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.

The Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Within

Posted on August 19, 2009 by Carl

Days like today are the places where the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde within me get revealed. We began this day with enough gas in Carol’s van to get the kids to and from school today. I went into town to check the mail for a commission check I was expecting (which wasn’t there). When I got back from town, my motorcycle was nearly on empty. We have a $300 truck payment drafting through our bank account tomorrow and we currently have $6 in the bank. To top it off I awoke with a splitting headache.

I started the morning, by telling the Lord my fears and asking for His strength instead of mine and His trust in Himself to replace my own trust. I found myself at peace once I had prayed these things through and I went about my work, writing articles to promote the business websites.

About 2PM, Carol suggested we put an old twin bed on Craigslist that we had been holding back for Christopher. We learned this weekend, that he would not be needing it. We listed it for $35 ($30 for gas in Carol’s van and $5 for gas in my motorcycle) and within an hour or so we had several emails and a series of phone call from a man who was interested in picking up the bed for his son.

At around 4PM the man showed up, took a quick look at the mattress and box springs and said: “I’m going to pass.” By this time my headache had returned full tilt and the hope of seeing gas money provided for went out the window. Once again I found myself in a downward spiral of doubt, anger, fear, etc… Angry that I had turned down work for obedience; wishing God would find someone else who was stronger than I am to take on this call; and more than anything just wanting some relief.

Carol began to tell me that God would take care of us and everything would be ok. I didn’t want to hear anymore “sunshine and promises from Scripture,” and I told her so. I reminded her that our needs have not been met…how can I even teach others that God will supply all of their needs? We have more bills unpaid and delinquent than we do paid. She asked me what did I really need to see? I told her…people who will not just listen to the burdens of our life, but will actually partner with me month by month, so that I can do this work. I told her I wanted to see some growth in the businesses. I just want to see the bills paid and some sort of forward progress. With my head pounding and my stomach nauseous, I went and laid down.

When I got back up for dinner, Carol said a woman had called asking about the bed. At 8:20 this evening she gave us $35 for the bed. Enough for 2/3 tank of gas in Carol’s van and $5 of gas for my motorcycle. Our need had been met.

I choose to be transparent with you about my fears and my failures, because they are a real part of this church planting journey. Make no mistake, this journey has cost us everything….financially we are destitute, emotionally I am on fumes, and spiritually my greatest battles are the ones within. I press on though…sometimes inching forward with my fingernails, because there is a world out there that needs the hope of Jesus. Even though I give up on Him sometimes, He never gives up on me. Today He used a $35 mattress at 8:20PM to prove it to me.

As embarassed as I am to share some of this with you I realize I am in good company. Listen to the Apostle Paul’s description:

2 Corinthians 1:8 (NASB)
8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life;

and Elijah:

1 Kings 19:9-10 (NASB)
9 Then he came there to a cave, and lodged there; and behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
10 And he said, “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts; for the sons of Israel have forsaken Thy covenant, torn down Thine altars and killed Thy prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.”

The battle of the flesh will not end until the day Jesus calls me to His side.

You are my Everything

Posted on August 17, 2009 by Carl

Last week the Lord gave Carol a word for me. That word was “resolve.” As I explained in my last blog post, the Lord brought Carol and I under conviction about our actions in seeking a professional role outside of the ministry and businesses I have been given. The word resolve became critical, because the Lord also asked me to shut the doors I had opened. Before the week was over I turned down two job offers that had come through my active search for work. I told Carol at one point “I can’t believe I’m sending lifeboats away;” however, I also understood clearly what the Lord was telling me. Carol was already firmly planted in her certainty of this direction…the word “resolve” was truly for me. So here we are starting a new week with the knowledge and commitment that God is our everything. He is the provision, the safety net, the course…everything.

This weekend was once again a great time in the life of Simplicity. On Thursday a friend who is a true man of prayer made a commitment to join us every other Tuesday as we pray over our city. The Lord has already begun to give him a direction for prayer over the South Bluff neighborhood. Saturday we were back at the bus transfer station. My most memorable interaction was with a man who asked me: “Why are you doing this?” When I told him that God had instructed us to do it, he began to laugh. I told him, that God may not be someone he acknowledged, but the truth of the fact still remained.

Yesterday during our service we had two different men walk in from off the street. The first man was Jim. Jim was leaving his apartment, because he was having conflicts with his neighbors. As I drove Jim to where he needed to go, Jim went on and on about his need for a good woman in his life. I reminded him that he needed to discover his identity in Christ first and then worry about finding the right woman. When I got back to the church another man I had met a few weeks earlier was back. In his drunkenness, he couldn’t remember that he had been there before, but he did recognize me. Daniel’s story was still the same, no money, no food, hoping to go to San Antonio. We provided him a few cans of Vienna Sausage and some chips; however, he told us we were “weird” because we didn’t have anything for him to drink.

The Latest

Posted on July 29, 2009 by Carl

Last week I was so excited about the young man who had returned. I took him to Alice to see family and he returned to Corpus Christi with me that afternoon, because he knew it was in his best interest. Unfortunately, I learned a day later that he had already been kicked out of the mission and was back on the streets. I continue to pray for the Lord’s powerful touch on the lives of the people here.

Saturday, while we were at the bus transfer station, the Lord allowed us to have another great conversation with someone there. Mike was able to speak at length with a woman who had attended church with he and Kim several years back. This woman was no longer in church, but hungry to have fellowship once again. We were blessed on Sunday to have her with us. We also had another man with us on Sunday whom we had met a few weeks ago as he was seeking shelter. We are thankful that the people of the area are beginning to search us out. This was reaffirmed today as a woman who had attended our opening Sunday asked if we were still meeting and indicated her desire to come again with her grandson.

On the job front I have had 2 interviews already this week and have another scheduled tomorrow. The positions require a number of interviews and testing, but I am starting to get a considerable ways into the process with each one. The Lord has also helped me rule out the things that have not been a good fit. I will be glad to see this process finish out so I can get focused on firming up our financial foundation.

Tom Blackaby and I have been working on our travel plans for October and I am so excited about our time together in India. I look forward to seeing Pastor Paul once again and finally spending face to face time with Pastor Santhosh.

Yesterday was my talk radio interview on Embracing God’s Best. I did not receive a call in number before the broadcast, so we were scrambling to get connected on the front end. The interview went so quickly, that we didn’t even get into the ministry of Simplicity; however, it was exactly what God wanted spoken.

Friday thoughts

Posted on July 17, 2009 by Carl

I finally had two job interviews yesterday. The process for both positions will take some time, so we’ll see where the Lord leads. I continue to ask Him to clearly show me His direction for my life and the ministry of Simplicity. Carol and I both believe that this time is more about the process of searching out the heart of God and less about the end result. We both sense that the answer will once again be something that at this point is out of view and not on our radar screen. Time will tell.

Carol and Kim attended a woman’s conference last night at Corpus Christi Christian Fellowship, so Mike and I had Organic Group with our kids. The conversation was not as free flowing as it is when Kim and Carol are with us, but it was still good none the less. We had studied Mark 13:14-23 on Sunday, so we were discussing these passages on the tribulation. It was great getting to help my kids better understand a passage that is difficult for adults much less a 7 and 11 year old.

After Organic Group, we went back to Mike’s house and he played a documentary movie for me called The Heart of Texas. This is one of the most powerful stories I have ever heard. The movie profiles a community tragedy that displayed God’s love in a powerful way through the response of the family affected. I don’t tend to get overly emotional, but this was a very emotional movie for me to watch, especially with my two youngest children near by. To see God’s power moving in a circumstance that few of us could ever imagine.

This weekend we will be handing out water at the central bus terminal again and having our monthly cookout on the parking lot at Simplicity.

Journey To Simplicity