 |
|
Well tonight I am writing to share How God has sent me a blessing. I have not been able to update the website for several months, well actually since late February. I was on a speaking tour in early November in Florida and God brought my path across someone I meet a few years ago on Myspace, just amazing how God can use such a silly thing called the internet to help you when you do not realize you need help yet. Anyway, I have always wanted to meet my friends from the internet in person, and realized that this individual lives in Orlando, so I contacted him just so we could get to know each other better and to see how God has been a blessing in each others life.
Well it was more than a blessed time, it was a God sent. This guy is a very computer savvy guy. He writes code for websites and other things for them, I am to computer illiterate to know how to explain it all, but he definitely knows his stuff. Anyway, He is taking over the site and many things will be changing over the next several months, as we will get the site updated, a face lift and will be putting some things on there to do what I need on here, like more tools for non-believers to come to know the Lord, and more resources for believers to grow in the faith and walk in Christ. I want the site to be not just about what God is doing with me and the ministry, but I want it to be a site for you and others to come and see God at work also in the lives of other.
We will be posting videos on the blog of how God has been working in the lives of His children. So the site will be a place people will want to visit often. So I ask for you prayers as the new webmaster, Geoff begins to be used by God to update and add many things to the site, that God will use him and his talents to make this a fun, edgy site to reach everyone around the World, Amen.
Thanks for your time and prayers and support. Touch Ministries has been going strong for over 14 years, just totally amazing, and I am soooooo looking forward to seeing all what God has in store for the future, and hope you all will come along for the awesome ride.
Much love to you all my friends
Have a blessed day in the Lord
Pastor Dave
Post A Comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend | Link
|
|
Goooooood morning my friend, its been a while since I have been here sharing my views, and life with you all. I am on tour with Chasen, and Kutless for the next 10 days. We are in Jacksonville, FL today and hot one word for this place, HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT. It was a good uneventful ride down, but each time we stopped to get gas, it was like stepping into an oven, it would take your breath away. So we arrived at the hotel about 10 last night and because of the heat, the one thing that looked very inviting here was the pool. So we went to go in and the sign on the gate said, Pool closes at 10, soooooo, I went to the desk, and asked, what time does the pool close, and then gave them my best puppy dog face with the big sad eyes. :) and then the employees said, it will close tonight at 11, I smiled, and we ran to the pool and relaxed in the pool for the next hour, it felt sooooooo good.
We are up, had breakfast and now preparing for the morning and heading to the venue, which is the Murry Hill Theater, and I think we will be inside for most of the day, because its already over 90 this morning, that is just crazy, I am used to waking up at my house with the temp about right now is about 77 degrees, and then it goes up, but here, it started at 90, whewwwww. Well guys are getting ready, time for me to jump in the shower and get ready, its time to get my game face on, its time to go and minister to the bands, and also the locals here. Please keep me and the bands in prayer as we travel and minister in each city. Looking forward to sharing with you what God will be doing for the next week and half.
Much love to you all, and I pray you all have a wonderful and blessed weekend.
Pastor Dave
Post A Comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend | Link
|
|
Well its very late this morning, my brain is fried, but still very blessed. I woke up and took off to the gym to get a good work out before I have to drive down to Greenville, South Carolina. The work out was good, and everything is packed for the trip and now just need to get myself in the van and hit the road. I just have to say, I am so happy to have a new van, I mean I kind of miss my other van, I got that van in 2000 right after I got back from the Olympics in Australia. It had just over 59,000 miles and when I traded it in, it had just over 295,000 miles. Lots of time on the Road, Amen. But lots of awesome memories were made with all those miles and the best part, I never did anything to the engine except change the oil, the brakes and did its first tune up about a month before I got rid of it, that's right, over 225 thousand miles on the same plugs and wires, now tell me that is not a God thing.
But I got down to Greenville and it was awesome to meet up with the guys of 7th Time Down, they are really an awesome and very energetic band that has a strong passion of serving the Lord in ever means they possible can, but it was great to see them. Then to see Jeremy Horn and his band, love those guys and they are really awesome when it comes to leading Worship, very gifted. Then seeing all the guys from Chasen, love you guys, and love your passion and willing to serve the Lord, Keep Rock-n, all of you, God has huge plans for you all.
Now I had a couple that I needed to do some counseling with, I do a lot of counseling and was not really sure how long it would last, I expected an hour or maybe hour and a half, but when we meet at 3, we went till 7 pm. I was pretty much blown away at the time and my brain was pretty much fried after that I had to get ready and speak in an hour, so I took off and tried my best to get things prepared and get focused. I knew my message well, but my energy level spiritually was down, waaaaaaaaaaaaaay down. I just prayed and said, God, I really need you to hold me up during this time, to allow me to present who you are to all those that have come tonight. Because I am pretty much spent and not feeling up to the task tonight.
I shared everything that I could and when it came to the altar call, I have started switching it up. No more closing of the eyes and bowing of the heads, I am tired of wimpy little pansy Christians that want to hide and not be seen, I mean heck, everyone else is coming out of the closet and I think its time for us believers in Christ to do the exact same thing, stand up and be seen, to be heard and lets make a stand that will truly mean something for once. So that is what happened. One by one from around the roon, people stood saying they either needed Christ to be apart of there life, or they needed to get back on track with there relationship with Christ and start being bold for the Lord. It was a blessed night watching them move outside the room into the other room to be counseled, it was truly a praise.
Now with all that said, I ask you to keep those in prayer that came forward tonight and that they will grow strong and bolder in there faith and walk with Christ, that they will not hide anymore, but be seen by all, that there love and passion for Christ will be very evident in who's they belong to, Amen.
Now I am home, its after 4 in the morning and I need to try and get some sleep, like I said, my brain is pretty much spent and I need some rest. I want to thank you for your time and for reading what God is doing with the ministry. 2008 is almost over and 2009 is pretty much among us, and God has already preparing for the new Year. Thanks for your prayers and your support, they are greatly appreciated and love you all very much in Chrsit.
Much love to you all in Christ
Pastor Dave
1 Comment | Post A Comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend | Link
Well we stopped off in West Virgina to get some shut eye and now heading home. On our way home it was pretty awesome, the snow covered ground, not all the guys saw it because the majority of them were asleep, but it look so peaceful and clean looking, just Gods way of painting a beautiful picture for us to enjoy.
We arrived in Easly, South Carolina and everyone got there stuff and headed home, I had to go with Chasen because my car is at his house, and then I have to drive another hour plus to get home. I am sooooooooooo ready to have my own bed and to just relax some. But I am thankful for all that has taken place on this trip, and also thank the Lord for allowing me to be apart of the Encounter Tour. Looking forward after the Holidays to finishing it up.
See you all again after the 5th, have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving holiday and don't eat to much Turkey, because I know I will.
Much love in Christ
Pastor Dave
Post A Comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend | Link
|
|
Well here we are in Ohio, still dont know where exactly, gosh, but I do know its about One hour from Cincinnati, just not sure which way to it. Anyway, Oh just found out, we are in Lancaster, whewwwww, glad to know now, but the people here have been awesome with helping getting the gear out of the trailer and inside. Its cold and it has been sleeting and snowing, soooooooooooo, its cold. We do this show and then we drive home tonight, well not all the way, that would be about 12 hours and after doing a 10 hour and then 15 hour, not sure if anyone is up for a 12, so we will drive to night for 3 or 4 hours and then head home.
The attendance was down some tonight because of the weather, but after talking with the promoter, he said it was ok because of the lives that were changed. He was a disappointed until the altar call, then he said it was all worth it, so it was good to see his attitude by the end of the night.
We are packed and ready to head home some, but will wake up and drive the rest of the way.
Thank you Lord for you time and love and support you have given to us on this tour, it has been amazing seeing you show up night after night during the concert and message's. We love you so much for your grace and support.
Thank you all also for your time of readying the Road Log, hope you have been blessed.
Pastor Dave
Post A Comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend | Link
|
|
Well I first was wondering when we were driving here to Crown Point, IN, Where is this place at exactly? Well I found out its about an hour below Chicago, beautiful pastures everywhere and if you have to drive someone, you better expect to leave early, it seemed like everything was an hour to get to, but maybe that was my imagination, Nope, Chasen just said I was right, it is taken forever, but we arrive to the Church, Bethel Church here in Crown Point, and its a pretty good size, so looking for a good crowd hopefully.
I found out that this was the first time the church has put on a concert. The radio station (SHINE radio) has promoted it very well, and we went in this morning to do some radio time there. We also meeet up with some fans of Chasen and Jeremy's there, They are pretty much called the Radio Mom's, they give a lot of there personal time to help promote and also house bands if possible and pamper the groups, they are really awesome, thanks RADIO MOM"S.
We also went to a University so Chasen and Jeremy Horn could do a little Acoustic set in the Coffee shop on campus. It was a full house there, so hopefully many will come tonight. We have been taken care of by a family, (The Heemstra) they have been wonderful and a blessing, thanks. But the tour has been going well so far. The sets are very powerful and strong with Praise and worship. And seeing lives changed and people coming to know the Lord is awesome a huge blessing and very encouraging.
Well its dinner time and I need to eat and get ready for tonight, so will be back in a little will let you know how it goes. See you all in a few.
Pastor Dave
Part 2
Well the night was awesome. The Jeremy rocked it off with some amazing praise and worship and then Chasen came out and blew it up from there. I had a chance to preach and the altar call was amazing, they had to request for more counselors to come and help because of all that came forward. The one thing I loved, as I was talking as they were leaving, people keep popping up and going out to talk to someone. You just have to love it when God shows up, Amen.
I think one of the Highlights for me was the bible study tonight. I shared from 2 Timothy 2:15-21, and God just showed up and the guys got real with each other, not to say they never do, but tonight was truly a night of everyone getting very open and personal with each other, so Thanks for showing up like you do Lord, your truly amazing and we love you.
The church family and all those that came were amazing and very kind and very helpful in so many ways. Thanks to the staff of Bethel Church for your kindness and also for allowing the even to take place in your Church.
Much love and blessings to you all, and have a wonderful and blessed night, its off to Ohio now, forgot where exactly, LOL
Peace and love to you all in Christ Jesus
Pastor Dave
Post A Comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend | Link
|
|
We have arrived in Bluffton, SC which is beside Hilton Head Island. Its a beautiful place. All the bands are arriving, Chasen, Jeremy Horn, and 7eventh Time Down. Everyone greeting each other and getting to know each other and just talking about the ride to Low County Community Church. We have a room that is now in major need of people and hopefully it will fill up. Sound check is happening now, and its almost time for the doors to open, so need to get ready myself and I will come back later and fill you in on what happened during the concert and message. Thanks for stopping by.
Peace
Pastor Dave
Second part of the today.
Well I am setting in the hotel room and its about 1 am in the morning and just coming to share about tonight. It was a huge blessing seeing those taking a stand. There was no chairs in the venue, so I when I got up to speak, just asked everyone to grab some carpet. It was a blessed time sharing and bragging on the Lord. So I finished the message and challenged everyone to stop up and after the prayer, I asked those who prayed and asked the Lord to come and be apart of there life, it was awesome to see those make that stand before everyone, the place erupted in claps and praises for those who asked Jesus into there life.
It was a very blessed night with Music from the three bands and it was truly awesome to with music and 45 coming forth asking for a life change, Thank you Lord.
Again thanks again for your time, and for reading what all God is doing with the ministry, He is truly Awesome, Amen. I have to hit the bed, have to leave at 7:45 and its a 15 hour drive.
Much love to you all in Chirst
Pastor Dave
1 Comment | Post A Comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend | Link
|
|
Well woke up this morning, we are all heading down to the Haidien Church for two services. We have a few days left, but looking forward to seeing all that God has planned. There are a few people I want to get in touch with here before I leave, just to try and share with one that was suppose to come to the Night of Stars with Carl Lewis, but when her and family members arrived, they were told they could not enter because they were locals. See the Government of China will not allow them to come into an international church service, they even check passports of every person that comes to church that Sunday, that is all serious it is. but when they were told this, it broke my heart and I really wanted them to be able to hear the message for that night, so will try and contact them before we leave out. I will also try and contact a few that have made decisions, just to encourage them and pray with them.
We arrive at the first service and its a packed house, around 3000 plus people, upstairs and they have another area that holds an over flow when there are guest speakers and they also use it for there english service, but after the first service, I was waiting for the next service to start and had some down time and was just walking around the church. There was this guy, Calvin,came up to me and started asking me about some biblical questions, I shared with him through the scriptures about what he was asking and through our conversation, realized that he was not a believer. I shared with him about what it means to have a relationship with Christ and he said he wanted to have a personal relationship with Christ and become a strong man of god, so please keep Calvin in prayer as he grows in his relationship with Christ.
After the second service, we all went back to the condos to change and kind of get in the site seeing of the trip, since we were heading home the next day. I asked Peter if he wanted to hang out because I had something I really needed to do, and would need his help with it. So we called the lady that was not able to get into the church the night of the stars, and asked if she would be able to meet with us and talk to her about some things. We contacted her and she was very happy to meet up with us. We went down to an area that is about 15 minutes away by taxi, and meet for some coffee and water and began our talk.
I Christine what was her belief about life and faith, she began to share about her faith and how she was raised and that she was raised a Buddhist and shared what they believed since I really did not know much, but just a little. As she shared I started sharing about what it was to have a personal relationship with Christ, and the difference between the two and how re-incarnation was not the plan of Christ and he had so much more for her, than what Buddhism had to offer her, but most important was to offer her the truth, a relationship with Christ.
After I shared with her and I held out both hands and on my left, I said, You have Buddhism and on my right, you have a Personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and Look at her and said, Christine out of the two, which one would you want to have. She smiled and said, "I want Jesus Christ". Then I asked if she would like to ask Christ into her life now and Christine said, "YES" and we prayed together it was a very sweet time in the Lord. One thing I have to say that was a huge blessing was Peter. He helped me explain to her when I would say a world that Christine was not familiar, it was truly a moment in the Lord and it was the best way to end my time in Beijing.
The Olympic Games are over and they were huge and so many from all over the world came to see the best athlete's in the world and many medals were won from around those who were focused on there Goal, but I leave tomorrow knowing that myself and the team reached our goal as well. To reach those in the name of Christ. To help share and spread the message and love of Christ to those here in China. What a blessing it has been, and to see those lives touched by the Lord and changed forever. I ask all over you that have been keeping up with this trip and those that will read later on to please keep the minister here in China in prayer that the fire will continue to blaze for the Lord.
Thanks you Jesus for you love and your provision, you are truly a mighty and gracious Lord that has provided more than what I thought. I love you and thank you all for your time and pray you all have a wonderful and blessed day in Christ
Peace in Him, Amen
Pastor Dave
1 Comment | Post A Comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend | Link
|
|
Well our train pulled in this morning around 8:25 am, Norwin and I had the top bunks and there was an elderly asian couple below us. It was pretty fun and funny at the same time because we had tv's in each bunk, but the only thing playing was chinese movies, so I just would lay there watching them putting my own words and plot to it. But waking up after a so so night of rest, my sinus gave me some problems and I forgot to pack my meds for the trip, but pray it goes well today. Nick, Peter, Rodney, Norwin and myself are all talking about the train ride, and how it was a cool trip to take while in China.
When we arrived in Xi An, we had to work on finding a tour guide or a way to see the Terra-Cotta Soldiers. When we stepped out of the train station a man approached us and asked if we needed help. I always try to ignore people in foreign countries because most of the time they are trying to take your money some way, so I said no and keep walking. Well the guy was not so easy to shake, but was a come to find out he was a wealth of information, telling us places we could go. I just said, "look, all we really want to do right now is to set down and eat some breakfast and then decided how to get to our next destination." He was like, I have a great place to have breakfast, its a hotel, come with me. I have to give it to him, he was right, we all had a pretty good breakfast
After we got our food, the guy asked what our plans were. I told him that we were going to find a tour to the Terra-Cotta Soldiers. He was like, I can take you, and can show you other things as well. I was like yeah, and how much will this cost us, He was like, it will be 500 rmb. Folks, that pretty much breaks down to about $14.50 cents per person and we don't have to pay him until we get back from all the places we go, so sounds like a pretty awesome deal, but what all comes with this tour. We get to see the place where they make terra-cotta soldiers replica for sell, and also get to see them being made. Then we run over to the Banpo site, which is a Matriachal clan community of the Hanshoo culture in the Neolithic age. ( hope you get this). But then after that we run off to the silk factory. Now this place was a pretty amazing and they have a silk worm farm and they wait till the worm makes there cocoon and then they pick it and make the silk from the cocoon, it was truly amazing and the silk was so soft, but it also cost very much, more than it does back in the states. But then we head off to see the Terra-Cotta Soldiers, and all this for $14.50 per person. This will take about 10 hours total out of this guys day and he stays with us the whole time, so, Deal or No Deal, We took it, DEAL.
Everything was so awesome but what impressed me the most is how they preserved the artifacts was even more amazing. See when you see something from past history like bones or bricks, they bring it to a museum, but they built the museum around the sites and you got to stand right where all the history was, so I was extremely impressed. We made our way to the Terra- Cotta Soldiers, and the tour began. It was really awesome to walk in and see all these soldiers standing in the earth-rammed partition walls. As I was walking around this very tall asian lady came up to me and asked me a question, now the question slips my mind, but I did respond and she stayed right beside me talking. I reached into my bag, and you all know where this is going by now.but gave her a button.
We talked the whole exposition of the Terra-Cotta Soldiers. I asked her name, she said, "Eliza" and she shared she was a middle school teacher. Now every time I said a word she new nothing about, she would ask what it mint, I really wished I had a dictionary with me, but I did the best I could to explain. The best part of the whole trip is she gave her life to the Lord. I got to see an historical site, and then a chance to see a historical moment when Eliza came to know the Lord. So that is a huge praise.
The train ride with the guys has been a really cool adventure. I am in my bunk as I write all this down, but I just wanted to say to you all this one thing. The Lord was really looking our for us. We hopped on a train not knowing anyone in Xi An, and this guy was very persistent in wanting to take care of us, with a train full of about 400 plus people and he latched on to us, call me crazy, but I really think the Lord was just doing what he always does, Looking after 5 of his children. Thank you Lord for your provision.
Always remember, We have a plan, but the Lord has one also, and its always much better. Seeing history is amazing, but making history for the Lord, is more amazing than anything else you can do in this world.
Living in His Grace
Pastor Dave
PICTURES TO COME WHEN I GET HOME
2 Comments | Post A Comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend | Link
|
|
Today is such a clear day which has been very very rare, with pollution so bad that your not able to see two blocks down the road from our windows, and even with the sun out, you can look straight at the sun without sunglasses and it will not hurt your eyes. My sinus have been great to my surprise, but today it has caught up with me, sinus are tight, head is stuffy and I have a ticket to track and field. I am going to this event no matter what, I want to get inside the Birds Nest. It is one of the hottest tickets being looked for, people are paying 2 and 3 thousand dollars for one, Praise God I got mine for about 235 RMB's which breaks down to $35 US dollars.
We got to see the Women's Javelin throw, Long Jump, and the 200 meter heats. The place was packed and it was a beautiful day. We watched for 3 1/2 hours and then headed to the Super Store once again. That place is like a magnet, or a Hoover vacuum cleaner. It grabs you and then sucks all the money you have right our of your wallet, but seriously, I am an Olympic pin collector, and last week I ran into the man who is the owner, and who created all the pins for the Olympics, his name is Devon. I had asked Devon about opening and closing Ceremony pins. He shared with me how they opening ceremony pins were sold out on the first day in about 2 hours. he said they would release the closing on Monday, but this was Wednesday and I probably missed out again.
I called Devon on my way to the Super Store to say hey and to see how things were going, he said it was very busy. I then asked about the Closing pin and he said, They released them already on Monday, my heart dropped, because I knew I had missed out, but Devon went on to say, We had to pull them from the shelf because everyone was going so crazy trying to get them, that people were getting hurt, that if I wanted one or a few, that I could call him back when I got to the Super Store and hand the phone to one of the girls and he would tell them what to do, my heart beating so fast with excitement and my walk became much faster getting there.
I get to the Olympic Super Store and get in, stand in front of one of the girls and call Devon back. I hand the phone to her and she says ni Hao. which is Chinese for "HELLO". She gets off the phone and grabs my arm and escorts me into a room filled with boxes. She asked, how many do you want, I was like what? Devon told me to give you as many as you need, we have both for you, I was like YES LORD, thank you, so I said, how about 10 sets, nope lets go with 15, because I figured the rest of the team would love some.
I got the pins and went out but covered them up, and found the rest of the guys. After walking around in the store sharing the blessings with the guys, I realized something, I did not get enough I need more, so I thought, well I might be pushing my fortune, but you never know until you ask, Amen. So I walked up and said, excuse me, but can I get 5 more sets please, she smiled and said, No problem, WOOOOOO HOOOO
We got out of the store and I need to go to the post office near the store at the Olympic park. I had to stand in line for about 40 minutes, it was a mad house and it was hot. I forgot all about the heat when a couple started trying to talk to me in broken english. I shared my name and country and they shared theres, but I am not able to pronounce it, but there english name was Terry and Daisy and they were from China, up north. After 40 minutes was up, I had a new brother and sister in Christ. So the heat was not so bad after all. I got the pins I really wanted thanks to the guidance of the Lord to meet the guy who made and owned the company, but also got two new family members. Isn't the Lord just a huge blessing.
Now me and the Crew are headed to Xi An, this is where the Terra-Cotta Soldiers are. We are taking a train ride to get there, it is a 12 hour train ride straight there, none stop, but we get to sleep and then wake up and get off, and then have a one hour bus ride to get there and back, back on the train and then had back to Beijing China, It was really a cool experience.
This trip has been so amazing and the Lord has allowed me to see and experience so much. I also hope you guys have had a blessed time reading, with the hopes of bringing you all along with me on the journey, one that many said would not happen, but the Good Lord has much bigger plans, Amen. So praise to the Lord, the King for all his blessings.
Love to you all
Pastor Dave
PICTURES TO COME WHEN I GET HOME
1 Comment | Post A Comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend | Link
|
|
Today we had a large group heading off this morning. There was David, Rodney, Emily, (who is new to the team, she came in on the 16th and she is from Seattle, Washington) and then Nick, Peter and Norwin and myself. We headed off for Tian'anmen Square but before we go, we wanted to get something to eat. So we went to the Sizzler, which is more like the food back home and they have a pretty awesome salad bar.
We finished the meal and headed off to meet up with Neet, "from Australia" but before we did, as we were walking to the Sizzler we passed this ice cream shop, one of my down falls, and I guess not just mine because when I mentioned it, everyone was on board for some as well, so we took off for the ice cream. We get there and everything looks so awesome and now everyone is putting in there order, and this young girl came up to me wanting to give me a little book on the Words and phrases, Chinese into English, I thought, where have you been for the past 16 days,so I asked how much, she said free, so I said "xie xie in" which is chinese, and then got focused on my ice cream order, you know gotta stay focused.
Well the lady behind the counter was taking everyone else's order except mine, I was sooooooo focused on the Tiramisu ice cream, Yeah if I didnt know better, some of you reading this, your mouth is starting to water just like mine was. Well I turned around and said, what is your name, she said "Lu Lu" and I said you know what, I have something to give you, so Lu Lu stood there with a surprise look on her face. I pulled out one of my buttons they says, " I feel I am being Loved" in Chinese. After explaining everything from how I cared for her in Christ, that it was Jesus himself that loved and cared for her way more than I or anyone else ever could in this world. Lu Lu stood there with her hat hanging down around behind her and listening to everything I shared with her. I explained the difference between Heaven and Hell, I then asked Lu Lu, when you die, which one of these places would you love to go to, and she smiled and said, Heaven and I smiled back and told her that was a good choice.
I then asked Lu Lu how she planned on getting to Heaven. She looked around with great thought, and I knew she was searing for the right answer, so I helped her a little by saying, "Probably by being good, doing good things for others, maybe giving out money to those in need, helping those with her time, and she said, "YES" this sounds right, and I told her that it was a good answer. but I went on and shared with her that God says in the bible that no one can be good enough to enter His heavens, that our very best is nothing but filthy rages before him, so being good won't help you.
I then went on to explain that we could not buy our way into heaven either, that the only way into heaven was through a free gift like she had just given me, and I to her, but this gift was much different, because it did come with a price but not one for us to pay, but for the Son of Christ to pay for, it was the price of the life of Jesus Christ, the son of God.
I went on to explain why Jesus was willing to do this for her, myself and everyone else in the world. The only thing that was keeping her from Heaven was not having a personal relationship with Christ and then shared about Sin. I explained what sin was in the eyes of God, Lu Lu was very still listening to very intently to everything I was sharing with her, not being fazed at all with all the people walking around and all the noise, she was very focused.
I asked Lu Lu if she understood everything I was sharing with her, and she said, "YES". I then shared about my personal relationship with Christ and how I had prayed for Christ to come into my life, then asked if she wanted to have a personal relationship with Christ as her Lord and Savior? Lu Lu Smiled and said "Yes", I asked would you like to pray now? she smiled again and said "Yes, I would like"
So me and LU LU stood in front of the ice Cream shop with people walking all around us, and we prayed. It was a joyful time, and I was very blessed to be a part of something so precious and sweet. Once again, the family of God has grown, and I praise the Lord above and thank you all for your prayers while being here in Beijing China.
After Lu Lu prayed to receive the Lord into her life, I turned around, and ordered my Tiramisu, two scoops on a cone. You know, I truly believe that ice cream was much better after such a sweet, sweet moment in the Lord, seeing Lu Lu come to the Lord.
I just want to thank the Lord for His provision and for the Holy Spirit showing up and tenderizing my heart and also Lu Lu's heart and soul, because now I will get to enjoy the friendship and fellowship of my new sister in Heaven for eternity, Amen. So thank you Lord for loving me, Lu Lu, and everyone else first.
Love you all, pray you have a Jesus filled day
Pastor Dave
1 Comment | Post A Comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend | Link
|
|
Well its August 17th and about 9 am in the morning. Today is the big event
Night with the Stars with Carl Lewis. Also we get a chance to see the
labor of our work since we have been trying to promote this event with word of mouth and with hand outs. We are all moving quickly to get ready because we are also trying to get to the morning service of the same venue we will be using at 2 pm. We pack, and rush down stairs to get three taxi's and head to the venue, our taxi driver either knew we needed to hurry or he just drove fast for the fun of it because he was weaving in and out of traffic with great speed, but he did manage to get us there on time.
The morning service really set the mood for our presentation later, because it was a truly blessed service. Olympic Medalist Marline Manning Mims sang, and also sat with the pastor in a very personal setting and he asked questions about her faith, and her career, it was truly a very blessed time and you could really feel God moving in the place.
The service ended and we started to prepare for our event for the afternoon. It was a buss as everyone was running around on our team trying to get everything ready. The BICF (Beijing International Christian Fellowship) staff and volunteers were right there with us trying to be so attentive to our needs as well, they were a huge blessing.
Its now time to start and the music begins to play, the music is Chariots of Fire and the Athletes for a line and begin to share their names, country, and Sport. People clapping and cheers with each name presented. The atmosphere was electrifying with each roar from the audience. All the
Athletes finished moving across the stage and those took there place on the Stage and in the Audience.
Dr. David Smethurst came to the Mic to great those that came to the event
and then introduced the Pastor of the church, John Davis. Pastor Davis
shared with excitement of his church being very happy and proud to be able
to host the event and also to bring such an event to Beijing China. Dr. Ming introduce the first Athlete, Emily Timmer from Seattle, Washington. She is a young girl that runs long distance sprints like the 400, 800 and 1500. Emily stepped to the mic and began to share of her strength in the Lord, how she prepares to run through the energy of the Lord, that when she runs its not by her will or might, be she seeks the will of her Savior, Jesus Christ. As she finished people applauded.
Next up with Nick Florence, He just received a scholarship to Baylor
University in Texas. He basically brought the American football excitement
to the people, he got everyone up and had them all just start screaming as
loud as they could for the Lord, the place erupted with yells, clapping and it lasted for about 3 minutes, those people were excited and long winded, but it was awesome. Nick challenged everyone to not be quite, but to be bold in speaking out there faith in Beijing and through out the world.
Andrea Bryant, former Harlem Globetrotter was next. Now Andrea stands around 6 foot 10 or 11 inches, so he is a tall present when he comes at you. But he moved out with long strides towards the mic. He shared a part of his testimony how he had spent several years working with Sam Ming's, going into schools all over the world sharing about Jesus, but one day Andrea was setting at the red light with Sam, and shared how he had been raised all his life in the Church and even spent many times sharing his faith in Christ, but at that moments, felt that if he was to die, that he might not making into Heaven, so Sam was driving the car, and when the Light turned green, she began to pray right there at the light with cars moving around them, but it was more important to make sure Andrea was right with the Lord, so Sam lead Andrea in prayer as he concreted his relationship with Lord. It was a praise to hear this, but also a challenge for others hopefully not to pretend they are something they are not, to seek out the truth where you stand with Christ.
Then Norwin Martina from the Netherlands, he is a world power lifting
Champion and keep it sweet but started to the point. He praised the Lord and gave Him thanks. it was a precious moment because of his excitement and passion in the Lord.
Madlen Manning Mim's was next, and she stepped the the mic with grace and
love, sharing with everyone of her deep love for Lord, then she sang song
that brought everyone to there feet. It was so precious because the spirit
of God was so thick in the place, and so many standing with tears
running down there face, it was a very supernatural moment in the Lord, and God used her in a great way to set the presentation of the Gospel.
Dr. Ming's steps the mic and presents me to share the Gospel and present an altar call. As I sat there, I played over and over in my mind what I would say, and as I stood up, God did something that he has done so many times, but sometimes freaks me out, because God is like, that is great what you want to share, but please, let Me share with you what I want to be said, I just wish He would give me quicker heads up, at least more than 5 seconds.
I began to share about how the Athletes work their bodies and train to
condition themselves to be the best they can be, seeking an award that will perish, then I shared 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. I continued to share about how Carl and Madlen had given praise to the Lord for all that had accomplished in there events, but the most joy they were seeking was through there personal relationship with Christ. I was sure that if it was a choice between there gold medals or there Salvation, they would choose Salvation in Jesus over an award that will perish someday.
I then began to share how everyone there was an Athlete, they all were in a race weather they knew it or not, but they were in a race called Life. I
stood there sharing realizing one major thing, I was in Beijing China,
sharing the Gospel and not willing to hold back anything, this was my main
event the Lord had been preparing me for, to present the message of Jesus
with clarity and understanding that we all have a choice in this race, and
the reward that would be presented to each person for their choice would be either Heaven or Hell.
I became so excited as I began to share how I had prayed to receive Christ into my life and the prayer I said, and how God came and meet me during that time of my life, which was April 22nd, 1989, at my pastors house and 2:30 pm in Candler, NC, and I asked them to pray right where they were to themselves, but as I began to pray, I head those in the audience saying it back, it made my heart leap with joy, and I know God has a huge smile on His face and the Angels were rejoicing, and I finished the prayer.
Carl came in and shared and thanked those that had been there for him during his career, helping to mentor him in the Lord, keeping him close and strong in the Lord like Marlene, and Sam, and Willie Gault. but also challenged those that had a relationship not to be quit but to use what ever platform the Lord had given to them, to use it with boldness and with strength to bring others into the family in Christ.
Marlene stood up and walked to the mic and began to sing the Lords prayer.
Everyone moved around her on stage and it was Euphoric and very Supernatural moment in the Lord as she sang. With people raising there hands in praise and once again, tears running down faces, it was truly a holy moment at the feet of Christ today and we praise the Lord for allowing such an event, that many said was not possible and to preach the Gospel with authority and bring an altar call, that it could not happen, that it could not be done in public like that in Beijing China, but with much prayer, and guidance seeking our counsel from the Lord himself, it took place, and we know our family has grown in Leaps and bounds and we give you praise Lord for doing something that so many said could not be done, we give you all the praise and thank you for placing you hands on this event and making it something that could not only bring you Glory and Praise, but joy in your heart as you came into the life of so many tonight, we praise you Lord and we love you for your faithfulness, Amen.
Sorry so long, but just felt it needed to be shared. Blessing to you all in Christ
Pastor Dave
WAITING FOR PICTURES!!
2 Comments | Post A Comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend | Link
|
|
Well today is my birthday, it was a very blessed day, I got up, and Nick and I headed down to work out. After the Word out we went back to our room and cleaned up and met up with Rodney and David to head down to the Olympic Park. We got Day passes for the day so thought that would be a good way to celebrate my birthday. Well we got there and the clouds started moving in us so we worked our way down to the Olympic Superstore. When we arrived, there was a huge line waiting to get in, so we ran across the street to McDonald's, its a huge two story building, so we ran up stairs to get out of the storm which was good, because as soon as we got in there, the bottom fell out of the sky. It was a good thing for several reasons, one, it helps to knock the pollution out of the sky,so we know tomorrow will be a nice sunny and clearer day, so that will be a blessing, and it gives us a chance to have a captured group of people to talk with.
We got a little bit of food and sat down, there was these two girls that wanted to trade some pins, another good way to share the gospel with people. But she wanted to trade pins with me, so I began the trading process, but after we traded, I began to share the gospel with her and she asked many questions. She shared with me that she did not believe in anything. She has a commitment problem in believing in God. She lived in London for 3 years so her english was very good. Samantha and I talked for about 40 minutes and still have not taken a bite of my food yet, but I was feasting on the moment of bragging on Christ. Samantha wanted to accept Christ into her life, but had a problem because she just didn't want to commit or believe in anything, so I asked if we could change information, so we did and I will stay in contact with her, please keep her in prayer that God will either use me or send someone across her path that will encourage her in a relationship with Christ, she is the first pic.
Then I ran across two New Zealand Field Hockey players, we invited them to two are event, Night with Olympians with Carl Lewis, its going to be a pretty huge event, I feel there will be over 500 plus athletes not to mention the locals that will attend to so please the even in prayers.
Well the rain slacked off enough to head over to the super store. Man there is sooooooooo much stuff to see there, and wished I had money to get stuff, but its all good, its fun to see everyone else spend there money. Well I was walking around and Rodney was talking with the young lady and he brought her over to introduced her to me and the rest of the guys, her name was Ivy. I told her she was the first I Ivy had met here in China. We talked for a little while and I gave her one of my buttons and started to share why I was n Beijing China. She is a University student and her english was very good, so we continued to talk. After about 25 minutes I was finishing up sharing the gospel and how she could become apart of the family of Christ and she prayed with me, it was a sweet time of fellowship. I shared with her about the free gift she had just accepted but then shared with her that she had just given me a present as well, because today is my birthday, my physical birthday, and she jumped up in the air and shouted, Happy birthday and hugged me, it was a good celebration and shared with the guys of her, its was huge praise for everyone, not to mention the huge celebration taking place in the Heavens, Amen.
Now when your in a store you have to have fun and cut up, I mean gotta laugh and have a good time ,so me and Nick was running around just doing a few goofy things, everyone was around us laughing and taking pictures of us doing goofy things, but its all in fun. after having fun, it was time to get back to what we were there for, sharing the Gospel and inviting people to come to know Jesus, Amen.
I had a wonderful time again when I got to share with this other guy, he did not have an english name but when I tried to give him a name, he asked if he could have mine, David, I said yet, but he needed to put a twist with it, so I said, David Lee would be his name. It was an awesome time of Fellowship and in about 20 minutes, I have a new Brother in Christ and our family has once again grown, so much praise goes to the Lord, Amen.
I just want everyone to know, these things are happening because of your support and prayers, its a huge blessing to see all that God is doing here, and what a wonderful birthday God has given me here in Beijing, Much praise goes to you father, and I love you for all you have been doing with me and here in China.
Love you all and be blessed, I know I am, I pray you are yourself.
Pastor Dave
2 Comments | Post A Comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend | Link
|
|
Today me and David Smethurst, and Peter Zhoa worked out this morning, which we try to keep faithful at, even though we do a lot of walking, still need to hit the weights. Then we raced back to our room to clean up and head off for our boxing match we had tickets for. On our way we passed the Football Stadium and I was wishing to see a soccer match, pretty much right after the thought entered my mind, this elderly man walked up to me and asked if I wanted to buy a ticket, I started looking around to see if this was some kind of a joke, but it was not, his english was very broken, but still able to communicate, and it was for a soccer match, didn't know who was playing, but really didn't care, because I love me some soccer. The soccer match was about thirty minutes after the boxing matches so it was going to be a huge blessing. Anyway, we ran to the boxing match and It had some very good matches and the group was fly weight, they are little but guys but had a lot of spunk. I got up to stretch my legs and get a snack on the outside of the arena, and I was walking around and saw this athlete and thought it would cool to invite him to our Night with the Stars with Carl Lewis. I followed him and finally caught to him before he was about to set down, talked a little he was from Nigeria, and then I turned around and pretty much ran slap into the Italian boxing team. I talked the best with them as I could, and the biggest of the 4 was able to talk to me the best. he asked why I was there and I began to share the main reason. He found it interesting and he also found Jesus during that moment, so please keep him and the others in prayer as the seed has been planted and the harvest of one has been reaped.
Well the match was over so I finally figured out that my tickets for soccer was women playing, so I was excited, but did not know who was playing, but I was hoping that maybe I would get to see one of two teams. One was our home team, United States, and maybe the Brazilian women, but was going to have to wait and see. Now I was the only one who had a ticket so the guys were getting ready to head back, and I was like, hey, maybe we can get two more tickets, and it was about a minute of saying this, the lady came up to us, but she only had one ticket, but then this other person walked up and had two tickets for the very same game, so they got their tickets and we all headed in to see the game.
Now the game started and Nigeria was playing hard, they were the first to score so that brought me down a little, but with about 10 minutes before the half, Brazil scored and tied the game, I yelled and was very happy. Nigeria came to mid field to start the play again and when they did, Brazil took the ball away, ran it down the field and scored with in a minute from there last score, WOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOO, I leaped to my feet, and yelled out. Everyone was looking at me and some asked if I was from Brazil, I just laughed and smiled and said, " have you looked at me". Then I just shared that I have been to Brazil because God allowed me to go there and preach and seeing lives come to the Lord and I have fallen in love with the country and the people, so I am pulling for them. The game ended and headed down to get something to eat before the next game, it was really funny because I got stopped by a group in Yellow shirts and they wanted a picture with me, they could speak like 10 words among them but I knew the charades for picture taking, so I did. I watched the next game and it was just a blessed day.
You know the Lord has been so gracious to me on this trip, showing me much favor and allowing me the joy to see so many people coming to know Him as there personal Savior so its been a very blessed day for me and I praise the Lord for all He has done.
I pray that everyone that is spending your time reading this that your being blessed as I am experiencing it. I also hope that God has also challenged you in your faith and walk in the Lord. I appreciate you all and love you guys for your prayers and support, they mean so much.
Much love to you all and blessings to you and your family and friends.
Pastor Dave
2 Comments | Post A Comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend | Link
|
|
It has been such a huge blessing being here in Beijing. I mean when you get a chance to see the hand of God at work, it just makes you over flow with joy. Seeing and hearing from the team everyday as we share with each other about those that have come to Christ each day, it just makes the trip even more worth it. We get to see so much, experience the culture here in China. As we spend time walking around meeting the people on the streets, or at some ruin that shares a lot of History. It's amazing to see a place with such old history, but when you share the gospel with someone and get a chance to create new history on such a historical site, it just melts your heart when your a part of such an amazing thing.
Many of you have supported this trip financially and with your prayers and because of that, I have seen our family in Christ grow so much, so I wanted to thank you for all your gifts towards the historical event. We have been cut off from many of the places we were promised, and the trip was even at a point at risk of not happening because of a certain organization here, but with the gifts that God has given and the passion that is in the heart of the team, we came anyway because we knew that God was going to do something huge here, not sure what exactly, but we knew something huge was going to happen from all that was taking place before we even arrived.
Today me and Nick got some tickets for the Girls Gymnastics. They were different times so we headed down to the Olympic Park and my ticket was first. Nick was going to scout all the cool things that was outside while I went it in. I had the chance to see the USA competing against Italy, Japan, and Romania, it was a good time and the girls were really awesome. When I was leaving the board showed China in first, USA second and Romania in Third, so it seems to be really close.
I met up with Nick and we headed over the Olympic Super Store to get some gifts to take home. Also Nick was telling me I had to try this box dinner. So I went over to get one next to the OSS, Nick was really excited so not sure what I was in store for. Well I really cant explain what the experience was, I videoed it so hopefully I will get a chance to show you , but it was a treat. As I shared earlier, we were hoping for the rain, well we got our wish, a huge storm came up and I was standing under this little umbrella, and the people who served me started yelling for me to come under there big tent so I did with much joy, because it was getting rough under the little one.
Everyone started talking to me and asking me where I was from, so much broken english and I was with out my translator Peter, but I did the best I could speaking no Chinese at all, so a lot of Charade's, but that is part of the fun of it all. Anyway, they all started taking pictures with me and there was no customers for about 45 minutes because of the rain, so I shared the gospel with them all, about 18 of them it was a blessed time getting to so the seed of Life with them. When the rain stopped, I asked them all if I could get a picture and they did. So got a pic with over half of the team and then meet back up with Nick, and we spent the evening watching it go from light to dark and seeing all the cool lights, and cutting up inside some of the Sponors booths, had a wonderful and blessed time inside the Olympic Park.
Listen as you read this I pray you will have the chance to keep in mind the one's we share with, that the seed of Christ will start to grow and that either we get another chance to see them again and continue to encourage the hope that lies in Christ with them and maybe be blessed to see them give there life, so would you please keep them in prayer?
Again much love to you all and have a wonderful and blessed day your self in the Lord
Your Brother in Christ
Pastor Dave
1 Comment | Post A Comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend | Link
|
|
Well woke up this morning and Nick, David and myself ran to the gym to get a work out in. It was a good devotional this morning and time of prayer. I had not had a chance to get to the Temple of Heaven today, so asked the guys if they wanted to run by there with me and just check it out. Lots of history there and everyone that Had gone really seemed to like it so far, so thought it was a good day, so off we go.
Now as we travel to the temple, we are just sharing with each other what God has been doing with us and through us, but its been a wonderful ministry to ourselves as well. The earnest looks and smiles as well as their hugs as they come to know the Lord. The Chinese people are not really touchy people, they bow, they will shake, but not really hug, so when they do hug you, you know they have been touched a very great deal, and they also call you Friend quickly or as Eric said when I got a picture beside him, He stood beside me and said, lets have our picture taken together, your now my brother, which brought a tear to my eye. I have given you a pic of the two of us, my new brother to share with you all, Much love to my new brother Eric, please keep my new friend in prayer as he grows in his personal relationship with the Lord, Amen.
But we arrive at the Temple of Heaven, wonderful place, so beautiful. There were so many cool things going on there. There was a group doing some kind of artistic Yoga with a paddle and ball. Then a little band was playing traditional instruments. Then there was this group of people singing, it was like a 45 plus choir and they really sounded good, and a few were singing like they were performing in front of 10,000 people. We moved on towards the temple and it was pretty awesome.
Now we have this team member that is pretty much living on McDonald's food, but there were 5 of these young ladies still in Uniform, and we all said, those are Andrea's friends, but then we thought it would be cool to get a picture with them. We ran up to them and asked them if we could get a picture with them and they were very happy to do so. We got the picture and then I thought it would be good to give out my pin to them.
I pulled out my pin and began to share with them. There english was really good, they all were studying english, but they also were studying Spanish, I was like what, I can barely speak english, and here you all are learning two language's, so needless to say, I was kind of Envious of them. Anyway, I began to ask them about Heaven's Temple, and share that it in there language means big sky. I then began to share about another Heaven's Temple, and that it was much different than the one we were standing at. I asked them if they bought a ticket at the one we were in, which I already knew the answer to that, Yes they did. But the one I was talking about, there was no ticket you could purchase, but it came as a free gift to all, but the gift was not given to them from me like it was with the button I had just given to them, this gift was given to them by Jesus Christ.
I shared with them about this gift and how to receive the gift by confessing their wrong doings, their sins and repenting from it all. One girl looked up and with tears in her eyes, I asked her, you want to enter this Heavens temple don't you, she smiled and said yes, and then the rest of the girls pipped in and said they also wanted to enter it. I said, well its very easy, and then shared with them how to obtain this free gift by asking Jesus into there lives. It was a wonderful and blessed time in the Lord, I hope you all like the pictures that David and Nick took while I was sharing with them for about 25 minutes.
So today was a very blessed day for me and the guys and hopefully for you after reading these Road Logs. We have 5 new sisters in Christ now. Man, Beijing has been like walking through fruit field picking fruit from a tree or vine. What a blessed time in the Lord.
Praise to the King
Pastor Dave
3 Comments | Post A Comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend | Link
|
|
Well Today we woke up and we have a meeting and bible study every other day. Our time is so blessed as others share praise reports and how God is dealing with them and guiding their foot steps. David, Nick, Rodney and myself took off today to see if we could get into the Olympic Stadium before the Olympics started. They had that place locked down like Fort Knox. It was a nice cool day around 100 degrees today and humidity maybe around 89% plus, and the pollution was almost to full max, LOL, just a good smoggy day in Beijing, but, since we could not get in, we just took our time to see if we could get some photo opp's.
We were walking around and ran across this group of volunteers who had on these really neat uniforms, they were a lime green and it had this Red heart with a hand in the middle, I just found it a really cool logo. So I went up and started talking to them about there shirts and just seeing what they were all about. They were part of a clean up crew with in the Olympic park and also on the outside. I felt led to give them some of my buttons in Chinese which says, " I feel I am being loved". They were all very greatful and I proceeded to share with them about why I was there in China.
They all listened to me as I shared with them and the longer I talked the more and more people started to stand around me, many taking pictures as I spoke with them. The other guys just laid back and prayed while I shared. It was a good time of sharing, I brought them all they way up to the Cross, but they had a hard time wrapping there minds around God, and why he would do what he did for us and why He would love us after all what we did. I spent about 40 minutes talking to them and during that time with many distractions from the crowd that was standing around listening, they would throw out questions as well, but I took it as a time of planting a seed, plus giving them my card with the hopes of getting an email, they all said they would email me with more questions, so pray they do so.
Then we all spent some time getting some funny pix with different people, I got one with this one guy, this guy was hilarious, but got a picture with him, giving thumbs up, it was fun time. Then we took off trying to see other stuff, and came across a large sign that gave the count down for the Olympics, and we wanted to get a group picture below the sign, and I went up and asked this young asian guy if he could take it for us, he spoke very good english, but he snapped the pic and then asked if we needed any help, we said yes because Peter was not with us, and so any help would be greatful.
As we talked with the young man, I asked his name, He said his english name was Eric. So we walked with Eric and invited him to hang with us and we wanted to find a place to get something to eat and also find and Olympic store to get some Olympic merchandise, so Eric was our tour guide for the day. As we walked along, I asked Eric many questions trying to get a feel of where he was in his life. After many minutes I wanted to give Eric one of the buttons I had brought and share my little message that goes with it. He accepted it with much kindness, and then I shared about how Christ had changed my life. It was a very sweet time and I ofered this simple free gift that Christ had given to me, and he was very excited to pray with us on the streets there outside the Olympic park, near the Birds Nest. So you will see a pix of me holding Eric's hands and others standing around praying as we gain another brother in Christ, Amen, and then we took off to have fellowship and food, it was a sweet time with Eric and we Praise you Lord for guiding us and for not allowing us to stay with our plans, but for sharing your plans, your so sweet Lord and we praise you for the awesome and blessed time here.
On our way to another place, I ran across a group from Brazil, love these people so much, but the cool thing to find out, they were all brothers and sisters in Christ, and they were there with YWAM, "Youth With A Mission", the fellowship was sweet and I just shared about my time last year in their country and how I feel in love with it and the people. As we got ready to leave each other, I really felt lead to pray for them, for strength and boldness, guidance in there journey and also for purity of the message of Gods word for them.
After that, we took off to a market called the World Pearl Market. This place is amazing and the best part is, everyone speaks english, but we had a wonderful time there arguing over the price of things, we were getting some really cool things for very crazy cheep price. Well the last pic is where me and Nick had a disagreement over something so I had to straighten him out, as you will see, but I think it's all under control now.
Anyway, we will be heading back to the market again not to purchase things, but to share with everyone since they speak very good english, I feel it will be a wonderful place to plant the seed and Lord wiling the chance to reap a Harvest, so please keep me and the team in prayer as we continue to venture out and continue to seek the will and path of the Lord.
Thanks and have a wonderful and blessed day, love you guys, and as I have said several times, your notes of encouragement are a huge blessings, your all a huge blessings.
In His Grip
Pastorr Dave
3 Comments | Post A Comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend | Link
|
|
Today the group went to the Great Wall of China. I learned a lot about the wall from our tour guide, Cindy. She explained that the walls original name is High Wall, but the westerns called it the Great Wall and our name just stuck. But our trip first started off going to the Ming Tombs, learning of the Ming dynasty, which is pretty amazing to listen to and also see how they were treated and how they treated there wives, yes more than one. The first emperor had over 3000 wives. We learned that when each emperor died, they would ask for one of the wives to volunteer to be buried alive with the Emperor, when no one would volunteer, they would have a raffle of with the wives that never gave the Emperor a son. They said that most of the time the wife that won, or to me, lost the raffle would commit suicide before she was buried, but the family of the winner would be taken care of for the rest of there life needed nothing, that it was an honor for them to have this happen.
After that we went to the Jade factor, this was pretty amazing and the art they would create from this was so amazing, and the detail was extremely awesome. They explained the difference between the different colors and also how to tell if it is real Jade or glass. We had lunch at the Jade factory and filled up before it was time to hit the Great Wall, need some energy to climb. From the Jade factory we had about an hour and 30 minute ride, so I layed back in my set and checked my eyes for cracks of light.
We arrive at the Great wall and its kind of a little hike up to the wall. Now we have a one pic with me at the Ming Tomb and then I have a few at the Great Wall, but the last pic is the best pic of them all, it's a pic with Cindy and me and just so you know, we have a new family member so please keep Cindy in prayer. Once I get home I will be putting up more pictures on a slide show like my Malaysia trip and also Brazil with captions, and also will be putting up the videos when I arrive home, sorry about the video, but limited with internet coming and going here and also having someone else posting this all up for me, so I am very greatly for them doing the work for me so you can read what is going on, blessing to you my loving friend.
Its been good, I am excited to continue to share with you how our family just keeps growing in leeps and bounds, it's a huge blessing and God is sooooooooooooooo faithful in providing His grace on me and the team, guiding our footsteps and the opportunities that are given to me and the team. Just pray we will continue to be obedient and see the doors that God has opened for us, and we faithfully walk through and capture the moment.
I am enjoying reading your emails and post from those that are reading the Road Log thank you for those because they are such encouragement to me. I sometimes get a little frustrated because some things have not happened as planned, but I have slowly been learning on this trip that our plans many times are not that of God's plan, and His plan is waaaaaaaaaaaaaay much better than even 1 % of our little plan's.
Love to you all and thank you for all your encouragement. Much love and many blessings to you and your family in the grace and love of our Savior.
Your Brother in Christ
Pastor Dave
2 Comments | Post A Comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend | Link
|
|
Today was a very nice and full day. We went out and hit the streets and spent time talking to people. That is one of the biggest things we are doing. When we arrived all of our hospitality center were pulled from us, so we are having to improvise, which is a good thing, I would rather go out and meet the people where they are instead of standing around waiting for them to come to us. Today we went into the World Pear Market, this place is crazy, but the good thing is, everyone speaks english so it was fun. You get to haggle over the price of everything you want, and they always start very high, and then you low ball them with what you want, it is actually very fun. The Lord has blessed me and other members of the team of going and seeing a few events now, so I will be heading off to see Gymnastics, Boxing, handball, and one of my favorite, Soccer, so I am pretty happy because it's also a wonderful place to share about the truth Hope of life, so please keep me and the team in prayer as we gear up to hit the streets and also head off for events.
Today after we shopped, got some good things, I walked out, and there was a tv station from Doha Qatar Aljazeer, got some pix to show. But they asked me what I thought of the Olympics opening and what events I will see. I shared that I thought the Opening would be amazing since the China was the one who invented fireworks, so I was very sure they would pretty much put on one of the most amazing displays show of fireworks ever in this world. Then I shared I was not sure what events, just had to see what the Lord sent my way. That remark opened a whole new question from them, I was then asked what the Lord had to do with it, I silently said, Thank you Lord.
I went on to share how the Lord can bless those that have a personal relationship with them with blessings. And that was also the main reason I was in China, it was to encourage the people there and also those that were coming to the Olympics from around the world that Christ can give them all Hope, Love through His Gift of Grace for all those that come to know him personally as their savior. So please pray that is released in there country.
I pray you guys are enjoying reading the Road Log and again want to thank you all for your prayers, it has been a huge blessing and I look forward to sharing with you all more and more of what God is doing.
Blessings to you all, love you all very much and thanks for all the encouraging emails and post here on the Road Log, they truly build me up.
Pastor Dave
3 Comments | Post A Comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend | Link
|
|
Well the team is up and running this Morning preparing to head off to church. We went to the Beijing Haidian Christian Church, this is a government sanctioned church. They have an English service and with many countries represented, it was a very blessed time as we praised the Lord together. After the service we had a chance to spend time in fellowship with the locals there, they have such a sweet spirit and you can tell they have a huge hunger for learning more of the Lord.
We came back to our place, and just to help you all to know, this was not our original place, this was set up after we lost our other place because they continued to raise a rate, this place was utilized by one of the wealthiest business christian men in all of Beijing, this is not how we usually stay during these events so it's been a huge blessing, the Lord is good, Amen.
Well we got ready to eat lunch and also try and get some things for our rooms, that we were not able to get bring with us, Beijing is a very big city and they have pretty much anything you need. Just so I help you all understand, A mission trip is not just about devastation or poorness or sleeping on the dirty floor and eating bugs and other things you don't want to place in your mouth, A mission trip is meeting those that are poor in spirit, lonely, those that do not have hope in their life, and also those that do not have peace and security of Heaven, A mission trip is pretty much where you are day to day at your home, your work or your next door neighbor.
Ok, where was I, oh yeah, so we all are running all over this mall below us in our building looking for things and I run across Sam and his wife, Sharon, she is needing a few things she lost at the airport or the plane, but never the less they are struggling to communicate with the sales people. The young lady comes up and ask if she can help, a precious young Chinese girl starts to talk to Sam and Sharon helping them and asked if they needed anything else and starts to follow them around. I ran into Sam and Sharon and they introduce me to her, her English name is Vanessa. I talked with her for a moment and then gave her one of my pins I brought from America and explained why I came all the way from America.
After I shared with her, I asked her if she had ever experienced the forgiveness our Christ for her wrong doings, her sins, she said no. I then shared what it meant to have a personal relationship with Him, and would she like to have this, to experience His love and grace through a personal relationship with Christ, Vanessa looked at me with a wonderful smile and said, " Yes, Please". Sam, Sharon and I bowed our heads along with Vanessa and I began to pray and then Vanessa repeated it all back. It was a very sweet in counter and we have a new sister in the Lord and we thank the Lord for this divine appointment. Please keep Vanessa in prayer.
I will be heading off to bed now, but I pray you all have enjoyed reading what God is doing here in Beijing, it's been a huge blessing.
Peace and love to you all, thanks for you prayers and for inter seeding on our behalf, it is felt and very welcomed.
Pastor Dave
3 Comments | Post A Comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend | Link
|
|
|
|
|
![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
ecstatic