We will be celebrating Easter in a Cuban church...sounds exciting!
Cuba Flight Itinerary
Thursday, April 1
Depart Tampa 3:40pm
Arrive Miami 4:45pm
Friday, April 2
Depart Miami 8:00am
Arrive Cuba 9:45am
Friday, April 9
Depart Cuba 10:30am
Arrive Tampa 4:10pm
Please keep our team in prayer as we travel, minister, and do construction.
Cuba Flight Itinerary
Thursday, April 1
Depart Tampa 3:40pm
Arrive Miami 4:45pm
Friday, April 2
Depart Miami 8:00am
Arrive Cuba 9:45am
Friday, April 9
Depart Cuba 10:30am
Arrive Tampa 4:10pm
Please keep our team in prayer as we travel, minister, and do construction.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Vietnam Recap of 1/30-1/31
We arrived safely in Hanoi Saturday and spend the afternoon getting acquainted with our surroundings. We are in a very Asian, basic hotel (The Lucky Hotel) right near the city center. We found the familiar KFC and had lunch, then ate on the third-floor Highlands Coffee Shop for supper.
We had a great experience this morning. Breakfast was a pleasant surprise, with recognizable choices such as scrambled eggs, pancakes, and even hash browns. The rest was Vietnamese soups and such. The only challenge was the smoking in the little eating area downstairs. We have seen much more smoking here in the “north” than we did in the “south” of Vietnam.
Pastor Vinh picked us up at 8:30 in a taxi and we had about a 30-minute drive somewhere to an alleyway where the taxi stopped and we were instructed to quickly move inside the building. That is common for house-church in Vietnam. The government pretty much leaves the house churches alone unless they suspect they are getting involved in politics by swaying the church members to rebel against communism. Having two American women would be a definite “red flag.” We were escorted to the 3rd floor of the local Pastor’s house and there we found about 30 believers singing with a keyboard player, a song leader and a small sound system. When we walked in, they cheered. When I asked them who had never seen an American before, about ½ of them raised their hands. There were about 10 of them that were in my classes last year.
As they began to worship in their language again, I was awestruck by the grace of God that would bring me to this place where believers are persecuted by a very corrupt government. Even as communism goes, the government officials here in Hanoi are known around the world to be the most corrupt. Most of those in Pastor Ruth’s house church (her real name is not Ruth, but it is the Christian name she “earned” because she was arrested and persecuted by the police as one who propagates the Gospel) are young university students. Amazing! That is the hardest “people group” to reach in the U.S. and those have been the first here in this huge city. Then each student came to me after the message wanting me to lay hands on them and pray for them in their studies and for them to be strong in their faith and witness. Hmmmm, what ARE we doing wrong in the U.S?
The most exciting part of the morning was a young man stood up and introduced his “friend” that was there for the first time. I tried to imagine being a beautiful young college girl in a Christian house church singing praises to a Jesus I had only heard about from my friend. She listened closely as I preached about the Lukewarm church of Laodicea, and when the service was over, she came forward to declare before her friend that she wanted to receive Jesus as her Lord and make a commitment to learn about Him from the Holy Bible and serve Him by telling others about Him. When believers in Vietnam invite someone to their house church, they are always taking a risk that they are a spy for the government, or that they will leave and tell the wrong person of their experience. Wow, a risktaker…sounds like Paul, or Peter, or even Mary the mother of Jesus.
After praying with her, others in the crowd began telling how they heard about Jesus and how they were invited to this house church. Amazing! Their system is simple, just like the books of Acts, and the discipleship begins immediately as they gave her a Bible, a booklet to study, and told her they would pick her up for Bible Study once a week so she can learn about Jesus and His Word. Whew, one more “unreached” is now “reached.” There are millions more!
They cooked us lunch and we were joined by another pastor-friend of Pastor Vinh’s from Malaysia. The food was simple, rice, chicken, watermelon and papaya. No flavor, but filling. One thing is for sure, it is their very best and they are happy to serve the “servants of God.” Tomorrow we will be picked up again and I will teach on “The Authority of The Word, The Name, and The Blood” to pastors from house churches all around the city. Then tomorrow night Pastor Vinh invited the young students to come back and he will be teaching them on “Love, Sex, and Marriage.” On Tuesday we will do it all again in another part of the city for more pastors.
We had a great experience this morning. Breakfast was a pleasant surprise, with recognizable choices such as scrambled eggs, pancakes, and even hash browns. The rest was Vietnamese soups and such. The only challenge was the smoking in the little eating area downstairs. We have seen much more smoking here in the “north” than we did in the “south” of Vietnam.
Pastor Vinh picked us up at 8:30 in a taxi and we had about a 30-minute drive somewhere to an alleyway where the taxi stopped and we were instructed to quickly move inside the building. That is common for house-church in Vietnam. The government pretty much leaves the house churches alone unless they suspect they are getting involved in politics by swaying the church members to rebel against communism. Having two American women would be a definite “red flag.” We were escorted to the 3rd floor of the local Pastor’s house and there we found about 30 believers singing with a keyboard player, a song leader and a small sound system. When we walked in, they cheered. When I asked them who had never seen an American before, about ½ of them raised their hands. There were about 10 of them that were in my classes last year.
As they began to worship in their language again, I was awestruck by the grace of God that would bring me to this place where believers are persecuted by a very corrupt government. Even as communism goes, the government officials here in Hanoi are known around the world to be the most corrupt. Most of those in Pastor Ruth’s house church (her real name is not Ruth, but it is the Christian name she “earned” because she was arrested and persecuted by the police as one who propagates the Gospel) are young university students. Amazing! That is the hardest “people group” to reach in the U.S. and those have been the first here in this huge city. Then each student came to me after the message wanting me to lay hands on them and pray for them in their studies and for them to be strong in their faith and witness. Hmmmm, what ARE we doing wrong in the U.S?
The most exciting part of the morning was a young man stood up and introduced his “friend” that was there for the first time. I tried to imagine being a beautiful young college girl in a Christian house church singing praises to a Jesus I had only heard about from my friend. She listened closely as I preached about the Lukewarm church of Laodicea, and when the service was over, she came forward to declare before her friend that she wanted to receive Jesus as her Lord and make a commitment to learn about Him from the Holy Bible and serve Him by telling others about Him. When believers in Vietnam invite someone to their house church, they are always taking a risk that they are a spy for the government, or that they will leave and tell the wrong person of their experience. Wow, a risktaker…sounds like Paul, or Peter, or even Mary the mother of Jesus.
After praying with her, others in the crowd began telling how they heard about Jesus and how they were invited to this house church. Amazing! Their system is simple, just like the books of Acts, and the discipleship begins immediately as they gave her a Bible, a booklet to study, and told her they would pick her up for Bible Study once a week so she can learn about Jesus and His Word. Whew, one more “unreached” is now “reached.” There are millions more!
They cooked us lunch and we were joined by another pastor-friend of Pastor Vinh’s from Malaysia. The food was simple, rice, chicken, watermelon and papaya. No flavor, but filling. One thing is for sure, it is their very best and they are happy to serve the “servants of God.” Tomorrow we will be picked up again and I will teach on “The Authority of The Word, The Name, and The Blood” to pastors from house churches all around the city. Then tomorrow night Pastor Vinh invited the young students to come back and he will be teaching them on “Love, Sex, and Marriage.” On Tuesday we will do it all again in another part of the city for more pastors.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
I am thankful that the Philippines Team is now safely in the U.S. and reunited with their family and friends. In a few days they will be recovered from the time change and readjusted to the American lifestyle. One thing is for sure, they are returning never to be the same...with a new zeal and hunger to see a move of God like we all saw in the Philippines. We can't wait to share with the church family all that God accomplished during our short time of ministry.
Robin Rogers and I have moved on to our next assignment. We arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on Wednesday afternoon...a city of more than 10 million people. Early Thursday morning we were picked up on motor bikes by members of Agape Outreach Fellowship and were taken to Pastor Vinh's house church--a 45 minute ride through the city. Pastors and leaders from around the city, the Mekong Delta, and the "highlands" (tribal villages) gathered for the Agape School of Ministry. I taught on the topic "Authority of the Believer" with Pastor Vinh as my interpretor. It was great to see old friends as 16 of the pastors began the school with me 4 years ago. It is amazing what they can endure; they remained attentive from 8:00 till 5:00 pm...so intent on learning, taking notes and asking quesitons.
We were picked up again on Friday morning and when we arrived at the training center, everything was buzzing as they prepared for the first ordination service for the 16 pastors completing the 4 years of trainig. A special lunch was prepared, Pepsi was put on ice (a real treat for them), ties were passed out, hair was combed, some even put on their shoes for the service!!! The candidates were invited to share the testimony of their call and I wept as they stood before their peers, expressing the difficulty of serving Jesus in this type of persecuted environment, yet declaring by faith they they were committed to serve the Lord in their new office. They take very seriously the call to the office of pastor as well as the call to the office of evangelist. Each one knew shared where the Lord was calling them to minister...all of them to unreached areas of Vietnam. Some as far as 16 hours away by bus. It was the most humbling experience I have ever encountered, and also the most inspiring. It was truly the book of Acts in "action."
I was given the privilege of sharing the Word of God to them--to encourage them as well as challenge them. The Scripture on the banner you see hanging over the small platform is Colossians 4:17. After the Word, Pastor Vinh and I laid hands on each candidate, anointing them with oil, as they dropped to their knees in submission to the call of God on their lives. Pastor Vinh shared with them at the conclusion of the ceremony, as a true spiritual father, with tears running down his face, as he claimed the unreached in his nation for the Kingdom of God. I can hardly type this testimony for the tears in my eyes now as I recall the day. What an honor that God would allow us to be part of history in the making here in Vietnam. God was faithful to provide the money to sponsor these pastors for this service through Kingdom Builders, and I was blessed to see that Pastor Vinh used some of it to purchase Bibles, tracts, postors, and other materials to equip the new pastors for the work of their ministry. They loaded up backpacks and suitcases with these materials after the ceremony. Some got new helmets and jackets to wear on their motor bikes so they can take the Gospel deep into unreached territory in the highlands. Some of the women pastors got new blouses and were so proud of them.
I pray each of you are inspired and motivated to become actively involved in "preaching the Gospel in all the world as a witness to all nations, and then the end will come." Matt. 24:14.
Pictures have already been added to the website to help tell the story.
Robin Rogers and I have moved on to our next assignment. We arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on Wednesday afternoon...a city of more than 10 million people. Early Thursday morning we were picked up on motor bikes by members of Agape Outreach Fellowship and were taken to Pastor Vinh's house church--a 45 minute ride through the city. Pastors and leaders from around the city, the Mekong Delta, and the "highlands" (tribal villages) gathered for the Agape School of Ministry. I taught on the topic "Authority of the Believer" with Pastor Vinh as my interpretor. It was great to see old friends as 16 of the pastors began the school with me 4 years ago. It is amazing what they can endure; they remained attentive from 8:00 till 5:00 pm...so intent on learning, taking notes and asking quesitons.
We were picked up again on Friday morning and when we arrived at the training center, everything was buzzing as they prepared for the first ordination service for the 16 pastors completing the 4 years of trainig. A special lunch was prepared, Pepsi was put on ice (a real treat for them), ties were passed out, hair was combed, some even put on their shoes for the service!!! The candidates were invited to share the testimony of their call and I wept as they stood before their peers, expressing the difficulty of serving Jesus in this type of persecuted environment, yet declaring by faith they they were committed to serve the Lord in their new office. They take very seriously the call to the office of pastor as well as the call to the office of evangelist. Each one knew shared where the Lord was calling them to minister...all of them to unreached areas of Vietnam. Some as far as 16 hours away by bus. It was the most humbling experience I have ever encountered, and also the most inspiring. It was truly the book of Acts in "action."
I was given the privilege of sharing the Word of God to them--to encourage them as well as challenge them. The Scripture on the banner you see hanging over the small platform is Colossians 4:17. After the Word, Pastor Vinh and I laid hands on each candidate, anointing them with oil, as they dropped to their knees in submission to the call of God on their lives. Pastor Vinh shared with them at the conclusion of the ceremony, as a true spiritual father, with tears running down his face, as he claimed the unreached in his nation for the Kingdom of God. I can hardly type this testimony for the tears in my eyes now as I recall the day. What an honor that God would allow us to be part of history in the making here in Vietnam. God was faithful to provide the money to sponsor these pastors for this service through Kingdom Builders, and I was blessed to see that Pastor Vinh used some of it to purchase Bibles, tracts, postors, and other materials to equip the new pastors for the work of their ministry. They loaded up backpacks and suitcases with these materials after the ceremony. Some got new helmets and jackets to wear on their motor bikes so they can take the Gospel deep into unreached territory in the highlands. Some of the women pastors got new blouses and were so proud of them.
I pray each of you are inspired and motivated to become actively involved in "preaching the Gospel in all the world as a witness to all nations, and then the end will come." Matt. 24:14.
Pictures have already been added to the website to help tell the story.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Recap of 1/22-1/24
The last you heard we were headed to Pagadian City for 3 days of ministry. We have been so busy that it was impossible to find time to give a progress report, so here is the recap of all that happened. We arrived safely Thursday afternoon…after having our first meal of familiar food along the way… McDonalds!!! We were greeted by Pastor Robert Pagashian. It didn’t take long to make a new friend in the Lord. He is a powerful leader and church planter and so humbled to have us come to minister in his city. The churches he oversees have never had American guest speakers/preachers. Wow, it is amazing that God would choose to send us…who are we but servants of the most High God, willing and ready to be used.
Pastors and leaders came from around the city, tribal villages, and outer islands. They were from various denominations, including Assemblies of God and many independent Pentecostal denominations. The first service was 2:00 on Friday and Pastor Garcia spoke a Word in season. They were so hungry for the things of God, they made a demand on the anointing and God moved in a mighty way. Every altar service over the entire weekend has been powerful…always salvation, always deliverances, and always conviction, brokenness, repentance, and release from chains! The attached pictures tell the story!
After a brief break things started back up again at 6:00 in the evening for what was called a Revival Service. It was open to all in the city and the church (which holds about 300) was packed. Praise and worship included a women’s dance team, a youth dance team, and a children’s dance team. Each worshiped the Lord to a song and God was magnified!! Pastor Garcia preached and God moved again—more souls for the Kingdom. We came back to our hotel exhausted and blessed!
Saturday started early with the first session at 9:00 with Pastor Garcia and the second session with Debbie. Once again, a powerful altar call and altar ministry time. Every person wants the ministry of laying on of hands. They are so hungry to have more. Your team stepped up to the plate every time and God used us all to do His work in their lives. During the second session Barbara took the young people and children’s workers outside for a brief training session on puppetry, face painting, and balloon animals. She brought them before the congregation at the close of the morning meetings and shared some tips for successful children’s ministry. We managed a brief lunch and things started up again at 2:00.
Pastor Garcia started the afternoon with two hours of “Ask the Pastor.” It was obvious from their questions that they hunger for teaching concerning practical Christian living as well as the deeper things of God and His Word. We then called every pastor/leader forward for an impartation of the gifts and anointing that were upon and within each of us to equip them for the work of their ministry. The Lord led us to do a “prayer tunnel” as we are so familiar with at GWOC, and with anointing oil in each of our hands, the line formed around the room. For over an hour we laid hands on every believer, spoke prophetic words, broke demonic spirits, declared words of knowledge, flowing in all the gifts as the Holy Spirit empowered us. Amazing!
After closing the service, only a brief break and praise and worship started up again as the youth from churches around the city as well as their friends gathered for a “Youth Revival Service.” Most of the pastors and leaders stayed; they just couldn’t get enough. Jamal preached and God moved amongst the young people. The team gathered once again for the altar ministry. Whew! God was strong and mighty in us and through us.
A short night’s rest and we were up again on Sunday morning, ready for our individual assignments as they picked us up and took us to various churches across the city. Pastor Garcia reached the anniversary celebration service at Pastor Roberts church. They had the church decorated, a huge fellowship meal cooked, dignitaries from the government were present, and they celebrated “Philippino styel!!!” It was awesome to sit around the lunch table and hear the testimonies of each team member about what God did in their services. After being flooded with gifts and honor by the church in front of all , we parted ways and are now finally able to rest and recuperate this afternoon.
We will begin our trek home to the US Monday. We will leave by van for our 4-hour drive back to Dipolog City. We will spend the night and board our plane on Tuesday morning to Manila where we will spend the night. Then very early on Wednesday morning we will turn our hearts toward home, arriving home Wednesday evening. Pray for us, that we will rest, remain in health, receive grace and favor, and walk in the fruits of the spirit on the long journey home.
Remember that Debbie and Robin Rogers will not be returning with the team, but will leave Wednesday afternoon for a week of ministry in Vietnam.
Pastors and leaders came from around the city, tribal villages, and outer islands. They were from various denominations, including Assemblies of God and many independent Pentecostal denominations. The first service was 2:00 on Friday and Pastor Garcia spoke a Word in season. They were so hungry for the things of God, they made a demand on the anointing and God moved in a mighty way. Every altar service over the entire weekend has been powerful…always salvation, always deliverances, and always conviction, brokenness, repentance, and release from chains! The attached pictures tell the story!
After a brief break things started back up again at 6:00 in the evening for what was called a Revival Service. It was open to all in the city and the church (which holds about 300) was packed. Praise and worship included a women’s dance team, a youth dance team, and a children’s dance team. Each worshiped the Lord to a song and God was magnified!! Pastor Garcia preached and God moved again—more souls for the Kingdom. We came back to our hotel exhausted and blessed!
Saturday started early with the first session at 9:00 with Pastor Garcia and the second session with Debbie. Once again, a powerful altar call and altar ministry time. Every person wants the ministry of laying on of hands. They are so hungry to have more. Your team stepped up to the plate every time and God used us all to do His work in their lives. During the second session Barbara took the young people and children’s workers outside for a brief training session on puppetry, face painting, and balloon animals. She brought them before the congregation at the close of the morning meetings and shared some tips for successful children’s ministry. We managed a brief lunch and things started up again at 2:00.
Pastor Garcia started the afternoon with two hours of “Ask the Pastor.” It was obvious from their questions that they hunger for teaching concerning practical Christian living as well as the deeper things of God and His Word. We then called every pastor/leader forward for an impartation of the gifts and anointing that were upon and within each of us to equip them for the work of their ministry. The Lord led us to do a “prayer tunnel” as we are so familiar with at GWOC, and with anointing oil in each of our hands, the line formed around the room. For over an hour we laid hands on every believer, spoke prophetic words, broke demonic spirits, declared words of knowledge, flowing in all the gifts as the Holy Spirit empowered us. Amazing!
After closing the service, only a brief break and praise and worship started up again as the youth from churches around the city as well as their friends gathered for a “Youth Revival Service.” Most of the pastors and leaders stayed; they just couldn’t get enough. Jamal preached and God moved amongst the young people. The team gathered once again for the altar ministry. Whew! God was strong and mighty in us and through us.
A short night’s rest and we were up again on Sunday morning, ready for our individual assignments as they picked us up and took us to various churches across the city. Pastor Garcia reached the anniversary celebration service at Pastor Roberts church. They had the church decorated, a huge fellowship meal cooked, dignitaries from the government were present, and they celebrated “Philippino styel!!!” It was awesome to sit around the lunch table and hear the testimonies of each team member about what God did in their services. After being flooded with gifts and honor by the church in front of all , we parted ways and are now finally able to rest and recuperate this afternoon.
We will begin our trek home to the US Monday. We will leave by van for our 4-hour drive back to Dipolog City. We will spend the night and board our plane on Tuesday morning to Manila where we will spend the night. Then very early on Wednesday morning we will turn our hearts toward home, arriving home Wednesday evening. Pray for us, that we will rest, remain in health, receive grace and favor, and walk in the fruits of the spirit on the long journey home.
Remember that Debbie and Robin Rogers will not be returning with the team, but will leave Wednesday afternoon for a week of ministry in Vietnam.
Recap of 1/18-1/21
On Wednesday evening we were sitting around the dinner table in the restaurant of our hotel basking in the Glory of God. We are amazed at how He has used us to further His Kingdom here in Dipolog City. The last two ministry opportunities were amazing. Here is a recap.
Tuesday morning we first gathered and went to the government offices to meet with the governor of this province. We were welcomed with open arms and much gratitude was expressed for our coming to make their country a better place to live.
In the afternoon we loaded up and went to an area near the seaside where families and street children were relocated due to coastal flooding. When we pulled up it was total chaos! There were small children, teenagers, and mothers and fathers with babies EVERYWHERE! Bishop Emmanuel and his pastors set up a stage area where they sang songs with the children and did a great puppet skit. The altar call at the end of the puppet skit brought around 200 children into the Kingdom of God…Praise the Lord! When we arrived, a “brownout” had occurred and there was no electricity and it was very dark. We spent about an hour hugging and loving on the kids and babies. Bishop sent for a generator and they couldn’t get it cranked. Satan was at work!! BUT GOD! Just as we decided it was time to leave and headed to the car…the electricity came back on. Robin Cook cheered at the top of his lungs and led the crowd in “Praise the Lord.” The power of God swept over and we had praise and worship and then Debbie preached the Gospel. God moved and there were at least 100 teenagers and adults that gave their heart to the Lord. We were amazed to see Bishop’s pastors and leaders at work as they had notepads and began to write down names for follow-up and discipleship. Bishop introduced the pastor that is attempting to plant a church in that area through home Bible Studies and told everyone they would be contacted. The true Book of Acts experience of church planting!!!
The amazing thing is we got to do the same thing again on Wednesday night in a different area of the seaside. This time, after the puppet show, Barbara Lemoine and Robin Cook shared their testimonies with the crowd and Jamal brought the Word. The enemy of our soul was at work again and just as Jamal said, “I have just one question for you…” the lights went out! But we were ready this time. Bishop cranked the generator that was already in place and we were back in business within minutes. God moved once again and over 200 children, teenagers and adults prayed the prayer of salvation. To God be the Glory!
We praise God for all of you that labored in intercessory prayer for us here on the field, so He could bring in the harvest! We are packing up tonight and heading out to our next assignment in the morning. Our trip will be approximately 5 hours by van and we will be ready to start ministry in Pagadian City with Pastor Pagashian on Friday.
Tuesday morning we first gathered and went to the government offices to meet with the governor of this province. We were welcomed with open arms and much gratitude was expressed for our coming to make their country a better place to live.
In the afternoon we loaded up and went to an area near the seaside where families and street children were relocated due to coastal flooding. When we pulled up it was total chaos! There were small children, teenagers, and mothers and fathers with babies EVERYWHERE! Bishop Emmanuel and his pastors set up a stage area where they sang songs with the children and did a great puppet skit. The altar call at the end of the puppet skit brought around 200 children into the Kingdom of God…Praise the Lord! When we arrived, a “brownout” had occurred and there was no electricity and it was very dark. We spent about an hour hugging and loving on the kids and babies. Bishop sent for a generator and they couldn’t get it cranked. Satan was at work!! BUT GOD! Just as we decided it was time to leave and headed to the car…the electricity came back on. Robin Cook cheered at the top of his lungs and led the crowd in “Praise the Lord.” The power of God swept over and we had praise and worship and then Debbie preached the Gospel. God moved and there were at least 100 teenagers and adults that gave their heart to the Lord. We were amazed to see Bishop’s pastors and leaders at work as they had notepads and began to write down names for follow-up and discipleship. Bishop introduced the pastor that is attempting to plant a church in that area through home Bible Studies and told everyone they would be contacted. The true Book of Acts experience of church planting!!!
The amazing thing is we got to do the same thing again on Wednesday night in a different area of the seaside. This time, after the puppet show, Barbara Lemoine and Robin Cook shared their testimonies with the crowd and Jamal brought the Word. The enemy of our soul was at work again and just as Jamal said, “I have just one question for you…” the lights went out! But we were ready this time. Bishop cranked the generator that was already in place and we were back in business within minutes. God moved once again and over 200 children, teenagers and adults prayed the prayer of salvation. To God be the Glory!
We praise God for all of you that labored in intercessory prayer for us here on the field, so He could bring in the harvest! We are packing up tonight and heading out to our next assignment in the morning. Our trip will be approximately 5 hours by van and we will be ready to start ministry in Pagadian City with Pastor Pagashian on Friday.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Wow, God is good, all the time. We have had more incredible services and experiences. There is no doubt that we continue to fall in love with God’s people here in this nation. As we share team devotions each morning we get a glimpse of what God is doing in each of us. I have posted pictures on our website that briefly tell the story of our ministry Sunday and Monday. Sunday morning our rides arrived and we went in many different directions. It was hard to split up because we didn’t want to miss what God would do, but we knew it was our assignment.
Pastor Garcia, along with James and Robin Cook, went with Bishop Emmanuel to a small rented facility where Bishop moved his church service because he knew so many would come. The place was packed and the move of the Spirit was evident. After the service they passed out gifts we purchased for the children.
The rest of us were taken to small churches either in the city or in the outskirts. There are pictures attached of three of the small churches we ministered in just to give you an idea of the places where they worship. Most of us were ministering alone with a national pastor to interpret so it was hard to get pictures as we ministered. Jamal was in a church here in the city, Robin Rogers and Barbara went to a church that also housed orphans. They shared their testimonies and 7 people got saved! Richie and I were taken way out of the city to two separate churches—what a beautiful country with lush tropical trees and plants. It was so much fun coming back together and sharing what God had done.
Sunday evening Bishop called a special service at his house church because there were so many that could not get in the service where Pastor preached on Sunday morning. When we arrived the place was packed—half of them were young people. God moved powerfully through Pastor’s message. The young people packed the altar. One woman was called out by the Lord through a Word of knowledge and was set free of a breast disease.
Monday morning we loaded up and went to the city jail where approximately 120 of the 310 inmates (men and women) came to the service. After praise and worship, Pastor preached and we laid hands on all of the prisoners. Afterward we passed out care packages with some basic necessities to the inmates. The good news is that while we were God opened the door for Bishop to come once a week to the prison to disciples those that were saved (approximately ½ of them raised their hand for salvation). Woohoo.
Tonight we are preparing for our street crusade (I use the word street loosely, for it is a hard-packed dirt road that runs between the seaside and the river with shacks along each side of the road. There are families that live there and also many children that roam the street begging rice or anything they can find to eat. The crusade will start at 4:30 your time—so pray for us!
Pastor Garcia, along with James and Robin Cook, went with Bishop Emmanuel to a small rented facility where Bishop moved his church service because he knew so many would come. The place was packed and the move of the Spirit was evident. After the service they passed out gifts we purchased for the children.
The rest of us were taken to small churches either in the city or in the outskirts. There are pictures attached of three of the small churches we ministered in just to give you an idea of the places where they worship. Most of us were ministering alone with a national pastor to interpret so it was hard to get pictures as we ministered. Jamal was in a church here in the city, Robin Rogers and Barbara went to a church that also housed orphans. They shared their testimonies and 7 people got saved! Richie and I were taken way out of the city to two separate churches—what a beautiful country with lush tropical trees and plants. It was so much fun coming back together and sharing what God had done.
Sunday evening Bishop called a special service at his house church because there were so many that could not get in the service where Pastor preached on Sunday morning. When we arrived the place was packed—half of them were young people. God moved powerfully through Pastor’s message. The young people packed the altar. One woman was called out by the Lord through a Word of knowledge and was set free of a breast disease.
Monday morning we loaded up and went to the city jail where approximately 120 of the 310 inmates (men and women) came to the service. After praise and worship, Pastor preached and we laid hands on all of the prisoners. Afterward we passed out care packages with some basic necessities to the inmates. The good news is that while we were God opened the door for Bishop to come once a week to the prison to disciples those that were saved (approximately ½ of them raised their hand for salvation). Woohoo.
Tonight we are preparing for our street crusade (I use the word street loosely, for it is a hard-packed dirt road that runs between the seaside and the river with shacks along each side of the road. There are families that live there and also many children that roam the street begging rice or anything they can find to eat. The crusade will start at 4:30 your time—so pray for us!
Monday, January 18, 2010
We are in Dipolog City, Philippines, and as of Sunday morning we have completed our first two assignment--The Pastors and Leaders Conference "Making Kingdom Leaders and Disciples," as well as a Youth Revival Service. We arrived to a group of pastors and their families with a large banner, with hugs and flowers strung around our neck. What a greeting!
After a day of rest, we began our ministry in a rented facility where pastors and leaders traveled from the remote areas of Mindanao and other outer islands, some by boat, some by plane, and many on foot camping along the way. They came hungry and expecting. This is the first event of this kind they have ever had and we were humbled that God would choose us to be His vessel to speak into the lives of these men and women of God. The attached pictures will tell the story. Pastor Garcia preached the first three sessions on Friday and God moved in a mighty way. Friday night Jamal shared his testimony to a packed room of teenagers and college students. Pastor Garcia pressed through and God finally broke through and over 100 young people gave their hearts to the Lord. There was much dancing and singing after the meeting!!
Saturday morning Debbie preached a NOW Word and pastors and leaders were set free as the team laid hands on everyone in the room. Then in the afternoon Pastor Garcia preached on the anointing and prayed for everyone to increase in their anointing as they returned to their churches. It was a powerful time in the Lord and God did His work. He also prayed for the team, imparting an anointing for evangelism as we are all sent out to seperate churches this Sunday morning--pray for souls!!!
We will rest Sunday evening and then on Monday we will go into the jail and minister to 310 men and women prisoners. We visited the Riverside where we will be holding our outdoor crusade on Tuesday (see the pics outside with all the street children gathered around us). It brought us to tears and we were moved with compassion to meet their needs. We have purchased food to feed the children and the surrounding families, flip-flops, and basic items that we will bless them with after the crusade. We will stretch out a tarp, do puppet skits, face painting, make baloons (thanks to donations from Pastor Jim) and love on the kids. Then Pastor Garcia will bring a message and God will save souls!!!
We have already begun posting pictures. Check them out on our website. www.kingdombuildersdc.com.
We sense your prayers and know that God is answering. We will update you again soon. Love to all!
After a day of rest, we began our ministry in a rented facility where pastors and leaders traveled from the remote areas of Mindanao and other outer islands, some by boat, some by plane, and many on foot camping along the way. They came hungry and expecting. This is the first event of this kind they have ever had and we were humbled that God would choose us to be His vessel to speak into the lives of these men and women of God. The attached pictures will tell the story. Pastor Garcia preached the first three sessions on Friday and God moved in a mighty way. Friday night Jamal shared his testimony to a packed room of teenagers and college students. Pastor Garcia pressed through and God finally broke through and over 100 young people gave their hearts to the Lord. There was much dancing and singing after the meeting!!
Saturday morning Debbie preached a NOW Word and pastors and leaders were set free as the team laid hands on everyone in the room. Then in the afternoon Pastor Garcia preached on the anointing and prayed for everyone to increase in their anointing as they returned to their churches. It was a powerful time in the Lord and God did His work. He also prayed for the team, imparting an anointing for evangelism as we are all sent out to seperate churches this Sunday morning--pray for souls!!!
We will rest Sunday evening and then on Monday we will go into the jail and minister to 310 men and women prisoners. We visited the Riverside where we will be holding our outdoor crusade on Tuesday (see the pics outside with all the street children gathered around us). It brought us to tears and we were moved with compassion to meet their needs. We have purchased food to feed the children and the surrounding families, flip-flops, and basic items that we will bless them with after the crusade. We will stretch out a tarp, do puppet skits, face painting, make baloons (thanks to donations from Pastor Jim) and love on the kids. Then Pastor Garcia will bring a message and God will save souls!!!
We have already begun posting pictures. Check them out on our website. www.kingdombuildersdc.com.
We sense your prayers and know that God is answering. We will update you again soon. Love to all!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Philippines & Vietnam Itinerary
Our trip is just a few days away. Below is Debbie's itinerary for both the Philippines and Vietnam. Please keep her and her team in your prayers as they travel and minister.
Philippines (Leading Team of 8 from Grace World Outreach Church)
Time Difference: 13 hours ahead in Manila, Philippines
Monday, January 11 Depart Orlando: 7:00 am
Tuesday, January 12 Arrive Manila: 10:25 pm
Wednesday, January 13 Depart Manila: 9:50 am -- arrive Dipolog 11:20 am
Thursday, January 14 Rest all day
Friday, January 15 Pastor & Leaders Conference: all day
Saturday, January 16 Pastor & Leaders Conference: all day
Sunday, January 17 Team preaching in several churches: morning
Youth service: evening
Monday, January 18 Jail Ministry: all day
Tuesday, January 19 Street Kids Ministry & Crusade-Olingan: afternoon/evening
Wednesday, January 20 Street Kids Ministry & Crusade-Riverside: afternoon/evening
Thursday, January 21 Travel by van to Pagadian City: 6-hour trip
Friday, January 22 Pastor & Leaders Conference: all day
Evangelistic Service: evening
Saturday, January 23 Pastor & Leaders Conference: all day
Evangelistic Service: evening
Sunday, January 24 Anniversary Celebration Service: all day
Monday, January 25 Travel by van to Dipolog City: 6-hour trip
Tuesday, January 26 Depart Dipolog: 11:50 am – arrive Manila: 1:20 pm
Wednesday, January 27 Depart Manila: 6:20 am -- arrive Orlando: 2:48 pm
Vietnam (Debbie and Robin Rogers)
Time Difference: 12 hours ahead in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Wednesday, January 27 Depart Manila:12:50pm – arrive Ho Chi Minh City: 2:30 pm
Thursday, January 28 Teach Agape School of Ministry: daytime
Friday, January 29 Teach Agape School of Ministry/Ordination Service: daytime
Debbie preach in Revival Service: evening
Saturday, January 30 Depart Ho Chi Minh: 10:30 am –arrive Hanoi: 12:30pm
Sunday, January 31 Debbie preach in House Churches: daytime/eve
Monday, February 1 Teach Agape School of Ministry: daytime
Tuesday, February 2 Teach Agape School of Ministry: daytime
Wednesday, February 3 Depart Hanoi: 11:00 am
Thursday, February 4 Arrive Orlando: 7:44 pm
Philippines (Leading Team of 8 from Grace World Outreach Church)
Time Difference: 13 hours ahead in Manila, Philippines
Monday, January 11 Depart Orlando: 7:00 am
Tuesday, January 12 Arrive Manila: 10:25 pm
Wednesday, January 13 Depart Manila: 9:50 am -- arrive Dipolog 11:20 am
Thursday, January 14 Rest all day
Friday, January 15 Pastor & Leaders Conference: all day
Saturday, January 16 Pastor & Leaders Conference: all day
Sunday, January 17 Team preaching in several churches: morning
Youth service: evening
Monday, January 18 Jail Ministry: all day
Tuesday, January 19 Street Kids Ministry & Crusade-Olingan: afternoon/evening
Wednesday, January 20 Street Kids Ministry & Crusade-Riverside: afternoon/evening
Thursday, January 21 Travel by van to Pagadian City: 6-hour trip
Friday, January 22 Pastor & Leaders Conference: all day
Evangelistic Service: evening
Saturday, January 23 Pastor & Leaders Conference: all day
Evangelistic Service: evening
Sunday, January 24 Anniversary Celebration Service: all day
Monday, January 25 Travel by van to Dipolog City: 6-hour trip
Tuesday, January 26 Depart Dipolog: 11:50 am – arrive Manila: 1:20 pm
Wednesday, January 27 Depart Manila: 6:20 am -- arrive Orlando: 2:48 pm
Vietnam (Debbie and Robin Rogers)
Time Difference: 12 hours ahead in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Wednesday, January 27 Depart Manila:12:50pm – arrive Ho Chi Minh City: 2:30 pm
Thursday, January 28 Teach Agape School of Ministry: daytime
Friday, January 29 Teach Agape School of Ministry/Ordination Service: daytime
Debbie preach in Revival Service: evening
Saturday, January 30 Depart Ho Chi Minh: 10:30 am –arrive Hanoi: 12:30pm
Sunday, January 31 Debbie preach in House Churches: daytime/eve
Monday, February 1 Teach Agape School of Ministry: daytime
Tuesday, February 2 Teach Agape School of Ministry: daytime
Wednesday, February 3 Depart Hanoi: 11:00 am
Thursday, February 4 Arrive Orlando: 7:44 pm
Friday, December 11, 2009
Philippines & Vietnam, here we come!
Big plans lay ahead for our ministry in January and February! In addition to Debbie’s scheduled trip to Vietnam, she will also be leading a team of 8 members to the Philippines from Grace World Outreach Church. The team will leave on January 11 to begin their travels, with their first stop for ministry in Dipolog City and the second stop in Pagadian City, both on the island of Mindanao. The team will be ministering in two Pastor/Leaders conferences, as well as kids crusades, jail ministry, women’s ministry, and youth ministry from January 13-26. On January 26 the Grace World Outreach team will return back to the USA, and Debbie will board a plane headed for Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Robin Rogers, a member of the Philippines team, will be serving alongside Debbie as she is once again able to minister at the Agape School of Ministry in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. This time she will experience the move of God in and amongst these pastors in a new light as she participates in the first Ordination Service of those who have completed this portion of their training. This is truly “history in the making!”
It is our desire to be able to bless these pastors and leaders by bringing them to Ho Chi Minh City so that they can be ordained for the work of the ministry, set apart as vessels of honor that are “complete and thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim 3:17). We have anticipated that $2,500 will sponsor the pastors to attend the Agape School of Ministry for the week as well as the Ordination Service. We are praising God for the $650 that he has brought in so far. We are continuing to believe God for the remaining $1,850 to help sponsor this week of ministry. Please pray about how God could use you to partner with Him in spreading the Gospel to the unreached in Vietnam through these pastors.
Below is our itinerary while in Vietnam. We thank you for prayers while we make our final arrangements and for our ministry to the precious people of Vietnam.
Ministry Itinerary Ho Chi Minh City
Wednesday, January 27 Arrive and rest.
Thursday, January 28 8:00 – 5:00 Agape School of Ministry
Friday, January 29 8:00 – 12:00 Agape School of Ministry
1:00—3:00 Ordination service and lunch banquet
6:00 Preach in Revival Service
Saturday, January 30 Fly to Hanoi
Ministry Itinerary in Hanoi
Sunday, January 31 Preach in House Church am and pm
Monday, February 1 8:00 – 5:00 Agape School of Ministry
Tuesday, February 2 8:00 – 5:00 Agape School of Ministry
Wednesday, February 3 Begin travel back to Orlando
Robin Rogers, a member of the Philippines team, will be serving alongside Debbie as she is once again able to minister at the Agape School of Ministry in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. This time she will experience the move of God in and amongst these pastors in a new light as she participates in the first Ordination Service of those who have completed this portion of their training. This is truly “history in the making!”
It is our desire to be able to bless these pastors and leaders by bringing them to Ho Chi Minh City so that they can be ordained for the work of the ministry, set apart as vessels of honor that are “complete and thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim 3:17). We have anticipated that $2,500 will sponsor the pastors to attend the Agape School of Ministry for the week as well as the Ordination Service. We are praising God for the $650 that he has brought in so far. We are continuing to believe God for the remaining $1,850 to help sponsor this week of ministry. Please pray about how God could use you to partner with Him in spreading the Gospel to the unreached in Vietnam through these pastors.
Below is our itinerary while in Vietnam. We thank you for prayers while we make our final arrangements and for our ministry to the precious people of Vietnam.
Ministry Itinerary Ho Chi Minh City
Wednesday, January 27 Arrive and rest.
Thursday, January 28 8:00 – 5:00 Agape School of Ministry
Friday, January 29 8:00 – 12:00 Agape School of Ministry
1:00—3:00 Ordination service and lunch banquet
6:00 Preach in Revival Service
Saturday, January 30 Fly to Hanoi
Ministry Itinerary in Hanoi
Sunday, January 31 Preach in House Church am and pm
Monday, February 1 8:00 – 5:00 Agape School of Ministry
Tuesday, February 2 8:00 – 5:00 Agape School of Ministry
Wednesday, February 3 Begin travel back to Orlando
Friday, August 28, 2009
We'll be on the radio!
We are so excited to let everyone know that Kingdom Builders has been awarded the Ministry Recognition Award by WTBN Christian Talk radio station. WTBN strives to support local churches and ministries who are glorifying God and evangelizing in the Bay area. The WTBN award program highlights what the ministry is doing in the areas of proclaiming God's word, evangelism and discipleship.
Tune in to WTBN AM 570 & 910 this Sunday afternoon, August 30, from 1-2pm or the following Monday, Wednesday & Friday evening from 8-9pm to hear our interview.
Tune in to WTBN AM 570 & 910 this Sunday afternoon, August 30, from 1-2pm or the following Monday, Wednesday & Friday evening from 8-9pm to hear our interview.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Home Safely...
I am happy to report that our team is home, safe and blessed, basking in the afterglow of being used by the Lord for His work in Campo Grande, Brazil. We got extremely busy as the crusade approached and then during the weekend that there wasn’t time to bring an update. We encourage you to check out the slideshow on our website and watch the week unfold.
On Wednesday Missionary Timothy’s sister Peggy joined us from North Carolina. Then in the evening we invited the neighborhood children over for an “American meal” of french fries, hamburgers, and hot dogs. Miriam and Debbie prepared the meal and Matthew and Alissa played games with the kids, shared with them and we all laughed, sang, and had a good time in the Lord.
On Thursday, we were joined by Pastor Tim and his son Kat from Tennessee. They had previously been near Sau Paulo, Brazil, with a construction team building a church. They parted ways with their team and came to help make the crusade a success. On Thursday evening we crossed the city and joined Pastora Rose once again to minister in one of the churches she has planted in a very poor area of the city. The service was packed with half of those in attendance children. She made a large cake with icing celebrating our attendance, and the kids as well as their families were so excited to share the cake with us. Debbie gave a word of encouragement and called all the children up for prayer. They crowded around Alissa and Matthew looking to the Lord for a touch. After the prayer service we joined a family at their home for another churrasco…a Brazilian Bar-B-Que! It is great to sit and hear what the Lord is doing in the nations as all that were brought together for this one event shared their ministry experiences.
On Friday we started the work for the crusade. We walked through the town with a large banner, handing out invitations and candy to the residents and businesses along the way. We prayed around the school property and greeted the people as they came. Many of them were those that attended the Schools of Evangelism held over the past two weeks. They came with Bibles in hand, ready to minister to those that came to hear the Word of God. Alissa, Matthew and Peggy worked with the children. We repeated this on Saturday evening and Sunday evening. Only God knows the effect this crusade had on the people in the city of Campo Grande. There were souls saved as Pastors and church leaders prayed with those in the crowd at the close of each night. Children responded to the Gospel and even the school’s security guard received Jesus. It was exciting to be part of God’s work!
On Saturday afternoon all the women (Miriam, Alissa, Peggy, Virginia, and Debbie) joined Gethsemane Church and Pastor Nathanael once again as they hosted an afternoon tea for the women in the area. God brought a “now” Word for all the women through Debbie and then we had a good time in fellowship tasting their delicious treats. Then on Sunday morning the doors were opened at the school once again and the local churches came together for teaching in groups: men, women, youth, and children. Miriam ministered to the women, Alissa ministered to the youth, Pastor Tim ministered to the men, and Peggy ministered to the children.
Wow, what a great time in the Lord! There is so much more to tell, but this overview should give everyone an idea of these last two weeks of ministry and help you identify the happenings as you watch the slide show. Most of all, thank you for your prayers and for your financial support so this Crusade could take place. We are humbled that God would choose Kingdom Builders to join Him in His work in Brazil and grateful for His grace and anointing that worked in and through our team as we were obedient to His call. We look forward with great anticipation to our next assignment and will keep you posted.
On Wednesday Missionary Timothy’s sister Peggy joined us from North Carolina. Then in the evening we invited the neighborhood children over for an “American meal” of french fries, hamburgers, and hot dogs. Miriam and Debbie prepared the meal and Matthew and Alissa played games with the kids, shared with them and we all laughed, sang, and had a good time in the Lord.
On Thursday, we were joined by Pastor Tim and his son Kat from Tennessee. They had previously been near Sau Paulo, Brazil, with a construction team building a church. They parted ways with their team and came to help make the crusade a success. On Thursday evening we crossed the city and joined Pastora Rose once again to minister in one of the churches she has planted in a very poor area of the city. The service was packed with half of those in attendance children. She made a large cake with icing celebrating our attendance, and the kids as well as their families were so excited to share the cake with us. Debbie gave a word of encouragement and called all the children up for prayer. They crowded around Alissa and Matthew looking to the Lord for a touch. After the prayer service we joined a family at their home for another churrasco…a Brazilian Bar-B-Que! It is great to sit and hear what the Lord is doing in the nations as all that were brought together for this one event shared their ministry experiences.
On Friday we started the work for the crusade. We walked through the town with a large banner, handing out invitations and candy to the residents and businesses along the way. We prayed around the school property and greeted the people as they came. Many of them were those that attended the Schools of Evangelism held over the past two weeks. They came with Bibles in hand, ready to minister to those that came to hear the Word of God. Alissa, Matthew and Peggy worked with the children. We repeated this on Saturday evening and Sunday evening. Only God knows the effect this crusade had on the people in the city of Campo Grande. There were souls saved as Pastors and church leaders prayed with those in the crowd at the close of each night. Children responded to the Gospel and even the school’s security guard received Jesus. It was exciting to be part of God’s work!
On Saturday afternoon all the women (Miriam, Alissa, Peggy, Virginia, and Debbie) joined Gethsemane Church and Pastor Nathanael once again as they hosted an afternoon tea for the women in the area. God brought a “now” Word for all the women through Debbie and then we had a good time in fellowship tasting their delicious treats. Then on Sunday morning the doors were opened at the school once again and the local churches came together for teaching in groups: men, women, youth, and children. Miriam ministered to the women, Alissa ministered to the youth, Pastor Tim ministered to the men, and Peggy ministered to the children.
Wow, what a great time in the Lord! There is so much more to tell, but this overview should give everyone an idea of these last two weeks of ministry and help you identify the happenings as you watch the slide show. Most of all, thank you for your prayers and for your financial support so this Crusade could take place. We are humbled that God would choose Kingdom Builders to join Him in His work in Brazil and grateful for His grace and anointing that worked in and through our team as we were obedient to His call. We look forward with great anticipation to our next assignment and will keep you posted.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Monday & Tuesday's Update
On Monday morning Matthew, Alissa, and Pastor Timothy headed out on foot into the neighborhood with invitations to the Crusade in their hands. Miriam and Debbie headed in the opposite direction in the afternoon. We seized the opportunity not only to prepare the soil for the crusade through prayer as we walked, but we also allowed God to direct us to stop and pray specifically for those that had needs.
Monday evening we were honored to be invited to minister in a special service held at Ephriam Church in Campo Grande with Pastor Sandem. They welcomed us with a huge banner over the door of the church and greeted us with open arms. The spirit of excellence was exhibited in all that was said and done. God spoke a message of faith through Debbie and He used Miriam’s testimony to demonstrate His faithfulness to respond to the prayer of faith. He confirmed His Word as the entire team lined up to lay hands on those that would come in faith for God to meet their needs. Almost the entire congregation lined up and the last person was prayed for at 11:15 pm! We stayed around for pizza and many testimonies were shared and God’s name was glorified.
On Tuesday missionary Isabel (Virginia’s mother) invited us to her home. After a fabulous lunch we gathered on her front porch and listened to her share her passion for the men and women in the prisons in Campo Grande. She is the founder of Saving Lives Prison Ministry and has been ministering in the prisons and training others to join her for over 14 years. God calls and uses those that will heed His call to reach the lost in every nation, Hallelujah!
On Tuesday evening we joined Gethsemane Baptist Church and Pastor Natanael for a special prayer service. This is the church that is working closely with Evangelist Tim Sutton to hold the crusade. It is located right next to the school property that has been rented for the weekend, which will house the classes during the day and the evangelistic crusade in the evenings. This little church of only 70 people has been fasting and praying for 40 days to see a powerful move of God in this crusade. It was a special time of prayer and praise and God spoke a Word through Debbie that “the battle was not theirs, but was God’s” and that He would indeed bring in a harvest of souls this weekend. The service ended with exuberant praise as God confirmed His Word and revealed to us that walls were coming down!
We invite you to click on our website where you can view a slideshow of pictures that have been taken. God is not finished with us yet here in Brazil, we still have a week for Him to work through us! Continue to pray!
Monday evening we were honored to be invited to minister in a special service held at Ephriam Church in Campo Grande with Pastor Sandem. They welcomed us with a huge banner over the door of the church and greeted us with open arms. The spirit of excellence was exhibited in all that was said and done. God spoke a message of faith through Debbie and He used Miriam’s testimony to demonstrate His faithfulness to respond to the prayer of faith. He confirmed His Word as the entire team lined up to lay hands on those that would come in faith for God to meet their needs. Almost the entire congregation lined up and the last person was prayed for at 11:15 pm! We stayed around for pizza and many testimonies were shared and God’s name was glorified.
On Tuesday missionary Isabel (Virginia’s mother) invited us to her home. After a fabulous lunch we gathered on her front porch and listened to her share her passion for the men and women in the prisons in Campo Grande. She is the founder of Saving Lives Prison Ministry and has been ministering in the prisons and training others to join her for over 14 years. God calls and uses those that will heed His call to reach the lost in every nation, Hallelujah!
On Tuesday evening we joined Gethsemane Baptist Church and Pastor Natanael for a special prayer service. This is the church that is working closely with Evangelist Tim Sutton to hold the crusade. It is located right next to the school property that has been rented for the weekend, which will house the classes during the day and the evangelistic crusade in the evenings. This little church of only 70 people has been fasting and praying for 40 days to see a powerful move of God in this crusade. It was a special time of prayer and praise and God spoke a Word through Debbie that “the battle was not theirs, but was God’s” and that He would indeed bring in a harvest of souls this weekend. The service ended with exuberant praise as God confirmed His Word and revealed to us that walls were coming down!
We invite you to click on our website where you can view a slideshow of pictures that have been taken. God is not finished with us yet here in Brazil, we still have a week for Him to work through us! Continue to pray!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Off to a great start in Brazil...
We arrived safely in Brazil Saturday morning after an overnight flight. We were blessed to have all of our luggage arrive along with us, and we were greeted by Pastor Timothy and a dear brother in the Lord who loaded us up along with our luggage into two cars and took us to Pastor Timothy’s home. We spent our first day in fellowship, rest and unpacking all the gifts we brought to bless their beautiful family. Virginia, his dear wife, has displayed the gift of hospitality as she caters to our every need. Little Timothy Joshua (2 ½ years old) is a delight and loves all the activity in the house.
Sunday morning we joined Evangelist Tim Sutton and Pastor Basilio at Evangelical Community Pillar of Faith Church as they wrapped up a 3-day School of Evangelism with pastors and church leaders. After a delicious lunch we walked to a nearby park where some set up the sound system and others began a prayer walk around the park. After Evangelist Tim sang some worship songs and played his trumpet, Pastor Timothy shared his testimony. People from the community surfaced from their homes and those passing by stopped to listen as a short gospel message was preached. Then those that participated in the School of Evangelism began to walk through the park and down the streets and talked with many about Jesus and His love for them. It was an excellent opportunity for them to put into practice what they learned over the last 3 days.
Matthew and Pastor Timothy joined some young men that were playing soccer nearby while the Gospel was being declared in the park. God opened the door for Matthew to share with them through the interpretation of Pastor Timothy. He gave Matthew an illustration using soccer in order to relate the gospel of Jesus to them. We believe that God’s Word planted in their heart will not return void and that He will watch over that Word and draw them to conviction of their sins and the need of a Savior! Amen, so be it!
We regrouped in the afternoon and headed across town for an evening worship service with Pastor Rose at Jesus Bread of Life Church. What an awesome time of worship, which included dance, special singing, and celebration of the results of an outreach the church had done on Saturday in an Indian village. God has truly given them a heart to reach the “unreached” with the Gospel. Alissa was given an opportunity to sing and share her testimony, which prepared the soil for the message that was preached by Debbie. God moved during the altar and prayer time as the entire team ministered to the saints declaring the benefits of the Kingdom into their lives bringing healing, wholeness, and blessing. We arrived back at the house after midnight tired, hungry, and cold (the temperature dropping into the 40’s overnight) and totally humbled that God would choose us to declare and demonstrate His Word to the people of Brazil.
Sunday morning we joined Evangelist Tim Sutton and Pastor Basilio at Evangelical Community Pillar of Faith Church as they wrapped up a 3-day School of Evangelism with pastors and church leaders. After a delicious lunch we walked to a nearby park where some set up the sound system and others began a prayer walk around the park. After Evangelist Tim sang some worship songs and played his trumpet, Pastor Timothy shared his testimony. People from the community surfaced from their homes and those passing by stopped to listen as a short gospel message was preached. Then those that participated in the School of Evangelism began to walk through the park and down the streets and talked with many about Jesus and His love for them. It was an excellent opportunity for them to put into practice what they learned over the last 3 days.
Matthew and Pastor Timothy joined some young men that were playing soccer nearby while the Gospel was being declared in the park. God opened the door for Matthew to share with them through the interpretation of Pastor Timothy. He gave Matthew an illustration using soccer in order to relate the gospel of Jesus to them. We believe that God’s Word planted in their heart will not return void and that He will watch over that Word and draw them to conviction of their sins and the need of a Savior! Amen, so be it!
We regrouped in the afternoon and headed across town for an evening worship service with Pastor Rose at Jesus Bread of Life Church. What an awesome time of worship, which included dance, special singing, and celebration of the results of an outreach the church had done on Saturday in an Indian village. God has truly given them a heart to reach the “unreached” with the Gospel. Alissa was given an opportunity to sing and share her testimony, which prepared the soil for the message that was preached by Debbie. God moved during the altar and prayer time as the entire team ministered to the saints declaring the benefits of the Kingdom into their lives bringing healing, wholeness, and blessing. We arrived back at the house after midnight tired, hungry, and cold (the temperature dropping into the 40’s overnight) and totally humbled that God would choose us to declare and demonstrate His Word to the people of Brazil.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Almost ready
Our Brazil trip is right around the corner!! Next Friday, July 10, is the day we leave. Please keep us in your prayers as we continue to prepare. Below is our itinerary so you can have an idea of what we'll be doing each day. We'll be keeping you updated by blog posts on the progress and exciting events, so make sure you subscribe so you don't miss anything!
CAMPO GRANDE, BRAZIL
JULY 10-23, 2009
Team Members: Debbie Milton, Miriam Walker, Matthew Chesser, Alissa Jean
Friday July 10, 2009 5:10pm Depart Tampa
Saturday July 11, 2009 9:40am Arrive in Campo Grande, Brazil
Sunday July 12, 2009 Evangelism Outreach/Minister Evening Service
Monday July 13, 2009 Women's Tea/Youth Activities
Tuesday July 14, 2009 Street Evangelism/Youth Activities/
Minister in Evening Service
Wednesday July 15, 2009 Street Evangelism/Youth Activites/Crusade
Worker's meeting
Thursday July 16, 2009 Street Evangelism/Youth Activites/Minister
Evening service
**Note: Evangelist Tim Sutton will be holding "Schools of Evangelism" on July 10, 11,12,13,14,15, and 16
Friday July 17, 2009 Street Evangelism/Crusade preparation/
Evening Crusade Service
Saturday July 18, 2009 Children, Youth, Women, Men classes/
Evening Crusade Service
Sunday July 19,2009 Children, Youth, Women, Men classes/
Evening Crusade Service
Monday July 20, 2009 Trip to Indian Village
Tuesday July 21, 2009 De-briefing/Rest
Wednesday July 22, 2009 1:20pm Depart from Campo Grande, Brazil
Thursday July 23, 2009 10:30am Arrive in Tampa
CAMPO GRANDE, BRAZIL
JULY 10-23, 2009
Team Members: Debbie Milton, Miriam Walker, Matthew Chesser, Alissa Jean
Friday July 10, 2009 5:10pm Depart Tampa
Saturday July 11, 2009 9:40am Arrive in Campo Grande, Brazil
Sunday July 12, 2009 Evangelism Outreach/Minister Evening Service
Monday July 13, 2009 Women's Tea/Youth Activities
Tuesday July 14, 2009 Street Evangelism/Youth Activities/
Minister in Evening Service
Wednesday July 15, 2009 Street Evangelism/Youth Activites/Crusade
Worker's meeting
Thursday July 16, 2009 Street Evangelism/Youth Activites/Minister
Evening service
**Note: Evangelist Tim Sutton will be holding "Schools of Evangelism" on July 10, 11,12,13,14,15, and 16
Friday July 17, 2009 Street Evangelism/Crusade preparation/
Evening Crusade Service
Saturday July 18, 2009 Children, Youth, Women, Men classes/
Evening Crusade Service
Sunday July 19,2009 Children, Youth, Women, Men classes/
Evening Crusade Service
Monday July 20, 2009 Trip to Indian Village
Tuesday July 21, 2009 De-briefing/Rest
Wednesday July 22, 2009 1:20pm Depart from Campo Grande, Brazil
Thursday July 23, 2009 10:30am Arrive in Tampa
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Our Upcoming Brazil Trip
The plans for our ministry trip to Brazil are well under way. God continues to amaze us as He brings to us those He desires to join us in our Kingdom work. He has put together a small team that will travel to Brazil to work alongside Missionary/Pastor Timothy Pugh in a week-long crusade called, “The God of Dreams, The God of Purpose, The God of Destiny.” We are praising God as funds continue to come in to allow Him to use us for His purposes during this crusade. We are believing that He will “supply all our needs according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus!” (Philippians 4:19).
God has chosen and set apart Debbie Milton, Miriam Walker, Matthew Chesser, and Alissa Jean to join in on what He has planned for Campo Grande, Brazil, from July 10-23. Debbie will be ministering in several churches prior to the Crusade, Miriam brings along with her a heart to minister to women, and Matthew and Alissa are bringing along with them a passion to minister to the children and youth.
Our itinerary will be posted soon—watch our website and continue to pray for us as He sends us to Brazil to carry His Manifest Presence so that hearts and lives can be changed.
God has chosen and set apart Debbie Milton, Miriam Walker, Matthew Chesser, and Alissa Jean to join in on what He has planned for Campo Grande, Brazil, from July 10-23. Debbie will be ministering in several churches prior to the Crusade, Miriam brings along with her a heart to minister to women, and Matthew and Alissa are bringing along with them a passion to minister to the children and youth.
Our itinerary will be posted soon—watch our website and continue to pray for us as He sends us to Brazil to carry His Manifest Presence so that hearts and lives can be changed.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
We're home!
We arrived back to the country late on Wednesday night, and it was back to work on Thursday! Our next upcoming ministry opportunity is July 10-July 22 to Campo Grande, Brasil. Please pray that God would provide the finances and make everything possible for this trip.
Be expecting our newsletter very soon. If you don't currently receive our newsletter by mail or email please let us know and we would love to add you to our mailing list!
Be expecting our newsletter very soon. If you don't currently receive our newsletter by mail or email please let us know and we would love to add you to our mailing list!
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