Grand Rapids, Michigan 2012

The first of four stops in “Pure” Michigan is complete.  Having much to be thankful for it’s with a measure of disappointment that I have little to write about the week in Grand Rapids.  But here are some details that come to mind;

Arriving safe on Monday the Lord provided a place to park the trailer for the week.  At least that proved to be the case one day at a time.  What I mean is on arrival I introduced myself, explained the ministry, and gave letter from my pastor and contact information to include website and phone number.  I was told, I could park overnight and they would be in touch.  That was great but the rest of the week I was left to wonder to the last day.  I had contacted them by email, left voice mail, made personal contact and I left a written request for someone to call me.  As of now I’m not sure what to make of this and should let it go.

Monday and Tuesday with the heat of summer in full force, ministry was done one on one inside. The exception was when I parked under the deck at the mall.  Remember, I need 12 feet for the cross to clear.   The shade and the wind blowing made it nice to sit on the tailgate and share Christ with some passersby.

Thanks again Walmart! Grand Rapids, Michigan!

Thursday I met a dear brother in the lobby of The Hampton Inn, Scott Bondy and I shared testimonies of Gods working to bring us to Christ.  Scott shared how God called him and provided a Missions ministry. You can read Scotts testimony and about the ministry here:  www.forthejoy.com.

Then on Friday at Panera Bread I met Brother Dave Geroux who’s involved with a local church plant.  God used these two men to build me up after a lackluster start here in Rapid City.  Praise God!  Thank you Scott and David.  Friday evening closed out at Wal-Mart after a couple hours of interesting conversations and seeing the diverse impact the cross invoked on many.

Saturday was a day spent downtown proper with one of the props upright in the back of the truck.  I spent some time sitting on a bench reading a book.  Still I listened to the conversations of passersby and when prompted engaged in conversations.  I recall one theatrical event that I would like to have caught on video or at least a snapshot or two.  It was hilarious to me but I’m not quite sure the intent behind it. By the time I stopped laughing the cast was gone. 

Downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan 2012

On Sunday I went to Worship the Lord at the church I was parked at and afterwards I set out to spend the rest of the day along the shore of Lake Michigan in Grand Haven.  After all, this maybe the last time I enjoy seeing this body of water as I have completed the journey through the states that border it.  What a really nice way to close out the week here.  So as I reflect on the beauty of the ocean without salt and on the faithfulness of God to provide and to be the lifter of my head; I move on to the next stop along; The Journey 50 States One True Story JESUS!

Now being at stop #2 in Lansing, Michigan of 4 scheduled, I thank God for His faithfulness past, present and future in saving a sinner namely me.  As well I’m with deep gratitude for past, present and future prayers, encouragement and support of all my dearly beloved brothers and sisters in the Lord Jesus Christ!

In closing:  Please do not hesitate to contact me that I may be of help to you along this most difficult and narrow way of the cross.  I love looking into Gods Word, discovering its truths and realizing its application for His children.  I know the power of prayer, the benefit of encouragement and the extreme necessity of these for every Christian. (No, that’s not a typo.)

 Please that we may disciple one another call, email, text, Facebook or come to see me.

May you grow in the Graces of God by realizing the Truth of His Word, the Power of His Spirit and the Love of Jesus Christ all the more each and every day!

Agape,  david@hiscall888.com

South Bend, Indiana 2012

This stop in The Journey was the 4th town in the State of Indiana:  This week was low keyed with no major events taking place.  On Monday I arrived safely in South Bend, Indiana and was blessed to be received in the love of Christ by Pastor Scott Smith at South Side Baptist Church.  In fact throughout the week I enjoyed fellowship with many of the members. 

 
On Tuesday, I had the honor to fellowship, have lunch and speak to the seniors.  I was encouraged by the commitment they have of staying active for the sake of the gospel.
As far as spying out the land the Wal-Mart parking lots would prove to be the place to evangelize.  However there was not as much freedom as I had enjoyed in other towns.  Here I was informed that I needed to apply 3 days prior for permission to engage in any fundraising or soliciting venture.  I learned awhile back that it’s no use in trying to explain that I’m not per definition soliciting and certainly not fundraising.  Better to say no problem and move on.  In places like this it’s not uncommon for me to go back another day with a prop lighted, park and go shopping for a while.  I remember this week of how much joy it brought me when I hooked up the trailer and drove around town the two hours before sunset.  Talk about having an impact as in finger pointing, the starting of conversations, people turning their heads at differing angles trying to take it all in and then there are those reactions that make me fearful as on judgment day that are not repented of.   I’m reminded of Jesus and the apostle Stephan when part of their prayer was, “forgive them for they know not what they do”.

JESUS Head of The Church!

On Thursday I happened on a site for sore eyes; The University of Notre Dame – Home of the Fighting Irish.
The grounds and architecture where beautiful, but the atmosphere was cold.  I mean the fighting Irish of Notre Dame was all I heard of.  But then looking at the detail of the structures, the road names and the building at center court things began to make sense.  So I guess not having graphics of Mary and maybe say purgatory instead of hell implored the atmosphere I made mention of earlier.  That evening I didn’t hang around much longer after I put 2 and 2 together.  Just to clarify, I’m grieved for the souls that have been deceived and pray for them.  I remember a comment that Brother Kris Salyer wrote a few weeks ago in response to church people not believing in hell.  In my words Kris’s point was; that we all need to be careful less we fall into the same pit of believing destructive heresies.  The chief cause is not knowing God’s Word and the importance of filtering every sermon and book we encounter through the same.

Pretty Cool!

Friday and Saturday was business as usual enjoying one encounter after another through and around South Bend. 
On Sunday it was time for congregational Worship.  From Sunday school to Alter Call that’s what happened here.  Earlier I wrote about how God blessed me with good fellowship at South Side Baptist Church.  One of those times was on Sunday after service when Brother Tom invited me to have lunch with him.  Lunch was great but even better was the sharing of testimonies about God’s goodness in our lives.  Also dear to me was the Godly wisdom I gleaned from a man who has for many years been committed to serving the Lord.   Again the common thread is that such service is motivated by Love.  The Love: that’s extended by God, through Christ and brought to Life by the Holy Spirit.  Praise God!  Amen.

A Priceless event occurred Sunday evening about 4:30 pm. while I was at the church preparing for the next days travel.  A young lady and her son walked up and motioned as if she wanted say something.   So I stepped out of the truck and come to find out;  This Dear Sister in the Lord told how she had seen the Jesus truck earlier in the week that it had made such an impression that when someone told her my truck was at the church, her and her son hurried to walk in the heat hoping that I would still be there.  She was so sweet, I mean the encouragement was priceless.  We  carried on for quite a while and when we were about to part company she asked, “have you had lunch yet?” (I told her I had).  Remember she did not drive a car and now she was concerned about me having lunch!  That’s real Christian Love!  Not long after she left I set out to find Rehma Church (the one she attends), I just hoped to be able to thank her again.  I found the church but no one there.  I don’t remember her name but am hopeful that she will read this entry.  Thank You, I will not soon forget this.
Though I have mentioned only few; I’m extremely grateful for every encouragement extended to me in person or in passing by various signs.  Thanks, you are a Joy to me even now as I continue The Journey 50 States One True Story Jesus!
 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.

 
Agape, David

Welcome to Michigan City, IN 2012!

   After the week I enjoyed at home in Virginia, I was wondering how the transition back into strange lands would play out.  So let me share with you a bit of 7 days in Michigan City.

  Sunday evening I was back in Chicago and upon arrival at Trinity International University everything changed in the blink of an eye.  I mean when I saw the Ram that God provided and the Ministry Trailer; I was at Home but not at Home.  So back to flying the banner of Christ and off to the next stop on the journey.  One thing that made this easier was that God had provided a place for me to go ahead of time.  About six weeks ago in Northwest Indiana by what I believe was God’s divine providence I met Ken. The time we spent together then was remarkable but this week would surpass that.  Ken and his family welcomed me as family.  Talk about not being ashamed of the gospel.  When I mentioned going to the church to unhook and park the trailer, Ken was quick to say you don’t need to do that park it right in front of the house. Later in the week He made mention of looking forward to hearing what others would say or ask after I was gone.

Home God Provided 7,1 - 7,8,2012

  Monday and Tuesday were for the most part spent checking out the territory and getting a game plan together.  During these two days ministry took place but not full blown.  The heat was on, with temps above 100 degrees. One of the perks was riding along Lakeshore Drive and watching the sunset over the same body of water that just a few weeks ago I had seen the sunrise. Praise God for the sunrise and the sunset over Lake Michigan! 

Amazed by the Sun? What until you see the Son of God!

 Then Wednesday July, 4^th was here.  I had been looking forward to this for a couple of weeks because Victory Christian Center in Portage, Indiana called me saying the entry fee was on them if I could come.  Some of you may remember how last fall in Louisville, KY and Hampton Roads, VA, God moved to make a way for the Cross to be lifted up before about 100,000 people. On both occasions there were no preparations but at the prompting of the Spirit I moved and God opened the door. Praise God!   This 4^th of July parade would have a glory of its own to me.  Having prepared the Jesus truck & trailer I met up with VCC and got in line.  VVC’s float ornament was a replica of the Twin Towers Cross of 911.  Over the next couple of hours I would be taken by what I witnessed going before me.  There were a host of church members preparing to minister to hundreds of people in the face of 102 plus degree weather. What a living demonstration; “deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me”. This was before the 3 mile parade route began.  Then the team of Christian soldiers armed 2,000 NT Bibles, Tracts, Candy and Smiles began to march and the parade was on.  Overwhelmed I took hold of my camera and recorded some of what I witnessed.  Part way through I had to lay the camera down, the intense heat started having its effect and the Jesus Truck became a blessing in a capacity that I had not envisioned.  One soldier, then another came to recover and then back to the mission. Later, it became more like a triage center and at the end served as emergency transport to the Emergency Room.  The good news is, “everyone recovered!” Praise God!!

 The ideas for ministry for the rest of the week here were:

Thursday: Walmart using audio and video in the Trailer.

Friday: The Light House Outlet Mall   “                  “                  .

Saturday: Air Show in Gary, IN     “                   “                      

 Well so much for plan A. I say this because the Heat was unrelenting.  Even with energy stores drained and attention spans shortened ministry continued.  Thursday, Friday and Saturday I was blessed to share Christ and engage in Christian fellowship on occasions in and around Michigan City. 

Then Sunday God moved the weather some 20 degrees which was just in time for the Grand Finally.  With the cool breeze moving over Lake Michigan, there came strength, vitality and excitement. Culminating in what might prove to be the most fruitful day of evangelism for me to date.    Sunday morning at about 5:20am the Jesus Truck and Trailer roared to life, off to a day and evening at the beach ending at night with a literal Bang!

On arrival it looked like things were not going to work out as planned.  Even after confirming the protocol twice earlier in the week with those in charge. The detail that seemed to present a problem was, “we cannot allow any trailers to park here during the event”.  I simply told them what I was told and was quiet.

A little while later they made a conditional exception saying that they would allow me to park in the sand.  Again a bit of silence was in order. (This has proved to be a valuable commodity time and again). During which, I appealed to God.  Just then I was told to pull ahead and stop at the office for further instruction.  So I did just that and after answering a couple of questions I was given the green light to go and park anywhere I desired which would not be in the sand.  They apologized for the miscommunication and that I would have to pay for two parking places at $6 each. I’m thinking are you kidding me? $12 no problem and Praise God!  So I parked and walked about a mile and a half to get coffee. (Pretty good to get through this without having coffee, yes?)

  I guess I should tell you what all the excitement is about.  Michigan City celebrates Independence Day on the Sunday following the actual day of the 4^th when it does not fall on a Sunday naturally.  Thousands of people from miles around come for a day on the beach of Lake Michigan (Washington Park) which culminates with a grand fireworks display.

With the people rolling in, weather in the low 80’s and a nice breeze blowing in from over the water; it was Showtime. At about 10am I lowered the ramp door of the trailer, cranked up the praise and worship music and turned on the Video. (Scenes from Passion of The Christ). This continued for more than 12 hours. God was all in this day.  Multiplied hundreds of people heard praises being lifted up to God.  The gospel was seen in graphic detail.

Washington Park Michigan City, Indiana 7.8.2012

 God blessed me with the boldness to set the stage and maintain it throughout the day and this without any doubt or fear.

I was blessed to share the massage of reconciliation between God and man numerous times today, blessed to rightly divide the Word of Truth to edify the brethren and blessed to be encouraged and ministered to by brethren.  Not to withstand mentioning the same Word of wisdom that was delivered to me two different times this week.

Washigton Park Michigan City, Indiana

Talk about being blessed coming and going? Pouring out a blessing so much as having not room enough to contain it?  To the prosperity gospel of our day I say keep your trash because I know it to be counterfeit or better yet; why don’t you throw it away too and put on The Lord Jesus Christ that you may be a joint Heir with Him in God’s Eternal Kingdom

 Praise God again and again!  The Spirit of God is within me, God’s Word is in me and God is with me! 

There are a multitude of things I’m thankful for but these are two that come to mind now: 

To my Dear Brother in Christ Tim King, 

  Thank you for the Generator that powered the audio, video and a fan to keep the equipment cool the whole day on 1 gallon of gas! Based on previous usage I thought I should have brought more fuel.  But, “God kept it going nonstop for more than 12 hours!”

Happy Independance for Eternity c/o Jesus Christ!

 To my Dear Sister in Christ Sue Castlemare,

  Thank you for the “The Cross Pennies” that have and continue to be an effective evangelism tool.  To date, I cannot think of any other means that so concisely represent the gospel message, travels so well no matter the conditions to which it may be subjected and talk about the most bang for the buck!  I’m mindful of the two mites that the widow gave and what Jesus said about that.  I know the context was different but I’m confident that at 2 cents each; treasures are being stored up in heaven as a reward for good stewardship.

 Thanks to each and every one of you that have joined with me in Christ to carry The Message of The Cross to a Lost and Dying World.  It is with surety that I believe: The fruit which is of Christ along this journey will abound to you all.   

  As I pen the last words of this week’s course it is difficult to express what I feel for the Steorts family who opened there home to me. Thanks Ken & Kathy, Meagan, Grace and Dan.  Last night while I was thinking of you the Lord comforted me in making me mindful that even the best friendships of the world are temporary but those formed in Christ are Eternal.  So by faith I lay hold to that promise, looking forward to the next time I see you.  Please contend earnestly for the faith to the very end and know that I’m here for you in any way the Lord may have me to be.

Meet Grace & Daniel (Dan)

       God willing, I’ll write to you again next week about this time. Again I Thank you for the prayers and support.  Be strong in the faith and step out of your comfort zone this week and see what God will do.    I’m sure you will be surprised and not disappointed. 

In the Love of Christ, May you grow in His Graces.     Agape, David                    

Update: Week of June 24th thru July 1st 2012

First let me fill in a blank. When I finished the 4th stop in Minnesota which was Milwaukee, I caught a flight out of Chicago to Richmond, VA (6-24 thru 7-1). This was planned about 7 weeks prior and was Top Secret. This was just four weeks after I left my hometown of Chester, VA and the Calabrese family. I love them and was missing them so much. When I remembered that Tony’s birthday was June 29th I thought it would be so cool to show up unannounced to surprise him.

Now fast forward 11 weeks (11towns) since leaving this past resurrection Sunday.

Factoring in the variable challenges during this leg of the journey; one may see that a short retreat would be just what the doctor ordered. So on 6-24 I set out on the covert operation and about 8:20pm I knocked on my brother Tony’s front door and BAM! Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Brother Tony NY!

So the week home was off to a great start. It was nice to see familiar territory and surprising friends and family. But majority of the week was spent with Tony, Bridget, Montana, and Anthony. The fellowship was sweet, the food awesome and most precious was discipling one another.

The week went by very quick and it’s difficult to fine good in that. Now looking back I realize how much I wanted to stay with them. So a week might have been just right after all. Oh of course it’s “what the doctor ordered”.

Back to: The Journey 50 States One True Story Jesus!

Arriving safely in Chicago; Praise God! Then to Liberty International University where I found my truck and trailer well cared for. Praise God! Thanks Liberty and Brother Michael Garner.

Sunday night I set out for stop #3 in Indiana which turned out to be Michigan City and Portage, Indiana. What a great week, will write about the week and post by tomorrow God willing.

Agape, David

   The first impression was; Wow, this place is really big. 

  Sunday morning I arrived in time to attend church service and a sermon on how much children need their fathers.  Of course I say amen. But this is a Christian congregation and I’m thinking surely they know this or am I being too presumptuous?   After that I went downtown for a while and then to evening service at Souls Harbor Baptist Church.  Okay now that’s what I’m talking about, God’s word being preached and its application being exhorted.  Here, I was welcomed in the love of Christ.  This was home base for the week here in Milwaukee.  Monday I set out to cover as much ground as possible and as of Wednesday, The banner of Christ had been flown in central downtown and out in every direction from there. But I was a bit disappointed, I had thoroughly spied out the land, but had not engaged one on one as many as I would have liked to. So that night I asked the Lord to renew my strength, increase my faith and to give me the boldness to finish strong.

Thursday afternoon I spent some time admiring the beauty of Lake Michigan and while doing so I thought this would make a great background for a video.  So I got my camera and worked my way down the cliff a little and made a short video about the Gospel.  

Afterwards I headed across town to attend evening service at Souls Harbor Baptist Church and something very special happened.  I was driving thru downtown Milwaukee, it was about 6pm in what I call the bar district; I stopped at a traffic light and noticed a man running towards me and instantly I rolled the window up halfway.  This was going down quick and I did not have any idea what!  I thought ok Lord here we go.  When the man got to the truck he reached inside, handed me a red rose and said, “From Christ brother” then he left. This guy who I have never seen just bolts out of the crowd, delivers this rose in the name of Christ and leaves.  No comment about anything else?  Before the light changed I was fighting back tears.  Remembering what I had prayed the night before, I knew this rose was from the Lord!  I mean I just stopped for the light, there was no flower stand here, the urgency of the approach, the three words, From Christ brother and he was gone. That’s crazy and I know the memory of this will not soon fade away.  The Lord had come through again.  During the course of the day I had been amazed by the beauty of God’s handiwork, and then I experienced the intimate Love of Christ and later was encouraged by believers in the most unlikely of places.

So as you may expect by now the rest of the week would not find me slow to go nor slow to speak anywhere!

  Looking back I remember how Milwaukee was intimidating in its size and how it looked dangerous in some places.  This really tested my faith and to an extent I fell short of my own expectations.  Then Wednesday I went to the Lord and Wow how He blessed me.  I think about this week’s challenges, those of past weeks and how virtue has gone out of me time and again. Then I see Gods’ faithfulness to answer my prayers that I may finish strong.  I have wondered why it’s this way and shouldn’t I be able to stay fired up? After all, all I want is to go out in a blaze of glory!  But now I believe that if I was amped up all the time, I might not give God the Glory that He deserves. This verse comes to mind;   And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Co 12:9) 

In closing, I want to thank Pastor Paul Hoover and the brethren at Souls Harbor Baptist Church for extending the Love of Christ to me this week. This stop in
Milwaukee marks the completion of the call to the State of Wisconsin. The
Journey 50 States One True Story Jesus!

To everyone I have met along the way I sincerely thank you for the encouragement, prayers and support. Keep praying as I’m realizing the benefits. God willing,
I’ll write to you again about this time next week.   Agape,  David Banton