Welcome to the Mission2Mobilize Blog!

Testimonies of ministry encounters will be shared here. Our prayer is that you be encouraged and ignited in your own spiritual journey through the contents of this page. All glory to King Jesus!

The Kingdom Comes Outside the Library-December 2025.

I was heading to the library one morning as I needed to print some things out. I noticed an older man sitting on a bench outside the library and struck up a conversation with him. He was friendly and easy to talk to. We talked about the weather and how we both preferred snow to the rainy weather in the winter time. Then after a bit, I had the sense to ask him if he had any pain in his body as I sensed he was physically hurting.

He right away shared how his whole body was achy, especially noting his legs and back. I offered to pray for him and he gladly accepted. As I his hand while I prayed. I felt the Holy Spirit move me towards a bold prayer, speaking with authority that the pain would leave and He would be healed in Jesus’ name. I prayed other things to, about his relationships, finances, etc. that I can’t all remember as they just came to me in the moment.

After I finished, He was like a different person. He got up and smiled. I asked how he felt and he shared he felt good! He praised God and shared how he was born again. It was almost like the prayer woke him back up to all God had done in his life. Don’t we all need that sometimes? He clearly felt loved by God!

He went over to a vehicle nearby, that was apparently his ride and told them a bit of what happened. Then he asked for my phone number, sharing how he’d love to show me around the city sometime since I was new to town. I scribbled it down on some paper and gave it to him.

As I went into the library, I had a very warm heart. Encounters like this make all the times of rejection worth it. This man felt the presence of God, Christ’s healing touch, and love. And he was changed.

As I was printing off my documents, a random lady came up to me. She shared how she had observed me out the window with that man and how it was touching to her. I shared how I used to be a missionary in Korea and now I was a missionary in Kalispell! Praise the Lord!

I’ve sense heard from this man and we will be having coffee soon! Praise Jesus!

The Many “Scenes” of Ministry–October, November, December, 2025.

Not long after moving to Montana, I went out one day to a local coffee shop. I was reading a book that morning and trying to be in tune to notice anyone the Lord wanted to highlight to me. Eventually, I noticed a young man sitting by the window on his computer and felt the Lord highlight him to me. I wasn’t exactly sure how to engage him in conversation but after a bit, I decided to go sit on the opposite side of the window as it was a better space for me to read and work from as well.

I made some small talk with the young man as I sat down. I learned a bit about him and his present life situation and he asked a bit about me. I shared I was the president of a local non-profit organization and had just moved into the area.

We chatted a bit more and then both quietly worked. I must say that I expected the conversation might move ahead into things about God, but it was as if I just couldn’t go there that day. I just prayed for him silently. After about 20 or 30 minutes, the young man left, saying goodbye to me as he went. That was that.

Some might say I was experiencing spiritual warfare or was fearful, but I actually don’t believe that was was case here. I simply did not sense God wanted me to go further that day with him. What I did do was pray for him several times in the following days as He came to mind.

A week or two later, I again felt God leading me to go back to this coffee shop. I was a little busy that day and didn’t have a lot of time. Was this really God? I went in, thinking that if I saw that same young man again I would know God was indeed sending me back. Sure enough, he was there again.

I wasn’t sure I’d have an opportunity to talk with him that day as the coffee shop was busy. But he got up at one point and walked past me and I said hi to him, remembering his name. He also remembered talking to me and we chatted a bit more. In this interaction, I shared a bit more about what my non profit was and found out he went to a church in town, which he actually invited me to. I shared some of my testimony with him and how I came to really know God and not just know about Him. I received a word from the Holy Spirit for him and shared it. I think that sort of thing many have been new for him, but he seemed to receive it before thanking me and moving on.

A month or so past and then one day, I felt like I was to again go back to that coffee shop. I went in and this time the young man wasn’t there. I stayed for a while, reading a bit and drinking coffee. I considered ministering to a few other people and tried talking to one but it didn’t go anywhere. I was about to leave but decided to do some prayers for people God brought to mind before going, especially those I had met while trying to do outreach. Then, I thought of this same young man, but couldn’t remember his name exactly. Right then, at that very moment, he walked through the doors of the coffee shop!

I talked briefly to him and relearned his name again. Our interaction was friendly but short before he had to get to work and I needed to go.

I don’t know God’s purposes in all of this. I don’t know if I will ever see this young man again. What I do know is what I shared here. God highlighted him to me one day and I talked to him and prayed silently for him. Another day, God gave me an opportunity to witness to him and minister a bit to him. Yet another day, God gave me an opportunity to cross paths with him again at the very moment I thought of him. I pray God’s best for him and that he becomes a mature disciple of Jesus. I pray God makes it clear if I am to have any future connection with him. I pray God puts more people in his life that will help him grow and sow seeds into him. I pray God uses him to sow seeds into the lives of others.

The point I want to illustrate through this story is that as we desire to advance God’s Kingdom, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it will happen through outward ministry on the first interaction. Many times it does for me, but not always. It may take several different interactions with a person that God highlights to us. This is especially true as we meet people in our community that we may see again. God is orchestrating things, but it is like a play with multiple scenes or acts. If we sense more is to happen, we don’t want to be disobedient. But we also must accept the fact that it might happen in a “future scene” rather than the current one. We also are just one person in this individual’s lives and God is working in ways that we cannot see–with multiple scenes and multiple acts and behind the scenes. This requires prayer, patience, humility, and keeping in step with the Holy Spirit.

If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. (Gal. 5;25). Love is patient and kind….(I Cor. 13:4a)

It was Blurry But Now I See-August, 2025.

Paige and I went out for some intentional time of outreach one August morning.  I asked Paige where He felt like we should go and He said, “Lake Tye.”  I had one other place in my mind but as I asked the Lord I felt like Lake Tye came first.  So off we went. 

After coming to Lake Tye, we spent about 10 minutes prayer walking.  We each went in opposite directions and prayed in tongues.  Then we came back together and began walking around the lake.  

While praying, I had noticed an Indian man that had a shirt on that said something about Hinduism on it.  But I didn’t see him around anymore.  

Yet not far around the lake was an older woman sitting on a bench.  We began talking to her and through the conversation I concluded that she was the mother of the man I had seen earlier!  Interesting.  

“B” as I will call her mentioned pretty early on that she had problems with her right eye with blurred vision.  I had the thought of offering to pray for her, but decided to wait for the timing to be right.  “B” shared a lot about her life coming to North America from India many years before and all the ups and downs.  We listened to her for a long time.  

At one point (I think it was after she brought up her eye again), I felt like the Holy Spirit put on my heart a testimony from 10 years before when I saw a woman in South Korea healed of poor vision after I spoke out a word of knowledge.  I shared this story with “B” and then said to her something along the lines of, “May your eye also be healed now in Jesus’ name.  May you see clearly.”  

“B” asked if I had some kind of power and I told her that I was a follower of Jesus.  She shared about her life of prayer and how she had talked to different people from different faith backgrounds.  

As “B” continued to share her life with us, I felt the Lord put on my heart a sobering vision of her facing eternity apart from Jesus.  She was asking, “Why didn’t someone tell me?”  Why didn’t that guy in the park tell me?”  I knew I needed to share the gospel with her. 

I was wearing my 3 circles shirt that day, and as “B” shared about the problems in this world, I took the opportunity to share with her the gospel using the photos on my shirt.  I mentioned clearly that we need to be right with God when we die or we will be separated from him and that Jesus was The Way!  

It was hard to know how hard to push, but I was as bold and respectful as I could be without being obnoxious.  “B” seemed intrigued by the conversation and seemed to be reflecting some on past conversations with Christians.  

We talked a bit more and all decided we needed to be moving on with our days.  I asked “B” to check out her eye before she left and she agreed to do so.  She blinked several times and said, “Maybe the medicine is kicking in.  Or maybe it was your blessing.”  We all smiled!   Clearly she had noticeable improvement in her vision and she wasn’t sure what had happened or what to do with us.  We praised God!  

As we left, we gave her a Pocket Testament booklet that I had with me.  In it is a clear presentation of the gospel and prayer to begin following Jesus, as well as a Gospel of John.  She took it and was looking at it as we left.  May the Lord fully open the spiritual eyes of “B” and her family so they may see Jesus clearly and follow Him!

Encounter at the Bucket Swing–July, 2025

 I was with our 2 year old daughter Olivia at a park in our region.  As I was pushing her on the bucket swing, I was meditating on God’s love for us and felt His presence powerfully.  Then I noticed a park worker come and begin to rake the wood chips. I said, “Hi” and he responded back with a smile as he worked.  I prayed quietly for him and began to ask God for some words for him and who God designed him to be.    

I received 4 words and the worker was starting to leave.  I was still pushing Olivia on the swing and prayed quietly for an opportunity.  Suddenly he turned around and came right over to us to fix another  swing that had been wound around the top of the poll.  

I introduced myself, and told him God sometimes speaks to me for random strangers and that I had received some words for him.  He seemed interested so I shared the words.  The words seemed to resonate with him, though he did push back a little bit on the word “dependable” saying sometimes that wasn’t true.  I told him non of us are perfect.  We grow into who God designed us to be, after all.   

I had on my 3 circles gospel shirt that my wife had given me for Father’s Day.  I asked if he knew what the circles were about and He was intrigued and had some guesses.   I shared with him the gospel using these circles on my shirt.  He seemed interested.  

I asked him what he believed and he said he thought there was wisdom in everything, but he lingered and was interested. Then I started to share my story and how I grew up in church with a religious knowledge of Christianity, and then went to college and really lived for myself.  Then my life changed when…(Right then, Olivia began to run off so I chased after her. Apparently somewhere in there, I had taken her out of the swing!)

I came back and said  “My life changed…when i had kids!”   He laughed and I laughed.  I shared seriously that what I meant to say was my life changed when I met Jesus and began following Him and how He transformed my heart.  I didn’t come to Him perfected but He was in the process of changing me.  

He continued to linger and seemed to want to talk more, but then his phone rang and it was his boss and he needed to take the call.  I could tell he felt bad and wanted to talk more but he had to go and I smiled and told him no problem.  He was working after all and I didn’t want to take too much of his time.  

The whole interaction was just a few minutes, but I believe he will not forget it anytime soon!   

Disagreeing In Love–July, 2025

Paige and I were out doing some evangelism in a local park.  Prior to going out in prayer, I had a vision of someone with someone with a “red bandana” who had experienced “desertion.”  

After talking with a few others in the park, Paige pointed out someone wearing a red hat.  Not exactly a red bandana, but close enough.  After a coffee break, we returned and saw that the guy “Z” was still there.  

We approached “Z” and Paige shared a bit with him about what we were doing.  He shared how I had prayed before we went out and received some words.  “Z” was interested.  We talked for a while and learned he grew up Christian but had gone away from the faith.  He was sitting there with his father in law, who was a believer.  

We did a lot of listening as “Z” was a talker and eager to share his life and beliefs.  He had moved from a belief in God to a belief in “the Universe.”  Eventually, through the conversation were able to gently share truth, including addressing this very common idea we hear today that “everyone can believe whatever they want.”  

It is certainly true—every human being does indeed have the choice to believe whatever they want to believe.  And there is truth even in other religions and belief systems—but not the One most important eternal truth of saving faith apart from Jesus!  

It was a good conversation where we were able to both stand on what we believed, yet be respectful and not have an argument.  I was quietly praying a lot during this conversation. 

After we finished, we were able to pray over “Z”s wife for healing as she had a cast on and came by then.  She was grateful! 

Then a little later, “Z”’s father in law came over and thanked us for being courageous.  He shared a little feed back with us too, that was helpful.  

As we left the park, “Z” made a point to come over and thank us again.  Clearly he felt respected and loved—and I believe also, seen and sought out by God! 

Knee Pain Gone!–June, 2025

My friend Paige and I went out to do some intentional evangelism one morning.  Along the way, we met a gentleman “S” and began talking with him.  I had a sense from the Lord of pain in the left leg and asked “S” if this was true.  He acknowledged that he did have pain in his left knee.  He allowed us to pray and lay hands on him and then we continued with our conversation about spiritual matters.  

At one point a little later on, I remembered we had prayed and encouraged him to test his leg.  He noted that He did not have any pain anymore!  He told us it was an 8 out of 10 before prayer and now the pain was gone!  

We shared the gospel with Him and He was interested, but was not ready to fully commit His life to the Lord for various reasons.  Yet he was blessed by the encounter and we shared contact information.  

Later as we walked around, Paige had a sense that we should go a certain direction off of the path we were walking.  When we did, we saw “S” again!  We all smiled!  May God richly bless “S” and draw Him into His arms through the love of Jesus!   

The Power of Listening Ears–May 2025

I was with my friend and fellow evangelist Cory one Thursday afternoon in the North Seattle area. The Lord had put on my heart to revisit a park that Cory and I used to frequent to do evangelism. We went there, had lunch, and began walking around looking for people we could engage in conversation. The first few conversations didn’t go too far, and Cory suggested we sit on a bench for a bit. As I looked over my shoulder, I was drawn to a large cement patio area with wooden seating about 100 yards away. There were a couple of people sitting there and I felt like the Lord wanted us to head that way.

We walked that direction, and I wasn’t too sure whom we would talk to. But Cory soon struck up a conversation with a woman “A” who was sitting there. ‘A” was friendly and clearly wanted to talk. She had an European accent and fairly early on we learned she came from Europe years before. She spoke a lot about the problems she had encountered living in the United States. She felt that the system to create equality among different races had led to unqualified people working jobs and poor customer service. At one point, I told her she was a ‘reformer,’ one who was meant to bring change to the problems she had encountered.

We listened to “A” for a long time before sharing much ourselves. Clearly she just needed to vent. I was impressed by her English communication skills, in spite of her accent. She also clearly felt deeply about what she shared and it was thought provoking for us to hear.

Eventually, Cory brought up spiritual issues and she acknowledged the spiritual world behind the physical world. Yet she was hesitant to receive prayer from us so we didn’t push. Yet our conversation continued. She admitted having poor experiences with Christians in the past. I shared with her that not everyone who calls themselves a ‘Christian’ really is one. I also shared that Christians are in process and sometimes we do not live out of the Holy Spirit the way we should but react selfishly in our flesh. That seemed to make sense to her and I could tell she appreciated our honesty.

She also recalled a story from her days in Europe where someone died trying to help someone else out. It was hard for her to fathom how a good God could allow something unfair like that. I talked about how there are a lot of things we don’t understand but God doesn’t actually owe us anything, yet chooses to have mercy on us. Cory shared about how Jesus himself suffered in the flesh and understands our suffering. He went on to share how Jesus came to serve and that was much different than other religions. He didn’t just demand to be served but actually served people himself. Cory then shared his story of radical conversation, weaving in a gospel presentation. I briefly shared mine as well.

Then ‘A’ asked about supernatural experiences. We each shared some things we had experienced and she began to share things she had experienced as well. It was as if our conversation unlocked her heart to recall things that God was doing in her life over the years directly and through Christians to try and get her attention. She even shared a time when she spoke the name of Jesus over someone who was struggling to sleep and they were able to sleep. Amazing!

At that point, we had probably talked with her for about 1 hr and 15 minutes. Cory gave her a church card and she graciously received it. I gave her pocket testament that included a gospel of John and a gospel track. She was very thankful for both! We encouraged her to meet Jesus so she could be in God’s hand and be part of the difference the world needed, helping others.

It was amazing to see the power of listening and how it allowed “A” to feel safe and process. She did not feel like a couple of Christians had an agenda. She felt loved on and cared for. I believe God used Cory and I to help soften her heart and allow her to process her objections and hurts so they could be removed to enable her to see Jesus! That is the ministry of reconciliation that we hav been given! Pray that “A” can fully surrender to the love of Jesus Christ and hear His voice, know Him and make Him known and walk fully in her God-given destiny!

Sudden Nudge by the Alley–April 2025

My friend Tanion and I took a trip to downtown Seattle for some intentional outreach in late April. After stopping at Adoration House for some time to worship and pray, we came to downtown Seattle and had a picnic lunch along the Puget Sound where Logan and I had ministered to “C” the week before. God had put the spot on my heart, yet there wasn’t really any leading to minister to anyone as we ate our lunch and observed people coming and going. A few casual “hellos” didn’t lead to anything and soon after we we finished eating, we felt the Lord leading us on. There are never identical days when we are “fishers of men….” But the Spirit truly knows what He is doing!

We had a few opportunities to talk and minister as we walked back from the sound towards the subway station. But where I want to focus on today was an encounter that happened as we were walking towards the park. A young man pulled up in a scooter right as we were passing an alley just a block from the park. I felt the prompting to talk to him, but continued on a few steps. The prompting continued as he got off his scooter and walked into the alley. So, we turned around and I called to the man in the alley.

Normally, I like to make small talk and go a bit slower when doing evangelism. But there is a place for being bold and direct. This was one of those times. Very early on in our conversation, I told “Ct” that we were looking for people to pray for and asked what he would like God to do for him. He was interested and told us his upper back had been having issues (though not currently) and he was having issues with jobs. He allowed us to lay hands on his shoulders and pray for healing. We did so and he was grateful. We clearly had his attention and he was eager to keep talking to us.

I asked him where he was with God, and he shared how he tries hard to do his best and that he was navigating through exactly what he believes. This is a very common response we get in Seattle, but it never fails to stir my heart to help lead a person to the truth of Jesus. I shared that all of us will eventually conclude our lives on this earth, and then I asked him if he were to stand before God, why should God let him into heaven? He again referenced his performance and how he was trying hard to do what was right. I told him that all religions require their followers to adhere to some type of moral behavior in order to earn favor with their god, but Christianity is different than all other religions. In Christianity, God required perfection and we all failed. So we feel condemnation of never being able to fully measure up. But God came to us through the person of Jesus Christ and was perfect for us–so when we trust in Him we can receive His righteousness, be forgiven and be freed from that condemnation.

He told us he had to get to his car as his parking was up, but was very thankful for the Pocket Testament booklet we gave him. He asked why we talked to him and I shared how God had highlighted him to me and how I believe God was pursuing him. I shared how we probably would never see him again but he would remember this encounter. He asked for a way to stay in touch with me and I gave him my card with my number. He was truly blessed as he left and I could tell he was pondering what we said. May the Lord send people to water “Cr” so he can be born again!

Adoption and Reconciliation–April 2025

My friend Logan and I went to downtown Seattle for some intentional time of outreach on a mid-April Thursday. After lunch, I felt the Lord guiding us to go down near Pudget sound where the ferry boats come in. There is a beautiful spot there where people come and sit on the rocks and reflect on life. I like to call it a good “fishing role” as we “fish for men!”

We had a nice conversation with one gentleman on his lunch break but he had to get back to work. Soon after I noticed a 30ish year old guy with a few tattoos sitting nearby us. I have found that tattoos are a great conversation starter as people get them for a reason and are usually very wiling to share. So, I commented on his tattoos and He was more than willing to share about them. As we listened to him share, we learned that one of his tattoos had to do with his home nation where he was born and adopted from. “C” as we will call him, went on to share passionately about how the world was messed up and how he desired to see the world changed. I asked him what he thought the solution was to the world’s problems? He commented on how selfish the super rich were and eventually, that led to me sharing about how we are all selfish by nature. I told him that I may not be so generous if I were that rich either, and that we all need changed hearts.

“C” went on to share about the places he’d lived, including the party lifestyle. I asked him more about each place and what he liked about them. Then I shared about I used to be a partier for a short time but that I had met Jesus on my 21st birthday and how he had transformed my desires and my life. At this, he shared how he had been re-baptized last year and how he was trying to walk out his faith. After he shared more about his faith, I asked Him who the Holy Spirit was to him. He gave a pretty decent answer, as he had just watched something recently on TV about the Trinity. I shared more about the Holy Spirit and eventually, Logan and I prayed the Holy Spirit would fill “C” so he could be a witness. We also prayed for God to work on all three of us to transform any area of our lives that still needed work.

After this prayer, “C” began sharing more about his family situation as he had a desire to reconcile with his parents. We talked him through this process and eventually were able to pray with him into this reconciliation. He began making plans to send cards over the upcoming Mother’s/Father’s Day holidays. It was amazing to see the Holy Spirit work so quickly on his heart!

As we wrapped up our conversation with “C” (which probably lasted around 30 minutes), we told him that the Lord had guided us to come down to this very area and clearly had that conversation planned. “C” was very thankful for both of us and gave us hugs. Let’s continue to lift up “C” to the Lord. He hasn’t had an easy life, yet we pray God gives him the “Spirit of wisdom and revelation so (he) can know him better” as it says in Ephesians 1:17. God is our perfect, loving Heavenly Father and adopted us into His family through Christ! We pray that “C” understands this very deeply, so that he can love his parents intentionally and be reconciled to them!  

From Taco Bell To Salvation Prayer!- October 2024.  

In June of 2024, we did an outreach Saturday with KingdomCo Church.  That day, we were led to Taco Bell and after ministering to someone who matched our guidance that we received in prayer, we went to order food.  

As I was about to sit down, I noticed a young man “M” who seemed a little sad sitting near the soda machine.  I ended up talking with him and he was friendly.  One thing led to another and eventually we all prayed for “M” and he was greatly blessed.  One of the guys in our group blessed him with some money as well. 

I met up with “M” a few times afterwards.  He had some job challenges in his life so I prayed with him into that.  We stayed in touch via text message off and on the next few months.    

In early September, Candy and I received some helpful training for the Biglife ministry that taught us to use the 3 circles gospel as a way to share the gospel.

Then in October, “M” and I meet up again and we read together  the story of the Prodigal Son from Luke 15 in the Bible and I shared the Gospel using the 3 Circles Approach.  He ended up praying to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior!   

Continue to pray for “M” that He may be set free from the things harassing him and grow into a mature follower of Jesus. 

Praise the Lord! 

Meet them and Train them!—September 2024 

Recently while doing outreach in Crossroads Mall in Bellevue, WA, Cory and I met two young men hungry for more of God who were playing chess on one of those life size chess boards.  

We ended up getting prophetic words for them that were accurate and it really made an impression on them!  They shared they attended a Catholic Church and were intrigued by the down to earth approach of evangelism and by the personal words.  

They expressed a desire to meet again and join together for outreach, which happened six days later in the same mall where they met.  

They got to be a part of the ministry team that time around and witness Cory get a very accurate word of knowledge for a Chinese young man who was really struggling in his faith journey and was very encouraged by the word and prayers.  

What a blessing to work with various parts of the body of Christ and grow and advance the Kingdom of God together!   

Salvation in Applebees!—August 2024 

Candy and I (and our daughter Olivia) were attending a Power and Love conference in Great Falls, MT.  Park of the conference included intentional times of outreach.  

On the final evening, before the last session started, God guided us to Applebee’s to look for a waiter or waitress with curly dark hair.  The other guidance we had received when we prayed that day was “relationship issues.”  

We were able to talk to a young waiter there, and found out we were the third people to pray with him that week!  How awesome is that?  

When we mentioned “relationship issues,” he told us that the people sitting in our booth the day before had approached him with very similar words that we did.  One thing led to another and He was praying to follow Jesus while standing at the edge of our table as Olivia tossed food on the floor!  Praise the Lord for family outreach!   

Prompted at the Crosswalk—July 2024

I (Candy) had a powerful outreach experience walking Olivia home from the coffee shop one morning.  

At a crosswalk the Lord highlighted a young man who passed them.  Initially, I wasn’t sure if I was really supposed to go back and talk to him, but the Lord confirmed to turn back and find him.

He was thankfully coming right back after a short stop at the convenience store. I shared with him that she felt like God wanted me to talk with him.  He was initially surprised and shared that he didn’t feel like he was good company to be around.  

Over the course of the conversation, he opened up about how he was often getting angry and having violent and aggressive thoughts.  I shared with him how the enemy of his soul can feed him these thoughts and we need to be covered by the blood of Jesus to be set free from this.  

This idea was very new to him and his heart was very open.  I prayed for him and blessed him.  He was moving away not long after this time and I continue to pray for him.    

Salvation in Panda Express! —April 2024

As I (Jay) drove to meet Corey, the Lord brought the word “panda” to my mind.  I shared this with Corey and we decided to go to the Panda Express restaurant 8 minutes from his home.  As we were in line ordering our food, I noticed an Asian young man get his food and walk over to sit at a long narrow table alongside the window.  

I mentioned to Corey that the guy was “highlighted” to me and after getting our food, we walked over near where he was seated and asked if it was ok if we sat down a few seats away from from him.  He was ok and that led to a conversation. “T” was originally from Malaysia and was studying in the USA.  

Surprisingly, he claimed to be a Christian but as we talked more to him, it was clear he did not know what it meant to be a Christian.  So I prayed quietly for wisdom as we talked.  We asked him some Holy Spirit prompted questions and Corey and I were led to share bit of our testimonies and the clear difference that came in our lives once we were born again. 

“T” began to see that He was not in right relationship with God.  The Holy Spirit moved and eventually we were leading Him in a prayer to walk with Jesus Christ as His Lord and Savior!  

He was so incredibly thankful for the interaction and kept marveling how it all went down.  His face looked visibly different as we took a photo together afterwards.  

Both Corey and I have been in touch with “T” since then and He is attending church services near where he lives.  I have invited him to our home for dinner, which he graciously accepted.  We look forward to getting to know Him more.

Training Students in Snohomish—May 2024

I (Candy) joined the DTS students and Jay on a local outreach recently.  I felt like the Lord gave me a picture of someone sitting on a bench and something like a jean jacket with strips sown together.  

I was with a small group of DTS students walking the streets of Snohomish, WA and happened to see a lady sitting outside a small restaurant.  I noticed her jacket as I was walking past and it was a bunch of square jean patches sown together.  I thought that was really neat, because I had never seen that before and it matched what the Lord had shown me.  

After I introduced myself, the lady shared with me that it was her son’s birthday.  (This is maybe the third time the Lord has led us to people on their birthday while we are doing outreach.)  She was also a Christian and was open to me praying a blessing over her son.

Also, during this outreach, one of the DTS students had gotten a picture of a yellow dress and we saw a window in a clothing shop full of yellow dresses.  We went in the shop and the student was a little nervous to initiate the conversation, but I told her I would make it easy for her and started the conversation explaining to the store employee that I had a couple friends that wanted to practice English (Korean is their first language).  And that she would also pray for the employee in Korean.  

The employee was totally willing to let her practice her English and be prayed for.  She shared that was the first time anyone had ever prayed for her.

Jay and I are learning how to help others take the first steps in creating connections with people.  Sometimes as mission mobilizers, we just have to help break the ice.  The student had clearly received a picture of a yellow dress.  She just needed a little help to get pass the awkward start.  Even for us that have been doing it for a little while, we can still get nervous and feel awkward starting a conversation.  But once we get into a conversation with people and hear their heart and we can encourage them or share God’s love with them.  It’s so worth it and it’s fun.  

This is the food of the harvest that we get fed by.  As it says in John 4:34-36: “‘My food,’ said Jesus, ‘is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.  Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.’“

Encountered While Feeding the Ducks—April 2023

I (Candy)  felt like the Lord told me to go to the area of Lake Tye in Monroe, WA where you can feed the ducks and I would find someone there with a small child that was helping them with their coat or their shoes.  I didn’t know much else except to maybe encourage them.  

When I arrived at Lake Tye in Monroe, there were a few people near the edge of the lake and there was a mom with a little boy and she was helping adjust his little rain boots.  He also had some bread that he was trying to feed the ducks.  

I started a conversation with them about feeding the ducks, but I waited a bit to feel out the right timing as people were coming and going.  Eventually, I told her that I felt like God told me I would meet them today and asked if they needed prayer for anything.  

She said she wasn’t religious, but was open to receiving prayer and that her father-in-law was currently in ICU, so I prayed for him and their family.  I also just mentioned briefly that I wasn’t religious either, but wanted to walk in a real relationship with God, not just rules and ideas.  It was a very simple encounter, but I felt like the Lord led me right to her and her son.  

Listening to God Opens the Door—January 2023 

It is not always easy to find people who like to go out and do evangelism. I am thankful that God connected me to Ryan, who did a YWAM DTS 15 years ago and is around my age. A couple of times a month on Thursday nights we go out to do outreach, usually in a local park.

 One week, I arrived early before Ryan and was praying and singing as I walked around the park. I noticed one young man and began to intercede for him. Eventually, he walked over to a bench with a girl and sat down.  I felt I was to talk to him, but I heard the Lord say, “Wait until Ryan comes.” A few minutes later, Ryan arrived and walked toward me. 

At the same time, the girl sitting on the bench got up and walked away. Ryan and I walked up to the bench and talked to the guy. After some small talk, Ryan encouraged Him to pursue God and I shared something from the Lord with him. It wasn’t too long of an interaction, but is one example of God providing opportunities to sow seeds. 

A few minutes later that same night, Ryan and I had a good encounter with someone in the nearby skate park, where I had just been prayer walking. The stories all blur together a little but if my memory is correct, that guy really thanked us for talking to him that night as we gave him some practical steps to go forward in his journey of discipleship. 

It’s been a season where God seems to be reteaching me many of the principles I have learned in the past, such as circling prayer and shifting atmospheres, listening to Him as I go, and sharing relationally but clear presentations of the gospel to those who are spiritually open to hear. Praise the Lord for opportunities to continue to sow seeds into the younger generation!”

Healing in Walmart!—September 2022

OneWe received some great evangelism training from Paul Rapley at the YWAM base.  Soon after, we spent some time in Walmart doing some outreach.  I (Candy) asked for help from a Walmart employee to find the maternity section.  (It’s always good to be a legitimate customer while doing outreach.)  

I briefly commented on how nice her shoes looked and she mentioned having some pain in her foot as she was wearing a brace.  I offered to pray for her foot, which she was open to.  She testified that her foot was feeling better and lighter and she asked me to pray for her other foot.  I did and she said it was also feeling better.  

I then asked if I could pray for her again and invited the Holy Spirit to come.  She shared with me that she felt God’s Presence right there in Walmart.  She seemed really blessed by the God encounter and gave me a hug.  God is good!

Arm Healed in the Monroe Skatepark!—September 2022: 

Jay and I went to the local park to do some outreach.  We weren’t feeling all that energetic to interact with people, but we wanted to be faithful to do our weekly outreach.  

A dog ran up to us near the skatepark and we easily started up a conversation with the two young men with the dog.  We talked with them for a while hearing some of their adventures to South America.  

Eventually, we asked if we could pray for them.  They were initially a little surprised, but one young man shared that he had injured his shoulder and elbow recently and wasn’t able to bend his elbow all the way.  

We prayed for his arm and Jay gave both of them some prophetic words of encouragement.  The first young man’s elbow was healed so he could bend it all the way and they were both blessed by the encouraging words.  It was such a fun encounter and we felt like God made it so easy for us even when we were tired!

Ministry in South Everett McDonalds—March 2022

Before we went out for outreach in South Everett, WA, we spent some time listening to the Lord for guidance.  I received, among other words, “McDonalds,” “Ricky,” and “college tuition needs.”  I went with Candy, Wes, and Justin.  It was a rainy day and we all had umbrellas, but we still had a few good encounters along the way with people as we walked to McDonalds. 

I wasn’t that excited about having lunch at McDonalds and thought maybe we’d eat somewhere else and grab coffee later at McDonalds.  As we approached the intersection near McDonalds, I prayed about that and felt the Lord say to “go to McDonalds.”  All four of us on my team were ok with it, so we went right then. 

I made small talk with one worker of the McDonalds and asked if by any chance he knew of anyone working there named “Tony.”  He said he wasn’t sure.  

There were a few baseball players in uniforms (probably 16-18 year olds) that came in while we were waiting for our food and I made a bit of small talk with them too, but no more.  Our food came and we ate, conversing together as a team.  Nothing seemed to really be happening other than good conversation amongst our team, which was a blessing.  I decided to be content with that, but open to more too, if God wanted something else.  I prayed a prayer for the McDonalds and asked God’s presence to come there.  

A few minutes later, I noticed that two other McDonalds workers were taking their lunch break and eating together a short distance away from us.  I suddenly had the thought that I should pray for one of them, but I realized it might be easier if he was not with the other worker.  Literally, right after I had that thought, the other worker got up, leaving him alone. It was God’s time and I could sense the Spirit moving! 

I went up to him and told him what we were doing.  He said he needed prayer.  He was preparing to go to college and had been accepted.  The issue was tuition money.  I showed him the “college tuition needs” word that I had written as a note in my phone.  He was surprised.  As I prayed for him, I also received some original design words of knowledge about who God created him to be (characteristics of his personality, etc).  He nodded when I shared them and I could tell they blessed him.  I think he was a bit overwhelmed, though also very thankful at the same time.  I told him I wouldn’t keep him from his work but that the source of what just happened was God.  I gave him a gospel track that explained more about how to have a relationship with God.  He gladly took it and began reading it before going back to his work. 

I returned to our group and Candy shared the three baseball players were watching what happened.  She thought I should talk to the baseball players again and share what we were doing and see if one of them was “Tony.”  So we did.  We told them what we were doing and asked if any of them were Tony.” They said, “No.” but seemed intrigued and went on to share that Tony was one of their friends (maybe a teammate?) and he had some arm injuries.  I offered to pray for him right then and did.  They were very grateful.  We offered prayer for them too, and they said there were ok but seemed intrigued by what had happened.  I told them to tell Tony that God loved him!  

Not just your average day at McDonalds for these young people….. Seeds sown through the Holy Spirit! My burger was good, too!  We left and went on to minister to a few more people on our walk back on the streets.  It was a great day and other groups also had good stories. 

Outreach in England—February 2022

Jay and I were speakers on the Holy Spirit for a DTS in Nuneaton, England. We finished off the week doing local outreach in the town of Nuneaton.  The students were bold and eager to talk with people and pray for people. 

Jay’s group ended up talking to a couple of young guys.  One of them was wearing a brown hat, which Jay had felt the Lord tell him he would meet someone wearing a brown hat, so it gave him courage and faith to approach them. 

The student from Italy really shared the Gospel with them and Jay prayed for them to experience God’s Presence. They both testified they felt heat on their hands as they received prayer! 

We were amazed at people’s receptiveness to talk with us.  Some people weren’t open to receiving prayer, but were intrigued by the offer to listen to God for them, even for someone who claimed to be an atheist.  Praise the Lord! 

God Sees the Leaf Blower!—November 2021 

When we prayed before we went out, I (Candy) saw a picture of going to Al Borlin Park and of someone cleaning leaves on the street outside the park.  I wasn’t sure if this was a symbolic picture of someone feeling like they were down in the gutter of the street like a dead leaf.  But when we went out on outreach, I was noticing all the leaves along the trail and I was alert for anyone cleaning leaves.  

We saw one city worker on a lawnmower blowing the leaves off the road from inside Al Borlin Park, but he didn’t stop so we couldn’t talk to him.  We walked all through Al Borlin Park and prayed as we walked and came back through the streets of Monroe.  As we came back to where we parked, I noticed two city trucks parked along the street.  They pulled up right outside of Al Borlin Park and the playground and started cleaning up the leaves. I walked up and approached the young woman.  

I told her this may sound strange, but when I was praying this morning, the Lord showed me that I would meet someone outside the park cleaning up leaves and here you are.  Do you mind if we listen to God for anything He wants to say to you.  She shared that she was a Christian and felt like the moment was very meaningful since she had been seeking God more in the past year and has been reading the Bible all the way through.  Jay had heard earlier in prayer about someone with liver problems, so he asked her if she knew anyone with liver issues and she shared that one of her family member’s did.  

We prayed for her family member and gave her a couple prophetic words.  And we asked if she had been baptized in the Holy Spirit.  She didn’t know what that was, so we asked if we could pray for her to be receive the Holy Spirit and asked the Lord to confirm it for her in the coming days.  She was really blessed and expressed how meaningful the encounter was.  So cool how God fulfilled the picture!

Word of Knowledge for Head Injury—November 2021-March 2020

The Lord reminded me (Candy) of a picture of someone with a head injury that I had received in prayer before doing outreach in Monroe, WA.  Later, I felt like I was supposed to approach  a group of 3 guys and ask if any of them had a head injury at some point or something falling on their head.  

At first they seemed to say none of them had, but then one guy said he had fallen and hit his head at one point and had to have staples put in.  He then began to share how in the last 6 months he was getting his life back together and making positive choices, because before that he had been struggling.  

Anna and I prayed for him and blessed him in his new direction in life.  He seemed encouraged and appreciated our compassion for him.

Let’s Go Be the Church–March 2020

One Saturday afternoon in late summer of 2019, I was walking along the road near my home headed for a short stint at the Korean spa.  I love to relax at the spa and can’t say I was all that focused on my environment around me.  Yet when I saw two young men walking in front of me, for some reason I thought I’d say, “Hi.”

Now time out for a moment.  I grew up in rural America and in my home area, saying “Hi,” or at least nodding or waving even to a stranger is almost expected.  Yet culturally in Seoul, saying, “Hi” to strangers is a little strange, as there are so many people and it is simply not possible to say “Hi” or acknowledge everyone.  Add in the fact that cult groups, salespeople, etc. are often the ones soliciting strangers and suddenly saying “Hi” becomes awkward in most areas.

Yet there are instances where we have to be counter-cultural and sometimes in doing so we spark curiosity in others.  So I followed through on my thought and risked to talk to these two.

Initially they seemed a little stoic to me, though since they were clearly not Korean I had something in common with them:  we were foreigners.  When I asked where they were from, they shared they were from a small country in central Africa.  We made a bit of small talk, which they seemed to appreciate and they warmed up a bit to me before our paths diverged.  They went down under the road to go play basketball and I continued another 15 minutes or so in my walk to the spa.

This was not the first time I’d talked to strangers like this, nor would it be the last.  Often, nothing more appears to become of it and on that particular summer day, this brief encounter on the road slipped my mind before I really even processed what had happened.

But obviously that isn’t the end of the story or I’d never waste my time writing a blog post–nor would I want to waste your time reading it!

After a good time at the spa, I began my walk home.  I can’t say I was praying or seeking God’s guidance in any way at the time, but suddenly I heard the voice of the Holy Spirit tell me to “walk along the river.”

Sometimes when God speaks it is through a thought that is not easy to discern the source.  It may or may not be God.  It could just be “me” or as some like to say, “last night’s pizza.”  Generally it’s good to remain humble when presenting to others what we believe we heard from the Spirit, rather than forcing a “thus saith the Lord” on them.  But for me, there are  times when it is much more clear–like I’m more than 90% sure the source is God.  It’s hard to say why, but it’s like the source is from deep within me–from the Holy Spirit speaking to my entire being.  The command to “walk along the river” was one of those 90+% times and I obeyed without hesitating.

You can probably about guess what happened next considering where this post started.  But as I walked along the river, I wasn’t thinking about meeting anyone.  I just enjoyed the walk without much thought as to why.  But suddenly I saw the two African guys from before alongside the river bank drinking and playing loud music.  Apparently their basketball game was over and they’d moved on.  I waved to them from above and they waved back like we were old friends, motioning me to “come on down.”

I went down and talked to them and we had a good discussion about living life as foreigners in Korea.  They were students at a university in Seoul.  I didn’t stay too long and mostly just listened to them share their experiences and some frustrations with living cross-culturally.  But before leaving, I offered to connect with one of them whom I’ll call “D”on Kakao talk, the Korean chat app.  We exchanged info and I left.

A few times in the following weeks, D and I tried to meet up again but it never really worked out.  At one point during our text chats when we were discussing things we might do if we did potentially hang out, I shared with him how my life had been changed through my relationship with Jesus back in 2006.  With that change, some of my interests and lifestyle had also changed.  He respected that and was still willing to meet with me but it never happened.  I was a little disappointed, but I forgot about our interaction and I moved on.  Several months past.  2020 came.

Then COVID-19 hit Korea in late February of 2020.  I was out praying along the river again (a common spot for me) one day when I sensed the Lord say that He would use the COVID-19 situation to bring many people to know Him.  About 10 minutes later, I looked down to see that D had texted me.  Interesting timing!

We chatted by text that day, including about the virus.  At that time, still much was unknown and it was easy to be fearful.  I shared that while I was cautious of the situation, I was not afraid of death if it came to that as I knew Jesus and only good lay ahead for me after death.  I also told him I was praying that the virus “stay out of Africa.”  One thing led to another and eventually he asked to go to church with me.  Wow!

Unfortunately, my Sunday church went online that week due to COVID-19.  I was disappointed and let D know.  How long would I have to wait before I could invite him to church in person?  In hindsight, quite a while!

But it’s important to remember that CHURCH is more than just the “structured organization that gathers on Sunday.” God calls us to BE the CHURCH. As Argentinian Evangelist Ed Silvoso teaches, “An “Ekklesia” (greek word for church) in its most embrionic expression is the gathering of at least two or three believers presided by the Holy Spirit around the manifest prescence of Jesus with authority to bind and to release for God’s will to be done on Earth (see Matthew 18:18-20).  I want to share verse 20 here specifically: For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them”(NKJV).  D may not have been a believer yet, but he was interested and we certainly had been connected through the Holy Spirit.  So I offered to meet Him and just talk together and he accepted my invitation.

There were some challenges again before our meeting.  We had some miscommunication again and we had to reschedule our meeting.   I prayed with another missionary, questioning what was going on.  Our sense was Satan didn’t want this meeting to happen so we prayed against His schemes and for God to make a way.  Thankfully, God did indeed make a way.

That Saturday night in early March, I took the subway to go meet D at a coffee shop in between our two neighborhoods in Seoul.  Before leaving, the Lord prompted me to bring along one of my evangecubes which I used as visual too to share the gospel.  I arrived a bit early and as I waited I cried out to the Lord that He would bring D to salvation that night.

D arrived and we met for just the second time in person.  I hardly remembered what he even looked like!  We got our drinks and took a seat.  After making some small talk about COVID-19, he suddenly asked me how he could become a Christian.  I was surprised honestly and the question almost caught me off guard (I wish it was always this easy)!  I shared with him I was a missionary and that really got his attention.

I got to know a bit of His background and learned he grew up Muslim but wasn’t satisfied with Islam.  This was especially interesting to me, as I’d been praying for Muslims to encounter the love of Jesus for some time.  D recalled how we had met the previous summer and how we had tried to meet up again at that time but hadn’t been able to.  Then he shared how another Christian friend of his had influenced him between our two meetings, and how he wanted to go to church with this man but it never happened.  He talked about the “battle” he felt in the spiritual realm and shared how he felt that battle in trying to meet with me as well.  I confirmed it was indeed a real spiritual battle.

Around then I sensed the Lord ask me to give D my Evangecube and “discover” the gospel by “unfolding” it (to see this, click on the evangecube video link above).  I explained the gospel to him as he did that.  Soon after, I was leading D, this man I randomly had talked to on the road in the summer of 2019, in a prayer to receive Jesus as His Lord and Saviour!  We have been in contact several times since then and plan to meet again soon when he returns to Korea!

As I reflect on this story here a few months later, there are a few things that stand out.  First, I am amazed by God’s timing and how He can use such small steps of kindness and obedience to do great things.  Once again, it took patience (see my September 2019 post for more on this).

Second, I am reminded never to give up.  In this case, I got to sow some spiritual seeds, but seemed blocked from watering. Later others watered.  Later still,  I finally got to water a bit more and see some growth!  Such a joy!

Lastly, I believe the message God really wants to share through all of this in this time is:  “Go Be the Church.”  We must move beyond the 4 walls of the building on Sunday to embody Christ, bring His Kingdom message and culture, and form His Ekklesia wherever we go.  There is a battle when we attempt to do this and it is not easy.  But we are not alone and we are on the winning team.  We must keep on loving, waiting, timely moving in the Holy Spirit’s power and not give up.

It can be good to invite people to join our scheduled regular gatherings.  But we must not limit church to only that.  Especially in this time, I feel God’s heart for His Church is for us to expand our thinking and push past old religious mindsets where we identify ourselves by our denomination or Sunday place of worship.  We need to learn how to let the Holy Spirit use us to “form gatherings” wherever we go….gatherings that focus people on Jesus.  Let’s each do our part as we walk forward with the Holy Spirit.  Brothers and Sister, it’s time to rise up and BE THE CHURCH!

Love is Patient—June 2019

It was early June and I was in the midst of a challenging semester at language school. A visit to the spa one afternoon was certainly not for the purpose of evangelism in my mind, but God seemed to have other ideas. I’ve learned, you never know where He may want to use you!

I felt the Holy Spirit prompting me to talk to an upper 20’s Caucasian man. I obeyed and he was friendly and open to talking. He was from Western Europe and was touring Asia by himself and seemed pleased to have someone he could communicate with. After a few minutes of talking, I sensed I should give him time and space and so I told him that I would be upstairs near the restaurant if he wanted to talk more. He was interested and we set a time to meet.

We ended up having dinner together that night, though I did not “blast him” with my Christianity. I was not showy with my short silent prayer before the meal and did not share too much about my role as a spiritual trainer. We had a lot to talk about just with him traveling in Asia and such. It was good to just share casual conversation.

When the night ended, we exchanged contact information and went our separate ways. I shared I’d be open to meeting him again during his time in Seoul and he expressed interest. Yet nothing was set when we left.

Later I texted him and we agreed to meet a few days later near my home.  He showed up and we had a great “third” meeting. But before I share more about that, notice something in this story. Two times, I left this man’s presence and gave him a choice whether to meet me again or not. Both times he responded by choosing to meet. He could have been a “no-show” or said he was “busy.” But he did not. This took faith on my end to trust God’s process, because I sensed God wanted to do something with him spiritually but I had to be patient. We hadn’t really shared a spiritual conversation yet and it was easy to want to rush things. Yet I had to trust God’s timing. The gaps between meetings also gave me some more time to pray for him.

In our “third” meeting, we walked around a while and eventually sat on a dock by the Han River. He asked me more about how I started doing what I was doing. I shared much of my life story, including me receiving the gospel of Jesus and learning to hear God’s voice and he was intrigued. It led to a very interesting discussion that was not animated but friendly and thoughtful.

Eventually we went to dinner and at that time, I felt led to ask if I could say a prayer for our meal. He agreed and I included for him and his travels in the prayer. When I finished praying, I could see he was touched by the prayer.

Later as we parted ways, I told him to send me photos and keep me informed of how he was doing as he planned to travel Asia for several weeks. He did and we ended up dialoguing several times back and forth over chat. On one occasion, I was led to send him a video of a rather animated Korean prayer meeting when I was at a conference. This seemed like odd guidance to me, but I obeyed and he was intrigued by the prayer meeting. It was “different” than his image of “church” from Europe. He even made the comment, “I may have to convert.” I told him I was there for him if he ever wanted to :).

We continued chatting randomly here and there during the weeks of the summer as both of us love nature and the outdoors. A few weeks ago, I checked in with him and he was back in Europe. We talked about the adjustments back after time in Asia and I told him I’d pray for his new stage of life. Again, I received some rather surprising guidance from God “to send him a link to sermons” from my English speaking church in Seoul. I shared how the sermons offered good counsel on life, and he was grateful and said he may check them out. He was also surprised that churches put sermons “online.” I never really thought about this, but for someone who is not a Christian, perhaps this is surprising.

This story is not over, and I believe the best is yet to come. But this blog post is over. Almost.

I encourage you to reflect on this post. God is teaching me a lot through these types of encounters and there are many interesting truths to be gleaned here.  Perhaps one very interesting point is this: Love is patient.  The world is not patient.  Neither is the devil.  But Love is patient.  Let’s all keep learning to love others better with patience (especially with those who do not know Jesus). As we do, others may find themselves wanting our Jesus, and not even knowing why :).

Healing Near Itaewon in Seoul!–February 2019

After meeting Sunghoe, we went to the mountain to intercede and listen as we had the week before.  Sunhoe shared how he had a good feeling about today and I agreed.  As we prayed, God showed Sunghoe a picture of an underground walkway under the street.  It just happened to be located very near the place I had seen earlier in the Spirit.  Confirmation!  The Lord also gave me a few words, including “bad back/stiff back.”

We left the mountain and walked around the area we were guided to.  It took a bit to figure out exactly where to go in the area, but eventually we found a spot that was suitable where people were walking.   I think we may have missed some opportunities with a few of the words God showed us–as we were hesitant at first.  But eventually we saw an elderly Korean woman walk past who seemed a little stiff as she walked.  We approached her and Sunghoe translated for me.  I told her what we were doing and asked if her back was ok.  She shared that her back was not doing well and allowed us to pray for her as she took a seat.  We also learned she was a Christian and coming back from church in the middle of the afternoon.  Very interesting!

As we prayed, I paused and waited for the Lord’s guidance.  Lately since coming back to Korea, I have been able to see (in the Spirit) Jesus with me (see Matthew 28:18-20).  I have also been struck by the verse from John 5:19-20 where Jesus says that He only does what He sees the Father doing.  As a follower of Jesus, I have desired to only do what I see Him doing through the Holy Spirit.  That day, I waited and remembered to look for Jesus.  I saw Him off to my left and soon after He went behind the woman and touched her back.  When He did this, I felt the power of God go through me and I announced that Jesus was touching her back.  We prayed a bit more for her, including that burdens she may be carrying with her own family would be lifted off in Jesus’ name.

When we finished, her face seemed to have a shine to it.  I believe she smiled!  I asked her how she was doing and she said in Korean she was “good!”  She thanked us and headed off.  As she walked, She seemed more upright and Sunghoe noticed it and commented on it.  Jesus had shown up!

Stepping out is Contagious!–July 2018

I was hanging out in Ferris Coffee in Holland (formerly Jp’s) working on preparing Dunamis material for some upcoming teaching in North Carolina. This guy who was sitting near me looked “familiar.’ I’ve had that before…people just look “familiar.” I told him that he looked familiar and made a comment about how I saw he was reading his Bible. He sat down on the bench next to me and we started talking.

I shared I was a missionary and I found out he was a graduate of a high school in the West Michigan region.  He was now attending Indiana Wesleyan studying Global Missions. He was very positive when he saw the “Holy Spirit’ stuff I was preparing to teach. I shared about some of the ups and downs of missionary life. I ended up listening to the Lord and praying over him and getting a continuous flow of words for several minutes and calling out his ministry gifting. He later confirmed my words.

I also had a sense that “right leg” was an issue. When I asked about his health, he said something about one leg may be longer. We checked and eventually decided to go out into the street and pray there. His legs were close to the same length, but the right was slightly longer than the left.  I held his feet and commanded the left leg to grow.  About 30 seconds later, they were the same length. Still holding his feet, I prayed some additional bold prayers over his life, health, and future.  We went back inside then and he prayed over me as well.   The whole interaction was greatly encouraging to both of us and we agreed to stay in touch.

After our conversation, I put on my headphones and went back to my work as he sat nearby reading his Bible.  After a little while, he went and talked to a girl sitting a few feet away from us.  I found out later he had a word for her and they had a conversation. Seems that stepping out can be contagious!

I praise God for this story.  It was an encouragement to me as I had been in a bit of a desert lately spiritually and it was a nice Holy Spirit firework display. May this testimony be a prophetic word for some of you reading.  Please do it again, oh Lord!

Teamwork in Tokyo’s Yoyogi Park–May 2018

I was back in Japan, this time with a team of short-term missionaries from the USA.  Among other things on our schedule, we were participating in the Shine Japan mission outreach week.

One of the days, the Lord directed my team to go to Yoyogi Park and off we went.  We were blessed to be joined by two Japanese speakers who could aid us in interpretation.

Luke, Daniel, and I began prayer walking in Yoyogi.  I had along some MySoularium cards, a resource from CRU.  The idea is to lay these cards out on the ground and then folks get curious and come talk to you.  There are scripted questions that can be used to bring people into deep conversations.  I find that it is often an excellent conversation starter and way to engage people through imagery.

To be honest, I was pretty focused on where to set up the cards that day.  Eventually, the Lord directed us to the dock near the small pond.  I wasn’t so sure about setting the cards up there, as there was a slight breeze and I didn’t want to lose the cards.  Yet the guidance was clear.  And I’ve learned it is best to obey, even if it doesn’t make much sense.  There weren’t too many people around that day, but there was a man who looked like he may be homeless laying on a bench facing away from us.

Initially, the plan to use the cards to start conversations did not appear to be very successful that day.  No one seemed to really care about them. Why were we sitting here?  There were plenty of other areas in the park. I felt like we were just wasting time.  At one point a breeze came up and blew a few cards into the water.  We had to take a long stick and fish them out!  However, in spite of all that, I believe God still led us to set the cards out where we did. Here is why:

As we sat next to the cards, I took notice of what was around me.  In quiet moments like this, there is also time to pray and dialogue with the Lord.  I kept noticing the “homeless man” even though he was not even looking in our direction.  It seemed the Lord was highlighting him to me.  I had been speaking to people mostly of “higher social classes” in the days prior.  Looking back, I realize that the Lord had to soften my heart for this man.  Finally, the interpreter and myself approached the man and we started talking.

Initially the man was a little negative and made some reference to wanting alcohol.  Yet as we conversed, he was clearly interested in learning more about my faith in God.  Soon into our conversation, he asked me a very interesting question.  I can’t remember it word for word, but it was something like “What has Jesus had done for you in your life?”  That is a pretty profound question!

I was able to share some of the ways Jesus had helped me through difficult situations, relationships, etc.  We talked a little more and I had a sudden sense to give this man 1,000 yen (or just over $9).  I wasn’t sure exactly when to do this, but around that same time my interpreter starting laughing at something the man had said.  When I asked for the interpretation, she shared that he had said, “That duck (swimming in the water) looks tasty.”  Here was my opportunity.  I gave the man the money and shared that God loved him.  I hoped he could eat something more tasty than duck!

The man was emotionally touched  by my act of kindness.  It seemed to be a turning point in our conversation.  I gave him a brochure that we had received from the Shine team that had testimonies and a gospel presentation  from The4Points (all in Japanese). At that point, he and the interpreter had a lengthy conversation and I went back to the Soularium cards, praying from a distance.

Eventually, I rejoined my interpreter as she was finishing with the man we had talked to.  He was very grateful for our conversation.  As he left, he shared how he would “Pray to Jesus everyday.”  Thinking back, he was really “different” than when we approached him.  Something in his face.  At the time, I didn’t recognize that the man may have been born again.  But later on as I reflected on the trip, God brought him to mind.  I also recalled how the Lord had been showing me that he didn’t come for the healthy but for the sick (see Mark 2:17).  I really believe that Jesus touched this man’s life through our interaction, acts of kindness, the brochure, and ultimately through the Holy Spirit.  Praise God!

Shortly after that experience, God called me into intercession again.  Luke, who had been prayer walking, stepped out and talked to a middle-aged man.  They used translation applications on their phones to have a conversation. My interpreter joined Daniel, who boldly stepped out and had a conversation with a Japanese business man who looked a little intimidating to me.  Evan, another member of our team, along with John who was interpreting for him, were conversing with a young college-aged man as well in that area.  Our prayers were being answered!  I spent time praying for these three encounters as I walked around the area.

When I heard the stories later, each was different.  Some appeared more “successful” than others.  But I believe God was at work, tilling the “soil” in each situation.

Along the Way–November 2017

Last night, I finished teaching a 5 week Evangelism course for a small group brothers and sisters.  Included in our 5 weeks were two opportunities to go out and intentionally follow the Lord in evangelism outreach.

As I reflect on the two times we went out, two stories are highlighted to me.  Both of these stories share a common theme: something happened along the way….”

In the first story, I was with Kate in downtown Grand Rapids, MI–USA.  It was cool and rainy and after some outreach in the Rosa Parks Circle, we headed for a nearby coffee shop.  But as we went in, Kate asked if I was sensing we were to stay there or go elsewhere.  I paused and the Lord brought the Lantern Coffee Shop to mind.  It was around a 10 minute walk, but we listened to the guidance and decided to head in that direction.  Along the way to the Lantern, we met a couple of retired US Veterans who were in need of prayer and encouragement.  They were greatly touched by our prayers and I was even able to give one of the a 4 points bracelet.

In the second story, I was with Jeff in downtown Holland, MI–USA.  We had prayed and listened before heading out and I discerned the Lord wanted us start at Pizza Hut and walk down the street towards Cherry Republic.  We did so and along the way, we slowed down a bit to look at a big dog sitting outside of a store.  Shortly thereafter, one of Jeff’s in-laws came out and started talking to us.  He asked what we were up to and we told him.  I asked if we could “practice on him” and we ended up praying over him and I received a word for him.  He seemed blessed then and I heard later that he was indeed greatly blessed!

I could share more details from our nights doing outreach or even from these two encounters.  But the point of this post is the highlighted portion: along the way!

In life, we are often so focused on our destination that we miss people along the way.  I believe sometimes, our destination may not even be the primary purpose of our journey.  God has good encounters prepared for us….along the way.  Doing intentional outreach with no agenda helps us to realize this.

How many people have we missed in the past along the way to somewhere?  That is not a question we can answer.  What we can do is seek to improve in the future.  My prayer is that we would all slow down just enough in life that we notice people along the way.  Who knows!  They may be the most important part of the journey.

Divine Appointment in Tokyo Starbucks–May 2017

I was waiting for my final team member to arrive at Tokyo station.  He had flown into Narita airport to join our outreach team and would be arriving on a bus soon.   While waiting, I went over to a nearby Starbucks.  It was very busy and I was eyeing the two open seats as I waited for my smoothie.

Just then, two 20-something age guys came in.  I watched them go towards the open seats and was not real happy.  Where would I sit?  But then God got ahold of my heart and I felt a sudden interest in the two guys.  Also about that time, another seat opened across from the two open seats.  As I came over with my drink, the two guys made eye contact with me and asked where I wanted to sit.  I encouraged them to sit together and I sat across from them.  This exchange, while simple, set a positive tone for future interaction.  Good thing I had that heart change!

I pulled out my Hiragana and Katakana flash cards and began studying my Japanese.  After a bit, I began to talk to the guys.  Japanese are always impressed at even my basic levels of Japanese and my studying the flash cards.  Interest in another culture speaks volumes!

Over the course of our conversation, I shared why I was in Tokyo and and was able to share the gospel using my Evangecube and share my testimony with them.  I also gave them some simple words about how God made them that the Lord put on my heart. Both were receptive. One had just recently moved to Tokyo and the other was from out of town.  The one who now lived in Tokyo shared how another believer has mentored him in the past.  Sometimes it takes hearing it from multiple people though (“I planted, Apollos watered” as Paul says).

When I left that day, the young man from Tokyo and I talked about meeting again.  And after some online communication, we did–in the same Starbucks!

I was more direct in the second meeting and we had a deeper spiritual discussion.  I was also able to give him a 4 points gospel card from the Shine Japan ministry.  When we finished our discussion, he asked me for people I knew in Tokyo that I could connect him with.  I was able to connect him to two others I knew.

I am excited for this young man.  I believe the Lord showed me he is a leader.  May he experience The Greatest Leader of all in a powerful way and fulfill all Jesus has for Him!

Expanding My Love for the Nations–May 2017

I was in Singapore on a ministry trip.  My host pastor and I went out to do some evangelism, but it seemed God had other plans that day.  We ended up with a few good interactions with believers.  Our fellowship was good, but I had a longing to share the gospel with someone.  After dinner, my host pastor left for home and said something to me about “sticking around” longer if I wanted to.  For some reason I decided I would.  We were in a large mall area near a Metro Transit station, and while I am not a big fan of malls–things just didn’t feel complete.

We had just eaten, but I was still hungry for some reason.  I grabbed a sandwich at 7-11.  In Singapore, you cannot eat on the Metro, so I looked around for some place to sit down and eat my sandwich.  I ended up coming out to to street level right next to a skate park (reminded me of my days prayer walking in Wyoming/Kentwood, MI!).  I sat down to eat my sandwich on some steps.

As I ate, I noticed a young man (“D”) sitting to my left.  “D” was taking a break from skating it appeared.  I wanted to talk to him, and dialogued with the Lord about it.  I felt the Lord ask me, “Why do you want to talk to him?’  My answer, “Because I love him.”  I felt a love for these people–who looked to be a different ethnic group than any I’d seen before.

About then, another young man came by.   He had on a hat with Korean writing.  I asked him if he knew what was on his hat and he did not.  I used my phone to translate it (as I didn’t recognize it either). It said, “Soon handsome,”  I laughed and shared with them.  This was the open door to conversing.

I ended up talking to “D” for quite some time.  At one point, I shared I was a Christian missionary and later when I asked about his religion, I learned he was a Malay Muslim (his people originally came from Malaysia).  When he shared he was a Muslim, I shared, “Oh, I love Muslims.”  He seemed surprised, but I shared about my love for all people.  I shared a bit of my faith journey and some disagreements I had with those close to me regarding my faith.  At one point, I mentioned how I did not agree with Muslims killing Christians–but that as a Christian I was called to forgive them.  I was a little surprised this came out of my mouth–but it happened so naturally and it seemed to build trust.  Authenticity tends to do that.

At some point in there,  I shared my evangecube with him in a really natural way.  He asked me some questions and we had a really nice interaction.  I felt the Koinonia presence of the Holy Spirit—in such a way I did not want to leave.  Finally I sensed our interaction was over and I did go, though we exchanged contact information before I left.

As I left that night and headed towards the metro, my heart was stirred for the Malay people.  I felt deep love for them and my emotions were real.  I debriefed some with my host Pastor by voice chat and continued home.

Sometimes I wonder what is up with me–loving all these people groups like this. What is my life?  But friends, this love is the very will of God.  After a night like this of seed sowing and love, this entire trip was worth it.  Every penny.  Every hour I have given up not “working” a regular job, etc.  Jesus is life.  To share him with others is such a joy.  It is to share life itself.   Matthew 28:18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  Ans surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

A New Impression of Christianity–April 2017

I was meeting with a middle aged man who was “on the journey back to God.” We were having a good time, but his wife was calling him and I found out she thought that I was in a cult.  In Korea, I have heard there are many cults, so it was quite understandable that his wife had some concern.  I found myself praying for his wife.  I believe I even mentioned her out loud as I prayed for our meal.

Later on as “the husband” and I were walking and talking, his wife called again.  At some point, I suggested that she meet with us.  I wasn’t sure that was a good idea and am not always interested in meeting people opposed to the ministry I do.  Yet it came out of my mouth for some reason.  Eventually, “the husband” mentioned that to “the wife” and was surprised when she agreed to meet with us.  He commented, “Apparently your prayer must have worked.”  This was turning into an interesting evening!

When we met, she was kind to me but a little shy–and I assured her I was not a cult leader.  I shared that I didn’t care where people went to church, I just wanted them to know God and have community.  That seemed to help a lot right there.  She spoke some English, and her bi-lingual husband was able to translate well.

I ended up sharing my testimony–religion, rebellion, and relationship (in a nutshell).  She seemed intrigued.  Than I shared my Evangecube with her and she listened intently.  I shared past testimonies of physical healing  and although skeptical, she shared of some things she had heard from another Christian friend.  She had some questions for me and I learned how she had been hurt as a child by “evangelists” telling them all they were “going to hell.”  Someone must have forgotten to share the “good news” part of the gospel!

I listened, as patient and loving with her as I could be.  I shared that there is a reality that all of us will die someday and (eternity) is something we must consider.  But God’s love is what draws us to Him!

The night progressed with some shopping and more conversation.  When we parted ways, I would say this woman was more open to the Lord than before.  It seems like she grew to trust me.  The entire interaction also strengthened the faith of her husband.  There was talk of them coming to a future church service—together.  Progress!

As I reflect on this, I really grieve for those who have been hurt by Christians.  At one point in the night, I shared an analogy:  If you go to a baseball game, there are many different kinds of fans.  Some are wild and all painted up, others are calm and unresponsive.  But we cannot judge the baseball game based on any one of these fans.  In Christianity, some Christians are weird and a little screwed up in their beliefs honestly.  I love them, but they can unfortunately do some damage to the reputation of Christ and Christianity.  We must see beyond THEM to HIM (Jesus).  This usually takes someone reflecting His true light.

Wherever we are in life, our goal should be to represent Christ well as His ambassadors.  Sometimes that means helping the individuals have a “new impression of Christianity.”    I believe that on that April evening in Korea, by His grace, I did that.  Lord finish what You started!

A Fool For Christ–March 2017

As I sat in my aisle seat on the airplane bound from Tokyo to Seoul, a young man took his seat to my right.  I heard the Lord say, “He is the one I want you to talk to.”  We began talking soon after.

I found out he was a Korean who had lived/worked in Japan for 5 years.  He was in his upper 20s. He was heading back to Korea for the first time in 5 years!  We got to know each other for a while and somewhere in that conversation he learned I was a missionary.  It was hard to discern exactly what his religious beliefs were as whatever he shared did not translate.  I think he was more agnostic.

After I asked Him about Christianity, He shared with me some negative perspectives of Korean Christianity from his viewpoint–including a lack of prayer, too much focus on money, and being a Christian by name without action.  He asked me about my Christianity and I was able to share my journey with him.

When he learned that I had a masters degree in economics, had taught at a university as an adjunct professor, and then became a missionary he was intrigued and wanted to know why I would do such a thing.  I made it clear to him about how God had transformed me and my own journey of healing and reconciling with those who had hurt me was hard enough that I developed a desire to help others know the Lord.  I could tell this was starting to get through to him.  Pray for this young Korean/Japanese man to encounter Jesus and become a disciple by the power of the Holy Spirit.

From this story, I came to an interesting conclusion:  In addition to being friendly, listening, and loving, the “odd” things in our lives that God has done/led us to are what is often most attractive to the unbeliever.  If they can’t figure it out, they become intrigued.  For each of us as believers: can we get over being potentially viewed as weird?  Or will we compromise our story to sound culturally “normal?” It is a great thing for all of us to think about.  I think sometimes we can have an “acceptance addiction!”  May the love of Jesus push that out and may we SHINE and be honest–unapologetically.  For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. -I Corinthians 1:25  

Fresh Off the Plane to the Bus-March 2017

As I left the bus from Tokyo Narita airport, I was feeling pretty good.  I was back in Asia.  Yahoo! As a Caucasian in an Asian world, one would think I would feel a little out of place.  But it was God who called and God was giving a grace to see past all that.  As I rode on the nearly empty bus, we made our way to the next airport terminal and picked up many people.  I had this sense that someone may sit next to me and we’d talk.  It seems like I may have had a vision of this happening in hours prior as well.  Hard to remember as I was trying to adjust to the new timezone.  One way or another, it happened.

I know very little Japanese, but I spoke “Ko-ni-chu-wa” (similar to ‘hello’ in English) to the young man who sat next to me.  He kindly spoke back.  I then spoke English to him and found out he spoke English.  East Asians are typically very modest on there English abilities and he was no different.  But we carried on a nice conversation.  I learned his name (we’ll call him “K,”) where he was from, where he was going to college.  Eventually I shared why I was in Japan.  At one point, I pulled open my bag and shared my evangecube with him.  (If you don’t know what that is, here is a link  http://shop.e3resources.org/ecube-classic/) Then I felt the Holy Spirit leading me to “let him hold it” so I gave it to him and he looked at the pictures.  He seemed to have heard of Jesus before, but I don’t know how much he knew.

Before I left, “K” and I took a photo together (see below).  Since then, we have been chatting via the internet.  I know from my experience from last summer what these chats can lead to.  Despite all the sinful pitfalls of technology, God is working through it to bring people to know him.  May he continue to bless our conversation!  Pray for the salvation of “K” and his family.

Spreading God’s Love and Fire-December 2016

Our weekly outreach group met with more than our normal amount of people that week.  I shared with our group about “perfect love casting out fear” from I John 4:18 and what love looks like from I Corinthians 13:4-8.  Our group seemed  especially ready to head out that night so after a short time of listening, off we went!  We split into two groups and headed out.

The group I was in began the evening praying over a park, but not many people were out.  It was a cold evening and those interactions we did have were brief and didn’t seem to go anywhere.  One member of  our group had a specific picture of someone we thought would be in the park, but didn’t find the person.  After a brief time interceding in prayer ove the par, it seemed we were being led to move on.  I thought of a park closer to the downtown area and we set off for that park.

The downtown area park was pretty deserted as well.  And our interactions were again pretty limited.  The other half of our original group was close by and we decided to walk over and join them.

When we joined the other group, it seemed they were having a good amount of spiritual interactions.  Everyone in the group seemed to be participating.  One of the pieces of guidance they had received was “the fire” and people “warming themselves by the fire.”  As we headed over near the fire, it seemed that the spiritual fire that was ignited in the downtown portion of our group was spreading to us!  I watched different ones from our group begin to step out and talk and pray with others.   Praise the Lord!  What seemed to be a dull night was changing.

Eventually, as I warmed myself by the fire and listened to the stories being shared from our team members from the night, I felt a desire to step out myself.  I prayed God would bring someone to us by the fire.  Within about 10 minutes, three young women came and stood by the fire.  Soon after I began talking to them.

After some conversation, we were given permission to gather around them and pray for them.  While we were praying, God began to give me one word to describe each of them.  I shared the words as we finished praying, and the women were greatly blessed!  An applicable word of knowledge about some physical healing needs was also shared and we gathered around them again in prayer.

During the physical healing prayers, another word of knowledge was shared for one of the women about a specific aspect of her life.  It, too was accurate.  (Side note: This word was applicable to my own life as well).  When I prayed into this word for the woman, I prayed based on the specifics of my life situation.  It wasn’t a bad prayer, but I sensed that what I prayed may not have really applied to her like it did me.

Looking back, I think I projected my life situation onto hers at that point.  It was a right word with the wrong application. This is very easy to do and was a learning moment for me as I reflect back on this story.  I don’t think it took anything away from our interaction and all three women seemed very blessed overall.  I didn’t take any condemnation away from it as there is no condemnation for those of us in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).  Still, it is always good to learn so we can keep improving and loving even better!

Soon after that we went out to eat and finished out our night.  Praise God for an eventful evening!   He had removed our fears and indeed allowed us to SPREAD HIS LOVE AND FIRE!

Salvation via Social Media-August 2016

This story actually starts in June of 2016.  While I was in Korea, I messaged the Korean brother who had served as an interpreter for me in Japan.  Honestly, I can’t recall now why I messaged him that night.  God may or may not have prompted me to do so. Either way, God was surely in it!

That evening as I talked to this brother, he mentioned he had some Southeast Asian young men with him.  The Holy Spirit guided me to offer to prophecy for these young men.  I was told that they were from a buddhist nation and were not Christian.  I shared that that didn’t bother me and told my Korean brother to discern whether or not it was appropriate that night.

He talked to them and they must have agreed because before I knew it it was happening.  I had no words when I was told to prophesy, but words came when it was time to pray!  Amazing how that happens.

I was told later by my Korean brother how much the young men had appreciated my words and how it spoke to them.  One of the young men (whom I now call “Smiley”) connected with me on social media.  At first I didn’t even know who he was, but eventually we connected and things went well.  We began talking a lot after I went back to the USA.  I wasn’t led to say much about Christianity other than what was necessary to share about my present life situation.  Both of us enjoyed connecting and learning about each other’s lives and cultures.

In early August, I returned for my second trip to Korea to help with a Korean youth event.  My Korean friend (whom I mentioned above) had invited me to go with him to a missionary museum in Seoul in June.  I took a raincheck on that one and we decided a group of us would go in August before the youth event instead.  So on Saturday, August 6th, we went.

I invited “Smiley” to join us as I figured it would be a good opportunity to connect with him in person with a mutual friend with us.  I was a little hesitant to invite a non-Christian along to a missionary museum, but the Lord assured me it was ok and he agreed to join us.

Later on, I could tell Smiley was very blessed by our time together.  He expressed a lot of joy in spending time with me.  I learned later that he asked my Korean friend to read the Bible together later that week.  We continued talking when I returned to the USA.  And a few weeks later on Saturday, August 27th, our conversation ended up leading to me sharing the gospel with him and He came to the Lord!  Hallelujah!

There was much to learn for “Smiley,” as he did not grow up in Christianity.  I am thankful that my Korean brother is helping him learn the Bible even as I am able to teach and help him via social media.  I have spent hours talking to him and teaching him the ways of God and have greatly enjoyed it.

I have prayed much for him.  I pray not only for him, but for his family and for his home country in Southeast Asia.  May they all discover that Jesus saves and He is the Way for all people to get lasting freedom and peace with God and eternal life!

After a successful Friday evening ministering to children, Saturday found me sharing the message of Christianity with three teenage boys.  They were certainly much quieter than the children were the day before!  It was not too easy to get them to ask questions and I ended up doing most of the talking.  I shared honestly about struggles and fears of young men. I talked about all of us looking for purpose in life and prayed for them.  Two were professing Christians but one was not a believer.

After we finished our time together, I joined them for some basketball on the court near the church.  These days I rarely play basketball, and I don’t consider myself very good at it.  But today basketball was my chance to strengthen relationship with them.  There is something powerful when “preacher dude” will become like those he is ministering to (I Corinthians 9:19-23).  So, basketball it was, for the sake of the gospel!  I found through the time playing that I was especially able to connect with the non-believer (or I like to say “pre-believer”).  We didn’t share a lot of language in common, but they knew what I represented and could see more now of how I walked it out.  I finished that night with a really good feeling.  If you had told me before leaving on the trip I’d be playing basketball as a means of follow up discipleship/evangelism, I don’t know I’d have believed you.  Yet I’m glad it happened!

After ministering in the congregation on Sunday, I played more basketball with the youth kids again on Sunday evening.  Once again, the non-believer was among the group.  There were also a few others there who I learned later were hardened to Christianity because of hard home lives.  As I reread my journal later, I noticed I said on Monday morning “tonight I hope to play more basketball, etc. with the youth.”  What happened to me!!  Now I was liking basketball :-).

A second trip to Korea later in the summer provided additional opportunities for me to teach, love, and play more basketball with many of these youth.  I ended up scoring a lot of points in one game we played (ok, it helps that I am taller than most of them).  I say this not to brag, but rather to say I felt like I was a better basketball player than I had ever been before.  If God can empower me to teach, prophesy, and heal, why not play basketball too?  When it is for His purposes, I believe He does just that.  Praise the Lord!  Keep praying for these youth to open their hearts and for God to reconcile them to himself through Christ Jesus!

I Become a Basketball Player to Win the Basketball Players!-June 2016

After a successful Friday evening ministering to children, Saturday found me sharing the message of Christianity with three teenage boys.  They were certainly much quieter than the children were the day before!  It was not too easy to get them to ask questions and I ended up doing most of the talking.  I shared honestly about struggles and fears of young men. I talked about all of us looking for purpose in life and prayed for them.  Two were professing Christians but one was not a believer.

After we finished our time together, I joined them for some basketball on the court near the church.  These days I rarely play basketball, and I don’t consider myself very good at it.  But today basketball was my chance to strengthen relationship with them.  There is something powerful when “preacher dude” will become like those he is ministering to (I Corinthians 9:19-23).  So, basketball it was, for the sake of the gospel!  I found through the time playing that I was especially able to connect with the non-believer (or I like to say “pre-believer”).  We didn’t share a lot of language in common, but they knew what I represented and could see more now of how I walked it out.  I finished that night with a really good feeling.  If you had told me before leaving on the trip I’d be playing basketball as a means of follow up discipleship/evangelism, I don’t know I’d have believed you.  Yet I’m glad it happened!

After ministering in the congregation on Sunday, I played more basketball with the youth kids again on Sunday evening.  Once again, the non-believer was among the group.  There were also a few others there who I learned later were hardened to Christianity because of hard home lives.  As I reread my journal later, I noticed I said on Monday morning “tonight I hope to play more basketball, etc. with the youth.”  What happened to me!!  Now I was liking basketball :-).

A second trip to Korea later in the summer provided additional opportunities for me to teach, love, and play more basketball with many of these youth.  I ended up scoring a lot of points in one game we played (ok, it helps that I am taller than most of them).  I say this not to brag, but rather to say I felt like I was a better basketball player than I had ever been before.  If God can empower me to teach, prophesy, and heal, why not play basketball too?  When it is for His purposes, I believe He does just that.  Praise the Lord!  Keep praying for these youth to open their hearts and for God to reconcile them to himself through Christ Jesus!

I Will Bring Them To You!-May 2016

God is Sovereign!  Ma

As we drove to a multi-cultural university in Southern, Japan, I sensed the Lord desired that we go to a “commons area” for a divine appointment.  I shared this with the rest of my team: Missionary Kim and my interpreter Shin Young (both Koreans).

After eating lunch with a Christian student Missionary Kim knew, we headed out to a commons area where we continued our conversation with the student.  At that point, I began to get hit with some spiritual warfare.  The devil was trying to stop us and was attempting to create confusion, shame, etc. I began to pray in the Holy Spirit and intercede.  As Scripture says, the Spirit helps us to pray and intercedes through us when we don’t know what to pray (Romans 8:26).

After  time of prayer, God began to focus me on a few benches about 10 yards away from us.  Many students were gathered there.  I eventually felt the Lord prompting me to go sit near them.  I got up, said something to Missionary Kim, and went,  unsure of what would happen.  I prayed for several minutes quietly in that spot.  Which student(s) should I talk to, Lord?  But there was no clear prompting and eventually the students all left.  Then I heard the Spirit of God say, “I will bring them to you.”  This is always a little disheartening to hear.  For some reason, we think in evangelism we can make something happen and when God shows us he is clearly in the driver seat, it hurts our pride a little.  But I am so thankful He is the one in charge!

One student came over and we greeted each other.  Could he be the one?  But soon he moved on.  God then moved me to get up and prayer walk around the entire area.  I did so.  Missionary Kim and Shing Young were still sitting where we were before.  They had now finished their conversation with the Christian student who ate lunch with us.  After making a complete circle, I noticed three Japanese students had come and sat down right next to the spot I had been sitting when the Lord told me He’d “bring them to me.”  I felt a peace with talking to them and commented on the ice cream.  They responded back in English and our conversation began.

They were sophomore students studying at the university.  I found out later that their afternoon class was canceled that day.  We talked about Japan, our majors (or past majors in my case) in school, my travel in Asia, etc.  Eventually, they learned about my Christian work and I learned they were Atheists.  Shortly after, I didn’t feel I had any more words to say, other than to invite over Missionary Kim and Shin Young to meet them.  Missionary Kim was taking some PhD courses at the university and I introduced them to him.  At that point, he became the main speaker (now in Japanese).

Shin Young and I interceded quietly as he talked with the students.  They had some questions about Christianity and eventually, he was able to share the gospel with them.  I began to get some words from the Lord to encourage each of the students in who God created them to be and prayed for an opportunity to share them.  At one point, Missionary Kim stopped and kind of looked at me.  I shared at that point the words, sharing that I had been praying for each of them.  The students seemed to receive them well!

Missionary Kim continued his sharing after that and after a time, we took photos together and exchanged contact information.  The students may be following up with Missionary Kim to learn more about Christianity.  One of them had just read through the New Testament.  Praise the Lord!

God is faithful.  When we follow His guidance, He opens doors no man can open.  He brought them to us, just as He promised!  Praise the Lord!

“Mountain Top” Experience-March 2016

It was Thursday, about one week into my trip to Japan.  I had enjoyed spending time with the Shine Japan outreach group the previous two days and sensed God wanted to use me for more evangelism.  Shine Japan continued on Thursday–yet when I went to God in prayer, I was shown to spend Thursday “in leisure and preparation time.”  I was a little disappointed, but elected to be obedient.  I’d rather be in God’s will having leisure time than out of it doing outreach.  Anyhow, I was in Tokyo and there was much to see!

After some quiet time in the morning, I prepared for my day.  I brought along my Evangecube (which unfolds the gospel through pictures in a beautiful way) just in case.  I still had a passion to share the gospel, and I’ve learned you never know when that will happen when you walk with God :-).  I took the metro to Mt. Takao, a place that was suggested to me by a long term missionary in Tokyo.  I ate lunch, grabbed a water, and began hiking up the mountain.  It wasn’t an easy path up as there were a lot of roots.  But I had a sense I was right where God wanted me.

The summit of the mountain was beautiful.  Mt. Takao isn’t that high, but the view is great.  After enjoying the view, I began to read signs that compared the mountains of Japan.  Eventually, I wondered down some stairs to read another sign about the mountains.  It was then I saw the young man sitting by himself on a bench nearby.  I had a desire to talk to him and it kind of just happened.  I said, “Hi” and our conversation began.  He spoke very good English!

We began to dialogue about my trip to Japan, my impressions of the country, etc.  I mentioned my travel plans and “H” (that’s what we’ll call him) was shocked to find out that the city I would be visiting the next day was his hometown!  From there, the conversation led to me sharing some about my mission in Asia.  I even talked about sharing the gospel in Tokyo earlier that week.  I showed “H” my Evangecube (really glad I brought it!!) and explained it to him.  He was intrigued by it (the story of Jesus tends to have that effect on people).  I politely asked about his faith and he shared he was Buddhist.  Our conversation went a different direction then, but I figured we may come back to that later.

After a little while, I asked “H” if he’d like to walk down the mountain with me.  He agreed, and I could tell he enjoyed talking to me.  There were actually several different paths down the mountain, but I sensed the Lord leading us to take path #4.  As we walked down, we enjoyed conversing with one another.  Eventually we came to a Buddhist temple of some sort.  I began asking “H” about Buddhism and he shared.  I was prompted to ask about an after-life and he shared that “good people go up” and “bad people go down.”  That led to my next question: “Which are you?”  This question is really revealing and it was in this case as well.

He shared he was “good.”  I then used the analogy of a classroom and a teacher, students and a test.  Is 90% passing?  Is 80%?  How “good” do we have to be?  I could tell he hadn’t really thought about this before.  This led to me sharing more about my life: the times I thought I was “good” and passing the tests, the times I thought I was “bad” and failing the tests, and my present view of being forgiven and seen by God as perfect through Jesus.

“H” listened and I could tell it was a lot to process.  In Japan, Shintoism and Buddhism are often mixed and the resulting beliefs are rather complex.  There was a clash of world views taking place, so I was sensitive and loving, yet truthful and surprisingly bold as I proceeded.  We continued on our way down, and at one point I shared something God placed on my heart to tell him, regarding his future.  Again, it was hard to tell how he took it, but he didn’t seem awkward to me at all.  I’d say he was appreciative even.

When we got down the mountain, “H” shared this with me: “I had a very good day today–because I met you.”  This was a great compliment and I felt he really meant it.  I shared the same back to him.  We rode the metro together and traded contact information, before warmly parting ways.

Pray for “H” and all those in Japan.  Our Lord Jesus Christ loves this nation and I do, too!  Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life–and is the only way to God the Father.  This may be offensive to some, but it is a great relief.  He scored 100% in this life and by truly believing in Him and Lord and Savior–this is credited to our account!  Peace and eternal life–now and forever!  Hallelujah!

Salvation on the Train!-February 2016

God is Sovereign!  Many times, that phrase is thrown around in Christian circles and it gives us a sense of comfort that God is bigger than our problems, has perfect knowledge in each situation, and orchestrates things in ways that are beyond our understanding.  My recent trip south helped me to see God’s sovereignty again in powerful ways!

As I mentioned in my Feburary 3rd post, I recently visited a missions team out of state.  I had been asked to come and do some teaching for the team several months back.  However, whenever I took it before the Lord, I was not getting the go-ahead.  I was a little frustrated, as I wanted to go.  Yet I’ve learned that if God is not in something, I’d rather not be either!

Finally, in early January, the Lord showed me to go February 2nd-6th and to take Amtrak.  I listened and booked my tickets later that evening.  At the time, it didn’t make total sense.  My friends lived three hours from the Amtrak station.  This meant extra drive time and likely some later/earlier travel hours.  And why not stay for Sunday?  It was puzzling to me.

Saturday, February 6th, I prepared to head back to Michigan after a great trip seeing the mission’s team.  As I sat waiting for the train, I noticed that my layover in Chicago was rather long.  I checked online and found out that there was an earlier train back to Michigan, and I was able to change to the earlier train!  My motive in doing this was so I could be home earlier on Saturday night and be more rested for my speaking Sunday morning.  I had peace with this.  Little did I know that what I had just done was key for what was about to come!  God can guide us through many ways.  Sometimes, he just works through our natural desires.

When I got to Chicago, I ate lunch in Union Station.  As I was finishing, I was approached for some money by a young lady.  This allowed me an opportunity to bless and pray for her.  As I finished, I noticed a young man sitting about twenty feet away.  He looked like one of my friends from Michigan, only with longer hair.  He was highlighted to me, and I knew in my spirit I should talk to him.

What does “highlighted to me” mean?  I get this question a lot.  Here’s how I will describe it: I noticed him and had a strong sense that I was to talk to him.  It is like my spirit was being drawn towards him for no apparent reason.  I could try to just forget it, but it was almost unbearable.  I had a strong love for him as well, a deep caring and burden for him to know God.

The next question is of course, “What do I do with this?”  I am not the kind of person who enjoys awkward conversations, so I’ve learned to pray and seek the Lord’s wisdom.  Often times though, we cannot wait too long or we will miss the opportunity.  I finished my lunch and walked over to throw away my garbage.  Then I opened my mouth and just starting talking to him!  I shared with him the truth:  how he looked like one of my friends and how I just felt like I should come say hi.  He was friendly and we began talking.

I learned “Mike” was on the train heading for rehab.  We made small talk for several minutes.  I learned that his past was checkered, but he seemed open spiritually.  I was moved deeply with compassion for him and shared about God’s grace to give us 2nd, 3rd, and 4th chances.  To demonstrate this, I gave him a few bucks even though he wasn’t in need of money (Note: I am reluctant to share about personal giving publicly as it is never for show.  In this case it was part of the testimony of God opening his heart).  I shared that God desires to meet us in our lowest state and help us up.  I prayed with him, spoke some words of encouragement God gave me, and shared a story of God blessing me with supernatural providence (See my November 13th, 2015 post).  I gave him my ministry card and shared that he was welcome to keep in contact with me if he wanted, but didn’t have to.  I told him I’d love to hear the story of what God does for him!  Then we gave each other a hug and I left.

At that point, I was praising God for a couple of unexpected encounters in the train station.  Yet things were only beginning.  Mike ended up being on my train to Michigan–that one that I had switched to that very morning!  As we stood in line, we agreed to sit together and talk more.  The ticket lady confirmed this when she told Mike, “You need to stick with him (me).”  Amazing!  About then, I texted a couple of intercessors back home in Michigan and told them to “Pray!”  God was up to something!

On the train, I learned more about Mike (who gave me permission to share this with you).  He grew up in a Christian home but had made some poor choices.   Like many of us, there was hurt from the past.  He was clearly a gifted young man, in spite of it all.  I showed him my two train tickets on my phone and how I had switched trains that very morning–so that I was now on this train with him!  I also shared how God had guided me to take this trip on the days He had.  Mike kept saying, “It’s a God set up!”

Next, I shared with him two passages of Scripture:  Romans 7:14-20 and Romans 8:1-3.  These two passages illustrate the difference between living under “The Law of Sin and of Death” and “The Law of the Spirit of Life.”  I shared my story with him and learning the difference between “Religion” and “Relationship with God.”  I shared how ever since the Garden of Eden, all of us are stuck under the curse of performance, and God desires to give us new life in Christ!  Our obedience then flows out of relationship with Him, as He lives inside of us.  This really clicked with him.  He told me he was not right with God and he knew he was not born again. Soon he was begging to be saved!  It was astonishing to watch the Holy Spirit work!

I was about to lead him in a prayer of salvation, but was guided by the Holy Spirit to just “let him pray.”  He prayed from his heart and it was beautiful!  When he finished, he looked physically different!  God’s Spirit took residence in his heart and brought a warmth to his appearance.  Without me telling him to, he began deleting off of his phone certain music and photos.  God was guiding Him! He texted his mother and shared what had happened.  It really blessed me when she rejoiced with her son and recognized that God had set up my meeting with him!

I prayed for the heavenly Father’s embrace to be real to Mike and for an encounter with God’s love.  This led to tears and some time of forgiveness.  I was also guided to speak against some evil spirits harassing him and tell them to go and to pray off curses that may be holding him down.   Finally, I pulled out my computer, opened to the presentation I had just given a few days before and taught him about the Holy Spirit.  He was hungry to be prayed to be empowered and used by God as a witness to others!

Pray for Mike.  I believe God is going to use him powerfully in the days ahead!  Just because he made some poor choices doesn’t mean his life is doomed.  In fact, his new life just started!  And how many more will be touched through the Spirit’s work in and through Him?

God is so faithful to guide.  As I got off the train that evening and gave Mike a farewell hug, I was filled to overflowing with the Father’s love.  We were all created for Him.  To be used as part of His sovereign plan in Mike’s life blesses me more than I can express.  To God be the Glory!!!

The Fruit of Prayer Walking!-January 2016

Sometimes in our Christian walks, we spend extended times praying for people/things and do not see much outward evidence of God answering our prayers.  We may have a sense of inner peace that we were obedient but move on with life and forget about our past times of prayer.  This has been the case in my life on more than one occasion.  Yet as I continue this journey of faith, I am finding that even when I am released from a prayer assignment God continues to work!  Praise the Lord!!  The story below illustrates this perfectly.

From late March of 2012-late August of 2012, I spent some time virtually everyday praying over a small skatepark.  While I myself did not skateboard, I was drawn to the young people in the park.  Generally, I would prayer walk around the park, praying quietly in my prayer language of tongues and in English as the Holy Spirit gave me words.

As an evangelistic person, I was constantly looking for opportunities to talk, share, and pray with people in the park.  Over the course of the spring and summer, many opportunities were given to me.  Yet there was always a sense inside of me that more was supposed to happen.  When God released me from the park and the burden of prayer lifted, I continued to wonder about what all God really had done, especially through  my prayers.

Fast forward to the fall of 2015.  I was praying one night and God brought back to mind the skatepark.  I was moved by the Spirit to pray to see more of the fruits of my labors.  Shortly thereafter, I met Henry at a prayer gathering.

Henry, like many young men I have mentored on some level, was “highlighted” to me.  This simply means I noticed him and something in my spirit was drawn to connect with him.  That particular December evening, I did not talk to him but prayed quietly to the Lord.  I knew that at some point, we would connect.

In early January, I saw Henry again and this time I talked to him.  I found out he had a desire to be a missionary in the future and was a young believer.  We exchanged information and met up soon after to talk more.  Sometime in there, the Lord revealed to me that Henry was one of the young men I had prayed over in the skatepark!

When we met up, I asked Henry about skating and found that he indeed was in the very skatepark that I had prayed over nearly 4 years before.  As a teenager, he was not walking with the Lord at the time but now as a young adult, he is fervent in his faith and a born again Christian.  It was such a joy to minister to Henry that evening and hear his story and heart for missions.

As I left that evening, I recalled that one of my prayers in the summer of 2012 was that God would raise up missionaries from the youth in the skatepark.  God heard that prayer.  Henry is proof!  Praise the Lord!!

The Fruit of Obedience!-September 2015

It was Thursday evening and I was teaching at my home church congregation on listening evangelism.  The teaching was part of a four-week event called “Prayer in Motion” that I was team teaching with Andrew Sisson.  This particular evening, I taught the participants about encountering the love of God, bringing that encounter to others, praying for the lost, and being led and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Among the participants was Tommy, a 30-something year old man hungry to go out and make a difference.  Having Tommy present was special to me in more than one way.  During the Summer of 2014, I had apparently prayed for Tommy in the Rosa Parks area of downtown Grand Rapids before He knew Jesus Christ.  Though I don’t recall all the details of that evening, less than a year later Tommy (who had come to church and met Jesus Christ personally) was out on the streets with me and Andrew in the Spring of 2015.  That night as we traded stories we began to put things together.

So as I taught that Thursday evening, I was given permission from Tommy to share about our history.  I remember telling the group something along the lines of: “There are more Tommies out there.  Let’s pray for them.”

After our teaching time, we went out on the streets for a time of activation.  Participants were encouraged to listen to the Lord for “clues” on where to go, whom to talk to, what to pray for, etc.  As always, it was a stretching but exciting time.

Our time was short, but after going out for nearly 1 hour, we returned to debrief.  Tommy had a powerful story of how the vision he received from God before hand was exactly what he experienced.  God’s guidance led him into an encounter and a time of prayer!

I had to process this.  Tommy was now moving in the Spirit just as I had when I met him.  He himself was being used by God to fulfill the prayers we had prayed.  Who better to find the “Tommies” out there than Tommy himself!

Outreach at “The Barber Shop”-August 2015

It was a beautiful August evening in Grand Rapids.  I was joined over the course of the evening by Nate, Donnie, Alex, and Michael to do some outreach.  We met at Gold Avenue Church to begin the evening for prayer, and then started off.  One piece of guidance that I received that night was “a figure 8.”  I sensed that we were to prayer walk in “a figure 8,” with the church at the center.  So our first circle began.

We didn’t feel moved to talk to many people as we walked in the first circle.  One lady declined our offer for prayer, but otherwise it was mostly a time of intercession.  When we finished, we began walking the second circle of the “figure 8.”  As we approached a small park near the Gerald R. Ford museum, I sensed we should walk around the hills and see if anyone was on the other side.  Right as I was sensing that, Michael suggested the same.  I love the way the Holy Spirit brings  agreement in prayer!  There is much confidence to go forward in such cases.

As we rounded the corner of one of the hills, we saw two men, probably in their 50’s sitting on a bench.  Another man was holding a hair clippers in his hand on the edge of the hill. Our evening was about to get a little more exciting!

I approached one of the men (we’ll call Him “Al”) and asked him how he was doing?  Then for some reason, I was prompted to ask Him, “Where are you going in life?”  Al’s answer was sharp and blunt:  “Straight to Hell.”

What do you do when someone responds like this?  I was caught off guard a bit, but asked Al the obvious question:  “Do you want to do something about that?”  There is a time for everything, and when people are blunt with me, I’ve learned to be blunt back.  It seems to get through most effectively!

This led to a discussion of faith, and it was clear that there were wounds from Christianity amongst the group.  Al declined our offer to pray for healing for his body, which was disappointing.  There was some awkwardness, yet I sensed we were to continue to love and dialogue.

Al began receiving a haircut, and we began conversing with another man in the group (we’ll call him “Bob”).  Bob was open with us and as we loved on him and shared our life stories with him, the atmosphere in the “Barber Shop” changed.  I shared that I had been wounded from church/other Christians myself, but that forgiveness and blessing was the answer, not bitterness.  This seemed to really bless Bob, especially when we gave him some grocery money that He did not directly ask us for.

When Al and “the Barber” joined us after the haircut was finished, Bob shared that “we were different” (in a good way).  All of the guys blessed us and even Al seemed to change his opinion and spoke words of life.  These guys all “knew” the gospel.  What they needed was to see people who cared and lived it out.  Love without  strings attached.

How many touches will it take for folks like this to get off the streets and begin to think differently?  I don’t know but it always feels good to our part in bringing them an encounter with the Kingdom of God.  We parted ways with mutual blessings and finished out the rest of the circle to complete the “figure 8.”

Asian Adventures in Starbucks-June 2015

Late June found me in Asia, where I was spending 9 days with some friends who were hosting me.  It was Sunday evening, and I began taking a look at my schedule for the next week. One theme of my trip to Asia was trusting God to fill open spots in my schedule.  As I look back, He was certainly was faithful to do just that!  As we prayed that evening, I sensed God wanted me to do some evangelism that week.  Monday morning my schedule was wide open.  I told my friends we should pray and ask God where he wanted me to go.  As we prayed, I sensed one of my hosts would get the leading.  This was indeed the case and in a bit, “Starbucks” was confidently shared with me.  So Monday June 22nd, I headed for Starbucks.

When I arrived, God instantly showed me to go upstairs and pray.  I was puzzled, thinking that the Starbucks must have an upstairs. However, that was not the case. Rather the Starbucks was in a large mall, and the upstairs offered a great view of the city. From there, I prayed for the people in this large Asian city.  The Holy Spirit interceded through me for some time. Then I went back down into the coffee shop and finished reading my book.

As soon as I finished praying, I had a nice talk with some church leaders whom I had seen the day before in the International church. We encouraged each other and then I left.  At that time, it didn’t appear like all that much had happened: Go to Starbucks.  Pray.  Encourage a few people.  Move on.  It was a little puzzling.  However, I had a clear peace and knew I was obedient.  I moved on with the rest of my day.

Yet the story does not end there.  On Tuesday June 23rd, I woke up and was about ready to read my Bible.  I clearly heard the Holy Spirit whisper, “Go back to Starbucks and do your devotions there.” This seemed odd and was definitely not in my plans, but I went obediently.

So there I was, in faith, back at Starbucks:  Bible out, notebook out, pretending like I was in my living room.  After a bit, a young man came and sat next to me. The Holy Spirit whispered, “He speaks English.” A few seconds later, I introduced myself in English and he responded back. He did, indeed, speak English.  Our conversation went no further at that point and we both were focused on our tasks in front of us.

After finishing my devotions, God began to reveal very clearly to me my first message for my sermon in South Korea the following Sunday: Walk by the Spirit from Galatians 5:16-17. I scribbled down some notes in my notebook. It was ironic this was happening as I was stepping out in faith “following the Spirit.”  The message came to me very easily.  It would be the start of many that God would give to me in a similar fashion on that trip.

After I finished taking notes, I was led again to talk to the man next to me.  He was quite receptive to me. I learned his name and that he was a 25 year old computer graphic developer (or something like that).  He knew English very well and was about to take a trip with his girlfriend to Italy. I asked him about his story, his nation’s culture and eventually religion. He shared he had no religious beliefs, but I was “nudged” by the Spirit to say I was Christian. When I did, he mentioned he had just read the Bible recently!  I asked if he understood it, and he shared, “Not really.” This was my que!

I asked if I could explain the main message of the Bible to him and he gladly said, “Yes.”  I began sharing.  I highlighted God’s creation, man’s fall and our universal problem of sin separating us from God, and how our Heavenly Father loved us enough to send His Son Jesus Christ to redeem the world.  His Holy Spirit would come and live in and guide all who would trust in Jesus Christ for salvation and turn and surrender to His Lordship. As I shared, I drew things out in my notebook for him.  I could tell it was a lot for him to process, but he was intrigued and thankful.

Because much time had past by this point, I had to go soon to get back for my next meeting.  I wanted to stay longer, but I sensed the Lord was finished for the day.  I told him I would pray for God to help him understand what I had shared and he was thankful.  We exchanged contact information so we could communicate via social media and I took off, very blessed by the experience. Later I was able to connect him to my local host through a three-way message.  Follow up could now happen.

No to Religion, Yes to Experiencing God-April 2015

I invited a number of folks to join me to do listening evangelism that April evening, but it ended up only working for me and my friend Nate.  In some ways I was disappointed, but I realized that God’s agenda is not the same as mine.  He knows best and I just need to be obedient.  That is where the freedom lies.

Nate and I circled Rosa Parks in prayer.  After a few laps around it, I was prompted to talk to a young man sitting on a bench.  Nate joined me and we began making small talk.  After a few minutes, we shared with him what we were doing.  Because we were so natural and nonchalant about it, he wasn’t turned off.

We talked for a while with the young man and eventually I offered to pray for him.  He really couldn’t think of any prayer requests, so we talked some more.  I asked him about his religious beliefs, and he shared that he was a Christian.  I shared honestly some of my story with him, growing up learning the Bible, coming to faith in college, and later learning about hearing from God and deeper relationship.  He was eager to hear more about the last part.

When I asked him if we could practice “listening to the Lord” for him, he eagerly said, “Sure!” I told him and Nate that we would keep our eyes open so as not to make a public scene.  There was no need to make things awkward.  This comment seemed to put all of us at ease.

The Lord gave us many words of encouragement for him, and then we talked a bit more.  I could feel the Holy Spirit had brought us together in trust and love, but I also felt the Spirit leading us to move on.  I wanted to honor this man’s schedule, as he had mentioned he had a few other things to do.  I gave him a copy of my business card and offered to meet up in the future if he ever wanted to talk further.  He was clearly blessed and thankful for our interaction.  I am excited for the future God has for Him!

Subway Surprise-March 2015

It was nearly 2 pm, and I had not yet eaten lunch.  I’d overslept, eaten a late breakfast, etc.   The point is, my day wasn’t going exactly like I had planned it, though I was at peace in my spirit.  I’ve learned that a day is never wasted, and God can take a day that seems amiss and use it powerfully for good.

As I was about to head to the refrigerator for lunch, when I heard the Spirit say to me, “Go to Subway.”  “Ok God,” I said.  And I got in my car.  I had to run an errand anyway and I decided I’d do that and look for a Subway.  After I finished the errand, I checked in my GPS and a Subway that I had never before visited was .1 miles away!

When I went in, the girl behind the counter tried to guess what kind of bread that I wanted for my sandwich.  She told me she thought she was psychic.  I felt the Spirit quicken with me, and I knew I was to “use that.” I asked her if she believed in psychics and she told me she did.  This provided me an opportunity to share about prophecy and how I had been to a prophetic speaker the night before.  As she thumbed tomatoes on my sandwhich, she was engrossed in our conversation.  Thankfully, I was the only one in the restaurant at that hour.  Remember, it was after 2 pm!

As I got to the register to pay, I shared that God had given me a few words for her.  She gladly gave me permission and I shared them with her.  She shared that other words had been spoken over her in her childhood: words about being a leader.”  She said she was at a Christian camp when someone had told her this.  Interesting!

I ate my sub, and the Lord began to show me some things I needed to pray off of the young woman.  Words had been spoken over her by others that were acting as a curse.  He also showed me that there were good things He had for her, doors He wanted to open.  But she needed to surrender to Him to walk in the blessings.  I shared these with her as I finished.  Another customer came in and she continued talking with me while her co-worker tended to the customer.  Eventually, she needed to go and I didn’t hold her up.  She was clearly pondering what I said and thanked me.  I could almost see the Lord connecting the dots from her childhood to her present.  He was showing her that Christianity didn’t have to be boring and could be very spiritual.  But it needed to be based on surrendering to Jesus Christ as the “Greatest Spirit.”  In Him is LIFE!

This little interaction provided a great story for me as I headed to my 3:30 college men’s group to teach them more about evangelism.  We never know ‘when’ and ‘how’ God will use us.  And we often don’t see the fruit of our obedience.  But it still pays to be obedient.  Moments like this can change a life.  And moments like this make us come alive!

May God’s surprises continue in your life and in mine, for His glory, our joy, and to advance His kingdom!!

Patience Results in Salvation-October 2014

I arrived in Dan Yang South Korea on Monday afternoon, October 20  I was as one of the teachers for an Dunamis Evangelism Conference .  Almost instantly, I noticed a fairly tall Korean man who was one of the workers.  For some reason, he stuck out to me.  I didn’t think much about him at the time, but I found myself wondering if he was a Christian.

There were a lot of things to discuss for the conference.  So I soon forgot about the man at the front desk.  But each time I went back into the lobby and saw him, the thought came back to me, stronger than before.  When I asked God about it, He told me, “Wait.”  So I waited.  Monday.  Tuesday.  Wednesday.  By Wednesday night, it was almost unbearable.  But God continued to say, “Wait.”  Then Thursday came.  On Thursday afternoon, we did outreach on the streets of Dan Yang.  Before we went out, we waited on the Lord to reveal “clues” to us on where he wanted us to go, who were were to talk to, and what to pray about and look for.  I again had a vision of this young man.  But I also knew the Lord wanted me to wait until we returned from the streets.

After we came back from an eventful time on the streets, we were sharing stories with other groups.  Through the window, I saw the young man preparing our meal in the hotel dining room.  I knew then that I could finally talk to him.  After dinner, I did so through my interpreter, as He spoke very little English.  I had a few prophetic words about him being a leader and letting go of the past.   He seemed a little sheepish about being called a leader, and I could tell he had some shame.  But when I offered to talk to him more that evening after our session, he agreed.

So at 10:30 in the hotel lobby that evening, we resumed conversation.  It was as if there was no language barrier.  God gave me words to speak, the interpretation worked out well, and the young man was honest with me. He was in his early 30’s, just a bit older than me.  He was a college dropout and had moved to this town recently.  He was lonely and worked a lot.  He didn’t know God.

I shared the gospel with him, and he shared that he understood with his head, but that was all.  I placed my hands on him and asked the Holy Spirit to come.  After praying, He initially said he felt nothing.  But when I asked if he felt heat, he nodded, surprised that I knew that.  I then told Him that God was real and wanted a relationship with him through Jesus Christ.  I shared that I may never see him again on this earth, but wanted him to be my brother for all eternity.  He swallowed.  I could see clearly that love was translating across cultures!  Soon after, I asked him one more time if he wanted to give his life to Jesus and receive Him as Lord and Savior.   He said, “Yes!”  I led him in a prayer and blessed him as we left.  He assured me as I left that it indeed was his decision, not my “salesmanship.”  Thank you Holy Spirit for moving!!

The next day, I brought a pastor with me to follow up with him.  He seemed very pleased to see me and his face looked more alive than before.  They exchanged information.  I also shared with his boss at the hotel (a Christian) what had happened.  I still don’t know his name, but God does.  And God needs no interpreter to communicate with Him!  Praise the Lord!

That’s Bodacious-September 2014

I arrived in Dan Yang South Korea on Monday afternoon, October 20  I was as one of the teachers for an Dunamis Evangelism Conferen

As our group of three began our time of outreach that Saturday afternoon, I was reminded of our desperate need for God and His guidance and orchestration.  I may have done this many times before, but every time is different.  We needed Him to show up in order for people to truly be touched.  “Oaks Street” and “Creme Colored” were two of the words of guidance that we had received as we prayed that morning.  So we began by walking down Oaks Street.  Soon we spotted a man wearing a creme colored hat nearby.  Instantly, I felt the Holy Spirit leading us over to talk to him.  In some cases, it is appropriate to wait awhile before going over and pray.  But when God prompts and the energy comes, it’s go time: NOW!!!.  That is what happened that day.

What do you say when you talk to a total stranger?  Sometimes, this is the part that holds people back. My advice: don’t make it too complicated!  We walked up and said, “Hi, how are you doing today?”  He made took our random interaction completely in stride, and responded with a question himself:  “Can I use one of your phones?  I need to make a call.”  I felt the Lord’s peace and right away gave him my phone to use.  The person he called didn’t answer, but it did soften his heart towards us as we showed kindness.  We continued to make small talk and I noticed that he kept using the word “bodacious” (thus the title of this blog post).

We eventually told Mr. Bodacious what we were doing and he mentioned his neck pain.  His pain was evident, as his head was hunched over.  When we asked to pray for his neck,  he fired back, “Why would you want to pray for my neck?  I have pain in my shoulder, my side and all over my body.”  When a person isn’t interested in prayer, there is no reason to force it on them.  In this case, there was some demonic intervention.  I told Mr. Bodacious that prayer was his choice and wouldn’t be forced on him, and we moved on to another subject.  I was thinking about ending our interaction, but before we could, a friend of mine rode up on her bike.  She began talking with us and joined our conversation.

About then, one of Mr. Bodacious’ friends came over to join us as well.  Seeing the uniqueness of our spontaneous gathering, Mr. Bodacious wanted a picture with all of us.  While his friend tried to get the camera to work, we put arms around each other.  By this time, Mr. Bodacious had softened to us even more.  He seemed quite comfortable, especially since we were gentle and kind and did not force anything on him or judge him for who he was.  I was led to say, “Hey, we already have our arms around you.  Are you sure we can’t pray for healing for your neck and body?”  This time, it worked.  He allowed us to pray, about the time the camera finally clicked.

We spoke healing into his body in Jesus name, and commanded evil spirits off of him.  I asked the Holy Spirit to come on him.  He felt the presence of God and starts crying.  Then his head came up and he said, “There is no pain in my body.”  He affirmed that there was pain before and now he didn’t feel any.  He started praising God and rejoicing!  I tried to talk to him a bit more about his personal walk with Jesus, but he was praising God so much he didn’t hear me.  We did what we were sent for!   Before we left, we were able to give him a better rain coat to keep him dry.  And that, my friends, is Bodacious!!

A Fresh Start-July 2014

I was on the Rosebud Reservation near Mission, SD for a missions/equipping trip in mid July of 2014.  I was joined on my trip by two young men from Grand Rapids, MI.  On one of the first days of our time on the reservation, we came across a young twenty year-old man who needed a ride to the Pine Ridge Reservation, about 60 miles away.  A friend of ours was looking for someone to take him back.  The twenty year old had been somewhat of a problem locally, and had even been somewhat violent.  But we prayed, discerned, and God said, “Yes.”  He doesn’t always call us to do the “safe” things.

As we drove him the 60 miles to Pine Ridge, God softened our hearts for him and we began to love on him.  We shared personal testimonies of our lives.  I talked about coming out of a mindset of religion and into a mindset of relationship. This really intrigued him, as he had a mix of native and Catholic beliefs and was confused.  We prayed for inner and physical healing and anointed him with oil as we drove down the road in my car.  His heart began to open more to us.  He even gave me a gift: a special pen with beads that he made.  He said he needed a “fresh start,” and when we came to the gas station in Martin, SD where we dropped him off, the station was called “fresh start.”  God sure does have a sense of humor!

We got out of the car and I gave him a special gift box that had a Bible and several gospel tracks, in it.  He was very grateful and thanked us several times.  I gave him a hug, and he held onto me for a long time.  Before we left, I hugged him again and he clung to me.  I blessed and affirmed him as a man.  Somehow, I doubt he had ever received anything quite like that before.  Also, I believe it may have been one of the first hugs he had ever received before.  We left, praising God and celebrating that we had the opportunity to “Be” Jesus to this man.  He had experienced the kingdom of God.  May the Lord send workers to water and grow that seed (we’ll call him “Joe”)!

Fruit and Gifts Together-June 2014

I was serving as a speaker  for a listening evangelism workshop at the Youth Unlimited Serve Project for Youth in Grand Rapids, MI.  Over the course of the week, 130+ youth cycled through my workshop to learn more about evangelism guided by the Holy Spirit.  For each session, I spent about an hour teaching the youth about evangelism before we hit the streets.

After breaking into groups that Wednesday morning, we headed out towards the downtown area.  We’d spent time before hand, praying for “clues” so we could follow the Spirit’s guidance.  “Rosa Parks” was on our sheet as a location to visit, and as I led one of the small groups, I felt I was on a mission to go to Rosa Parks.  Yet God had plans before hand.  As we passed memorial park on the corner of Fulton and Sheldon, we saw a guy with an “orange shirt.”  This was one of the clues a student had received.  She also knew that the guy in the orange shirt had “broken relationships.”  We walked into the park and a few of us headed over to the guy.  But he was on his phone, so we moved on.  The girl with the clue ended up talking to someone else, and I waited quietly, praying for an opportunity to converse with Orange Shirt.  A few minutes later, it came.

Two youth boys  and I walked over to Orange Shirt and the man sitting next to him.  Both of them were African American, and Orange Shirt’s friend had a cane.  I don’t recall if we had cane on our list that day or not…..and I don’t think we had knee pain.  But “orange shirt” we did have.  And we felt the Spirit’s prompting, which is really all that matters.

We talked with the two men and eventually asked if they wanted prayer.  They declined.  Then I was prompted to ask them, “Would you pray for us?  We are walking around, unsure where God is leading us on this treasure hunt.”  This changed everything.  The two men’s guards came down as we humbled ourselves, and they began talking to us.  Non-Orange Shirt was in his late 50’s, and had a lot of advice for one of the youth on being a good point guard in basketball.  Eventually, he let us lay hands on him and we were able to pray with the man.  I paused and focused on Jesus.  This is key.  Our faith is not in the words of our prayers, but in Jesus Christ!  I commanded the pain to leave in Jesus name, and asked Jesus to restore the damage in his knee so that he could play basketball again.  After a few minutes more of us talking, the man got up and walked away holding his cane.  Then, he came and sat back down.  “My pain is gone!” he said.  Praise Jesus!

We ended up ministering to Orange Shirt after that, who told us, “I need help with dating relationships.”  We coached him on what a Godly relationship was between a guy and a girl and that the purpose should be to get to know one another and see if marriage is appropriate.  We ended up praying with him regarding this situation, and both he and his friend were blessed by our advice.  I gave the younger man my business card, and told him to let me know if he wanted to talk again.  As we left them, they were heading for the library across the street to get books on healthy relationships.  I told them to start with the Bible.

Clearly, God moved through the gifts of the Spirit (words of knowledge, wisdom, faith, healing, etc) in a variety of us that day. But it also took us displaying the fruit of the Spirit (Love, patience, kindness etc.) for the door to open for all that God had for us.  Praise the Lord for the opportunity to be used and stretched!

Heaven Meets Earth-March 2014

I knew God was up to something that cold March evening as our outreach group assembled at our usual spot near Rosa Parks Circle in downtown, Grand Rapids.  As we did our pre-game prayer, I heard the Lord say, “Baptism of Fire.”  We raised our hands and began praying, knowing that we desperately needed the fire of God to come upon us.

We divided up into groups of three and set out.  After praying for two people on the streets, our group felt God leading us to The Lantern coffee shop.  About one block east of the coffee shop, we heard a woman on the other side of the street crying out for help.  After a short time of discernment, we crossed the street to help her.

Evie (not her real name) was cold, crying, and struggling.  She was hungry and had no gloves.  When we asked if we could pray for her, and she began crying out to God herself, desperate for His touch.  She shared with one of us later that the Lord had told her to cry out to us for help when she saw us approaching.   Looking back on the evening, I’m very glad that she did and we obeyed.
The Lord directed us to buy her a meal and we asked her where she would like to go.  She was pleased and thanked us, but still was so shaken up that she kept on wailing in broken speech.  About then, God impressed on me to give her my leather gloves.  I loved my gloves, and honestly it wasn’t real easy to initially obey.  Yet the word was clear and I knew that she needed them worse than me.  I had to remember that everything I had was God’s and He was simply trusting me with it.  We put them on her hands, and they fit her perfectly.  God reminded me of my nice thick mittens in my trunk that I had never worn.  I was already provided for….

We walked Evie to the Lantern Coffee Shop for some food.  While she ate, we chatted with her, getting to know her a bit more.  We discerned that she had some evil spirits harassing her, and after some more discernment we asked and were granted permission to pray for her.  Placing a hand on her shoulder, we prayed off the evil spirits.  As they left, she coughed and began crying tears of joy, thanking Jesus.

Next we discerned to pray for Evie’s back.  She acknowledged the pain, and we laid hands on her back.  As we did, we relaxed and waited on the Lord.  I had a mental picture of Jesus in heaven sitting next to the Father.  We began saying Jesus’ name over and over again.  We spoke against the spirit of infirmity on her back and commanded it to go in Jesus name.  Then, I felt the current of the Spirit flow through me to her, and I said, “There it is.”  She shifted and said, “I don’t feel any more pain!  It’s gone!”  Praise God!!

We prophesied over Evie, telling her that God was not done with her yet.  She was a believer, but had clearly been through some hard times.  God was giving her a second chance in life and our prayer is that she takes it!
Evie asked for the restroom.  As she walked down the stairs, we noticed she still walked poorly.  When she returned, she informed us that it was her ankles where the pain was.  Laying hands on her, we prayed for her and again the vision of Jesus came.   We began declaring His name.  When we did, I felt His power flow out through my arm.   Her ankles began to shake and thrash around.  Then, before I could really think twice, I told her, “You will get up and walk as though there is no problem.”  She got up and walked with normal posture as if nothing had happened!  Then she started jumping up and down, praising Jesus right there in the coffee shop!

Was this the same woman we had seen 30 minutes ago?  She certainly was behaving much differently!  She loaded up the rest of her food in her bag, and we followed her out onto the streets.  She continued to repeat, “Thank you Jesus, Thank you Jesus!”  She walked down the street in front of us much faster than we were walking!  She had taken what seemed like forever to walk down to the coffee shop originally, and now she was walking faster than us!
God’s miraculous power showed up that cold March evening and it left the three of us in an excited state of shock.  It was as if the book of Acts was opened before our very eyes.   And it all started with love.  True love is to accept a person in the state they are in and begin to treat them as Jesus would.  Meet their physical needs, as well as their spiritual needs.  Drive out the darkness and destroy the Devil’s work.  This starts with cooperating with the Holy Spirit and dialing in to Jesus Christ.  He truly does have all authority in Heaven and on Earth.

A friend of mine ran into Evie downtown a week later, and I was pleased to here that her story of the evening matched ours.  Sometimes when the supernatural happens, the Devil would like us to think later that we dreamed it.  But this was no dream.  God’s Kingdom came to Earth that night.  And I am forever blessed to be apart of it.

Glory to God!

Evangelism at the Smoker’s Pit-May 2013

Donnie, one of my good friends and mentees has become a partner with me in prayer walking and evangelism efforts.  After ministering to each other one Saturday evening, we prayer walked the Calvin College campus.  After praying for several students in the library, we walked past the smokers’ pit.  Then God’s Kairos time happened.

Donnie began talking to another student, and I was nudged to go back to the smokers’ pit.  As I sat down midst the cloud of cigarette smoke, I began praying quietly in the Spirit.  The three or four students were discussing alcohol, plagiarism, their dreaded religion class final exam, etc.  While it was tempting to be judgmental, I kept praying.

Then the words came to me: “What kind of cigarettes do you smoke?”  Now this hardly seemed appropriate.  Yet it was crystal clear in my mind and I knew it was how God wanted me to connect with them.  So I asked and that started the conversation.  

Before long, I was engaging in a conversation in Korean with the Korean student, and ended up sharing some of my testimony of turning from religion, to a sinful lifestyle, to Jesus.  It turned out I had witnessed to one student before the previous fall, and he gave me a big hug.  

I ended up witnessing to others through my story, and had them all really thinking and pondering their own lives.  Pray these students turn to the Lord, as I did in college.

Rejection? Rather Salvation!-April 2013

The original student I was supposed to meet last Friday at 2:30 was unable to make our meeting, so I began talking with another young man on his dorm floor. I had met “Brian” several times before, but outside of a short prayer, never really got to speak into his life.  As we talked, I asked him about his spiritual life and it became clear he was a “cultural Christian,” and had never surrendered to Jesus as Lord and Savior.  I used the Bridge illustration from Navigators, Matthew 7:21, and a few diagrams from a discipleship book to show him about the realities of being born again.  He asked me “how” he could be born again.  I prayed for him, then let him pray a prayer of surrender.

I spent some time sharing with him about the realities of new identity and Christ, gave him a sheet on identity in Christ, and had him read through it.  Then, he began confessing some of his sins to me, and we prayed.  Next I explained about being baptized with the Holy Spirit to be a witness for Jesus Christ in what He had learned.  We prayed for Jesus to baptize him in the Spirit, and then I anointed him with oil.  I told him I’d stop by in a few days and he was smiling and gave me a big hug as I left.  Pray for “Brian!”

Teaching Evangelism By Reversing Roles-December 2012

The original student I was supposed to meet last Friday at 2:30 was unable to make our meeting, so I began talking with another young

On Saturday, December 1st, I was in downtown Holland, MI, itching to witness to someone.  However, the Lord seemed to shut my mouth and I sensed Him telling me to wait.  My friend (whom I was waiting for) showed up and we spent an hour walking around talking.  About that time, I saw three young men walking down the street with their Bible’s in hand.  I mentioned to my friend, “I hope they come try to witness to me.”  They did not approach me, and headed into a coffee shop across the street.  I felt a connection to these three young men, and told my friend that I was going to “reverse evangelize” them.  This meant that I would “pretend” to be an unbeliever, learning more about Christianity.  It would help these guys learn to effectively share the gospel.  I had experienced this once before myself, only then I was experiencing it from the opposite side.

I followed them into the coffee shop, and after they sat down with their coffees and Bibles, I waited until prompted by the Spirit to go and talk to them.  I casually walked up to them and noted that they had Bibles.  I mentioned I was “new to West Michigan and was learning more about Christianity.”  I asked them to tell me more about it.  They starred, wide-eyed at each other, before they began witnessing to me about Jesus Christ.  I listened patiently to them as they shared.  I could tell they were not real used to sharing their faith, but were excited at the opportunity.  Then I asked them a few tough questions, (what they thought about the dead being raised in Africa, and what would happen if I died and did not have Jesus as my Lord and Savior).  Eventually, I disclosed the truth, that I was already a Christian.  They were somewhat surprised, but told me “You asked too good of questions to not be a Christian.”

This led to an hour conversation, where I began teaching them a bit more about the Trinity and the primary source of power in evangelism: the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  It was kind of an off-the-cuff crash course in Gateways to Empowered Ministries, a textbook by Dr. Brad Long and Rev. Douglas McMurry on the Holy Spirit that I used in teaching.  I kept asking the three guys if I was keeping them from their study, and they kept assuring me that I was definitely not and they wanted more.  Eventually, I closed by inviting them to join me the following Tuesday if they wanted to in the same coffee shop at 4pm.

The following Tuesday, two of the three showed up and we did an in-depth study on the first work of the Holy Spirit: New Birth with John 3 as our text.  Honestly, I did not prepare or even know what we were going to be talking about, but simply showed up with my Bible and God did his thing.  I could not believe how easily it flowed.  The guys mentioned that they were not sure I would show up that day, as they thought I might be an angel.  I laughed at that!

I received an e-mail this past Wednesday, where the guys (all three this time) asked me to go out to eat with them.  Last Saturday, we went out to Applebee’s in Holland.  They insisted on paying for me, and even gave me a 10-dollar gift card at the end to come back.  I could not believe their generosity and hunger for truth.  We spent from 6-9 pm in Applebee’s, this time discussing the second work of the Holy Spirit: sanctification with Galatians 5 as our text.

I’m now friends with these guys on Facebook, and all are eagerly waiting to continue meeting with me after Christmas break.  In addition to our Bible study, we’ve shared testimonies with each other and had some very deep discussions.  One of them made the comment to me, “I didn’t think people like you really existed anymore, that would stand for truth like this.”  I noted that crazy times we live in, and that we must stay grounded on scripture and the love of Jesus and not let the culture lead us astray.  Even if it gets bad in the days ahead, Biblically we are only to fear the Lord, not man or persecution.  These guys were hungry for just that.  They are my new disciples of Holland, MI!.  Go God!  Pray for us.  It’s been special for them and for me.

From Gas Station to Salvation!-September 2012

I was getting gas on the north side of Grand Rapids while simultaneously talking to a mentor of mine on the phone.  A large African American man asked me for a dollar to put more gas in his gas can.  I heard the Lord telling me to give him a $20, and so I did.  He was amazed and thanked me.  As he slowly walked away, I asked him if I could ask him a question.  Eagerly he agreed.  I knew what the Lord was asking me to ask, though he was a pretty big dude.  But because God is for us and not against us, I knew I could step out and ask it.  “If you were to die today, would you go to heaven or hell?”

“Sir, I can see you are a man of God,” was his response.  “Yes,” I nodded.  He looked down.  “I’d go to hell.”  Then I heard a summary of his life of poor choices.  While he talked, I dismissed myself from the phone call, knowing my mentor had heard enough to know he should start praying on his end (which he did).

I paid for my gas and he asked for a ride to his car.  I heard the Lord’s go-ahead and invited him into my car with me.  This felt a little bold, as he was pretty big. He was a former semi-pro football player, and I’m pretty sure he must have played offensive guard!

While we drove, I continued sharing the gospel with him, having started with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.  Was it my best presentation ever?  No it wasn’t.  But everything I said was true and God used it. The experience really reminded me of the verse from Zechariah 4:6 “It’s not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord.”   When I asked if he wanted to give his life to Jesus today, he said, “yes.”  We prayed together, and he surrendered to Jesus as Lord and Savior.  When I asked him how he felt after praying, he said, “I have more peace.”  He physically looked much better!

I gave him a Bible and my card to keep in contact.  I also encouraged him to begin to ask God what needed to change in his life so he could walk closer with Jesus.

Church (and Evangelism) in a Hot Tub-August 2012

Tuesday night, we stopped in Ludington, MI on our way up to Sleeping Bear Dunes.  I was sitting in the hot tub in the Best Western, relaxing.  A young man came and sat near me and I heard the Lord telling me to talk to him.  When I asked what to say, I heard, “Just introduce yourself.”  This seemed like a poor conversation starter, but I’ve learned that if God says to do it, it will work.  “I’m Jay,” I stated out of the blue, and we began talking.

An hour later, I was still teaching this young twenty-something Catholic man from Detroit, MI (we’ll call him Larry) about spiritual things, (specifically how Jesus followed the Holy Spirit during his ministry and that application to us today).  By this time, several others had joined us in the hot tub and were listening.

When we finished, he asked me how I knew to talk to him.  I shared with him how the Lord had just simply lead me to introduce myself.  He was clearly blessed and I headed up to my room to get a business card for him as he wanted to stay in touch.  On my way out, a woman who had been in the hot tub came and thanked me for my teaching, asking if I was going into the ministry.  I found out she was Lutheran, and we joked about how all denominations were different and faith in Jesus was the key (and the Lutherans would be playing Uker in heaven).

When I got back with my card, I found the young man waiting for me.  I prayed for him, and among my prayers was a leading to pray for revival in the Catholic church.  When I finished, I could see tears in his eyes, and he thanked me again.

The next morning, I recieved an e-mail from Larry, thanking me for what I had shared with him.  He told him he’d seen a miracle years before, and hearing my teaching helped him to understand and grow in his faith.  After writing him back, I thought this was the end of it.  But this past Saturday, I saw yet another piece of this story, one that makes me marvel at the sovereignty of God.

I often do listening prayer for people, asking the Lord how to pray for them.  The Sunday before my parents arrived (August 12), I was doing listening prayer and recorded it in my phone.  I prayed for a number of people that I am ministering to, and among that list was “Larry.”  I had not known anyone by that name that I was ministering to, but had been lead to pray for him anyway to grow in his faith, praising God for what he was doing in his life.  It seemed very strange at the time, but I’d heard the Lord direct me to do it.  I forgot I had done this until this past Saturday (August 18) when I was praying and fasting into some other areas of life and the Lord lead me to review that recording.  It definitely strengthened my faith!  WOW!  As the Newsboys say, “Our God’s not dead, He’s surely alive, He’s living on the inside, roaring like a lion….”

Stepping Out Boldly in the Skatepark-June 2012

It was Saturday evening, June 9 at 10:00.  I went out for a walk before going to bed.  I felt the Lord summoning me to the skate park.  I was a bit reluctant since it was dark, but obeyed.  As I approached, I could make out a few individuals under the shelter talking.  I felt the Lord was saying that I was to go boldly up to them and do as He said.

As I approached closer, two thoughts came to my head:  “cancer” and “pray for the one with the purse.”  I approached the group.  I told them I was on a  walk and felt lead to pray with the individual with the purse.  There were three adults and one small child in a stroller, two women and 1 man.  The man was a bit alarmed at my request, and asked if this was some kind of joke?

I calmly told him that I had no intentions other than to be obedient and pray for the one whom I was shown.  I asked (and looked) to see who had the purse and saw that the young African American girl did.  Coldly, she told me to pray and just get on with my walk.  However, I stayed calm.  I asked if she or anyone in her family were sick.  She was startled!  She (Shelly was her name) told me she had cancer…..As I prayed asking Jesus to heal her, I choked up, overwhelmed with a sudden compassion.

When I finished, all three of them seemed different.  Their eyes were wide and they seemed to soften.  Shelly told me she believed in God and went to church some.  I told her it would be good to know if she got healed and that I would keep her in prayer.  She told me that “I’d probably know even if she didn’t tell me, as I had already known she had a purse and had cancer!”  I left, blessing them and leaving them in amazement.  Praise God.

Pray for Shelly to be healed of cancer and for God to use this encounter as a witness of His love and mercy!

This story reflects what I believe is becoming a cornerstone of the ministry God is building in my life.  Whether it is teaching, evangelism, prayer, or mentorship, God desires for people to encounter Him—not just study who He is intellectually, but know Him through encounter.  All real relationships that we have on this earth are based on experiences with one another.  While I believe we can certainly get too caught up in pursuing spiritual highs, experiences with God make our Christianity an ongoing reality and keep our relationship with Him fresh.

Please pray that God continues to provide me with opportunities to bring His Kingdom to this earth so people encounter Him—-and that the Holy Spirit would quicken hearts.

In Jesus’ Name, Sober Up!-May 2012

Saturday I headed downtown to catch part of an afternoon healing conference.  After arriving, Kristen and I prayed for someone…but both sensed I was not supposed to be apart of that afternoon session.  Puzzled as to why I came that day, I walked to a nearby park and journaled for a bit.  Then, I asked the Lord what was next.  He responded, “You asked me on the way here if you could pray for people, so go do it now.”

I walked out of the park and began to pray.  I hadn’t gone 20 paces when I saw a woman walking.  Without thinking, I blurted out, “I’m out on a prayer walk.  How can I pray for you, ma’am?”  Her jaw dropped, and She got excited.  “I need prayer sooooooo bad!  You are an answer to my prayers!”  That’s how I met “Mary” (not her real name).   I heard the grim details of her story there on the sidewalk in downtown Grand Rapids.  She claimed emphatically to be a Christian and believed she was forgiven by Jesus blood, but she’d been dealt a rough hand in life and made a number of big blunders.  She was abused growing up, her parents stole money from the church when they were treasurers, she and her husband had both been in jail, and she just got kicked out of the live in boyfriend’s house where she was living.  Oh, and she was sipping on some whiskey while I talked to her….in broad daylight!  In my own mind, I wondered if this conversation was even safe, yet the Lord assured me to keep going and I never feared.

After a time, of listening, I knew her primary issue was unforgiveness, (in addition to abuse, generational curses, and adultery)  but she was too emotional and tipsy to receive much from me.  Recalling what I heard an evangelist from KC IHOP do in such situations, I asked her if I could pray for her to sober up and she agreed.  I commanded her to sober up in Jesus name!  She sobered up.  Her speech became smoother and her whole story came out.

She talked to me for over an hour and I could tell she just needed to get stuff out (can you believe I listened that long?  That’s proof alone God was working!!)  When she stopped to breath, I was able to share some of my own hurts and how unforgiveness had caged me in for years as well.  She listened.  Eventually, I lead her over to the park bench and looked for my teaching on unforgiveness.  I finally found one copy left in the outside pocket of my bag and gave it to her.  I took her through the same teaching I had taught college students in a recent small group.  She started to forgive her parents, but every time she began more hurt came out.  I could see she was going to need hours and I had only another 20 minutes.

I told her about two local parachurch ministries that could help her, giving her the addresses of both.   In the end, I was able to anoint her with oil and pray healing and direction for her.  I told her this would not all go away, and that she needed to walk forward.  I left her in a far better mood with a plan to visit a local ministry and realizing her past didn’t have to determine her future.  Go God!  Pray for “Mary” that she follows through and that God uses the teaching I gave her.

That Makes No Sense God. Am I Crazy?-September 2010

It was 4 pm on Sunday afternoon and I was ready for some time alone out in the wild.  Despite growing up 1/2 hour from Sioux Falls, I am still somewhat new to the parks/nature areas in the city.  I hopped in my car, and drove off, praying, “Lord, lead me to a place I can be along with nature and you……with a river or lake and some trees if possible…”  Now you certainly could argue that it would have been easier to just grab a map–but I’ve learned to enjoy letting God lead in all things….even mundane areas of life.  Somehow, there is always a blessing in it.

I came to an intersection on 12th Street and Sertoma Avenue.  When I listened for God’s direction, I thought I heard, “there’s a place on the right.”  Thus, I moved into the right turn lane.  Then, I heard, “Go left.”  Frustrated I moved to the left lane.  Thankfully, I was the only car at the intersection.  I remember thinking I was going crazy.  Hearing God’s voice is a discipline I am still learning, and I generally listen for it after reading Scripture….as otherwise I can get caught up in my own thoughts rather easily.  Nevertheless, I headed out of town, obeying what I believed God was leading me to do.

I used to work in county conservation in Iowa, and I knew that public nature areas sometimes exist in the middle of farmland.  Could this be my destination?  I started off, unsure, but confident things would make sense soon enough.  After turning right off the main highway, I went down a gravel road.  I remember watching the mile markers, realizing I could get lost if I wasn’t careful.  Soon enough, the road dead ended.  “Hmmmm.”  I thought.  “Now what?”

I turned around and headed back….and settled on a field driveway as my place to stop.  Not exactly like the mountains in Korea or a river with trees….. but better than nothing.  The clouds were wrapped in beautiful cylindrical layers across the sky–and I enjoyed the sounds of the birds as they hovered over a nearby field.  But soon enough, I was again distracted.  A pick-up truck roared past, and my social inhibitions kicked in.  “I must look like a total idiot out here,” I thought.  Reluctantly, I started up the car and headed back towards town.

I continued to let God lead me, though I must say I was feeling a little foolish by then.  I past several wonderful places, but they all had “no trespassing” signs on them.  Somehow, I doubted I should break the law just for some alone time in the wild.

Eventually, I found myself back in Sioux Falls–on West 12th Street.  As I turned right, I realized I’d make almost a complete circle.  (This was confirmed later, when I saw Sertoma Avenue on the street sign up ahead).  The other thing I realized was my prayer had just been answered.  Because there on the left was Legacy Park…..with a river and trees!  That right there is a cool story.  But it isn’t over just yet……

After getting out of my car in the parking lot of Legacy Park, I grabbed my backpack and headed off in the direction of the river.  As I past a car, I heard God whisper, “Share Jesus with that man.”  I stopped, then continued.  After all, I’d just come through 30 minutes of wandering and was ready for some time outside alone!  Yet the voice persisted.  I realized I had forgotten my cell phone, and decided to go back and get it.   As I passed the car, I smelled cigarette smoke.  “I can’t talk to this guy,”  I thought.  (I’m quite sensitive to cigarette smoke).  After grabbing my phone, I again felt nudged by God to talk to the man. So finally, I gave in.

That’s how I met Jack from California, a drifter looking for purpose in life, just like the rest of us.  We had a great conversation about the park, and eventually that lead into spiritual matters.  After he agreed to let me share the gospel with him, he made this comment:  “I don’t want to say I believe unless I actually do.”  I praised him for his honesty, and told him this:  “If God is real and we seek him and ask him to help you believe, I believe he will.  What do you have to lose?”  He agreed and we prayed together.  I was fortunate to have a couple left over booklets in my bag from Lifelight, and I gave him one as a parting gift.  We exchanged numbers, and he had a smile on his face as I left.  I watched him take the booklet, open it, and begin to read from the gospel of John.

I walked away feeling a blessing I can hardly describe.  Finally, I had my time alone with God and me and the river and the trees.  Yet I had just been given such a blessing, that I already felt filled to the brim.

I thank God for his sovereign leading, even when I think I’m going crazy.  My “30 minute detour” allowed God to position Jack exactly where he wanted him when I came by…..and thankfully, by His grace, I was obedient to his voice.  There was a “place on the right.”  I just needed to go left first, to get there in his timing.