DILIGENCE in 2011

a couple of weeks before the end of the year, the Lord showed me to send out a newsletter letting people know what they would need to know for the coming year, 2011.

sign up for our newsletter here.

well, 2011 is here.  in a couple of days Jessica and I will be sending out our January issue of the newsletter which will begin to talk about the year 2011.

when the Lord showed me this, I was able to see in my heart what He wanted me to talk to you about.  He also showed me to tell Jessica to write you on the same subject.  so the letter coming will be from both of us.

for 2011, the biggest word I had in me was DILIGENCE.  to succeed in 2011 you will have to make a decision to be diligent about God's Word; reading it, studying it, hearing it... but most importantly; DOING it.

diligently obeying and heeding the voice of God has always been the key issue to life.  in the garden of Eden, both Eve and Adam chose not to be diligent in heeding what He said, and so it all began:  sin entered into the world and death by sin.

God's Word is the basis of all creation and all life.  His Word is Life.  Sin separated us from truly knowing God anymore.  then came a promise that we would once again walk in the blessing one day.  the law came (a way of knowing His Word but only from the outside, not on the inside) that we could know what God says but ultimately it would only condemn us.  Christ came that we could be redeemed from death and once again have God on the inside of us.  He came that we could once again know God.  Christ in us, the hope of Glory.  Christ, the Word of God in flesh, in us; the hope of glory.

today, we can know God.  but we will never know Him apart from His Word.  for God and His Word are One.  you cannot separate them.  therefore diligently obeying His Word will always be the root of truly knowing Him.

when the Lord showed me DILIGENCE for 2011, He was giving me a sneak preview of what He had in store in 2011 for those who would obey.

the Bible says

'poor is he who works with a negligent hand,
but the hand of the diligent makes rich'  Prov 10:4

'the hand of the diligent will rule,
but the slack hand will be put to forced labor' Prov 12:24

'the soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing,
but the soul of the diligent is made fat' Prov 13:4

for those who will fight to keep God's Word in the forefront of their thinking this year and be diligent to do it, God has increase in mind.

but know this saints and take serious note: there is a war on in the spirit.  you have an enemy who has not changed since the days of the garden of Eden.  he is still very subtle.  his tactics are still the same and so are his goals.  his goal is very simple: get you to ignore what God has said to you and do something else.  you must make a quality decision that you are going to be diligent to listen for God's voice, take note of exactly what He is saying, guard your heart against all other voices and then do what He has said at all costs.

we love you all and pray all of God's best in your life this year of 2011.  please begin to heed this word of warning and encouragement.  to ignore it would be disastrous; to heed it will mean glory.  time is short; life is even shorter.  what will you do with this one life God has given you?  will you make a difference?  will you live for God like He is worthy?  or will you neglect such great salvation.  let us live soberly as we ought, for the days are evil and the rewards to wonderful to miss.

-vincent  

Nursing Homes, Atlanta GA

We had the honor of ministering to some wonderful people in Atlanta, GA.

The first place we went. We were in a small room with 10-20 elderly people. The Word of God went forth. Vincent preached on 'Emmanuel: God with us'.  Christ in us is where real strength comes from.  We can have a strong and overcoming spirit regardless of our situation. Thank you Lord! I was able to pray with the people. It was an honor to join my faith in God with a lady.  She shared with me that she was believing that the nursing home was going to become a place filled with the anointing of God; where people would be healed by the power of God. Thank you Lord for desires and dreams you have given people.

Our second honor was ministering in a memory care center. We got straight to the Word after a couple of songs. I preached on the fact that God's Word is alive and full of power.  It is sent forth to accomplish the divine puposes of God. I encourged them that the Word was sent to them to accomplish specific purposes and to open their hearts to receive the Word. From the Word, we noted three things God had sent.  #1. Freedom from fear: we exhorted them that they have nothing to be afraid of (God is with them, God is for them).  #2. God is our Healer.  Healing is available to those who will believe.  #3. Jesus gave us peace.  Therefore we can have peace at all time and in all situations.

There is nothing more wonderful then the Word of God. He sent His Word and healed them; it was such an honor to be a vessel God used to share His Word and see people receieve it. Some will receive and some won't. We know that is not our concern; all we must do is what He has told us to do: "Preach the Word".

-jessica 

Harris County Jail, Houston TX

I had been to a jail one other time, to visit someone, but I had never seen the inside.  Yesterday Jessica and I had the honor of conducting our first service in a jail.  It truly was an honor.  We met the chaplain and he brought me into three different cell blocks to invite the inmates to church, while Jessica stayed in the office and prayed for us. 
I didn't know what to expect inside the jail.  I felt comfortable preaching because I have done lots of that but was not looking forward to visiting the inmates in their cells.  That quickly changed.  God's grace was present.  Now I am very glad that I did go into where they live to visit them.  It changed everything and made all the difference.  It caused me to walk with greater reverance for their need of God.  The first thing I knew when I entered their cell is that I would not want to have to be there, nor would I want anyone else to be.
Compassion for them quickly arose within me and I desired to talk with them.  We invited them to the service which would take place in an hour and then I returned to be with Jessica in prayer.
Between 30 and 40 men showed up for the service.  It was a wonderful time from the first moment.  We shared with them our sincere desire that God's Word for them come out clearly; that the time would be fruitful in helping them where they are at.
Jessica shared an encouraging word with them.  Everyone was very respectful and many were very hungry to hear from God.  It was a wonderful atmosphere to preach in.
God had given me a Christmas message for them.  But it was not your typical Christmas lesson.  He told me 'God sent us a Lord'.  Most people are glad to hear about a Savior.  But those wonderful old Scriptures that we hear at Christmas time very clearly point out that this Savior is a Lord and a Governor.  Everyone wants salvation, but the problem is not many people want a Lord.  But that's what we needed and so that's what God sent.  If you want all the benefits of the Savior, you must receive His Lordship.  And the Good News of it all is that He is a Good Lord.  Thank you Lord.
It was a powerful Word but it was without compromise.  It was what each one needed, but it demanded commitment, truth, honor and submission.  Wow.  They were glad to hear the Truth.
We also talked extensively on what it is to have a Lord and Master and then how to allow Jesus to come in and transform your life from the inside out; regardless of your situation.
Wonderful time.  Thank you Lord.  The anointing was strong and we definately left with a desire to return and continue to pour into their lives.
Thank you to all our partners that make it possible for us to travel and reach all these different types of people; all in such need of the Word of God.  We love you.

-vincent

memory care center, houston tx

We had the honor of sharing the Word of God in a memory loss care center.  What an honor to visit those who are afflicted.  We know that it is not God's will for people to be afflicted and in bondage. 

"He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions." Psalm 107:20

Thank you Lord.  He has given us authority to go, in His name, with His Word, to preach.  What a wonderful meeting.  The Lord honored us with His presense.  After the meeting we went and met each resident. I shook the hand of one lady. She grasped onto my hand, began to cry tears of gratitude, as she spoke to me.  She told me how the Word God shared through us was just what she needed.  And how grateful she was to be in a service where God was speaking to her and encouraging her; she had been struggling with lonliness.  Thank you Lord!  Another lady shared with me, from a sincere heart, how encouraged she was by the Word of God during the service.  Her mother had passed away recently and she had been struggling, but she received encouragement and hope from the Word of God during the service.  Thank you Lord. 

He knows each and every person.  He knows their needs and we reverence the fact that He sends us to specific people.  So each time we have the honor of sharing we realize it is an appointment from the Lord.  Thank you Jesus!                                                                                                      

-jessica

covenant House texas, Houston TX

we arrived at the home and it was dark out.  there were a lot of young people in the streets and having been mostly in small-town atmospheres the past months, I was admittedly tempted to be a little intimidated.  Jessica and I prayed and rebuked the spirit of intimidation. we had to go through a security booth to enter the youth shelter.  the woman at the booth seemed very kind and directed us to the chapel.  the chaplain, Pastor Martin, was also very kind and welcoming.  he has a heart to see the kids as well as the entire organization grow to know God's grace on a higher level.
we set up and I took out my guitar to tune it.  I sensed the Presence of God as I played through a few songs and hummed to warm up my voice.  I was grateful.  His Presence is always very assuring.  I knew it would be a good meeting.
when the young people arrived I began by sharing II Chronicles 16:9 with them.  God is looking to and fro throughout the earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are perfect toward Him.  I knew the Lord wanted to put out a gracious offer and that whoever would just have enough boldness to receive, could have it.  I sang a couple of old Johnny Cash gospel songs, as I like to do.  but I quickly handed the mic over to Jessica, sensing the anointing was more on the preaching than on the singing.
Jessica hit it hard as she does.  she encouraged the young people that God has a plan for their lives and that HE IS ABLE to perform it.  God is the great I AM and one of the things that I AM IS, is ABLE.  Good news to the hurting.  one young lady was very zealous to have Jessica write all the Scripture references down for her and pray for her. 
people are hungry for good news.  sometimes we can forget or doubt it because we assume no one cares or assume they already know.  but more often than not, the truth is that people don't know the Truth as much as they could, should and need to.  And, if you'll offer the Truth in Love, they will be so glad to hear it.  thank you Lord.
I finished it up with an exhortation concerning what I believe God wants to do in their lives and gave them three keys to attaining it.  when it comes right down to it, the main key is following Jesus.  but there are different ways to connect with Him and through which to maintain and build our relationship with Him.
it was a powerful meeting.  one of the young guys that the Lord is working on exclaimed how he wished we could just stay there all night and keep partaking of God's Word and His power.
they have a wonderful team of people ministering to these young people.  thank you Lord.  they also offer help with housing, food, school and jobs.     http://www.covenanthousetx.org/

-vincent

Youth Oasis, Baton Rouge LA

We had the honor of ministering at a youth shelter this past Friday night.  The youth shelter is to support  runaway, and homeless youth within the Greater Baton Rouge Area. 

The shelter is not a Christian organization.  I told them we would be preaching the Word of God.  They allowed us to come and minister as long as we gave the youth an option of staying or not.  We did just that.  We told them we would be preaching from the Bible and we believe that God wanted to speak to them; we told them they were free to go.  All of the youth chose to stay, praise the Lord!  We knew what the Lord had told us to share with them.  We preached and taught on how much God loves them, is for them, has a wonderful, glorious plan for their life, and how He can make them into who they ought to be.  One of the things the Lord had Vincent teach, was on the seed.  So simple, yet so powerful. We encouraged them that becoming a oak of righteousness is a process; it does not happen over night, but it will happen for each one that will get in the process.  This message is for each of us.  We must always remember how it is we came to know God; it came by hearing (Gal 3:1-5) and believing.  This is the process by which we will also come to completion.  Let us never forget.  And along with exhorting them, we exhort you also: never give up; you're in a process... it will come to pass if you just don't quit.   http://www.youthoasis.org/

-jessica

Dream Center of Zion, Louisianna

The army of God is real.  To be a soldier means you have to allow God to put you through training.  Every soldier in the United States army must go through training.  This Saturday we had the honor of ministering to over 30 young people, and some made the decision to allow God to make them into strong soldiers of God, like King David did.  It was our first tent meeting, thank you Lord (the service was inside of a big white tent).  We exhorted the children that God has an amazing plan for their lives, and part of that plan means that they become soldiers in His army and do great exploits through Him.  Once again, we emphasised that it is not over night that this plan will come to pass; it is a process.  David loved God, spent time with God, worshiped God, obeyed God, listen to God, studied His Word.  That is what soldiers do in God's army; that is a soldier who is faithful; that is a soldier that wants to do exploits for God.  Such a blessing to see hope and passion in the eyes of those who heard the Word of God and to see that passion in action, in declaring unashamed "Jesus is Lord, I give my life to Him and desire you Lord to make me into a strong soldier, I will not give up because I know it is a process.  Thank you Lord!    http://www.voicesofmercy.com/

-jessica

Life Bridge Inner-City Ministry, Savannah GA

Well, what I can say can be summed up in three words: "God is good".

We have had a wonderful time her in GA.  God is good.  We had the priviledge of meeting some wonderful ministers of God in downtown Savannah.  They so generously allowed us to speak into youth and childrens lives.  We were honored to teach, preach, exhort them.  That God has a purpose for them, and they are alive for such a time as this.  One afternoon we got to share practical steps from the Bible on how to get rid of bitterness; wow. There were different settings: from an apartment complex community center to a goverment owned community center.  We will have the opportunity to go once again tomorrow and allow God to manifest through us.  God also opened doors at a couple convenscalent hospitals.  What a blessing to speak the Word of God.  The Word is life and is power.  The Word is alive and has power.  There is nothing I love more than the presense of God.  We are so thankful for all that God has done in and through us during our time here.  We are so thankful for our partners; thank you for your prayers and love.  God is teaching us so much and we are becoming more and more effective by His grace.    http://www.lifebridgeinnercity.org/

God is good!

-jessica

Honey Brook, PA

Thank you Lord for the honor of ministering your Word.  Our time in PA was blessed.  God gave us the opportunity to minister to people of different ages from different up-bringings.  From ministry on the streets to nursing homes, His Word went forth through preaching, singing, and conversation.  I will share one testimony.  I was able to meet one particular women and God gave an opportunity to have a long conversation with her.  She was hungry to know what God is doing in our lives and why we do what we do.  His grace was present and words of edification.  I was able to share testimony after testimony of God speaking, obedience, and blessing.  When the Lord tells you to do something, just do it, be obedient, and you will be blessed in all you do.  The testimony of Jesus was shared; all He has done, all He is doing, and how I know He will continue to do more than I could ever ask for.  I was stirred by the Lord sharing and she was such a blessing because of her openesses and love for God also.  Thank you Lord!

-jessica

Amish country, Lancaster PA

we are in amish country, Lancaster County, in Pennsylvania.  it is a beautiful place.  the people are very hospitable and we have been so blessed.  the culture is very different from inner-city Houston or NYC.  we see horse and buggies all over, little one room school houses and really cute little kids, dressed up in amish outfits.  it's a great time.  we really find it an honor to be around these people and appreciate the purity and integrity that they cherish.



Saturday we were at a very popular tourist destination: the Kitchen Kettle Village.  one of the owners was gracious enough to allow us to sing and play guitar in one of the open areas.  we hope to be able to return there again next Saturday to do some skits and other things.    http://www.kitchenkettle.com/

-vincent

CAC, Toledo OH

This past weekend we had the pleasure of visiting the 'Children's Activity Center' in Toledo. For the past four years we have been able to visit Toledo. We got to visit there in 2007, to do outreach. In 2008 we went to help establish a new weekly sunday school outreach. In 2009 and now in 2010 we got to go by and see their progress. God is good. They've been faithful and God has been doing the same for them. It was a blessing to serve with crew. We are thankful for brothers and sisters in Christ.   www.newandfreshstart.com/CAC

-jessica

Treer Meetings, Elliston VA

 

Wow. God loves people. He loves every single person. He knows everything about every person. Wow.

The boy who I wrote about several days ago, who prayed with us for his friend: he came the next day full of the testimony of Jesus. Thank you Lord! He came and told us what God had done. He said he was so thankful he came the other night and prayed with us for his friend. He said that his friend was doing well. He shared with us that when the doctors were operating on him, they almost used the wrong medicine, which could have badly hurt him.  He said, he was so glad he came and prayed; he believed that God helped the doctors. As he was telling us, I was so thankful, because that was what came out of Vincent while praying (that the doctors would have wisdom while operating). Thank you Lord. It was so wonderful to see this boy so thankful to God that his friend was alive and doing well.

-jessica

Snyder Nursing Home, Salem VA

This mornig we had the honor of ministering in a nursing home.  It is always such a blessing to visit residents in nursing homes.  I love, as soon as we arrive, going to them individualy and talking with them.  Some have no responses, but it is still so wonderful to share the love of God with them.  I went to say hi to one particular lady, who was in the back.  A worker told me the resident was a bit grumpy.  I went by faith, in love, and talked to her.  She said she loved me and she thought I was beautiful.  When she said that, I knew it wasn't me she saw, but she saw the love God.  Thank you Lord!

We ministered through song and the Word of God.  I was so blessed to see people become more free.  "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty."  II Corinthians 3:17. 

It is always a good reminder that there are so many people hurting and we must not forget them.  It doesn't take much time to go and encourage someone who is hurting.  I know that the Words of faith that God spoke through us this morning, strenghtened the residents at the nursing home.  Glory to God, thank you Jesus!

-jessica

We need more of God, Elliston VA

Praise the Lord.  God loves people, oh yes He does.  On Monday, we had the wonderful opportunity to meet people in the community of Ellistion.  We went door to door and were able to encouarge and invite people to the nightly meetings.  A lot of people have dogs and loud, big dogs :o)  On Tuesday, Vincent played the gutiar and sang outside of a local gas station and I talked with people.  I was reminded how we represent Jesus; we are His ambassadors.  For the most part people were open; there was one person who seemed to run from me.  Oh, I pray if He is running from God, He will repent and start to run to God.  I also was reminded of how a lot of people know of Jesus and they think that they know enough.  Oh no; there is so much more in Jesus.  We will get to know Him for all eternity.  Oh, that people would hunger and long after Him each day.  I believe God blessed many as we stepped out and got into others' lives.

We had a wonderful meeting last night.  The Presence of God was thick.  That is all I want, Him, and He honored us with His Presence.  We had the opportunity to minister to a pre-teen boy; he was scared because his friend had been hurt in a skateboarding accident.  He was open and desired we pray with him; we prayed for both him and his friend.  He continued to stay even when there was silence.  It was an honor to minister to him.  I am excited to see him again tonight.  Thank you Lord!

-jessica

Elliston VA, September 14-22



our building; with signs in window



abandoned buliding across the street

We have rented an old post office in the little town of Elliston VA.  The owner of the building called the town a 'ghost town'.  Sounds just about ripe for revival.  We will hold meetings starting Tuesday the 14th, thru to the 22nd.  We will have meetings every night at 7pm and are praying about doing a special kids meeting on the Saturday morning.  During the day we will knock on doors, visit people, perhaps play guitar outside the local gas stations, visit some nursing homes and hopefully get to do something on the Virginia Tech campus.

We are really excited to be here.  I believe that God wants to call some people out.  It is our prayer that people will come to hear what God has to say.  He wants to call people out to a new level of living for Him; teaching and training us to walk with Him, more intimately and effectively. 

We will keep you up to date on how the meetings go.  Thank you for praying with us.  We love you.  God is good.  He is Faithful.

-vincent

Maiden Journey Launched, 15 000 miles to go.

Hello Everyone!

We have begun a 16 000 mile tour.  Wow, God is so good!  By the grace of God we have made it to Virginia.  We are very excited to be here.  We had a stopped in Memphis, Tenn on our way up.  We had a wonderful host family, such a blessing to meet them. It was only a night stay but we are so thankful.  We arrived in Virginia last night.  We are excited for all that God is doing and will do.  We were greeted by two wonderful people, they are host family for a month.  They love God very much and love people, it such a blessing to have meet them.  We came into a small town to get groceries, and our hearts, from the moment we stepped in were filled with compassion for people.  He loves them and has a wonderful, exciting life for them.  Praise the Lord!  I dont have much time to write, but I wanted to let you know we made it.  And are very excited to see what the Lord will do!  We love you and thank you for your support.  God bless you!

-jessica

3rd Ward, Houston TX.

God is faithful.

Today we had the honor of ministering in a convelscent hospital. It was such a wonderful time, all glory to God!

When we walked into the dining room, we were with the residents: to the physical eye it looked liked the people were out of it. We knew that it only takes one Word from God to free, heal, and encouarge people. We knew before going we would have the opportunity to share Light and the Kingdom of God with these people. We went in full of joy and faith.

God loves people so much. There is nothing more wonderful then walking in His love and sharing His Word with people.

As Vincent played the guitar and we sang freedom began to reign.

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty."

II Corinthians 3:17

One particular song we sang was "I Shall Not Be Moved". Vincent encouraged the residents to sing along with us and they began to. There was one lady in a bed who was going for it, big time. It is a pleasure to smile at them over and over and see them begin to enjoy the Presence of God.

I shared with them from Romans 10. I shared about believing in the heart and speaking when you believe. I shared with them how God desires not only that they be saved through the shed blood of Jesus but also that they walk with Him today and be aware of Him today. To know His plans for them are good. Glory to God, I believed many received.

Vincent sang another song and the lady who was in the bed began thanking the Lord with her mouth, when he was done. Thank you Jesus! We prayed for them, each individual having such different needs. Yet, God is the God who makes whole. Praise God there is nothing too hard for Him.

I believe many were set free and were stirred on to seek God and walk with Him each day. Thank you Jesus! Glory to God! By the time we left the place felt like the Kingdom of God_ that's how it is everywhere He is given dominion.

-jessica

look at what the Lord has done

God is so good. He is faithful. He is always faithful. I am so thankful for all that He has done over these past several weeks. It is our desire that every place our feet trod, lives be changed for eternity; that God be glorified.

Following Salt Lake City, we headed south. And in the remaining time we were on the road, I was reminded, "we must seize every opportunity, no matter how small it may seem in the natural". We purpose in our hearts each day to be lead of God and to allow Him to manifest Himself through us to bless others. He gave us precious opportunites to do such. In Kansas, someone, with tears in their eyes, said, "I am so glad God sent you". When that was said, my spirit jumped because I was remined, "yes Lord, you have sent us, yes Lord You would send us across the world for just one person." Wow, how He loves us.

We spent a couple days in Kansas. We were able to meet with some of my friends from college. I had not seen them since I graduated. It was such a blessing to fellowship with one another. We believe every day, every word is an opportunity to speak the Word of God in faith and it has eternal impact. We also had the honor of meeting with my college Chaplain and his wife. I had not seen them since 2005. Wow, thank you Lord. God gave us time to pray for eachother and strengthen eachother.

Out next stop was Tulsa, OK. We visited ORU, and it was a blessing (empowerment). To look at what one man did, through the Lord. That he heard from God and did what he was told no matter the cost. Praise the Lord! To see what was built by faith and is still bringing God glory this day. As Vincent and I have just begun the first steps of being obedient to what God has told us to do, I believe this was an important visit. It allowed God to speak to us and teach us about certain keys. So thank you so much Lord! We also got to see some really good friends for several hours and encourage one another in the Lord.

We are now back in Houston and are so blessed by what all God did and will continue to do. He changed many lives by His Word and by the Holy Spirit. Please keep visiting this blog, we will continue to write consistently on what the Lord is doing in the ministry.

To our partners: Thank you for all your love, support, prayers, encouragement, etc. We appreicaite you very much. Everything God did, you were a part of it; you did mighty things in the futherence of the Kingdom of God.

-jessica

Salt Lake City, UT

I like this city. As soon as you cross the state line into Utah you are driving beside the remains of an old, old lake_ it is completely white. I have never seen anything like it other than snow. Salt Lake City is a pretty city. It is at the bottom of mountains so everywhere you go you see mountains. The people are interesting (I like people).

I love God. I love the Kingdom of God. There is certainly no better kingdom to be a part of. Righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost_ this is what His Kingdom has to offer. I love freedom, I love joy, I love purpose... I love God.

Starbucks

As soon as we made the decision to come to SLC I had an excitement and a clear resolve on the inside of me. I was excited to promote the Kingdom of God. It seemed more real to me than ever that God has gifts He wants to give to people. I felt pregnant with things to hand out to people on behalf of the Lord. We prayed for divine appointments. Yesterday morning we went to Starbucks to have a coffee and check our email. Jessica was wearing a shirt that had Scripture on it. A man began to ask her what the Scripture meant... we were suddenly at the appointment we prayed for but didn't know how to get to, apart from faith. The man we met had a desire and a need that we were sent to help meet. He needed prayer and he needed to hear words of faith that would help him be grounded. He needed to hear about the love of God, the grace of God and how God wanted to fill him with Himself. We spent a couple of hours talking with him, yet it felt like only a few minutes. Before we knew it it was the afternoon and we had to get moving to make our next appointment. He prayed to receive the Lord Jesus and we encouraged him to continue to grow in Him.

God is good. He knows where each of us are. He knows what we have need of. He knows how to meet us. He cares to answer our questions and doubts. He wants us to be filled with the knowledge of Him. Thank you Lord. You are so good.

Midtown Manor

We had a church service with about eight or ten patients at the Midtown Manor. It really was church; we had a wonderful time. They had different afflictions bothering them. Some with parkinson's, others mentally afflicted... whatever the case we just went for it, allowed God to come in and had a great time. The Lord's Presence was there and it was very real to us (as He is always so faithful to do) that His Presence and His Word were changing things on the inside of people, for the good.

Note that in Genesis 1, whenever God spoke, whatever He said came to pass. That tells us His Word is full of dynamic, creative power. When His Word is preached things happen; things change. Secondly, it is important to note that each time He created something, He looked at it and saw it was good. That tells us that what God creates is good. So we can know that when His Word is preached in faith, creative things happen; things that are good.

We sang. We praised God together. We worshipped. There was even about five nursing students trying to do work in the back of the room. I don't think they got too much work done; they spent most of the time observing and listening to us. It was a wonderful thing. Statistics say that over 50% of this city is mormon, so I know it was just good for them to get to see something different.

The patients were great. I preached on the fact that they could be a blessing in this earth. It's not dependant on smarts, money or muscle... all that is worthless without love. But if you have love you have the power to be a blessing to people. I know they received it. They really were blessed and so were we. One man was gloriously enabled to rededicate his life to Christ and was overflowing with joy and praise. Thank you Lord for such a wonderful time. It is a great honor to get to serve you.

-vincent

Redding, CA

Jessica sitting with some kids we helped serve snow cones to

our gracious hosts in Redding; Seth, Lauren and Brooklyn_ they were so wonderful. thanks guys.

we've spent the last few days in beautiful Redding, California. we visited two different nursing centers. the first was for elderly people. everyone in our audience was at least 90 years old. the second place was more of a hospital; they all seemed to have both physical and emotional/mental problems.

"Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world" James 1:27

The Lord quickened this Scripture to me at the beginning of our launching out to minister on our own. When He did we made the decision that wherever we go, we will always take the opportunity (when possible) to visit widows and orphans in their distress.

It's an interesting thing to sing songs and minister to people that have little ability to show expression. You have to simply go by faith. Why do we do it? Because I know that if I was in their situation, I sure would appreciate someone showing up with love, life and faith Words to encourage me. We don't go in there just to sooth them in their problems. We bring faith with us. We bring the Anointing of God and the Word of God. We have faith that with God all things are possible. We don't look at the natural and we just begin ministering the love and the Word of God.

Faith comes by hearing. Everyone needs a preacher in their life; especially (but not only) if they have serious problems going on. Why? Just to pat them on the back? No. To minister to their spirits words that will feed them and empower them to rise up on the inside. IJn4:4 says "greater is He who is in you, than he who is in the world". The inner-man is bigger than the outer man and has much greater potential than the outer; but it must be fed. So that's what we do. And it is a blessing. Every place we visit is so different.

The first place we visited the other day (with the older people... we took pictures but then found out we weren't supposed to, so we can't show them to you) had a very sweet lady of 97 sitting on the front row. I am sure she was filled with the Holy Ghost. She held her ears out the whole time so to better hear what I was singing. And she had a beautiful big smile the whole time. When I went to talk to her she took my hand and asked me just to pray for her. I laid my hands on her and she was just so blessed. She didn't want me to pray for anything in particular, she just loved the anointing of God. After I was done she asked me to pray again. She was just so glad and weeping all at the same time. It really is an honor to get to go be a blessing to people. God is a good God. Thank you Lord.

The second center was much different. I preached on the fact that God has a plan and a purpose for each one and that we are to make an effort to walk it out; no one is exempt of this. I preach this knowing that most people (including them) think their lives are hopeless. I preach it because those other things are lies and the Truth is what sets people free. I preach it knowing that it will do something to them on the inside; it will cause them to rise up and fight for the life God has paid for them to have. Then I tell them that Jesus is the way. We pray and simply ask Him to come in and start His work. I know He is more than enough. When anyone will partner with Jesus, by allowing Him (through the avenue of faith) to start moving within them, miraculous things happen; lives are changed. I know that today that Word is still in them and that some of them are being changed from the inside out. They will influence others and be a blessing to the people around them and God will be glorified by it.

-vincent