Good Saturday afternoon! I hope y’all have had a wonderful Thanksgiving week. I just finished dropping my parents off at the airport for their return trip home, we had a DELIGHTFUL week with them and our other guests, the Schrader’s. Nonstop food, fun, fellowship, felicitous thanksgiving.

In the morning I make the 80-minute drive to Riverside Church in St. Joseph, MO. (10 a.m. service) I was with Pastor Tim Doyle once before in another context, but this will be my first time to be with him since he launched this church plant. The work is strong already, running around 150 adults I’m told. It’s nice on a holiday weekend like this to be able to stay home and have a “local” ministry opportunity. I’m looking forward to it.

I’m in prayer today, seeking the Lord for a clear word. Thanks for your prayer help today, and please join me in the Spirit tomorrow by attending your local church as together we exalt the name of Jesus, with all the saints worldwide.

Sunday afternoon: I’m back home after a good road trip to St. Joseph and good ministry at Riverside Church. The saints were very attentive, and responded well at the end to the word of the Lord. This church has a very vibrant youth group and a very committed worship team. Strong core of committed saints. I bless this work now in my prayers, that the Lord would enable them to make a strong impact for the Kingdom in St. Joseph.

Thanks for praying me through!

Up next: Wednesday I leave for Korea, where I’ll be ministering at a worship conference with Klaus.

Sunday 5:30 p.m.: We had a very good service this morning. The saints here are really hungry for the Lord. They pressed into worship together. And then during the ministry of the word, they were very attentive and receptive, easy to minister to. I had a great time with them, both in worship and in fellowship. I feel enriched to now have this church family eternally part of my family. Good ministry, good connection, much thanksgiving.

Speaking of which, HAPPY THANKSGIVING! So what are you doing for Thanksgiving? We’ve got a grand time planned. My parents are flying in tomorrow from Pittsburgh to be with us for the week. Also coming for a couple days is the Alan Schrader family from Bloomfield, NY. So we’re going to have a grand party at our place this week, offering much thanksgiving to God!

Up next: Sunday I have scheduled some local ministry so I can be home for the weekend. I’ll be speaking this Sunday morning in St. Joseph, MO. Just a little over an hour from our home. Glad to be home, and glad for the privilege of ministering locally. Back to you Saturday.

Friday morning: I’m heading out first thing this morning for Boise, to be at the first-ever Harvest Worship Institute at Church of the Harvest. I’m speaking at the closing session of the conference, Friday night. Then I’m staying over Sunday morning to be at River Valley Community Church. Also ministering at this Worship Institute are Howard Rachinski and Katy Wade and Portia Sumner (great people!), as well as the host ministry team. I have driven through Idaho, but it occurred to me that this will be my first time to actually minister in this great state. So I’m looking forward to being with these saints.

Saturday 11 a.m.: We had a marvelous time last night, a great conclusion to the worship conference. The pastor’s daughter Kari leads worship here, is doing an amazing job. She was joined this week by Portia and Katy from Shiloh Church in Oakland, CA — two prophetic songbirds. When I finished the message, Katy and Portia and team took over. They nailed it. A blanket of the presence of God filled the room. You didn’t want to stand. Everyone at the altar just went to their knees, so aware of the holiness of God. The message was on “worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” Truly we were in His holy presence. Afterwards we had a sweet time of fellowship with the ministry team, which was extended today at the breakfast table in our hotel. Just a marvelous time of reconnecting with dear friends.

Friday: I leave the house at 5 a.m. this morning to fly to El Paso (via Atlanta), and then take the 90-minute drive from there to Alamogordo, NM. This will be my second time to Cottonwood Christian Fellowship, to minister at their annual worship conference. I had a great time with these saints last year, and am looking forward to being with them again. There’s great sincerity and hunger for everything God has for us.

I am scheduled to speak once daily, Fri/Sat/Sun. Thanks for your prayers for vocal strength (it’s been a sore week), for clarity of direction in the word, and for the power of the Lord to be present with us.

On another note, this week we received our sample copies of the French translation of FOLLOWING THE RIVER (produced in Switzerland). Please join us in believing prayer that this translation would have a strong impact among the worshiping communities in the French-reading world.

I am also reminded that today TheCall Detroit is happening — let’s join in the Spirit with our brothers and sisters in Detroit as they have set aside 11-11-11 to call upon the Lord for His help and visitation in America.

Grace to you in your intercessory ministry before the throne!

Friday 11:00 p.m.: Great launch tonight. I spoke about burning in holiness in the throne room, and the Lord’s grace was upon the message. I think everyone sensed we were in the presence of Jesus.

There are workshops and various sessions throughout the day tomorrow. Then I’ll share again in the Saturday 6:30 p.m. service.

Saturday 10:00 a.m.: I had a delightful breakfast with a couple on our intercessory team, Evan and Sophia who live about 3 hours north of here, and made the trip down to take in the Friday evening service, and then do Saturday breakfast with me before heading home to their responsibilities. Sweet!

Saturday 10:30 p.m.: We had an excellent finish tonight to the conference. I spoke on following the river of God in worship, after which I set us all up for a “practice session,” in which we practiced singing new songs to the Lord based on Scripture. Everyone gathered around the front altar area with their Bibles, and we had a very sweet time of extolling the Lamb of God and singing Holy Holy Holy. It seemed to me that for many of them they were participating in something like this for the first time, so there was a very sincere spirit upon it. It seemed to me that ending the teaching in some practical application helped to strengthen the retention and relevance of the word. I think everyone will be coming back in the morning with expectation that it will not be “church as usual.”

Sunday 4:30 p.m.: We had another wonderful time together in the Lord’s house this morning. Sweet spirit in worship. Good anointing upon the word. The saints were very attentive, taking in every word. The folks here expressed heartfelt appreciation for the ministry this weekend, so I’m returning home with my affection cup overflowing, and with much thanksgiving to God.

Sunday 3:30 p.m.: Had a great time at My Father’s House today. I’ve known the Naedele’s for years, and yet for some reason this was my first time ever to be at their church. They have a neat church family, good spirit in the midst, lots of passion in their worship ministry, very open hearts. Good anointing, good connection. I’m going home with much thanksgiving to God for again being able to speak the word, and for sharing in the marvelous fellowship of the body of Christ. I’m telling you, the family of God is a GREAT family to belong to!

Friday morning: Today I fly to Buffalo, NY, to prepare for Sat/Sun ministry. Saturday morning and afternoon I am teaching 2 sessions at a training seminar at Elim Christian Fellowship in downtown Buffalo. Although carrying the same name, this church is not connected to the Elim in Lima, NY with which I am licensed. Founded by its current pastor, this church mushroomed under his ministry and is now one of the leading churches in Buffalo, especially in the African American community. I have been requested to speak specifically on “Unrelenting Prayer.”

Saturday 7:00 p.m.: We had an excellent time this morning. About 100 of the church’s leaders gathered, several of them commenting on remembering my previous visit in 2005. After a delightful time of worship and soaking in the presence of the Lord, I shared two sessions. The Lord’s grace was on both sessions, a good anointing, and a good connection with the saints. I think the ministry was significant. Thank you for praying me through two one-hour sessions back to back!

Sunday 4:00 p.m.: We had a delightful time this morning at Zion. Dave Rose and team did a great job with worship, a couple prophetic words came forth, the presence of the Lord was strong. Chris and Joan gave an uber gracious welcome to us. I ended up bringing the word I had prepared. After preparing it, I had much uncertainty, and so was leaning hard into the Lord for clarity. I thought perhaps the Lord would put me onto a different, unexpected message in the middle of worship. But as it turned out, I felt to stay with my preparation. The Lord entered into it with me, put a good anointing on the message, and the saints seemed to be edified and strengthened. The altar filled with people responding, and they hung out for quite a while, just basking in the awareness of the Lord’s nearness.

Afterwards we grabbed a quick lunch at Wood’s — Pontillo’s pizza — together with Josiah & Laura Travis, Sylvia Evans, and Bonny Hoeflein. Now, I’m sitting in the back seat of Bonny’s car, writing to you as Marci and Bonny are visiting in the front seat. Bonny is taking us to the airport since she lives so close by.

We had a fun time in Canandaigua. It was mostly about food and friends, smile. In addition to the five meals the Wood’s served us in their home on Saturday, they took us to a German restaurant that is new to town since our last visit. It was a great eatery. And our waitress was Savannah Jones, one of the young ladies in the church. Joan clobbered me in Scrabble, so it was a great day. And great weather, especially considering the big snow storm that has hit just south of us.

So Marci and I are heading home with our “affection cups” overflowing. We are so thankful to the Lord for the honor of the continuing relationship with this church that we pastored for 13 years, and which still continues to be in the forefront of our hearts always.

Next weekend I return once again to western NY — this time to Buffalo. Back to you on Saturday.

Friday 11:00 p.m.: Great night tonight. We had a room full of leaders from New Hope in Bloomfield, Zion in Canandaigua, and Branch of the Lord in Naples. It was the first time this leadership group had been gathered in this way, and everyone was obviously enjoying being together. Way sweet. Good time of worship. Then I spoke on taking the stronghold of Zion. The Lord helped, and even though I had spoken once earlier today, I had strength to deliver my heart with clarity. The Lord helped, and I’m so grateful. I’m plenty sore now, but thankfully have Saturday for a day of rest.

Thursday morning: Marci and I are off to Rochester, NY today. Our first stop is Elim Bible Institute, where we will lodge tonight in preparation for Friday’s 11:00 a.m. Chapel. I’m looking forward to the honor of again speaking at the Elim chapel, it’s been 10-11 years. The Elim students are always very receptive and easy to minister to. I graduated from Elim in 1981 and then served as Director of Music for 3 years, so Elim is always in my heart.

I have a general sense of direction for the chapel message, but have yet to really fine-tune it with clarity. Thanks for your prayers into that. Believe with me please for a strong anointing that leaves a mark on the heart.

I’m not sure I’ll have time after chapel to get a Friday report off to you, so let me also tell you about Friday night. I’ll be speaking at a leadership meeting at New Hope Fellowship in Bloomfield. (NHF was birthed out of Zion when we pastored there in 1994, Pastor Alan Schrader was my assistant at the time, so our connections with NHF are strong and affectionate.) The leaders from NHF and Zion have been invited, as well as some other area leaders I think. If any Rochester-area locals receiving this want to come, I’m sure you’re welcome.

Then Sunday morning we’ll be at Zion in Canandaigua, 10:30 a.m. (we pastored Zion 1986-98, it’s always a wonderful homecoming for us).

Thanks so much for your prayer help!

p.s. We received our sample copies of the Korean translation of OPENED FROM THE INSIDE, they did a nice job on the book. Please bless this translation with your prayers!

Friday 3:00 p.m.: Had a good chapel service at Elim today. They were gracious and gave me longer than usual, like 40-45 minutes, and I took all the time they gave me. Which enabled me to relax and just share my heart. Told some personal stories. A call to pursue Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. The students were very attentive, and I think it was a good connection. Afterwards Marci and I enjoyed lunch with 3 of the primary leading couples on the campus, a very sweet lunch visit. Much affection. I’m most grateful for the delight of reconnecting.

Friday morning: I’m heading out for a full day of travel, flying to Bogota, Colombia. I will arrive tonight, and then be available for ministry this weekend. I am scheduled to speak at the Wesleyan Church North on Saturday morning and Sunday evening (once daily). Then return home Monday. This church decided to study together the Spanish translation of Secrets of the Secret Place, so they’ve been going through the book as a church. (I understand the church is a few thousand strong.) They were interested in having the author come at the conclusion of their study to speak a couple sessions, hence this invitation. It will be my first time to minister at this church (although I understand that a few of their members did attend the Esencia conference where I ministered previously in Bogota). My interpreter will be Tato, my Esencia host who also interpreted for me for that event. He has become a dear friend.

I have prepared a couple messages, but would appreciate your help in prayer that I might have strength to know and follow all the will of God for this weekend. I’ve had a sore week vocally, please pray for vocal strength. May the word of Christ run swiftly this weekend in Bogota!

Update: I was just asked by email if I would also address the congregation in their four Sunday morning services. I am distressed at my severe limitations in moments like these. They would like 20 minutes in each service. Would the Lord give me strength to share perhaps for five minutes in each service? Let’s ask the Lord to give me strength according to His will.

I would also appreciate your prayer help on another front: I am currently in the process of the final edit on my next book, “Minute Meditations.” I’m taking manuscripts from the editors with me. My request is that the Lord would help me to make excellent strides on this project even while on the road this weekend.

Please come with me to Bogota!

p.s. On another note, I’m pleased to announce that we received our sample copies of the German translation of Unrelenting Prayer, which is now published in Germany. Please join us in blessing this translation in prayer!

Saturday evening: This church has been gathering for the past 8 weeks, Mon to Fri, 5:00 to 6:00 a.m. daily, to read a chapter from Secrets of the Secret Place aloud, and to encourage each other in their prayer lives. Hundreds have their own copy of the book. Apparently 500-600 have been gathering daily in this manner, and this morning was a solemn assembly of worship and prayer, followed by a message from yours truly. I’m guessing around 600 adults were present. Tato did an excellent job translating for me. The message was on coming into the throne room and burning with a holy fire in the presence of God. The group was very engaged, quite ready throughout the message to break out in spontaneous applause. It was clear that there was Holy Spirit momentum at work, God has been doing wonderful things in the lives of the these believers through their devotion to this study. The Lord enabled me to preach, I believe the connection with the saints was good and they were edified.

Afterwards I was taken out by my hosts for a lavish treat — we took a cable car up Mt. Monserrate, which provides a stunning view of the city. Its elevation is somewhere around 10,000 feet. Then we had lunch at a fancy restaurant at the summit. Very special, I’m feeling terribly pampered.

I learned after arrival that the plans for Sunday had changed from my original understanding. No longer am I to speak at a 5:00 p.m. gathering. Instead, they are wanting me to speak 25-30 minutes in each of their four Sunday morning services. So I will be collected at 5:45 a.m. tomorrow, in order to be present for the 6:00 a.m. service. Service times are 6:00, 7:50, 9:40, and 11:30.

Sunday evening: Full day today. I was collected at 5:50 a.m., and taken to the 6:00 a.m. service. I actually spoke in four services this morning! The sermon length was just 30 minutes, and then I was working with an interpreter, so that comes out to 18-20 minutes of actual speaking time. So I was able to do all four — plus a radio interview! I’m sore now, but pleased that I could complete the assignment. It’s very challenging to deliver a strong word in 20 minutes, but I believe the Lord helped me, and I did my best. The saints were very attentive to the message. The main thrust was on positioning ourselves in wisdom to receive revelation into the knowledge of Christ. (Eph. 1:17)

I found out at lunch today that this is the second largest Wesleyan church globally, second to a church in Atlanta. The Lord has given this pastor favor with the Wesleyan denomination, and so they are coming to him for insight on “what did you do?” Truly God is doing something wonderful in Colombia!

They’re collecting me at 6:00 a.m. tomorrow, and by the time I get home, it will be close to 10 p.m. (the Lord helping all the connections). It will be a short week at home for me — just Tuesday and Wednesday — because Thursday Marci and I leave for NY. Back to you in a few days.