Youth Camp in Nebraska

It was hot and humid much like Dallas, TX. We arrived at Maranatha Camp in Maxwell, Nebraska on Monday and left after four and a half days of anointed life changing youth camp. The reason I write about this particular camp is I find myself having to repent for judging other camps from other groups of people. This Wesleyan Church camp was ever bit as passionate about God and His Kingdom as any Charismatic camp I have ever conducted or preached at. Lord, forgive me for being so small minded when you are so big!!!

I am now in Denver hanging out with my parents for t he next few days. This is always a good thing since they moved from Lubbock in 1976 and my times with them are few and far between.

Just a thought as summer is on it's last leg. . . Isa 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace,Whose mind is stayed on You,Because he trusts in You. NKJV

As we set our focus into a new school year let us do so by setting a our mind and affections on the things of God. He then promises us great peace because we trust Him.

Loving God,
Pastor Ed

Two BIGGIES in one week . . .

This week has been awesome!! Will our first grandson became one year old this week and Connie and I celebrated 30 years marriage.

First, and foremost let me say that my wife is the "BOMB DIGGITY" (it just means that she is the best ever). Our lives together are fun, adventurous, exciting, and full of big dreams. With us their has never been a dull moment as we are both first born children, so you can imagine the excitement that this produces. We have led exciting lives: Ministry at Mardi Gra, ministry on the streets of Hollywood, Pastoring teenagers for 30 yrs, pioneering and pastoring two churches, ministry in 8 different nations, public schools in America and abroad, pastoring and speaking at to many camps to number, and much more that space does not allow to be told. This does not include the fun of having and raising three of the best kids in whole world (Jeff - 29, Denae - 26, & Lance - 23).

One editorial comment about marriage: There is NOTHING more rewarding and yet there is NOTHING that is harder work than MARRIAGE.

Secondly, we had Will's first birthday over at his house in his back yard. It was so much fun to see his proud parents throw a shindig that could only be described as controlled chaos. His dad had more fun opening the presents than Will did. The sombrero cake and pinata were big hits at the party. I know that there will be many more occasions to come, so stay tuned for the report.

On a personal note: Pray for Connie and I as a new school year approaches. We will be heading back into the mission field of America's public schools.

Stirred up to the core!!

Ed

I THINK I HAVE PROCESSED MY TRIP

Most of us after big emotional events in our lives are over (weddings, funerals, etc.) we tend to process the event or events and it is days even weeks until we realize all that happened in us during that time.

Just a note about the picture. Gary and I were standing in a wheat field in the Ukraine while the person taking the picture was standing in Transnistria.

Well that is what has happened in my life with my trip to Transnistria and the Frontline Shepherds Conference that I participated in. There were 7 or 8 Senior Pastors in attendance along with their wives and assistants. Then there was about 100 cell church leaders. This makes a total of some where between 120-130 attendees. Let me say it was a distinct honor and privilege to speak into their lives.

Here are some lessons that they taught me and I brought them home with me. These may all seem elementary to you (they were to me) but I had to take inventory and know that I needed to get in touch with these truths again in my life.

1.) HAPPINESS IS NOT IN STUFF. HAPPINESS IS IN THE WILL OF GOD. They were so happy with so little yet they had so much (you know what I mean).

2.) VISION IS VISION NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE IN THE WORLD. Destiny and dreams are so vital to our lives that we (Americans) have some how thought our visions and dreams were the only ones that matter. These people have BIG dreams that will literally change the history of their nation. As Jesus said to the disciples in John 4:35 "lift up your eyes and look at the fields." The key in all things is what we see and how we look at circumstances.

3.) RELATIONSHIPS ARE WHAT TAKES US THROUGH THE TOUGH TIMES IN LIFE. I have never seen a team of people that loved and cared for each other as much as these people did and do. We want to microwave our relationships so that we can consume them rather than invest in them so that they will last. Let's invest in our teams.

4.) FAITH CHANGES THINGS. Enough said!!!!!

1 Thess 5:24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. NKJV

I have been back in America now for 4 days after a trip to Transnistria. Most of you have not even heard of this country. I have people tell me that they could not find it on a map. The reason for this is because it is a country under dispute. There is a lot of controversy surrounding this country since the fall of the Soviet Union in the early 90's.

I spent 5 days in the city of Tiraspol doing a Frontline Shepherds conference. For obvious reasons we will leave all the names out to protect the guilty. You see our conference was the first time in over six months that there had been a corporate gathering at the church. The government shut them down so they have just been meeting in homes. I was told by the leader of the conference that if I saw a certain signal that I was to IMMEDIATELY sit down and some one would get up and we would be having a birthday party.

Despite what seemed to me to be enormous risks for them to meeting like this; we had three and a half days of anointed worship and life changing teaching. These men and women are so committed to the Kingdom. Actually in the area of discipleship I think they have a lot to teach us as Americans.

I am grateful that I live in America, but I am more determined than ever to use our blessings to be leaders in spreading the Gospel in dark places like Transnistria. They are a people with great vision for their country. I have so many stories to tell but I will hold on to them for another time.

Meditate on this:: Psalms 2:8 Ask of Me, and I will give You The nations for Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth for Your possession. NKJV

Pastor Ed