Discouraged, Disappointed? I don't think so!

Psalm 93 begins by declaring “The LORD reigns…” How wonderful is that knowledge? He reigns in good times and bad, in times of health and times of sickness, He reigns in the storm and in the calm, He reigns in the valley and on the hilltop. David asks, “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Ps 27:1) As believers we have nothing to fear while we cling to Him because we remember that He is in control. ...

February 11, 2014 · 5 min · mike

2014, Now What?

I remember, years ago a lady came to our church and she said something I will never forget. She said, “I used to think that prayer was a big part of the ministry. But now I know, PRAYER IS THE MINISTRY.” We all have experienced difficult times and circumstances. As a fellowship we have recently looked at what the Bible says about spiritual warfare. And as you know, “…we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore…” ...

January 17, 2014 · 5 min · mike

"...Who will go for Us?"

In Isaiah we have one of the most beautiful descriptions of the heavenly scene in scripture. We get a glimpse of God’s throne room and Isaiah’s heart. Isaiah sees the Lord high and lifted up, the train of His robe filling the temple. He see and describes the seraphim as they are flying about the throne, covering their eyes, so as not to look upon the Lord, and covering their feet in the presence of the Lord, all the time crying “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord… the whole earth is filled with His glory.” ...

November 24, 2013 · 4 min · mike

Exceedingly Abundantly Above

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be the glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen” Eph 3:20-21 I can’t think of a better description of my recent trip to the states. I went to share with friends, supporters and churches the open door that the Lord has placed before us. In short, we have been asked to move to England to assist Pastor Bob Claycamp in the work at Calvary Chapel Exeter. Tina and I will be working with University students, teaching and discipling, along with assisting in the church and serving the body. And that’s not all, a major denominational church has asked Calvary Chapel to raise up Bible teachers to teach in their churches. How crazy is that? It’s like a large denominational church in your area calling your church and asking them to send over a Bible teacher to teach them the Bible because they can’t do it anymore. So, Calvary Chapel is starting a Pastor’s school, and I will also be assisting in raising up pastors to teach the Bible simply and accurately in churches across the southwest of England. ...

October 29, 2013 · 5 min · mike

It Was Wonderful!

God is so good! As you know, August 25th Ashley was married. It was at the Woodenbridge Hotel and Lodge in Vale of Avoca Arklow, Co. Wicklow, Ireland. It really is amazing how many details there are in putting together a wedding; invitations, reservations, menu planning, just to name a few. And the logistics of it all can be overwhelming by itself. Having a wedding in a country other than the one you live in, just adds to the stress. But God met us in such wonderful ways. It was a beautiful wedding. ...

September 11, 2013 · 3 min · mike

News, Gracious Reminders and Upcoming Events

My mom wrote me recently and reminded me that April was the last time I wrote an update. Where does the time go? There is so much going on here, I feel at times I’m just able to hang on at best. Calvary Chapel Ansbach continues to goes forward and as a fellowship we’re drawing closer to the Lord. We are about to finish the book of Genesis on Wednesday nights. It’s been a wonderful time of seeing Jesus in the first book of the Bible. ...

July 27, 2013 · 6 min · mike

Are You Ready For News?

For some time now Tina & I have been asking the Lord for some changes. I guess the old axiom may be true, " Be careful for what you pray for." The Lord is answering our prayers. The really big news is that Ashley is now engaged and getting married August 25th of this year. She first met Elijah at Bible College in Siegen Germany. She didn’t think much about him at the time. ...

April 29, 2013 · 7 min · mike

What are you actually doing?

I was very happy with the feed back we received from our last update. Many people wrote e-mails of support and encouragement to continue to press on in the Lord even though we were facing so many hardships in the form of spiritual, financial and physical trials. One of the e-mails we received was from a friend of mine who pastors a church in Oregon. He is one of the pastors in my life that I have the utmost respect for. He wrote, " I wonder if giving us a clear picture of your goals and what it is you actually do might not help raise your level of support." He said, " I probably should know this, so forgive me, but I am not exactly sure what it is you do. Are you pastoring? Teaching at a bible school? Assisting other ministries?" ...

February 18, 2013 · 6 min · mike

A Cry For Help

There is verse in Nehemiah that has held a special place in my heart and it’s a frequently quoted verse. It’s Nehemiah 4:19-20, " …The work is great and extensive, and we are separated far from one another on the wall. Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.” Nehemiah was faced with discouraging and difficult circumstances. It’s interesting to me because He clearly trusted the Lord to work on behalf of His people, but Nehemiah also alerted others to the need and asked others to rush to the aid of those being overwhelmed on the wall when the need arose. He trusted God but also took practical steps. ...

January 23, 2013 · 4 min · mike

Merry Christmas

A picture from outside our window We want to wish you a VERY BLESSED CHRISTMAS as you celebrate the birth of our Savior. Our family is healthy and together, what a wonderful blessing that alone is to us. This last month has flown pass. It seems to have been filled with many things that demand our attention, yet there doesn’t seem to be much to show for the activity. We’ve been trying to find just the right gifts and then get them wrapped and packed, hoping to getting them sent out to family members on time so they can have them for Christmas morning. Well, we didn’t make it. It’s 5 PM on Saturday night the 22nd and we’re still at it. I’m sure you’ve been there too. ...

December 22, 2012 · 3 min · mike