Savannah, Georgia 2014

  Maybe it’s just me, but it seems the further south I go from NC, the more the spiritual climate changes?

  There’s really not much to write about the week I was in Savannah.  I think this was mostly due to feeling weak in the body but in this I was drawn closer to Christ.  In Him I am Comforted, In Him I am Loved, In Him I am Encouraged and In Him I am Secure.  Therefore, no matter the circumstances; In Christ Jesus I am Complete!  Praise the Father, Son and Holy Spirit!  Amen.

   The most interesting discovery downtown Savannah was a monument of John Wesley in Reynolds Square.  Inscribed on the front of the pedestal are the words, “John Wesley, 1703-1791, Founder of Methodism, Minister of the Church of England in Savannah, 1736-1737.”  It’s reported that Wesley preached his first American sermon in Savannah.  

John Wesley Reynolds Park Savannah, GA

  Thanks to Bible Baptist Church I had a safe place to park.  Lord willing I would like to go back to downtown Savannah for a do over.  Downtown stays busy with tourist and it would be better having a couple of brothers to take the gospel to the busy streets. 

  Dear Brethren,

  I’m so very thankful for your prayers, encouragement and every way you have and continue to support me along; The Journey 50 States One True Story JESUS!

  Be of good courage as “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1 Cor. 1:9)

                                                Agape, David

Here’s a little about my week in Florence,

  I arrived 11-2-2014 just in time for the evening service at Faith Baptist Tabernacle and the Lord provided a great place for me to park for the week.  Florence is a small city, not so much going on and no large venues.  But during the week I had many good 1 on 1 gospel conversations.  It’s always nice having dialoged with unbelievers whose attitudes are say reasonable.  As in they ask sensible questions.  It’s all good until you get to the point of commitment!  Brakes start screeching, fortified walls spring up…  It’s as if the same person is not there but they are.  This is when I’m glad they have taken a gospel tract and thank them for taking the time to talk.  Okay, I added emphases here and there and they all do not go so far south.

   During the week God blessed me through many believers I met.  I love hearing testimonies and encouraging one another in the word.  On a couple of occasions this week in meeting someone in a parking lot and another inside a retail store the Praising of God, Declaration of Christ Work on The Cross, The Imperative to Repent, Trust Christ Alone or You will Perish happened spontaneously!   I love this every time and it only takes a spark to start the flame.  A song about Jesus was playing in the Salvation Army store and another time; Holy, Holy, Holy was playing in the Life-Way Store.  Later someone said; Praise the Lord in the Walmart Parking Lot. I love it every time, I mean; I really love it every time this happens. 

    On Friday I went to the intersection founded earlier in the week; pulled in, backed up to the corner, hooked up and preached.  That’s until the nice policeman informed me; I needed to have permission from the landowner and because of the noise ordinance I would have to lower the volume. So, I packed up and thanked God that, the gospel went out in all directions during rush hour. 

Here’s a video clip http://youtu.be/NtiT57xvcB8

  The week finished quietly and prior to leaving I was once again blessed to fellowship at Faith Baptist Temple. 

   One more thing to mention:  Yesterday November 9^th marked the 8th anniversary of the greatest event in my entire lifetime and unless the Lord comes before I die in the body I expect no event could top it.  With that said, I hope to write and share the story with you.

  Dear Brethren, I hope to find that you are all the more dedicated in the cooperative work between The Holy Spirit and Your selves growing in Holiness, that you may present Your Bodies to God as a living sacrifice which is your reasonable service to God.  I hear many people say, “The Lord has my heart” or “I gave my heart to the Lord a long time ago” and that’s where they stop.  Brethren, we cannot separate our Heart from our body.  Besides who can serve God or God’s people with just the Heart?  No one can!  God demands, that we present our body’s Holy and blameless as a living sacrifice. We are all commanded by God to give our self to finishing the work that The Lord Jesus Christ inaugurated.  Each one of God’s children has been equipped by the Holy Spirit to engage their “Body” in the ongoing work of The Great Commission!  

  Let us encourage each other while it is day and may we be found by our Master as good and faithful stewards.  

                                                                                       Agape,  David

  Two things I’m most likely to remember about Fayetteville, NC are Berean Baptist Church and Fayetteville’s Police and Sheriff’s Departments. 

  But before I get into that I want to share some of my thought’s this morning while at a Chick-fil-A in Florence, SC.   Everyone who went thru the drive thru saw what you see in the picture posted here and that’s great.  The unusual thing is what I saw as I sat having coffee looking out the window, so let me explain. 

Hello, JESUS SAVES!

   Considering, I designed the layout of the graphic including all of the words; it was not until today that I saw the whole picture.  Here are 2 verses that came to mind: “For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14) and “Whoever is deserving of death shall be put to death on the testimony of two or three witnesses; he shall not be put to death on the testimony of one witness.” (Deut. 17:6)  Okay now do you see the general call and whose call is it?  Can you see two or three witnesses?  To me that’s pretty awesome but I will go a little further looking at the colors of the center stripe in light of (John 3:19) “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” So looking at the color scheme we have two dominant colors white and black right?  The white represents “the light (the Way, the Truth, the Life, JESUS) has come into the world….”  The black represents “darkness” and men loved darkness (loved Unrighteousness, loved Evil, loved Sin) rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” Look at the beginning of the verse “And this is the condemnation,” (judgment) who’s judgment?  Remember the witnesses?  I’m almost done, looking at the small stripes there are two colors black and burgundy.  It has been established that black represents Sin, white represents JESUS and I believe the color burgundy represents the blood of Jesus as in (1 John 1:7) “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”  So the color Burgundy represents the Blood of Jesus as the Covering for Sin (Black)!  Last note, the words Jesus and GOD where crafted with letters taken off of vehicles and headed for the trash.  Thinking about that now, isn’t that where most of the American culture would have them?  Not the letters, but Jesus and GOD!  Today, many were confronted with HIS CALL: Repent! Don’t Die In Your Sins!  For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. (1 John 5:7)  All Glory to GOD!  Amen.

  Back to the week in Fayetteville, Berean Baptist Church the Police and Sheriff’s Departments in a little while. 

   Please keep in mind that while I have traveled much of this country, the experiences that I have had are very, very few in number and may or may not be an accurate overall picture of the Church in America.  One of the hardest and quickest reality’s that I encountered when; “The Journey 50 States One True Story JESUS!” began was the response of churches towards me in this calling.  Some of which was due to me being naïve.  When I started out I thought wherever there was a Church, I had a place to go and surely a place to park.  There’s no way anyone could misinterpret what I believed, who and what I loved the most and no one would think I might be coming to do harm and make a quick getaway.

  Not so fast: Hello! Pinch me!  Wake up call!  Reality check!  No way!  You’ve got to be kidding!  JESUS Help!  Here are a few terms that I have grown accustomed to hearing (growing pains):  I don’t know you,  You can keep your references I don’t know your pastor,  We don’t have insurance for you to park here at the church,  You don’t use the same translation,  You need to go where the poor are,  No pastor in this town is going to welcome you,  It takes a month or more to make these arrangements,  We don’t believe what you believe: (in a literal Hell),  We don’t want to be associated with your ministry,   We want to reach people in a different way,  We would need to have a board meeting first and …….. on and on it goes.  By now I think you get the idea. 
   But here’s the Hope that I want to convey the Loudest:  GOD is Faithful, The LORD has Kept, Carried,  Encouraged and Provided; True Love, True Friendship and Treasures which I will praise GOD for Eternally. 

  So along with the Apostle Paul and every Born Again Christian I can say with Certainty, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.  For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:28-29 (NKJV)

  Though indeed growing pains, what shall I say except; LORD help me that I may forgive every offence because through all of them I have come to know YOU better and this I count as JOY!  Amen.

  Wow, I didn’t plan to write so much and I need to finish as the time has gone by quick.  I’m very grateful to GOD, for Berean Baptist Church of Fayetteville.  They stand out as a Stark Contradiction to what is largely represented as “American Christianity”.   True to The WORD of GOD,  Determined to Follow the Commands of JESUS Christ and Resolved there can be no Compromise.  In other words; Eternity is Eminent and every living soul who is not Born Again is headed headlong for Eternal Destruction.  Christians are saved to complete the Mission that the Lord Jesus Christ inaugurated.  We are Not to be at Ease in Zion.  No!  We are the called to WAR.  We go into battle from the point of Victory in which the LORD has obtained.  Every Saint this side of heaven needs to be encouraged while it is yet today.  Through Jesus Christ we are assured of victory over Death, Sin and the Grave!  Amen. Amen.  

  Thanks, Berean Baptist Church for receiving me in the Love of Christ, Thanks for Your Prayers and Thanks for every encouragement.  It’s an honor to have met you and I look forward to the time when I will see you again.

Berean Baptist Church Fayetteville, NC Thank You.

  I will close with more good news.  With regard to The Sheriff’s and The Police Department of Fayetteville I was blessed in that members from both departments went out of their way to encourage me in doing The Lord’s work!  This has happened a few times along this journey, but each and every time I’m so thankful because this is another way that GOD demonstrates that HE has a people everywhere I go.   Although these men that I’m writing about as well as every person not mentioned who encouraged me probably will not see this; I thank GOD and each of You for your kindness.  May God bless You!

  Brothers and Sisters,

  My Family, who are around this country and to those who are scattered abroad; May GOD the Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ bless you according to the riches which are in Christ JESUS!  Amen.

  Having arrived at the next stop in Florence, SC I hope to write you again next week about this time.

                                                                          Agape,  David

“The Journey 50 States One True Story JESUS!” continues and Lord willing into Canada Summer of 2015.  Recently I spent 10 weeks in Virginia preparing for the next leg of the journey which should take me to September 2015.  Originally I planned to be home for 4-6 weeks, but there were a few delays and setbacks but every work was brought to completion “Praise God!”  During this time there were a couple offers and many encouragements for me to stay home and serve.  Most of which were good, reasonable, justifiable and especially appealing to the heart, comfort and ease.

In following the Lord I have found many things which are hard to do: leaving family and friends, being away from my home Church and forgoing the basic comforts and conveniences are some of them.  So there where good reasons for me to stay, to be with those I love and to enjoy the comforts and ease of being settled down.  But at this time I can’t afford to settle for ease and comfort because of the dangerous compromise this could lead to.  What I mean is my life is not my own and my highest goal is to honor Him who died on my behalf and rose again.  When I’m in a foreign city each week my dependence is fully on God’s provision and my duty to service ever pressed.  Another way to say it is; this keeps me centered in God’s will.  God blessed me with this calling four and a half years ago and I cannot look back.  I’m confident that The Lord will lead me with clarity along life’s narrow way.  So in weakness and with much fear and trembling God enables me to go that He may show His strength and do His will according to His good pleasure which is in Christ Jesus our Lord!  All Glory to God!  Amen

My Dad Loves JESUS!

So last week the first stop on this leg of The Journey was Raleigh, North Carolina.  The first night was a quick reminder of past events where a church says no but the world says yes.  So I spent that night in a Walmart parking lot and slept well.   Monday morning I met with Pastor Bric Bolin of Neuse Baptist Church and was blessed with a place to come and go from.  How about 50 acres outside the camp?  Perfect!  Thank You Lord!  Raleigh maybe the nicest City I have been to, both the people and aesthetically the place is great.

I found the perfect intersection in which I could park the truck and preach at Capital St. and Old Wake Forrest Rd.  This was just off the freeway, with a huge mall and many other attractions.  The corner lot was vacant and the sign read “Available” so I took that literally.  But did I have the courage to mount the sound system, drive up, set up and preach during the evening traffic rush?  Haven’t all these people heard the gospel and who did I think I was to come here and preach?  So you may understand that I was having trouble being bold in the faith, so Thursday I called on my friends to pray for me.

I spent about 3 hours at my retreat getting ready and I left resolved to go, set up and to open my mouth without delay or compromise in anyway.  That’s all I could physically and mentally do and The Holy Spirit would have to do the rest.  So in broad daylight and with a military mindset I drove onto the property, backed up to the sidewalk, got out, set up the generator, turned on the sound system, opened my Bible, picked up the microphone and cried; “God help me!”   Then, I started with the usual opening words; “I came out today to preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified for the forgiveness of sins.”  Friends that was it, I had my manuscript of the gospel in hand but that was it!  Maybe I should explain “that was it!”  No manuscript necessary:  The Holy Spirit filled my mouth and the glorious gospel was proclaimed time and again until I literally could not utter one more word!  Hallelujah!  Praise God!  Amen.  If this was the end of the story that would be great but it’s not.  The same thing happened Friday evening.  Wow, the joy of my salvation and all the events like these are the greatest high, the most joyous and humbling.  There is absolutely nothing of the world, nor the combined total of all that the world offers; that can compare to the Gift of Salvation and the Presence God!!!  Like my Brother Ronnie Cardiel preaches, “You won’t want that junk when you have the Most High God!”   To that I give a hearty “Amen”.

I finished out the week in fellowship and worshiping at Neuse Baptist Church and am so appreciative for the love that was extended to me.  Raleigh is a place that I would like to come back to if the Lord wills.

Thanks to all my dear brothers and sisters who prayed and continue to encourage me along the narrow way.  Let’s continue to lay up treasures in heaven, living our lives in honor of our Great God and Savior Jesus Christ by the Power of The Holy Spirit!!!   Amen.

P.S.  It’s a joy to write about God’s faithfulness and although He has proved Himself time and again; I need your prayers.  I arrived in Fayetteville, NC and the atmosphere is more resistant.  But greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.  Amen.

I hope to write you again in about a week.

Agape

Boise, Idaho 2013      1^st week of September

After Seattle, I didn’t know what to expect because the past two weeks I was accompanied by other believers.  But Tatsuo made a phone call and found that Brother Shaun was in Boise, so I had a contact there.  When I arrived I had a place to stay and fellowship.  Praise God!

Shaun and I went downtown a couple of evenings to preach the gospel at Main and 8^th Streets.  Through Shaun, I met Don and Shelley when we went to Planned Parenthood to hold signs and preach.  In fact I was blessed to join them on three occasions at Planned Parenthood in Boise.

Crying out for unborn babies in Boise. Idaho

Because Shaun was preparing to take the gospel to college campuses Don and Shelley opened their home to me.  Wow, talk about being spoiled!  The fellowship was the best and this was one those times it was hard to say good bye.

I thank God for Don and Shelly because He richly blessed me through them.

My Family in Boise, Idaho. Thanks Don and Shelley. Agape

Throughout the week in Boise, the Banner and the Cross of the Lord Jesus Christ was lifted up before men and I pray many will be saved.  Amen.

Thanks, all of you at home and those abroad for the various ways you support me in the Lords work.  May the Love and Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ become all the more apparent that you may know the fullness to which we may obtain even now as we wait for the blessed hope in the age to come. Amen.

Until God willing, I may write to you again.

Agape, David

Seattle, Washington 2013

As I attempt to write about my two week stay in Seattle, I realize it can’t be adequately done because God moved again, again and again.  Here’s a very condensed summary;

Upon arrival I was welcomed by Brothers Bob and Manfred of Crossroads Bible Church and provided a secluded, secure and beautiful place to park.

While at my last stop in Tacoma, I discovered that the Brethren I had met in Los Angeles with the sign ministry were in Seattle and would be there through my two week stay.  It was so good to be with them again and during the first week we went down by the Shoreline, to Century Link Stadium prior to a soccer game and to Safeco Field for MLB Mariners games Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

 What a time we had lifting up the Word by signs and preaching aloud.  That’s just part of week #1

Holy Bible Sign Crew at Mariners Game August 2013

Then week #2, God sent street preachers Ronnie and Tatsuo from LA to herald the glorious gospel.  Each morning began with intense prayer and waiting on the Holy Spirit.  Throughout the week God’s favor was undeniably upon us as the gospel was heralded time and again.  Throughout Seattle and in the surrounding cities of Bellevue, Mercer Island, Lynwood, Redmond, Federal Way as far as Tacoma.  Downtown, in Parks, along the Shoreline, in Malls, at Farmers Markets, Neighborhoods, Apartment complexes, Planned Parenthood, before the NFL game, Seattle Hemp-fest, Costco, street after street and block after block on foot and then from the vehicle.  Yes, as I drove the Gospel call went out as Ron and Tatsuo used amplification calling Seattle and the other cities to repentance, warning of God’s judgment upon America for their idolatry and pleading for souls to repent and to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sin.  It was incredible seeing people stop in their tracks, some coming out of office buildings and others listening from their balconies four and five stories high. 

  The preaching went on as much as six continuous hours and we were not aware of the time.  The hostility towards the message of the Cross took on differing forms: Verbal- blasphemy, mockery and threats.   Vandalism- two signs were destroyed; the wooden cross broken, truck was egged and pelted with BBs or airsoft.  Physical- bodily contact, spat on, and struck.  Bottles were hurled and there were numerous attempts to destroy microphones and PA systems.

Here’s the video link of Ronnie preaching at Tacoma’s Farmers Market: http://youtu.be/4muWPFwYiRE

  Earlier I wrote “Throughout the week God’s favor was undeniably upon us…” and after reading the above one may think not.  But God did indeed provide our every need and more: A secluded and safe place for me to park. Ron and Tatsuo bought mats to sleep on outside and a little food, but God provided Christian homes, food, and fellowship.

God granted great favor with law enforcement each day.  God’s hand protected us from harsh physical harm and high cost damage to equipment.  

  The trials, sufferings, mockery and damages incurred were as nothing when compared to the honor God granted us.  That is, every day to herald the Gospel and be spent on Christ behalf.  Literally multiplied hundreds and thousands were called to repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.     

  Brethren only God knows but it may just be that Seattle, Washington and area has never heard such an urgent call to repentance and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 

  I’m so grateful for all the dear brethren who prayed, encouraged, provided and labored in the work of the gospel.  Thanks, Holy Bible Sign team, Street Evangelists Ronnie and Tatsuo, Crossroads Bible Church and all the unnamed who diligently labored in the gospel.  All of you dear Saints are a Joy to me even now as I continue The Journey 50 States One True Story Jesus!

Seattle Hemp Fest 2013 http://youtu.be/C4cUHoCsffI

Preaching outside of Planned Parenthood Tacoma, WA    http://youtu.be/XyZ2mV4F0zw

Once again God has provided everything I had need of and having been encouraged I am confident as I move on in answering His Call.   Your prayers, support and encouragement are highly regarded.

 Please consider helping us financially as Brothers Ronnie and Tatsuo will come alongside of me to preach the gospel.  That is, as God provides through you and others who have a passion in fulfilling The Great Commission.

Until next week, God willing I hope to write to you again.

Agape, David

Tacoma, Washington 2013

  After a quiet week in Olympia I was ready to amp it up a bit.  That is to herald the glorious gospel and to publically confess Jesus Christ has come into the world to save sinners!  But before I could do that I needed to get settled in Tacoma.   After the short drive from Olympia I arrived a Faith Baptist Church and met Pastor Mark Smith who welcomed me as family and provided a great place to call home.  While getting familiar with the layout of the church property I saw something that had me trying to hold back tears.  Here’s what I saw:

Bible Production Line @ Faith Baptist Church Tacoma, WA

   These dear brothers and sisters were diligently at work making; New Testament Bibles with discipleship program included.  This particular shipment is going to Honduras.  O’ I almost forgot to mention that the number of Bibles in the shipment is 86,800! Praise God!  Talk about impacting the world for Christ.  I’m so humbled and encouraged to see God’s people who are behind the scenes laboring for souls.  I thank the Lord for blessing me to see this because from time to time I get a little discouraged but the Lord has a remnant zealous for Him.  Hallelujah!

Bible production crew @ Faith Baptist Church Tacoma, WA

 Wednesday, while searching the week’s local events I discovered that the friends I met in Los Angeles with the sign ministry were in town and will be in Seattle throughout my time here.  Praise God!  I met up with Jason’s team on the streets and later I enjoyed dinner with them.  It was more like having a family reunion.

Jason and team headed for Century Link Arena Seattle, WA

   Thursday morning I was blessed when I had the pleasure to join Elly McMashehu, Joanna Rust, Nathan and others to minister outside the Planned Parenthood in downtown Tacoma.  I was taken by the dedication of these believers who cry out for the unborn and calling men and woman to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.  This was the first outreach like this for me and now I bear another burden of the Lord’s for the unborn babies.  Elly and Joanna thank you for your dedication, for inviting me and know that you are an encouragement to me even now.  I hope to join others in towns I visit to support them and to cry out for the unborn.

My friend Elly crying out for the unborn. Please won’t you take a stand against the killing of babies?

Saturday I met up with Jason at Century Link Arena a couple of hours before the soccer game started.  Jason and the crew strategically posted in high traffic areas handing out gospel tracts and lifted up the Word for all to see. Where I was able to open-air preach compelling men to repent and trust Christ alone for salvation. 

Then Sunday after enjoying Worship at Faith Baptist I met up with part of Jason’s team again.  This time it was along the waterfront where hundreds strolled the boardwalk.  Again, the Word was lifted up before men, tracts distributed and the gospel preached to hundreds.   

  There are many other things I could write but I’m eager to go. The ministry opportunities are abundant, co laborers here and others are on the way to join in preaching the gospel.  Praise God! 

So many people with so little time to be saved. (Seattle Market)

 Please pray for those in Seattle who see, read and hear the proclamation of the gospel will be saved. Pray the Christians we encounter will be encouraged and moved to actively share the gospel.  Pray for all the brethren; safety, health, provision and courage to redeem the time as to honor the Lord in everything that’s done here.  Amen.

  God bless you my dear friend’s and thank you for everything you do for the Lord.

                                                          Agape,  David

Olympia, Washington

Welcome to the State of Washington and its capitol Olympia!

Arriving Monday evening July 22^nd, I settled in at Westwood Baptist Church of Tucson. Where I enjoyed a park like setting which was quiet and secure.

Tuesday, I surveyed the area and found the pace to be slow and that there were no big events scheduled to take place.  At first being disappointed and later seeing it as a blessing.  Remember, I was in Virginia the week prior and now it was back to the streets.  Where the message of the Cross arouses the opposition and so it was in Olympia.  But as the railings of men come from every direction the foundation on which I stand “JESUS” is immovable.  Yes!

Without large crowds and being in a small city I realized it was all the more difficult to stand and speak aloud the gospel.  Hence I spent a lot of time in the word desiring to be better prepared for the next stop.

On Saturday as I drove through town I noticed a crowd and venders at Heritage Park.  A few blocks away I parked, loaded up on tracts, grabbed the small amplifier and hurried there.  Surprise and welcome to Washington!  This was the “FIRST LEGAL HEMPFEST IN THE NATION!” with bands, guest speakers and vendors selling all kinds of drug paraphernalia etc.  After taking this in I began handing out gospel tracts and soon needed more.  Meaningful conversations were hard to come by so the hope is that the Holy Spirit will work through the tracts.

Sunday evening I came across another gathering “Olympia Symphony Orchestra 7th Annual Capitol Concert” on the grounds of the State Capital.  As I waited for the event to end, hoping to herald the gospel, I checked with the capitol police and was given the go ahead but no amplification. When the show ended I walked out in the middle of the crowd, but to my dismay I could not compete with the noise level of so many people talking and the background music still coming from the loud speakers.  With regrets I left and went back to my retreat at Westwood Baptist Church.  Later I walked and talked with the Lord and looked up at the starry host and all my burdens were gone.  Praise God!

Throughout the week in Olympia the Banner of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Cross was lifted up before men and I thank God for the honor.

Thanks, all of you at home and those abroad for the various ways you support me in the Lords work.  May the Love and Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ become all the more apparent that you may know the fullness to which we may obtain even now as we wait for the blessed hope in the age to come. Amen.

Lord willing next week I’ll write about the next stop along; The Journey 50 States One True Story JESUS!!!

Agape, David

Portland, Oregon

  My stay in Portland was for two weeks of ministry and then I caught a flight back to Virginia for a week.  West Hills Baptist Church was home base for me.  Pastor Gregory Sanders and the church family received me as their own.  Settled in, I set out to discover places and events that many might be impacted for Christ.  The past stops in Eugene and Salem had but a few and I was hopeful that Portland would be much different. Here’s a little about what happened.

  The first place I preached was Pioneer Square which is the public square.  This downtown attraction had three major draws; the surrounding retail department stores, small entertainment venues and public transit system.  The crowd here was diverse and so were the responses to the message of The Cross.  Pioneer Square became the focal point of ministry.    Although railers came and went, encouragement came by way of those I saw who seemed to listen intently for a while.  When my time here was done; the gospel had been preached around, through and on every corner of Pioneer Square.

  Another place was the Portland Farmers Market down by the riverside on Saturday which had a steady flow of traffic.  I set up across the street at a busy intersection and pleaded for souls.  Because, I know the Love of God through the Person of Jesus Christ and the Power of the Holy Spirit therefore, I cannot but proclaim:

This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter.             (Psalm 118:20) 

Nor am I ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes; (Romans 1:16)

And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. (Luke 14:23)

And saying the time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye and believe the gospel. (Mark 1:15)

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.           (2 Corinthians 5:20)

Here’s a link to Video excerpts taken Saturday July 6th, 2013 Downtown Portland, Oregon as many went in and out of the farmers market.

http://youtu.be/SZx1iJsAJD8

As my second week in Portland was coming to an end I was blessed to have Brother Rob’s company as co laborer in the proclamation of the gospel.  Friday evening we met at the square and took turns preaching at a couple different locations.  Here’s what Rob posted about this on his Facebook Friday July 12^th, 2013;

“The gospel went forth tonight in downtown Portland tonight as David Banton and myself brought the truth to lost sinners. There was opposition, and the police told us we cannot use amplification at all in the city of Portland without a permit. This was actually my first run in with the authorities. The validity of the scriptures was questioned, moral relativism was discussed, and we were told that we were a stumbling block to Christ for preaching the gospel. One thing is true; Jesus Christ is still turning this world upside down 2000 years after He was crucified. To God be the glory.”

That’s how street ministry concluded in Portland.  On Saturday I flew to Virginia and returned in 8 days to continue; The Journey 50 States One True Story Jesus!!!

Thanks to Pastor Gregory at West Hills Baptist Church my Jesus truck and trailer were as I left them. 

  The four weeks in the State of Oregon are done (the time has passed) and only God knows what will remain after all to “The Glory of God!”

My beloved brethren in Virginia and those scattered abroad “Thank You” for your prayers and every support!    

  Until next week and God willing I will write to you again from the State of Washington.  

                                                          Agape, David

Salem, Oregon 2013

  Monday morning before I left Eugene I went to have breakfast with Brother Virgil and his wife Ilsa who I had met at Berean Baptist Church.   This is when I was introduced to Harley, Todd and Al.  They all have a common interest in Jesus Signs International.  In the business world the idea of using signage to deliver a message has to rank pretty high in terms of being effective.  Well of course I think so or else I wouldn’t be driving a billboard throughout the country.  Even so the marketing world agrees.

 Jesus Signs International is a non-profit organization, founded in 2007 by Al Jagger, Virgil Adams, and Willie Houmes—originally known as The Messengers of Truth.  “We believe there is power in numbers and there is power in the name of Jesus!”  They believe that our nation’s bedrock was founded in Jesus, but saw how God began to be removed from monumental areas in our Country.  They took a simple message and within 5 years had distributed 75,000 signs throughout the United States. Their mission is to spread the name of Jesus throughout the country and around the world.  

If you are looking for a way to raise money for your church, missions, or youth group, they have made a way to help you.  Large quantities are available at a lower cost for fundraisers.

Contact them at:  customerservice@jesussignsintl.com.

Al Jagger and Virgil Adams of Jesus Signs Int.

Here’s a personal challenge; what’s keeping you from publically announcing to the world your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ?

Sure it’s not socially acceptable today nor has it ever been. But that doesn’t change the fact of who Jesus is, what Jesus has done and that without faith in Jesus no one will escape eternal damnation!

I understand that every Christian is not called to be a street preacher or a missionary to a foreign country but every one of us is called to fulfill the great commission.  There are really no excuses.  Do you purposely share the gospel in the area of influence God has you in?  If so, praise God!  But if you do not share the gospel the question is; “do you really believe in JESUS?” Jesus said, “If you love me you will obey my commands.”  That question was straight to the point but is one that must be sincerely considered.  There are many ways and tools available that we may incorporate in fulfilling the Great Commission like: (Tracts, CD’s, signage, one on one witnessing and public proclamation etc.).   I still find it difficult at times to share the gospel.  I know that it’s always a lack of faith (Fear) that hinders me. That you may be encouraged, I want you to know that six years ago I was so insecure about walking up to a stranger to talk about Jesus that most of the time I didn’t.  I was in love with Jesus but I was weak and needed a lot of help.  I remember attending a Wednesday night men’s service where the speaker said, “I want you to think about this; is there something you desire to do for the Lord that you think is so far away that it almost seems impossible.”

  Later each one of us was given a permanent marker and a wooden stake.  I thought a wooden stake, what are we going to plant tomatoes?  Then the speaker brought us back to the question he raised earlier and said, I want you to take the marker and write your desire on the wooden stake and when you get home I want you to drive it into the ground.  I know that sounds strange and I cannot remember the significance of doing that.  But I wrote the desire of my heart on it and when I got home I went out back and drove it in the ground.  Then I pretty much forgot about it.  So let’s fast forward to the present.

Back to the question; Are you actively sharing the gospel?  Remember it is every Christian’s obligation.  There are numerous ways and tools available to us like; Tracts, CD’s, signage, one on one witnessing and public proclamation etc.  But the most important tool is Faith in God.

Let’s look at the great commission: Matthew 28:18-20

“And Jesus came up to them and spoke to them saying all authority has been given to Me in Heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And lo I am with you always even till the end of the age.”

The two factors that encourage me the most are: First that in verse 18 Jesus said, “all authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth” second in verse 20 Jesus said, “And lo I am with you always even till the end of the age.”  Putting these together with the command to go I believe Jesus is saying to You and to me:   There is no need to fear, go forth knowing all authority has been given to Me, I am always with you, when you are afraid I will carry you, so trust me as a little child, I am the good Shepard and remember that when you are weak I AM strong.

I pray this is an encouragement to everyone who reads it as that’s my heart’s desire. There’s one more thing I should mention before moving on.  Remember how earlier, I wrote that about 6 years ago I was afraid to talk about the gospel and how a speaker challenged the men to write their hearts desire towards doing God’s will on the wooden stake?    Okay, I wrote one word on the wooden stake and pounded it in the ground: “Evangelism”

Praise God and again I say Praise God!

My dear friends I want you to know that this took time and how the Lord was gentle with me.  It all started with the desire and a willingness to be stretched a little at a time or as you probably heard before a willingness to get out of your comfort zone.  Although today looking back some of those first steps look pretty small but then they seemed huge!  The Lord never allowed me to see any of them as insignificant nor did He allow the passion to come up higher grow dim.  Even this very day I’m confident the Lord will continue to comfort me each step of the way as I look forward to coming up a little higher.   Amen.

So dear friend what is the next step that God is calling you to take in fulfilling the great commission?  Maybe it’s writing “Jesus Loves You” on heart shaped sticky pad notes and putting them on mirrors in public places, on sliding glass doors as you enter and exit businesses? Or maybe it’s to take one in hand and reach out asking, “May I give this to you?”   The last one got me too, but after a while I did it.  Well, I could keep going but for now whether it’s sticky notes, tracts, a yard sign, CDs, one on one gospel presentations, car graphics, street preaching or ………… Just do it as unto the Lord, knowing Jesus is saying, I am always with you, when you are afraid I will carry you, so trust me as a little child, I am the good Shepard and remember that when you are weak I AM strong.  Amen.

 I will pick up where I left off; Monday morning I enjoyed sweet fellowship with my new friends from Jesus Signs International.  Thank you for the encouragement you are to me.  I think I should mention that Al is 95 years of age and still impacting the world for Jesus Christ! 

  Leaving Eugene it was but a short drive to my next stop in Oregon which was Salem.  Here I was blessed by Faith Baptist Church with a quiet and safe place to call home.  This was so on time as the week in Eugene was trying indeed. As I spied out the land for ministry I was surprised that though the population was greater than that of Eugene the activities here were minimal.  So there were no occasions to herald the gospel to the masses.  Salem in my estimation was a bit subdued as compared to most Capitol cities.  That in no way is a complaint because as in the past, weeks like these provide a time for bodily rest and time for going deeper in the Word.  I spent a lot of time on the park benches around the capitol building pondering the Word.  Matthews account of the gospel chapters 5 thru 7 were my focus.  For now I will only say that precious was the time I had in the word.

Circuit Rider Robert Booth Gospel Minister of The Oregon Country.

The week here went by pretty fast and I suppose that is at least in part due to the restful environment and enjoying time in the Word.   Now I fast forward to Sunday service at Faith Baptist Church where I enjoyed fellowship most of the day.   Starting with Bible fellowship on through the evening worship service I was with family.  Having been blessed by the teaching and preaching of the word and the Love of Christ extended to me was precious. Thanks to all of you for everything. Thank you Pastor Craig for every concern you demonstrated towards me the week I was in Salem and even to my next destination.

  In closing, once again God has provided everything I had need of and by that I’m all the more certain that God is with me as I approach the next stop.  Your prayers, support and encouragement are highly regarded.  Until next week, God willing I write to you again.

      Agape, David