A friend needs Help

Greetings,
I like to share with you about my sister's health in Fiji. She has been having a bleeding intestine for over a year and had two surgery and nothing change. The doctors has send her back to my Island because they can not do anything more. She is laying in bed or by wheelchair.I call my mother in Fiji yersterday and she said that things doesn't look good and we don't know how long she is will live.She is 38yrs and she lives with her husband and 3 son and a daughter.

I know we always send our newsletter to raise fund for the mission and projects but this will be a challenge for me to ask directly for my own use and not for mission. If you please consider pray and see if you can help financially for my ticket to Fiji. Roundtrip Guinea Bissau to Fiji $4,332 and $500 for my travelling Total Cost: $4,832.

If you felt to help with my ticket, please send it direct to Equip 21, Box 777, Ronan, MT59864 (for tax purpose) please don't send on Western Union. Or you can call me direct @ 245-665-9519 or 245-580-4682. I'm planning to leave from Guinea Bissau on Jan 9.

Above all we are serving a miracle working God and I put my hope and trust in Him to heal my sister.

May God bless you for taking the time to pray for Makereta Buadamu Draunidalo (sister's name)

Emosi Tatukivei
Guinea Bissau, West Africa

Another church in need in Africa

I have a friend who is missionary in Africa, and they are doing a great work over there. Please let you missions committee and every body you know abotu they needs fo this church.

-M


Youth and mother’s helping prepare the blocks


Pastor Lusio (age 22) who is Pasturing these church

Digging the church fountation

Worship leaders with church pulpit leading worship

Here are some of the church members at our outdoor church.
We already have all the blocks ready and the foundation dug too. Please help us build this church and let us invest in the life of this young people. One thing that blows me away that these children don’t know how to read or write but they are taught to memorize scripture and taught how to pray. It is God that makes it possible for this young people to pray and to speak out the word of God.
Again please consider helping us in building this church among the Fulani and Balanta people. It cost is $5,000.

May God bless you,

For the Cross
Emosi Tatukivei
Guine Bissau, West Africa

Email: eskatabusoro@yahoo.com
Ph: 245-665-9519

Do you have 10 minutes?

Howdy,
I want 10 minutes of your time. Turn off your phone and cell phone. Sit back relax and enjoy the following Songs. We serve and love the Everlasting God who is Above.

Enjoy singing his praises, and being loved by him.

A Church Planter in Need of Help

I recieved this email from a friend who is in Africa. If you can please help do so.

Dear Pastor Mike,

Greetings from Gabu, in Guinea Bissau in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I’m sending this email to ask for your support in building a church in a Fulani village.
(Pastor Lusio with his pulpit under the trees) It begins with a young man who was our day guard on our base in 2007. Later he was interested of doing a Discipleship Training School (DTS). After his school he went back to his village and start sharing his faith with his family and other village members. Some of converts have been baptize, now he has started his small church under the cashew trees from five members and to 30 members. Rainy season is big challenge for this church under the trees.

The challenge I’m presenting to your mission board and the church members if you prayerfully consider supporting the building of this church. We already made 1,500 dubi blocks (cement mix with mud). The total cost to build this church from foundation, walls, cement flooring, beams, and roofing is $6,000

The church si currently meeting under trees.





I hope to hear from you in your consideration of blessings the Fulani and Balanta Village.

For the Cross,
Emosi Tatukivei
Guinea Bissau, West Africa

If you like to send any donation or take this project for your church, please send check to: Equip 21, P. O. Box 777, Ronan, MT 59864. Receipt for tax deductable will be send to you. Please write, Equip 21 on the check and attached a note to it for the church.

Equip 21 Phone: 406-676-8777 Montana, USA

Happy Easter

I found these wonderful vidoes on Youtube and I hope that you enjoy the great price that Jesus the Christ paid for all of us.

-M









Now make sure you Celebrate the Risen Lord!

I want to sit at your feet

Sometimes God's love overwhelms me. When I think of the Journey that my life has been these 36 (37 year tomorrow)years, I am amazed at His Truth, His Grace, His Humor, His kindness and mostly His love and guidance. From a boy that loves sports, cars and 4x4's to a young man, that loved all things of the world, theatre and the Oakland Raiders; to a man who is a Minister of the Word, a Father, a husband and a friend. This journey was all orchestrated by the One who is above all.

It moves me to think that God loves me. If you have known me you know I am screwed up, you have screwed up and you know I mes up again. God is better than than we will ever know, and he is our King, our Father, our Redeemer, Our King of Peace and our Hope. It does not matter what you have chosen for your life, or the mistakes you have made. What truly matters is that the LORD God loves you and desires to spend more time with you. I think that si what is so amazing about God. He desires to spend time with a screw-up like me and loves me espcially when I mess up and come to him as his arms are wide open waiting to hug me.

-M

A new Year and a New Hope

Howdy all,
I am grateful that you still check this little blog of mine and that others come and check it too. If you enjoy please spread the word, and add it to your blog list, Facebook or MySpace accounts. I do not know about you, but I am glad that 2008 is over with. I felt that it was a year of scandals, disappointments and dis-trust.
The American Election is over and Barack Obama is the man who will help Congress and the Supreme Court either screw up America more, or fix our problems.

I just hope that honestly submit themselve to and listen to God. I know that all the American people can use a "bail out" Send me $300,000 and see what I do with it. I know the mortgages would not be failing and either would the auto industry, because people like new cars and they like owning homes. It's just practical common sense.

My hopes for this year are little different. I think the god of money is finally dying in the states and hopefully around the world. Hopefully people will start trusting the creator more. I think that we are going to see some more natural disasters as God is calling people back to him. Not out of discipline or punishment, but as his people share their love for Jesus with their fellow man by giving a helpful hand.

Some of the ways we can do this practically - Visit people. I have been encouraged by fellow leader's to get out more and visit our sheep. (I hope they will join me).

- Read the Bible, Study the Bible ask hard questions about what you are reading "How does this apply to me?" "what changes do I need to make in my life?" "Who are people in my life I need to say goodbye too?" "How can I be a better example of Christ like living in my home, my churhc and my community?"

- Support your church, Give them your time, your talents and your treasure. God gave them all you anyway, why not use them to bless others.

- Support you pastor and his family. We get from all sides of every issue. We are target of everyone criticisms and we get all the blame for the everything that is wrong in your lives or in your church. Plus we have Satan to deal with and our own struggles.

-Pray

-Sing praises to your king Daily.

-Find a devotional book and go through it. This year I picked up the Experiencing God one. Devotional books are great tools for you to grow closer to God.

-Be Thankful
- Be Nice
- Be bringer of Joy.
- Be Hopeful
- Laugh
- Walk in Faith
- Remember Jesus is your Life
- Share your faith with one person this year
- Smile (I hear they are contagious
- Forgives others
and enjoy being a Son or daughter of the most High God.

I love ya,
M

Is Jesus enough?

My Friend Jeff has lost his mind. :) Actually Jeff is on a great faith journey. He has left the Independant Christ Church and is now a Pastor of a Baptist church. I wish him well and will always love him.
We might disagree on some things doctrinely, but we will always agree that Jesus is enough. He posted this video (I believe by Piper) on his blog and I wanted to share it with you today.

My question for you---- Is Jesus enough?

Healing Worship

I want you to stop what you are doing, put down the phone. Turn off the ringer(s) and listen to this Video:



No matter the battle. God is still here and we have a reason to sing and worship. Life can suck sometimes. It really can. Life can suck the life out of you and it is in our darkness we must remember, We must remember that GOD IS OUR VICTORY and that he loves us. He is not far, he is near. He is passionately near us, waiting for us to talk with him, pray with him, praise him, and patiently wait for us to give him all our burdens.
Give them to the one who take care of it. Give everything over to Jesus. Do it today, you have no need to hang on to it anymore. Let the Cross of Christ heal you, cleanse you, wash you and guide you.

I love ya,
M

Redeeming Friendships

I am now on Facebook and connecting up with people from my past. It has been a interasting trip the last couple of weeks. Before this my first g/f contacted me to see who I was doign through Classmates.

Most of the people that knew me in High school or college would not reconginze the man who sits behind the keyboard and challenges all us to live better for Jesus. I was differet. I did not have a good self-esteem. I did not know "WHO I AM IN CHRIST" and did not beleive that God truely loved me and cared for me.

That has all changed. As we transform into the likeness of our Savior Jesus Christ we see that he has things to say about us:

1. I am the salt of the earth and the light of the World – Matt 5:13-14
2. I am a Child of God – John 1:12
3. I am part of the True Vine, a branch of Christ’s life to bear much fruit for the Kingdom of God – John 15:1-17
4. I am Christ Jesus’ friend – John 15:15
5. I am chosen and appointed by Christ to bear His Fruit – John 15:16
6. I have died to myself and no longer a slave to sin, instead I am slave of righteousness – Romans 6: 1-23
7. I am a joint heir with Christ, sharing HIS inheritance with Him and will be glorified with him – Romans 8:17
8. I am child of God and He is spiritually my Father – Rom 8:14, Gal 3:26
9. I am temple, a dwelling place of God; His Spirit and His life dwell in me and I have been bought with a price – 1 Cor 3:16, 6:19-20
10. I am joined (united) to the Lord and have become one spirit with him – 1 Cor 6:17
11. I am a New Creation – 2 Cor 5:17
12. I am reconciled to God and I am minister of Reconciliation –
2 Cor 5:18-19
13. I AM A SAINT – Eph 1:1; 1 Cor 1:2; Phil 1:1; Col 1:2
14. I am God’s workmanship --- His handiwork--- Born anew in Christ Jesus to do his work –Eph 2:19
15. I am Righteous and Holy – Eph 4:24
16. I am hidden in Christ and Christ is my Life – Col 3:3-4
17. I am loved and chosen by the LORD God – 1 Thess 1:4
18. I am a Child of Light – 1 Thess 5:5
19. I am born of God and God loves me – James 5:1
20. I am a holy brother or sister, and a partaker in a heavenly calling – Heb 3:1
21. I am part of a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, so that I may proclaim the excellencies of him who called me out of the darkness into Christ’ marvelous light - Peter 2:9
22. I am loved by Christ Jesus and he has freed me from my sins, by his blood and made us a kingdom, priest to His God and Father to give God glory and dominion forever and ever. – Rev 1:5-6

Because of these things. I have GOD-esteem and I know who I am. The great thing is people that I have not talked to in 18 years are now getting to see a changed man. A man that is more concerned abotu the kingdom of God, and his children then about himself.

God redeems friendships in that these people are back in my life, and they see the old addage "Look what the Lord has done to me"

-M

Let God unfold it

Wow,
I have been all of the place this summer, and have neglected my blog, and keeping it updated. I ask for you to forgive me and I will try to get better posting. Currently I am averaging about once a month. I also need to update my links and other things.

I have a new mentor in my life. He is pastor from a different type of church then I minister at and he has been in the ministry over 20 years compared to me celebrating year 5 starting this October.

There are things that never change. You can switch churches, switch city, state or even countries and there will still be the same old problems. Most of the problems that Pastors deal with in ministry rotate around SIN. Pride is a big one, elevating tradition to being just as important to scripture (Idolatry?) is another, and so are unbiblically characterized church leadership. In other words people who are leading the church and have no business according to the Bible (1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, 1 Peter 5) to be in those roles.

Sometimes I think it would be easier to just to take them out back and *cough* "show" them the error's of their ways. Other times I pray for their repentance. Mostly I just want them to leave me alone, and for them to follow God's Word. A friend of mine once encouraged me that the Bride of Christ is full of Zits and that Jesus loves her anyway. While I agree with him, I also know that most people POP zits to get the disease out. :)

If you are a church leader (elder) and do not find yourself full of the Spirit(look at the fruits of the Spirit; Gal 5), full of wisdom (look at your fruits, are they honoring GOD, self, man or tradition) and of a good reputation (what people honestly think of you). Then it is time for you to repent and for some to resign.

The problem with most churches starts at the top, starts at the examples, the ones who are to be walking in Christ, because they (elders, Ministers/Pastors) are going to give an account to God for all that we have done. I wonder what would happen if the leaders of any given church were honestly "Sold Out" to Jesus and Him alone? How would that change the church, the community, the state, the country and the world we live in? We might actually save a few souls, and in the process our selves. I look forward to this day in my church,when it has Elders. Men who are completly Sold out to Jesus Christ and the Great Commission instead of worry about the color of toilet paper.

My mentor rebuked me the other day. He knows that I am idealistic and hold a high standard for the Word of God. He also knows that I part of the McDonald's,Starbucks, ATM and microwave oven generation and we expect things to be done "Now!" He reminded me that when God blooms a rose it is beautiful and takes time to unfold. When man pulls the petals to make a rose bloom, it is ugly.

Let us all remember to let God unfold in his time what he desires.

Here is another great song by Kari Jobe. It is a reminder to all of us the greatness of God

Getting ready for camp

As i was taking abreak from gettign ready for camp, and cleanign my office a friedns of mine posted this on website I enjoy:

Cardboard Testimony

A friend linked this on a forum that Ivisit. I hope that you see how mcuh God loves you and that you are thankful for your Cardboard Testimony

-M

A Video from Larry West

Howdy,
Larry West is Evangelist from the Restoration Movement background. We Care Ministries goes through out the US to teach people how to share thier faith. My dad regave his life to Jesus through thier work, and my step mom finally gave her's.



That is one fo the greatest pictures I have seen.

I hope that you enjoy this teachign from Larry West.



May the Lord Shine richly on you,
M

Todd Bentley

Who do you listen to and why do you listen to them? These are important questions to ask ourselves. Are the people we are listening following the world of God? Are they speaking scripture, are they teaching about Christ Jesus or are they preaching themselves?

In Lakeland Florida a "revival" ( I have not heard of any salivations or the Gospel shared) is taking place by a guy named Todd Bentley. You might of heard of him, from CNN, CBN, TBN and GodTV. You might of heard of from from some fo your friends, online forums, and other blogs.

There appears to be something happening in Florida. People are being healed of various things. A friend wrote a report on his experience there:
http://www.theooze.com/forums/discussions.cfm?forumid=16&topicid=440895

There are some reports of angelic teachings here that make me go huh?
http://www.etpv.org/2003/angho.html

Each of us comes to our conclusionsthrough our own filters. Granted our best filter is the Word of God. I feel the need to share a video that I found on YouTube. It is the first part of (so far) five part series on what is happening in Lakelan Florida. I do not know the people that made the video, but soem fo their words do ring true. Please watch all 5 of the videos and prayerfully decide for yourselves.



I want to leave you with scripture to think about when these things happen in our world. Some of them I believe are great and God sent, and some of them I do believe are from the evil one. We are told of people leaving the flock of God in oreder to follow those that tickle thier ears in 1 Timothy 4; that there will be false teachers in 1 timothy 6, and in 2 Peter 2.

I think it is important to remember that one of the Fruits fo the SPirt is "Self Control"


Matthew 7:21-23 ESV

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who si in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, 'Lord did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' 23 And I will declare to them, 'I never knre you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'

Just because someone is casting out demons, and speaking, and mighty works are being downs does not mean they know Jesus.

I love ya,
M

It's been about a month

Sometimes when Life get's crazy I forget to take time out for myself. I forget to take a rest and just go "ahh". In the last 2 weeks we have hosted funeral's and starting praying about some major things for this church that I am honored to serve at. However for the last month I have not stopped enough to smell the roses, let alone know that roses are blooming.

I have been involved in some discussions about church, politics (Hillary Clinton is starting to make sense to me, family, children, real worship and just helping peopel in general.

I am starting to care more about my flock. This might surprise you, but all pastors that have been abused by churches are weary about being hurt again. There is an old saying "Screw me once shame on you, screw me twice shame on me". Most of us do not want to go through all the pain, or take our families through the pain of a bad church again. To be honest some churches will make you want to leave the ministy, or church, if not following Christ all together.

Where sin is accepted, celebrated, rationalized, and justified, there will always be problems, there will always be the water fo the word fo God, and there will always be baby milk Christians. Where are the meat eaters? Where are the mature in christ Jesus? Why are these people not standing up for God and his word? Are there any of these people left in the church?

The problem in church is sin. Your sin and my sin. The reason that we sin, is becasue we decided to choose something over God.
That is a problem
We must learn to choose God first, and that also means that we must choose to follow Christ and his teachings.

if not then we are just playing the game called Life and we are playing Christianity. We might look like it, but in reality wea re not honestly following God. I think that is what breaks my heart the most, people who claim to love Jesus but deny them by thier words and actions. We know that si why many people have walked away from the Lord, and why many people ahve walked away from what si suppossed to be the safe place the church.

The only way that it will get better, is when we tak time to be Holy. When we spend time with the Lord, and slow ourselves down to enojy his creation.

-M

Kari Jobe

I don't know how you feel abotu worship music. I love all styles, from Acapella to P.O.D. One of the memebers of our praise band brought this song to my attention. I hope you enjoy listening to it. The Lead worshipper is Kari Jobe.

Is this your church?

Articles of Faith: Seven habits of highly ineffective churches
By ANTHONY B. ROBINSON
GUEST COLUMNIST
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCIER

ON THE THEORY that a capacity to laugh at ourselves and our foibles is good for the soul, I recently wrote a piece for use in my own denomination, the United Church of Christ, called "The Seven Habits of Highly Ineffective Churches."

I suspect it can be generalized, with some mental editing, to temples, synagogues and other religious congregations. Tongue in cheek, here it is:

1. Elevate mediocrity to a spiritual discipline. Figure out where average falls and aim below there. Doing things with excellence, joy and flair may make someone uncomfortable. God doesn't really expect much anyhow.

2. Take no risks. A successful practice of risk avoidance is often best achieved by sending any and all new ideas to a minimum of four boards or committees who understand it's their role to say no to any new ideas. This process may need to be reinforced by remarks noting how a particular idea might make the church liable, cost money or ruffle feathers.

3. Practice the following evangelism strategy: "If they want us, they know where to find us." Assume that everyone does know where you are and what you are. It also can be helpful if your building looks like a medieval fortress. If you don't have that going for you, encourage ushers and greeters to look like palace guards as they perform their role.

4. Blame early and often. Maintaining dysfunction in a congregation is made easier if scapegoats are regularly identified. In some congregations, ministers make wonderful scapegoats. You may also blame "newcomers," or "people who don't understand how we do things in this church." If all else fails, blame the conference, the denomination or Satan.

5. Always be prepared to make an account of the excuses that are within you. Have an all-purpose excuse such as, "I've just been so busy" (elaborate at great length just how busy you are, implying that no one else is busy). Occasionally try out a creative new excuse, such as, "Our dog ate the printer-ink cartridge and required an emergency appendectomy. He is now very busy, too."

6. Make it clear to all that the job of the pastor(s) and staff is to keep everyone, meaning church members, happy. Think of your church as the "Love Boat" and the pastor as the cruise director and activity planner. The job of clergy and staff members is to keep everyone on board happy. If someone is unhappy, it's a sure sign your pastor is not doing the job.

7. Spend as little money as possible. Even though you may enjoy spending money on personal things like a car or a cruise, you can demonstrate your commitment to modesty and simple lifestyle at church. The very best programs cost nothing. And why would your church building need renovation? If it was good enough for your grandparents, it'll be good enough for your grandchildren.

My House shall be called A House fo Prayer

God wants us to pray. Here is a sermon from Jim Cymballa

Helping a friend

This is a vidoe from fox news about a Christian sister's husband who is missing. Please watch and share it with others.

-M
http://foxnews.com/video?maven_playerId=videolandingpage&maven_referralParentPlaylistId=f2fbb2b0c994bbf2ba24f62ab95c596f8bd98bbc&maven_referralPlaylistId=df5603c3d11ca9a023b0070cfc5f297e279fd3a7&maven_referralObject=6024d24d-39a7-4821-8997-4a1bedd3ee53