Eugene, Oregon

  Welcome to Oregon.  Would you look at all those mountains and they have trees all over them!   400 plus miles of nonstop beauty which I spent the better part of 12 hours struggling to maintain a safe balance between watching the road and admiring the scenery. About 9 hours into the journey I arrived in Grants Pass.  After getting a bite to eat I pulled into the gas station, got out to pump gas but there was this guy between me and the pump.   So I said, “What’s up?” Then he answered, “What are you doing?”  I thought I’m tired but started; “I’m on a journey through the country sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ…..but would you step aside a bit so I can get gas?”  Then He said, “You can’t pump your gas here.”  I wondered is this guy going to buy my gas.  But then he told me that no one can pump their own gas in the State of Oregon.  I really didn’t believe the guy and thought this must be a joke.  Yet there he was still in my way and when he asked how much do you want?  I said fill it up but I stayed right there watching him; would he overfill it and would he tighten the gas cap at least 3 clicks?  Well everything worked out and as soon as I got a second opinion I believed the guy.  So, now you know that if you go to Oregon; (Relax) you cannot pump your own gas!  Shortly afterwards as I drove through town I realized that this was not going to be the next stop along the journey.  So I headed north on the interstate and then later I stopped for the night at a rest stop.  Tuesday morning I rolled into Eugene, Oregon and found Berean Baptist Church to call home base.

Mt. Shasta

  I was not in Eugene long before I noticed a similarity like in Grants Pass; which was an openly expressive hostility towards the cross and its message!  This kept me on my toes all week long.  I Praise God for the bright spots, each and every one of them!  

On Wednesday evening there was a bright spot standing along 11^th Street.  I went a block then turned around and that’s when I met brother Monte Botts.   Monte is not ashamed of the gospel and in fact has for many years traveled from town to town to herald the good news. He uses signs, tracts and preaching as the Lord leads him so it goes.  Earlier I made mention of Grants Pass, Oregon well as of this writing brother Monte is there today to answer the Court for a criminal trespassing charge he received when He joined the parade carrying a sign with scripture on it!   No worry, the Lord is with him.  Monte and I had a great time sharing testimonies and what an encouragement he was and is to me even now.  Thanks Monte!

Meet Monte Botts

  After spying out the land I found that there was not much going on.  The transit terminal, “Eugene Station” proved to be a good sowing field.  The targeted market was young to middle aged women.  When I was in Los Angeles, CA about 6 weeks ago Sister Jaylene Daugherty Romero and Brother Tony Miano made lasting impression on me in regard to the issue of abortion.  Because of this I handed out tracts which addressed both the issue of abortion and salvation all in one.  Overall I found women were receptive to the written information and some even willing to talk about it.  There is a really good video produced by Living Waters entitled 18o which contrast the Jewish Holocaust of the 1940’s with the Abortion Holocaust happening in America since the 1970’s.  I think this maybe the most valuable tool to date that we have to effect change. The historical facts of these two horrific events are so well presented that even simple logical reasoning evokes the conscience to cry out; this is wrong, I cannot have anything to do with this, this has to stop!  The video can be viewed on the internet at: www.180movie.com.  You will also find resources that may be purchased so you can make a difference impacting the world for Jesus Christ!  Won’t you please get involved today? 

Saturday was the day I had waited for because there was a Farmers Market Downtown that covered many square blocks and there were people everywhere.  I was all the more eager when upon arrival I saw co laborers at work.  There was a middle aged Asian couple, one holding a sign and the other handing out tracts.  They were so encouraging towards the prospect of the gospel being preached aloud.  So I hurried to get the sound equipment because there were drummers playing nearby and the noise was more than I could speak above.  Upon return, I saw another group holding signs containing scripture and all was well.  At least for a little while but after about three verses of scripture going airborne things changed!  Usually I’ve had what I call the shock factor effect set people back for several minutes and this really allows me to get going if you will.  But this day some of those offended by the gospel were quick to step up to the plate.  While insults came from differing positions in the crowd the first up close encounter was what I call a Christian who thought he ought to come and save the day.  His position was basically that preaching in public was wrong.  One of the brothers holding a sign asked him how he would do it and the guy replied, “You should make friends with people before you talk to them about Jesus.”   The Brother said, “Then you go and do that.”  I thought I was going to laugh out loud but I kept preaching.  Not long after the brother walked away; “Mr. I’m Gonna Stop This” shows up.  When his words failed he moved to take physical action but two things happened that he did not expect and the first was that the space he sought to occupy was no longer available because of instinct I got there before he did and my hand was all that kept him at bay.   While he was crying foul, I kept preaching not knowing what would happen next and then the second thing happened. That’s when an angel stepped between the two of us and after about a minute the little Asian women had sent “Mr. I’m Gonna Stop This” on his way!   Wow, that was close but was it not that God was in control all the time?  Yes I say and praise God!  Amen.    After a little while I stopped preaching because I was tired even though I had not gone on very long.  After entertaining some comments and questions I took a couple of minutes to pray and gather myself that God might grant me courage and strength to preach again.  Once again I raised my voice and the opposition railed but I made it about 12 minutes and then called it a day.  When I packed up I looked to find the Asian couple but they were gone and this saddened me because I didn’t get to say thank you.  Maybe there will be time for that in heaven, I hope so.  The day was still young and I had been invited to a tent meeting that started at 3:00pm.  The funny thing was that I had been invited several times and by differing means throughout the week. First I saw a billboard sign that poised the question; “What if Jesus really meant everything He said?” Then the invitation to come as there would be a tent meeting every Saturday at 3pm. in Eugene.  Early in the week what looked like a parking ticket on my windshield was a gospel tract that included the same invitation.  Remember my friend Monte Botts?  He told me he had gone last Saturday and met some fine people. Then as I prepared to preach the last time Saturday one of the men that was with the group holding signs invited me to go, so that’s what I did.  The preaching was a call to actually obey the commands of the Lord Jesus Christ.  We had a rich time in the word and sweet fellowship. What a blessed way to finish the day.

The Stone Rolled Away! JESUS is Alive!

Before I went to sleep though I wrote these words;

“What could be more arduous than laboring after hearts or persuading men to cast off their tinsel crowns? I do not know. O’ God help me less this is the end!”  David Banton

  Sunday morning I enjoyed worship and fellowship at Berean Baptist Church.  Afterwards I was ready to go to the next stop, and then again that had been the case several times during the week. 

Before I go let me make this appeal to you by saying;

  It really is an eye opener when one reads the commands of Christ without using someone else’s template to fit them to us.  Just as dangerous it may be that each of us has made our own template. Ouch!

 But wait, think about it! How can we really be sure that we are following the Lord unless we diligently seek Him?  To obey Him necessitates that we know His commands. Was JESUS ever vague about anything?  Did JESUS ever suggest anything? I have not found that to be true.  Everything was black and white, there were No gray areas and JESUS never mixed Words.

  Seriously consider these three verses:

Jesus speaking;

And why do you call me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?  (Luke 6:46)

Not everyone that says unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 7:21)

If you love me, keep my commandments. (John 14:15)

  Please look for yourself at the commands of Christ!  How many can you find?  When you read them what does JESUS say?  Will you take JESUS at His Word?  Will you obey JESUS and follow Him?  

    My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: (John 10:27)

Dear Friends, 

  I exhort you to set aside the presuppositions you may have and search the scriptures with childlike faith.  Seek out the commands of Christ, obey and follow Him.  JESUS is the Good Shepard. 

Amen.

    The week in Eugene had its share of bumps and twists but even so I was never alone.  The Lord was with me and working all things according to the council of His will.  In this is the confidence to move on to the next stop along; The Journey 50 States One True Story JESUS!!!

  I love and miss all by beloved brethren.  I appreciate every good thing God has given me through you.  There is joy in thinking that I might see you soon, but for many it will be in the age to come.  Therefore I must by faith believe, thus the smile returns to my face and my heart is full.

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

                                              Most affectionately in Christ,  

                                                                                         David

Reno / Carson, Nevada 2013

  Now back in the State of Nevada to fly the banner Jesus Christ and to preach the glorious gospel. Arriving Monday it was not long until I heard mockery, scorn and contempt towards the Lord Jesus Christ. This attitude would be expressed though out the week at least in Reno. 

  Tuesday I was made welcome at Sierra Bible Church and was blessed to be there for the week.  However the first night my phone was stolen while it was attached to my laptop and I was within 2 feet of it!   Wednesday evening I had a new phone and I guess I will end this topic now.

  Thursday I scouted for places to preach.  That night I was so aware how four days here were gone and it did not settle well with me.  I prayed that God would bless me to finish the week well. 

  Friday evening I was blessed to meet up with Gary, Gary Jr. and Elizabeth in downtown Reno.  Praise God!  They handed out tracts and provided encouragement as I preached the gospel outside the casinos. We had a great time and I was so blessed to meet them.

Along the trail to the summit of Mt. Rose.

  Saturday I drove to the capitol which is the City of Carson.  There was an event where the streets where blocked of for several blocks to raise awareness of domestic violence.  Over one hundred different restaurants and vendors participated.  There were about 5 bands scattered about and one little street preacher in the midst of it all.  Having arrived early I secured permission from the event coordinator on a great place to park and I did.  Well, that lasted for about 15 minutes when the golf cart stopped and the coordinator asked, “Is that your yellow truck?”

When I answered she said, “You will have to move it because we don’t allow any advertising at this event.”  I thought really? No advertising? Maybe it’s no JESUS?  Thinking about the theme raising awareness to prevent domestic violence what better promotion than the Gospel!  No matter I politely complied and found a place just across the same intersection open to public parking. Praise God!  One more thing I thought to be contradictory was how alcohol beverages were abundantly available.  I’m pretty sure alcohol use is close, if not the leading cause of domestic violence.  Right?  Well I could almost hear my Pastor Randy Hahn saying, “David you didn’t come here to win a debate but to share the gospel so move on.”   So I walked around surveying the layout and praying that the Holy Spirit would direct where I was to preach and to grant the courage to do so.  Along the way I met a few police officers, deputy sheriffs and later the Sheriff.  God granted me favor with them. Hallelujah!   Beginning about 7pm I set the public address system on the roof of the truck and preached, broadcasting the gospel across the intersection where I had first set up just across the street.  This was great as there were no bands close by and this was in the center of it all.  Taking breaks I continued until about 8:30, packed up and drove to Reno. 

Sunday morning I attended worship service with the brethren of Sierra Bible Church.  The service was held in the park in Downtown Reno.  The service was great and the weather too. Thanks Pastor David and Brother Terry.  Later, I set out to explore something I had seen afar off all week, Mount Rose Summit.  The drive itself was an adventure with the incline and curves along the way.  I thought I could drive to the summit but there was yet a hike ahead of me.  I spoke with a young man who had just returned, I noticed he had sunscreen on and was diligently wiping down with rubbing alcohol.  Ron was glad to answer my questions and point me in the right direction.  He told of the pace needed in order to get where I wanted to go and to get back before dark.  When I thanked him he replied, “You’re welcome and good luck.”   It was the, “good luck” that struck a chord in me.  What had he meant saying, “Good luck”?  Was it my frame, age or what?  Just to be clear I no longer believe in luck but in the sovereignty of God and using common sense.  But I sure my friend Ron meant well.  It was not long before I began to understand Ron’s actions and words because the trails entry was small, the way narrow and a bit treacherous which lead to the summit!  Did you notice any correlation to scripture in that description? Here’s a hint; it took faith to enter and to continue all the way to the heights. And the scripture is; “For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:14)  Not only did it take faith but it took some work to get there as well. Here I go again with another reference to scripture; “for as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” (James 2:26)   Now more of the story:  Along the way the sights were breath taking.  Like the wildflowers, the evergreen’s needles, the mixture of colors, green meadows, blue water, white snow, rock structures and the sun.  Then there were the elements like the wind, snow, in places loose footing and being apart from mankind in raw nature.  This is the best I can do to describe the journey which left me awestruck with God’s creation. I wondered what the earth looked like before sin entered the world!  Then, what will the new heaven and new earth be like?  This reminded me of: “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)

  Wow how time flies when you are having fun.  Now in every direction there were sights to behold.   Green pastures, still waters, valleys, shadows, more colors than rainbows, mountain peaks, Lake Tahoe and the sun.  Then the journey climaxed in praise and worship for all the great things that God has done and has promised to do!  In other words it was time to; “Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere that Jesus Christ is Lord.” And “What great things God has done!” Surely, God knows what all the noise and jumping was about and I was blessed to know more of the Joy of the Lord!  Hallelujah!  Amen.

The Joy of the Lord!

  Just as night fall came, I made it to the truck and laughed as I saw it sitting alone in the large parking lot.  The run down the mountain had me sitting on the edge of my seat.  The gas mileage was great as I coasted in neutral for more than 11 miles having to brake often. 

What a way to end the week or any week for that matter.  This one in Reno and Carson started somewhat rough and slow but the Lord was and is always with me.  God blessed me to preach the gospel in both cities, I met more dear family members and O’ the mountain top experience!  Praise God! Amen.

   To my beloved Brethren,

  Though I have not made an earnest effort to contact, to thank nor to ask how I may serve you; I do love you, I do thank God for you, I do what to serve you in any way I may and I do hope to rejoice together with you in the Lord!

  May each of you grow in the faith and in the graces of our Lord JESUS Christ!  To God be the Glory great things He has done, He gave us our life when He gave us His Son!!!  

  Until about this time next week and God willing I hope to write to you again.   Agape, David

Sacramento, California 2013

Having Los Angeles, Fresno and San Francisco behind, Sacramento was the final stop in the State of California along; The Journey 50 States One True Story JESUS!!!

On Tuesday I met with the Pastor Kyle Conley of Pioneer Baptist Church of Citrus Hill and we enjoyed a time of fellowship.  Pastor Kyle was glad to provide a place for me to call home for the week.

Pioneer Baptist Church of Citrus Heights, CA Thank You!

The pace of the week was slow or better yet very slow as compared to recent weeks.   Wednesday I posted about the prior week’s events in San Francisco and it was not until Thursday before I really spied out the area for ministry. I could not find any major attractions like sporting events or concerts going on that week.  Finally, I found a place where mostly the locals hang out which is Old Downtown Sacramento.  Additionally I thought around the State Capitol would be a good place to share the gospel.  So that was the plan, but Friday the heat was on at 105 and then again Saturday at 108.  Probably needless to say there were very few people roaming around outside so ministry outdoors was nil.  The upside of this is that I had time to be renewed physically and spiritually.  Spiritually speaking I sought the Lord about being dismayed as how so many people look to be unmoved at all by the gospel.  Does it really matter in the proclamation of the gospel that a person in surety and passion pleads with men to repent and believe?  I know the proclamation of the gospel is the means by which God has ordained for mankind to be saved.  Also how the gospel is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.  So my question is, “Why does it seem that just about everyone could actually careless?”  I’m confident that they can hear, so what’s wrong?  Do they realize they have set their faces as flint against God?  While reflecting on this subject I remembered how I read one of the puritans who God called to go somewhere foreign to preach the gospel.   The preacher went and came back angry saying, “I went to that terrible place to preach the gospel and found that everyone there loved their sin and wanted absolutely nothing to do with Jesus Christ.” Then he wrote, “God why did you send me there?” He wrote God’s reply was, “I did not send you there for them but for ME.”  Wow, that really hit home considering how His word does not return to Him void but accomplishes what He sent it to do.  Along with this, I was reminded that God is always at work, how one sows and another waters but it is God who gives the increase!  I believe the Holy Spirit prompted me to speak more on the Wrath of God that will be poured out on all the ungodly.  My reply; “May it be so and to God be the glory! Amen.

Sunday morning I enjoyed bible fellowship and worship service at Pioneer Baptist Church. Later I went to Old Downtown Sacramento because of two things; the temperature was about 25 degrees cooler, and being Sunday it was time to preach.  After parking I walked around looking for the busiest place and prayed.  The spot was the intersection of 2^nd & K Street.  While I went to get everything I needed, I told the Lord how I had hoped to find someone to go to the streets with me this week and even now it would really be great.  But I know you are with me and have never failed so I go in faith.  After retrieving the equipment I made my way to the intersection.  Getting closer, I noticed a man handing out literature in the road at my intersection.  When I approached he handed me a small piece of white paper which I read.  I thought this is ridicules, Lord you know this is the corner I planned to preach on and what am I supposed to think about this?  Okay, now let me tell you friend that on the small piece of white paper was the gospel. The man was not there when I went to get what I needed to preach! So, I met Ray and asked him a few questions regarding protocol about using amplification to which he responded go for it.  I set up, then preached the gospel using the amp and Ray handed out tracts until they were gone and I was tired.

Hallelujah!! Praise God!!!  Amen.

Meet Brother Ray.

Oh, what an ending to the slower paced week and even more; how awesome are God’s blessings towards me!

I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth.  My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: The humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.               O magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt his name together.  I sought the Lord, and he heard me, And delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:1-4)

So this is how it ends in the State of California along; The Journey 50 States One True Story JESUS!!!

Dear Brethren,

May you be encouraged to come up a little higher and walk a little deeper in faith because the coming of The Almighty is so very nigh unto you:

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.

I sincerely thank all of you for the various ways you support me in the Lords work.  Until next week God willing that I may write to you again.                                           Agape, David

San Francisco, CA 1013

Arriving in San Francisco was no easy thing with the traffic, driving through the clouds and the typography reminded me of Pittsburg, PA.  What I mean is this city sits amidst hills and valleys.  Soon I found parking would be like it was in Los Angeles, almost nonexistent. But unlike LA when I would have gone out of there because of frustration, now I remained calm.  About two hours into the search I came upon a vacant  office park next to a marina and parked long enough to get a good night rest.  In the morning God provided a place to park for the rest of the week at First Baptist Church of South San Francisco.

The Marina San Francisco

Wednesday I rode around town looking for places to preach the gospel and beginning that night here’s a recap through Sunday evening.  Downtown Wednesday night about 9pm I turned on the PA system and preached at a busy intersection for about an hour.

On Thursday, I drove to get a cup of coffee when I noticed a lot of people going the same direction on the sidewalk.  I found that the San Francisco Giants where playing a game in about an hour so I grabbed my bag and headed for the stadium.  Talk about impromptu, I was just getting the first cup of Java for the day.  None the less, once there I set the PA system up and preached the gospel while many filed in to see the game.  About 20 minutes into it I noticed a police officer who stood listening for a minute or two and then walked away. Praise God! I stayed until the crowd dwindled. On the walk back to my vehicle although being drained by the preaching, I was singing and praising God for blessing me. Hallelujah! Amen.  A little later around 4pm I found Union Square which is a park right in the middle of the downtown San Francisco shopping district.  The locals and tourists from around the world came by this way and many congregated here.  So at the corner of Geary and Powell St.  I walked up the stairs, set up the PA and facing the intersection the gospel was heralded aloud.  During which I heard a few snide remarks which is expected, later as I neared closing there came a very vile mouth man screaming in my face but to no avail. The Holy Spirit kept the words of the gospel going out of my mouth, the vileness left and continuing until tired I closed.  What a day this was and I slept well.

Friday I enjoyed exploring the board walk along the bay downtown.  People were coming, going, coming and going.  I thought I would preach there if not that day another but that did not happen.  What did happen was I bought a piece of fresh baked olive bread, a cup of hot tea, then sat on a bench overlooking the bay, gave thanks to God and basked in the blessedness of God towards me.  Oh the olive bread and tea was so good.  Afterwards, I felt so rejuvenated and headed for Union Square.  It was Friday evening around 6pm and the place was bustling so it was time to impact the world for The Lord Jesus Christ!

Then at the top of the stairway, the PA system set with the volume high and the Holy Spirit moved that the Proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ and Him Crucified for the remission of sin went out for all to hear. A while into it an Asian woman waved from across the intersection until I waved back, confirming the word was being clearly heard that far away and what encouragement it brought to me. Hecklers quickly came and went until near the end one stood to the right of me and this one did indeed try my patience.  He stayed a while, and then politely excused himself when the police officer came up the stairway to speak to me.  The officer was very professional when he informed me that the use of sound amplification was not allowed.  He stated, “I’m also a Christian and appreciate what you are doing just don’t use amplification, but Carry On.”  With this I had no problem and I praised God for the honor to be able cry aloud the time He gave to me.

Here’s a video clip of Friday evening: http://youtu.be/2AFuJHv0Tx8

Saturday evening I return to Union Square and instead of preaching out across the road intersections I did post as to speak to those in the park.  So without the amplification the gospel was proclaimed.   All Glory be to God!  Amen.

Sunday morning I attended worship service at The Russian Tabernacle as I had met one of the pastors and his wife earlier in the week that extended the invitation.  Although I did not understand the words of the hymns I thought how awesome the choirs of heaven must sound with all the differing tribes singing unto God.  The message was preached with an interpreter and the Lords Supper was administered after due reflection. The time here was very special and the memory will long be with me.  Thank you.

Sunday evening I drove downtown to reminisce about the weeks activities.  I remembered how it was when I arrived, how the housing was stacked so tight and the major attraction being high end shopping. I was really at a loss as to understanding why so many live here.  Esthetic beauty could hardly be found and what of a quiet place to sit and think?  I thought of the people from differing parts of the world who flock here and for what?  To be able to shop the best name brands? I wonder if they think this is; “America at its best.”  In my estimation it’s not even close!  Does this not speak so very loud of materialistic idolatry?  This week the Lord has had me to plead, plead and plead again for souls to be saved!  But did any really have ears to what the Spirit of the Lord said?  Are they not altogether deaf and dead men walking straightway into eternal destruction? Will not such as heard the word of the Lord and ignore it suffer even greater damnation?  No doubt that will be the case and the weight will be on each one as God metes it to each in His perfect judgment! O dear brethren let us not lose hope in pleading for the souls of the lost!  May we be all the more diligent in obeying the great commission!  No doubt the Lord our God is always at work, even when we faint He does not and so we can say; To God be the Glory great things He has, He is and He will do!  So Rejoice and again I say Rejoice for the Lord is our Shepherd!  Amen.

Sunday evening as I stood looking at the people in Union Square I was moved to go, stand and preach one more time.  On this occasion I walked out and turned to face those sitting in the sun, calling them to repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  O’ God help them all!  Amen.

Here’s a video clip of Sunday service in Union Square;http://youtu.be/LO8kGYPp5c4

In closing I’m not so sure of what to say except:

The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
 He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.    Amen.            (Psalm 23)

Until next week, God willing I may write again.  Love you all!

David