Dearest Friends,
THE “D-E-L-A-Y-E-D” BLESSING:
Long journey, postponed connecting flights, and last but not least....missed
connecting flights. That’s how our journey back to the States began. Instead
of the usual two hours in Korea (not the most exciting airport) we spent over
five hours there. We knew that would almost make it impossible to make our
connecting flight from San Francisco to Chicago and then on to my home in
NC. When we landed in San Francisco we had a total of 20 minutes to get
our luggage transferred to make the next flight. You know how it goes...your
luggage is the last that comes out! Oh well, we huffed and we puffed driving
that luggage cart like I was in Manila traffic all to no avail. We missed the
flight! At this point I had to remind myself that as I talked with the airline
agent, the delay wasn’t her fault and I’m sure she had many others to let her
know of their displeasure. This agent was so pleasurable. As I listened to
her explain the situation I began to hear what I knew was “the delayed
blessing.” They proceeded to escort us to a very nice hotel and gave us a
room for an eight hour rest. The shower was wonderful after the long flight.
Not only that, they gave us $60 worth of meal tickets. With Michelle and I
being budget conscious, I can’t remember a time when we got to spend $60
for an evening meal. We did this night! In fact the total came to $59.59. As
I looked down at the voucher for the meals, it read “distressed traveler
voucher”. Michelle and I lifted our voices in praise for being “blessed to be
distressed”! How many times does our heavenly Father delay His blessings
that we might learn something of great value? The “got to have it now” mind
set of today will do nothing but give you ulcers and stress. (Isaiah 40:31).
PHILIPPINE NEWS: As we left our home in the Philippines we
had a group of our ACE Christian school students go far South to the Island
of Mindanao. This is where the ACE annual competition was to be held this
year. To get there, these students walked out their faith by seeking God and
seeing him provide the money needed for their trip. Our fellow missionary
Mark Randall reported to us that they ministered on the 30 hour boat
journey going and returning. They placed very high in the various categories
of competition in which they entered as well. Outside of this, we’ve received
reports that two of our Arise & Shine board members have been very sick to
the point of hospitalization. We would ask that you pray for them.
HOME BLESSINGS: As of this writing we are about one-third
through our time of itineration. We would especially like to thank all our
church family from the churches of Grace Church and H.I.S. Family Church
in High Point NC and Liberty Christian Church in Havelock NC and the
New Testament Church and Mission in Sebring Florida. You all have been
so encouraging to us! I, Craig, have already put on about six pounds and my
mom is happy! I’m looking to gain about 10 more! That will put me at a BIG
150 lbs.
GOD’S GOLDMINE:
Dear Friends, God has given us a
GOLDMINE!
Let me explain. A local business man has donated to Arise & Shine a prime
piece of property for us to build new buildings for our educational facilities!
What’s wrong with the old buildings, you ask? THEY ARE FULL! Just last
year we expanded our enrollment from 75 to 150 students. This year we’ve
had to make reservations for those returning. Parents are knocking at our
door! Their plea....”Please, do you have room for my child to receive a
Christian education”? It’s so hard to reply, No, we do not. Now! We do! We
have a
GOLDMINE!
Our goldmine is this piece of property. However, if this goldmine remains as
it is, there will be no rewards. We must mine it!
The goal is $200,000.00. We need 500 people to finance
blocks of 10 square feet at the cost of $400.00 per block.At this
point several have already responded with $400 gifts. Several others have
committed to help us by making 10 payments of $40 over the next 10 months.
Some have purchased 2 or more blocks. How can you help us? Will you
prayerfully ask the Lord if you can help invest in His Goldmine? I’m
confident He will be excited to let you do so! Where else can you purchase a
10 foot block of Gold for $400? In reality, it’s a better investment than Gold!
Your investment brings eternal dividends! The IRS can’t touch it
and the devil can’t steal it away! Glory! You may respond by simply
writing in LARGE LETTERS inside the enclosed envelope GOLDMINE!
Thanks!
Mining With You,
$400.00”
