Soulwinner Spotlight - Alen Dubravec

Today's Soulwinner Spotlight is on my friend, Alen Dubravec. Upon my first arrival in Croatia in October 2006, I was pleasantly surprised to meet brother Alen, who accompanied Bro. Johnny Leslie on the two hour drive to the airport to pick me up. As soon as I saw his face, I knew the Lord was doing a work in this man's life. Later in the week, it came time to pair up and go soulwinning and Alen eagerly answered the call.
He was there again on my second arrival in 2008, and he accompanied us again. He also was faithful to pass out tracts in the town square as seen in the photos below. Alen is a faithful, kindhearted man with a desire to follow the Lord. He is a source of continual encouragement to all who know him.



Ever since that first time in 2006, Brother Alen has been a faithful soulwinning partner to Bro Johnny and/or the national pastor, Rajko Telebar. Now, within the past couple of weeks, Bro Alen has become a leader of a soulwinning team and has had the incomparable joy of leading his first convert to trust Christ while out knocking doors! Amen. Glory Hallelujah! Praise the Lord for Brother Alen's faithfulness and his desire to do what God wants every blood bought child of the living God to do - to be a witness for Him.

God Bless Brother Alen for making an eternal difference for Chirst in the country of Croatia!
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he that winneth souls is wise. Prov 11:30

I am so glad to have the privilege to call this man my friend. I look forward to seeing him on my third arrival in Croatia (as the Lord provides), and seeing him in action for the Lord.

Brother Alen - Soulwinner! Amen.

Oh God, Save Ling's Soul

It is Christmas Day and I put on my best suit and took my Mandarin Chinese Tracts to my favorite Chinese Buffet. They are open on Christmas because Christmas is not a holiday they celebrate since they do not understand its significance. Its the China Sea Buffet on Hwy 360 situated halfway between my workplace and my home - about 10 minutes away.

I started eating lunch there every day about 3 months ago and. As I say grace before I eat, the curiosity of the staff has been aroused and I have been asked if I am a missionary, and if I work at a church. The staff members speak little English so a short simple answer is about all I can give. But God, who is rich in mercy, has begun to to give me His heart for these precious people. I have been able by His grace to befriend them and they have begun to attempt more detailed communications. God has now completely broken my heart to reach them for Christ's sake. I have been begging God for their precious souls for weeks now.

Recently, I ordered some nice new tracts from Chick Publications which came in on Christmas Eve - Praise the LORD. There are four different tracts, each presenting the gospel in a different way, in Mandarin Chinese.

I took some of the tracts in at lunch yesterday and the hostess took one and read it, and VOLUNTEERED to pass them out to staff so I gave her about a dozen. Her name is Trista, and she may already be saved because she knows a lot about what Jesus did, but I am not sure. Then I laid some out on my table and one of the male staff saw and asked if he could have one. Glory to God!

Today, Ling was working. She is the first one I had given other tracts to in the past, with little feedback. She is very kind and very humble, and her English is a little better than my Chinese, but not much.

I have taken my Sunday School class there for a special occasion, requesting Ling's services, and leaving a nice tip. Today, I left her a tract called THE GIFT, along with a nice tip for her Christmas gift and a note that Jesus loves her. I pray through the tracts and the generosity and the kindness and the witness that they all will come to understand why Christmas is so significant to those of us who have experienced the mercy and forgiveness that we have in Christ - In whom we have redemption, through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.

Dear Lord,
Please Oh God save Ling's soul. Father in heaven, she no more deserves salvation that I, but you reached down into the miry clay and rescued me from the pit, having ransomed me with your own precious blood. Oh God, please do the same for Ling. Don't let her end up in hell for all eternity. See my tears oh God and pour out your mercy upon her. Communicate to her, even though I cannot, what is the depth and beauty of your holiness and grace. Let her see the GIFT that is available to all who believe. Your word says if we go forth and weep bearing precious seed, we shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing our sheaves with us. Oh merciful God, all I want for Christmas is Ling's precious soul. You decided in eternity past that you wanted her soul when you knew that you would provide YOURSELF a lamb. Oh God, don't let me show up in heaven without Ling being there too. God save her, even today. Don't let my tears fall in vain.
For Christ sake.
AMEN

Thank you Lord

Thank you Lord for Bethlehem and the manger. Thank you Lord for the loaves and fishes. Thank you Lord for healing the leper and giving sight to the blind. Thank you Lord for making the lame to walk again, and THANK YOU Lord most of all for the cross where you paid for all my sin. You died that I might live and you live that I might never die! O Lord, I am unworthy, but you love me in spite of my sin.
Thank you Lord!

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

Redemption is in Jesus Christ, Not Santa Claus

Unfortunately, even Christians in America often teach their children more about the mythical and magical Santa Claus than they do about the true and living Jesus Christ who really loves them and can really answer their prayers, and who is able to save to the uttermost them that come unto God by Him.

It breaks my heart to see how the mythical Santa has stolen so much glory and worship from our Saviour, and how he has managed to steal the hearts and imaginations of the children in America.

It breaks my heart to know that the manger scene has been outlawed in many places because it "infringes" on the rights of others, but the mythical Santa is welcome everywhere.

It breaks my heart to consider that teaching children the lie of Santa Claus can often inhibit their ability to trust in the True and Living One. How much damage is done to the faith of a child when that child realizes his faith has been misplaced and his parents have deceived him?

If a survey were to be done, I would imagine that many more children in America would be able to answer a series of questions about the myth of Santa than could answer a similar series of questions about Jesus Christ. Kids in America memorize rhymes and songs and lists having to do with the mythical Santa at an early age.

Children are taught the song,

He knows when you are sleeping
He knows when you're awake
He knows when you've been bad or good
So be good for goodness sake

Are they also taught the Scripture? Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

Who is Santa trying to imitate? Whose invention is he? I remember the Scripture where one who was lifted up with pride declared, "I will be like the most High".

Children learn of Santa, who sees everything, goes everywhere, was not born and never dies, hears their requests, knows their behaviour, rewards good, punishes evil, lives in the north, and has an endless supply of whatever they need. That sounds like characteristics possessed by only one who is real - the Most High.

Santa has effectively replaced our God and Saviour in America and has done so with all subtlety, where even Bible-believing Christians think articles like this one are ridiculous.

Consider that the early years of life are a time when a young mind can be led to Christ in simple, child-like faith, but instead we make the mistake of deceiving them and leading them to Santa. What a tragedy.

For as long as I have breath, I will sing praises to the One who loved me and gave Himself for me. Santa will not get an ounce of the Lord's glory from me.
Christmas is about Christ and no one else. He is the one who came that we might have life.

Let us remember that glorious night:

Luke 2:8-14
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Let's sing praises to the One who alone is Worthy

Oh come all ye faithful
Joyful and triumphant
Oh come ye, oh come
ye to Bethlehem

Come and behold Him
Born the king of angels
Oh come let us adore Him
Oh come let us adore Him
Oh come let us adore Him
Christ the Lord

Sing choir of angels
Sing in exultation
Oh sing all ye bright hosts
Of heaven above
Glory to God all glory
in the highest

Oh come let us adore Him
Oh come let us adore Him
Oh come let us adore Him
Christ the Lord

Ye Lord we greet Thee
Born this happy morning
To Jesus to Thee
be all glory giv'n

Word of the Father
Now the flesh appearing
Oh come let us adore Him
Oh come let us adore Him
Oh come let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord

Let us give ALL the glory to the One in Whom we have redemption.

Soulwinner Spotlight - Johnny Leslie

Today's Soulwinner Spotlight is on my friend, Johnny Wayne Leslie. He is a missionary to the nation of Croatia and has a huge heart for God and a great burden for souls. Having only known him since December of 2005, I have had the privilege to go soulwinning with him on many occasions. I have personally seen him stand in the streets of Croatia for hours and hours day after day tirelessly witnessing for Christ. When home on furlough, he does the same thing. He's very consistent and very energetic for the Lord.

I have also had the opportunity to hear him preach numerous times. His preaching is Spirit-filled and powerful. My friend Johnny tells it like it is - the way we all need to hear it.

He is an encouragement and blessing to me, and it is a great comfort to know that Croatia has such a missionary in their midst. Bro. Johnny was called of God to go halfway around the world, learn a new language, and start churches by witnessing for Jesus. When that call came, his answer was, "Here am I, send me."

So far, two churches have been started in Croatia, one in Cakovec and one in Varazdin. Praise the Lord for that. The pastorate of the church in Cakovec, Tree of Life Independent Baptist Church, was turned over to Bro RajkoTelebar in 2006 and is doing well. The new church in Varazdin, Victors Baptist Church, just started in August 2008.

Croatia needs more missionaries. There are about 5.5 million people there, and so far, just one Independent Baptist Missionary - Johnny Wayne Leslie. What a blessing to know know him! What a privilege to call him my friend!

Answer to Prayer - Glory to God

A recent business trip to the Northeast enabled me to travel to Williamsport, PA to visit with Quinn and Liz Fugate and their precious little ones, Bailee and Rylee (my little people).
Seeing them was a great blessing to me and going soulwinning with Quinn and Bailee was something I had looked forward to for several weeks. In particular, I had prayed that I might somehow be an encouragement to the people of Quinn's new church for soulwinning, even though I was only going to be there Saturday and Sunday. Having no idea what God might do to answer my prayer we set out on Saturday afternoon for a couple of hours of standing up for Jesus to fulfill the great commission.

As little 7 year old Bailee and I stood on the street corner waiting for Quinn to pull the car around so we could go, two young men walked by. Anxious to get started, I stopped them and began to witness using one of the tracts from Quinn's church which has a distinctive appearance. I spoke to the men for probably 20 minutes and ended up inviting them to church to hear more. Then Bailee said, "I saw the preacher drive by". Not thinking much of it, we got into the car and left. God blessed Quinn that day by allowing him to lead 3 souls to Christ - Praise the Lord! As for me, I was blessed to be "farming for Jesus", planting a lot of seed.

The next morning we were in Sunday School and the preacher pointed at me and asked me to stand up. I had not yet been introduced to him, so it really surprised me, but I stood up. Then he told his whole congregation that he saw me with one of their tracts yesterday and didn't know who I was, but figured out that I was the visitor Quinn had told him about when he saw Bailee beside me. He then proceeded to strongly challenge his entire congregation to win souls and be willing to stand on a street corner and talk to anyone about Jesus. He said, "Oh!, We do "visitation" around here because its less threatening, but we need to get serious about "soulwinning"!!! He talked about what a blessing and encouragement to him it was to see a man a thousand miles from home who could have been doing anything else, but was standing up for Christ. The fire in his heart was apparent, and it was thrilling. Sunday night, he was talking about it again.

I am so humbled and blessed that God would use me to encourage a pastor and an entire church for soulwinning. All I did was pray and show up. HIS ears ARE open unto our prayers. For a man who was almost completely incapacitated by my illness just 8 years ago, I am in awe of the greatness, power, grace, and mercy of MY HOLY GOD. I stand amazed.

Soulwinner Spotlight - Kevin DeAngelo

Kevin DeAngelo is a Bible believing, soul-winning, church planting missionary to the state of New Jersey, and God enabled me to meet him during a recent business trip, in what I believe is a miraculous manner. Just a guy from Texas wandering around in New Jersey seeing customers and God put me together with him. What a blessing!
During a two week sales trip through New york, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, I drove through a neighborhood going from one highway to another when I noticed an old Reformed Faith church building. What caught my eye was the temporary signs out on the lawn near the curb that said, Zion Independent Baptist Thursdays 7:30. Since it was on a Thursday, that really got my attention.
Being only mid-afternoon, I had many other sales calls to make which would take me rather far away and I did not know the address of the church. I finished my sales calls about 30+ miles away at 5:30 and could not get those temporary signs out of my mind.

I said, Well Lord, if you want me to make it there tonight, please help me find it. Lo and behold, I backtracked straight to it without a single wrong turn. Praise the Lord.
When Kevin arrived, I asked what Bible he used and he said, "There's only one, the King James of course." I knew God was up to something.

Kevin's life has taken him to military service (where he was gloriously saved after a commanding officer witnessed to him), then on to Bible College, then to the pastorate of a church in Martinsville, Indiana for 22 years.
Being a native of New Jersey, he and his wife Tina would return there for family gatherings, etc. every year. While there, they would always pray that God would send "someone" to be a church planter for his home state. His burden was heavy. Tina told me that the Holy Spirit would ask Kevin each time, "What's the matter with you? Are your legs broke?" Finally, the realization set in to Kevin that it was him that God would use to plant churches in NJ. Last year he resigned the pastorate he had held for 22 years and began deputation. The church service we were in that Thursday night had a total of nine people present, including the Holy Spirit. It was a wonderful time, singing praises to the Lord and hearing the preaching on (would you believe?) the King James Bible. That little church just had its first service on Sept 7th of this year.

After a year using Sunday nights for deputation, Kevin is up to 50% of his needed support. They live on a meager budget and he takes odd jobs when he can to put food on the table. His heart's desire is to be witnessing all the time and seeing souls saved. He has a great burden for the people of New Jersey and a great heart for God.

His wife Tina is a blessing, and a tremendous support for him. Pray for her, as she suffers from severe arthritis and has had a total of 17 joint replacements. (In our weakness, HIS strength is made perfect.) Her joy and fervor is not diminished. She is a trooper. Thank God for her.

Please email him a note of encouragement: zbpreacher@yahoo.com .

If you care to drop him a line of encouragement, write to:

Kevin DeAngelo
365 Carr Avenue Apt C
Keansburg NJ 07734

See the sending church's website: www.zionbaptistfellowshipchurch.org

Thank God for Kevin DeAngelo, getting it done for God in the state of New Jersey.

Soulwinner Spotlight - Clois Wade

Today's Soulwinner Spotlight is on Clois Wade. Clois is one of the most energetic soulwinners I have ever seen. He was gloriously and eternally saved just seven or eight years ago at the age of fifty, after our associate pastor Todd Lasseter witnessed to him in his home.
Clois spent fifty years thinking salvation was based on good works, but praise the Lord someone cared enough to go and tell him the truth of the Word of God. He learned that day that there is none righteous, no, not one. For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. But God commendeth his love toward us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Since he was gloriously saved, Clois has been on a mission to tell others about Christ and the free gift of salvation. He is self-employed and sells auto parts, and is constantly picking up and delivering products so he comes in contact with many people. He's never too busy to share the gospel, and has seen thousands accept Christ as Saviour. His business card has the plan of salvation on it, and the verses Mark 8:36-37, For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?



He drives his own 17 passenger van and makes every effort to fill it up every Sunday with converts and visitors. He's been known to leave home around 7:00 am on Sunday and drive a route of over a hundred of miles picking up people for church.

He's constantly walking converts down the aisle for baptism, and has taught his children to be avid soulwinners too. He also is a faithful participant in our Juvenile Detention ministry in Dallas, and leads our young people out on soul-winning regularly.

This is a man who has presented himself a living sacrifice. He lives to see people saved.

Please pray for Clois. He suffers from glaucoma. He is blind in one eye and has difficulty with the other. Pray that God will continue to preserve his eyesight so that many thousands more can come to know Christ through his daily witness.

I am so glad someone cared enough to go to Clois' home one day and tell him about the free gift of salvation.

"Thank you Lord for saving my good friend Clois Wade, and for empowering him to become a great example to us all."

Soulwinner Spotlight - Irma Almanza

Today's Soulwinner Spotlight is on Irma Almanza. She is a faithful member of my Sunday School class (and the class Secretary without whom we could do nothing.)
Irma was gloriously and eternally saved just three years ago due to the faithful witness of a co-worker (and now best friend). As a life-long Catholic, Irma had much to learn about Baptist doctrine and was not afraid to ask questions. She has learned much and has grown "in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."

She has caught on to soulwinning, and has led several to Christ, INCLUDING HER OWN 75 YEAR OLD FATHER. (This is where you shout hallelujah).

She has led one of her co-workers to Christ, as well as a parent of one of her junior high students, along with others while going door-to-door.
Irma is bi-lingual, which is a big help to our ladies while out witnessing, since Texas has a large Spanish-speaking population.
This weekend she will be visiting a very ill relative in west Texas with one goal on her mind.
Her cousin Tomas' is fighting for his life. Please pray God will save Tomas' life AND his soul.

Thank God for the witness of Irma Almanza. This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.

Willy - Saved, But On the Street from Bad Decision Making

In our search for the homeless this past Saturday, we ran across Willy. Willy has a clear testimony of salvation in Jesus Christ. He is 100% certain that he will go to heaven when he dies. He has a pleasant spirit, and a gleam in his eye.

Willy is not that unusual for a homeless person, as we find many like him on the street. If asked how they ended up on the street, they invariably say, "bad decisions". We encourage them to make good decisions by putting God first, and seeking his righteousness. Some take the advice and make an effort, but others have given up (for now).



I am glad to have met Willy, and he was glad to pose for my camera.

It is so exciting to stand on the street and declare that Jesus saves. Some scoff, others turn away, but some hear and are saved. Many heard the word on Saturday, and they will hear it again.

God help us to be faithful to stand for Christ and proclaim His name without fail. That is the best decision we can make.

Carl Hatch - Soulwinner, God's Man

I had the great joy and privilege to visit a church across town on Monday night to hear Brother Carl Hatch preach. Brother Hatch has been an encouragement and inspiration for soulwinning to me and countless others. He was saved AND called to preach on the same day in 1955, and he has never stopped. His zeal for the Lord and love for souls is a testament to the greatness of our God and God's great love for us.


Carl Hatch believes in witnessing to everyone at every opportunity. Nothing will stop him. He "got over himself" a long time ago - never letting pride or selfishness get in his way. As a result, he has seen thousands upon thousands accept Christ as Saviour.

He has a host of health problems, and has suffered immensely for many years, but never lost his song (the joy of knowing the Lord and serving Him). In spite of the fact he wears oxygen, He still "hollers" when he preaches, and praise God for that. He gets the point across.

I can't believe that I was able to get my picture taken with one of my heroes.


Here he is with my best friend Doug Fugate - another fervent soulwinner who has taught me a lot and inspired me.

I thank the Lord for the privilege of knowing Brother Hatch, and I pray that God will give him many more years to preach, witness, and win souls for Him. That IS the main thing.

"Thank you LORD for Brother Hatch. Oh God, help me to be a better soulwinner."

Carl Hatch - Soulwinner, God's Man. He is a man in whom is the Spirit of the Living God.

Farewell to Pennsylvania My Precious Friends

Saying goodbye to friends who move away on job transfers is such a hard thing, especially when they are as precious to me as any family I have ever had.


Pennsylvania will proudly inherit one of the best soul-winning families that Trinity Baptist Church in Arlington has ever had. Their transfer creates new challenges for Quinn and Liz to face, but also opens up new opportunities at Trinity for others to step up and fill their shoes.
This family has meant more to me than I can share here, but rest assured the tears are flowing with their departure. And, I am relying on the comfort and provision of God to heal my aching heart and trust Him to fill the great void left by my precious friends.

May God bless them as they pursue His will for their life.

Roman 8:28

Homeless Ministry - Special Blessing

Today on the streets with the homeless was quite an experience. After being threatened with physical violence by a Muslim who was offended that Jesus is the only way to heaven, an extra special blessing came our way.
We were joined on the street by some of the younger men from our church and Bible college. One such man is Joel Haynes, son of Mark Haynes, Missionary to the Navajo Nation. Joel is a man who believes the Bible and preaches it at every opportunity. He is a great joy to be around and has blessed our church by his love and zeal for the Lord.

Below is Joel as he begins his message of salvation.


You can see below the fire in his heart as he preaches. Joel knows the truth of the Scriptures, and the certainty of eternal Hell for all who do not accept Christ. He believes the verse that cries out, How shall they hear without a preacher?


Here he moves closer to give an invitation to men to accept Christ and be gloriously saved for all eternity.
In the photo below, Joel appears to be telling them exactly how many ways there are to heaven - only one of course.


Praise the Lord, we had eight gloriously saved today, and brought many to the Mission to hear the Word of God preached.

Joel Haynes is a man in whom is the Spirit of the Living God, and I rejoice that I have had the privilege to know him. May God bless his life and give him a long and fruitful ministry.

Carl Sheffield - Soulwinner - Now Home With The LORD

Brother Carl Sheffield was my friend. His cheerful expression and warm greeting were always a joy to see. His heart for people and desire to win souls for Christ were great blessings to me. I love him and I am so glad the Lord made him a part of my life. I shall treasure his memory until I see him again, face to face. Carl Sheffield
1936 - 2008
Carl Sheffield, 72, loving and beloved husband, father and grandfather, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2008. Funeral: 10 a.m. Friday at Trinity Baptist Church in Arlington. Interment: Moore Memorial Gardens. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, family request donations be made to Trinity Baptist Church, in care of Global Church Planters, 2212 N. Davis Drive, Arlington, Texas 76012. Carl was born Jan. 31, 1936, in San Augustine. He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church of Arlington, where he served as a deacon, usher and soul winner. Survivors: His wife of 51 years, Arlene; son, Rocky Lee; daughter, Lisa Bomkamp and husband, Robert; grandson, Sargent Samuel Layne; sister, Mary Bostwick and husband, Gene; brother, Preston and wife, Allie; and many friends.

Baptist Rescue Mission - The Lord's Work

This man's name is John. He gladly consented to have his picture taken to help raise awareness of the homeless and their needs. He came to services with us Saturday, ALONG WITH ABOUT TWENTY OTHERS FROM THE SAME AREA. Praise the Lord for a great turnout! We had the privilege to preach the word of God to him, give him a meal, and help him with some phone calls to friends.

John did not make a decision for Christ today, but we pray that he will, and that he will return with us again next week. Jesus himself said in Mt 11:5 ... and the poor have the gospel preached to them. It brings a tear to my eye to think how much Jesus loves John, and how He died for John just as much as He died for me. This is the Lord's will and it is His work.

The photo below is my precious brother in Christ, Mark Stephen Puckett. He is a rich blessing to my life. Although he lives in an apartment near the downtown area, he comes to the Baptist Rescue Mission service every Saturday. He speaks in Scripture verses and answers most comments and questions with a Scripture quote. He greets everyone with an enthusiastic, "Jesus Bless You!" followed by John 3:16. Brother Mark reads Scripture every week prior to the sermon, and does so with enthusiasm and gusto.


He walks all over town and ministers to people in nursing homes, preaches at bus terminals, and passes out his homemade "Scripture Picture Prayer Pages" with gospel tracts inside. I not only have the privilege of fellowshipping with Brother Mark, but I get the honor of taking him home after the service. The ride is always filled with Scripture quotes and the singing of hymns. Before he gets out of the car, we have a time of prayer.

This is a man in whom is the Spirit of the Living God, and I thank the Lord for making him a part of my life. "Thank You God for Mark Stephen Puckett!"

Aurora - The search Goes On

Our search for the homeless lady, Aurora, took a disappointing turn today. In our fourth attempt to make contact since first meeting her, we were met with the surprise that her makeshift home has been boarded up and the former occupants nowhere to be found.

We will keep looking. We plan to be on the streets each Saturday afternoon as strength permits.

Today, we also met several homeless people for the first time, and had five of them accompany us for services at the Baptist Rescue Mission. Praise the Lord for that. They heard a message from the Lord and received a warm meal and free clothing.

I requested permission from these homeless people to take their photograph in hopes of raising awareness of their plight so that perhaps more resources could be made available to the Mission to help meet their needs.

The homeless are from many backgrounds and ethnic groups, and range in age from the elderly to the very young.




It is a special blessing to be able to witness to each one and share with them the free gift of salvation that is in Jesus Christ. We did not have anyone saved today, but we lifted up the Lord and declared HIS name. Many tracts were passed out, and we will return.

They are precious in HIS sight.

Grace and Redemption

I had the great honor of seeing my dear friend Bro. Luther Hernandez this past Friday night at a church conference. I was overwhelmed to see him in the free world.
The only place I was able to see Bro. Hernandez before was a state prison in Huntsville, Texas.

He went to prison in the 1960's for murder, and remained there for 39 years, BUT GOD gloriously saved his precious soul in 1994 and he has been on fire for the LORD ever since.


He is pictured above with his wife of 46 years and then with Doug Fugate, who has ministered in the prisons for many years.

Bro. Leroy is a kind and gentle man - a living testament to the grace and redemption in Jesus Christ. Since his release on 1/22/08, he has been preaching somewhere every Sunday, and soul-winning in between.

Bro. Luther knows what he has been forgiven of, and he knows how precious and wonderful the grace of God really is.
This helps me to reflect on the fact that my sin is so wicked that it put my Saviour on the cross. He didn't just die for Bro. Luther's sin, He died for mine and for yours. Jesus didn't just reach down for Bro. Luther. He even reached down for me.

God used Bro. Luther inside the prison too. He has been a faithful teacher and witness for Christ. He even translated Chaplain Chris Athey's three-year Bible course for inmates into Spanish. While others slept, he would spend late nights in this translation work. This was God's will for him and he knew it. As evidence of how God used him in the translation effort, Bro. Luther's sentence was complete in November of 2007, but inexplicably (miraculously) he continued to be held in prison until January 22nd of 2008, three days after completing the translation of the last course into Spanish.

To God be the glory, great things He hath done. And great our rejoicing in Jesus His Son.

My friend, Bro. Luther Hernandez, knows about the grace and redemption available in Jesus Christ.

Do you?

Searching For the Homeless

We went to find Aurora again today, but to no avail. She was not at home. We snapped a couple of photos to give people an idea of the place she calls home. It is an abandoned warehouse by some railroad tracks. We left her a note to let her know that we are praying for her, along with another invitation to tonight's mission service. God can do anything, and we expect great things from God. Our King James Bible says, "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."
We meet the requirements of that passage. We are going forth. We are weeping. We are bearing precious seed. Therefore, we are expecting the fulfillment of that promise.
We will find her. She will be saved. God will be glorified, and we will rejoice.

The good news is that in our search for the homeless, we found a man downtown on the street named Dewayne. He thought he had to work for his salvation, and knew for sure he was headed to Hell. We explained to him that Jesus did the work and we need to believe and call on Him for the free gift.
Dewayne called on Christ and was gloriously and eternally saved at 2:00 PM today!!!
Praise the Lord for his saving work.
Many tracts and Mission flyers were passed out and the gospel was declared on the street corner. Praise God for His goodness and the opportunity to be a part of His great work.
Amen.

Aurora

Doing outreach with the Baptist Rescue Mission in Fort Worth, Texas this past Saturday, we found a young lady named Aurora. She was in the corner of an old, long-abandoned warehouse where she lives. Through her sobs she told her story of how she used to be a nurse until one dark day when six male intruders broke down her family's door and attacked everyone inside. Several of her family members were murdered, while others, including her, were left for dead. Worse yet, she recognized some of her attackers as members of her own extended family, and four of the six have never been caught.

She told how she turned to alcohol to try to forget that awful day, and how she now can't stop drinking because her body is so addicted. She still takes some pride in the fact that she has not yet turned to other drugs, only alcohol. The strength of her sobs revealed her tortured heart. She surely has a big mountain to climb.

O how we long to help those in such pain! Our feeling of helplessness would be overwhelming if not for the Eternal Word of Eternal God. God's Word gives us the solution to the hurts of this world. No matter the heartache, no matter the pain, no matter the problem, whatever your mountain may be, PRAISE GOD JESUS IS STILL THE ANSWER. In telling her of our Mission, she said she knew that God had sent us to her.

The attempt to share the gospel with this precious soul was cut short by the arrival of other homeless who were too much of a distraction at that time. Aurora did not arrive at the mission Saturday night as we had invited her to do, but it doesn't change the fact that there is a solution for her. We now know where to find to her, and we will be relentless in our pursuit to communicate the great love of God and the free gift of salvation to her. A delivery of clothing is planned for next Saturday, so she will feel more comfortable coming to the Mission service. We pray that God will give us wisdom, power, and courage to be a blessing and a help to these precious souls on the streets of Fort Worth.

I love the work of the Baptist Rescue Mission. After all, Jesus Himself came down and rescued me.

Comedian George Carlin dead at age 71

I saw in the headlines that another famous person has passed away - comedian George Carlin.
I remember hearing a few minutes of this man's act on television years ago. I remember that he made fun of Christ, and of all who believe in Him. Now, George Carlin believes in Christ, and he believes every word of the Bible. Now, George Carlin believes that Jesus died for our sins. The only problem is that it's too late for him.
By the testimony of his own lips, I have to believe that George Carlin never accepted Christ as Saviour. Oh how he wishes he would have!
Now, he will spend eternity thinking back on the times he ridiculed believers and made fun of God. Now, he will look back at all the opportunities he had to accept Christ and long for another chance, but that chance won't come for George Carlin. It's too late for him.
Let's not think for a moment that God is happy that George Carlin is in Hell. The Bible says that God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
The Son of man came to seek and to save George Carlin. For God so loved George Carlin, that He gave His only begotten Son so that George Carlin could be saved if only he had believed. God's grace was sufficient to save him, and God's mercy was available to forgive him, if only he had believed and accepted Jesus.
Let's remember that God loved George Carlin just as much as he loves us. Let's remember that God's heart is grieved every time someone dies without Christ.
Should not our hearts be grieved as well? George Carlin won't get another chance, but what about that person that was rude when you tried to witness to them? What about that person that threw down the tract and laughed at you? What about that person that slammed the door? If they are still breathing, they have another chance. Will you go back, or will you give up? It's clear that God would have us go back. God is not willing that any should perish. They are the reason that Jesus laid down His life.

Salvation Message for the Precious People of Croatia

I have created a separate blog so that I could post this salvation message permanently:
http://inwhomwehaveredemption-croatia.blogspot.com/

Kada umreš, znaš li 100% sigurno da li ćeš ići u nebo?

Kao što je ljudima određeno jedanput umrijeti, a nakon toga dolazi Sud.
(Poslanica Hebrejima 9,27)

I TI SE MOŽEŠ SPASITI I ZNATI TO!

Ovdje su 4 stvari koje moraš znati prije nego se možeš spasiti:

1. TI SI GREŠNIK.
“Nema pravednoga, ni jednoga...” Poslanica Rimljanima 3,10
“Jer su svi sagriješili i ostali bez slave Božje,” PoslanicaRimljanima 3,23

2. POSTOJI KAZNA ZA TVOJE GRIJEHE.
“Jer je plaća za grijeh smrt, ...” Poslanica Rimljanima 6,23a
“A smrt i pakao bili su bačeni u jezero ognjeno. To je druga smrt.” Otkrivenje 20,14

3. ISUS JE UMRO I PLATIO KAZNU ZA TVOJE GRIJEHE NUDEĆI TI SPASENJE KAO BESPLATAN DAR.
“Ali Bog pokazuje svoju ljubav prema nama tako što je Krist, dok smo još bili grešnici, umro za nas.” Poslanica Rimljanima 5,8
“...a dar Božji je život vječni po Isusu Kristu, Gospodinu našemu.” Poslanica Rimljanima 6,23b

4. MORAŠ PRIHVATITI DAR VJEČNOG ŽIVOTA NA BIBLIJSKI NAČIN.
“Jer ako ustima svojim priznaješ Gospodina Isusa i u srcu svome povjeruješ da ga je Bog uskrsnuo od mrtvih, bit ćeš spašen.” Poslanica Rimljanima 10,9
“Jer: Svaki koji prizove ime Gospodnje, bit će spašen.” Poslanica Rimljanima 10,13

Vjeruj Kristu kao svojem Spasitelju i sada moli ovu jednostavnu molitvu:

“Dragi Gospodine, priznajem da sam grešnik i trebam tvoje spasenje. Vjerujem da je Isus umro na križu i platio za moje grijehe. Oprosti mi moje grijehe, uđi u moje srce i spasi moju dušu.”

Za sigurnost svoga spasenja čitaj Evanđelje po Ivanu 5,24 i 5,11-13

Dragi prijatelju, ako si molio ovu molitvu slobodno nam piši na našu adresu ili se javi telefonom i mi ćemo ti poslati besplatnu literaturu koja će ti pomoći u kršćanskom rastu.

www.Croatia4Christ.com

Tim Russert, Catholic, dead at 58

The Headlines Read, "Tim Russert, Catholic, dead at 58".

My heart aches for this man's family. I can't help but think of them as they spend their first Father's Day without him.
But, as when anyone famous dies, I immediately begin to think about where they may be spending their eternity.
It is well known that Tim Russert was a devoted Catholic. It is also well-known that Catholicism teaches many things contrary to the Word of God. The Bible says in Ephesians 2:8-9, For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
The Bible also says in Romans 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:, and in Romans 3:23, For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
It is very clear in the Bible that unless you realize you are a hell-deserving sinner and accept Jesus Christ by faith as your Saviour you cannot go to heaven.
The pope is not God. There is no purgatory. We should not be worshiping Mary or the so-called saints. The Lord's supper is done "in remembrance" - not for salvation. No one can forgive sins but God, and "Ye must be born again".
Where will Tim Russert, devoted Catholic, spend his eternity?

Trip To Croatia - May 2008

I was blessed to be able to take a trip to Croatia to see my friends, Johnny Leslie and his family. They are the only Independent Baptist Missionaries in the country of Croatia. It is a privilege to work with them whenever I get the chance. This year I had a business trip to Germany and scheduled vacation afterwards so I could make it over to Croatia for a couple of weeks of soul-winning. The Lord blessed it in a great way and we are thrilled. I can't wait for another opportunity to return.
Fortunately, we were able to have a blog to chronicle our blessings thanks to Johnny's wife Tori.
www.getoveryourself-croatia.blogspot.com