I think we can all agree that 2020 is nothing we have ever wanted. At the onset of the year, our staff prayerfully wrote the following as our keystone for the year, 20/20 Clarity of Vision in Defense of Our Faith. Looking back, I might add that we would gain a clear perspective on where our feet must be planted in this day and age and to live out of that from our very core.
So many voices echoed around us this year. Voices filled with anger, disappointment, tattling, loads of fear, caution and woe. I witnessed media calling the plundering of cities a mere protest. Media telling us how awful the virus is and how careful we better be. Governments responding in ways that resemble a police state from decades past. People trying to divide us on every front over matters that only the Cross upon which Jesus gave His precious life can remedy if we look wholly upon Him and trust in His mercy for our own wrongs.
So much fear. So much division.
Earlier this year I decided I would not choose one of these sides that were being presented to me. I found myself looking for biblical principles that apply to everyone.
The following has been one of those that I've held onto.
22 Then a demon-oppressed man who was blind and mute was brought to him, and he healed him, so that the man spoke and saw. 23 And all the people were amazed, and said, “Can this be the Son of David?” 24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons.” 25 Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. 26 And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? 27 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 28 But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 29 Or how can someone enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house. 30 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. 31 Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. Matthew 12:22-32
Our enemy, Satan, is making many great attempts to bring Godly houses down into chaos. Our nation, one which blesses Israel and helps ensure the peace it needs, is being torn apart. Not by the good it does but by the sin it hides and allows. Rather than point out their sins, I'm growing more convinced that the only solution to what has come upon our nation, our families and our churches is found in the following scripture.
...if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14-15
Many leaders in our churches believe God will bring a revival but it will come on the heels of great ruin.
For many years, God has blessed me with the ability to benefit from the International House of Prayer in Kansas City. For over 20 years now, they have run a 24-hour, 7-day a week prayer room. Before they were a prayer room they were a body of believers seeking God with all their hearts. God had a calling for their ministry and that calling has a distinct end-times purpose. They have a set of messages (found here) where they tell their history and that to which they are called. I take comfort that God has raised up a ministry like this to serve the Church in that day. I cannot get out of my mind the scenes they portray as being a reality in our nation one day. It's time to sober up and get right with God. Okay, it's always time to do that but there's still time to turn to Him if you haven't yet. 😊
Even with the many cancelations and changes to adjust to, First Stone Ministries has been busy. We pivoted from an in-person support group to online in a couple week's time. Over the summer, we had mixed groups of online and in-person simultaneously. We are piloting our own support group material entitled, Living Free, with each chapter being written as we go. We hope to have a full-fledged program in a couple of years!
As for our excursions, our staff ministered alongside Exodus Latin America in Mexico City in February. It was a successful and blessed trip! This summer we drove to Tupelo, Mississippi to speak at a church there. What an amazing treat that was. Anchor Church, has several unique and important ministries. Check them out at Grace and Mercy Ministries. Finally, we hosted the premier screening of American Family Studio's In His Image documentary. Already having been viewed online for free over 341,000 times, this documentary included, in one way or another, all of the First Stone Ministries staff, Dr. Michael Brown, Denise Shick, Walt Heyer and many others. For the complete list, look here.
In His Image is chock full of helpful scriptural nuggets alongside testimonies of God's grace in rescuing these from the hells in which they were living. Not only can this be viewed for free, but for a donation, you can get the DVD which includes over 3 hours of bonus material that will bless you so much to watch. You can order the DVD from First Stone Ministries at their online store or directly from the In His Image website.
We also mailed out a couple of newsletters for 2020.
In July's Edition:
- Speaking the Truth: Embracing Common Sense
- In His Image documentary
- New Staff!
- New Logo!
- Report: Mexico Mission
- Imago Dei
- Six "Supremes" Vote for the United States to Make LGBTQ+ Behavior Equal to Race and Sex
In November's Edition:
- Weapons of Spiritual Warfare
- The War on Gender
- Report: Tupelo, MS
- Report: In His Image Screening
- A Tribute: Remembering Sy Rogers
(From left: Stephen Black, Joseph Thiessen (me), Laura Beth Perry, Aaron Girod, Jim Farrington, Laura Leigh Stanlake)
On a personal note, my year has actually gone quite well. As I've mentioned before, I started receiving allergy shots back in 2018. They put me on the slow track and I'm nearing what is called "maintenance dose." I should be there in about 8 weeks. My allergies have gradually improved; however, I still can have horrible days. Thankfully the overall effect of the shots is good! I'm continuing to do well on my testosterone treatments (see my testimony for why).
I now have two great-nieces and they are adorable! What joy they bring to their parents and surrounding families! My family are all employed and healthy. I have a lot to be grateful for!
Although I have no pets, my boss' dog and my neighbor's dog both provide me something warm and joyous to pet and smile at! For more fun and to keep me active, I have taken up geocaching as a pastime when I need something to get me out of the house. It's been fun to see parts of my world where I never thought I'd go!
Finally, I would like you to pray with me regarding the ever-constant need for prayer and financial support. Seasons change and people's abilities to give rise and fall. This is normal for anyone who lives a missionary-life.
If you can make a special end-of-year donation or even a commitment to give monthly, I would be humbled. No doubt, if you cannot give but instead can pray for me and our small staff, we would greatly appreciate it!
If you know nothing about what I do, please jump over to my About Me page and have a look at my A Call to Serve presentation.
If you would like to go ahead and give, please visit the First Stone Ministries' Support page.