My precious friend,

It sounds nice to say that God chooses and uses the foolish, the weak, and the zeros (the nobodies) to carry out His will. Of course, in my younger years, though I quoted those scriptures in I Corinthians 1:27,28, I didn't really understand them. After all, with all that youthful energy and enthusiasm, it's easy to run on human strength.

How different now! When I went past age 65, the talk started: “When are you going to retire?”. I admit that I myself figured, “Lord, You're probably about finished with me now.” After all, missionary journeys left me worn out and often sick. Then 70 came around and I thought, “Surely the doors around the world will begin to close.” Instead, they opened—and opened—and yet open wider.

I finally “got it”. Our Father does indeed use the foolish, weak and nobodies to offer His love to the world His Son died to save. Now these are not merely words—but my experience day by day. Sharing in Jesus' death. Partaking of His resurrection power. Many times I have stood to preach to the multitudes with no more human strength. But always, miraculously, the Holy Spirit's supernatural power comes in and through this body of clay. And I know it's because people are praying for me.

Others can spend their days chasing the little white ball down the fairway, or the fish that got away. I'll even join them—once in awhile.

But for the Shalom team and me, another chase is on—for the souls of men and women.

Like the young man trapped in fornication but told by other Christians (who were also living in sin and compromise) that “Nobody's perfect—God understands us, so don't feel so bad.” He knew in his wretched, tormented heart that that kind of “Christianity”, when compared to Jesus and apostolic Christianity, was like comparing a corpse to a healthy, living person. He wept his way to Jesus in repentance and sweet surrender—including breaking off his lustful relationship.

So many young people are crying for the “real Jesus”. They are the future Joshuas who may constitute the final generation that leads the Church into God's promised land of world evangelism and the return of Christ Himself. Many of them are part of the over 12,000 disciples we are now teaching worldwide. I won't be satisfied until that number reaches 100,000 believers that call for us to teach God's life-changing Word so that they can put it into action by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Many of our friends and partners have been suffering financial need. As an organization, we also are going through difficult financial times. Our God is faithful and we look to Him. If He uses you this month to help us in this battle, I will be more than grateful. Your gift at this time is so important.

We send our love,