April 2014

Because He Lives!

We just celebrated Easter, or as we like to call it, Resurrection Sunday~ to recall that Jesus rose from the dead. What a glorious hope we have because of Him. We spent Easter in York, England and led worship with three bible college students from CCBC Siegen..It was a joy to worship with them again…it’s so encouraging to see the fruit of our labors in these students. They have a passion for God and love worshiping Him. They are now students in CCBC York.

 Since we last wrote, lots of things have happened. We moved into our new house in March, with Karen Holdcraft, who was on staff with us at the college. It’s a big house and we thought it best to share the expense and expanse!

We put on a worship seminar for a State Church near Siegen, with Olli, the worship leader at CCSiegen. There were a lot of people there, and we had a great response. Again, we see such a hunger in people to know more about God and how to worship Him in every denomination.

At CC Siegen, we played at a night of worship. About 100+ young people came out, and responded to God ~ They plan to do this every month. Bruce was asked to teach and lead an afterglow for the men’s group. They want to learn how to operate in the gifts of the Spirit; God really blessed their time.

The following week, we led an afterglow for the youth group. These young people want to learn how God’s Spirit works, and so many want to be filled and overflowing with Him.

Bruce was asked to teach and lead an afterglow for the men’s group. They want to learn how to operate in the gifts of the Spirit; God really blessed their time.

The following week, we led an afterglow for the youth group. These young people want to learn how God’s Spirit works, and so many want to be filled and overflowing with Him.

We came over to the UK to do a ministry tour. There are several churches that have asked us to come and teach on worship, lead worship, and lead afterglows. The first church we visited was in Hastings, the southern part of England. We had a delightful time there, giving a weekend conference. On Sunday morning, we led worship, and people responded with kneeling, lifting their hands, their hearts, and tears. It was really precious to behold.

  

Then we went to Exeter, to stay with our friends, the Claycamps. Bob pastors in CCExeter, and Wotter. We met the university kids they are discipling and were able to interact with them one evening. Their congregation is hungry for more of Jesus. We enjoyed leading worship there. They are presently praying for a worship leader. If you know of anyone interested in being a worship missionary, let us know~ many churches are in need of worship leaders; they can’t afford to pay anyone, so it’s difficult to find. 

From there, we came to York, via the Lake District in Northern England …it’s their national park, filled with mountains and lakes…so beautiful!

We are now in York at the bible college. We had the opportunity to lead an afterglow for the students and staff. Then on Wednesday, we taught the students on Worship and on Marriage. On Thursday, we will be heading to Waterford, Ireland, then Wales, then S. London. ..then back to Siegen.

We feel so privileged to be able to do what we are doing. Going around to different nations and teaching them about God’s love, His Spirit, and worship has been so exciting…seeing lives changed is worth it all. We give God all the glory for the work He is doing. We praise Him for using us in our older age!!!

What the church needs more than anything else is the empowering of the Holy Spirit. Without that, the church is weak and ineffective. We pray that God pours out His Spirit on this generation, and equips them to be a powerful force in this dark world..

Fill us, O God!

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8

Feb Blog

 “Oh come, let us worship and bow down;

Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.

For He is our God,

And we are the people of His pasture,

And the sheep of His hand.”Ps. 95

 Dear Ones,

The EU pastor’s conference in Siegen was such a blessing. God poured out on these men, so many who are going through the challenges of ministry in a foreign and/or atheistic culture. We enjoyed leading worship and fellowshipping with them.

We had a fruitful time in Cyprus. We gave a worship seminar both weekends we were there. On the first Wednesday evening, Bruce taught the church on forms of worship. Then on Sunday, Bruce gave a stirring message on worship from Heaven’s perspective. People really responded afterwards. It was such a joy to see!

On the Wednesday before we left for Germany, we led an afterglow. God moved so powerfully in our midst during out corporate times there. What a blessing to see people freed up to show their love and surrender to Jesus in worship.

The Cypriates (people of Cyrpus) are going through an economic crisis, as their bank accounts were emptied when they woke up last March. You can see the effects of this everywhere. The church there is working together, feeding and meeting other needs of the poor. Of course, the greatest need there is their need for Jesus. There’s very little biblical Christianity there. It’s mostly Greek Orthodox.

We enjoyed seeing a bit of the island. It was warm and sunny most of the time we were there, and we enjoyed every minute of it. Our thanks to Tim and Darlene Mattox for being such wonderful hosts and friends~

Now that we’re back in Siegen, we are hopefully going to move into our new place. It should be the beginning of March. It will be so good to have our own home again …it’s been since October that we have been staying with others. We are so thankful for the gracious hospitality we’ve been shown.

There are several things coming up in March. Bruce will be doing some tea

ching, and we will be helping with worship. Hopefully, we will take the month of March and get all moved in and settled.

You can pray for our health. We got “bit” by a coughing bug, and have been hacking away. It’s hard to preach, instruct, and sing while coughing. We want to be available for God to use us anyway He desires, but we have to be healthy~!

God bless you all, and may the Lord pour out His blessings and love upon you!

My hope is in You Lord All the day long.

I won't be shaken by drought or storm. My hope is in You Lord!

 Bruce and Teresa

January 2014

Dear Loved Ones,

We got off to a good start this 2014. We had a lovely time with our family for Christmas, spending time with all of them in a log cabin for a week in the Sierras. What a gift that was!

We had a blessed visit with our care team from Monterey. They are such a blessing to us!

 Afterwards, we lead worship in Huntington Beach for CCRefuge. We sang with Chad Dziedickie, a former student of ours at the bible college. We stayed with some wonderful people from the church.

 The missions conference at Murrieta took place the following week. We stayed for a week, seeing lots of old friends, and meeting many new ones. It was a glorious week of refreshment, and the warm sunny weather and natural hot springs made it even better!

  

At the Missions conference we also had an opportunity to meet the Team from Saving Grace World Missions. They are such an invaluable help to us here on the mission field.

Before we left the Missions conference we met up with several of our old students; relationships that we begin in this world are forever!

Our son, Simeon, was working in LA and we got to spend the night with him before we left for Germany. It was so great that God allowed us to be around family again.

Prayers for our flight back were answered! It was smooth flying, with no delays or lost baggage, and we even managed to bring almost everything back with our 50 lb weight limit! We also had a spare seat between us on both flights giving us extra room!

We arrived in Frankfurt, tired, but surprised that the sun was out (and stayed out for a couple days). I think it was God’s way of surprising us with joy!

After much prayer, God provided a home for us. It was an” above and beyond” type of situation. A couple from the church owns it, and is moving next door to take care of their aging parents. They felt God wanted us to rent it; It’s a beautiful house, with full yard, fireplace, warm, bright and modern. God blessed us beyond belief! We will be also living with Karen, another missionary from the States that worked at the bible college. We are so thankful!

We cleaned up the villa this week, preparing for the pastor’s conference. Around 60 pastors from all over the EU will be meeting here for 3 days of refreshment. David Guzik will be teaching and bring a team from the States. We will be helping with worship and other service oriented ministry.

 On Feb. 4^th, we leave for Paphos, Cyprus, to help and work with their team. We look forward to all God will do.

Thank you all for your prayers for us. We have really felt them, and seen God answering them and more. You are all very special to our hearts!

^“ Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.  Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever!” Eph. 3:20-21

Winter Visit to America!

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14

 

We have been enjoying our time in the States with our family and friends. It’s even sweeter to be with everyone after being absent for so long. The entire time we’ve been here, we have experienced the favor and blessing of God. All the prayers that have been going up on our behalf have definitely been answered! Where do we begin?

In our previous blog, we shared the amazing way God blessed our connecting flights in NYC. Not only did we make it, we were early! Our time in Appleton, WI, was spent visiting our friend, Ruth Christian. We led worship and shared for the entire service in her church Calvary Chapel. Also,Teresa led worship and taught at their women’s luncheon. It was a great time of feasting in God’s word, His presence, and the wonderful buffet the ladies made!

From Wisconsin, we flew to Vancouver, Wa to visit our son, Simeon and his family. We so enjoyed seeing our two grandsons, Jamin and Caleb, who have suddenly become big! We had a sweet time visiting them. While we were there, we shared in worship and gave our vision to CCSoutheast Portland. Great night of joy and fellowship!

Then we went to San Francisco to visit our son David and his family. They have a small house, and though we were content to stay in their living room, God opened a great place for us to stay! Their neighbor right next door,was going away for a week, and asked if we’d like to stay there. So we had our own hotel suite right next door to our family! The weather was great, and we were refreshed being in this beautiful place, hiking around the hills, and visiting the sites.

Our son, Jonny, drove down from Northern California, and we all went to Monterey to have Thanksgiving with friends.We enjoyed a marvelous feast, and were so thankful for our friends and family.

In Monterey, we shared at Calvary Monterey, all that God is doing in the EU. We showed our video, and spoke to the congregation about our work and ministry. We made many good connections with those that are interested in our ministry. It was so good seeing old friends again, and sharing all that God has done this past year!

We had a gathering one night with friends and supporters; we shared with them the wonderful things going on, and we prayed, sang songs, and of course, ate food!We were very encouraged by the love and openness towards all that we are doing.

While in Monterey, God answered a big prayer and provided a car for us to use. And not just an ordinary car, but a beautiful new sports car. God put it on the heart of a good friend, and his sacrifice was so touching. It’s just like God to do more than we could ever expect. He loves to pour out His goodness on His children, and show His lovingkindness.

In Monterey, we stayed with our friends, the Underwoods. They have a beautiful home, and we stayed for a long time; their hospitality was over and above! We were treated so generously! We enjoyed being there with them, and felt right at home.

 At Mayflower Presbyterian, in Pacific Grove, we gave a worship concert on Sunday night, the 15^th. Many gathered, hungry for the Presence of God…and God poured out His Spirit that night, filling us all with His joy! What a wonderful way to bring on the Christmas season. Many had shared how much God had touched their hearts, filling them with His spirit anew, and drawing their hearts close to Him.

This year, God worked it out for us to have our first family reunion. Our sons are scattered all over the country, and it’s so rare to be able to get together all at once. We can’t even remember the last time we were together for Christmas.Three of our sons are now married, and they have children. All thirteen of us gathered in a cabin in the mountains outside Sacramento; Four sons, three daughters-in-love, and four grandchildren! What joy!

We will be going down to Murrieta to the Calvary Missions Conference, and then we’ll be off to Siegen, Germany again. We leave January 15^th. We look forward to all that God has before us, and to run this race faithfully.

We’ve been so blessed and moved by the love of our friends, supporters and family. God has been so gracious, and we are very thankful.

 During this Christmas season, our hearts of full of gratitude for the ultimate gift of Jesus. Because He was willing to give everything up so we could gain it all is overwhelming. We remember His birth, but also His resurrection. The light of the world has come, to bring hope to our darkened hearts; hope of a forever joy with Him, away from all the temporal things that can weigh our spirits down. What great joy we can have this season, regardless of every circumstance.

May this season remind you of the wonderful treasures awaiting you, not only in this life, but in the future as well; all because of Immanuel…God with us!

Merry Christmas for our hearts to yours!

October 2013

It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to the Most High. It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening. Ps. 92:2-3

 

We’re writing this from the other side of the big pond~ We flew into the States last week, arriving on Oct. 22^nd. God really blessed our trip, and answered many prayers. Everyone said we’d never make our connection in NY. We had little time to get from one airport to another, yet God breezed us through customs and baggage claim in 35minutes…unbelievable! We made all our flights, were healthy, and our baggage arrived safe and sound. Thank you Jesus!

Saturday, we were asked to sing at a Shiloh reunion in Sheboygan, WI. Shiloh was a national ministry we came to Christ in, back in the 70’s, during the “Jesus movement.” They were surprised to see us, and we all laughed about how age changes us..(you either laugh or cry…can’t wait for our new bodies in heaven!)

Sunday, we spoke at CCAppleton, shared our vision, showed a video compilation of the last few years in Europe, and led the congregation in worship. The pastor, Dwight Douville, asked us to also share out testimony about how we ended up where we are today. The response of the congregation was such a blessing. People said they were really touched. One lady said her husband didn’t want to leave , and could’ve stayed there for hours in worship. Someday when we’re before God’s throne, that’s exactly what we’ll do!

Before we left for the States, we were very busy.Bruce held a worship seminar in Munster, DE and led worship at CCKaiserslautern; we led an afterglow at CCSiegen, as well as assisting their worship team during their services.

 One of our former worship students, is now a worship leader in Herborrn, DE. She invited us to come and play with her. It was such a joy to back up the girl that we have been mentoring. She did a great job, and we were like proud parents! This is exactly what we have been desiring…this is the fruit.

We had to pack up our apartment and move by the 18^th of October.The landlord wanted to lease our apartment to a business wanting to expand. Even though we are missionaries, we seem to have accumulated ‘stuff’ over the last 4 years. We had to get rid of some things, and pack the rest. We had prayed for a place to store everything while we were in the States; God opened the door , as many people offered to store our stuff.  We can honestly say that our things are ‘everywhere.’!

We also had to put to sleep our beloved dog, Ice. We were so dreading this day. He was 15 years, and in pain from arthritis and hip dysplacia. Still, we didn’t want to say goodbye. He has been such a good friend over the years. Two days before we left our apartment, we had to carry out this sad procedure. We cried, and thanked God for the many years together. It’s always hard to lose our pets. But who knows... Maybe we will have pets in heaven?

It becomes more and more obvious that we can hold on to nothing in this world. Like the old adage says, “Only one life, will soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.” How true these words are. As we get nearer and nearer to our real home, we keep in mind the joys of eternity, where there will be no more pain, no more sorrow, no more sickness, loss, death or evil. Our hearts long for that day. Meanwhile, we stay in the present, in His presence, drawing near to Him, and doing His will. He is our satisfaction and our joy.

Thank you for standing with us in prayer and support. As the days grow darker, let us shine our lights brighter and brighter, as we await our soon coming King! Come Lord Jesus, Come!

“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives…And may the Lord our God show us his approval
  and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful!” Ps.90:14,17

September 2013

“The Lord is good and a stronghold in the day of trouble. And he knows all they that put their trust in Him”. Nahum 1:7

This has been a month filled with ministry, traveling, yet warfare. We had a wonderful time giving a worship seminar in Ulzwell , Switzerland. Pastor Ted Allen took us up to the Alps and we all stayed in a little ski Chalet overlooking the magnificent Alps. What a glorious experience that was. There  was a little chapel on site, where people get married and attend church. We held our seminar there. Seeing the beauty of God’s creation all around us spoke so much to our hearts of God’s beauty, His glory, and His strength. Ps. 95 says, ‘the strength of the hills is His also.” The strength of the hills, displayed in those Alps spoke of God’s mighty power. We were able to encourage the worship team, and teach practical as well as bible sessions on worship. That Sunday, we led worship back in their church, which meets above a train station in St. Gallen.

We said our goodbyes, and followed Ted’s car to Millstatt, Austria , for the EU Missions Conference. What a surprise we received, when upon registration, we found our names on the schedule to lead worship! And here we thought we were going to just ‘gel’ all week! But God had other plans for us. We were blessed being able to lead these precious missionaries into God’s presence. So many of them have gone through such hardships this year. It’s a big sacrifice to give up everything and move to another country, culture, away from family, friends, and sometimes, see no obvious fruit. The enemy never relents his attacks on Christians, especially those in ministry. It was so good connecting with like minded people, praying together, sharing our burdens, and encouraging one another in God. This is such a high point of the year for families to gather and be refreshed. Bruce also had the privilege to hold worship seminars in the afternoons for those worship leaders that wanted to work on their skills.

From Millstatt, we journeyed towards Munich. We had a few days before the worship seminar there, so we stayed with friends in Salzburg. It rained most of the time, but we were able to get out nonetheless and see the city, explore the mountains, and go to the HUGE Europark (indoor mall).

Our time in Munich was hit with lots of warfare. . We stayed in a little hotel outside of town, and the oppression was strong there The first session of our seminar was not able to be held in church, because of unexpected circumstances with shared renters. At the last minute, we met in the leader’s apartment. The next day we met in church, and it was a great session. We had a good turnout. Sunday, Teresa woke up with a sore throat, feeling lousy. We pressed on, lead the worship, Bruce taught the sermon on Worship from God’s perspective, and we drove home towards Siegen.

We got home late Sunday night to a clean home, happy dog, and comfy bed awaiting us. We were tired!!! God answered our prayers for safety, our dog was well taken care of by Raphael, and God blessed the worship, teaching, and sessions.

For the next few days, Teresa got sick (she caught a cold from our friends), and pretty much stayed in bed. She is doing better now, praise God.

Next week, we have another worship seminar in Munster, then one the first week in October in Dusseldorf. This Sunday night, Teresa will be leading worship at CC Siegen, and doing an afterglow after the sermon. The church here is growing , and we can see God building His people up in prayer, worship , and the knowledge of His Word.

Please continue to keep us in prayer as we have a busy schedule. We also have to pack and leave our apartment by the middle of October. We plan to put our things into storage, and then head to the States for a 21/2 month furlough. We will come back to Siegen after the Missions Conference in Murrieta, CA. Hopefully , by that time, God will show us where He would like us to be based.

Thank you so much for standing with us in prayer, support, and communication. You are our lifeline out there, very needed and very wanted!

“Let the peoples praise You, O God;
Let all the peoples praise You. Oh, let the nations be glad and sing for joy!
For You shall judge the people righteously,
And govern the nations on earth.” Ps 67:3-4