Green Bay, Wisconsin 2012

The Lord has blessed me to serve a week in Green Bay.  On Sunday morning I arrived in time to attend Bible study and Worship service at Highland Crest Baptist Church.  This was the beginning of a beautiful week of fellowship.  Not only did they welcome me in the love of Christ, they provided a place to park with electricity- Praise God!  On top of that someone checked on me every day to see if I had need of anything.  Some of you might be asking; why are you making so much of these things?  Simply because it’s not the norm as I had expected it would be.

Green Bay, Wisconsin 2012

Now about Green Bay, it came as a surprise to find this to be a small city.   The population is just over 100,000.  I think it’s the Green Bay Packers who put this place on the map.  No, not literally it was God and maybe it’s the Packers that make this place shine a little brighter.

As far as excitement goes, things started to pick up on Wednesday evening when three brothers from Highland Crest Baptist Church teamed up with me to share the gospel.  We set the Paradise prop up in the back of the truck and they followed me to Wal-Mart and it was game on.  I do not recall seeing such zeal but with these guys it was about reaching everyone possible.  This went on for about an hour and a half.  Then we were asked to leave, so we did and rejoiced that God had provided the time we had there.

I think I can I think I can. Lake Michigan. Green Bay 2012

On Thursday, I was honored to attend and be a part of a truck stop ministry.  From what I recall this has been ongoing for about 20 years.  That really spoke to me about how God can use a few dedicated believers to make an impact on many.  I met truck drivers from different parts of the country.  These men came to hear God’s word and share testimonies.  One of them did say, “I don’t know why I’m here but here I am”.  When I was asked if I’d like to come up and speak, I was on my way!  So with a captive audience the Gospel was presented and it just flowed.  I had not planned on speaking and once again I witnessed the Holy Spirit at work through me.  This is so incredible because God’s Word is in me and a part of me!

Friday evening with a dear brother alongside we set out for Wal-Mart again.  No not the same Wal-Mart but a different one.  This time it was about an hour before we were asked to move along.  There just seems to be something about the message of the Cross of Christ that rubs people the wrong way. Go figure?  Again, what a joy it was to have a co laborer along the journey.

The Glory of Creation. Praise God!

Ending out the week here on Saturday was a little low keyed. That evening I discovered there was one more Wal-Mart within striking distance so off I went.  This time, I was somewhat gun-shy and on my own.  It’s in times like this that I rely on the Ram that God has provided to get the message across.  If you sat and watched a while you would see how this actually plays out.  It’s really a sight to see and so much a help to me as I’m not as courageous as one may think.  I did not get asked to leave and what a relief that was.  Actually, in small measure I’m beginning to count rejection as a benefit of following Christ. But I certainly need God to continue working that I would decrease and Christ increase all the more.

The highlights in Green Bay were the graces of God extended through the members of Highland Crest Baptist Church (The teaching and preaching of the Word, the Love of Christ and the workers in the harvest fields).  Thanks to all of you for everything.  You have added a measure of virtue that propels me to go further along in; The Journey 50 States One True Story JESUS!

Until next week about this time and God willing,

Agape  David

Read the Lighted Billboard.

Another week along the Journey is history and what good that may come from it only God knows. Here are but a few things I praise God for as in my estimation they were
good.  On last Sunday I arrived safely in Wausau, Wisconsin and just in time to enjoy Worshipping at Immanuel Baptist Church.  There I was received in the Love
of Christ which included a place to park and on top of that this was, “Family
Bible week” an annual tradition here which included guest speakers for both youth
and adults.  From the first service on Sunday morning and continuing daily Sunday evening through Wednesday evening God blessed me even in who I sat beside.  I enjoyed the teaching of Dr. David Larson from Trinity University Chicago, IL. Brother Larson exhorted us to contend earnestly for the Faith. The assault has been to discredit; The Genesis account of the literal 6 day Creation. Most notably since the 1960’s until now in a postmodern culture the departure from scripture is starling. Recently I heard Pastor John MacArthur say that only about 6% of Bible Colleges teach the Literal 6 day account of Creation. In four evening sessions Dr. Larson
meticulously took us through Genesis 1, 2 and 3.  Quoting philosophers and the “world’s greatest minds”, Dr. Lawson wielded the Sword reducing every argument as
nonsensical.  A copy of which is available upon request.

Now about Wausau, from my perspective it reminded me of Minnesota. The typography beautiful and the people are laid back with a few exceptions. After about 7pm things really slow down and by nightfall it’s almost to a crawl.  This to me looks like a nice place to raise a family. Spiritually speaking, Wausau is predominantly Lutheran and Catholic. This puzzled me this week as to how this happens to be.  Well just now in looking at what I wrote above;  “the people are laid back” the thought that comes to me:  Is that not the most dangerous mindset that every Christian must guard against, enlisting the watchfulness of the brethren and always praying to God?  Yes! Of
course it is most needful unless we favor sacraments and good deeds over living
a life of sacrifice; being obedient to follow the commands of the One we call LORD!  My dear friends the Lord Jesus Christ chose the way of the cross and gave us the perfect example of what it takes to enter the Kingdom of God.  So Jesus calls us all to totally surrender to His Lordship, that is to die to our own agendas and to put away all the previous grand illusions we thought would bring fulfillment.   Jesus requires each of us to empty ourselves that He might come in and be our fulfillment.  After all if it’s not God in us working to do His good pleasure, what is the basis of hope that we are truly born again.  My dear friends with men this is impossible but with God all things are possible!
Will you believe God’s Word?  Will you lay down your life now for Christ sake and Live with Him eternally? Will you trust the Holy Spirit to give you everything you need to swim upstream against the ways of the World?  Or will you drift along with no matter of real conviction as to what Jesus says it takes to enter the Kingdom of God?  I pray with much diligence that you would embrace the Way of the Cross, forsaking the temporal satisfactions of the World in exchange for Life Eternal in God’s Kingdom.  Amen.

God is the Father of Lights!

I really didn’t know that I was going there but no apology do I make because I love you all.  Now back to the week here; the cross did not evoke so much response as some places but much of what I saw seemed to be that it was folly to them.  But praise be to God!  That He is the lifter of my head, The Rock of my salvation and The Joy of my life!  Hallelujah!

This week had the good pleasure of meeting a number of men, women and children to talk about Jesus.  I met most of them downtown at the park, on sidewalks and cafes.   I am in fond memory of how time and again the Lord sent encouragement to me at just the right times. Let me share with you one of these times.  One morning at
Starbucks I wrote something the Lord put on my heart to share as encouragement
by way of text messaging to some of my dear brethren. When I finished, I felt the Holy Spirit prompting me to share this message with two men in Starbucks.  When I looked, both of them where communicating in sign language and what if neither one of them could hear or speak to me?  What was the topic of their passionate communication? Starting to sound a bit like Moses, a scripture came to mind, “lean not to your own understanding but in all your ways acknowledge me”.   So I walked up with a smile and set the phone down in front of them and made a hand gesture for them to read.  Wow, that really caused quit a scene! Neither of them could hear nor speak. What ensued was about an hour and half of rejoicing together in the Lord?  We went through quite a bit of scratch paper, hand and facial expressions.  What did this look like to others?  Surely we did not think about that and again what Joy it was to be in the company of Gods children. Thank you Pastor Don Ketler and Brother Ken Tryczak for this most memorable expieriance hugs and all.

Brothers; Ken Tryczak & Don Ketler. Wausau, Wisconsin 2012

Earlier I wrote about how God had orchestrated who I sat beside at Immanuel Baptist Church, so that’s how I met Les & Kim Blount.  Les loves to share the gospel and both Les and Kim were an encouragement to me.  Les sought me out while I was in the streets to see how I was doing and that meant a lot to me.  Thanks Les and Kim.

While making mention of a few, there are others that have no less been appreciated  and all of them are a  Joy to me even now as I continue The Journey 50 States One True Story Jesus!  In closing; the week in Wausau has been good in that it was a time of learning the Word, the slower pace and early nights I believe will be a benefit as the next two weeks consist of Green Bay and Milwaukee.

Once again God has provided everything I had need of, so with a measure of strength restored, and added wisdom in the Word, I am more confident that God is with me as I approach the strains yet ahead.  Your prayers and encouragement are highly regarded.  Until next week and God willing I will write to you again.

Agape, David

Madison,Wisconsin 2012

   The first impression was; Wow, what a great looking capitol city.  Well-manicured, nice landscaping and the lakes topped it off well.

  Arriving late Sunday night and with Monday being a holiday I stayed hooked up trailer and all.  Tuesday morning I was ready to get settled for the week.  I drove to First Baptist Church of Madison (Franklin St) to introduce myself and ask for permission to
park.  No one answered the bell so I thought they would be in later.  I looked
at the parking signs and decided to unhook the ministry trailer at the rear of
the lot. Then I went just down the road for coffee and breakfast.  After which I drove back to the church only to discover that my trailer had been towed. Why? Good question!  The answer, “it goes against everything we believe in” then one statement was made to clarify the last, “we don’t believe in Hell”.  I’ll get back to this issue
shortly.

  How about the towing of the trailer? The sign read; Unauthorized parking prohibited violators will be ticketed.  Okay, so I get a $30 ticket.  But what about, 13 minutes after the ticket was written the tow company was called? Oh, so much for the pastor saying he waited more than an hour and a half.  Two hundred and eleven dollars
later, I was able to get the ministry trailer out of impound.  During which time this scripture came to mind; Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Romans 12:19
(NKJV)

Later, that evening it was off to the local Wal-Mart and Praise God!  I had a place to park!

  On Wednesday another scripture came to mind:  Brethren, if anyone among you
wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who
turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover
a multitude of sins. James 5:19-20 (NKJV) 

Now it seemed right to go and park on the street directly in front of the church and
take a stand for the truth.  So with God’s Word in hand and the prop raised, “Don’t Come Here” that’s what was done. Before, during and until after their Wednesday public meeting concluded many people were presented the truth. I’m still praying that God will use that effort to bring some to the knowledge of the truth. Amen. 

Don't Come Here! Prop

Thursday was a day of rest in hope of finishing out the week strong. 

God did it again as Friday it was game on!  So around, across and downtown the banner of Jesus Christ was flown, the gospel shared, brethren encouraged and prayed for.

 It was much the same on Saturday, concluding outside of the Capitol building.

Capitol of Wisconsin 2012

This week has been different to say the least. What I experienced here was a liberal spirit, the reproach of the cross, the exhortation to be acceptant of all ways. 
The exception being God’s Way, which of course is extremely prescriptive,
difficult and only a few find it.

   My fondest memories of this past week are of a few Christians I met and how in the Spirit of Truth and Love we encouraged one another, shared testimonies and prayed one for another.  On the outside there was nothing of our appearance to be admired by men, but to brethren the beauty is readily seen and the Joy of meeting one another is beyond words. Thank you; Jo (Not ashamed of the gospel!), Michael (Singing Praises to God 6 years now around the Capitol building) and Steve (Wal-Mart) for extending the Love of Christ to me along The Journey 50 States One True Story Jesus!

Brother Jo, Thanks again! Madison, Wisconsin 2012

Another week has already begun and the start is much better than the last.  So to everyone back home in Virginia and to those abroad I say thank you for your prayers and support. Keep praying because I’m realizing the benefits. I believe the road ahead will be rough but much more I am sure; “that greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world”.  And “it’s no longer I who live but Christ that lives in me”.  Amen. 

  God willing, I’ll write to you again about this time next week.    Agape, David