Gloryland Gospel Team

October, 2010 Newsletter

DECISIONS    THE SUMMER IS PAST    Financial Needs    Motor Home   

In Memory    Harvest Festivals    Our Precious Little Aiden

Lovest thou Me?

Jesus had died on the cross and three days later, rose from the dead. The disciples had seen Jesus alive, yet were having a hard time with it. It wasn’t the same as it had been before. Jesus would come and go at will, even passing through walls. Not knowing what to do, they went fishing. This was not wrong. They just did not know what else to do. Seeing Jesus on the shore, they were surprised. As they drew near, Jesus called to them and asked if they had caught any fish. Calling them in, Jesus made breakfast for them. As they sat around the fire, Jesus asked that very important question to Peter. "Lovest thou me, more than these?"

The call Jesus was putting on Peter required total commitment. His love for Jesus had to be real. The word Jesus used for love was Agape, the deepest love there is. Peter answers, "Lord, you know I love you". The word Peter used was a far inferior word meaning, I like you. Jesus asked him again and Peter uses the same word, but now he is getting frustrated with Jesus, not knowing what Jesus is getting at. The third time, Jesus asked him, "Peter, do you like me?" It wouldn’t be until much later, that Peter would understand the cost of true love for he would lay down his life for His master.

When Peter came to the point where he loved Jesus with agape love, people began to come to faith in Jesus and it has continued to this very day through the writings and testimony of Peter. None of this could have been accomplished by just liking Jesus.

Today we look at the church; we see it without power and commitment. Most church members are still saying to Jesus, "I like you." True love requires commitment and consecration. Instead of bringing Jesus to the world, the church has brought the world into the church and now we have worldly churches.

A church in love with Jesus results in its members seeking to please Him with holy living. When a couple gets married, they pledge fidelity and faithfulness to each other. Without it, the marriage will fail. A marriage can only last when each lives for the other and both live for God. Instead, we are seeing couples with many lovers and they wonder why there is no joy in their marriage. The lovers may not be another person but pleasures that take priority. I have heard wives say, "He loves his sports more than me." Husbands justify their addiction to sports by insisting they have to have some time to themselves, etc. The day finally comes when the house is quiet and all they have left is a TV with the sound of sports bouncing off empty walls. Wives have their lovers too. When your pleasure becomes your addiction, you are on a slippery slope going down. Many a spouse is asking their mate, "Lovest thou me more than these?"

The first commandment states, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." On this simple command, stands your future with God. In the Old Testament we read of different cases in which a man had more than one wife. It always led to discord and heartache. As you must be committed to your mate more than friends, brothers, sisters, or parents for a marriage to survive, so must we put Jesus first for our spiritual relationship with Him to survive. How many churches today are like the one in Revelation, who have left there first love or like the church of the Laodicians who became lukewarm and God said, "I will spew you out of my mouth."

Today we are facing difficult things ahead. Homes are being ripped apart. The wickedness of the world is becoming so vile it makes one sick. The enemy of our soul, knowing his days are numbered, is attacking with all his fury. The only way we can survive in these troubled days, is to commit our heart and soul to Jesus Christ with true, Godly love. When Jesus asks you, "Lovest thou me more than these, can you answer Yes? A church truly consecrated to Godly love, will find that its members will have that same love in their homes. Husbands and wives will not have other lovers and their children will have security.

We need revival in our homes and churches if America is to survive the days ahead. The way to revival is for each of us to ask the Lord with honest hearts if there is anything within us that is displeasing to Him. When a doctor is trying to find the cause of one's illness, he will place the specimen under a high powered microscope. The higher power microscope he has, the better he is able to see what is wrong with your blood and your health. We must be willing to allow the Holy Spirit to place our hearts, and our will under His intense scrutiny to determine our spiritual health. Then we must be willing to accept His diagnoses. After that, we must, with the Lord’s strength, make the life- altering changes He prescribes. The result is joy unspeakable and full of glory.

In just a few days, we will be going to the polls to elect men and women to represent us in our local, state and national government. This may be the most important election we will have ever voted in. Decisions are pending that could forever alter the course of this nation. Critical freedoms are at stake.

What made this country different from any other nation and made it the great country it has been is that it was founded upon Christian principles. The Bible held a major role in the writing of our constitution. For 100 years, the biggest church in America was in the capital building. The first English Bible printed in America was printed by the U.S. congress and was distributed to all the public schools and recommended for every citizen to read. Under this foundation, America produced many statesmen who governed, heroes who were willing to give their lives for freedom, and citizens who gave more of their finances than any other country in the world. When we prayerfully sang, "God bless America," He did.

There are those today who are running for office who publicly take a stand against God and those who serve Him. It is time we pray that the Lord will give us the wisdom to know who to vote for, regardless of party. We must reject those who reject God. A politician may claim to be a Christian to gain votes. A true Christian is born again according to John 3:3. Our president recently said, "I am a Christian by choice". A few months ago, I watched a video clip in which he was speaking to a group of Muslims in which he stated, "I am a Muslim. Before you vote, pray for the Lord’s guidance.

In a past election, a man told me, "I am voting my pocketbook." The candidate he voted for won. Some months later, he came to me and confessed, "That was the biggest mistake I have ever made." The Tea Party movement is sweeping the nation. In the movement people are encouraged to vote their heart and not their party. Members of both parties are worried. This is a time for Christians to stand up and be counted. The anti-christ will come according to the Bible. BUT, we don’t need to give him an invitation.

THE SUMMER IS PAST

Once again we are wondering, "Where has the summer gone?" One of the things that was a challenge to us in Northern Minnesota was the constant rain. For farmers, it made it difficult to get their crops in. The uncertain times, however, produced a greater need to draw closer to the Lord. This summer, we have seen a great need for our ministry. Like other ministries, with the financial crunch, it has been harder to get services. Even so, we have kept busy, especially with counseling. It is so good to hear people say, "I am so glad you were home when I needed you."

We continue to receive emails from pastors around the world who see our web site. One pastor from Africa wrote saying that his church did not have Bibles and was wondering if we could help. I contacted Lois’ mom who works with International Christian Literature Distributors. In just a few days, two boxes of Bibles were on their way to Africa.

 Fertile Fair

Once again, our fair ministry went great. The Lord blessed with a lot of good music, good fellowship and wonderful weather. Every year, people come to us to talk, ask questions, and to pray. In these troubled times, people are so in need of encouragement.

 Service in the park.

Pleasant memories of summer are things like, barbeques, watermelon, fellowship and good music. Put this together with the Gloryland Team, and you also have the preaching of the Word. This was the case on a warm Sunday afternoon in Crookston MN.

 August Blast, Williams MN.

Williams may not be very big but it sure is a blast. Excuse the play on words. Our son, Nathan, is married to Chara, John and Cheri Johnson’s daughter. They pastor a little community church in Williams, MN. Each summer they have an outdoor service called, "August Blast". This was the second time we participated in this service. It looked like a beautiful evening as we set up our equipment. We had just completed the set-up when a cloud came over and dumped a bunch of rain. Everyone grabbed equipment and ran for cover. In just a few minutes the rain past and the sun came out. Various groups participated, the Word was preached and everyone had a blast. After the service, we drove back the 125 miles to Gully. The next morning we drove 100 miles south to minister at a family reunion.

We so appreciate each one who has given to meet the needs of this ministry. Each day is a step of faith as we trust the Lord to meet each need. This fall has been more difficult as the gifts have slowed down dramatically. In order to keep going, we need your continual support. Please pray that the Lord will not only lead you as to what you can do but also raise up others to support this ministry.

For some time, we have been praying about purchasing another motorhome as the one Gary and Lois drive is badly worn out. A short time ago, a dear friend and supporter of this ministry came to us and told us of a motorhome that was for sale and suggested we go take a look at it. We did and were very impressed with it. It is the same year and size as what we have but has a diesel engine. The owner had spent the winter refinishing the inside, anticipating a wonderful summer of vacationing with his wife. Before they were able to start traveling with it, the owner passed away of a heart attack. His wife needs to sell the motorhome to meet her financial needs.

After looking over the vehicle, it looks like it would be sufficient for our needs and would keep us on the road. Because of the lack of a vehicle, we have had to discourage services where the drive would be more extended. We would need to raise about $23,000 to purchase this vehicle. In talking to dealers, the cheapest diesel motorhome we have found would cost about $75,000. This would cost a lot less money and would be purchased locally. We need to know the mind of God and also would have to raise the finances to do it. Since it is an older vehicle, banks are not very quick to loan money for it. The more we can raise through gifts, the better. Thank you for your prayers and advice.

On October 30^th and 31^st, we will be in Preston MN at the First Baptist Church for their annual Harvest Festival. Pastor Ron Nelson has been a dear friend for many years so we are looking forward to a wonderful time of fellowship. The service Saturday night will be at 7 PM. Sunday morning, Gary will be teaching a Sunday School class starting at 9:30. David will be sharing the Word at 10:30 AM. Following the service, a Thanksgiving Dinner will be served followed by an afternoon music service with the Team.

On November 21^st we will be in Hallock MN at the Trinity Lutheran Church for their Harvest Festival. The service begins at 4 PM. Trinity is a new church which meets in the Episcopal Church building. We love to encourage churches that are just getting started.

 Our Precious Little Aiden

On January 10^th of this year, little Aiden was born weighing only 1 lb 11 oz. Twelve days later, he ruptured his intestine and was flown to Minneapolis MN for emergency surgery. He was fitted with a colostomy bag which he has worn ever since. While there, it was discovered he had a hole in his heart and underwent a second surgery. Aiden now weighs almost 15 lbs and is a happy little boy. Our son Kevin and his wife Aleza are in the process of adopting Aiden. They have been his legal guardians since he was released from the hospital the end of May.

On October 27^th, Kevin and Aleza will be taking Aiden back to the Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis to have surgery to reconnect his intestine. Please pray for them as this will be a difficult time. Pray especially for Aiden as he undergoes this surgery. He has already been through so much. He will be in the hospital for up to 10 days.

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