Love In Action's blog

Baptism at the Park

2012-05-29T07:31:00.000-05:00

Sunday afternoon, May 27, 2012, will be a day I remember for a long time. It was special in so many ways, and most importantly, God was glorified by what took place.

We held our first Love In Action baptism service and nine people were baptized. We don't have anywhere at the LIA Ministry Center to baptize people, so Martha and I sat out to find a place. We settled on the small lake at Chattahoochee State Park near Gordon, Ala. It has a small beach area that looked like the perfect place. As it turned out, it was.

This service was also the first time I've baptized anyone. I was ordained in October of last year. I had wanted to baptize people, but since we didn't have a place, I referred people to other churches. Then on a recent Adopt-A-Block, a barber, Rev. Redding, talked about a creek he once baptized people at. That got me thinking. Martha and I looked for the creek and it was close to the state park. The park had more room, so we quickly got the word out that we would hold a baptism service and we had a great response as 28 people came out for the service and day of fun.

Those baptized were people we have ministered to at Love In Action, some for the past couple of years. Two are former mentees of mine from Houston County Community Corrections Work Release, and two are current mentees. Seven of the nine were either current or former inmates from Work Release.

I even had the honor of baptizing a child, who is the son of one of the inmates. Praise God! That one was a surprise. I didn't know I'd be baptizing a father and his son. Talk about something special.

What made the baptism even more significant was Doug Sommers assisted me. Doug is a good friend, and he is the one who introduced us to the men at Work Release three years ago. So to have Doug with me was great. I know it meant a lot to him as well.

A man who lives near the LIA Ministry Center was also baptized. Praise God! We are reaching the community.

Following the baptisms, we grilled burgers, hotdogs and deer sausage and enjoyed the rest of the day like one big happy family. It was so good to see families enjoying the sunshine and water together; something many of them haven't done in a long time.

Most of the people we minister to at the LIA Ministry Center rarely, if ever, leave downtown Dothan, because they have no transportation. So to be out in the middle of nowhere surrounded by God's beautiful creation was something special.

I can't tell you how many "thank yous" I heard Sunday. It was humbling to hear that, and I tried to convey to everyone how thankful I was for them. They made mine and Martha's weekend. It was an incredibly amazing day.

We will return to the Chattahoochee State Park for more baptisms. It's quiet, beautiful, and those in charge of the park are very friendly and helpful. They even joined us to watch the baptisms.

The day ended with a beautiful sunset. We had different views of it as we drove back to Dothan. Everyone remarked about what a great artist God is. "Nobody can paint a picture like God." Amen! To be honest. I don't know if I've ever seen a prettier sunset.

I thank God for such a wonderful day, and for the awesome opportunity to minister to so many wonderful people. The homeless, those incarcerated, and the needy are very close to my heart. They are good people. They just need to be given a chance, and told how important they are to God and to others.

When we show people the true love of Jesus Christ, their lives change. This baptism service is more proof of that. All praise, honor and glory to God.

God is expanding Love In Action in Dothan

2012-05-09T15:55:00.000-05:00

"“The Holy One, the True One, the One who has the key of David, who opens and no one will close, and closes and no one opens says: I know your works. Because you have limited strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name, look, I have placed before you an open door that no one is able to close." - Revelation 3:7-8 (HCSB)

God led me to these verses 12 years ago when Love In Action began. I was struggling, wondering how would we accomplish all that God had called us to do. He gently led me to these verses. I was nervous as I turned the pages of the Bible to the back where the Book of Revelation is located. I knew there was a lot of judgement and scary stuff in it. My heart raced as I turned to chapter 3 to see what the Lord wanted to tell me. Then I cried tears of joy as I read His loving words in Revelation 3:7-8.

I have held on to those verses for the past 12 years, and time after time I have seen God stay true to His Word. Now we're seeing it again. God is once again expanding Love In Action's borders. This time in the way of more property to do more ministry.

As many of you know, Love In Action's free health clinic has been a huge success. More doctors and nurses have come on board, and now we have funding for a dental clinic. We have outgrown the Love In Action Ministry Center in only seven months.We have seen people come to the Lord at the clinic and hundreds of medical needs - health and eye care - met.

We have also prayed for years about having a place for transitional housing and for an in-house drug and alcohol rehabilitation program.

God has placed before us another open door.

We have signed a letter, along with the owner, to purchase a wonderful building complex in downtown Dothan on West Main Street. It's not far from the LIA Ministry Center, which we are keeping. This will allow us to do even more ministry there as we move the medical clinic to the new location.

The building we are purchasing once housed medical offices. There will not be much renovation needed, with the exception of air conditioning work, to be able to move the clinic. We will use a little "elbow grease" to polish things up, move in the exam tables, and we'll be ready for our patients.

There is also a building with two stories that will be perfect for transitional housing and an in-house drug and alcohol rehab program. And, the property is already zoned exactly for our needs. Praise God!

I will go into all of the details and even more of how we so clearly see God's hand in this in blogs to follow. I just wanted to get the great news out there so all of you can rejoice with us and pray for us. Prayer is so vital.

Also, we are praying to put down the best down payment possible, so if anyone would like to make a tax-deductible donation to help us with the down payment please do so. Please email us at loveinactionministries@hotmail.com to let us know, or call us at 334-494-4995.

Donations can be mailed to: Love In Action International Ministries, P.O. Box 85, Dothan, AL 36302.

Thank you and God bless each of you.

A miraculous healing

2012-04-23T19:23:00.001-05:00

I have heard of people being healed and walking away from wheelchairs, but I've never witnessed it firsthand. I've read about it and watched it on TV through skeptical lenses over the years. Not that I didn't believe God could heal people, but I didn't trust the preachers on TV.

What I saw this past Saturday will stay with me for the rest of my life. It was a life-changing experience. One that elevated my faith to heights its never been before.

Many of you either know or have heard about Rick Denney. He's one of my favorite people in the world. He's a dear brother in the Lord and friend. I love this man. He's been a very faithful volunteer at Love In Action for several years, even the past two years as he was bound to a wheelchair.

When I first met Rick he was homeless and an alcoholic. Little did I know he had been watching us at Love In Action. He observed to see how we treated people. He wanted to see if we were real as he had been hurt by "church people" in the past. I guess he liked what he saw, because he walked up to me one day when our ministry center was located on the Montgomery Highway in Dothan, Ala. He was a very humble man, and just a good guy.

He came around often, but every time he came drunk his head was down. He was ashamed. We loved him anyway, and eventually our broken down bus became his home.

Late one Friday night the unthinkable happened. He was run over by a freight train. Yes, a locomotive. The engineer wouldn't get out of the train, because he had seen what happened to people when they were in cars and got hit by a train.

With both hips totally separated, many ribs broken and his left foot nearly ripped off, he laid motionless in the hospital bed. He had large gashes on his face and head. He looked horrible. I remember what he told me that Saturday morning at the hospital. "Bro. Ken, the old Rick died under that train. The new Rick came out from under it." He gave his life totally to Jesus, and he hasn't touched a drop of alcohol since. He tells everyone he meets about Jesus.

I've called Rick our evangelist on wheels. Praise be to God, I can't call him that any more.

Rick called Saturday morning. Martha answered the phone and he said, "I believe God touched me last night. Y'all need to come pick me up." We had all been believing with Rick that God would let him walk again. In fact, he had told us a while back we didn't have to pray for his healing any more, because he believed God had healed him. He was just waiting for God's timing for when he would walk again.

Driving to Rick's Saturday morning, Martha and I both said, "He may be walking when we get there." Nothing prepared us for the miracle we saw.

When we pulled up in the parking lot I called Rick and told him we were there. We got out of the truck and waited. I heard his hotel door open and close quickly, which was different. Then, we saw him walking around the corner. Words can't appropriately describe what Martha and I felt at that moment.

Rick said Martha screamed and ran to him and hugged him. I immediately fell to my knees crying and sobbing out loud worshiping and praising our Heavenly Father who had just miraculously healed my friend.

When Rick walked around that corner, all I could see and feel was the awesome power of God. That has to be why I instantly hit the ground on my knees. I made it back up to my feet and hugged Rick. We cried tears of joy and thanked Jesus for this answer to prayer.

For nearly two years Rick was in a wheelchair. For nearly two years Martha and I and some other LIA volunteers picked him up for Bible study, church, Celebrate Recovery Inside, LIA coffee house, and to pray with people at the LIA health clinic. Many nights I prayed, "God, please let Rick walk again."

Rick went to a tent revival last Thursday and Friday nights with Bro. David Terrell. Rick has told me many stories about Bro. Terrell's tent meetings back in Florida from years ago. When I saw he was in town I told Rick. I knew he'd want to go.

Rick said as he sat there Friday night, he heard Bro. Terrell talk about miracles that he'd seen happen. Rick said he was present for a number of them. Then there was a time for prayer, but Rick didn't go up. He said no man was going to get the glory for his healing.

That night back in his room he prayed to God and asked God when was his miracle going to happen. Early Saturday, Rick woke up and he said God spoke to him and said, "Do you believe I've healed you? Rick said yes. Then God said, "Then get up and walk." So, Rick stood up and walked for the first time in nearly two years. And, he hasn't stopped walking.

No doctor has touched Rick since he was released from the hospital nearly two years ago. No physical therapist ever worked with him. Nobody touched him, but God. And God healed him. Rick even bent over and touched his toes and put his hands flat on the ground while standing up. I can't do that.

Yes, God still performs miracles, and this is one I'll never forget. You can believe it or not, but I believe it, because I know my God. And, I know Rick very well. I know he had no strength in his legs. He couldn't stand, much less take a step until Saturday morning.

God is awesome, and there is no other God but Him. Jesus says that He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is, and He healed back in the days when He walked the earth with His disciples. He still heals today, and He will continue to heal as long as people believe and receive what He has already done.

I thank God for healing my friend and my brother. To God be all of the praise, honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

'Nobody has ever done what you do'

2012-04-15T14:46:00.001-05:00

Adopt-A-Block is a radical weekly outreach that is changing lives in Dothan, Ala. I say it's radical, because it takes a commitment to live life with others. We know that in today's society, especially in the U.S., finding people committed to doing God's work is hard to find. Unfortunately, commitment isn't everyone's favorite word.

The idea came from the L.A. Dream Center in Los Angeles , Calif. There, Pastor Matthew Barnett and the staff and volunteers at the Dream Center are transforming thousands of lives through the Gospel of Jesus Christ by serving the people. They serve the homeless, poor, prostitutes, and all of the people our society counts as losers and those they don't want to associate with.

Jesus showed us a totally different way throughout the four Gospels in the New Testament. Those are the types of people Jesus hung out with as He said in Mark 2:17, "Those who are well don’t need a doctor, but the sick do need one. I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Then we read in 1 Timothy 1:15, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”

Every Saturday at Love In Action, we go into the neighborhood where the LIA Ministry Center is located to serve the people. We pray with them and help them in various ways. Yesterday (Saturday, April 15, 2012) was another amazing day of outreach with Adopt-A-Block.

The morning began with one of our teams leading an elderly man to Jesus. He questioned if he would go to Heaven when he died. Now, he has no doubts. Praise God!

Across the street from him we sat on a porch with two more elderly men. They are both Christians, but not in good health. However, that doesn't stop them from praising Jesus, especially Mr. John. What a blessing he is. Though he has to stay hooked up to an oxygen tank, he still finds the breath to sing praises to Jesus. Yesterday, he sang one song after another. It was beautiful.

The other elderly gentleman thanks us over and over again each week. Yesterday, he told us twice that, "Nobody's ever done what you do in our neighborhood. Thank you." What an incredibly humbling statement. That man has lived in that neighborhood for years and years, but he said nobody has ever served the people like Love In Action.

That's not bragging on LIA, that's thanking God for working through us to touch lives. It's also a sad statement for the churches throughout that neighborhood. Churches will never have the impact on their communities that God intends for them to have if they don't get outside of the walls and serve the people.

Later in the morning we made our way to Mrs. Smiley's house, a sweet 80-year-old widow. She waits for us each week. Her daughter told us Mrs. Smiley won't go anywhere on Saturday until our visit. She is such a blessing.

Our wonderful volunteers did some work around Mrs. Smiley's house. We cleaned out and fixed the gutter on her front porch, repaired a leaking water pipe, and planted some beautiful flowers in some empty flower pots around her front porch.

All-in-all, I'd say it was an awesome day. An elderly man gets saved, we sang God's praises with another elderly man, and we blessed a precious elderly widow. That's not to mention all of the others we prayed with, and the 30-plus we served lunch to.

God is so awesome and we give Him all of the praise, honor and glory. Thanks to each of you for your prayers and financial support, and thanks to those who come to the LIA Ministry Center to volunteer your time. Together, we are all making a difference for the Kingdom of God.

An incredible night

2012-04-11T09:31:00.002-05:00

To say last night's Celebrate Recovery Inside at Love In Action was electrifying is about as close as I can come to describing it. What an incredible night!

From the moment I walked through the doors of the LIA Ministry Center I felt the Holy Spirit. The smiles on the faces of our volunteers serving dinner radiated throughout the place. Those being served smiled and expressed their thankfulness and happiness to be there.

When worship started, I knew it was going to be an awesome service. Alan Watson is so anointed and talented. I love it when he leads worship. With arms raised and people singing loud, our praise and worship rose toward Heaven and God responded by flooding the sanctuary with His Holy Spirit. It was one of the most incredible times of worship I've experienced, and I've been in some wonderful worship services. There's just something about it, though, when a room of nearly 100 people who are hurting at every level come together and worship God with all of their hearts.

Then Radica Quakenbos shared her testimony. You won't hear many like hers. Not that there aren't others who have experienced what she went through, but because not everyone makes it out alive. And, in many cases, people are ashamed. Never be ashamed to share what God has delivered you from.

I won't try to share everything she did, but in a nutshell, Radica was born in Yugoslavia (now known as Serbia), and her parents abandoned her. She lived on the streets as a child. She was raped, and then sold to a family in the U.S. by her own father. She was beaten and treated like a slave when she arrived in the U.S.

She didn't know God; they didn't teach about God in Yugoslavia. But, God showered His love upon her and when she gave her live to Jesus, she's never been the same. Through His forgiveness and her giving forgiveness to all of the people who hurt her, Jesus set her free.

I encourage you to purchase her book, "In My Father's Hands." It's available at bookstores and online at Amazon.com and Crossbooks. Her website is www.inmyfathershands.com

Tears flowed throughout the sanctuary as her testimony hit home with many people. Some who have experienced similar situations, and others whose family members have. The hurt, the pain, the unforgiveness ... it's all very real.

The response to the altar call revealed the hurt that was in that room. People hit their knees and literally cried out to God. At least five accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, there may have been more. Others prayed for healing for their life that's been filled with hurts, and people forgave those who did the hurting.

Praise God for all of the lives He touched last night. Our job now is to continue teaching the people, in the church it's called discipleship. Jesus tells us to "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19-20)

So teach them we will through CRI, Wednesday night Bible studies, and mentoring.

God is so awesome. Last night made me think of Lamentations 3:22-23, "Because of the LORD’s faithful love we do not perish,for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!"

Indeed, great is Your faithfulness my God, my redeemer.

Beautiful day of ministry

2012-04-08T23:05:00.000-05:00

Saturday was an absolutely beautiful day. The sun shined brightly in the backdrop of a deep blue sky and the temperature was a near perfect 75. But what was even more beautiful than the picturesque scene of sunshine, blue sky and blooming spring flowers was the ministry that took place during Love In Action's Adopt-A-Block.

The entire morning we prayed with people and handed out bread that is donated every week to us by the Atlanta Bread Company. We were also able to help a couple of elderly women.

One of the women needed some heavy bags of clothes taken to the road. The bags were in her back yard and were soaked after the most recent rains. She never could have moved them, so we were thankful to do it for her.

Then later in the morning we visited one of our favorite people in the neighborhood - Mrs. Smiley. She is a sweet 80-year-old widow who lives at the end of a street. Each week we pray with her and just talk. She enjoys our visits and always greets us with her infectious smile. She has the perfect name.

During our visit, she mentioned how much she loves the old hymn "Old Rugged Cross." George, one of our volunteers, started singing it, then Ms. Smiley joined in. I couldn't help but raise my hands in praise of Jesus as I could feel God's Holy Spirit moving on Ms. Smiley's front porch. It was a beautiful moment.

As we were leaving we noticed grass was overtaking her flower bed, so we told her we would return to clean it out for her. She was so happy. When we came back one of her daughters was there, and we all had a great time talking and singing. Yes, another song of praise was sung as her daughter sang an old hymn, then George sang "I can only imagine."

Before going to see Ms. Smiley, we stopped at a house across the street from her where three people were sitting outside in chairs, and two of them were drinking beer. They weren't drunk, but were kicking back a cold one. The woman lives at the house and the other one with a beer was a former work release inmate who attended our Celebrate Recovery when we were located on Montgomery Highway.

When he saw me, he put his beer down. He apologized and said he wished I hadn't seen him drinking that beer. I told him I wasn't there to condemn him, but to remind him that God loves him. We had a good talk, and then we all prayed. At the end of that prayer, tears flowed down his face. Another seed planted, and I pray it takes root and grows. He knows where we are located at now, so hopefully on nights he isn't working he will come to the ministry center.

The other young man there, who wasn't drinking, is a soldier in the U.S. Army. He has served in Afghanistan and is going back in August. What an honor it was to pray for one of our brave men who fights for our freedom. We thanked him for his service and he thanked us for the support.

Many other great moments took place on Saturday as God poured His spirit out on that community. What an honor and privilege to serve such a great and loving God.

Adopt-A-Block takes place every Saturday, beginning at 9:45 a.m. with prayer at the Love In Action Ministry Center. The outreach lasts from 10 a.m. until noon. For those who can stay longer, we go back into the neighborhood and do projects like we did for Ms. Smiley.

It's all for the glory of God, and we praise Him for all of the opportunities He gives us to serve Him.

I invite you to join us. It is a life-changing outreach, and the more volunteers we have the more people we can reach.

Two souls saved

2012-04-05T23:12:00.000-05:00

In my last blog I wrote about how much I love seeing God show His power through miracles of healing. Not long after posting that blog, I saw Jesus do something I love to see the most ... save souls.

Thursday night is when we have our free Love In Action Healthcare Clinic. It was a great night as Dr. Steve Stokes and Steve Mashburn saw 22 patients for heath care reasons and Dr. Ron Sealock saw eight patients for eye care needs. Those 30 patients and more were served a delicious dinner as well by volunteers from Greystone UMC.

Afterward, six of us were sitting in the foyer when a homeless woman and man walked up to the ministry center. She said a man named Butch told her we could probably help them. They needed food. Another organization had paid for a hotel room for them, but they didn't have any food. Butch was right, we had food and shared it with them.

The great thing about Butch, is he didn't believe in God and didn't want anything to do with Jesus when we first met him more than a year ago. Now, he loves Jesus and Love In Action. He always tells us he loves us, and now he is sending people to LIA to get help. Praise God!

After giving this couple food, hygiene items, a New Testament and Christian tract, we prayed with them. After the prayer, I asked them if they had a personal relationship with Jesus. He said he did, but had strayed away and she said she had been to church. We talked some more about how God wanted a relationship with us and Jesus made the way through His dying on the cross, then rising from the grave to give us eternal life.

We talked some more, then they said they were ready to ask Jesus into their hearts. Glory to God! To see God bring in the harvest is awesome! I never get tired of seeing people get saved.

Now, it's time for discipleship. We told them about Celebrate Recovery Inside and Wednesday night Bible study. We invited them to church this Sunday, and offered them rides.

Please keep Paula and Vincent in your prayers. We give God all the glory for what He did in their lives tonight.

"... there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10) We are rejoicing as well over these two who repented of their sins tonight and asked Jesus into their hearts.

The lump is gone!

2012-04-05T19:18:00.000-05:00

I love it when God reveals His power through the miracle of healing.

Two weeks ago at our Celebrate Recovery Inside service, a woman was crying and filled with fear. She had been experiencing a painful health problem and a doctor at the emergency room told her she probably had cancer.

We anointed her with oil and prayed for her as the Bible instructs in James 5:14. We hugged and comforted her, and after the prayer she said she felt better about it. Tears still flowed, but not as hard and she had a look of a person with hope ... hope that the God she has learned to put her faith in had heard the prayers and would answer.

One of our volunteer doctors agreed to see her and examined her. He said he didn't think she had cancer but there was definitely a lump that needed further testing and then removed. A week later she went back for the tests, and the results were the lump was gone. Nothing there. No more bleeding and no lump.

Praise God! Talk about a faith builder for her, us and everyone who hears her testimony. Yes, God still heals. It's not something that stopped when Jesus ascended to Heaven. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." - Hebrews 13:8 (HCSB)

Scholarships for children

2012-04-02T23:34:00.000-05:00

In the Philippines, school is not guaranteed for every child, because not all families can afford to pay the government for their children to attend school.

As we have discovered, the children in the Philippines are very smart, and given the opportunity to go to school and learn helps them to excel in life, just like children here in the U.S. The problem is not every child will attend the next school year, which begins in June in the Philippines. Love In Action wants to help in this area.

Many of the churches Love In Action supports in the Philippines have schools. The pastors call their churches "multi-purpose" buildings because they are used for church, Sunday school, houses for pastors and their families, and schools. Not to mention lunchrooms, fellowship halls, and a general gathering place. And these buildings are not like churches in the U.S. Many are made out of bamboo or simple wood framed structures, and are one room with maybe a small roof off to the side for housing and kitchen.

The schools obviously benefit the children from an educational point of view, but it's also a great ministry tool for the church. The children learn Bible verses. In fact, at the Recognition Service for the kindergarten students at Shiloh Bible Baptist Church in Sindangan, as part of the service, the kindergartners quoted their Bible memory verses, and it wasn't just a few verses. They memorized the entire chapters of Psalms 1 and Proverbs 1.

Parents, friends and family members attend the Recognition services, and that's how many come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. For many, it's the first time they've ever heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Entire families get saved. Praise God!

The next school year begins in June, and Love In Action is conducting a scholarship drive for the children. We are asking if you can give $50, that will help support one child for the school year. And, a couple has committed to a $500 match. Which means, if you give $50, they will match it, so your gift doubles to $100. Praise God!

If you can't give $50, whatever amount you give will help, and it will be matched until we hit $500. Please help us help the children, and in turn, we are helping our pastor friends not only educate the children in their cities and villages, but we're helping them reach the children and their families with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Please send your tax-deductible donation to: Love In Action International Ministries, P.O. Box 85, Dothan, AL 36302.

Thank you and God bless you.

Another good night

2012-03-27T23:48:00.000-05:00

Tuesday nights are always good at Love In Action as we host Celebrate Recovery Inside. Due to work, I missed three consecutive weeks, so to be back the last two weeks has been great.

Tonight was another good Tuesday night. Gia cooked another delicious dinner. I don't know how her husband William stays so skinny. Just always working hard I guess. Man, she can cook!

Then the worship was great. One of our work release men wanted to sing, so we handed the microphone to Cecil, and let me tell you, that brother can sing. Then one of our favorites, Alan, led worship. I always enjoy worshiping with Alan. God has given him such great talents.

Pastor Dwight was back with us after a long absence due to two back surgeries. He preached a strong message about King David and forgiveness. The message really hit home with a lot of people. The first man I prayed with during the altar call immediately pointed to Dwight's message and it helped him understand the situation he was in even better. The prayer time was good as always.

Then the small groups all had a good night. A lot of great ministry and growth take place during those small group meetings.

Another great thing about Tuesday nights is all of the one-on-one ministry I get to do. Tonight there were times of praying individually for some people, then times of listening to them. There was also a time to speak into the lives of a couple of individuals .. mentoring.

As always, Tuesday nights give us an opportunity to meet a lot of physical needs as well, such as clothing, food and hygiene items.

There are just so many opportunities to minister on Tuesday nights. I praise God for all of the opportunities. I praise God for giving us so many amazing volunteers who pour themselves into CRI every week. I praise God for the people He brings through those doors every Tuesday night.

Those who are struggling with hurts, habits or hangups, all find a safe place to let Jesus deal with them on Tuesday nights.

Yep, it was a another good night.

They were blind, but now they see

2012-03-27T15:22:00.000-05:00

God never ceases to amaze me. Once I think I've seen something great, God does something greater. This morning was one of those experiences.

In my last blog, I wrote about the flames of revival in the Philippines and the doors God keeps opening. We are now running through those open doors and are seeing a great harvest reaped.

We have officially planted four new churches in Muslim communities of the Philippines. These churches are in houses, and the rent has been paid on all four ($75/month). The first fruits have already been reaped as 117 people in those new churches have given their lives to the Lord. These are results of what our brothers call "Soul Winning Saturation." That's where they go door-to-door in the communities and tell people about Jesus. These new churches will grow quickly. We now have an opportunity to add three more house churches in three more communities.

And as if that wasn't enough, hold on. It gets even more exciting.

One of our pastors (for safety reasons I am not naming him right now), traveled to the island of Basilan, which is a 45 minute fast-boat ride from Zamboanga City on the island of Mindanao. This trip was to survey the island for a hunger for Christ. He found it. In fact, 92 people accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior on Basilan.Wow! Praise God! Expanding there is a must to disciple these precious people.

The amazing news is a first-time listener of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Basilan who accepted Jesus, contacted our pastor and said they have already found a house to rent for a meeting place. That happened within hours of making a decision for Christ. That's the hunger the people have for Jesus. They have never heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and when they do, they want to know more and want more people to hear about Jesus.

One new Christian told our pastor that the people needed a meeting place. Our pastor told him to pray with him about the finances to make the travel, materials such as Bibles, and house rental possible. The new Christian told our pastor, "We've been blinded with religious and cultural hatred for a long time. Please don't deny us the spiritual freedom our people need."

That touches my heart at levels previously unknown to me. A people so hungry and desperate for Jesus. It reminds me of Romans 10:14-15, "But how can they call on Him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about Him? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who announce the gospel of good things!"

All of this happened because one couple responded financially to this need. Imagine what will happen if more join and help us reach those who have never heard of Jesus Christ.

"Open your eyes and look at the fields, for they are ready for harvest." - John 4:35

God is awesome!

2012-03-24T23:20:00.001-05:00

What God is doing in the Philippines continues to blow my mind. Back in January when we were in the Philippines, I told our brothers and sisters there that I pray revival would begin on the island of Mindanao and sweep throughout the country and spread to other Asian nations. God heard our prayers.

In the past three weeks, more than 1,300 people have made decisions for Jesus Christ. Praise God! Dalaygon ang Diyos!

More than 20 Philippine Army camps have been open for us to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and now we are helping to plant churches in six Muslim communities. Again, praise God! These will be home churches, and those leading the churches and attending need to be covered in prayer. Please pray for them as it is not safe to worship Jesus in these communities. Our prayer is a revival will sweep through those communities and they will be called Christian communities.

God has also opened doors to two more islands- Jolo Island and Basilan, which are part of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Hopefully next week one of our pastors will be going to both islands to survey the area and find prospective houses for church plants.

Please keep this pastor and those going with him in your prayers. I will not mention his name at this time for safety reasons.

All of this is simply amazing. The doors God is opening up is even blowing local pastors' minds in the Philippines. The reason why we are able to plant these churches and reach so many with the Gospel of Jesus Christ is through the donations of people with hearts for reaching the lost in areas that have never even heard of the name of Jesus Christ.

When you give to LIA Philippines, your money goes directly to the pastors and missionaries who are putting their lives on the line every day. Your support provides much needed items for them and their families, such as food, rent for church planting, purchase of land and construction of churches. And, a little goes a long ways in the Philippines. Each U.S. dollar is worth almost 42 Philippine Pesos.

Please join us and become a regular supporter of LIA Philippines and store up treasure in Heaven.

Please send your tax-deductible donation to: Love In Action, P.O. Box 85, Dothan, AL 36302. Note on the check that it's for LIA Philippines.

Thank you and God bless you.

Miracles in ministry

2012-03-23T23:32:00.000-05:00

Seeing miracles happen each week is a huge benefit of being in ministry with Love In Action.

Miracles take different forms. Some are seeing the homeless, incarcerated and the down-and-out give their lives to Jesus and watching their lives totally transformed by the power of God.

Other miracles are answered prayers. Like one woman who received very bad news from a doctor this week. On Tuesday night we prayed. Today, she received a good report from the doctor. Praise God!

When there's a need, God puts it on people's hearts to respond and fill the need. For example, we needed a new large capacity dryer a couple of weeks ago. Immediately that need was filled. We needed finances to help with a need in the Philippines, the next day someone donated and it was taken care of.

God uses people to make miracles happen some times, and being a part of a miracle changes your life. We have seen so many people who God worked through turn out to receive an even greater blessing. The Bible says that it is better to give than receive (Acts 20:35). And that is so true. You find such joy through giving of yourself and resources to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and help others.

I'm looking forward to seeing what miracle will happen tomorrow.

We can't miss this opportunity

2012-03-15T17:51:00.000-05:00

"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:19-20 (HCSB)

Jesus gave His Great Commission to His disciples before ascending to Heaven. But we must all understand,this wasn't just for His disciples or who we refer to as a select few who are "called" to be "missionaries" to foreign countries. His Great Commission is for all of us. Do you want to know God's plan and will for your life? There it is in Matthew 28:19-20.

We are commissioned to reach the world for Jesus, to spread God's glory to the ends of the globe. You may ask, how? Is everyone suppose to travel to other countries? That would be nice, but the reality is, not everyone can.

Then what? We can all disciple others.Who knows, you may disciple the next Billy Graham. Teach one person at a time about Jesus and how to live for Him. We can all do that.

Another way is what I'm going to write about in this blog, and that's using our finances to reach the world for Jesus. You noticed I used the pronoun "our," because I believe in giving of my finances to reach the lost in other parts of the world.

As most of you know, God has expanded Love In Action to the Philippines. Since our trip there in January, God has opened so many doors for us to share Jesus with those previously unreached. One way is through the Philippine military. More than 22 camps have been opened, and our pastor friend Jun Begafria has been spending nearly every waking hour telling the soldiers about Jesus. Last week 600 soldiers and officers made decisions for Jesus. Praise God!

Love In Action supports Pastor Jun and other indigenous pastors and missionaries with finances, prayers, Bibles and other Christian materials.

We need your help. Right now we fully support six pastors each month ($100 per month), but there are 31 pastors/missionaries in all, and the number is growing as more doors are being opened.

The newest opportunities are in four Muslim communities. We have the opportunity to plant four churches in four communities that have no Christian churches. Most of the people have never heard of the name of Jesus Christ.

All we need is $400 per month and God will use these churches to change the course of eternity for hundreds of precious souls. Being in America, it's hard to imagine operating a church for $100 a month, but we can plant these four churches with that amount. There are four houses where we can start operating out of.

These are dangerous outreaches, and these are the Christians who literally put their lives on the line every day for the sake of the Gospel. We need to pray for them daily, and support them financially. Soon I will blog about a pastor who was a Muslim, but gave his life to Jesus and is now risking his life every day to reach his community for Jesus.

Will you join us? If you can't give $100 a month, can you give $10, $20, $30, $40 or $50?

Read the words of the Apostle Paul in Romans 10:14-15, " But how can they call on Him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about Him? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who announce the gospel of good things!" (HCSB)

These unreached people in the Philippines need to be reached for Jesus. As American Christians, we have the means to support our Filipino brothers to be able to reach them. Please help us. The opportunity is too great and too much is at stake ... souls going to Heaven or Hell.

Please send financial support to: Love In Action International Ministries, P.O.Box 85, Dothan, AL 36302, or you can donate electronically through PayPal by clicking here.

Your donations are tax deductible.

600 make decisions for Jesus

2012-03-10T20:47:00.000-06:00

Have you ever opened an email and just started shouting for victory and crying tears of joy at the same time? That happened to me this morning.

No, for those who know me well, it wasn't the news that my Washington Redskins are going to draft RG3. It was something a jillion times better, even more than that.

My good friend and brother in the Lord, Pastor Jun from the Philippines emailed me about the amazing things God is doing there. For reference's sake, let me remind you about Pastor Jun.

He is the senior pastor of the Shiloh Bible Baptist Church family on the Philippine island of Mindanao. He is also the one who took us to four military camps while we were there back in January. In those Bible studies, 93 soldiers accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Since that day, God has opened even more doors for Pastor Jun to minister the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the military. This past week, Pastor Jun traveled and ministered in two training camps and 18 camps and 600 soldiers and officers made decisions for Jesus Christ. Praise God! Or, as they say it in their dialect of Cebuano, "Dalaygon ang Diyos!"

Listen to some of the praise reports about soldiers being saved over the past two months:
- One soldier attended a Bible study, accepted Jesus and continues to attend. His wife testified that since her husband attended the Bible studies, she doesn't have black eyes any more. Praise God! He got saved and the violence at home ended.
- Three Muslim soldiers who accepted Jesus testified that there has been a transformation in their lives since they opened their hearts to Jesus.
- A senior officer who is being witnessed to testified that he observed and is convinced that there is a great difference in Christ. This man has great influence, so pray he will accept Jesus.

Now, five more military camps have been open. Praise God! It is simply incredible the doors God is opening. And, it gets even better.

Pastor Jun said God has opened doors in four Muslim communities to start four churches. Praise God! He said there are already four houses available to be used for Bible studies.

Is God doing an incredible work in the Philippines or what? And, as Pastor Jun says, pray that in a "few days, weeks or months from now, God willing, a group of believers in these Muslim communities would start serving the true and living God." And then he wrote, "Every soul saved would be your part and portion in glory." And he ended the email by writing that he prays "this partnership would continue to cause wonder."

Love In Action's partnership with our brothers and sisters in the Philippines is amazing. We are now able to sponsor six pastors/missionaries, and we just shipped 900 Bibles to the Philippines. After reading about what all is going on there, you can see we need thousands of more Bibles and more financial commitments to supporting these pastors and missionaries.

We are also helping with traveling expenses and helping to purchase land and plant churches. This can only be done through prayer and people giving financially. Please pray what God would have you to do to help us continue spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those in the Philippines, many of whom have never heard of the name of Jesus Christ.

Very humbling

2012-03-06T11:15:00.002-06:00

Love In Action is totally supported by individuals donating money so we can accomplish what God has called us to do. Without people giving, we could not do everything we do.

It always humbles me when someone gives money to Love In Action. It shows they believe in the work and vision of this ministry. In Matthew 7:16 and verse 20, Jesus says we are known by the fruit we produce. People see the good fruit being produced through Love In Action and they want to be involved. That excites me.

It is also very humbling, because it is a great show of trust. When you tithe to your church, you trust your pastor and leaders to do the right thing with the money. You may write your check out to your church or to Love In Action, but you are really giving it to God.

That is a huge responsibility for those of us who are pastors and leaders of ministries. God holds us accountable. I do not take that lightly. I have a great and healthy fear, respect of God.

Something else that is very humbling is seeing the homeless, work release inmates, and the poor giving to Love In Action. It reminds me of the widow`s gift in Mark 12: 43-44. People were giving at the temple. Many rich people gave large sums, then a poor widow gave two tiny coins, that, in the eyes of the world would mean very little. But Jesus saw it very differently as He told His disciples, "I assure you: This poor widow has put in more than all of these giving to the temple treasury. For they all gave out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she possessed - all she had to live on."(HCSB)

When a homeless man donated money last week, I told him that his gift will help us send Bibles to the Philippines. You should have seen the smile on his face. Here was a man who lives in a tent in the woods, who had earned some money from a few days of honest , hard work, giving out of his poverty.

There are widows who are regular supporters of Love In Action. They have been faithful to give each month for many years. Many other people do as well. Others will give a large one-time gift each year. We praise God for every gift. It takes everyone giving to accomplish what God wants us to accomplish. It truly takes the Body of Christ working together.

Each day Martha and I thank God for everyone who supports Love In Action, and we ask God to bless them and meet their needs. For whether you are rich or poor, when you give to the Lord, He is going to bless you.

Thank you for giving to Love In Action. Your gifts advance the kingdom of God, and every victory we receive for Jesus is also credited to you. You are truly building up treasures in Heaven. (Matthew 6:20)

King James Bible Project

2012-02-27T22:03:00.000-06:00

Super Saturdays

2012-02-25T22:17:00.000-06:00

"Thank you for always stopping by." "I look forward to y'all coming to see me every Saturday." "Please always stop and see me." "Thank you for what you do."

These are quotes we often hear every Saturday on our Adopt-A-Block outreach, which began on Nov. 19, 2011. Through this outreach, Love In Action is serving an impoverished neighborhood around our ministry center. Through acts of compassion, we are showing the love of Jesus Christ to the people.

People in most impoverished neighborhoods feel forgotten and end up losing pride in their neighborhoods. Adopt-A-Block is bringing the love of Jesus to the neighborhood and restoring hope to the needy. Volunteers have raked yards, cleaned houses, repaired roofs and other house repairs, delivered food and blankets. Each week volunteers pick up trash throughout the neighborhood. Those streets are the cleanest in downtown Dothan.

Many prayers are prayed each week as well. The people now look forward to us coming out to see them each Saturday. By serving the needy, Love In Action is showing people the love of Jesus Christ and it is making a difference. We are forming relationships with many people, and it is a blessing.

Thanks to the Atlanta Bread Company, we are able to take bread and bagels to the people. To people who barely scrape by, free bread is a blessing. Thanks to Chill Yogurt, we also have delicious Yocakes to deliver to the people. Both bread and Yocakes are also mainstays for our Saturday lunch where we serve the homeless, people from the neighborhood and volunteers.

Each week our relationship with the people grows. We thank our volunteers who hit the streets with us each Saturday, and we could use more people to help us. If you want to get involved with a life-changing ministry then come out and join Adopt-A-Block. We pray at 9:45 a.m., and then go to the neighborhood at 10 a.m.

It's hard saying goodbye

2012-02-25T21:07:00.000-06:00

It's never easy saying goodbye, especially to a person whose life has transformed right in front of your eyes.

When we first met Mark in early November 2011, he was a bitter drunk homeless man. He wasn't a happy person. He would often show up drunk and at times pass out on the front steps of the Love In Action Ministry Center.

Fast forward three months and Mark shows up every time the doors are open. He's smiling, inviting people inside, helping serve people, and telling them Jesus is the way.

Now Mark is leaving. He found a job in south Florida and is leaving in the morning. He will be greatly missed by many people. He's a brother. He's part of the Love In Action family.

How did he go from a hopeless drunkard to a man with hope and joy? One word, one person ... Jesus.

We kept telling Mark that we love him and that he is always welcome at Love In Action, and he kept coming back. He would apologize for passing out on the front porch, but we would tell him we would rather he pass out there where he would be safe than in a ditch or a place where people would hurt him.

Mark found the love of Jesus and a purpose in his life at Love In Action. He became one of our best volunteers. Every day and night we opened the doors he was there to serve and work. He kept the floors throughout the ministry center swept and mopped. He worked on whatever project we had going. He helped us with Adopt-A-Block, and was a fixture at our Friday night Lighthouse Cafe coffee shop.Nobody worked harder.

A couple of weeks ago he helped lead a man to Jesus in a small group at our Celebrate Recovery Inside. He knows Jesus changed his life, so he started telling others about Jesus. It was an amazing transformation, and we praise God for all of it.

Before we left the ministry center tonight, we all gathered in the sanctuary and prayed for Mark. We wanted to bless him in the name of Jesus and send him off the right way. Then as we dropped him off at his tent in the woods, we once again told him how much we love him and will miss him.

As Mark said, this isn't goodbye or the last time we will see him. His work will bring him back to Dothan in November, and we are looking forward to seeing him again.

Please keep Mark in your prayers. He's a precious man. Pray that he will continue to grow in his relationship with Jesus Christ.

Help send Bibles to Philippines

2012-02-20T16:29:00.001-06:00

Quick, answer this question. How many Bibles do you own? Check the bookcases, coffee tables and night stands. Oh, don't forget the closets and attic.

Owning a Bible is not a problem for most Christians in America. Most of us have at least a half dozen, and that's not including the Bible apps on our smart phones and tablets, or the Bibles downloaded on our computers.

In the Philippines they do not have that kind of luxury. A Bible is what it should be to all of us, a very treasured book. One that is read often and well taken care of. Unfortunately, there aren't many Bibles in the Philippines. You see, on the Philippine island of Mindanao, Bibles are not plentiful nor are they easily accessible. The people can't walk or drive to the local Christian bookstore or Walmart to buy one, because those stores are not there. And, if there were such opportunities, the vast majority of the people could not afford to purchase one.

That is why Love in Action is on a mission to send as many King James Version Bibles to our brothers and sisters as we can. Why the KJV? Because that is the Bible they read. English is not their first language, though most speak it very well. But, the KJV was the first version to arrive, so they all decided to adopt it so there won't be any confusion. They all read the same version to be on the same page, so to speak. And, from our experience with our brothers and sisters there, they understand the KJV a lot better than most Americans.

We are asking all Christians in America to help us. If you have a good KJV Bible that you are not using, please donate it. The Word of God needs to be read and if it's just taking up space on a bookshelf it's not doing anyone any good.

If you would like to purchase new KJV Bibles, please do and have them shipped to us. We will ship them in bulk at much cheaper rates to the Philippines. We can ship at least 200 Bibles for just $90. If we receive 1,000 Bibles, we could take them to the docks in Jacksonville, Fla., and ship them for just $55 per box (5 boxes).

Here is how tough it is to get a Bible in Mindanao. We once wired money to a pastor to purchase some Bibles. He had to travel nine hours by bus and boat to find a place to purchase the Bibles, then carry them back nine hours by bus and boat to distribute them to the new believers at his church.

We have the ability here in Dothan, Alabama, and throughout the U.S. to help. Nobody should be without a Bible when we have plenty to share.

How many do we need? Well, considering there are 23 million people on the island of Mindanao, I'd say about 23 million. Seriously, we cannot send too many. There isn't such a thing. Not only do the indigenous pastors and missionaries we partner with need them for their churches and the new believers they lead to Jesus daily, but at least 16 Army camps have been open for us to get Bibles in. That's roughly 100,000 soldiers.

Please help us. We have a wonderful opportunity to give the Word of God to people who don't have it. Many have never even heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ. What an incredible opportunity! Our brothers and sisters tell people about Jesus, they receive Him, and then they are able to put a Bible in their hands. Praise God! I get excited just writing about it.

We just shipped two large boxes of Bibles, and we pray that we can send many large boxes every month, but we can only do that if the Body of Christ here in America helps us. It's a great project for individuals, families, churches, Sunday school classes and small groups to take part in. Collect all of the KJV Bibles you aren't using (in good condition please) and donate them. Purchase new Bibles as individuals, families, or as a group. Let's send God's Word to the people in the Philippines.

If you live in Dothan, you can bring your Bibles to the Love In Action Ministry Center at 320 N. Foster Street, or call us at 334-494-4995 and we'll pick them up. If you are ordering new Bibles, please have them shipped to 103 Rosewood Drive, Dothan, AL 36301.

Here is a good web site to order Bibles, It's called BiblicaDirect.com.Here is a link to some quality hard cover KJV Bibles ($5.99 each), http://www.biblicadirect.com/p-78-kjv-hardcover-bibles.aspx
And here is a link for large print Bibles ($6.99 each), which are needed as well, http://www.biblicadirect.com/p-1543-kjv-large-print-hardcover-bible.aspx

And, if you would like to help with the shipping costs, that would be very appreciated as well.

Please share this great opportunity with others and encourage them to help us.

Thank you for your help in giving people who are starving for God's Word copies of the Holy Bible.

One soul at a time

2012-02-19T15:03:00.001-06:00

It is always amazing to watch how God works.

The past two weeks we have seen five people give their lives to Jesus Christ at the Love In Action Ministry Center. Two weeks ago, three people came forward at the end of the service at Celebrate Recovery Inside to ask Jesus in their hearts. Last Tuesday night one man accepted Jesus in a small group at CRI, and this past Friday night one young man accepted Jesus at our Lighthouse Cafe free coffee house. Praise God!

The CRI services have been more powerful than ever the past month, and that's saying something as we have seen God do so many amazing things through this ministry. It is an honor to be part of what God is doing, and it's so much fun watching God work through our volunteers.

From the moment people walk through the doors on Tuesday nights they are warmly greeted and made to feel welcome. Then as they are served dinner they not only see great food being placed on their plates, but they see people smiling at them as they serve. Then the services have been especially good. Great preaching, teaching and testimonies have been coming forth and people have responded to the messages.

Small groups are especially important. So many issues are discussed and God meets each person where they are. Growth is taking place in many lives through these small groups. And last week a homeless person who was just passing through ended up in a small group. This a cool story.

He was on his way to Montgomery, but had a long layover in Dothan as he traveled by bus. He was walking to the store to buy some alcohol to drown his sorrows, and his path took him right by the front doors of the Love In Action Ministry Center. People invited him in to join us for CRI, and one of our wonderful volunteers, Rick, started telling him about Jesus.

He decided to stay for the dinner, then for the service, and finally for small groups. Once again Rick started telling him about Jesus and how Jesus was the only answer to his problems. Rick told me afterward, "He asked about a 12 steps program, and I told him I don't know anything about 12-step, but I can show you the one step ... Jesus." I love Rick. He tells everyone about Jesus.

One of our homeless men was also in that small group. When we first met him he would often be drunk and many times passed out on our front steps. He would always apologize, but we told him he was always welcome and we'd rather for him to pass out on our front steps than in a ditch or somewhere where people would hurt him.

He made a decision to follow Jesus and he hasn't been drunk since. In fact, he's one of our hardest working volunteers. He told the homeless traveler that Jesus was the way for him to overcome his problems, and once he leaves Love In Action tonight he will have a choice to keep following Jesus or not, and he hoped that he would continue to follow Jesus.

Rick led the man in a prayer to receive Jesus as his Lord and Savior. Praise God!

Then on Friday night Rick led a young man to Jesus. The man had been at our health clinic the night before, so he wanted to come back for the coffee house. He did and he met Jesus. Praise God!

One at a time. That's been our focus for the past 12 years, and we have seen thousands of people come to Jesus. Yes, it is great when we have a large event and we see dozens accept Jesus. We've seen more than 250 accept Jesus at one time. But, it's all about each individual soul. So whether it's 250 or one, we praise God and celebrate with the angels because somebody's eternal destination has just been changed.

"... there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” - Luke 15:10 (NIV)

Thank you for your prayers and support of this ministry. We couldn't do it without you.

Slim: A candidate for a miracle

2012-02-06T13:58:00.000-06:00

Slim staggered into the Love In Action Ministry Center around 8 p.m. Saturday. We had finished another great Saturday of Adopt-A-Block and work at the ministry center and were preparing to call it a night. But, we weren't finished.

We were standing in the lobby area when Slim stumbled past us and headed toward the eating area. He has enjoyed some hot meals in there, and I guess in his mind he was going to have another one.

Slim is a homeless man who is strung out in a big way on crack cocaine. We have never seen him in sober state. He has smoked so much crack, even in a sober state of mind he would appear under the influence to most people. Crack has taken its toll on Slim. It owns him. It controls him.

However, the great thing is even in his drug-induced walk through downtown Dothan, he knows there is a safe place for him. A place where he knows he won't be beaten up or robbed. He knows he is welcome. That's why he keeps coming back.

Most of the time he doesn't ask for food. He usually asks for socks and shoes. He loses them, and at other times, they are stolen. We usually give him two pairs of socks, but we don't always give him shoes. He usually has shoes on, but when he showed up in just socks we made sure he had a pair of shoes on his feet when he left.

Saturday night he asked for socks. We gave him the socks and food. Crack addicts crave sweets, so we gave him some cupcakes too, which he started eating immediately. He camped out on the front porch for part of the night. He left a mess on the front porch, but that's OK. It only took about five minutes to clean it up. That is a very small price to pay knowing he felt safe for part of that night and ate his food. At least we know he received some nutrition that night.

To most people, Slim looks like a lost cause. He's gone too far to be helped. I disagree. Nobody is too far from our Father's reach. Jesus says in Luke 19:10, "For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” (NLT).

Jesus says in John 3:16, "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." (KJV)

Slim is a "whosoever" and he is "lost." According to the Bible, Jesus came to save him and to give him everlasting life.

An addiction recovery program will not do Slim any good at this point, because he cannot carry on a conversation. He can't sit still long enough to even try to have one. He couldn't comprehend such recovery steps.

His only hope is Jesus Christ. I have seen Jesus take lives as seemingly hopeless as Slim's, and completely turn them around, save them and clean them up. Slim is just the next candidate for such a miracle. Every time Slim leaves I always tell him that Jesus loves him and so do I. He usually responds with a, "Yes-sir. Thank you."

One day, I'm hoping Slim will call out to Jesus because he remembers hearing that Jesus loves him. He keeps coming back to us because he knows we love him. When he calls on Jesus, things will change. I've seen Jesus deliver people from such situations through His power and might, and not because of any program. Programs have their place, and our Celebrate Recovery is an awesome outreach. But for people like Slim, it will take a miracle from God to turn his life around.

Please join us in praying for Slim and for God to work a miracle in his life.

Prayer list from Philippines

2012-02-05T18:00:00.001-06:00

From time to time I will post prayer requests from our friends in the Philippines. This prayer list is from Shiloh Bible Baptist Church in Ozamiz City. Pastor Jun Begafria is pastor of the church and senior pastor of the Shiloh Bible Baptist Church family. Please join us in praying for these items.

P R A Y E R I T E M S

· Pastor Jun BEGAFRIA and FAMILY

Wife: Mrs. Ma. Angelita

Children: Timothy John (17), 1^st year college

John Andrew (15), 3^rdyear hschool

Pearl Angelie (11), Grade 5

Covering and protection, Blessings, Good health, Power and wisdom, Provision, Preservation

· Goal for this Year 2012

Church Lot (at least 1 hectare)

300 Disciplers

20-30 Missionaries be sent out

50 Church Members with P100,000 monthly income

· More Full-time Workers

· More Bibles

· INCREASE CHURCH FINANCES (INCOME)

· MINISTRIES

A. CHURCH SERVICES

MORE SOULS BE SAVED AND POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN EVERY SERVICE

Church Service Development

Increase Church Attendance

B. EXTENSION CLASSES (Sat & Sun PM)

C. Young People’s Program

D. Music Ministry (Singers & Musicians)

Commitment and consistency of members

More Instruments (violin, guitar, flute)

E. Discipleship/ Operation Go

Disciplers (300) & Disciples

Trainers & Trainees

F. Barangay Evangelistic (Mon & Tue Night)

Team Leaders, Team Members

Assigned Area, Provision

More souls to be saved (good result)

Good weather, Covering and protection

G. Different Departments

Livelihood Program

New Sunday School Lessons

Increase Attendance

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS:

Spirit-filled life, Blessings in all area, Prayer life (consistency), Commitment,

Wisdom on studying lessons, Fruitful life

H. BIBLE STUDIES (HOME, SCHOOLS , BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS, MILITARY, OFFICES)

MILITARY:

UPCOMING SEMINARS FOR MILITARY CAMPS, SPIRITUAL GROWTH, MORE CONVERSIONS, VICTORIES FOR NEW OPENED CAMPS FOR BIBLE STUDIES

Bravo CO.55IB (Hoyohoy, Tangub)

Alpha CO. 55IB (Josefina)

Charlie CO. 55IB (Calamba)

55IB Batallion (Calamba)

5^thBravo CO. Tigbao

Bravo 5IB (Bintana, Tangub) nearby detachments

9FA Batallion (Pulacan)

LADIVISION (Pulacan)

ROTC- Tangub, MU-Ozam, MU-Oroq,

SCC-Oroq

5IB- Training Camp (Aurora)

53IB Guipos; Gala, Tudela

0FFICES

DAR, DENR, SM LAO, CITY COUNSEL’S OFFICES, BJMP, NFA, CHO, CHO- PREMARRIAGE COUNSELLING, City Hall @ City Council, Fire Dept., MU-Guidance Office & Elementary

BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS

NOVO, DWARDELLE’S, TUPPERWARE, MEDINA HOSPITAL

SCHOOLS

Sinosa, Labinay, OzCity High, Misamis University

I. CHURCH FINANCES

Building Rental (Php 10,000 per month – 2^nd & 3^rd floor), Vehicle Maintenance, Electric Bill,

Staff Allowances, Other Expenditures

J. PROPOSED PROJECTS:

CHURCH LOT (PHP 4M)

Pick Up 4-wheel drive

Multi cab repair needs Php 20,000

100 pcs. Plastic chair (white)

Third floor classroom renovation Php 30,000

K. CHURCH MEMBERS

MULTIPLIED INCOME

MORIAH offering

Faithfulness & Involvement (Church Attendance, Grace in Giving, Soul-winning, Preaching, Brgy Evangelistic, Discipleship, Sunday school)

PRAYER LIFE OF EVERY CHRISTIAN

Covering and Protection, Good Health

More Blessings and Entrustment (spiritual, material, physical, business and work)

Students – succeed in their studies, faithfulness & maturity

More Sources of Income

Spiritual Growth and Maturity

Right Attitude

Love and compassion for souls

Unsaved Love Ones

Wisdom in Bible reading and in all areas of Christian Life

Spiritual Revival

L. AARON and HUR PRAYER MINISTRY

More Christians Involved and Power

Consistency

M. BARGE PREACHING (Sunday PM)

Boldness, Compassion for souls, Consistency

Covering and protection, Good health, Fruit

Provision: back and forth fare

Tim2x, John2x, Jofher, Karl, James Bryan, Ernesto, Rustom, Adonis P., Adones C., Samson, Dorotheo, EJ

N. SINGLE MEN Outreach Program & BUS

PREACHING(Saturday: Ozamiz to Oroquieta)

Boldness, Compassion for souls

Covering and protection, Good health, Fruit

Provision: back and forth fare

Oroquieta Church Extension needs:

Kitchen utensils, more workers

O. Jeep Route

Covering and protection (driver & vehicle)

Maintenance

More drivers

P. MARRIED LADIES Cottage prayer

More ladies be involved, POWER, Victory

1. Cavinte : 6-7pm Monday

7-8pm Wednesday

2. Dimaluna: 7-8pm Monday

3. Calabayan: 6-7am Tuesday

4. Capucao: 7-8pm Tuesday

5. Montol: 7-8pm Wednesday

Fri Night: Estatoy and Arcete Family

6. Gutocan: be open for Cottage Prayer

7. Capucao: 7-8pm Tuesday

8. Liposong : Sellana Family

9. Sigatic: Saturday, Metillo Family & etc.

10. Sinusa & Trigos: Saturday

Pray for Wisdom and power to teach God’s Word and become a channel of blessings!

- Sis JeanneCastillon

Q. MARRIED MEN Military Bible Studies(Sun PM)

Montol: Allan Yap & Alfredo Miano

Canibongan: Emil Descallar & Company

Mitugas: Bryan Duarong & Jonathan Roxas

Taguite: Arturo Castillon & Manuel Turno

Buenavista: Demetrio Menion & Melvin Abapo

R. CHILDREN’S DEPARTMENT

Working of the Holy Spirit,

More Sunday school Teachers

Classroom Renovation (Php 30,000) – 3^rd Floor (division, lighting, 3 tables, 200 pcs. kiddy chairs, 2 blackboards, cabinet)

S. CARE GROUP

T. EXTENSION CHURCHES

1. Oroquieta City (Samson & Gretchen)

2. Demalco (Amar’s Family)

3. Sigatic (Dodong)

U. OTHERS

PASTOR’S OFFERING, MORIAH OFFERING, FIRST FRUIT COMMITMENT, MISSION Giving, Charity Fund, LOT & BUILDING COMMITMENT,

Mortuary Membership and Funds

SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT (see at the bulletin)

H2O Assignment

Moderators, Flower Arrangement

Ushers, Preaching (Kids Services)

UPCOMING 2^NDMISSION ANNIVERSARIES (JAN – DEC 2012)

V. SICK ONES

Demetrio Menion (fast & complete recovery from stroke)

Eddie Kuizon, Perla Kuizon

W. MISSIONARIES’ PRAYER REQUESTS

1. Pstr. Greg Begafria, Sindangan, ZDN

Monthly goal of baptism, 20 souls saved

Victory every church services

Church lot – 280 sq.m (Php 280K)

2. Pstr. Bhoy Baguinda, Payao, ZSibugay

Compassion for souls (Muslims),

Provision for Rappy and Riwada’s schooling

Protection, Preservation of the Land

3.Pstr. Nestor Ruffil Gurne, Talibon, Bohol

Victory church service, Wisdom in preaching,

Spiritual growth and maturity of believers, Financial provision, Pumpboat (Php 50,000)

4.Pstr. Dennis Devila, Zambowood, ZCity

Single motorcycle/ vehicle,

Plastic chairs (40 pcs),

Right meeting place for church

5.Pstr. Raffy Begafria, Tampilisan, & Liloy, ZDN

10 families saved, baptized, added to the church

Church Building completion - Php 35,000.00

10 plastic chairs (light green)

30 kiddy chairs

Electric thermos and plastic tab

3 families- Daily Bible Study (Mon to Sat)

6. Pstr. Jojo Begafria, Leon B. Postigo, ZDN

700 Sq.M lot for church building(1,500 pesos)

Motorcycle (Honda 155 with cab)

15 Families saved and baptized this 2012

Church anniversary (April 24, 2012)

Financial Need(30,000) for church anniversary

More souls saved and baptized

Power of the Holy Spirit & Wisdom

50 pcs. Kiddy chairs

Unsaved loved ones

7. Pstr. Sardan Ragonio, Gutalac, ZDN

Php 50,000 - Church Building (January 2012)

Unsaved love ones, Good health,

Love for souls, More souls saved and baptized

Spirit-filled life, Godly wisdom, Consistency, Diligence, Protection in all areas of Christian Life,

10 pcs Bisaya KJV Bible

20 pcs. Plastic chairs (Ruby), Laptop,

20 pcs. Baptist hymnals (Songbooks),

Musical instrument (organ)

Mountain bike

Lot worth Php 300,000

8. Pstr. Rollymar Matchon, Pasonanca, ZCity

Single motorcycle/ vehicle,

100pcs Plastic Chair

9. Pstr. Clemente Gumapit, Salug, ZDN

Church Building

More souls saved and baptized

10. Pstr. Emony Tagaan, Dumingag, ZDS

Comfort Room construction (P 5K)

Building Construction,

Motorcycle XRM 125 – Black,

Souls Saved and baptized,

Musical instruments (organ & guitar), Parsonage

11. Pstr. Rolan Tigao, Ipil, Zambo. Sibugay

Motorcycle (Honda TMX 155 w/ cab),

More supporters for the ministry and blessings, more genuine souls be saved

Lot (1000sq. m.), 20 pcs. Kiddy chairs,

DVD Player, Financial for Comfort Room, Guitar, Curtain – 10 meters

Kitchen utensils

12. Pstr. Jerry Antipolo, Siayan, ZDN

2^ndMission Anniv (Feb. 28, 2012)

=Provision (P 10,000)

P 500,000 Lot & Church Building

w/in this year,

More souls saved and baptized,

Genuine souls be added

Wisdom in preaching

Unsaved Love Ones, Good Health,

20 kiddy chairs,

Motor Single (Honda wave - blue)

13. Pstr. Emmanuel Candia, Mabuhay, Olotangga, ZSibugay

1 ha. lot for church building, Motorcycle (XRM 125 -red), church building (P 20K)

Laptop and musical instrument (organ)

Galvanized iron (sen) 20pcs – 12 ka taas

Armak, wisdom, power, prayer life

10 families to be added

14. Pstr. Dandy Begafria, Molave, ZamboDelSur

50 pcs. Plastic chairs, Multicab

20 families added to the church this year

Scheduled Prayer Vigil (Every Last Wednesday), Needs: P 3,000

Fruits in Bible studies

15. Pr. Leopoldo Yungod, Suba-nipa, Olotangga

Blessings, Good health, Daily provision,

power and wisdom,

covering and protection,

power of the Holy Spirit in every service,

13 ka Lakang sa pagtuon sa Pulong sa Dios,

Goal, year 2011-2012: 300 souls saved, added to church serve faithfully,

Lot worth Php 500,000.00, Church building Php 1.5 M, Armak, motorcycle Bajaj 135 red,

90 pcs. Green plastic chairs, 250 pcs. KJV Bible, compassion for souls, wisdom in preaching, spiritual growth and maturity of believers, financial provision, first fruit commitment, mission offering.

16. Pstr. Deo Begafria, Barra, CDO, MisOr

30pcs. Plastic chairs, power & wisdom, Preservation-church honor & testimony,

Evangelization of Opol & CDO,

More souls baptized, added to the church,

compassion for souls,

Pastor’s prayer & fasting-victory & needs P3,000, Motor XRM125 Red/Black,

Church Members & Christians – faithfulness to the Lord & Blessings

* Protection and More breakthroughs in the life and place of our Missionaries:

17. Pstr. Rasul Maribojoc, Plaridel, Mis. Occ.

18. Pstr. Samson Turno, Imelda, ZamboSibugay

19. Pstr. Mario Montero, Dipolog City, ZDN

20. Pstr. Manuel Obut, Aloran, MisOcc

21. Pstr. Nestor Burtanog, Siay, ZamboSibugay

22. Pr. Dotdot Bocabal, Saudi Arabia

23. Pr. Toto Evardo, Malaysia

24. Pr. Olivo Clapano, Seaman Missionary

25. Pr. Janary Carreon, UK

A people rich in faith

2012-01-30T21:20:00.000-06:00

Love In Action Pastor Ken Tuck (left) is with Pastor Bhoy Baguinda and Pastor Mario Montero. These are two of many mighty men of God doing amazing work to reach the lost in the Philippines.

"Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?" - James 2:5 (KJV)

I have read that verse and heard it quoted many times, but I never really grasped what it was saying until I traveled to the Philippines with wife and mom last week.

On the Philippine island of Mindanoa live some of the most precious people in the world. It is an island of 23 million people and a place many westerners will not visit because of the Muslim influence. They are missing out on a life-changing experience.

The Christian pastors and indigenous missionaries we met were gracious, loving, caring, and full of faith. We already knew some of them before traveling to the other side of the world. This past year we have had the honor of helping them reach this island for Jesus Christ. But after meeting all of them, we fell completely in love. I am honored to call them my friends and my brothers and sisters in the Lord.

We spoke at their first pastors/missionary workers conference, and what a blessing that was for all involved. Then we preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ and saw 127 people make decisions for Jesus. Praise God! In the Cebuano language, praise God is spelled, Dalaygon ang Diyos!

By American standards, they are extremely poor. Many people live on an average wage of about $2 a day. That is hard for most Americans to understand. Even our poor are rich by those standards. While the people are poor financially, they are the richest people spiritually I have ever met. I would dare say they are among the most spiritually rich people in the world. They are "rich in faith."

I didn't hear any grumbling about not having enough. They live off the land. Many of the people raise their own fruits and vegetables and animals. They share with one another. One church received an offering of pigs and chickens from people who live in the mountains. They don't have money, so they gave their best and their best was animals.

They put their lives on the line to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They put God first, no matter the struggles. If I had to choose between being rich financially and rich spiritually, I'll take spiritually rich. Money cannot buy the faith witnessed in our friends in the Philippines.

Most of the pastors live with their families in a room at their churches. Usually it's a room in the very back or to the side. It's not uncommon for multiple families to live there. That's home and church. For some it's also school. They like to call their churches "multipurpose" buildings, and they are.

These pastors are reaching the lost daily. One told me he baptizes people every day. They do a phenomenal job of training people to go out and be missionaries in different parts of Mindanao. And they do all of this with hardly any money.

The only thing keeping a full fledged revival from happening is resources. They need KJV Bibles, hymnals, Sunday school lessons, etc., all in English. They need finances to purchase land and construct churches. Imagine having 5,000 people but only room for about 80 in a rented building. That's the case for one church in Punta.

A church in Ozamiz has rented the same building for 15 years and the need for expansion is great. A church in Sindangan has the opportunity to purchase their land and then construct a new building, but has no money to do so.

The buildings they have are very modest. Many are made out of bamboo with thatch roofs. One has a creek running under it. Actually, the pastor and his family live in a room under the small building and the creek runs under their room. They say when the heavy rains come they have a "water bed."

Land and buildings are not expensive. For example, we can construct one church for $1,300; buy a nice size lot for another church for $6,000, build a parsonage for $1,300, and another lot for $4,000. Land and buildings for two churches in larger cities would run close to $500,000 each, but that is still a great deal. For the price we spend on just one church building here in the U.S., we could build many churches in the Philippines. In some cases that would mean hundreds of churches.

Still, these great people of faith don't complain. They don't even ask. They pray and believe God will provide. God has used Love In Action to answer some of those prayers. We were able to purchase a lot for a church last year and help expand another one. In all, that cost about $2,500. We stood on that lot last week. It's a beautiful piece of land.

Together, we could be the answer to many of their prayers. I believe God blessed us in the U.S. to help spread His Word throughout the world. Never have I seen such strong faith. Never have I seen so many people open to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Never have I seen an opportunity this great to see thousands, even millions won to Jesus.

Will you join us and help us help our brothers and sisters in the Philippines reach their nation for Christ? There are approximately 65 million people there who have never heard of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Wow! What an incredible opportunity!

I will post more in the next week on how you can get involved and store up treasure in Heaven in the Philippines. This is the most exciting opportunity to win the lost I've ever been a part of. Please join us, and please pray for our brothers and sisters in the Philippines.

Salamat (thank you).

Coming home

2012-01-27T15:10:00.002-06:00

Our wonderful friends in the Philippines took us to the airport in Dipolog City and stayed until our plane took off.

This day arrived too quickly. In about three hours we will board a plane and fly back to "Sweet Home" Alabama.

We look forward to seeing our family and friends, but part of our hearts will remain here in the Philippines, specially on the island of Mindanoa.

This trip turned out better than we ever could have imagined. We saw at least 127 people accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and pastors, missionaries and other Christians encouraged and given hope to keep spreading the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To say we received a great blessing would be an understatement. As we poured ourselves out, God filled us back up with so much love through our wonderful Filipino friends.

The excitement of how open people are to the Gospel of Jesus Christ strengthened us and drew us even closer to our brothers and sisters who are reaching this nation for Jesus.

The hospitality and love we received was beyond measure. Until you experience it, it's really hard to describe. In Alabama, we have good old southern hospitality, and we do a good job of making people feel welcome. These precious people go way beyond.

We thank all of our awesome volunteers back in Dothan, Ala., for keeping all of the ministries running smoothly while we have been on the other side of the world. We have the best volunteers ever, and once again all of you proved it.

There has been a lot of prayers for us on this trip, and we cannot thank all of you enough. We felt the prayers as God gave us strength and kept energizing us.

It's pretty cool seeing God use Love In Action at the same time in different parts of the world. That was a prayer of ours 12 years ago when this ministry began, and to see it come to fruition is outstanding, and to God be all the glory.

We will arrive back home Saturday evening (Sunday morning for the Philippines). It will take a couple of days to recover, so we will be back up and going on Tuesday. We are looking forward to seeing everyone at Celebrate Recovery Inside.

We have a lot of work for the Lord to do in Dothan and the Philippines, and we thank God for blessing us with all of these opportunities. There are many people to reach with the Gospel of Jesus Christ in both the U.S. and the Philippines, and with all of us working together as the Body of Christ, through the power of God, we can do it.

Salamat (thank you) to all of our Filipino family. We love you all and look forward to seeing you again in 2013. To all of our American family, we love you and will see you soon.