Two Great Reasons To Witness

As I arrived to teach English at the Chinese Restaurant on Monday, these two precious young boys were there with their mom, who was busy working. They are the sons of the owner. Lawrence is on the left and Ricky is on the right.
They also have a baby sister who is two. Her name is Weeko. That's right W-e-e-k-o.

As I have been witnessing to these dear people over the past months, I cannot help but think of the consequences for these little ones if their parents don't accept Christ.
What about them? See the innocence in their little faces.
Will they grow up without knowing Christ?
Will they live without the love of Christ in their lives?
Will they one day die without Him?

God forbid!






Oh my God! Will you please have mercy and save these precious people. They are unworthy, but so was I. They are sinners, but so am I.
Reach down for them into the same pit that you brought me up out of. Set them on the same Rock upon which I stand.

Oh God! Don't let me get to heaven without them!

God Provides

A man in our church who spent seven years as a missionary in India came up to me today with a gift basket in his hand.
Inside the basket was a CD set and a book for learning the Croatian language!
What a wonderful blessing that is!
I haven't gone shopping anywhere, attempting to be as conservative with finances as possible considering all the upcoming expenses with relocating to Croatia.
CD's for learning the language will be a huge help to get a jump start in preparation for the work that lies ahead.
He told me, "God put this on my heart." That's just how God is. He knows what we need, and He provides.
This journey with the Lord to Croatia means many things to me, but one of the best things is how I will be privileged to see God provide day after day, and year after year as the Word of God sweeps Croatia and their worthless wall of man-made religion crumbles into the dust of history as souls get saved and a raging fire for the things of God is kindled that will burn till Jesus comes.
He knows what I need.

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Bless the Lord.

A Great Christmas Gift

Today is Christmas Eve and, as usual, I went to the China Sea Buffet for lunch. But today there was a surprise awaiting me. Trista, the Christian hostess from Taiwan, had a Christmas card waiting for me. The words from her heart brought me great joy.
God has given me the opportunity to reach out in the name of Christ to a group of precious people here at the Chinese buffet and the dividends keep coming back.
"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom."


As you can see from the photo, she says, Thank you for bringing LOVE to the China Sea family. LOVE came down at Christmas.



Her words are so accurate when she says that Love came down at Christmas. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. The selfless gift of God's Son to us is the greatest demonstration of love that the world will ever know, yet the world wants so badly to remove Christ from Christmas and make this greatest of celebrations only about what the world can provide.

Perhaps you are able to provide many material gifts to your family and friends. But let's do our best to emulate the God of heaven and give as He gave - straight from the heart.

Trista's words are much better to me than anything she could have purchased and set under a tree.

Thank you God, for your unspeakable gift.

Was Brittany Murphy Ready To Meet God?

Internet news sites are buzzing about the sudden death of actress, Brittany Murphy, who was only 32 years old.
The fact Brittany Murphy is in the news makes it clear that she had acquired some worldly fame during her short life.
Her soul went out into eternity today, with no second chance for salvation. Was she prepared?
Did she know Jesus as her personal Saviour?
The Bible is very clear on the ONE WAY of salvation: John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

I can't help but wonder,
Did some faithful Sunday School teacher reach her with the gospel when she was a little girl?
Did a diligent Bus Captain knock her door and take her to a Bible Believing, Gospel Preaching church when she was young?
Did someone from a soulwinning church knock her door and lead her to Christ?
Did a neighbor share the gospel with her before it was too late?
Did some church member, determined to do what they could to carry out the great commission, pass a gospel tract to Brittany in an effort to reach her for Christ?
Was there anyone with gospel signs standing on the street corner near her home or workplace?
Did someone display tracts on their table at a restaurant in an effort to share the gospel?
Did anyone ever pass out gospel tracts in her neighborhood?
Was there ever a street preacher on a corner near her home declaring the saving power of our resurrected Lord?
Did anyone establish a church near where she lived in an effort to reach her or her family?

Did anyone do anything to reach her with the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

I hope so, because now it is too late.

The Most Important Question Regarding Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods is certainly in the news lately - more so than usual.
The restaurant where I eat lunch has a Television on the wall playing news all day.
Tiger Woods' face and name are everywhere.
Accusations are running rampant. Innuendos are everywhere. Speculation is out of hand. Did Tiger Woods do this? Did Tiger Woods do that?

I cannot help but wonder why no one asks the most important question of all
- Is Tiger Woods saved?
The media and the public are feasting on him in a frenzy, but does anyone truly care for his soul?
Like the rest of us, Tiger Woods has an eternal soul which will live on in eternity either in heaven or hell. Like the rest of us, Tiger needs Jesus in order to be saved.
Does Tiger Woods know Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour? I do not know. I may never know.
Several things I do know about Tiger Woods:

1. He is gifted by God with talent to play golf better than anyone else in the world.
2. His public appearances over the years have demonstrates poise and courtesy.
3. He is very wealthy because of the talent that God has blessed him with, and the discipline he has exercised to hone his talent.

However, talent doesn't save, poise and courtesy do not save, and money cannot buy a place in heaven. ONLY JESUS SAVES.
Tiger Woods must come to Jesus like all of the rest of us - as a sinner placing his faith in the saving power of Jesus Christ, who died for him on the cross of Calvary.

Tiger Woods needs to understand that

All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. There is none righteous, no not one.
The wages of sin is death. And death and hell shall be cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
There is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.
If Tiger shall confess with his mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in his heart that God has raised him from the dead, Tiger would be saved from the penalty of sin - saved from an eternity in hell.
All his sins could be forgiven if he could Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved.

I hope that Tiger Woods understands how much God loves him. God loves him so much that God gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Let's ask the most important question all. Are you saved? God is not willing that any should perish. Jesus died for you.

See the Holy Scriptures in the King James Bible:
Romans 3:10, 3:23, Revelation 20:14, Romans 5:8, 6:23, Acts 4:12, Romans 10:9-10, 10:13, Acts 16:31, John 3:16, 2 Pet 3:9

What A Thanksgiving!

There is a prison in south Texas, near Huntsville, where God had the builders put a chapel over 40 years ago. To this prison, God sent missionary Chris Athey, with the Eternal Word of the Living God in hand. Brother Athey is a fervent witness for Christ, and is passionate about seeing people gloriously saved. Through his years at this facility, God has built an incredible work. Thousands have come to know Christ as their personal Saviour while in this prison. Many have enrolled in Bible courses, and grown greatly in their walk with the Lord. Many have graduated the 3-year Bible course, gotten out of prison and gone on to serve the Lord in full-time Christian service.
Others have graduated the 3-year Bible course and serve the Lord fervently right where they are. This prison is a special place that God has used to save many souls, and change many lives for the glory of God.
To this prison I was privileged to go on Thanksgiving Day this year. I had the opportunity to report to these faithful brethren about what God is doing in my life and what He has done in Croatia through their prayers.
We had a glorious time rejoicing together in the greatness of God and His great blessings that He has bestowed upon us, and in preaching the Word. These men love to hear the Word of God preached, and the louder the better.
Many of these men know that God used prison to get their attention, and save them and turn their lives around. Some will never see physical freedom again, yet they rejoice in the Lord daily. Contrary to the popular (and offensive) stereotype, not everyone in prison claims or believes they are innocent.
These men are my faithful brethren and prayer warriors and I am so thankful to God that I have the privilege of knowing them and serving the Lord with them.

God Bless Brother Chris Athey and my faithful brethren!

To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ ..... Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

English Class IS Such A Blessing

The English class for the Chinese is such a blessing.

I love these precious people so much! If I, being only the dust of the earth, can love these people as much as I do, just imagine how much God loves them.
Sometimes I don't think we really get it. God SO LOVED the world ....
All the great love that is bound up and presented to us by the word "SO" is amazing to me. The gift of anyone's son is unfathomable, let alone the perfect, Holy SON of Almighty GOD.
As my own son, Lance Corporal Kevin Ward, fights terrorism on the battlefields of Afghanistan, I think how I long for his safe return (7 months to go). Then, I think of God my Father, purposely sending his only begotten Son to die for me, intentionally, out of His great love for my soul.
It is His love, His sacrifice, His mercy and His grace that compels me and propels me to take His message to others.

Please whisper a prayer today for these precious Chinese people, for whom Christ so willingly and so lovingly gave His life:

(Some have adopted American names, but others have yet to do so)

Ling
Peter
Ying
Angela
Annie
Ping
Tsing
Christine
Fu
Tara (Xao Fing)
Ronnie
Albert
and Christopher who is due to be born in February (I pray his mom and dad (Christine and Fu) will be saved and he will be raised in a Christian home.)

"Mercy there was great and grace was free. Pardon there was multiplied to me."

Glory to the God of Heaven !

God gives us the desires of our heart and then He fulfills those desires.
Words cannot adequately express my joy, my jubilation, my exhilaration at what God has done for me.
My employer at the plastic company where I have worked for 25 years came to me and asked if I would like to go to Croatia and be a missionary full-time.
Having been on 3 trips to Croatia and been filled with joy upon each return, my employer took note.
He decided he would assist me in getting into full-time mission work, and as of Tuesday, I am preparing to depart to the country that God has called me to. My employer has promised two year's worth of support, and I will let God worry about years 3 through 50.


I knew after my first trip to that beautiful land in 2006 that God was telling me He wanted me there. He has richly blessed me on every subsequent trip, and my heart has overflowed with joy while also being so broken for the lost. Only God can make such joy and such sorrow reside in the same heart, and yet sustain us through it all.
I have repeatedly begged God for a greater burden for souls and for a broken heart. He has faithfully delivered, and I am so blessed.
Being crippled with MD and virtually unable to walk just 10 years ago, this is amazing to me. Not only can I walk again, but now I am headed to the mission field...to the dream of my lifetime. I suppose I shouldn't be too amazed. After all, this is GOD we're talking about.
I am praying to get there by early January, if not before.

The Bible does say, "Launch out into the deep".

Here I go.

Glory to God.

Soulwinner Spotlight - Cody Leslie

Today's Soulwinner Spotlight is on Cody Leslie - Eldest son of Johnny Leslie, Missionary to Croatia.
This photo was taken during the Croatia Soulwinning Marathon of 2009, shortly after Cody had led someone to Christ in the Croatian language. Glory to God! The Croatian language isn't easy, and yet he tackles the task of witnessing in the streets with boldness and zeal.



Cody has spent nearly ten of his seventeen years in Croatia and is a great help and blessing to his family and to the work there.

I was so blessed to partner with him this year during the soulwinning marathon, knowing that he would step forward with boldness, holding forth the Word of life.

Thank you Cody for a great testimony, and for your love of souls.

Proverbs 11:30

Please beg God for the soul of young man named Dean

Today in Varaždin we were thrilled to see 6 precious souls come to Christ in spite of the cold and the wind.

But one young man named Dean, who did not get saved, broke my heart in a big way. He was obviously a rebellious young man and he joked with me when we first made contact. However, after some discussion, his countenance changed and he began to see the seriousness of his situation, and to understand the truth of the gospel.

We had a very serious talk about sin and hell. He clearly understood, but put off a decision for Christ. It could be that he was negatively influenced by his friend who was not serious. After more than 30 minutes of direct eye contact and solemn truth from the Word of God I could tell he was shaken, but he would not get saved.

Please join me in crying out to God and pleading for Dean's precious soul.

Dean is headed straight for an eternal burning hell, so please don't send any comments to comfort me. I cannot be comforted in this regard. Just pray.

The battle for souls rages on.

2 Peter 3:9

Soulwinning Marathon

Hundreds have been warned.

People are being saved.

Thank GOD! People are praying.

For progress reports please click:

www.getoveryourself-croatia.blogspot.com

and

www.johnnyslifeinthefiled.blogspot.com

If ye love me, keep my commandments

Jesus said, If ye love me, keep my commandments.

He also said, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

The 2009 Croatia Soulwinning marathon begins on Saturday, 10/3 !

Brethren, pray for us.

OH GOD! SAVE CROATIA!

My Chinese Family

God has richly blessed me with a ministry to the Chinese people here in Arlington. They now call me a member of the family! The owner of the restaurant told me the other day, "If you want something to drink, get it yourself. You are at home now."
Ling and her family have taken me out to their favorite places on three occasions. Once there was Ling, Peter, Uncle Ping, Aunt Qing, and me.
Then it was Peter and Ling and I on two occasions. The last time was very recent. After we got to the restaurant, they told me it was their 5th wedding anniversary. I was so honored that they picked me to celebrate with. What a blessing!
English classes have been very enjoyable and educational, but it takes longer than one might think, especially for speakers of Chinese, which is a vastly different language.
These dear people have not yet accepted Christ. They come from such a background that it is difficult for them to grasp, especially with the language barrier.
The owner of the Buffet, Ronny, did let me know the other day that he cannot get the Scripture out of his mind that says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh unto the father, but by me." God is definitely at work here.
I love these precious people and they love me. Please join me in praying that God will make the light come on and they will be saved. Time is short.

Psalm 126:5-6

Christine and Trista at the China Sea Buffet

Ling and I on the second outing. Her husband Peter manning the camera.

Ling, Qing (pronounced Tsing), Ping, Me, Peter

Outing number one

Outing number three. Peter and Ling's 5th wedding anniversary.

Some of the "appetizers" were exciting. This is the ice cold chicken foot, served with a generous supply of vinegar. Mmmmm...mmmmm.

Delight thyself also in the LORD

Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."

What are the desires of my heart?

1. To see Croatians get gloriously and eternally saved.
2. To see the two Independent Baptist Churches in Croatia growing and on fire for God.
   
3. To see a missionary family uplifted and encouraged.
4. To see the Croatian wall of vain, empty, worthless, man-made religion crumble into dust.
5. To see the Word of God spread like wildfire throughout Croatia.
   
6. To see Croatia become a beacon of Light to the rest of Europe and the world.
   

I delight myself in the Lord. These desires came from Him.
The word of our God shall stand for ever.

Thank God, I will be arriving in Croatia on 10/3 for a 2-week soul-winning marathon!
Praise Holy God!

Praise Eternal God!

We had a glorious time in the Lord Saturday with the Street Ministry! It is such a blessing to stand up for Christ! We had seven on the street in total, with one new person from our youth department. We praise God for him. What a blessing!

Below are several photos from the night. What a blessing these people are to me, and I am sure Eternal God is smiling on His throne in heaven above.

In seeing us on the street, the saved are encouraged, the lost are pricked in their hearts. Isn't that exactly what God wants?

Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord!





Heb 11:26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt:

Heb 13:13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

Praise God For Bro Tom Davis!

Tonight was a special night for the street ministry. We had the distinct honor of welcoming our church's youth pastor, Tom Davis, to the street corner. Bro. Tom is a man that loves the Lord and loves souls and has been a special blessing to my life in a lot of ways. Every time he preaches, he preaches with fire and authority and without apology.
In addition, I have seen him approach visitors and witness to them in the hallways and/or during invitations. He and I have also collaborated on contacting church prospects, and have made referrals to one another.

Tom Davis is a man of conviction, and I appreciate that very much. He heard of the street ministry and now he has joined us. What an incredible blessing!
It did for him what it has done for the rest of us. It sets your heart on fire to see all the many hundreds of people driving by and know they are receiving a gospel message straight from God!
God loves the world and wants to save it. The only holdup is that His own people won't get out and share the message.

Heb 11:26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt:

Heb 13:13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

Glory Hallelujah!

Well...Praise the Lord! We had a total of eight people on the streets of Arlington Saturday night with gospel signs and our red vests which plainly declare ONLY JESUS SAVES.
Our special visitors from Austin - Kate, Amanda, Carolyn, and Samantha - accompanied me as well as several from our Sunday School class. We had a terrific time standing up for Jesus.



I firmly believe that the gospel message signs will turn the thoughts and conversations of hundreds in Arlington toward the things of God. The saved will be encouraged to stand, and the lost will be pricked in their hearts. This is an exciting time to be alive and standing up for Jesus.



I am so richly blessed to have those who will come out and stand with me , and I am so proud of them. Others have already said they will be joining us as soon as their schedules permit.

This Saturday we were able to stand for a little over an hour, and I thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful singing of hymns by my special guests for the entire time.

Many honked and waved. Some rolled down their windows and asked what church we were from and mentioned they had a desire to evangelize as well, so we know many hearts are being touched.
As we carry the message of Christ closer to the stadium, and to the new mosque that will open soon near Cooper Street, I have no doubt that this ministry will have an impact on our city for Christ!
Glory Hallelujah.
Stand Up Stand Up for Jesus, Ye Soldiers of the Cross.

Taking Back Arlington For Christ

Let's all just stand up and shout Hallelujah!

A new thing began in Arlington last Saturday night. We are now on the streets of our city with bold gospel signs for all to read. We are the army of God and by His power and grace, we are going to take back our city for Christ - one corner at a time.


Dreams do come true! I have long desired to stand on the streets of Arlington and plainly declare that JESUS SAVES and ONLY JESUS SAVES.
Our first group went out Saturday evening to a very busy intersection in Arlington, not far from the church. We were scheduled a half hour - and stayed for an hour. PRAISE ALMIGHTY GOD!
The response from the public was immediate and plentiful. We heard honks and saw thumbs up, and we heard some other comments too. Each one was an affirmation from God that we were where we needed to be.
Hundreds and hundreds drove by during that time and saw the clearly printed messages that God gave His Son Jesus and Ye must be born again. It was obvious that hearts were being convicted.
Perhaps a Christian was emboldened to witness to his friend, perhaps a hard heart was softened, perhaps another church was encouraged to do what we were doing. The possibilities are endless. We do know a man named David stopped his vehicle and asked us to pray that God would help him and he could get his life back on track.
We began this week with a small group on short notice since the signs got done Friday afternoon. People were nervous, but showed up anyway. God bless them everyone.
As I suspected, those who accompanied me had their hearts touched for the lost all over again and they can't wait to hit the streets this coming Saturday.
What makes this ministry even more enriching is that we have several people in our class that have mobility issues and one that can barely see, but all expressed interest in participating to stand up for Jesus. Praise God. We will have some out in wheelchairs soon - taking a stand for Christ.
As it looks now, we will have twice as many on the streets next Saturday, possibly more.
God is up to something here in Arlington. By His power and grace, we will take a stand and we will take our city back one street-corner at a time.
STAND UP, STAND UP FOR JESUS, YE SOLDIERS OF THE CROSS.

To God be the Glory, great things He hath done.

Michael Jackson - In Heaven or Hell?

Michael Jackson's life on the earth ended suddenly and unexpectedly on Thursday of this week. Anytime a famous person's death makes the headlines, I cannot help but think of that person's eternal soul. This brings me to the question, Is Michael Jackson's soul forever in heaven with the Lord, or forever in the flames of Hell where the smoke of his torment will rise forever and ever?
Well, he certainly had great fame throughout the world, but the Bible says, Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.
Well, he amassed great wealth throughout his life, but the Bible says, For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
It also says, For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? So, obviously a man could gain the whole world (riches, fame, and the glory of man) and yet his own soul could be lost forever in the flames of Hell.
What about Michael Jackson? To get into heaven, a person has to trust in Jesus Christ, and Him alone, for salvation. To be saved, a man must be born again. To be saved, a person has to ask Jesus for that free gift of eternal life. Consider the following statements from the Word of God.

Joh 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Ro 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Ro 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Ro 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Ro 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Ro 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Ac 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved ...
Heb 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
Joh 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Making music doesn't save anyone from Hell.
Being idolized by millions doesn't save anyone from Hell.
Having a great fortune doesn't purchase a place in heaven for anyone.

God is not impressed with worldly fame. God is not impressed with great riches and fancy dancing.

God sent His only begotten Son Jesus to die on the cross to pay for Michael Jackson's sins. God offered Michael Jackson the free gift of eternal life, if only he would believe on Jesus Christ and call out to Him for salvation. God gave Michael Jackson 50 years to accept the free gift of eternal life.

Did he? I certainly hope so.

Have you? I certainly hope so.
(How many years do you have left to make up your mind?)

Just An Idea

I had a great blessing from God the other day!
A couple of years ago, the idea came to me to display my Gospel tracts on the table while eating out in order to take better advantage of the opportunity to spread the Gospel. Everyone who walks by (and the waiter/waitress) can get at least a portion of the Gospel message.
Many people make comments, some ask if they can have one, and others pause as they walk by in order to read the titles. I like getting seated in a high traffic area to maximize the outreach.



Last Saturday at the Chinese buffet, a lady walked by a couple of times, and the third time she came by she asked for a church tract, briefly explaining that she and her husband were both saved long ago, had taught Sunday School in a Baptist church, recently moved to the area, and were searching for a new church home. Praise the Lord!
Lo and behold, at 10:30 the next morning, they came walking into the auditorium and worshiped with us! What a blessing. (Let's all just stand up and shout hallelujah!)

Hundreds of others have seen the tracts as they passed by, and have read, "Eternal Life is a Free Gift", and "Where will you spend eternity?"

Just an idea.
Romans 1:16

Homework

This blurry little photo blesses my heart. I took it Thursday night before English class when Ling came over to me excitedly saying that she had done her homework and wanted me to check it. I am deeply moved to see the writing done by this precious little Chinese lady when she copied a verse of Scripture. Even though she doesn't yet comprehend the meaning of the precious words she has written down, she is making steps toward that by the work she is doing. It seems to me that I read somewhere how God's word is quick and powerful. You can see where she translated the word shepherd in an effort to understand. She works very hard, and is determined. Hopefully before Monday's class I will be able to go over it with her in some detail and attempt to explain who the Good Shepherd really is.



This was her first effort to copy verses and she did several of them. Maybe she was especially motivated this week because she had told me last Saturday that they were moving to New York the following Monday! Perhaps as the tears began to stream down my silent face, she truly understood that this is not just your ordinary English class. Her eyes welled with tears then too. Fortunately the information on the pending move turned out to be a miscommunication from relatives in China, so Ling and her husband Peter are still here for at least "a month or two".
Oh God, help me to reach them for Christ before they return to Buddha's stronghold in Chinatown, New York!

At the restaurant today, Ronny told me that he, his children, and his grandmother will be in church Sunday! Praise God! and Pray always.

Dear Lord,
Thank you for a broken heart for people and a love for souls. Please break my heart more, and increase my burden so that my love for others will be more like yours.

Prayer Request

If you are reading this, please join me in praying for an opportunity to return to Croatia this summer for another Soul-Winning Marathon! My heart's desire is to return in late May for another two weeks of standing in the streets and proclaiming the name of Jesus to all who pass by.
My heart yearns for another opportunity to "stand in the gap" and offer the Truth of God's Word to those that are lost. The heartache I have when I consider 4-1/2 million Croatian people walking in darkness, not knowing where to turn for truth, is more than I can bare.
It takes money to get there, and I don't have the $1,300 for the airfare, but I know God does. I believe God wants me to trust Him for it, and I know when He provides it that He will again give strength to overcome my Muscular Dystrophy, and Holy Spirit power to win souls and proclaim truth.
We only have one Independent Fundamental Baptist Missionary family, the Johnny Leslies, in the country, and they could use some help and encouragement. I want so much to see souls saved over there, and I sure want to be a blessing and help to that precious family.
I have been to Croatia twice and God has miraculously provided the airfare BOTH times before. I know He wants me to wait upon Him, rather than go into debt, and I do not want to get ahead of God's blessing. Without Him, we can do nothing.
Last year, 76 precious souls came to Christ, and this year I am praying to see 100 souls saved. I can see this in my mind's eye, and I long to be there watching it happen. Oh how we want to reach the Croatian people, and start a raging fire of revival there that will burn till Jesus comes.
We will stand in the streets witnessing all day, conduct public services at night, and beg God for help in between. It will be a time of great victory for Christ.
Please join me in begging God for the opportunity, so that we may rejoice together when it comes to pass. Praise the Lord!

Psalm 126:5-6 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

Oh God! Save Croatia!
Here am I. Send Me!

Just A Pot Of Tea?

Some might think this is just a pot of tea, but it is so much more. This is the pot of tea that is specially prepared for me by Ling every time I go to the China Sea Buffet. This tea is made from tea leaves brought over by members of her family from China. This tea is not on the menu. It is reserved for family, and there is no charge.




Concerned for my health, Ling didn't like the idea of me drinking Diet Coke, and she offered to share her special tea. Of course I was honored, and I have quit drinking Diet Coke.
It is especially touching to me when she greets me with, "How are you, my teacher?" She is so happy to be learning English, and she has come to love her English teacher. This is a great blessing. God said, Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. I am indeed receiving good measure, pressed down, and shaken together.
This tea is a sign of Ling's love for her teacher, and I long for the day that Ling comes to know and love my Teacher.
This is not just a pot of tea.

What If?

1. What if I went on a business trip to Atlanta and dined in a restaurant with an international theme?
2. What if I saw a waitress wearing a name tag saying she was from Addis Ababa?
3. What if I had a missionary friend in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia?
4. What if I asked the waitress if she had family still in Ethiopia?
5. What if she does have family there, and the fact I knew where Addis Ababa was really got her attention?
6. What if I told her about my missionary friend, and gave her a gospel tract as I left the restaurant?
7. What if I returned the following day to see if I could get a few seconds of her time?
8. What if she came over to the table and I asked for an address for her family so my missionary friend could visit them?
9. What if she couldn't remember it all right then, but she gave me her own address and said my missionary friend should write to her and she will look up her family's address and give it to him?
10. What if I passed this information on to my missionary friend, James Downs, in Addis Ababa?
11. What if James has confirmed he will be writing to her very soon?
12. What if he writes her?
13. What if she is very impressed and moved by receiving a letter from Ethiopia as a result of this encounter?
14. What if she follows through and gets her family's address to him?
15. What if James Downs visits them and tells them someone met their daughter in Atlanta and it creates an open door for the gospel in their home?
16. What if they get saved and become faithful members of the church there?
17. What if they get called to preach and end up evangelizing their own country in a way that a foreigner might never be able to do?
18. What if thousands come to Christ as a result of their ministry?
19. What if there are untold thousands of Ethiopians in heaven with us one day as a result of this encounter at a restaurant?

Well....so far we're only up to number 11, but I plan to ask big and think big because the Word of God says He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.

What if?
What if I had said nothing to her?

Please whisper a prayer that Acham Lisanework of Stone Mountain Georgia, and her entire family, will come to Christ.

God is not willing that any should perish.

School Is Such A Blessing!

Well...Praise the Lord. It is shortly after midnight and I have just arrived home from teaching English at the China Sea Buffet. I made it there tonight at 9:35, just in time to enjoy a big bowl of Pig Leg soup with my Chinese friends. That's right...Pig Leg soup. This is not something you can get at the buffet. This is something they whipped up special for themselves to enjoy after closing, and they were eager to share it with me. That is such an honor.
Tonight, school started right after cleanup at 10:25, and sadly we had to stop at midnight. First, we practiced the "th" sound in the, this, that, then, there, etc. It is a very difficult sound for the Chinese to produce and yet so important to the English language. We spent a half hour on that subject. Then, we reviewed last week's material on the long sound of the letter "a" along with the vocabulary words, and then we moved on the short sound of "a", learning more vocabulary words as we went along.
As tonight's fun exercise, I presented each student with a small map of the United States showing each state's abbreviation, along with a printed list of the abbreviations and their accompanying state names. As I suspected, this proved to be very fascinating. We had a lot of fun looking up the states on the map and learning which states are surrounding Texas. After that, we reviewed flash cards of the state names and worked at pronouncing them. They are picking up on phonics, showing they can sound out the words.
Wow! I get to be here and see this firsthand. We reiterated several times how we are all "jao peng you" (very good friends). I am having so much fun I can hardly stand it. When God saves them all, I will be out of control for a while I'm sure.
To God Be The Glory.

A Buffet of Blessing

This week, Ling, the waitress at the Chinese restaurant, asked me where she could purchase some of the flashcards that I have been using in the English class with her and the others. I was confused at first as to why she would be wanting to buy some, but then she was able to convey to me what was on her heart.
You see, Ling has two little boys who are still in China with their grandmother. They are 3 and 5 years old. She has her heart set on learning English well enough to teach her little ones when they are finally able to join her in the States in another a year. The sacrifices these precious little people are willing to make to enable them to better their lives in the US are astonishing. Ling and her husband Peter had to come over ahead of the children too see if they could get a foothold in the US. They work long, hard hours together to make it possible to get established in order to bring their children.
Ling's dream is to have her children over here and become a stay-at-home mom, but for now she is making a huge sacrifice to make that happen. She may be "suffering" right now, but she has her eye and her heart set on a future time when things will be much different. She is not living for the here-and-now. She is living for a brighter day. For now, she will endure the heartache, the loneliness, the long work hours, the tears of the little ones crying for their momma over the phone. She knows it will be worth it all one day soon.
It seems to me that we Christians could learn a lesson from Ling. It seems we too could strive and struggle and suffer hardship and heartache right now without shrinking from it, because we indeed have a brighter day ahead. We should live for that day instead of for the here-and-now. We should and could endure hardness if we have our eyes set on a new day. That is how Ling makes it from day to day. Her focus is on a brighter day.
It is my prayer and my heart's desire that by the time her little ones arrive, she will have something far more important than just English to teach them. It is my heart's desire that the blinders will come off and Ling will see her need for a Saviour and be gloriously saved. It is my heart's desire that she will long to tell her little ones of the One who died for them - the One who loves the Chinese as much as the American.
But, for today, my buffet of blessing is that I have the honor and privilege of Ling referring to me as her "jao peng you" (Chinese for "very good friend"), and I have the honor of being her English teacher. What a mighty God we serve!

Blessing From The Buffet

One of the "walk-on" (surprise) students to the Chinese English class, Eric, came up to me today at the Buffet to make sure that class was on schedule for Monday night at 10:00. Wow! That blesses a teacher's heart! Students coming up to make sure class is on schedule?! You've got be kidding me! I remember hoping for snow days when I was in school. (In Texas, we mostly got disappointed on that.)
Seriously, that was a blessing. Eric is one who was very tentative about coming on day one, and now he's checking to make sure everything is on track. That really does bless me. God is in this in a big way.
Although all power went out in and around the restaurant exactly as we were about to begin class this past Thursday, and we had to wait 15 minutes for it to come back on, the class flowed beautifully. Participation was high and the material covered was apparently interesting and fun for everyone. PRAISE THE LORD!
I can't wait to see what God is going to do. I just know HE's up to something.
He is not willing that any should perish. Amen.

Let's All Just Stand Up And Shout Hallelujah!

Well...tonight was the first night for English class at the China Sea Buffet and God showed up in great power and blessed the evening in a wonderful way. I went there with no confidence in myself, but confidence in the Lord because He was the one who put it all together. If anyone had told me six months ago that I would be doing this, I would not have believed it. Never mind six months ago, not even two months ago!

We started at 10:00 with the intent to go for only a half hour because the precious people have been working so hard all day. However, after the first thirty minutes, we were learning so much and having so much fun, they wanted to go another half hour! Let's All Just Stand Up And Shout Hallelujah!

I went in there concerned I would stutter and stammer around and find it difficult to get started, but it was far more difficult to get stopped. I found myself saying many things just like an actual English teacher might say. I actually stood in amazement a few times. Praise the Lord! What a mighty God we serve!

The joy and love in the room was precious, and the people were enjoying themselves and speaking up and responding in an incredible way. I was thrilled. I explained that this was a very special day for me and I wanted a photograph, which they were very pleased to pose for.

From left: Eric, Peter, Peter's wife Ling, Jack, and Ronny.

Then of course, they would not be pleased if I wasn't in the photo, so Ling stood to take a photo of all the "gentlemen".


When it was over, we clarified for everyone that we would be meeting again on Thursday at 10:00 PM. Then Ronny piped in, "We will all learn English and we will all go to church!" Let's All Just Stand Up And Shout Hallelujah!

I cannot fathom the thought of these dear people spending eternity in hell. Oh God! Save them all.

I know God is about to do a mighty work here, and I cannot believe that he is permitting me to stand close enough to see it happen.

In our goodbyes this evening Ling said, "Thank you, my English teacher".

1Ch 17:16b ... Who am I, O LORD God, and what is mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?

I am not a wealthy man, but I am rich beyond all my expectations. Praise the Lord!

Blessings Upon Blessings

I have just returned from a business trip in Atlanta Georgia, where I worked at a trade show most of this week. On the first night of the trade show, I had the privilege and honor to meet the precious man in the photo below. He goes by the name of HAWK, just HAWK.



As he was riding his electric scooter by my booth, the hat he was wearing caught my eye. It says "Silver Star". Having a very soft spot in my heart for every veteran who has ever stood in the face of tyranny to defend the values and freedoms represented by the flag of the United States of America, I was immediately moved to step over to him and place a hand on his shoulder and say, "THANK YOU, SIR". Tears welled in my eyes as I did so, and my voice quivered. Then, I read the brim of his hat where it said, "Gallantry In Action", and I saw his Purple Heart and Navy Cross. I thanked him again, and he said, "God Bless You" as he went his way.

We encountered one another a couple more times throughout the trade show, and the last time (shortly before this photo was taken) he told me that I had a very kind and unusual spirit. This gave me the wonderful opportunity to tell him, "The ONLY good thing in me is the Spirit of The Living God which dwells in my heart because of my faith in Jesus Christ."
Much to my delight, he said he understood and we rejoiced together about our mutual faith in the Risen Lord! (Right there in the trade show!) Well...somebody shout Amen.

Additionally, I explained to him that my heart's desire is to someday somehow be a missionary to the people of the nation of Croatia. (Yes, it just came right out.) We exchanged phone numbers and went our separate ways.

As it turns out, my friend HAWK is not only a war hero, but also the inventor of an orthopedic device that others thought could not be done, and he and his wife have a small business in Frisco, Texas. I will be contacting some people on his behalf to obtain materials to help him get started in production.

I am not sure how else the Lord will use this meeting, but he has already touched my heart with it, and I have a brand new friend - My Christian Brother HAWK.

Blessings Upon Blessings.

Psalm 40:5 Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.

Let's Just Praise The Lord

English Class Begins Monday March 9th at 10:00 PM!
Praise the Lord! I was able to make a followup visit tonight with Ronnie, the Chinese Restaurant owner, to show him the textbook for the English course and find out if any of his people agreed to come.
He really liked the book and said it's just what they need! Ling, the waitress, was also very enthusiastic. She took the book to her husband to show him how good it was going to be. She really wants him to learn, and she has told me in the past that he hardly speaks any English at all. Her enthusiasm is very touching. She said to me, "You are very good friend". I told her it was God's love in my heart for her and her people that made me want to do it, and she acknowledged that she understood.
My heart is overwhelmed. I cannot help but believe that God is about to do something so wonderful that eye that not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
Just imagine the possibilities! Ronnie, his wife, three children, his mother, his mother-in-law, Ling, her husband Peter, their two children, cousin Christine, Zao Fen, and her family, and Eric and his family, and Albert and his family all coming to know the sweet salvation we have in Christ. Oh Glory! I can hardly wait.
Here am I, send me!

Wow!

The China Sea Buffet in Arlington is the restaurant whose employees I have been trying to evangelize for the last few months by building relationships, distributing Chinese Chick tracts, giving Chinese/KJV Bibles, and sharing the gospel when possible.

The people are very very sweet and cordial, and they hunger for more information. I see the need to spend more time with them when they are not working. Well, that doesn't surprise the Lord so He's making that happen.
One of the workers asked me about a month ago if I knew where they could go to learn English, and it woke me up. I thought, "Hey! I know English. Why can't I teach them? But what is the best way?"
I looked online at the myriad of choices for courses on how to teach English to speakers of other languages and was perplexed, but God was not perplexed.
We had Mission Conference at church this week, and just as I was getting in the car to leave after service one evening, I inexplicably locked the car back up and went back inside. I had no idea why, but the Lord did. As I perused the exhibit table of Rich and Jan Godinez (missionaries to Paraguay), I noticed a colorful notebook with letters "TESL" on the front. You may be asking, What does that mean? That's right...Teaching English as a Second Language! Bam! Right between the eyes. Who wrote that book? None other than Jan Godinez, missionary to Paraguay. She wrote a Scripture-based teacher's book and student notebook with exercises and worksheets, etc. for teaching English to speakers of other languages. She sold both to me at a steep discount right then and there.
The plan of salvation is thoroughly studied throughout the course. Bam! Right between the eyes. Furthermore, she told me the best place to go online for a course to become certified as an ESL teacher. (Not that it is essential for my Chinese work, but it will certainly be a help to me to do the best job I can.)
Well, with Step One - Get the Necessary Equipment - taken care of, Step Two is to speak with Ronnie, the owner of the restaurant, to gauge the level of interest and opportunity to use the restaurant as a classroom. I dropped by the Buffet Saturday night after Mission Conference, and Ronnie made himself at home at my table. After about two hours hearing his life story and discussing Chinese history, he mentioned how he spent a year in New York (ten years ago) learning English. I said, "Funny you should mention that. I would like to teach English to Chinese people". His eyes lit up. Did I say lit up? I mean LIT UP! He said in China there is a saying, "Life is short, but education is forever". He said Chinese want to learn, and he has four people that he is fairly certain will be interested at the outset - and he will attend as well.

I have explained that it is Bible based and he understands that and the reasoning behind it. He is ecstatic and so am I. The tentative plan is for me to come in around closing time (10:00 PM) twice a week and hold class for half an hour. I will learn techniques as I teach this first group and I will be pursuing a TESL certificate as well. In addition, Jan Godinez is only a phone call away for advice, since they are currently on deputation.
(See the Godinez website: www.godinezinparaguay.com .)

Oddly enough, a different young Chinese lady at the restaurant had asked me about two weeks ago if I was a teacher. She said for some reason, she had it in her mind that I was a professional teacher. The way this has all fallen into place makes me highly suspicious that "God's up to something". :-) What a mighty God we serve! Wow!

On a personal note to Bro. Johnny Leslie in Croatia: All of the above proves Rule #3 which is, "You Never Know".

"Buddha is Idol, but Jesus is God" - Amen

Trista said, "Yes, Buddha is idol, but Jesus is God"

During a recent visit to the Chinese restaurant that I began to frequent in an attempt to win the workers to Christ, I was able to speak for a few moments with Trista, the precious little hostess with a smile that brightens everyone's day. I suspected she was already saved from past conversations about some of the gospel tracts I had given to her, but now I have a clear testimony from her. (When I quote her words below, it is by no means to make fun of her accent. Eternal God knows I dearly love these people. I simply want to convey the moment and how precious it is to hear testimony like this from someone whose first language is Chinese.


I was explaining to Trista how I want Ling (the waitress) to know who Jesus is.
Trista said to me, "In Chinese culture, very difficult. You learn at early age about Buddha. Everything Buddha." I said, "Yes, I want Ling to hear how Buddha is dead, but Jesus lives." Then Trista said the most beautiful words I had heard that day. She clearly testified, "Yes, Buddha is idol, but Jesus is God". It was so beautiful to me to hear her say that and for it to sink in to me that Trista knows Jesus. I pray she will get a strong burden for the others and become an ally in the effort to bring the gospel to them.
Amen Trista, and Bless the Lord, O my soul!