Fresno, California 2013

Monday evening I arrived in Fresno and was glad to find a Chick Fila.  Returning to the truck I noticed a couple looking that way so I approached them.  They were excited about the cross after we had talked awhile, Steve asked so what are you doing now? I told them I was going to look for a church where I could unhook and park my trailer for the week.  Steve said to his wife Janet, why don’t we call your dad to see if David can park at his church.  That call took about 1 minute and I had a great place to call home here. You may recall difficulty I experienced just last week in LA.  But this week I did not have to wander around and through town knocking on any doors.  Praise God!  Thanks Steve, Janet and Victory Tabernacle Church of Clovis!

Settling in on Tuesday I wrote about the previous week’s events in LA and did laundry.   Wednesday I went to spy out the land for ministry opportunities.  Fresno was much smaller than the last two stops and I did not meet any co laborers so the challenge was to trust totally in the Lord and go wherever He directed.  While driving around downtown I noticed people filing down the sidewalks and found they were going to a minor league baseball game.  I parked and walked awhile when I turned the corner and saw a crowd waiting to be admitted into the stadium.  I was spying out the land for Thursday, Friday and Saturday but right before there were many souls standing and waiting.  I could not just turn around and leave, so I prayed, walked up the stairs and facing the crowd the Holy Spirit blessed me to herald the glorious gospel of God.  This went on until the line was down to a few and a security officer asked me to leave.  To which I complied and praised God for the gift of preaching!  Amen

Here’s the link to an excerpt of the Gospel preached:http://youtu.be/75Xziy2jUeA

Later I met a security officer who approached me about the truck.  George was so moved by the cross, He told of how he was from Egypt having won a lottery to come here and he has been here 3 years. George told of Jesus being there as a child and said the people in Egypt were waiting for Jesus to come and do a miracle there.  I told him that Jesus had done the miracle in the work of the cross and the next miracle will be in His second coming.  I explained the miracle of being born again and how you may know that you have eternal life.  George took it all in as the Holy Spirit was at work. I went back to visit with George a couple of times and will not soon forget our time together.

Thursday evening there was an event at the Sierra Vista Mall from 6-9pm called Rock the Mall.  I arrived about 2hrs early and maybe you already guessed I parked right at the entry way.  Hundreds of people filed in and out by the Jesus Truck.  I expected I might preach aloud between music sets but not this time because I would have been asked to leave. The Lord was at work with the Word and the Cross on full display.  An odd thing happened as earlier a lady approached enquiring about the Truck then saying ok I’ll be back.  About two hours later she returned very politely asking a few questions about ministry and then things turned personal.  Noticing no ring on my hand she made a few flattering comments then she asked don’t you desire a wife, don’t you want to go back to the life you had?  O’ no here I go: Go back to what?  I was lost but now I’m found, dead but now I live!   Jesus Christ has saved me!  I know love, security, provision and joy that never fail. I have eternal life through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and I belong to Him!  To which she responded something like oh, okay just thought I’d ask.  Of course that was straightforward and maybe a bit rough.  I don’t know for certain her intentions’ but it was a temptation from the enemy of my soul. “The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1) Amen.

Friday evening there was a rap concert at the Fresno Convention Center where I handed out gospel tracks to approximately 95% there.  The crowd was so young, maybe that’s why so many received the tracts.  Well no, I think it was because the Lord went before me to prepare hearts.

Saturday night I went to River Park Mall which is upscale and an outdoor mall.  The parking lots were full with cars lined up to go in and other coming out.  I thought the best way to minister here was to get the PA system out and preach the gospel.  So, at the bus stop across the street from the biggest parking lot it was time to go, stand and speak.  In other words it was time for me to confess the Lord Jesus Christ again and again.  Maybe you’ve heard the expression, “They overcame by the Blood of the lamb and the Word of their testimony.”  So that I may encourage you; it is every Christian’s daily duty to confess Jesus Christ is Lord.  This is how we ought to start each day and then as faith increases we will look to repeat it again and again.  This repetition may take on differing forms as each one is gifted of The Holy Spirit and it will always be for purpose of God being glorified.  Amen.   Back to the story: While I preached Jesus and Him crucified for the remission of sin, I observed people across the street in the parking lot and others at the ATM standing still listening.  The preaching went on for about an hour before my voice started cracking so I packed up and left. Here again God provided the Word, Protection and I am praying for those who heard. Praise God!

Sunday morning I enjoyed Praise and Worship at Victory Tabernacle.  Afterwards I went for a drive to get something to eat. While driving through Downtown Clovis one block over I noticed a crowd and looking down the next block there was another crowd.  I went to get a closer look and found that the street was closed off for several blocks and the crowd had gathered to look at antiques, visiting shops and local venders.  I thought I was going to get something to eat and I did grab a hotdog but I knew it was time to preach again.  This day I tried preaching from a different vantage point, which happened to be in the middle of the street in the center of the intersection. No one was walking there and the projection of my voice would be enhanced by the surrounding structures. With amplification not needed all there was to do was pray, go, stand and speak.  So it happened that for more than 20 minutes all were compelled to come to Jesus Christ. Afterwards a young man wearing leather made a rapid approach to say thank you and with a sternness he said, “Keep on doing this brother don’t stop.”

Here’s a link to an excerpt of the Gospel call:http://youtu.be/mVd8QO26iig

Then another gentleman came to me saying, thank you brother you really encouraged me, you know I go to college campuses to share the gospel but here in my own hometown I have not.  Then He said pray for me that I may preach right now.  So then my friend Rod stood in the middle of the intersection and preached about the prodigal son.  Then he stood there alone singing a hymn before the people.  Wow how that blessed me.  Thank you Brother Rod because in humility you confessed your weakness about not sharing the gospel, then you walked in faith by standing out speaking God’s word aloud and what devotion was expressed as you sang unto the Lord before all present. Praise God!  Amen.

So encouraged I moved two blocks down, standing in the intersection the gospel was heralded.  Opposition came twice in an effort to impede the Gospel from being heard.  But the Holy Spirit kept speaking which caused frustration and I think maybe brought embarrassment to those who come thinking they are being heroic before men.  So the preaching continued and just as I was finishing a police officer approached.  Whom, I greeted with a smile and handshake.  I was told they had received two complaints that I was bothering people and asked for my identification.  She said I have been listening to you and you have every right to exercise your 1^st amendment rights.  Just be sure not to impede the flow of traffic and do not come after or approach people.  Just use your best judgment because if we get another call we may have to go a bit further looking into the specifics of the complaints.  Then after the records check came back we parted ways amicably.  It was finished, so I walked around talking to some folks and while doing so several thanked and encouraged me. Again, Praise God!

It was time to prepare to go to the next stop along:  The Journey 50 States One True Story JESUS!

I included the links above to show how God continues to bless me to be faithful in answering His call!  This week as those past there are many of whom the Lord has sent to encourage me and I am so very grateful for each one.  To all the Saints that have and continue to support me as I go, certainly you have blessed me beyond measure and adequate words escape me.  But the confidence that I have towards you all in this is that God has missed nothing and in due time He will exalt you. So, to God be the Glory great things He has done!

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

Agape, David

Los Angeles, California 2013

Monday leaving Las Vegas there was great rejoicing as the wall of fear was crushed by The Almighty. Hallelujah!  Then there’s Los Angeles, a big City indeed where the roads are wide, intertwined, rough and crowded.  The ride from Vegas had its own test but now it intensified.  There was nowhere to park as space was so limited and parking prohibitions were everywhere.  There were gates, fences, no parking signs and cables hung across entry ways to church parking lots. There came a point that I would have moved on not stopping in LA but I could not be sure of finding parking even if I drove an hour north.  Exhausted and frustrated I parked and trusted the Lord to keep me through the night.  When I awoke my mourning was turned to Joy and here I have written some of it;

Tuesday morning I had the privilege of meeting some of the staff at Living Waters ministry.  Living Waters is an evangelism ministry.  They have an international television broadcast called On the Box.  They produce a varied assortment of gospel tracts, courses of study in evangelism and conduct seminars with hands on training around the country. This is a link to their website: www.wayofthemaster.com

Then I was able to sit in on the live morning telecast.  Afterwards some of the staff came out to see, “The JESUS Truck.”  This is when I met Marvin and Jaylean who invited me to park the trailer at their home.  Praise God!   Later that evening we enjoyed fellowship and dinner at Santa Monica Beach.  Wow this day was so much better than the previous and it continued.

Wednesday morning it was up and on the road at 6:15am going to the North Metro Station to street preach, handout tracts and do one on one witnessing.  I went to support and learn from Brother Tony who has been street preaching for years and it was great to spend time alongside of Him.  Tony is known to guard his microphone as not to hand it to anyone that wants to preach, so when He offered it to me I was humbled and with gratitude I preached Jesus Christ and Him Crucified for the remission of Sin.  Praise God! Amen.  You can go to Tony’s website here to learn more about his fulltime ministry: www.tmiano.com

Meet Brother Tony Miano

Wednesday evening I met Brother Jason Roberts and a crew of about 16 who go around the country sharing the gospel. They have a sign ministry, tracts and Bibles, one on one witnessing and street preaching as the Lord leads. This day we loaded up two vans and went to the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA to minister before the Rolling stones Concert.  From 5 to 8:30pm the signs were lifted up for all to see, tracts, Gospels of John were handed out.  Here I met Brother Robbie when I heard a clear clarion call to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sin.  Wow what an encouragement for me to continue Lifting up my voice! So then at the main entrance Ronnie Preached on the Right and I on the Left to hundreds as the waited and slowly filed in to see the Rolling Stones.  I remember Ronnie preaching, “The Stone Rolled away! The Stone Rolled Away! The Stone Rolled Away!”   Afterwards at home we had a meal, fellowship and shared testimonies.

 Thursday I joined Jason Roberts and crew going Downtown Los Angeles to the Toyota Center to minister as the fans came to see the LA Kings playoff game. This was another great evening of sharing the gospel and fellowship afterwards.

Friday evening I enjoyed the privilege of going to Downtown Long beach to street preach alongside Brothers Joraycia and Tony from 5:30 to 8pm.

Saturday morning I went to Rodeo Drive and parked there.  The expressions were priceless.  At the crosswalks and walking with those crossing I spoke the gospel at a medium volume and in a compelling way.  I believe I saw the Holy Spirit at work in more than a few that morning.

Rodeo Drive LA, CA

  Then I was off to Huntington Beach and from 1:30 to 3:30pm I worked alongside Ray Comfort and Scotty as they gave the good person test and shared the gospel with many.  Ray is the founder of Living Waters and I encourage you to check out there ministry here: www.livingwaters.com

Meet Ray Comfort

Saturday evening it was time for a repeat performance at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA as the Rolling Stones were on again.  So it was with Brother Jason and the crew.  We had another great evening of diverse ministry where hundreds were impacted for the cause of Jesus Christ.  Afterwards we had a meal and great fellowship.  Then time to say good bye because Jason and the team were leaving in the morning for Chicago, IL for about a four week mission’s trip there.  Jason and friends are family to me and I miss them already but the cool thing is that in about 8 weeks our Journeys will intersect again. Yes!

When Sunday came I was ready for some rest so that is what I did.  The week was busy and went by fast.  In fact I had not seen Marvin and Jaylean since Tuesday night.  But Sunday night we had a few minutes to catch up and encourage one another.  We would have loved to have been able to spend more time together but were glad to hear about all the ministry opportunities God provided.  Here again I met true family in the Lord Jesus Christ.  Thanks again Marvin and Jaylean, until I may see you again.

Meet Marvin and Jaylean

 The Lord has abundantly blessed me the week in Los Angeles, CA.  What started out stressful and frustrating turned into a fruitful and most memorable week. I thank God that I did not keep going or pass over this stop in LA.  The gospel was preached to hundreds and I met dear family members here.  This is most precious and the joy it brings is fuel to continue; The Journey 50 States One True Story JESUS! 

Brethren that you may be encouraged to come up a little higher meditate on this:

 Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the LORD. (Isaiah 2:5) Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. (Isaiah 60:1)  For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6) to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ (Acts 26:18)

                                                                                                Amen.

Thank you all for every prayer you offer on my behalf that the Glorious Gospel of God may go forth into the entire nation.  For every encouragement and provision as each is very dear to me. What more could I desire but to live to honor the One who died for us and rose again. Until next week God willing I will write to you again.

                                                                   Agape, David

Las Vegas, Nevada 2013

I rolled in Monday night April 29^th in the dark then all of a sudden there was a sea of lights.  About 30 minutes later I arrived at Hope Baptist Church and for the 1^st week this was home base.  On the way here I had a setback when I was about half way from Flagstaff a tire blew on the trailer which ripped the fender apart.  So I unhooked the trailer and took the wheel off and drove about 35 miles to get a new one.  I was not comfortable leaving everything onside the desert road and was glad to see it there when I returned. Then I removed the ripped fender put the new tire on and drove to get the other tire they had so there was a new one on each side.

So this was how the week started.  I was still nursing lower back pain as well.  That along with the fact that I had to repair the fender to make the trailer street legal was trying to say the least.  The good news is that I was able to find a fender and by Monday I had primed, undercoated, painted and attached it to the trailer.  I was also blessed to have the other 2 trailer tires replaced.

Early in the week I met up with a friend of mine Chris through Facebook.  Chris heads up the Los Vegas Outreach and is a member of First Baptist Church of the Lakes.  I was invited to go out Friday night to join other street preachers and was excited about that.  Then Friday evening about 5:00 while I was in Wal-Mart I started to have hard abdominal pains and I thought oh no not again.  I called Brother Kris in Louisville, KY again and asked Him to find out where the nearest VA hospital was.  Then I went to lie down and when I awoke in the morning the pain was gone.  Praise God!  Saturday evening I went to my friends Chris and Shannon’s for fellowship and dinner which was the best.  Afterwards on my drive home through the Las Vegas Strip I was burdened seeing the masses walking up and down the sidewalks.  What I mean is life is short and eternity is rapidly approaching everyone out there on the streets!  I know the certainty of death and the coming judgment of God!  I know that faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the only remedy!  While all this was going through my mind I saw a billboard which read; “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.  No, God is not mocked for whatsoever a man sows that also shall he reap!”  Not only did that confirm the burden on my heart for those people, but as I applied the same principle to my week of weak ministry there.  I concluded that it would be shameful for me to leave having not raised my voice crying out Jesus Christ and Him Crucified for the Remission of Sin!  Then I saw clearly that I had allowed the enemy of my soul to come in a little at a time until a stronghold was established.  Specifically FEAR!  I’ve made it known that the desire of my heart is to be spent for the namesake of the Lord Jesus Christ.  God indeed knows and of course the devil does too.  The reoccurring back, abdominal pain and other deterrents most likely are not coincidental.  Furthermore the Lord provided a PA sound system about 5 weeks ago now and the only use had been a couple test ran in the church parking lot. Now to the point; I thought this is enough and it was time to walk in faith.  I thought of the wall of Jericho and saw that wall as the stronghold of fear keeping me from making public proclamations of the gospel.  The plan of attack was to stay another week in Las Vegas and every day God gave me the ability to physically go then I would go!  No matter what I would not let fear be a factor and I trusted that if I went for 7 days straight then the wall like at Jericho would come down.

I shared this with Brother Chris and with First Baptist Church of the Lakes.  They prayed for and invited me to park at their location for the week.

Here’s a brief recap of the 2^nd week:

Monday May 6^th or Day 1 at Freemont Avenue and East Canopy.  Preached aloud several times off and on from approximately 6:30 to 11:30pm.  Accompanied by; Brother Drew who lifted up a wooden cross, Ed and George handed out tracts, engaged many in explaining the gospel and at times they engaged those who came to interfere with the preaching of the gospel.

Tuesday May 7^th   Day 2 at Bellagio Fountain Las Vegas Blvd. Preached aloud taking turns with Brother Chris Raymond  7:30 till 10:30.

Wednesday May 8^th Bellagio Fountain 4:30 to 6:00pm Preached Solo.

Thursday May 9^th Bellagio Fountain 8:15 to 10:45pm Preached Solo.

Friday May 10^th Bellagio Fountain 7:30 till 10:30pm Accompanied by Brothers Steven and Tony who preached about a block away while I preached at what I call my spot in Vegas now.

Saturday May 11^th, Day 6 Bellagio Fountain 8:30 to 10:00 Preached Solo.

Sunday May 12^th Day 7 Bellagio Fountain 7 to 9pm Accompanied by Steven and Sister Lydia who handed out gospel tracts and engaged  one on one with those who stopped. Brother Chris and I alternated Preaching.

Brethren for seven days God kept me, the Holy Spirit moved through me that the name of the Lord JESUS Christ and JESUS Christ and HIM Crucified was preached to hundreds each of the seven days!  Praise God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit!!!  The stronghold has been crushed the wall of fear has come down!  Hallelujah!

Here’s a link to one of many preaching sessions http://youtu.be/-56T81FqZRE

Here’s a personal entry I made on April 26^th, 2013.  “Am so inadequate to sufficiently carry out this calling.  God must do it!  Holy Spirit come fill me Please!  Amen.”

There are many things that happened those two weeks in Las Vegas and I know that what happens in Vegas does not stay in Vegas. Talk about impacting the world for the Lord Jesus Christ, strategically speaking this place must rank high as one of the best locations in America to preach the gospel aloud in the streets.  Being confident that the Word which was preached will accomplish that which God intended, I pray that many who heard have come to saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  As for the others my prayer is that the Holy Spirit will brood over them, bringing conviction of sin leading to Godly repentance and that other laborers be sent to water the seed sewn. Amen.

Thanks to all who provided my needs, encouraged and prayed for me.  I have been richly blessed by you, humbled and encouraged. To my Brothers and Sisters on the front line it was an honor to go into the fields and labor alongside of you.

Dearest Brother Chris and Sister Shannon,

With a few tears as I remember how you took me in as your own, I hope to see you again this side of heaven and simply say “Thank you” that is until I see you again this side or the other.    Agape

The banner of Jesus Christ was flown throughout and around Las Vegas, the gospel was preached aloud in the streets. Thus, God has blessed me abundantly being spent for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ’s great name. O’ to the Joy of the Holy Spirit and To God be the Glory!!!  Amen.

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

Agape, David

Note I Hope to post a link to a couple videos within 24 hrs.