Setting off explosions

Posted on September 29, 2009 by Carl

Over the last few months, the Lord has been speaking to us about the importance of praise in bringing down the spiritual walls of the Simplicity – Corpus Christi neighborhood. So when the opportunity to host The Burn 24/7 was extended, it was a “no-brainer.”

This past weekend, people from a variety of denominational backgrounds came together at 805 S. Staples and for 24 hours, they worshiped, prayed, danced, painted, played and glorified God. During this time, we had several people come in off of the streets and were able to minister to them. It was truly a nuclear event in the spiritual environment of this neighborhood. One of my intercessors said it best: “Foundations were shaken.” This weekend was also strategic, because it was exactly 1 year ago that my church voted to release the staff and ministry, so they could afford to keep the church property. It was that set of events that led to the implementation of the Simplicity vision that God had been birthing in me for a number of months.

Sunday was in my mind, the best worship experience we’ve had at Simplicity since we began in November of last year. We shared how God had touched our lives throughout the week and during that time I began to look at the banner that had been given to us by one of the worshipers over the weekend. The Lord prompted me to hand the banner to Brooke and I gave her permission to move throughout the room with that banner to praise Jesus to the best of her 3 year old ability. The Lord then took me to a song that I had not sang since I was a child…His Banner Over Me is Love. We sang that song and then the Lord began to write the verses. Before our time together was done, the Lord had given us 6 or 7 new verses to this song that we sang with great joy. Our service ended up lasting nearly 2 1/2 hours and yet no one seemed to notice or care.

Yesterday, Mike and I attended a pastor’s prayer retreat in Banquete. This retreat has become a highlight of my year each year and this year was no different. The morning speaker came out of the worship time with a word for nearly each one of us. To Mike and I, he said this: “Sit in the saddle.” “All that you are going through is by God’s design, don’t rush the process.” Throughout the day, God reminded me of the need to be a conduit, not just a cup. The day ended with 2 intercessors praying over each of us. The words spoken over me included: “Courage; a willingness to go where no one else will; the opening of multiple harvest fields unto me; the need for me to have wisdom to manage the resources that God is releasing into my hands; and a prayer of thanksgiving for the resources being released that are not only sufficient, but exceedingly abundant.”

I ended my day by speaking via phone with Pastor Santhosh about our upcoming ministry in Delhi and Kerala. Pastor Santhosh has been unable to raise the $2,000 necessary to put on the conference he had intended in Delhi, so I had suggested that we invite a handful of leaders for a few days of private meetings. Santhosh had been praying and fasting over that suggestion and is being led to invite 15 pastors to join us. We talked about my lack of air travel and fiances, but I assured him that God was going to provide. It is now 13 days until I leave and the airfare is beginning to creep up, so I know that we are not far from the provision, but this is an exercise in faith and trust.

If you would like to contribute to the India ministry effort, please visit the donation link

Rain and renewal

Posted on September 23, 2009 by Carl

Yesterday afternoon it was raining pretty heavily. When I am at 805, I always have the front door propped open with a brick, inviting people to come in.

During the rain a man walked in who I have become somewhat familiar with, because I see him walk by almost every day. This man is easily recognized, because he always has a bandanna on.

He said “I need you to pray for me, I’m a crack addict.” He went on to tell me that he had woken up yesterday morning and something was different. He knew he needed to leave the drugs alone and he was asking me to pray for him, because he needed extra strength.

Robert, as I learned his name to be, shared with me his story. He had once been very active in church. He played guitar in worship, served as a deacon and seemed to have it all together until crack cocaine entered his life. Robert has been looking for companionship with the local prostitutes, but he finds it empty and meaningless. He recently became a grandfather and his daughter told him that he would not see the grandbaby as long as crack was a part of his life.

I also learned that Robert wears the bandanna, because it makes him look tougher, so no one will mess with him.

I placed my hands on Robert and began to speak to Jesus about his life. Robert left with a new look of peace on his face. He made me write down our service times and he told me to look for him in the coming days.

God is awakening righteousness in the hearts of the people in this neighborhood. Continue to pray for Robert and so many who are like him.

A testimony that just keeps getting better.

Posted on September 21, 2009 by Carl

Ugandan man coming to faith in Christ

During my time in Uganda, this past May, I had the privilege of preaching in the PCM Church in Kapchesoy.

One afternoon as I had finished preaching and was sitting down, the whole church erupted in celebration. I learned that they were celebrating, because a man (pictured) who was the village drunkard and troublemaker was giving his life to Christ.

In the days that followed, I learned his story. He was cooking beer a mile and half from the church. He had been drinking all day and was already drunk. As he explained he heard a voice telling him that he needed to run as fast as he could to the church and give his life to Jesus. He had arrived, just as I sat down and he went forward and gave his life to Jesus.

The next day, his closest friend was at the front of the church giving his life to Jesus, because of what he had witnessed the day before. Now if that was the story, that would be absolutely amazing in itself, but it gets even better. I received this update from Pastor Adams today:

The lord is still working great things and fire as never ceased!
The man you prayed for him during the conference in Kapchesoy church who came smelling alcohol is still firm. The lord has used him to win 12 other drunkards to Christ and many are coming to get saved because of his salvation.
We have enrolled him in our Bible College and taking certificate. I was with him and told me to send you his personal greetings.

He has a hunger and passion to reaching the lost. He told me he will resign soon from teaching to start preaching the Gospel but I told him first he should seek the lord before taking any step.

One transformed life, transforming the lives of others. The power of God is truly amazing to watch.

Sunday recap

Posted on September 21, 2009 by Carl

We were joined yesterday by two representatives from Burn 24/7. We are hosting September’s Burn this weekend, so they were here to scope out building and neighborhood. This was a very moving experience for both of them. I wanted to share with your Rachel’s thoughts to her email list:

Good evening CC Burning Ones!

This morning I visited Simplicity Church- where we will be holding Burn CC this month. I was left utterly broken. Last month someone told me, “your feet will go to dark places” I never imagined that would mean I’d be taking the Burn too!

Simplicity Church is located right across the street from a gay bar where the rainbow flag hangs proudly, its down the street from the abortion clinic and its passed by many lonely travelers- all walking alone- all holding baggage (physically and spiritually). With an open door and a bright orange water cooler with the words “compliments of Jesus Christ” boldly written these few hold church every Sunday morning. Oftentimes people wander in- stare and leave or ask for prayer. Inside little kids sing along their parents and even ask questions and pray for prayer requests during the service. While we read I watched a Dad give his son a bottle and let the little boy fall asleep on his chest.

And the entire time the Lord was speaking to me-

His banner will hang higher than any of the enemy’s flags.

AND His banner over us- over everyone is LOVE!

Hearing the simple prayers and the sweet off-key voices of children made me cry with sweet happiness and I was reminded why the Lord loves these “little ones” who wisdom and faith and trust is SSSOOO much greater than mine!

I believe its pivotal that’s we’re here.

That we are lifting up praises and going to impact the atmosphere!

That our praises will tear down this wall that this church has been coming up against.

That we will raise the banner of Jesus Christ over that area and light a lamp in the darkness- and see His people saved and set free- He will “see the reward for which He was slain.”

Please everyone be in prayer.

“Gird yourselves- consecrate yourselves… for tomorrow the Lord will do increasingly wonderful things!!”

Worshipers- soak up His oil in your secret place- because it will be lit on fire this weekend.

And remember in our intimacy we have victory- it is in this place that we are given our boldness- our words- our strategies- our battle orders.

Also please be cautious-

this is not a safe neighborhood- no one walk anywhere alone- please watch your surroundings. Use caution and be wise.

And please be in prayer for this church-

pray for fiances, for co-laborers and “arm- holders” to share the load, for strength and endurance to keep plowing this land, for walls to be broken, and for the Lord to provide for all of their needs.

And if anyone would like to donate nonperishable food and bottles of water or articles of clothing, shower supplies, etc. (they pass these gifts out to many of the people that visit their church) I know it would bless them tremendously

During the morning and afternoon we met and prayed with Charlie, Everett (our first time to meet him), David and his friend (both believers in Christ), and Richard (I see him walking by almost daily). Some of these men allowed us to pray with them. Others shared lunch with us, since we were cooking out in the parking lot. Each one was a reminder of how God wants to move in this neighborhood.

I am still struggling to get airfare together for India, even though I leave 3 weeks from today. If you would like to help by contributing financially or even donating frequent flier miles, please let us know.

Balance and Powerful Encounters

Posted on September 17, 2009 by Carl

One of the things I know about myself is that I am a “high” justice and “low” mercy type individual. Fortunately Mike is just the opposite. He is high on the mercy scale and low on the justice scale. God knew what He was doing when He put us together. Here is a great example.

As we were getting into our cars on Tuesday evening a lady approached and asked us for $2. I asked what she needed it for and she said she needed it so she could stay at the mission for the night. When I asked her the name of the mission she couldn’t tell me, but said it was on Agnes (I did not know of any missions on Agnes). I asked her how much lodging for the night cost and she said it was $8. I commented that she then obviously had the other $6. She said she had $5 and that she was going to ask someone up the street for the rest. I then told her that I would think if she really needed lodging she would ask for the entire $8, and that I was concerned she was looking to use the money for other purposes. At that she left and walked off.

Mike and Kim got in the van and we began to talk about the conversation. I could tell Mike was troubled and he said that he believed we were supposed to take her to the shelter and provide for her room. So we went and looked for her. We caught up with her a few blocks down the road and ended up taking her to a shelter in the area. I found out when we arrived, that she had been staying there and had left a day before. They were happy to welcome her back…God’s will was done…and I had to repent. I’m so thankful for balance in the body of Christ.

Today a woman and man entered the building. The man asked if I remembered him? He had entered into our service about 6-8 weeks ago and asked us if we could pray for his mother. He had received word that she had nearly died that morning and was in ICU. We had all gathered around him and prayed over him and his mother. Today he stopped by to tell me the story of the miracle that had taken place in her life. He had called to check on her that afternoon and learned that she had made a miraculous recovery. What was more profound to him though was the way he had entered our door. He explained to me that he had actually passed by and was nearly 2 blocks down the street when he was compelled to cross the street and come straight towards the water jug. He told me, “I even remember what it said: ‘Cold water compliments of Jesus Christ.'” He told me he had no intention of coming here, but the compulsion was too strong and the words on the water penetrated deep within him.

In talking with this couple (over a cup of cold water from our new fangled refrigerated water cooler, donated by one of our overseer’s church) I found out that they are needing to find housing in the next day or so. His companion once served the Lord in ministry, but she fell into sin and has walked away from the faith. The Lord impressed upon me that the stain of her sin, makes her feel unworthy and that she has given up. Before they left I prayed for them hand in hand and asked them to keep me informed of how they are doing.

This visit was a validation for me once again. I found myself wrestling with doubt as I got here today and this encounter was helpful in crucifying those lies.

Family and freedom

Posted on September 8, 2009 by Carl

This past week and weekend was filled with great reminders of God’s work all around us. The man we had met the previous Sunday, spent several hours with me on Tuesday. He was able to get settled in at the local mission, and he is interviewing to do carpentry work on behalf of the Marine Corps for the families of soldiers who are deployed. He is still fighting the old ways and habits, but I believe he will see victory, if he will fully surrender himself to the Lord.

Wednesday, my brother-in-law, sister-in-law and my niece came down for a Labor Day weekend visit. My brother-in-law twisted my arm real hard to go deep sea fishing on Thursday and Friday. Here are the results of our time together:

Thursday's catch aboard the Gulf Eagle

Friday's catch aboard the Gulf Eagle

Sunday was another great day of ministry. Our morning service had ended and we were all sitting around talking. A woman, named Elizabeth, walked in and asked if we would pray for her. In fact her request was worded this way: “Please pray for me. I am in bondage to addiction.” We gathered around this precious woman and prayed for freedom in her life. Her tears flowed and joy entered her countenance. When we were finished praying, she allowed us to minister to her with food and water. One of our ladies then took her where she needed to go. I believe Elizabeth has received freedom; however, she must now choose to walk in it.

Donuts, bologna and relationships

Posted on August 30, 2009 by Carl

This morning as we were getting ready for worship. A couple of guys came across the street to get water out of our cooler. I brought some donuts out and while we were talking another man came across the street. We talked a few minutes and he asked when service started. I told him, and invited him to come on in, since the coffee was hot and the chairs were plentiful. This man told me how he had returned to Corpus Christi from San Antonio and was here to do some work for a man for a few weeks. He said that he normally lived in one of the shelters when he came to town.

As the morning went on, I learned that he had once been on fire for the Lord, but had made some choices that led him into the land of the prodigal. He went on to say that God had been convicting him about his need to return to the loving arms of his Heavenly Father. He admitted that he had been fighting the conviction that he needed to return to church, and in fact had no intention of being in a church today, but when he saw Mike and I talking with the other two men, he knew he had to come.

Before the day was over we prayed with him, had him join us for lunch and got him a shower and fresh change of clothes. Tomorrow he will be looking to get into one of the missions and I invited him to spend the morning with me down at the church until his work begins in the afternoon.

Also this morning I got a phone call from a man who had no food in his house and does not receive his monthly money until the 3rd. His request was simple: some eggs, some bologna and a loaf of bread. The Lord prompted me that I needed to respond. I showed up on his doorstep an hour later and he invited me in. He was somewhat surprised that I had actually followed through on my promise. As we talked I learned that he suffers from severe diabetes and that he is trying to make things work on $767/month. His rent takes $450 and his medicine takes another $200.

As we talked he said, “I need to be truthful with you. I got your number off of your TV program.” I laughed and told him, that I was glad somebody was watching it. As we talked further he shared his uncertainty of whether or not he was truly a redeemed child of God, bought and paid for with the blood of Jesus. I shared with him, how he could have certainty today. He told me that he would not pray in front of me, because he didn’t want my presence to influence his response, but the mist in his eyes told me that my words had gone straight to his heart.

He hugged me as I left and I now have an open invitation to come and see him anytime. I will take him up on that offer…he loves coffee, so next time I stop by it will be with a fresh cup in hand.

Fresh testimony from East Africa

Posted on August 27, 2009 by Carl

I received this email on Wednesday from Pastor Adams, the Lead Pastor of East Africa ministries for Simplicity:

Dear Rev.
> I would to share with you what the lord did recently in my mission
> trip to West Pokot many KM from our home town.
>
> This is our seventh year
> in Kenya. Our hearts are entwined with the people of this nation.
> Indeed it’s the land that calls for the righteousness of God. The Lord
> has continued to bring forth His word to encourage and exhort this
> nation so that they may rise up to righteousness and advance the
> kingdom of God.
>
>
> The lord has given us
> favor and expands our many areas of influence and His power of healing
> is bringing mighty transformation in the lives of His people across
> this nation especially in the rural areas where the gospel is list
> preached.
>
> As we proclaim Jesus,
> Words flow from our lips like the sword and fire cutting and burning
> hearts like fire. The villages are shaken by the power of God resident
> in His word coming through His vessel with power and grace. The
> response of brethren here has been a time of repentance and making
> their ways right with God.
>
>
> We returned from another
> mission trip on the hills of Pokot and Marakwet, Kenya. The people of
> these regions are cattle keepers and they depend on their animals for
> survival. Few churches are planted in these areas because of the
> insecurity. We had a great time with them as we shared the love of
> Jesus with the native people of that region. Many came to our crusades
> and evening revival. They came and sat down on the grass and listened
> to us in the crusade. When we invited them for the altar call many
> gave their lives to Jesus. Miracles were also present as many got
> healed from different kinds of diseases. But among all, three miracles
> turned the whole village to Christ.
>
> 1)      There was a
> man who was bed-ridden for six months (H.I.V positive) who could not
> walk or even talk. We went with Brother Apollo to his home. We found
> him lying on bed, the wife told us of what happened to her husband six
> months ago and how they have gone to many hospitals but the condition
> of her husband worsened all day long. They are all civil servants
> serving in the Kenyan government. The husband works with the
> Administration police and the lady as a prison warden in Langata
> prisons Nairobi city. But because of the sickness they were given a
> leave to go home. They were all waiting for any fate to happen to
> them. After sharing with them about Jesus they all gave their lives to
> Jesus, then I prayed for both of them then later I prayed for her
> husband and rebuked evil disease to leave his body in Jesus’
> name. His body shook terribly and when we all said Amen, he stood up
> to greet us completely healed by the Lord. What a mighty God we serve!
>
> 2)      On that
> evening the whole village came for the revival meeting and there was a
> lady who had the issue of blood for a year. She was brought for prayer
> and she was being carried on the bed.
> After prayer she got up and walked and the fountain of blood tried up.
> The next day they all came for a Sunday service and shared with us how
> God healed them. We were amazed and everybody praised the lord.
>
> 3)      A girl aged
> ten to twelve years was cribled by a strange disease which made her
> hands, feet to wither was healed when I called upon the name of the
> lord. Immediately she struggled to stand alone and our team helped her
> to stand up alone. She was crying as she walked alone.
>
> Surely Jesus still heals
> even today. May all glory and honor be to Him and Him alone!
> Father, May you stretch
> your hand and do things that is beyond human imaginations so that this
> world will know you and your power.
> Amen and Amen.
>
> God bless you Rev
Yours faithfully
Apostle Adams

Walking alone and other observations

Posted on August 26, 2009 by Carl

Yesterday Mike and I were meeting together for our weekly prayer and accountability time. As we were talking something struck me. The people we see walking the streets in front of the church never walk in groups, but instead they are always walking alone. The Lord helped me see again the isolation of this neighborhood. Everyone walks alone, because they do not allow themselves to get close to others, for fear that something will be taken from them.

The same spirit is evident in the houses. Each house has a high fence surrounding it, some even have barbed wire on the top. No trespassing signs and vicious Pit Bull’s are a common site. Again, it is driven by a fear of having something taken away.

Last week one of my intercessors had given me a proclamation to make over this neighborhood and the people of the neighborhood. The proclamation is a declaration that “the enemy has nothing to offer you, nor can he take anything away from you.” This declaration is critical, as we have had at least two people make this statement to us: “No one will ever take anything from me again.”

The other observation that we have made is that everyone passing by is carrying a bag. Plastic bags, backpacks, shoulder bags…most filled with their worldly possessions. The Lord again gave me greater clarity. Not only are the people of this neighborhood walking alone, but they are walking alone with the baggage of their life. The Lord has led us to begin praying for the release of the bondage created by the baggage.

This has been my first week of working from the Simplicity building in Corpus Christi. There has not been much foot traffic during the day, and the heavy equipment and big dirt piles out front haven’t helped that situation either.

This week I have been presented with several needs from some of my dear African pastors, in addition to our own family needs. The Lord continues to reassure us through His words to us in scripture and in prayer. I am not sure how it will all settle out, or even how all of these needs will be met, but I know I am confident in the Lord’s provision in His perfect timing.

Co-Laborers, tearful hugs & friendly waves

Posted on August 23, 2009 by Carl

One of the things we have been praying for has been co-laborers as Jesus instructed us to:

Matthew 9:37-38 (NASB)
37 Then He *said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.
38 “Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”

This week we were joined during our Tuesday prayer time by a group of prayer intercessors who have worked with me over the last few years. They will be joining us off and on in the days to come, giving guidance as the Lord gives them clarity. We were also blessed to have two of these intercessors join us again this morning. We also had the opportunity to fellowship with 3 different Christian brothers at the bus transfer station yesterday.

Tuesday night was also another milestone for us. We received our first smile and wave from the street. This scene was repeated on Thursday evening and again this morning. The smile and wave today was especially special, because it was from a lady we call “the donut lady.” We first encountered The Donut Lady, several weeks ago when she took a whole box of donuts we had set out for passers by.

This morning as soon as we arrived at church a man came across the street and asked for some money. I learned that this man was sleeping in a parking lot across from the church. I offered some chips and a fruit cup to the man, which he gladly accepted. I asked the man if I could pray for him, at which time I learned his name was Robert. Robert fled to the streets when his marriage came to an end. He drowns his pain in alcohol, but the pain never leaves. I prayed for Jesus to touch the hurt in his life, as only Jesus can. Immediately Robert threw his arms around me and wept. Robert didn’t stick around, but I have a sense I will see him again.

My time with Robert impressed upon me the need to be at the building during the week on a more frequent basis. We took a step of faith and purchased a wireless card for my laptop, and I will begin working from our South Staples location during the week. I believe God will honor this step, as the number of hurting people is great.

Journey To Simplicity