Now again the publics response to the, “JESUS” Truck took honors at the local Wal-mart. Each night as the skies darkened the camera flashes would begin. I mean this, “JESUS” Truck caused traffic jams and all I had to do was respond. This caused me to smile every night that I was here. So being in the wilderness is not quite as bad as it sounds. In fact it might be my fault. How is that? Well I’m glad you asked. I guess that maybe I had started going into town looking for the excitement to come to me. Well it’s just like walking into a new church and practically no one says hello. I would leave feeling somewhat down. But then wait a minute: I’m traveling around the country to encourage the brethren and to share the gospel of JESUS Christ. So I’m the one that should exude the joy of the LORD! Well now that’s a new perspective!  So when I went to church today I made out like I was the greeter and in town much the same.   Guess what? Lo and behold it’s been a great day and I’m still in North Dakota. Praise GOD!!!

Taken after the video, go ahead watch it.

Pretty cool yeah?

   Okay now I want to share with you what is maybe the most beautiful site that I’ve seen along the journey.

Wow yes, Wow!

Wow again!

  Of this past week I don’t have exciting stories nor any great works of God working through me that I know to tell. Yet the banner of the LORD JESUS Christ has been flown in Grand Forks, North Dakota and what a honor it has been. Now a new week on the journey has dawned in Minot, North Dakota. The LORD is with me and I am well. I am in much gratitude for the kindness you’ve expressed in words and deeds but most of all I’m grateful for your continued prayers.

   And here is a prayer request; Ask the LORD to send enthusiastic believers to encourage me and that I would make the most of each and every day no matter the place or circumstances.

   Note: Beginning next week I hope to post my schedule several weeks in advance so that if you know Christians there, then maybe I could meet them. Thanks.

  As I continue along the Journey it is with hope that GOD willing, I will update you again about this time next week.

Agape, David

Contact Email: david@hiscall888.com

For Ministry Information, Call Kris @ (502) 594-0451

  Well now, Stop #17 is done. Fargo, North Dakota took me by surprise in that I now know how much I’ve been blessed to live in the State of Virginia. I mean the Blue Ridge Mountains and Virginia Beach as bookends. Now I’m sure GOD blessed North Dakota with beauty that even I may be able to see, it’s just that I have not seen it yet. In fact I didn’t even have one picture that I took so on the way out on Saturday evening I stopped to take two pictures. These should be put in the tourist information brochures.

Visitor Center, I'm the only one there and it's not much bigger than my truck!

  Okay the real highlight the week was when I parked outside the Wal-Mart and watched dozens of people stop to look at The JESUS Truck and take pictures. It was so cool that I went there most every evening. Coming in at a close second was the first two days that I spent at the shopping Mall delivering invitations by personal delivery to peoples shopping bags. (Invitations to accept the gift of GOD!) Along the way I would strategically place a few invitations throughout the stores and some in places like inside appliances, jacket pockets and even in manikins hands. On the second day I received a call from brother Kris in Louisville, Kentucky. He asked, “where are you right know?” I said, “I’m at the mall” then he told me that he had just gotten a phone call from the authorities at the mall getting on him about leaving the invitations around the mall. After Kris was able to convince them that it wasn‘t him they put 2 & 2 together and figured that it must be the person driving the yellow truck with the Cross in it.

  So when I returned to my truck I was greeted by the mall security and two police cars! Talk about a stress test! After I was told not to do that anymore, that I had to leave the property for the day and after the nice police officer checked with the police in Richmond, Virginia they let me go. Oh they had to be sure that the M class on my drivers license allowed me to drive the truck as well as a motorcycle and if not that they would have to confiscate me and the truck. Well the Bible says to be anxious for nothing and that patience is a virtue, both of which were hard that day. So finally they said I could and so I did.

  Just to let you know, I did not go back to that mall anymore. Why? Well although they told me that I could come back as long as I didn’t leave anymore invitations around, I know that they will still be finding invitations during the Christmas shopping season and I think it would be a stretch for me to believe they would believe that I didn’t do it after I was told not to. This I call wisdom.

These are about 300 yards behind the truck and I bet they can hold alot of Cool- Aid!

  So back to the boring stuff. By Wednesday I was ready to leave town. Fargo is the biggest town in the state. There are no hills, trees and a lot of dust. If the rest of the state is much like this than I wanna go home. I mean Heaven or Virginia! Well I can’t do what I want to do as GOD called me to go to the 50 States with One True Story JESUS! I even tried to reason that I made up the part about 4 towns in each State, when that didn’t work I asked how about 4 weeks in the Dakotas combined? GOD didn’t buy that one either. So I’m in Grand Forks, North Dakota my second of 8 stops in the Dakotas. At least someone planted a few trees around town here, Praise GOD!!!

  This week has begun and I’m hoping for more than last. I am confident that this one will be unique as has proved to be the case with all the past. I do know that the Lord is with me and in that I find rest for my soul.

  In closing this short and dusty story; hundreds of people this week in Fargo have had the gospel of Jesus Christ brought before and or to them by invitation. Please pray that the seeds planted this week will help bring many to Christ.

  Please know that I miss many from home and those that I have met along the way. I am in much gratitude for the kindness you’ve expressed in words and deeds but most of all I’m grateful for your continued prayers.

  GOD willing I will update you again about this time next week.

                                                                                               Agape, David

Contact Email: david@hiscall888.com

For Ministry Information, Call Kris @ (502) 594-0451

Wow, how time flies as stop #16 of 200 is now in the history books with just 184 to go.

Each stop to date has shown itself to be distinct and St. Cloud the 4th and final stop in Minnesota is without exception.  Minnesota  has been somewhat of a surprise to me as it shows signs of being in what I call the Bible belt.  What a relief after the last state I was in. Keep in mind that I only met a fraction of the people in Iowa. (oops)  None the less Minnesota has lived up to the tag it wears of Minnesota nice.

  Now back to St. Cloud.  GOD blessed me to arrive on Monday without incident.  By Tuesday I was made welcome at Calvary Community Church.  Ron is the one that insisted that I stay in the annex building just because he said it didn’t seem right to him for me to stay in my truck.   Now Ron must not have a clue how nice my Dodge Ram Truck is. Well I slept under the palm trees for six days and I didn’t get wet once.  Check out the picture and if you talk to my parents tell them that I made my bed.

Okay so I halfway made my bed.

  Tuesday Tyler Wentzel arrived from Bemidji so we could take to the streets for 2 days together and we did.  On Wednesday Tyler and I went to downtown Minneapolis where we reached out to many all day and late into the night.  GOD provided a prime corner parking space where we set the HD TV on the cab of the truck.

Nice spot to set the stage yes?

  The video was at times a show stopper as it called for all to repent and for Christians to examine themselves to see if they were indeed in the faith. 

I think thats cool!

This did not go well with many and some expressed such in a variety of ways.  Oh but the show was just getting started when Tyler climbed into the back of the truck and preached.  Hecklers came and went but Tyler remained steadfast to His calling.  This Tyler is 20 years old and what an encouragement to me as not long after He finished I stood up and began to preach.  This was not planned and I believe it goes much better that way.  So we stayed until the police came and told Tyler to cut the TV off as they had received numerous complaints that evening.  Then a officer walked up to me while I was preaching and said he thought I had some kind of amplification device on.  Then he said I see that you don’t and I’m amazed at how well your voice carries.  The officer was very polite in asking me to consider not speaking so loudly.  Well I know it never pays to argue with an officer so I said okay. Not long after midnight we packed it in and headed back to St. Cloud.  On Thursday after a good night of sleep we drove to Granite City Baptist church this just in time to get right back in the thick of things.  I mean there were protesters in front of the church because a rally was being held in support of same sex marriages only!  What a novel idea.  The sign waving street marching protesters were about to meet a Virginia gentleman touched by JESUS!  That’s me.  I know the gentleman part probably through you off.   Well they had signs and numbers but then I remembered that I had GOD and the JESUS Truck.  So after I got permission from the preacher I moved my sign on the lawn right up to the sidewalk and parked.  I quickly learned that you can’t reason with unreasonable people no matter how nice one tries to be.  So then I resolved to share the gospel no matter what was said.  Well guess what?  They started to dismantle.  So just a short while later they were gone.  Praise GOD!!!

One of many I had the pleasure of meeting.

Soon it was time to see my brother Tyler off to Bemidji.    I was a little sad to say the least but am quit grateful to have shared this part of the journey with him.  And who knows Tyler just may show up on the mission field somewhere down the line.

Meet my brother Tyler Wentzel.

Now I fast forward to Monday morning 6:00 a.m.  With rays of the sunrise sparkling on lake Warner I was so honored to baptize two into the church of JESUS Christ.  Praise GOD!!!  Who would have thought?  What an exclamation  point this was as I leave the State of Minnesota on my way to North Dakota. (That last line sounds like a song doesn’t it?)

The week here draws to an end and as like the others past;  The banner has been flown and the, “Gospel of JESUS Christ” has been shared with many.

  Now I make ready to travel to Fargo, North Dakota.   The game plan is the same but with the experiences of this past week included I am hopeful that I may be better prepared to answer, “HIS Call”.  It is your prayers that I am very thankful for and continue to be in need of.  God willing I will update you about this time next week.

I close this letter with these words Tyler and I penned last week.

On Fire or Luke Warm?

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Commentary

  the Greek word for “seek” in Hebrews 11:6 is different than the other(s) in the New Testament.  It’s intensified and means, “to seek out for one’s self, beg, crave; to demand back, require”–a huge sense of urgency and immediacy.  And without THAT kind of faith, GOD CANNOT BE PLEASED!  How opposite that sounds from the “chuchianity” that prevades America: casual, lax, feel-good, eat-drink-and-be-merry Christianity!   

Now, what church will encourage its members to seek like that?   

The people that favor “peace and comfort” over “taking the Kingdom violently, by force” wind up being those who lose their first love and have to remind themselves that they’re Christians.  The fire never has to tire!  But pew-sitting and a whole host of other activities related to what the average person thinks the “Christian life” is, do well to squelch the Holy Spirit of God it appears.  I look at King David when I want to be refreshed (in the Psalms).  Though utterly sinful, he trusted the Lord and walked with Him in such a way that I think a scarce few today could even come close.  And what was he called?  The “Man After God’s Own Heart.”

Psalm 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Jn 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.  

The choice is Yours and I hope you seek GOD believing GOD to set you on Fire and resist the thief who has many content in being Luke Warm!

Grace!!!
David

Contact Email: david@hiscall888.com

For Ministry Information, Call Kris @ (502) 594-0451

P.S.  I have a Face Book account entitled:  Where is David Banton (For the lastest information.)

Hello!  Stop #15 of 200 Bemidji /Cass Lake goes in the record books as one of the nicer stops to date.

   Though this town is laid back, it provided a wealth of ministry opportunities along with brothers and sisters in Christ to encourage me and to even join ranks with along the way. 

Bemidji Kids along the journey!

  On Tuesday while in Cass Lake I happened on a missions team from Bethlehem Baptist Church of Minneapolis Minnesota.  Then I found out that,  Justin Hoover  also  from   Minneapolis was in Bemidji  for a few days.   Justin and I had the pleasure of taking to the streets together just two weeks earlier.  Thursday we got together with the missions team and went to Cass Lake to minister to the Native American Indians.   The missions team was incredible in the way they demonstrated the compassion of JESUS.  Many lives were touched by them.  Justin had been here before and it was remarkable how he remembered much about them and then to see the receptiveness of the locals to him.  Suffice it to say that I was enriched much this day.

Bethlehem Kids and Justin too!

  On Friday I decided to go to the Red Lake Indian reservation even though I was told by many locals of the danger there.  Along the 40 mile journey I noticed only trees, wild flowers more trees, more wildflowers and then I had to almost lock up the brakes because a crane flew up right in front of me.  Two things; have you seen how big they are and how slow they fly?  Well I didn’t want to see it hanging on the cross or even worse see the cross lying in the road because of a crane.  I suppose that story would have gone over just about like the big one that got away!  I’m glad you got a laugh out of this because I was scared for a moment.  Now back to the Indians.  They lived in government supplied houses most not bigger than a two car garage.  Overall they seemed to be destitute of desire to make their lives better.   Most of them were glad to have someone to listen to them so for the most part I did just that and left a gospel tract if I could as some said they didn’t want the white man’s GOD.  I told them that JESUS was a man of color, from a tribe and his people were run off their land too. (If you didn’t quite follow that email me).  With that I headed back to Bemidji and stopped to admire Red Lake.  Being the adventurous guy that I am, I had to get an close up picture of the JESUS Truck and the lake.  During which time a scripture came to mind about not building your house on the sand.

Use your imagination, water and sand for a foundation!

Well don’t park your truck on the sand either. 

  The next day I went back to Cass Lake to parade the just cleaned, JESUS Truck.   This was so cool as kids ran up to get pennies that had a cross stamped out of the middle and gospel tracts.  Many pictures were taken and people waved so much that I think it was the highlight of the parade.  Being the bold witness that I am, I made a second trip along the route.

  This week I had the pleasure of fellowship with the local body at Faith Baptist Church in Bemidji.  There I met many dear brothers and sisters and leave better prepared for ministry.

  Overall the Billboard for JESUS seemed to be well received but of course there were some exceptions. 

In closing, “GOD” has provided well for me.  I am spiritually and physically renewed and in much anticipation of what, “GOD” has in store this week in St. Cloud, Minnesota.  I’m certain that it will be anything but boring.

Just in case you did not know!

    The week here has come and gone and as like the others past;   The banner has been flown and the Gospel of JESUS Christ has been shared with many people.   It is your prayers that I am very thankful for and continue to be in need of.  God willing I will update you about this time next week.

Contact Email: david@hiscall888.com

For Ministry Information, Call Kris @ (502) 594-0451

P.S.  I have a Face Book account entitled:  Where is David Banton (For the lastest information.)

Reminded me of Noah's Ark.

  Oh did I mention that the sun shinned most of the week, the average temperature was about 70 degrees and the winds blew.  Well yes it’s tough here but someone from Colonial Heights Baptist Church has to do it! Okay check this out; it was Thursday before I realized I had not taken a shower since I arrived in Duluth.  So as I don’t have a shower with me I thought, “ what would JESUS do?” Well I just happened to be standing in front of Lake Superior, so one thing lead to another and just after I caught my breath I thanked GOD for the frigid water as I thought JESUS would have given thanks.  Then I went under a second time to rinse the shampoo out of my hair. Then I came straightway out of the water.  I made mention of Virginia Beach earlier but this water was colder. (I’ve said before that you never know what I’ll write about).

  I think it was Friday evening that I got pulled over by the local police. (Three squad cars no less).  I was told that someone said I was disturbing the peace.  Well I had not opened my mouth for more than an hour to share the gospel or hand out tracts so I guess the devil meant that by driving the JESUS Truck I was disturbing the peace.  So after what seemed like an hour waiting for the officer to check whatever He checked I was told to be careful.  So I went straight to the bus stop, met Jeremy, his friends and we shared JESUS. (Jeremy uploaded a U-tube video clip he took of me sharing with two young men. I will try to attach later).

  So this week draws to a close as I make ready to go to Bemidji, Minnesota.  As is the case most of the time I do not know exactly where I will stop or who I will meet but I do know that the Lord is with me and in that I find rest for my soul.

  In closing, hundreds if not thousands of people this week in Duluth have had the gospel of Jesus Christ brought before and or to them.  Please pray that the seeds planted this week will help bring them to Christ.

  Please know that I miss so many from home and those that I have met along the way.  I am in much gratitude for the kindness you’ve expressed in words and deeds but most of all I’m grateful for your continued prayers.

  As I pull up anchor and set sail for Bemidji it is with hope that GOD willing I will update you again about this time next week.

Agape,  David

Contact Email: david@hiscall888.com

For Ministry Information, Call Kris @ (502) 594-0451

P.S.  I have a Face Book account entitled:  Where is David Banton (For the lastest information.)

  Wow, how time flies as stop #13 of 200 is now in the history books with 187 to go.
Each stop to date has shown itself to be distinctly different and Minneapolis is no exception.  Minneapolis has the same elements of most cities just somewhat friendlier overall.    Much to my delight from the very first day and thereafter the rolling billboard and the cross were met with less laughter, mockery and scorn as compared to some of the other towns and cities traveled to date. Still, it was evident that I had left the Bible belt.  But the power of the Cross did draw many; some in delight of as to express appreciation, some with questions about the Christian faith and some demon possessed to mockery and to just plain rudeness.  I thank GOD that He stopped the hands that would have stroke blows this past week.

Sunrise in Minnesota!

  Now that you may have somewhat the flavor of the city I write in more particulars.  On Monday morning I went to the St. Paul Minneapolis International airport to pick up Kris.  This Kris is a brother in Christ which I met in Louisville, Kentucky.  Kris was the first to actually go with me into the streets with the gospel and I learned much there.  Several weeks ago when Kris told me that He had purchased a airline ticket so together we could take to the streets of Minneapolis, I was happy. (Okay I was excited)!

  Back to the particulars.  From the airport we got settled into the, “Jesus Truck” then went to, “The Mall”.  Yes guys like to shop too!  I know what you may be thinking so I’ll clear things up Just a bit.  First we went to, “The Mall of America”.  It’s huge.  There is a theme park inside complete with a roller coaster.  Oh and by the way, Kris and I went shopping for souls.  I wrote this just in case you were wondering.  Here in the mall, one on one evangelism was the way to go.  As soon, I found security waiting near the, “Jesus Truck” to find out who owned it so they could tell me how I could not hand out gospel tracts or talk to others about my faith.  Now I see the benefit of similar trials recently past at malls.  This to say that those encounters have prepared me to respond in a way that is more like, What Would Jesus Do?  So instead of taking this to heart and going on the offensive as to speak of my constitutional rights, I simply nodded and changed the subject.  Then a few minutes later I asked about his thoughts on religion and after he spoke I was able to share the gospel with him.  Then we shook hands and expressed thanks to one another for taking the time to talk.  (How I praise “GOD”, for molding and shaping me along the Narrow Way)!
  And about Kris, I soon found out that for everyone that I had courage to speak to He probably had spoken to 10 or more persons.  (That’s strong, though Kris won’t take any credit for it).

I was here!

 
  So in Minneapolis the battle to advance the Kingdom of Christ was on!  And since we might never again have this opportunity we set out to make the most of it and with much of GOD”S help I think that we did.  Next we took to the streets of downtown, that evening and night everyday of the seven days we were there.  This was a melting pot of various peoples as in race, religions and social status.  One thing that I know for sure is that they all have the need of an all sufficient savior and all of them are searching for that in various ways.  So this past week Kris and I purposed to meet people where they are with the gospel message.  This took on many forms, some of which are very creative. 

  One of these creative ways about which I refer to is;  We parked the, “Jesus Truck” on the corner of a busy downtown intersection and set a 32″ high definition T.V. on the top of the cab and played, “The Passion of The Christ”.  This in front of many seated outside a restaurant.  This resulted in some protesting and many passers by stopped to watch part of the movie.  All these res ponces led mostly to Kris talking about, Jesus.  Though he did spend some of the time defending our rights to do this.  Most of the time I spent in the safety of the truck monitoring the operation of the electronics. I do think that this took much boldness on my part but less boldness that Kris demonstrated outside the safety of the truck.  ( Okay if you think, well how much boldness did that really take)?  Go downtown with a rolling billboard for Jesus, park in front of a crowd of strangers and then get out and set up a television on top of your vehicle like it’s business as normal.  If you are one of those that says, “well I could do that”, then please contact me as I would like to invite you to meet me along the Journey so you may be an encouragement to me.  (Bet you didn’t see that coming and here’s my email address just in case you are one of the few: david@hiscall888.com).

TV presentation draws many!

  Next I write to mention just a bit about how GOD provided for our stay.  Kris and I were on the way to visit a KOA campground as there were no State or National campgrounds with facilities that were local to Minneapolis.  On the way down the Interstate Kris pointed out an large and uniquely designed church.  So the bold witness that I am, I said well lets go there to see if they will let us camp there for the week.  So we went and after introducing ourselves we were waiting for a response.   Kris had picked up a bulletin and began to read, then he called me over and said look at this, they have to say yes, here it says they are radical for Christ! Wow that was funny and proved to be right as we were made welcome and set up camp for the week.  I sacrificed by providing my 6′ x 6′ tent for Kris to sleep in.  Okay it was not really a sacrifice on my part as I much prefer to sleep on a air mattress in the safety of my truck.  Kris was a real trooper, though soon he told me how numerous and loud the sounds of nature were and called to ask was that you moving around the tent just a few minutes ago.  When I told him no I do not know if that made him feel better or not.  What I do know is that Kris endured and how it brings to my attention how much I take for granted what we as Americans have.  The name of the church that I write about is; Grace Fellowship located in Brooklyn Park, MN.

  Another way that GOD provided was at Bethlehem Baptist Church whose Pastor is John Piper, although I was dissapointed to find out that Pastor Piper was out of town,  the staff there exibited a passionate love for others in Christ.  This is what I in the past few years have come to enjoy in sermons, teachings and books authored by John Piper.  So here a place to shower, do laundry, conferance room and even a gymnasium was made available.  All of which we delighted in the use of even the basketball court.  I’ll let Kris tell you about the basketball.  (Okay I lost at horse twice and once @ one on one. But Kris at the end of one on one looked like he needed prayer)!

  Back to the streets now.  This was a week that everywhere we went, The Glory of GOD which is JESUS Christ was exclaimed one way and then another.  This by way of the Rolling Bill Board for JESUS to the handing out of gospel tracts, one on one personal evangelism and public proclamation of the Gospel!  Yes I said public proclaimation of the Gospel.  What does that look like?  I’m glad that you asked. (Ha, Ha)  It’s street preaching and I can hardly believe that I did it.  This brings to memory how it’s said that at times we need to pinch ourselves to see if we are awake.  Only this time I did not need to pinch myself as I was well awake and fearful.  Yet I tell you that with men it is impossible but with GOD all things are possible.  I remember not long ago saying to someone; you know how the Bible says that if we don’t cry out that the rocks will cry out to GOD.  So I went on to say to this person and later in prayer to GOD, never let it be so that a rock would cry out because I did not. (As I’ve said before, “be carefull what you ask GOD for as you may just get it”, as this was the case here.  So on a couple of occassions this past week, Kris and I took turns street preaching.  (Miracle at least for me). 

My first time!

 
  Earlier I wrote about how I lost at basketball to Kris, well now I write to tell you that as I remember; I preached to a larger crowd that were just a few yards away in fact upwards of 200 such people heard the whole proclamation of about 10 minutes.  They didn’t leave wow!  (Okay maybe I should also tell you that they were seated outside of two resturants having dinner and such).  Okay now you know the rest of the story.  I owe much credit to Kris as ever since I met Him it is as if GOD brought us together to encourage one another and so GOD has blessed me much through my brother.    
  Yet another night downtown GOD provided a parking space at a busy intersection with Target being the draw.  There on top of the JESUS Truck a ten minute video titled, “It will cost you everything” was played over and over.  It was a strong message about Christians being willing to give up everything to serve Christ.  This is in stark contrast to the comfortable gospel that is vastly proclaimed in our country this day and time.  My plea to you is that you read your Bible and follow the commands of the captain of our Salvation!  If one does not do this then how will you know if the gospel you hear is the one that leads to Eternal LIFE!!!  (Okay I know I’m preaching here, though I do not apologize).  You never know what I will write.

  So back to downtown as above.  On two occasions the Holy Spirit moved between the showings of the video clip in that;  on one occasion I was moved to stand up in the back of the “JESUS Truck and plead for people to come to CHRIST”.    Later Kris was standing in the bed of the, “JESUS Truck” and preaching the Gospel.  Wow Kris was speaking so clearly and his demeanor was unlike what I’ve seen of him in the past.  Both these occurrences where totally unplanned and Kris said, David that was’nt of me, it was the Holy Spirit!!!  Wow I can tell you that because I witnessed this I can relate or believe this as it was incredibly clear and smooth.  Praise GOD!!! 

Brother Kris preaching downtown!

  So much happened last week that I suppose a book could be written about the events of this the 13th stop of 200.  I make mention of something that just now brings tears to my eyes as I took my brother to the airport so he could go home to his wife Cindy in Louisville, Kentucky.  That he may continue advancing the Kingdom of Our Lord JESUS Christ there.  I am thankful to Cindy for her support and for all those friends of theirs that contributed by prayers and in sacrificial giving to make this week possible.  As best I know the money, prayers and the time given may well have been the most productive ever.

 So again, Thank You ALL!

  Please review Kris Salyer’s facebook as he is writing about his week in Minneapolis and posting many pictures taken while there.
   
 By the way I  miss my brother; The Street Warrior (Kris) from Louisville, Kentucky and I ask you all to pray that GOD will send more like Him to join ranks with me along the narrow way!!
 
    
  P.S.  My impression of Bethlehem Baptist Church was that this Church body has a passion for GOD and mankind that is much Christ like. (Please if you may have the opportunity; visit this local church body and see for yourself).

  I am now in Duluth Minnesota and am excited to be here.  By the way the sun is shining, a light breeze is blowing over Lake Superior and the temperature is about 70 degrees. (It’s a rough life but somebody has to do it)!

  GOD is good and  God willing I will update you about this time next week.

    Agape, david

Contact Email: david@hiscall888.com

For Ministry Information, Call Kris @ (502) 594-0451

 Hello, stop #12 of 200 is now complete with just 188 to go.

  Thank you Lord what a reprieve this the last stop in Iowa has been.  It’s sad for me to say but, “except for the brethren that I had the pleasure of meeting in the State of Iowa and the corn fields, I really can’t see a reason that I would go back.  (Okay maybe for the lost souls)!

  This week I got a little bit spoiled as I was provided a place to stay all by myself right on Clear Lake.  The sun was shining, the wind was blowing and the average temperature was about 75 degrees.  You may be thinking that I spent most of that time fishing and swimming.   Well you would be wrong as I did not swim at all.  Yes I did fish off the dock for about an hour and caught two fish the size of my hand.  Oh and about the one that got away, he didn’t.  I caught a 20 plus pound drum (fish) and I have witnesses to boot.  So much for the fishing in the lake as it was time to go back into the streets to fish for men and I did. 

  This week I don’t have any hair raising stories nor any great works of God working through me that I know to tell.  I do know that the process of designing the graphics for my truck last winter and the money that it cost to have them applied is probably the most fruitful thing I have ever done.  I hope that my dad does not read this next part, but I was down on my back a couple of days and that took much of the wind out of my sails.  I began to feel guilty about that and then it was brought to my attention that it was the devil talking to me.  So I rebuked him in the name of JESUS and he went away. (Works Every Time)!

The "Ram" before the Journey began.

 
   In closing, “GOD” has provided well for me.  I am spiritually and physically renewed and in much anticipation of picking up my brother Kris, (from Louisville, KY) tomorrow at the airport in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  We will go into the highways and byways together for 7 days riding, “The Ram that GOD Provided”.  Please pray for us and the City of Minneapolis as this should prove to be very interesting for us and them!

Kris (Brother from Louisville!)

    The week here has come and gone and as like the others past;  The banner has been flown and the Gospel of JESUS Christ has been shared with many people.   It is your prayers that I am very thankful for and continue to be in need of.  God willing I will update you about this time next week.

Contact Email: david@hiscall888.com

For Ministry Information, Call Kris @ (502) 594-0451

Agape, David

P.S. Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July!!!

  How time flies as stop #11 of 200 is now in the history books with 189 to go.
Each stop to date has been unique and the Capitol City of Des Moines Iowa is no exception.  I do have a question that I suppose I should ask a native and that is, what is that shiny gold coating on the roof of the capitol building? ( One never knows what I’m going to write about).

Poised to preach, Someone took the picture!

  This week I decided to wear my suit the day that I arrived in town and so I did.  Well for those that have been following along the journey with me may remember comments past about me introducing myself to several churches on the day of arrival which proved to be of no avail.  Guess what?  The very first church that I went to welcomed me with open arms.  I did not sleep in my truck or tent one day while here.  Instead the parsonage at Easton Baptist Church was all mine.  It gets even better, Pastor Ralph Cole Sr. is a preachers preacher.  There is no tolerance for strife and derision here.  They even practice church discipline.  Pastor Ralph took to the streets with me when I called.  He took time with me throughout the week to prepare me for the journey yet ahead.  He even taught me how to prepare a sermon which is good because I received a call on Saturday, was invited to have lunch with Pastor Lott and his family.  During lunch I was asked if I would preach to his congregation at Victory Baptist Church.  I accepted and put to use what Pastor Cole taught me about how to prepare a sermon.  Guess what it worked well.  I preached about Getting Out of The Boat.  My text was from Matthew 14: 22-33.  Just to spare you I won’t post the outline here but it is available upon request.  Besides what is it about, “Get Out of The Boat” that’s hard to understand? (I know that wasn’t the nicest way to ask but it is the shortest).

Cool huh?

  This week was low keyed as compared to last.  Just what I needed!  However I was determined to share Jesus with many and so the banner has been flown in the capitol of Iowa.  For the most part I followed the same motive of operation here and that is; going to Walmart parking lots, the mall and downtown proper.  One notable new experience was discovering tent camps along the river occupied by the homeless.  I actually had to travel a ways on foot and through chest high plants and weeds just to get there.  I recommend that you get a local guide if you decide to attempt this as there was a better way in.  (I’m a guy, and I usually read the instructions after two failed attempts).  I was well received in the urban jungle and was pleased to be able to recruit help to go back to the, “Jesus Truck” to get food to be shared with many.  Food to eat and spiritual food by way of gospel tracts and one on one witnessing.  So many were fed this way, more than 100 I suppose and all made possible by others prayers and sacrificial giving.  I thank you from me to you and from many whose names I do not know.  Together we are impacting the world for Christ.  I had to stop writing just now because of tears, it is in humility that I again express by sincere gratitude.

Said, "Yes to Jesus"

  Oh I received a call this week from someone that I met last week in Iowa City.  They called to say that if I was going anywhere near Clear Lake, Iowa on my journey that a lake house would be available for me to stay in.  Guess what, I was planning on going to Mason City which is about 8 miles from Clear Lake. (Sounds and looks like God providing to me)!  So for the first time I have a place before I go and this is the week prior to Minniapolis Minnisota.  I should be well prepared as I meet my brother Kris from Louisville to tag team Minniapolis for Christ!

  The week here draws to an end and as like the others past; The banner has been flown and the, “Gospel of JESUS Christ” has been shared with many.

  Now I make ready to travel to Clear Lake, Iowa.   The game plan is the same but with the experiences of this past week included I am hopeful that I may be better prepared to answer, “HIS Call”.  It is your prayers that I am very thankful for and continue to be in need of.  God willing I will update you about this time next week.

I close this letter with these words I penned 12-21-09 830pm

  “In humility it is, that one becomes smaller and smaller and Christ becomes larger and larger.  Thus we may continue on the narrow way saying, nothing in my hands I bring but simply to the cross I cling.  And so ones posture remains until at once we find our hands full.   Then looking up one may see, it is to the feet of The Lord that we now cling”!

Grace!!!
David

Contact Email: david@hiscall888.com

For Ministry Information, Call Kris @ (502) 594-0451

  Oh my! Week #10 draws to an end and what a challenge it has been. I’m going to cut to the chase. Within 24 hours after my arrival here I was ready to shake the dust off my feet and move on. The mockery and the ridicule expressed time and time again as I drove through town in the JESUS Truck became more than I could bear. Add to this, the fact that my efforts to find a True Christian Place of Worship in more than 4 different denominations had proven to be futile.
  One example was a building that displayed the name of First Baptist Church, yet I found not even a resemblance of what I know Baptist to be. The bulletin board at the Starbucks proved to explain much in that the events advertised had to do with Yoga, Buddhism, Psychics and the upcoming gay pride parade and festival. Yet no Christian sponsored events. I decided to retreat to a nearby state park, hoping to be renewed by reading the promises of GOD. I must also confess that I was having a hard time believing that I could stay here and have compassion for such as were in this town. So I asked GOD to forgive me and to work in my heart that I may have compassion as I was ready to move on. So I set up camp only to find out that you can’t run from the problems of the world at least not unless it is to be with other Christians. What I mean is that at the camp ground I witnessed one lady get brutally beaten by another, with a 10 year old boy watching and a grown man who I later found out to be the father of the boy and the husband of the lady getting beaten just stand by and do nothing.  There was much more to follow that evening and night. So much for leaving the city to draw near to GOD!  Finally about 11:30 pm the police took out the trash and I was able to sleep. (I know that was harsh but it’s true and is the short story).

  So after a good nights sleep I went back in town and into the streets to share JESUS.  Later I had the pleasure of going to a prayer meeting at a church that reportedly has almost 2000 members.  There were about 8 in attendance.  Does this tell you something?  Though the number was small, they proved to be prayer warriors and I was honored and encouraged much in being with them.  This is where I met my brother Judd Johansen who invited me to come and stay with him and his family for the rest of my stay. So I hurried to the campsite packed up and moved. (GOD provided!)

  On Thursday Judd introduced me to a friend of his who quickly became my friend.  Jack is his name and we had much in common as we love to share the gospel.  Jack is as bold as I am, but Jack say’s it’s not even close. (See the picture).

Jack & His Banner!

  Now you may know somewhat what I mean.

  On Friday things got even better as I went to a Bible study in the a.m. where I met others with a thirst and hunger for GOD’S WORD!  Afterwards, all of them gathered around the, “JESUS” Truck to pray for me and over the truck. That’s pretty cool!  (See the picture.)

Pastor Ajai, Johansen's & Friends

  I was invited and later went to Pastor Ajai’s house at 7:00 pm for Fellowship and Bible study.  To date this was the most incredible in home fellowship that I’ve experienced.  The corporate praise and worship, Wow! GOD honored by filling that place with the presence of, “HIS HOLY SPIRIT”. I’m so thankful for the brothers and sisters that I met there and it is with much confidence that I write to you saying that if you happen to be anywhere near Iowa City, it would be well for you to call and connect with Pastor Ajai and the local church.                                                                                               Phone (319) 248-9791.   www.valleychurchia.com

Now Saturday came and the man that was ready to quit just a few days earlier had a whole new perspective on this city.  GOD provided the encouragement that I needed to have compassion for the people of this town.  So I hit the streets and arrived downtown just in time to see the gay pride parade, which I had forgotten about.  None the less I went on to share the gospel and did so in truth and love. I was able to hand out more than 200 gospel tracts and talk to many.  So I call that much success with all the GLORY to GOD!!!

  Sunday is the day to go to church and I was torn as to where I was to go.  So I went to 8:00 am service at Parkview Evangelical Church.  There I enjoyed a Father’s Day message.  Then on to Solid Rock Christian Church, yes solid rock church it is.  A strong biblical Christian Church, what a book end to this weeks adventure!

  So in closing as I prepare to move on to Des Moines, each stop to date has proven to be unique, that is they have been broad in challenges and rewards.  GOD has seen me through them all and has greatly rewarded my faith in trusting in HIM to provide.

 GOD willing, I’ll write to you again about this time next week.

Agape,  David

Contact Email: david@hiscall888.com

For Ministry Information, Call Kris @ (502) 594-0451

  Wow, how time flys as stop #9 of 200 is now in the history books with 191 to go.

  Each stop to date has been unique and Davenport Illinois is no exception. The back drop of this stop happened to be the Mississippi River. (I just now realized the value of learning; mi-ssi-ssi-ppi. If you didn’t get that I’m sorry.) The board walk along the river proved to be a great mission field. The bookends of this particular stretch was a baseball diamond and the other was a riverboat casino. In between were people fishing for their daily bread, those sight seeing and the homeless.

  From the very first day the rolling JESUS billboard and the cross were met with approval and then in large part it stirred many to express opposition, especially around the casino. Those that know me will not find it hard to believe that I continued on despite the opposition. I went into the casino on many occasions, not to Gamble although I did have a few drinks on the house. (Coffee, I’m not backsliding!) I stopped to talk to the patrons there just long enough offer them a million dollar bill which has the gospel message on the back. This worked well for days as I was very discrete about it. But with cameras every where security caught me and it was made very clear to me that I was not to hand out anymore, so I agreed and went back to my truck to consider the next move. After some thought and a call to my brother Kris from Louisville I dawned the bright yellow t-shirt with the cross front and back just like the one on the truck and I headed back to have a few more drinks while making my way slowly through the three floors of slot machines and the like. Oh, and the wording under the cross reads;
JESUS died for You! Repent and Believe the Gospel! Bold witness I am and in case you did’nt know, that is the name of my Bible fellowship class at my home church. (Colonial Heights Baptist Church in Virginia). And no one said a word but I bet they were watching all the while. So one could say that I did gamble! Okay I gambled and did not lose a dime nor land in jail. Thank GOD!!!

David @ Casino, what will people think?

  More about the boardwalk; I met a few hundred people over the course of my stay and was able to ditribute gospel tracts, encourage, pray for and even open air preach the gospel. Oh and the grilled hot dogs were well received by the homeless and passers by alike! I want to thank; Gathering Grounds Ministry of Chester, Virginia for the gas grill and my dad Wilber Banton for his monthly pledge to help feed the hungry. I will be bold yet again and ask you if you would consider a monthly pledge to help with the cost of reaching people to share the gospel of JESUS Christ? The slogan at my home church is; Impacting the World for Christ! Together we can do just that. Thank you for your prayerful consideration.

  Now for something you don’t see everyday; Here is the news article that was published in the local paper on Saturday June 12th, 2010.Missionary drives a ‘Ram of God’

Hit the Link below to see the printed article along with the pictures!!!

http://www.qconline.com/archives/qco/print_display.php?id=496800

  Pretty cool, yes?  So we are impacting our world for Christ!

Brothers I met @ Walmart.

  This week I met many Christians that encouraged me along the way here I make mention of just a few; Brother Dean who invited to his home for fellowship, food and a place to catch a much needed nap. Brother Dwayne whom I met the week prior at Edgwood Baptist Church in Rock Island, Illinois. Dwayne was bold enough to follow me into the casino as mentioned above to hand out tracts. Brother Dwayne also blessed me by providing me with hundreds of beautiful tracks to go. Also I had the pleasure of more fellowship with Sister Kristi whom I also met the preceding week in Moline, Illinois. As you can see the contacts that were made last week carried over to this week as Moline and Rock Island IL is only about 6 miles away from Davenport Iowa. My first day in Davenport I introduced myself at 4 churches of different denominations but none of them followed up with me so all the more it is that I’m thankful for the above mentioned.

  So as for this week Edgewood Baptist Church in Rock Island was by home-base for service to Davenport Iowa. I was made welcome by the staff and members alike. I had the pleasure of attending Wednesday night, Saturday night and Sunday’s 8:00am service. This church body are very dear to me as I have seen first hand there demonstrated Love for others come to JESUS and then there dedication to nurture and grow Disciples of JESUS Christ!!!
Additionally per the invitation of two different people in separate areas of town within one hour of the other I went to Rock Island First Church of the Nazarene for Sunday school and 11:00 service. I was received with open arms and was even given the opportunity to teach Sunday School. Talk about being put on the spot and how much did I need to be a Bold witness yet again. There was no Sunday school book per say, more like a open mic if you will. So thank GOD, that HE gave me the words to encourage my brothers and sisters to share JESUS with others. (You just got the short version but upon request I’ll be more than happy to share it all with you as I wouldn’t want anyone to feel left out).

Nazarene Children in the Rain!

  The week here has come and gone and as like the others past; The banner has been flown and the Gospel of JESUS Christ has been shared with many people.

  Now I am already at my the next stop which is Iowa City, Iowa. The game plan is the same but with the experiences of this past week included I am hopeful that I may be better prepared to answer, “HIS Call”. It is your prayers that I am very thankful for and continue to be in need of. God willing I will update you about this time next week.

I close this letter with these words for you to ponder:
22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Hebrews 16:22-25 King James Version.

  In the name of JESUS! Amen.

Agape, David

Contact Email: david@hiscall888.com

For Ministry Information, Call Kris @ (502) 594-0451