Congo Brazzaville - Part Quatre

There have been showers of blessings...this is the promise of God.

Bill and I have just come from the Soldiers' Rally which was beautifully filled...with the presence of God. Bill's music is annointed and wonderfully in synch with the people. Today he sang, "These are the days of Elijah..." The whole place was rockin'.

Yesterday at the officers' councils we knelt with over 200 souls. Today it was more than twice that. We weren't counting heads...we were consumed with the presence of the Holy Spirit. Hallelujah! I will be an officer for thirty years in June, but have rarely seen what we are witnessing here. Glory to God!

Tonight we're at the SFOT and tomorrow morning we're in for the largest of the meetings...a united holiness meeting. Please continue with us for the largest outpouring of the Spirit. We plan to give Him our largest praise!

"By this will all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another." John 13:35

Congo Brazzaville - Part Trois

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Bill and I worshipped in two Officers Councils today. He's cool...doesn't seem affected by the 95° heat and maximum humidity. His songs are an inspiration as is his personal witness.

The Holy Spirit turned up the fire. There were 205 in attendance...some, taking more than a day's journey to be there. Their white uniforms were impeccable as is their spirit. There came 205 to the mercy seat...that, of course, included me. Hallelujah!

God has had His way...and we are better for Him. Let me state that clearly. We are all for Him. Listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit in your heart right now and join us in His name.

Tomorrow, we are expecting about 3,000 for the Soldiers' Rally followed by a meeting at the SFOT with the cadets. God is maximizing your prayer.

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasureably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21

Congo Brazzaville - Part Deux

Praise the Lord! The journey was worth it and we're already seeing the hand of God at work. Upon our evening arrival, we were met by 150 soldiers and officers in full white uniforms, singing and praising God. You can imagine that we were overwhelmed and grateful to God for this warm welcome.

Today we journeyed to four different institutions to witness the work of God in the midst of minimal resources and maximum faith. Our first stop was to a medical clinic where hundreds are treated each day. Captain Nkounkou's brother works there and was thrilled to receive the microscopes that Celestin sent with us. Can someone get to Celestin to let him know?

The second stop was a blind school where miracles are taking place. It is the only one of it's kind in the country. The third stop was to a sewing and micro credit school. Training and a concrete future. The founder would be proud.

Last stop was to a school operated by the local corps. It is quite ambitious, but is meeting the academic needs of about 350 students.

At each location, we presented a gospel challenge in the certainty that His word never returns void. Thank you for your prayers. Tomorrow we are in Officers' Councils.

(Can someone get to Valencia Rollins so she can read these?)

"In all thy ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3

Congo Brazzaville

Tomorrow, with B/m Bill Rollins, I travel to Brazzaville Congo for special spiritual meetings. First we meet with the officers in Officers Councils. Then we participate in a large soldiers' rally followed by meetings with the cadets. On Sunday we will be in the Area-wide Holiness Meeting. They're expecting about 3,000 people.

Please pray for us and the people who gather with us in the Congo. There are language and cultural differences which have to be surmounted. We're trusting God to speak personally to His people and believing for their responsiveness to the Holy Spirit.

I will hope to post reports as we go along. We'll see.

Philippians 3:14 (MSG)
14 "I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back."

General Bramwell Tillsley

Your Training Principal becomes a lasting influence in your life. Our Principal was General Bramwell Tillsley. From the first day we met him and his wife, we were convinced that God had set up this relationship for the glory of God. I had never heard such dynamic preaching (never listened much before that moment) and was inspired by their personal interest in people.

They were visiting at Spring Valley Corps this morning. They always inspire me towards holiness. Every conversation and every opportunity to be near them is a joy to my heart.

Isn't it amazing that our son Jason and his wife join two sessions of cadets at the SFOT with Major Mark Tillsley as the Training Principal. It is as they say when we think of the Tillsleys, "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree." Hallelujah!

Hebrews 13:7 (MSG)
7 "Appreciate your pastoral leaders who gave you the Word of God. Take a good look at the way they live, and let their faithfulness instruct you, as well as their truthfulness. There should be a consistency that runs through us all."

Retirement Salute

Last night at the Centennial Memorial Temple, Salvationists and friends gathered for a retirement salute to both General and Commissioner Larsson and Commissioners Todd and Carol Bassett. The Temple was packed and the crowd very responsive as we considered the faithfulness of God over the life and ministry of these four terrific people.

Seekers knelt at the mercy seat for grace and the Christ-centered worship was lifted to heaven to the glory of God. We were inspired to be there. The Larssons retired on April first and the Bassetts will retire at the end of this month.

I salute them each here and go on record as being grateful to God for each of them. Their influence on my life and that of the global Salvation Army is significant. Praise the Lord!

Psalms 1:3 (NIV)
3 "He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers."

Rev. William Sloan Coffin

As we say, Reverend William Sloan Coffin was promoted to glory on April 13, 2006. He was 81 years old at the time and his funeral was today at the Riverside Church in Manhattan. I've never met him personally, but have, through his books. He came from the left side politically and was known as a pacifist, particularly during the Viet Nam war.

Theologically, we come from different perspectives, but on the important things, we had a lot in common. I valued his forthrightness on his positions and believe he was well rooted in the love of God. Now he knows more than all of us put together. In the presence of Christ, he sees clearly and embraces all God is.

As I tried to suggest in yesterday's blog, this is my overdue thank you to this man of God.

1 Chronicles 16:35 (NIV)
35 Cry out, "Save us, O God our Savior; gather us and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name, that we may glory in your praise."

Thank you's

I saw a letter today sent to one of my friends who heard from someone he prayed with at Old Orchard Beach Camp Meetings. It was a wonderful letter describing the seeker's hopes at going to the Mercy Seat and finding grace for his needs. He also found a counselor to speak and pray with.

So the gist of the letter was just to say thanks, even after all this time. The Spirit of God has been working in his heart and given him another counselor near home and he's doing great. Praise the Lord!

Often I'm convicted about not saying thanks enough. I'm Ok day to day for regular things, but I think I should start to thank authors of books and published articles that reach my soul or challenge my thinking. I'm sure there are other areas in which I could be more grateful too. Thanks for reading this.

1 Chronicles 16:34 (NIV)
34 'Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."

Easter Monday

Today, our office was closed as an Easter holiday. I'm really grateful for this consideration. I know that many SA offices and centers were not closed and actually, I'm grateful for that too. Ministry continues through the nights, days and weeks of the year, regardless of the calendar.

So I am calling today Easter Monday. There's something wrong with our theology if Easter is complete on Easter Sunday. This is why St. Augustine spoke of us as "Easter People." He was right. Allow the overwhelming miracle of Easter to permeate and flood every day of your life. This is God's plan. Hallelujah!

John 11:25-26 (NIV)
25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;
26 and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

Happy Easter

He is risen!

Matthew 28:6 (NIV)
6 "He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay."

Silent Saturday

I've never heard a label for the Saturday between Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter. If I were naming it, I'd call it Silent Saturday. No news. The disciples were wading in uncertainty, when in their lifetime they witnessed walking on water. They must have been very confused.

For us who know the rest of the story, we just know it to be a day to await the Risen Lord. You know, get ready for Easter. The day was much more than that. According to the Scriptures, Jesus confronted satan in hell, just before His earthly resurrection. That's big.

How'd you spend your Silent Saturday?

John 19:42 (MSG)
42 "So, because it was Sabbath preparation for the Jews and the tomb was convenient, they placed Jesus in it."

Good Friday

Tony Campolo said it best: "It's Friday, but Sunday's coming!"

John 19:30 (NIV)
30 "When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."

The Last Supper

The significance of the Last Supper is something that we will contemplate until we see Jesus face to face. Which part of it intrigues you? Communion? Betrayal? The foot washing? The words of Jesus? The responses of the disciples? The promise of the Holy Spirit?

It all comes together under the love of God. No less. It was a necessary night before the atonement and resurrection. I'm glad...and intrigued. Each word is significant and each action. Beautiful.

May your understanding of that night become a better understanding of the love of God for you.

John 14:30 (NIV)
30 'I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me,"

Holy Week

This is such a special time of the year. The week is labeled as Holy Week, and some make it so by the way the week is set apart unto God. The Scriptural account of the events of Holy Week are full with evidence of the love of God for His children.

Aren't you glad it has lasted more than a week and that God doesn't even measure His grace in that framework? I am. His holy abundance is meted out towards us in an unlimited and unconditional way. It's too trite to say that every week should be a holy week, since the occurrences of this week are so spectacular. Each day of each week can be holy.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV)
11 "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end."

Youth Holiness Advance

Over the weekend at the Ladore Lodge Conference Center, high school students came together by invitation to learn of the Holy Spirit. With the Munns, Antils, and the Territorial Youth Department, the kids were given a first rate opportunity. This is so right.

I thank God for His glorious appearing among them. Oh that they would each bask and breathe in His presence forever. It's not only possible, it's His plan...for each of us. No hard work. No fear of backsliding. No absence of joy. Knowing Him everyday, all day is just perfect. Problems come? Sure. Complications arise? Eventually. Days of anxiety? Unless you have no feelings. Don't even imagine life without Him. It doesn't exist. Give Him the entirety of your heart and you will begin to know who you really are.

Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)
14 'Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord."

Dayton, Ohio

Can it get any better? Carolyn and I spent Palm Sunday at the Dayton Central Corps, filled to the rafters with people and filled to the soul with the Holy Spirit. Music by Roz, Kip and team was extraordinary and the ARC choir was on duty thanks to Captains Dolder. They really contribute to the whole-family-everyone-is-included atmosphere that permeates the corps.

Majors Tom and Barbara Duperree are perfectly suited to the corps and loved by all. The whole experience was delightful to the soul. God is having His way with this corps. It gets a five star rating. The only reason it only gets a five star rating is because there's no higher rating n my chart. Drive to Dayton for a Sunday. Go out of your way to be there, but get there early if you want a seat. (Where was Reggie Winters anyway?)

Luke 19:39-40 (MSG)
39 "Some Pharisees from the crowd told him, "Teacher, get your disciples under control!"
40 But he said, "If they kept quiet, the stones would do it for them, shouting praise."

Chief Of The Staff

The Second in command of the world-wide Salvation Army is now Commissioner Robin Dunster. She is Australian and comes to International Headquarters from the Philippines as the Territorial Commander. She is, in fact, the first woman to hold the position in the history of the office.

Like her predecessors, she is an amazing officer with sterling credentials and experience as a Salvationist leader. Being the first appointment made by the new General, we should expect something very special from her in this critical role. They will forge into a missional, effective team that will lead our beloved Army into the uncertain future with a certainty resultant from a close relationship with God and reality. Hallelujah!

1 Peter 5:4 (NIV)
4 "And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away."

General Shaw Clifton

It's a new day. In the course of the last few days, there has been the changing of the guard at International Headquarters. General Shaw Clifton has arrived and it is a new day. Have you read his books or heard him speak? The Holy Spirit has anointed him with brilliance, grace and courage. This is a great combination of giftedness which he will use to the delight of God.

General Booth didn't quite imagine the incredible, dynamic energy and direction of God's Army that each successive General has brought to the altar. The changing of nationalities, genders and even hemispheres in international leadership has presented our movement with a texture, aroma and color that resembles the very face of God. Hallelujah!

Hebrews 13:17 (NIV)
17 "Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you."

Passport

It's a passport that gives us access to the borders of other countries. We do so to travel, work, visit and sight-see. The passport provides proof of identity and gives authenticity of one's country to the acceptance of most border authorities.

Do you have one? Is it up to date? An expired passport is quite useless. Can you find yours? Lost passports are useless too.

It's the stamp of the Master on your heart that will grant access to glory. It's the color of His precious blood shed on Calvary. This is your eternal identity and it should be current. In addition to heaven, with Jesus you will have access to forgiveness and healing and hope and life as it was intended and more...

Let the lost be found and the overdue be brought up to date. You'll go no where without Him.

Romans 5:2 (NIV)
2 "through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God."

Agnew Hall

This new residence building is beautiful and state of the art. It is for cadet families and officer staff at the School For Officer Training. First, we're grateful to God that we need the housing and secondly, we're grateful to God for the resources to do it.

It's named after one of our greathearts, Colonel Milton S. Agnew, former SFOT principal and superior holiness teacher. His books are still coveted by Salvationists, although mostly out of print. You may want to check with our trade department to see what they have.

The building dedication will take place over commissioning weekend. It's an important improvement and a signal to the commitment of the territory to the SFOT.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Mike's Home

Our Michael, that is Sgt. Michael A. Honsberger arrived home Saturday from his home base in Italy. He had served in both Iraq and Afghanistan and returned to Italy only recently. Upon his arrival at the airport, he proposed to Katie Maxwell, who accepted the proposal and promptly put on the engagement ring. Looks like the wedding will be on June 17th. Hallelujah!

We're so glad he's home safe and now, his life is filling with love for a beautiful woman, who's also a Salvationist. We've all known Katie for quite a while and couldn't be happier for both of them. There's part of me that wants to say his infantry training will come in handy in the marriage, but I won't say it. God bless them!

Genesis 2:24 (MSG)
24 'Therefore a man leaves his father and mother and embraces his wife. They become one flesh."

Clock Forward

Sure, now you need me to remind you of the time change...well if one lost soul sees this and changes his clock to be on time for church tommorrow...well...you know...

Here's where the preacher, preaches to himself. Maybe, just maybe, I'll remember.

The computer does it automatically, but not the alarm next to my bed, or the clock in the car. What about timers for the lights and things? All need some attention. Is there a Hallmark card you can get to celebrate the day?

How about a day to turn back to Jesus? Now that's a great day.

Revelation 3:3 (MSG)
3 "Think of the gift you once had in your hands, the Message you heard with your ears-grasp it again and turn back to God. "If you pull the covers back over your head and sleep on, oblivious to God, I'll return when you least expect it, break into your life like a thief in the night."