No king but King Jesus!

In Duluth there is an on going event called "Bentleyville Tour of Lights" which is a large area decked out in lights. We saw an opportunity to proclaim the name of Jesus, but just as the event began my brother and I fell sick. We were sick for some time, ending up with sinus infections and such. Praise God that He has healed us and we are back on the streets singing the praise of our King! On Thursday we did a "Health Partners" witness and a "Planned Parenthood" witness, then headed down to Bentleyville. My Mom and I held signs that said: "Jesus Came to Give Life" and "The Lord our God, He is Mightily to Save!" We sung carols while Michael and our friend and brother Steve handed out gospel tracts. Before long Mr. Bentley showed up. He was furious with us for being there! "Why are you here?" he yelled. "This does not belong at this event!" He told Steve: "The police told me you would come, but it took you two weeks to get here!" This reminds us of a verse "These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also...!" (Acts 17:6) Mr. Bentley tried all he could to get us to leave, even bodily blocking my brother from handing out tracts! One of his volunteers said she is a Christian, but also said that when someone hands her a tract it "makes me sick"! Another volunteer began to tell those coming to the event who were about to take a tract: "We're sorry they are not part of Bentleyville, they're just soliciting." Over and over. My brother responded by saying "These are free, we are not soliciting." Thankfully a police officer arrived who knew the law and told Mr. Bentley that we have "a Constitutional right" to be there. Praise God!

We returned on Friday night, and hope to go again for many nights to come. What an opportunity to glorify the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! Obviously Mr. Bentley wants his event to be all about HIM and cannot tolerate competition. We are there to proclaim that there is no king but King Jesus! Please pray for us, and for the many people that accept tracts, hear the songs, etc. that they will be convicted by the Spirit of God and come to repentance and faith. One young man named Dan, was very open to hear the gospel, please pray for the salvation of his soul.

Also on Tuesday this week a baby's life was spared at the abortion mill in Duluth! We are praise God! To read that story go here: http://www.sarahsprolife.com/blog/

Praise God For His Wonderful Works!

I am amazed at the way God has used the incident that happened on Tuesday the 24, for His glory! The story has travelled across the nation and even over the world. Already I have done two radio interviews and a paper interview, as well as responding to multiple e-mails. This has really surprised me since the incident is not an isolated occurrence, other sidewalk councilors are attacked weekly and the news does not cover it. One man told me what had attracted him to the story, and I think this is probably the reason for all the attention. He said, "It is the fact that God gave you such peace in the moment of need, that is so amazing." Praise God! So it is God's working that causes people to cry when they read what happened, it is God's ability and power to give a weak girl peace in the face of death, and God's protection over His people. In this I rejoice, that the name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is being glorified and lifted up through this whole thing! He is worthy of ALL praise! I have been greatly reminded of the fact that my life is NOT about me. It is about my God, I am His, and all I am, have and do are His. If He chooses to use me, I rejoice and glory in Christ my Savior.

I am not great at speaking so when it came time to do the radio interviews I prayed and prayed, and others (especially my dear Mother) prayed as well. Asking the Lord to speak through me, clearly and to His glory. He did it! He really did! My prayer is that people will see how beautiful my Lord Jesus is, and how worthy of praise. That they who heard/hear will tremble before God and give glory to Him. That many will be turned unto the Lord and be saved. As the second interview approached, I was sick with a bad cold and without a voice. But when it came time to talk, my voice was there! Praise be to God!

Recently we heard from relatives of Michelle's (the attacker), I will let this note speak for itself, it is addressed to my Mom:

Sarah,
Thank you so much for your blog. I am a relative of Mechelle and live in Minneapolis. I, too, am a pro-lifer. In response to my convictions I have in the past housed pregnant women who had no place to live. I have never been outside an abortion clinic as I had believed that it was pushing it too far in a negative manner. This incident has changed my mind. Although things did not go as smoothly as normal for you, you were at the place God wanted you to be. My brother visited her the other day and said “I believe the protester was an angel sent by God to save the life of the baby”. That is just what happened. Since the incident, she has decided against abortion. I wanted to thank you for the work you are doing. Keep praying for Mechelle that she would return to Jesus.

Lori

Did you read that? Michelle decided NOT to kill her baby! Praise God! And this relative of Michelle's now sees the value in pleading with women at the gates of hell as a last voice of reason that they will hear before going in. Praise God again and again! As she said, please keep praying for Michelle that she will be saved. For legal reasons we have not been able to visit with her, but pray that we may be able to do so some day.

But God forbid that I should glory, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. (Galatians 6:14)

If any man speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man ministers, let him do it as of the ability which God gives: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to test you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, since you are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy. If you be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are you; for the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. (1 Peter 4:11-14)

To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen. (Romans 16:27)

A hairbreadth away from Glory?

Yesterday morning my Mom and I, were at the Building For Women in Duluth MN, to plead for the lives of unborn babies (sidewalk counsel) with Jim Tuttle of Pro-Life Ministries of Duluth. I saw a lady walking toward the building, who I figured must be a client. Before I could talk to her or approach her with literature, she snapped open a knife. She waved the point at me saying, "Don't come near me!" I stayed where I was and said, "Please don't kill your baby, fear God." She walked past into the courtyard, so I moved to the fence corner to continue counseling. She then turned around, came up to me and held the point of the knife at my throat! The thought flashed through my mind, "What if she stabs me?" and then, "That's ok." God gave me great peace as I looked into her angry eyes and said, "Fear God. You need to fear God Ma'am." She turned around, and began to walk through the court yard again. My Mom, Sarah, who was standing at the other end of the fence, called out to her, "We love you, and care about you, don't kill your baby." The women turned and waved the knife at her yelling, "I'm certified crazy, that's why I'm doing this!" She then went into the building.

Jim Tuttle called the police and they arrived very quickly, seven squad cars strong. Several went immediately into the building, and shortly came out with the women in handcuffs, she was crying. They interviewed us, had us write reports, and told us that this is a felony offence. My Mom told two of the officers that we feel very sad for the women who did this, and we will be praying for her. One of the officers looked shocked at that.

A local TV newsman showed up and interviewed us. We were able to give glory to God for His protection and testify that God says, "You shall not murder." I explained that we are living in a culture of death, and if they believe it is fine to kill babies in the womb, what would be the difference killing someone out of the womb? He wanted to know if this would change my mind about coming out to talk to the abortion clients. I said "No, not at all! I am excited that God protected me." My Mom told him that we care about the women who did this, forgive her, and want her to know that if she came to Jesus Christ and was saved, God would completely change her.

God allowed this all to happen for a reason, and I greatly desire that His name be glorified through this incident. Our God is worthy to be praised! Psalm 91 was going through my head... "He that dwells in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust." (Psalms 91:1-2) Praise God for His mercy, not only on me for protection, but also in the fact that this lady still has her baby!

As the police were leaving, a young women ran into the building very quickly. After a few minutes she came out onto the sidewalk, and seemed to be waiting for someone. My Mom talked to her, and she turned out to be the friend of the women who had just been arrested. Not knowing what had just happened, she had come to support her friend, but was told that her friend had left the building quickly. They didn't even tell her why or in what state she had left! So we were able to minister to this women, her name is, Melissa and her friend, who had been arrested is Michelle. My Mom shared the gospel with her, gave her a Bible, and asked if we could visit Michelle in jail. She agreed that it might be possible.

Please pray for these two women. I do forgive Michelle, and pray that she will be saved, she needs Jesus. Only God knows what He will do with this situation, we pray that He will be glorified!


EDITED to add:

Here are some news articles covering the incident:

LifeSiteNews: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/nov/09112603.html

WorldNetDaily: http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=117119

LifeNews: http://www.lifenews.com/state4602.html

NorthlandNews: http://www.northlandsnewscenter.com/news/local/72989782.html

At The Abortion Clinic

We were at the abortion mill yesterday to plead for the lives of innocent baby girls and boys. 16 mothers, 1 turn-away (which means, one left before having an abortion without giving us the reason. She could have changed her mind...we hope so!...or she may have been too far along...or had taken RU486, a chemical abortion....or any other number of reasons). As I showed one mother a baby model and spoke to her about the gift God has given her, she took the model...thinking that I was offering to her. She then walked toward the building and threw the model in the trash before going in. I called out, "Don't throw away your baby! Fear God!"

That was not a cheap baby model, so I asked one of the "escorts" if he could retrieve it for us. Being the "kind" man that he is, (very intentional) he looked in the trash for it. When he failed to find it, the two women "escorts" with him, took the trash inside and looked through it with a ....coat hanger....we thought they were kidding when they said that, but they were serious. Here they were digging through the trash looking for a baby model, with a coat hanger, a symbol of death used often by the pro-death people. How ironic. They "did not" find it. Perhaps that mother had thrown something else away, and carried the model with her to the waiting room...we pray so.

One vehicle pulled in with a "Jesus fish" bumper sticker. As the young mother made her way to the building, my brother Michael said to her: "Jesus said, '"As much as you have done it to the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me."' So if you abort your baby, it is like you are killing Jesus." She did not respond, and he continued. "Jesus also said, '"A thief comes to steal and destroy, but I come to give you life."' At this she made a bad hand gesture.

It is terribly sad that the modern church of America has made Jesus look like a "cool guy" who will be our best buddy to keep us out of the hell that the mean God wants to send us to. In America it's "cool" to be a Christian. What happened to the true gospel? Jesus said, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." (Luke 9:23) and "All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." (2 Timothy 3:12) It sure wasn't "cool" to be a follower of Jesus when he was hanging on the cross, and it certainly has not been "cool" in the worlds eyes, to be his follower ever since. So why is it suddenly "cool" in America? Is our country more spiritual than all nations before us? OR are American churches preaching a false gospel, one that omits God's holiness, wrath, anger, judgment, and commandments, and is therefore expectable to the world? It's ok to be saved from a mean God way up there, if you don't have to give up your sin, your life and turn your back on the world. No longer do people seem to care that Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15).... (What I am NOT saying is that we are saved by keeping commandments i.e.. saved by works. I AM saying that someone who has truly been saved by God, will bear good fruit. "You shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?" (Matthew 7:16) "Examine yourself to see if you are in the faith." (2 Corinthians 13:5) etc.) They do not understand that we are the ones with the problem, we are sinners, filthy, rotten, disgusting in God's eyes. Jesus is righteous (without sin), pure, and holy (set apart, different), He died for us bearing our sin as if He had done it, and God punished His own son for our sakes. People believe that "yes it is wrong to have an abortion, but God will forgive me." They don't get it!!! So we warn them of their error, and pray that God will open their eyes. God is the only one who can cause them to see and understand the truth, because they are blinded by the lies of satan.

I praise God that we were able to lift up the name of our Lord Jesus on the streets. We pray that He was mightily glorified, by our singing, praying, and proclaiming His Word to the lost. He is worthy to receive all praise!

Eyes Focused on Jesus

Oh, let us keep our eyes on Jesus dear sisters! There is no other help for us. If we focus on our ministry, on the things we do for God and not on Him, then are we sure to drift. To gaze at Him, to seek, and adore Him is our great privilege. Upon taking our eyes off of Jesus we are sure to falter, slip and fall. Remember Peter on the water. He took his eyes off of Jesus, and soon sunk in the waves. How easy it is for us to look at our circumstances instead of our great God. Again, how easy it is to look at our work, and ministry, instead of looking at He who equips us unto the ministry. For a time we can manage to go on "auto pilot", seeming to be in the same spiritual state as before, but time will show that growth has stopped. We will begin to notice a coldness in our hearts, a lack of deep fellowship with our God. Outwardly we say the same things, do the same things, but inwardly we are groping in the dark, dieing. Indeed, if this process continues, we will stop bearing fruit all together, and being no longer a glory to our King, we will in a sense die.

Thanks be to God who gives us the victory in Christ Jesus our Lord! Cry out to Him for mercy, repent of your sin. Seek fellowship with your Father in Heaven, and plead with Him to soften and change your heart. He is our dear Father, we can cry Abba (Daddy!) and oh how tenderly He cares for us.

These things I know because for a time I had forgotten. I looked around me instead of at Jesus, and I was miserable. But, Praise be to God who brought me out of the pit and brought me back to the the Light of His countenance! Our God is so good, faithful, and kind!

We do not have the answers, but He does. We cannot see the future, but He does. And He cares, He knows how to get a hold of our hearts. Give Him your heart, and He will glorify Himself through you. Oh what joy!

The Refiner's Fire

He sat by a fire of seven-fold heat,
As He watched by the precious ore.
And closer He bent with a searching gaze
As He heated it more and more.

He knew He had ore that could stand the test,
And He wanted the finest gold
To mold as a crown for the King to wear,
Set with gems with a price untold.

So He laid our gold in the burning fire,
Tho' we fain would have said him 'Nay',
And He watched the dross that we had not seen,
As it melted and passed away.

And the gold grew brighter and yet more bright,
But our eyes were so dim with tears,
We saw but the fire - not the Master's hand,
And questioned with anxious fears.

Yet our gold shone out with a richer glow,
As it mirrored a Form above,
That bent o'er the fire, tho' unseen by us,
With a look of ineffable Love.

Can we think that it pleases His loving heart
To cause us a moments' pain?
Ah, no! but He saw through the present cross
The bliss of eternal gain.

So He waited there with a watchful eye.
With a love that is strong and sure,
And His gold did not suffer a bit more heat,
Than was needed to make it pure."

-Author Unkown
From "Streams in the Dessert" By Mrs. Chas Cowman

The Promises of God

Take hold, oh fainting heart, upon the Key of Promise. Do you think it will break beneath your weight? Fear not! God's honor rests upon keeping His promises, He will not fail to uphold them. Throughout the ages His faithfulness has been proven, His changeless nature shown. The promises of God are not idle words or hopeful fancies, behind them stands the weight of He who spoke the world into existence. What God has promised, He is more than able to fulfill; therefore look up. Dwell not on the greatness of your problems, sink not in the waves of circumstance. Be not consumed by impossibilities, and your own inability. Only look now to the Powerful One, He who delights to do the impossible. See not your great troubles, instead see your Great God. Take up the shield of Faith, it is given for your defense.

A trip, and Where are God's People?

It has been far too long since I have written on here! I have been very busy canning garden produce. We had a hard frost several weeks ago which sent us scrambling to bring in all the green tomatoes before it hit. With my Dad and brother's help, we managed to pull all the plants and box up the green fruit. Now they are ripening, so I have been canning almost every day. We are also making and canning applesauce, chutney, various jellies, and ketchup.

Two weeks ago my Grandma who lives with us, had a mini stroke. Thankfully it did not do too much damage, but she needs to have an operation on her carotid arteries soon. Wednesday last week, my brother and I took her down to IL. to visit family and attend a cousin's wedding. We were able to see our Uncle & Aunt from WA, who we have not seen in a long time. It was a great time.

The bride and groom! Josh & Cathy

My cousin Danielle and I

We also visited with our brother Dan, sister-in-love Basia, and their two boys, Kristofer and Noah.

Hanging out with Kristofer

Cutie!

We had a little extra bit of time on Friday, so we drove down to an abortion mill in Chicago, and did some sidewalk counciling. It was a late term killing center...we saw mothers great with child going in there to kill their little ones. . . . . Soon after we arrived, one young woman came out crying. My brother asked if she had changed her mind, and she affirmed that she had. Praise God! There were no other sidewalk councilors out there when we arrived, no one obeying Proverbs 24:11-12, just some catholics praying their repetitious prayers. Where are God's people? What are you doing?
This is a gospel outreach, not just a humanitarian effort. God commands, who will obey?

Pleading for souls, and lives.

Michael and I came back on Saturday, my Grandma stayed down there for a few more days. One of my Aunts is bringing her back up here today. The surgeon thinks that it will be safe to wait a few weeks to have the surgery...I hope he is right since there is danger of her having a major stroke that would leave her paralyzed. Please pray that that won't happen!

God really impressed upon me how much He protects us. Driving around the Chicago suburbs for four days, made me realize that ANYthing can happen, it is only God who keeps and protects us. We do the best we can, drive the best we can, but ultimately God keeps us safe. If anything does happen, it is because He has allowed it, and it is for our best.

Keep seeking God with all your heart, and praise our Lord Jesus Christ always!

God is Worthy to be Praised!

We were at the abortion mill today. The gospel was clearly given to the eleven mothers who went in to destroy the lives of their little ones. We read the Word of God out loud, and sang praise to our Lord Jesus Christ because He is worthy. What a joy to lift up His name!

I was able to preach for some time to a group of eight woman who gathered in the "gated" area. There were two mothers in the group who seemed to be sobered as I shared with them on sin, righteousness, and judgment. One loud woman came over to tell me that she had an abortion once because "the baby was not right", and when I expressed sympathy and regret that she had done that, she said that she was not sorry. She also said that she had "Jesus in her soul". At which I began to share that God does not forgive those who will not repent. She called me a "Bible preacher" and wished I would stop. Glory! What a name to be called!

As we prepared to leave, a couple came out. We asked them if they had changed their mind, The woman answered, "Yes". Praise God! We rejoice, and give glory to God! They would not stop to talk, but drove away, and she waved. Please pray for them, that God will convict them of sin and save their souls.

Our God is great, and worthy of all praise and glory!

You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for you have created all things, and for your pleasure they are and were created.
(Revelation 4:11)

A Witnessing Opportunity

On Tuesday this week Michael and I went to the abortion clinic early to sidewalk council. It was not open, so we prepared to hold signs and pray. Then this young woman came to us asking if we knew when the place opened. We asked what she wanted there, she said to get a pregnancy test. We offered to take her to a life care center for a free pregnancy test, and she agreed. The LCC did not open until 9am, so Mr. Tuttle asked myself and another sidewalk councilor to take her to breakfast.

I began to share the gospel with her and found that she had heard about Jesus, but she did not know about judgment. She had heard that Jesus was her only hope, but did not know why! At first she would not look me in the eye, but as I shared about sin, righteousness and judgment, she became very sober and looked me in the eye. When I told her about Jesus coming back to destroy the world with fire, I had to go back to the flood of Noah's time and explain why God judged the world then, and why He will judge it now.

People used to have a foundational knowledge of Scripture, but now there seem to be few who do. We have to do as Paul did at Athens, begin at the beginning and lay the foundation, the reason for Christ's sacrifice. When I told her that the earth will be destroy by fire, she looked very sober and asked, "So then none of us are going to make it?"

I rejoice and praise God for the opportunity to share with her the glorious gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. We exchanged phone numbers, so I hope to keep in touch with her.

Please pray with me that God will get glory for His name by saving this young woman.

Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto your name give glory, for your mercy, and for your truth's sake. (Psalms 115:1)

What has been going on over here?

My dear Mother has been sick for three weeks now...earlier this week her symptoms changed for the worse, so she wet to the doctor yesterday. They ran more tests, and finally decided that even though the result came back negative, she does have Lyme disease. This is transmitted by the bite of a deer tick, which we have up here. These ticks are the size of a pin head, very hard to spot, and are carriers of several diseases. Now my Mom is on antibiotics for three weeks, prayerfully this is "in time". If left untreated for long, this disease begins to effect the neurological system. As it is my Mom has been in a lot of pain, but she can tell a slight difference now after taking two doses of the meds. Please do pray for her recovery, and thank you so much to those who have been praying. Praise God that they were able to find out what was wrong!

I have been *very* busy taking care of things here. Harvesting and preserving, caring for (with my brother's help) almost 150 chickens, caring for the family, etc. My Grandma has been a huge blessing to me as she washes all of the dishes, not a small task, as I cook meals from scratch and use lots of pots and pans in the food preservation process.

So now you know where I have been and will be...

Keep close to Jesus!

I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy
name, O thou most High. (Psalm 9:2)

Praising in Sickness

Wow, what a time!

Michael and I came back from the Missionaries to the Preborn tour on Sunday, I will have to fill you in on the details for that later. My Mom has been very sick for a week, high fever, achenes, queasy, etc. On Monday we had to take her to the hospital because we were afraid that it was more than just a flu. They ran a bunch of tests, including a cat-scan, and everything was negative. Last night we received the results for the Lyme disease test and that was negative as well. Praise God! So it must just be a terrible case of the flu, and we are all hoping that we will not get it.

On Tuesday Michael and I had to butcher chickens, a couple of friends came to help (Thank you soooo much!!!) we did not get them all done, so we plan to do the rest tomorrow and there are some other friends who plan to help. Yesterday and today we packaged the chickens, and for the rest of the day today we snapped, blanched and froze, a whole bunch of beans which I had picked on Monday. And, I could go on with all the things which should have been done...yesterday. But our God is so wonderful! He gives a song in the night season, a joy when hard times come, a peace when we should be overwhelmed. Oh how sweet is His presence! If it were not for hard times, we would not know what it was like to be carried through them by the One who Knows.

Please pray for us, for healing for my Mother (she is slowly on the mend), for strength in this time of need, and also please pray for our dear friend's baby Jesaias who is very sick right now as well.

Missionaries to the Preborn Tour, 2009

On Monday the 10th, Michael and I are set to head off again on another mission trip! We had no reason to think that we would go on this one, but God made it very clear that it was His will for us to go. We are excited to see what He will do.

We are going with a group called Missionaries to the Preborn, and will be traveling through Southern Michigan stopping at various towns to hold signs about abortion, street preach, and share the gospel, from the 11th through the 15th. Saturday looks like the biggest day, as we plan to be in Detroit for the "Woodward Dream Cruise", which is a car show event that claims to attract 1.5 million people. That will be interesting!

We hope to meet up with several different people we know on the way, we are looking forward to that.

Please pray for us.

Pray for:
*Souls to be saved
*God to fulfill His will in sending us
*Safety
*Good weather
*Favor with the police
*Most of all, that God in all things will be glorified.

Here are some details:

Missionaries to the Preborn ITINERARY

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED FOR
WOODWARD DREAM CRUISE

Detroit, Michigan
August 11-15, 2009

For eight years now, we have been asked to come and speak up for the preborn at the WOODWARD DREAM CRUISE, an event held in Detroit, Michigan which draws a half-million people from around the country. If you can participate, please contact our office ASAP at 414-462-3399 or by emailing us at defendbabies@missionariestopreborn.com or, send a donation towards this effort!

August 11= Kalamazoo, MI 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

August 12 = Battle Creek 7:30-9:00 a.m.
Lansing 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Jackson 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

August 13 = Ann Arbor in the morning
Various stops in Detroit area the remainder of the day

August 14 = Various stops in Detroit area all day

August 15 = at the Dream Cruise

For times and locations to join us along the way,
or to participate in the whole Tour, contact our office at 414-462-3399.

http://www.missionariestopreborn.com/upcoming_events.html

A Heavenly Vision

I am excited. God has given me a vision for this life. Even as a child I had a vision of wanting to serve the Lord, but He keeps expanding it. It certainly cannot be communicated through words, He has to give it, but at least I may provoke some to ask for it.

This life on earth is but for a moment, it is passing away very quickly. In heaven we have an eternal home in the presence of God..... By the way, are you ready to be in the presence of God for eternity? If you are uncomfortable in His presence now, what about then? We had better learn to love His presence now, we will be with Him forever and ever!..... There is no sun in Heaven, because the Lamb is the light of that city. It is a glorious place, just read Revelation and see how wonderful it is. Then look back at this earth and all our material possessions which are all going to be burned up. Weigh these things in the balances. Can the earthly even come close to comparing with the value of the eternal? Do you even have to consider which is greater in value?

Jesus said; "...The kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; which when a man has found, he hides, and for joy thereof goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field." (Matthew 13:44)

He does not even have to stop and think, is it worth it? That would be a ridiculous question. Yet day after day we cling to this earth. Heaven is security for the future, but for now this life is what life is about. We cling to material possessions, to jobs, to earthly comfort, security and pleasure. We cling to our families, and our own bodies which are passing away.

Remember the "muck raker" in Pilgrims Progress? Though an angel held a crown of gold above his head for him to receive celestial glories, he would not look up from the muck of this life. Though a pool had been set where he could look in to see the glories above him, he avoided the pool because it also would show him what he was.

Are we also so caught up in the affairs of this life that we do not see beyond to the heavenly vision?

This life is NOT the end in it's self, it is the means to an end. Whatever I do only has lasting value and meaning if it enables me to further the Kingdom of God. This is a Kingdom vision. Jesus said, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." He was not talking just to missionaries, to those who feel a "calling" to go, He was, He is, talking to all of us who are His people.

We are not called to work so that we can eat, so that we can live, to work, to eat, to live, to work...no, that is an endless loop with no eternal value. We have a higher calling, of lasting value.

Jesus said: "Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor yet for your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body than clothing?" (Matthew 6:25)

Yes, it is. This life is not about us, it is not about me, it is about God and His glory.

Jesus said: "Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, How shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things. But seek you first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:31-33)

The ungodly see only this world and live for it, but we are called to see the kingdom of God and live for Him. We need to catch hold of His vision, ask God for it. We need God's prospective on everything that we do. We must look at this life through the eyes of faith, seeing beyond the physical, confessing that we are strangers and pilgrims here on earth. We seek a better country.

We need to ask ourselves, By doing this, am I furthering the Kingdom of God, or is this thing an end in it's self? If it is not enabling us to further the Kingdom of God, it is not worth doing.

I hope to someday marry a man who has this kingdom vision. A man who's work is only a means to enable him and his family to preach the gospel of the kingdom (Matthew 4:23, 9:35, 24:14, Mark 1:14). A man who has a vision of his wife and children working hand in hand with him to further the kingdom of God. A man like this: "For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him." (Genesis 18:19) A man who's children desire to follow in his footsteps because he is following Jesus. A man with a heavenly vision is the man I want to follow, a man who looks to Jesus.

If everything is about God and His glory, no wonder we are told, "Whatsoever your hand finds to do, do it with your might." (Ecclesiastes 9:10)

"And whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men." (Colossians 3:23)

Oh, I am so excited!

OSA 2009, July 21 and 22, Tuesday and Wednesday

If you have not already read the introduction to this mission trip report please read it, Here.
Read Day 1
Read Day 2
Read Day 3
Read Day 4
Read Day 5
Read Day 6

On Tuesday morning, my brother Michael went with a team to a hospital which claims to be pro-life, but has an abortionists on staff. I went with the Yoders', and a large team to an abortion clinic called "BCC". This murder mill is at the end of an alley, and to get there you have to drive past a church (which was very supportive of us) and a crisis pregnancy center. "Our people" had set up, in the parking lot of a business building, some of the signs which we had used on Fremont street, and a sound system from which to preach. The clinic was open and mothers were going in escorted from their cars by clinic workers. There were a several ladies sidewalk counseling, and I joined these to offer literature to the mothers as they drove down the ally. It was very saddening to see those mothers going into that place of death despite the cries for mercy that they heard. I am sure that there were many more mothers who decided not to go in because we were there, and when that happens they are more likely never to come back. We pray so.

As I waited for cars to come, an older man road up on his bike and stopped when I offered him literature. He kept glancing at the large signs of babies killed by abortion, so I asked if he had seen those pictures before. He said no, but he did know that abortion was very bad. I then asked him, "Do you know Jesus?" He said, "No, but I know I need to." So I began to reason with him about the Law, Righteousness and Judgment, explaining sin, and our need for a Savior. He agreed about his need and seemed truly broken and tender hearted. He said, "I wish you had talked to me two days ago. But, I guess it's not too late for God." I told him, no it was not too late, but he needed to repent and cry out for mercy now and not wait. I asked if I could pray for him, he agreed and told me his name is Dennis. When I prayed, God broke my heart and I began to cry out to God to for Dennis. He began to cry and say "thank you God, thank you God." He did not own a Bible, so I ran to get one from one of the ladies there who had several to give away. As I walked back to him, I saw that it was in Spanish, oops. But instead of going back to see if she had an English one, I handed it to Dennis and asked if he knew Spanish, he said "yes". Then I realized he was of Mexican decent, I had not even noticed! After thanking me, he turned back the way he had just come and began to ride away, he said "I will not forget you."

Please pray for Dennis. I pray that the seed fell on good ground that day and will bring forth much fruit.

After this we met back up with Michael and his group, then headed off to Planned Parenthood. Our leaders thought that we would not be able to stay very long, because this PP is in a mall complex and we set up with our signs on their property.


PP shared a balcony with a coffee shop called "reJAVAnate", and many of our people went in to buy lattés. (Michael and I had one of their slushies and it was really good :) The manager was very friendly, saying that he did not like having PP as a neighbor, and set up extra tables and chairs for us. One PP worker came out with a vest that said "Escort".
Soon the police arrived. We expected to be told we were trespassing and needed to leave, instead they just stood around and watched us.

We stayed for a whole hour! I remember looking at some friends as we exclaimed to each other, "Can you believe what we are doing?" It was absolutely incredible.

Some mimes who had been doing their acts at other place with us, began to do their skits right there. It was amazing. I still can not get over the fact that we were allowed to stay!

After lunch, and a cool down, the Yoder "kids", Zastrow "kids", Michael and I gathered in the park by our hotel for a good old fashioned game of "Prisoners base". We had a blast even though it was around 115 degrees!

The Zastrow family

The evening rally was a time of rejoicing, and sadness as we said goodbye.

As I looked around that night at all those people whom I had come to love, my eyes filled with tears. Yet we all rejoiced at the thought that there is coming a day in Heaven when we will not have to say goodbye any more!
Michael and I met a dear brother from Jamaica who encouraged us in the Lord and invited us to visit him in his country. Wouldn't that be neat? What a blessing to fellowship with the brethren, I do so love the family of God.

Michael, brother Levi, me

At 3:00 am, Michael and I both got up to say goodbye to the Yoders' as they left for Missouri, it is hard to say goodbye. We were taken to the airport around 9:00am with Mr. Tuttle and made an uneventful flight back to Minneapolis MN airport where our Mom picked us up.

Mr. Tuttle waiting at our gate; notice the slot machines behind him.

From the Las Vegas airport, I love those mountains.

Here are some pictures from the plane...

Las Vegas from the air.

Leaving Las Vegas.

A storm over Minneapolis, our flight was delayed for five minutes because of it.

It was good to come home, and we do not miss Las Vegas! :-)

We praise God for a wonderful trip, safety, and pray that He was glorified in it.

Check out Michael's blog for his take on the trip.
Check out our Picasa Web Album for many more pictures, too many to post.
Also check out Ken and Jo Scott's Web Album for more pictures.

And Jesus came and spoke unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
(Matthew 28:18-20)

OSA 2009, July 20, Monday

If you have not already read the introduction to this mission trip report please read it, Here.
Read Day 1
Read Day 2
Read Day 3
Read Day 4
Read Day 5


Early Monday morning we went out again as part of Mark Holick's team, to another abortionist's home. This one was also in a gated community.

The day before, Mr. and Mrs. Holick had gone there to check out what it was like. They had driven in behind someone else, like we had done on Saturday. There seemed to be no problem, so they thought it would just be a repeat of Saturday. But, when we all arrived, there was a guard stationed at the gate, and a security truck driving around. So we congregated at a park which was right there, and scouted out the area on foot. Then Mark Holick called us all together. "We found a way that we can get in on foot." he said. "But the police are going to come, and the abortionist's home is on the opposite side of the community from us here. There is no way that we can get out before the police come, and it is very likely that we will be arrested for trespassing. So, anyone who does not want to come with us is welcome to stay." (Not an Exact quote, but as close as I can remember).

Most all of us decided to go ahead and go in anyway. Later, Mr. Holick said he was very surprised that so many were willing to go in. By twos' and threes' we walked through the place they had found, and we were in. Quickly we spread out and began to place the literature on doors. Now this gated community had no sidewalks, people just don't walk around in there, I guess. So, imagine what it was like for the driver of the security truck to suddenly come upon group after group of people, walking quickly down the streets, some wearing our red t-shirts, and going up to door after door. His reaction? Smile and wave, and give us the peace sign!

We finally reached the opposite end of the community, no police yet and the end was in site, another entrance/exit gate. A car pulls up near me and I hear a voice say "hello", I turned and a camera snapped. The driver continued to drive up to each of us and snap pictures. She asked Ken Scott (from Denver CO) "How did you get in?" he answered, "By the grace of God!" She did not like that too well! I was not with the small group that went to the abortionist's door, but I think they said that there was no answer to their knock.

Soon we stood before the gate, and tried to open it, but it would not budge! There we stood, looking up at the eight foot tall gates, wondering how we were going to get out. Our God is so merciful, He thinks of everything! Along came a car to pull in, the entrance gate opened, and we walked out. Mr. Scott held it open for our other people coming out, and we all made it out! We were praising God!

We were regrouping at our vehicles in the park when a man with a clipboard began writing down our license plate numbers. Then the lady with the camera found us and took more pictures. We drove away, and passed the police on their way in.

At a gas station we took a group picture, but it turned out very blurry. Though it may not appear very bad in this small form, it is terribly blurry in the larger format.

We then went back to the first abortionist's home that we had gone to on Friday, to do another literature drop in his neighborhood. The first time we did it, our literature had many typos and things wrong with it, so we did it again with the fixed version.

From there we made our way to Fremont street, where we planned to hold an aborted baby memorial service. Somehow Operation Save America had found a real aborted baby boy, and we wanted to give him a proper funeral and burial.

The procession started at one end of Fremont street and went to the other end. It was very moving.
The bagpiper flew in at his own expense just for this purpose.

At the place they had set up to hold the service, the casino owner turned up his filthy music as loud as he could. So, our people turned up our PA system so that we could be herd above the din. It was deafening, but at least we could hear our leaders preach.

Flip Benham preaching

Christine Odell, who had an abortion when she was young, gave an incredible call to mothers who have had abortions and all others involved in one. She said "If you have had an abortion, say it, '"I am a murderer."' If you have taken a woman into get an abortion, say it, you are an accomplice in murder." She then went on to explain how there is hope only in Jesus, in the work that He did on the cross for us.

Rusty Thomas stood up to lead us in prayer, saying "I think it is entirely appropriate if we get on our knees right now." We all went to our knees, and the blaring music stopped. Rusty Thomas lifted up his voice to God in repentance over the innocent blood that is being spilt in our land, and we wept before our God.

* see bottom of post

As we knelt there in the midst of the reviling filth of Fremont street, I felt the presence of the Lord very strongly. As one preacher had put it, we don't want God to deal with our nation as it deserves, history shows that He is very heavy handed when after great mercy He finally brings justice. Take Sodom and Gomorra as an example. So we stood in the gap, repenting and crying out to God for mercy on this nation which has rejected him. Maybe He will hear our cry, or maybe the innocent blood which cries out to Him from the ground has a much louder voice.

The police came and asked some of our leaders, "Why didn't you tell us that you were going to do this?" They explained that they had not planned it until the night before. The police said "You should have told us, we would have escorted you." ! And they said that the music thing "Will not happen again." ! It was incredible the amount of favor God gave us in the eyes of the Las Vegas police.

Procession reflected on the windows across the street

That evening at the 6pm rally, Michael and I sang two hymns with the Yoder family as part of the worship time. Also, Skip and Isaac Yoder played some hymns as a piano, violin duet.

We had another service for baby Able, that is what they named him, and they opened the casket for us all to see him.

Oh, I cannot describe what it is like to see a child who has been murdered in such a cruel way. Should we even dare to ask God to have mercy on our nation?
As one preacher said, God said to Cain after he had killed his brother, "Where is your brother? What have you done?"


And also for the innocent blood that he shed: for he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood; which the LORD would not pardon.
(2 Kings 24:4)

*This photo courtesy of Ken and Jo Scott, click on their name to see their Picasa web album of the week with OSA.

A report on day seven coming soon....

Day 7 and 8

OSA 2009, July 19, Sunday

If you have not already read the introduction to this mission trip report please read it, Here.
Read Day 1
Read Day 2
Read Day 3
Read Day 4

Me, Flip Benham and Michael

Sunday morning we were able to sleep for thirty extra minutes! Part of the fun of being with Operation Save America is lack of sleep. :-) We moved our morning rally to the shade of one of the hotel buildings. From there we divided into three teams, one team to go to Freemont street, one team to go out in front of a Homosexual "church" in order to witness to them, and our team to go out in front of a large Evangelical church. It is a mega church which claims an attendance of 1500 people. They do good for their community, feeding the homeless and such, but they were completely ignoring the fact that there are six abortion mills in the city of Las Vegas.


We went out there to say, "we are repenting, we ask you to repent with us." We had a banner that said "Church, Help Us Save Them", and we passed out a tract called "Sing a Little Louder". It is the story of a church in Germany during WWII that sat close to some train tracks, every time a train went by carrying Jews, the people of the church would sing louder so they could drown out the screams coming from those train cars. The question is, Will you sing a little louder to drown out the screams of little boys and girls being ripped to pieces in their mother's womb? Or will you DO something about it?

It was a very hot, dry morning, and they had three services, so we were out there a long time. Some of our people went into the church for one of the services to see what it was like. The pastor told his congregation that the people out there were not invited, the police had been called and anyone trespassing on church property would be taken care of. He also told them not to stop and talk to those people because it would hold up traffic, and that's what they want. !! A few did take literature, and a few actually asked why we were there. A few cursed at us, two men tried to take the sign from one of our twelve year old girls. Most ignored us. It was very sad.

This was my, and I think all, of our least favorite things to do. It is not fun. It hits close to home, since you think, "what if some one did this at my church, how would I respond?" One man responded in the way that I hope all of us would respond. He talked to us, then came to the 6pm rally to see if we were real, then he joined us. He got together a cell group of people in his church who had been awakened to this life and death issue, by our presence. They are discussing what they can DO. Praise God!

For the rest of the day on Sunday we visited with our friends, and later in the afternoon the Yoders' organized a hymn sing. Down by the hotel's pool was a nice room for gatherings and such, so we set chairs around, invited all the OSA people we could find and sang hymns for a while. It was a real blessing and a special time.

At the 6 pm rally, Flip Benham preached a powerful sermon on abortion and the spiritual effects it has on a woman. Also, there was a woman who came up to the front to show us her baby and share her story. Pam, who is holding the baby, has a life care center in her travel trailer and one day received a call from this very distressed woman. She had just taken the chemical abortion pill RU-486, and then realized what she was doing and wanted to keep her baby. Pam was able to direct her to a doctor who did something (I'm not sure what) to keep the baby, and now she has a beautiful little girl. Praise God!


Deliver those that are drawn toward death, hold back those that are stumbling to the slaughter; If you say, Behold, we knew it not; does not he that weighs the heart consider it? and he that keeps your soul, does not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works? (Proverbs 24:11-12)

A report on day six coming soon...

Day 6
Day 7 and 8

OSA 2009, July 18, Saturday

If you have not already read the introduction to this mission trip report please read it, Here.
Read Day 1
Read Day 2
Read Day 3

Saturday morning we went to down town Las Vegas and divided into four "overpass teams". Each group was assigned a pedestrian overpass on which to stand with signs and literature. Our team had the Bally's to Caesars Palace overpass.

An overpass from the street level, notice the Eiffel tower replica.

We placed some signs against the plexiglass facing out for the traffic to see, and some facing in for pedestrians. We passed out literature and gospel tracts, sang songs, and talked to people going by.

Many people heard me tell them, "think about eternity". It is surprising how hard it is to open my mouth to say something like that, but as people are hurrying by it leaves them with something to think about, and maybe God will use it to get them questioning.

Michael and Caesars Palace, it really was an amazing place to see.

View of the strip from our overpass.

Downtown Las Vegas, as we saw it many times from the highway.

After two or three hours on the overpass, we regrouped and headed out as part of Mark Holicks team again. We went to an abortionist home in an apartment complex. No one answered the door, so we just passed out the fliers and held signs for a while beside the busy street. The police arrived before we were out of there, but basically said, 'are you leaving now?', 'yes', 'OK'.

We enjoyed a great lunch, then drove a good distance to arrive at another abortionist home. This time in a gated community.

Across from the entrance gate was a little park, where we pulled up in a line (four or five vehicles) and waited. Soon a car pulled up to the gate, a guy got out and typed in his code, the gate opened and we all drove in behind him. Mr. Holick told us later that he was thinking, "Now that I have all of these people in, how am I going to get them out?"

Another car had come in with us when we all drove in, and upon arriving at the abortionist home, we found it was his wife! The garage door was open and his daughter opened the door to our knock.


She got her mother, who told us she was calling the police and shut the door. Mr. Holick turned to us and said "Go, get the fliers out as fast as possible!" We ran down those streets, putting the fliers on doors. One neighbor of the abortionist was upset with us, and another neighbor across the street called out to her, "It's OK, I've called the police, they're on the way." We passed out 150 fliers in less then fifteen minutes! Jumping into our vehicles, we headed out. Later Mrs. Holick told us that they were praying "Lord, how are we going to get out?" We rounded a curve in the road, and the gate was standing open, no one was in sight, it was just open! We all pulled out onto the road and watched as the police passed us on their way in. We could hardly believe that we had made it out.

We then went to a church where Cal Zastrow and others were giving instructions on how to start Personhood amendments in each state. After that, a quick stop at the hotel, and back to another church for the 6 pm rally.

That evening was very windy, as a storm blew through the area with lightning and Hot wind.

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2:13-14)

A report on day five coming soon...

...Edited to add...
Day 5

Day 6

Day 7 and 8