This came in and we wanted to share it because it really is great to hear from people about how this ministry affects their lives. It is such an encouragement to us when we receive them because these letters help us to continue amid all of the adversity we face to know that our commitment to ministry is making a difference in people's lives. These dear people are from Freedom Road Church in Springfield, OH a place we have had the privilege of ministering at for many years now.
Denny,
We just wanted to say thank you! We know what you do, you do for the Lord, not for personal thanks or recognition. But we still want to thank you.
Thank you for the magical way you bring God's Word to life. Thank you for being so willing to be used as His instrument. And thank you for standing up for the children of this world. In a time when so many are "me, me, me" and otherwise would push these children to the side without a second thought, you are willing to go out with God's Word and say "Look, look at them, this is what we are forgetting, God's precious children."
So thank you for opening eyes and hearts every where you go. We praise God that you came into our lives! You are in our prayers!
Love, Rick & Julie Gillespie
Freedom Road Church, Springfield, OH
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
God's Ways Show In God's People
This past couple of weeks we were blessed in so many ways that if felt as if the Lord just couldn't' hug us enough and we are left breathless and in awe of His greatness. The Lord sent His people into our lives to become ministering angels in such amazing and powerful ways that we knew that His hand of affirmation was upon us and the work He has given us to do.
One angel came last Friday until Tuesday in the guise of David Schmidt. A young Christian man who is traveling across the county meeting people, staying with who ever takes him in and sharing what God is doing in his life while delighting to hear all of the things the Lord is doing in the lives of his hosts. We were able to take David around and introduce him to several of our very good friends and take him to our wonderful church. The fellowship and breaking of bread was so incredibly sweet! David became a friend and a brother to us and we ask that you remember him in prayer as he goes here and there for the next 2 months. If you want to know more about David and his journey, visit http://american-journey.blogspot.com/. You will be blessed. Also, don't forget to drop him a line and encourage him on his way.
At the same time that David was with us, we met and had the blessing of fellowship with yet two more of God's angels, Carl Carmody of Australia and his friend Graham. Carl & Graham are traveling around the world to interest Christians and churches in the evangelistic newspaper, Challenge News, the good news newspaper. Challenge News has been around for 26 years and is distributed in many nations. The really neat thing about this paper is that churches and individuals can order copies of their country's editions and hand them out to friends and strangers alike. Carl puts its so wonderfully when he says "Long after you and I are gone, the paper will still be there to witness to the truth." Challenge receives 100’s of letters per month from people who have committed their lives to Christ. These men became great friends and brothers in a very short space of time and we are now pleased as can be to distribute papers where ever we go on our own travels. If you want to learn more, please visit http://challengenews.org and pray that Carl and Graham's ministry will be warmly and enthusiastically received and that they find many friends to partner with them in their quest to bring the Good News.
More blessings last weekend include Dennis' long desired trip to Hoffmantown Church's Kid Stuff children's ministry. He had so much fun and blessing being there. The fellowship with the workers and teachers was warm and fulfilling and he could see the Spirit of the Lord on each face as they most sincerely applied themselves to this precious ministry. He is gone so much that he hasn't had the opportunity to really know what the Lord is doing with the children in our own church. Please pray for all the teachers and staff at Kid Stuff . It is an area where constant prayer is needed so that discouragement doesn't come to swallow up the victory. He said "I know what they need that would really help them - they just need prayer."
Now, if that weren't enough, we were blessed by yet two more dear angels when we opened our paypal account online and saw that the Lord had impressed upon them to bless DCM with an incredibly generous love offering that truly couldn't have come at a more critical time! As you know, our ministry is to give a cold cup of water to all who are thirsty by giving Scripture in its pure form. We do this in drama. Dennis doesn't memorize Scripture, he internalizes it. What that means is he let's God's Word live in him and define his life and actions so that he may sincerely minister the Word of God to others. Free will love offerings are the only source of our funding and we are so blessed to know that the Lord is always insuring this work will continue.
Last weekend we were immersed in so many ways in Jesus' Sermon to His people. We want to encourage all who read this that God's Word is true and living and that it can be totally trusted. We don't know what God is going to do, but what we do know is that He is faithful and will always act kindly and lovingly toward us. He only asks that we do the same for others and that isn't too much to ask. In fact it is a serious blessing to be able to be kind to one another. Dear Friends, please pray for us, that we will continue faithfully without faltering in the work and witness He has asked of us. Pray that our venues will receive us warmly so that they can get the most out of the ministry that we bring and will in turn be able to share the wonderful things of God with others. We are blessed to be a blessing and those who want a blessing must be a blessing. God's economy is to let us both freely receive and freely give.
Oh yes, more blessings! Wendy's sister came to visit and they were blessed with a sweet time of fellowship. Our sweet little bird, Stephanie, called several times to chirp to us all the many blessings coming her way and we drank in her happiness and thanked the Lord for His mercy and kindness. Family is a blessing. We're so glad that we are a part of the family of God, just think of how wonderful is the eternity awaiting us!
Time and again the enemy goes after us with his favorite acronym, F.E.A.R (false evidence appearing real), to try to discourage us. Many times, in the midst of blessings and ministry, there he is, malevolent and sinister, cunning and false. But, having lots of experience of his tactics since we have been in ministry over 20 years,we are able to hold fast to the truth and comfort each other with Scripture and prayer. We need not fear, there are angels all around us.
Blessings & Love,
Dennis & Wendy
One angel came last Friday until Tuesday in the guise of David Schmidt. A young Christian man who is traveling across the county meeting people, staying with who ever takes him in and sharing what God is doing in his life while delighting to hear all of the things the Lord is doing in the lives of his hosts. We were able to take David around and introduce him to several of our very good friends and take him to our wonderful church. The fellowship and breaking of bread was so incredibly sweet! David became a friend and a brother to us and we ask that you remember him in prayer as he goes here and there for the next 2 months. If you want to know more about David and his journey, visit http://american-journey.blogspot.com/. You will be blessed. Also, don't forget to drop him a line and encourage him on his way.
At the same time that David was with us, we met and had the blessing of fellowship with yet two more of God's angels, Carl Carmody of Australia and his friend Graham. Carl & Graham are traveling around the world to interest Christians and churches in the evangelistic newspaper, Challenge News, the good news newspaper. Challenge News has been around for 26 years and is distributed in many nations. The really neat thing about this paper is that churches and individuals can order copies of their country's editions and hand them out to friends and strangers alike. Carl puts its so wonderfully when he says "Long after you and I are gone, the paper will still be there to witness to the truth." Challenge receives 100’s of letters per month from people who have committed their lives to Christ. These men became great friends and brothers in a very short space of time and we are now pleased as can be to distribute papers where ever we go on our own travels. If you want to learn more, please visit http://challengenews.org and pray that Carl and Graham's ministry will be warmly and enthusiastically received and that they find many friends to partner with them in their quest to bring the Good News.
More blessings last weekend include Dennis' long desired trip to Hoffmantown Church's Kid Stuff children's ministry. He had so much fun and blessing being there. The fellowship with the workers and teachers was warm and fulfilling and he could see the Spirit of the Lord on each face as they most sincerely applied themselves to this precious ministry. He is gone so much that he hasn't had the opportunity to really know what the Lord is doing with the children in our own church. Please pray for all the teachers and staff at Kid Stuff . It is an area where constant prayer is needed so that discouragement doesn't come to swallow up the victory. He said "I know what they need that would really help them - they just need prayer."
Now, if that weren't enough, we were blessed by yet two more dear angels when we opened our paypal account online and saw that the Lord had impressed upon them to bless DCM with an incredibly generous love offering that truly couldn't have come at a more critical time! As you know, our ministry is to give a cold cup of water to all who are thirsty by giving Scripture in its pure form. We do this in drama. Dennis doesn't memorize Scripture, he internalizes it. What that means is he let's God's Word live in him and define his life and actions so that he may sincerely minister the Word of God to others. Free will love offerings are the only source of our funding and we are so blessed to know that the Lord is always insuring this work will continue.
Last weekend we were immersed in so many ways in Jesus' Sermon to His people. We want to encourage all who read this that God's Word is true and living and that it can be totally trusted. We don't know what God is going to do, but what we do know is that He is faithful and will always act kindly and lovingly toward us. He only asks that we do the same for others and that isn't too much to ask. In fact it is a serious blessing to be able to be kind to one another. Dear Friends, please pray for us, that we will continue faithfully without faltering in the work and witness He has asked of us. Pray that our venues will receive us warmly so that they can get the most out of the ministry that we bring and will in turn be able to share the wonderful things of God with others. We are blessed to be a blessing and those who want a blessing must be a blessing. God's economy is to let us both freely receive and freely give.
Oh yes, more blessings! Wendy's sister came to visit and they were blessed with a sweet time of fellowship. Our sweet little bird, Stephanie, called several times to chirp to us all the many blessings coming her way and we drank in her happiness and thanked the Lord for His mercy and kindness. Family is a blessing. We're so glad that we are a part of the family of God, just think of how wonderful is the eternity awaiting us!
Time and again the enemy goes after us with his favorite acronym, F.E.A.R (false evidence appearing real), to try to discourage us. Many times, in the midst of blessings and ministry, there he is, malevolent and sinister, cunning and false. But, having lots of experience of his tactics since we have been in ministry over 20 years,we are able to hold fast to the truth and comfort each other with Scripture and prayer. We need not fear, there are angels all around us.
Blessings & Love,
Dennis & Wendy
Two Traveling Angels
Have you had an experience lately that is unfair and undeserved? Have you tried your best, prayed your prayers, fulfilled your commitments and yet you have still seemed to receive only an unjust reward from fate, friends, family or employers? Read the parable below of the Two Traveling Angels. The Lord sees everything and He truly cares for and guards those who care for Him, and His brethren.
Two traveling angels stopped to spend the night in the home of a wealthy family. The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay in the mansion's guest room. Instead the angels were given a small space in the cold basement. As they made their bed on the hard floor, the older angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it. When the younger angel asked why, the older angel replied, 'Things aren't always what they seem.'
The next night the pair came to rest at the house of a very poor, but very hospitable farmer and his wife. After sharing what little food they had the couple let the angels sleep in their bed where they could have a good night's rest. When the sun came up the next morning the angels found the farmer and his wife in tears. Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole income, lay dead in the field.
The younger angel was infuriated and asked the older angel how could you have let this happen? The first man had everything, yet you went out of your way to help him! The second family had little but was willing to share everything, and yet you let the cow die.
'Things aren't always what they seem,' the older angel replied. 'When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed there was gold stored in that hole in the wall. Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and unwilling to share his good fortune, I sealed the wall so he wouldn't find it. ''Then last night as we slept in the farmers bed, the angel of death came for his wife. I gave him the cow instead.
Things aren't always what they seem.' No matter what things seem to be, if you have been faithful you can also have faith and trust that every outcome is always to your advantage. You just might not know it until some time later...
Some people come into our lives and quickly go..
Some people become friends and stay awhile.
...leaving beautiful footprints on our hearts...
and we are never quite the same
because we have made a good friend!!
Yesterday is history.Tomorrow a mystery. Today is a gift.
That's why it's called the present!
...live and savor every moment...
This is not a dress rehearsal!
Right Now..
somebody is thinking of you.
somebody is caring about you.
somebody misses you
somebody wants to talk to you.
somebody wants to be with you.
somebody hopes you aren't in trouble.
somebody is thankful for the support you have provided.
somebody wants to hold your hand.
somebody hopes everything turns out all right.
somebody wants you to be happy.
somebody is celebrating your successes.
somebody wants to give you a gift.
somebody thinks that you ARE a gift.
somebody admires your strength.
somebody is thinking of you and smiling.
somebody wants to be your shoulder to cry on.
somebody needs what you have to give
somebody loves you.
Remember - Never take away any one's hope. That may be all they have to see them through and all they have in the world to share with others.
We pray that this helps you and gives you hope and joy in spite of all your circumstances that may surround you.
Love & Blessings,
Dennis & Wendy
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Following Where He Leads
We have been pretty busy since last post. Dennis took a trip to the Midwest in ministered in Northern Indiana and Michigan. The weather was terrible and he had some really interesting times driving in the snow on 80-90. Praise the Lord for his protection! He came home looking really haggard but has perked up a lot in the last couple of days, sort of like a flower who got some much needed water. On his trip he was able to minster to a group of 5 churches in South Bend, Indiana, another church in Indiana, the Portage Manor mental health facility in South Bend and a church in Michigan. He stayed for a few days at the Mennonite retreat center, Camp Amigo, in Sturgis, MI - Amish country! Though he didn't get as much writing done as he would have liked, still it was lovely he told me with all the fresh snow on the ground. This is a wonderful place if you even want a quiet pastoral place to go either alone or with a group.
While Dennis was away, God treated our home (and me!) to a 4 day visit from out of town people on their way to minister in India. This dear couple was such a blessing of fellowship to me. We became friends and Dennis was able to meet them on their last day here. We even had the privilege of praying for them and sending them on their way. When you meet people who have given it ALL up to the Lord and you have a chance to really get to know them, you feel a deep sense of God's favor and love. This young couple has given up comfort, home, family, career, possessions, native language, and even their pets to serve the Lord. And not only that, she gives up many of her personal freedoms as a woman as well in order to serve closely with a Muslim population. I am not allowed to name them on the Internet but you can email me if you are interested in praying for their ministry.
Dennis and I feel more and more led to travel to India and Africa as the Lord leads. We don't feel called to be full time in those countries but the Lord is burdening our hearts for those countries to train and raise up teams to minister there. His Word is so powerful and healing and freeing. We have received many requests now for both India and Africa to come and minister. Please pray about this. All we would need is money to travel because we would be taken care of once we get there. It is expensive to travel and our ministry is mostly a month to month provision from the Lord through gifts and love offerings. Pray that our ministry venues would be especially generous and that this ministry would be remembered in prayer and giving by many people.
May the Lord bless each of you with a joyous spring filled with beauty and grace.
Wendy & Dennis
While Dennis was away, God treated our home (and me!) to a 4 day visit from out of town people on their way to minister in India. This dear couple was such a blessing of fellowship to me. We became friends and Dennis was able to meet them on their last day here. We even had the privilege of praying for them and sending them on their way. When you meet people who have given it ALL up to the Lord and you have a chance to really get to know them, you feel a deep sense of God's favor and love. This young couple has given up comfort, home, family, career, possessions, native language, and even their pets to serve the Lord. And not only that, she gives up many of her personal freedoms as a woman as well in order to serve closely with a Muslim population. I am not allowed to name them on the Internet but you can email me if you are interested in praying for their ministry.
Dennis and I feel more and more led to travel to India and Africa as the Lord leads. We don't feel called to be full time in those countries but the Lord is burdening our hearts for those countries to train and raise up teams to minister there. His Word is so powerful and healing and freeing. We have received many requests now for both India and Africa to come and minister. Please pray about this. All we would need is money to travel because we would be taken care of once we get there. It is expensive to travel and our ministry is mostly a month to month provision from the Lord through gifts and love offerings. Pray that our ministry venues would be especially generous and that this ministry would be remembered in prayer and giving by many people.
May the Lord bless each of you with a joyous spring filled with beauty and grace.
Wendy & Dennis
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