February 19th, 2012
{ Jesus Came to Set the Captives Free.}
2 Cor. 3:17 NIV “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
Christ purchased our freedom [redeeming us] from the curse (doom) of the Law [and its condemnation] by [Himself] becoming a curse for us, for it is written [in the Scriptures], Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree (is crucified); Gal. 3:13 AMP
[ Walk by the Spirit ] It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Gal. 5:1 NAS
John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
Dear Friends,
Hi. Emie & I send you our greetings once again in the amazing name of Jesus. We pray the Lord will fill you with His love, joy, and peace. May God grant you the desires of your heart and answer your specific prayer requests in the affirmative and speedily.
“ Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.” John 14:13-14 NAS In a world that currently has an abundance of problems many people may feel very concerned and troubled. Jesus said in John 8:31-32 “….If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” As we read and meditate on God’s word and do it----we find freedom from the fears and anxieties this world system and the enemy of our soul tries to put on us:
(the following are not platitudes or mere words---they are the truth that gives us freedom)
#1. Don’t worry….about provision for your needs or about tomorrow.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Mt. 6:33
#2. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7
#3. Rejoice. “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” Luke 21:28 (When there are many extremely difficult things coming upon the earth---Jesus is bigger than them all.) “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”---JESUS John 16:33 NAS
It may be noted that sometimes it seems difficult to follow these commands (not just suggestions) that the Lord has given us. But when we begin to focus our eyes upon Jesus as the Christian song says,---then truly--- the things of earth grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.
{We Can Trust In the Lord---always. He is on our side & He is for us. And, He just happens to be all powerful.}
I mentioned in last month’s newsletter that we had a team of Christian workers from Youth With a Mission staying with us for over a month. They worked with our youth, spoke at two of our churches and to other churches and ministries we helped schedule in the area. They shared the gospel to prisoners in 3 city jails and our youth worked with them. On one Saturday night the YWAM team and our youth held an evangelistic outreach in a poor subdivision and reached many youth with the gospel. The next night at our Sunday evening Youth meeting at the Tacloban astrodome, almost 60 youth attended and more than 20 were new Christians from the previous night’s crusade.
To host several people at your mission’s compound and residence for a few weeks, it takes some effort, and one must be willing to be a good host. When you see the new people saved, and the growth of your youth, and the growth of the YWAM Team members themselves---it is a real blessing and reward. Many of the YWAM team are fairly new Christians themselves, and these outreaches were a part of their training.
Tomorrow, Emie and I and a few Australian missionaries will be traveling to Biliran
Island. We are helping Graeme and Paula Connelly to conduct a seminar on Tuesday, to many pastors and church leader from various churches on that island. Their ministry has already been a blessing and encouragement to many here in Tacloban area. We have Eternal Life Ministry Churches on Biliran Island: in Culaba, Caibiran, Cabucgayan, Looc, and Bato; and people from these churches will be attending the seminar.
It was twenty years ago I was in Olympia, Washington---preparing for a missions trip to the Philippines in May of 1992. I had been on short term mission’s work in the Philippines in 1983 & 1985---but I knew that this would be a longer range mission’s outreach, but I did not know how long.
I sold most of my modest assets and took a step of faith and obedience to what I believed to be the direction of the Lord to: #1 share the gospel of Jesus Christ where ever God opened the doors. #2. Exhort and encourage fellow Christians in their faith and service to the Lord. #3. Help the poor as led by the Holy Spirit.
In these past nearly 2 decades: many men, women, youth, and children--- have received Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord in our ministry outreaches. We have received testimonies from many other Christians of various ages, that through our ministries---they have been edified, strengthened, and encouraged in their faith and service to the Lord. And in these years we have been able to help the poor with food, clothing, medical, toys for children, and other areas of help---given in the name of Jesus.
First and foremost I give thanks to the Lord for all the good fruit in the ministry outreaches. I also thank God very much for giving me a wonderful wife in Emie. We are able to work side by side in the ministry, as well as in raising our 7 God-given children. And we together---thank the Lord very much for each of you who are faithfully partnering with us in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. God bless you---for your friendship, prayers, and financial investments in God’s work through the ministry outreaches. We pray the Lord will greatly reward you for your important help to us in reaching people for Jesus. In Christ’s love,
P.S. Gordon & Emie
Please Pray: for God’s fresh anointing, clear direction, abundant provision, good health and strength, powerful protection, and all else needed for us, the ministry workers, and team---to best serve the LORD.
Finances: I don’t always know how to best share about the financial needs. But today, Emie & I, would simply like to share the needs of the ministry to those who are able and willing to give a special offering, (as the Lord leads). We need some help at this time. Thank you.
