November 2016

Dearest Friends,

It is a wonderful day to say that Teresa and I are about to trust the Lord even more. We want to thank all our faithful supporters and prayer warriors, without which our successful mission to the churches would never have been possible. We are going to continue to go out to the churches, but we will no longer be with Saving Grace World Missions. SGWM has faithfully served our needs from the time that we first went out to Germany. We are about to embark on our 7^th year of domestic mission work and are so pleased to tell you how grateful we are for all your support. God has been so faithful to us to allow us to “semi-retire”. That means that we have an adequate amount of personal support that we can more freely serve our Lord. This will be our last newsletter on SGWM. We have a blog we will continue to update; btmuller.blogspot.com. You can find us there in the future!

 Since our last news letter, I have had the blessed opportunity to minister again at CC Mountain View. What a wonderful group of saints; they are letting their light shine in Silicon Valley! I am so blessed by pastor Rick Frank’s honest transparency and zeal to worship with all their heart. I was very refreshed by my visit with them.

In September, I visited the Grace Sandpoint Bible College in

 Montana. I absolutely love going  to Montana! It is so wild and free! So  free that for the week that I was teaching at the Bible College, I had no internet or phone! Yes there still are places in the world where this could happen. I appreciate going to a college to teach again as I can invest much more time presenting subjects that will impact these students for a lifetime.

After this, I immediately headed down to the Calvary Chapel Pastors Conference in Costa Mesa. I was so blessed to interact with the pastors of Calvary Chapel. They have been carrying the banner of Christ for decades and continue faithfully preaching and teaching about our Lord and Savior Jesus! While there, I had the opportunity to lead two sales reps to Christ. They were attending the conference to market their materials. What a joy to share with them!

Teresa and I are slowing down for the holidays and are preparing for another Muller Family Reunion this Christmas! We are so blessed to have been given four wonderful sons, their wives, and seven grandchildren at this date! Who could have imagined what God would do with us? He has so far exceeded our dreams!

Thank you again for standing with us. Please keep praying for us as we are still in the battle.

                                                                                               

Your servants, Bruce & Teresa

(Bob the Bear gave me a scare

When I was aware that I was

to share his lair.)

July 2015

Dear friends, family~ loved ones!

These last few weeks, we’ve been on a type of furlough…even though we’re in the States, we’ve been taking time off ministry to attend to some important things! In May, we sold our house in Seaside~ we had to take care of many details getting it ready. It had been rented the entire time we were in Europe, and there was much damage done. After weeks of fixing it up, we put it on the marked and prayed. Within the first day, we had 6 offers! God really blessed our timing. The whole time in Europe we had considered selling it, but the market was so bad, we couldn’t.

We have been praying about where to relocate (a less expensive area, closer to family, etc.) We have been looking in Northern California area, praying and waiting on God for answers. Meanwhile, we are living in our friend’s converted garage/studio. We have been very grateful for their abundant generosity!!!

In June, we took care of many  neglected needs. Teresa finally got on medicare. She got checked out with doctors, and had some dental work done. Being back in the American medical system has been a challenge. But we thank God that He’s taking care of our needs!

On June 30th, we celebrated our 41st wedding anniversary! God has been so faithful over the years to give us love for one another. God is the author of love, and when we are receiving His love, we can give it out to one another. We are so thankful for one another, as we have been best of friends since 1972! (When we met).

We also have spent this last month preparing for our son, Jonny’s wedding! He married Amy Rich, a precious girl he met at college. After 4 years of knowing each other, they “tied the knot.” They had a beautiful wedding up in Redding, CA. Although it was very hot, our hearts were filled with joy for them! He’s the last and youngest son to be married. So now we have four sons, four daughter in laws, and seven grandchildren! How blessed we are!

We had a family reunion during this busy wedding time. We spent an extra day after the wedding to all be together. There’s nothing like being with all the family at once. It is our greatest joy. Someday, we will be together forever, with no more separation or loss. Joyful day that will be!!

God has taught us a lot during this time. We have learned to be content in whatever circumstance we are in. Like Paul said, “I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.” Phil 4:2. Christ is our contentment, and “godliness with contentment is great gain!

Although we feel a bit displaced, we know God will provide us with a home. We know that home is where our heart is, and our heart is in Christ….therefore, He is our home. At times it is difficult, being on the road so much without a base…but we know it will come. All in His time…

You can be praying with us, for wisdom, and discernment for where to relocate and for the right home. God knows our needs, and desires. We want to be where we will best glorify Him, be used by Him, and be near family.

As the days seem to be getting darker in our nation, we don’t focus on the problems, but on the problem solver. What the world needs most, is Christ. There’s no government or system that will be our solution. Only Jesus can change men’s hearts. We know that He is doing a work in hearts all over the world. Our responsibility is to live Christ, to share Christ, and to love as Christ to a needy world. 

Don’t let the news get you down. Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” He who began a good work in your, will complete it!”

We thank God for you, your prayers, your support,and your encouragement. You are such a huge blessing in our lives. Your love for us is sustaining, motivating, and encouraging.

Who is our hope, joy, or prize that we can brag about in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Isn't it you? You are our glory and joy! 1 Thess 2:19-20

With Jesus’ love,

Bruce and Teresa

May 2015

“I will praise thee, O Lord, with all my heart. I will glorify thy name forevermore!” Ps 86:12

Greetings loved ones!

Another wonderful couple months have whizzed by! We’ve been able to see God’s hand moving in the lives of others during our travels. There’s nothing like promoting the Kingdom of God and working with and for His purposes.

We’ll start where we left off. In April, we did a worship night with people from all over the Monterey Peninsula. Lighthouse Fellowship joined with Mayflower Pres to coordinate this time. We reunited with a drummer we sang with and knew from Maranatha Music days! He lives in the area now, and it was such a joy to play together.

We had 2 hours of glorious praise and intimate worship~ what an amazing blessing to see God’s people responding to Him in freedom and adoration. It was a great time.

April 24^th, Teresa had a big birthday!! We had a party in our backyard, with old friends gathering, along with music and great food! It was a time for celebration and joy, for all the years God has blessed us together.

The next week, we flew out to Appleton, WI, to lead worship for the Midwest Pastors and Leadership Conference. We enjoyed getting to see old friends. Two of the speakers, Lloyd Pulley and Bill Gallatin were with us in Europe when we did ministry there. It was like a reunion being with them on this side of the ocean. Pastors were encouraged to press on in Jesus during the conference, and to stand strong during adversity. They were encouraged by the Word, and worshiped with all their hearts. The fellowship was sweet. Bruce told lots of stories and testimonies that were very moving. One pastor changed his message because he was so inspired by one particular story. We made many new connections with pastors in the Midwest who asked us to come out. We look forward to being able to do that in the future.

We also visited with our friend Ruth, while we were there. She’s been a good friend and faithful supporter of our ministry for years.

Back in the Bay area, Calvary Chapel Mt. View asked us to lead worship again for a Sunday service. Hearts were touched, as people came up to us and told us how

God moved in them and how blessed they were. It always amazes us how we step out and do the work, but God seems to take it and make it more than we ever could!!! We are continually humbled.

In May, we were invited by CC Gold Beach to come and lead a worship seminar. They have a great worship team, consisting of a young zealous worship leader whose wife plays bass. The assistant pastor plays drums, and they are all hungry to grow in their expression to God. They told us they were very encouraged as well as challenged, to grow in their hearts and skill levels. What a loving pastor and group of people they are!

The last Sunday in May, we led worship and Bruce taught the sermon for CC Hayward. The pastor was out of town, and we filled in for him. It was broadcast on the radio to over ½ million people in the Bay area….NO PRESSURE~~~~!! Bruce taught on Worship in Genesis; from Adam to Enoch. He had a good response from the congregation.

One testimony we want to share, is God’s healing power. Our grandson, Eli, who just turned 3, developed a serious infection in his hip joints. He couldn’t walk because of severe pain. He was hospitalized, had surgery, and put on an IV with strong antibiotics. Many people began praying. In 4 days, God completely healed him!! We were so grateful for God’s answers and for those praying. Our God is powerful and full of love and mercy.

He is home now to very relieved parents and grandparents.

Speaking of grandkids, we have been able to see many of them during our travels. When we are within range of family, we try to always stop in and visit. It’s such a joy getting to be with them. This is exactly why we knew God was leading us back to the States…the ministry goes on, but now we are also ministering to our beloved family.

May God continue to fill you with His Spirit, and give you His strength, His joy, and His love. You are His, and He values and cares for you greatly.

Thank you for standing with us in prayer and support. You are our blessing and our joy~!

“For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised! He is to be feared above all gods.” Ps. 96:4

April 2015

Dear Loved Ones!

This has been a busy season for us! Since our last newsletter, we have been involved in fixing up our house to sell, hosting several worship seminars, leading worship several places, speaking at churches, and visiting our grandkids!

When we returned from Europe, we gave eviction notices to our tenants, who moved out in February. There was much damage to our house, and we spent the next month and a half repairing everything. We had a good friend help us, as we needed someone who knew construction. We listed our house at the end of March, and in one week it sold. We praise God for his grace on us, and we now pray for the escrow to go through with no problems! We are praying for wisdom for where to eventually relocate.

In February, Bruce led worship for the pastor’s gathering in Fremont; He also led worship for Calvary Chapel Livermore. They have no worship leader, and Bruce was able to encourage them. The next week, we led worship and Bruce taught at Calvary Chapel Crossroads in Antioch. We met a lady there whose mother we knew well in Germany! Small world! One of the women there came up to us afterwards, and said she had never experienced worship like that. God had delivered her from a lifestyle of addiction and mental illness.

On March 4^th, Bruce’s mom passed away. She was 93! God had answered many prayers. When we were in Europe, we prayed that she wouldn’t go while we were away. Every year, we wondered if this would be “the year.” We “happened to be in town , and Bruce got to be by her side during her dying process. Our kids were able to join us for her memorial service. Teresa sang some songs for the service. It was a glorious, yet sad time. She is in heaven with her husband of many years.

   

Afterwards, we went up to Harrisburg, OR, to host a worship seminar. Oregon is where we came to Christ in 1972, and holds many good memories. We saw people that we had been in ministry with, and God moved in a powerful way during the seminar. After Bruce taught on Sunday, the pastor with tears in his eyes, came up to us afterwards and said that he had never seen his worship team move like that. The whole church was so responsive, and thanked us profusely for coming. We were so blessed to be able to release their worship team and equip them.

The next week, we traveled to Dayton, NV, to host a worship seminar. It was a beautiful drive over the Sierra Nevada's. We stayed with their worship leader and family; we had a delightful time, meeting new friends, and enjoying their kids! Both Calvary Chapel Harrisburg and CCDayton had extremely talented teams. We basically just encouraged them, and empowered them to go for it! Biblical teaching brings such freedom and joy.

The seminar was great; there was a gathering from several churches in the area. The pastor had Bruce teach, and invited us back to teach at the church when they go on vacation.

Next week, we will be leading a night of worship at Mayflower Church in Pacific Grove. They are joining with Lighthouse Christian Fellowship. Although it will be a women’s night, Bruce will be playing! We look forward to all that God will do, setting the captives free!

In two weeks, we will be traveling to Appleton, WI, to lead worship for the Calvary Chapel Midwest Pastor’s Conference. We haven’t been there for a while, and look forward to seeing old friends.

We pray you had a joy-filled Resurrection Day, as we all celebrated our savior’s resurrection. Because He rose from the dead, He promises new life to us~ we are eternal beings, living in this temporary dwelling until He calls us home. Our lives are filled with His joy, because He lives inside us! May God pour out on your lives, filling you every day with the power of His Spirit, to live for His glory!

Thank you so much for standing with us in prayer and support. Our fruit is your fruit as well!

Bruce and Teresa Muller

Praise be to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of jesus Christ from the dead.. 1 Peter 1:3

January 2015

Dear Ones,

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." Ecc. 3:1

What a wonderful Christmas season we had with our family, and a good start on this new year.

2015 has brought many changes our way; definitely a NEW SEASON! We feel like missionaries moving to America, with all the re-entry procedures that people from other countries go through! Things like registering our car, securing a new drivers license, getting phones, securing a new address, healthcare, etc, etc! This past month has been filled with taking care of all these details. It can be a bit wearisome at times; yet God has blessed us with much grace and favour.

Since being back, we've been able to connect with our grandchildren, and get to know them. (all seven of them!) They are a delight, and are learning how much Grandma and Grandpa love them. It's been precious seeing how God has given us such a sweet heritage.

God is opening many doors in ministry as well. We have been getting invites all over to lead worship and give worship seminars. Our first seminar was in Pacific Grove, CA, and "just happened" to be within a couple miles of where we are staying. Pastor Dave didn't even know we lived here when he invited us. How wonderful to start our new adventure, right in our "own 
backyard." We had such a delightful time, ministering to the team. On Sunday, we led worship, and Bruce taught on Worship from Heaven's Perspective. The church really responded, beyond our expectation. The entire church was kneeling before the Lord at the end song...wow! God is so amazing. His presence was so powerful in the meeting. We give Him all the glory and honor and praise for all He has done!

When we led worship for CC Mt. View, the pastor was so touched, he asked if we would come up and train his team. They have a lot of talented, young musicians, but he wants them to learn how to draw the congregation into worship. We were honored and blessed. We have churches asking us to come to Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Idaho, and Montana, as well as California.

We are staying in our friend's studio apartment during this transition time. It has been such a gift to us, as we get our feet on the ground. Expenses here in the States, are proving to be more than in Germany. We didn't know how all this would work when we came back, but we knew God was leading and we were to follow. We are hoping to sell our house here in Seaside, and move to a less expensive area. But we are still in prayer about where to settle. Only God knows the best place, as we'd also like to locate within range of our family. Please join us in prayer for wisdom in this decision.

At times, it has been challenging, being in this new culture and circumstance. We feel like we have no home here, yet we didn't feel like our home was in Germany. We really understand Paul's words in the bible where he says we are citizens of heaven. We know someday, we will feel completely at home, and will be with our loved ones forever and ever! For now, we are His ambassadors of heaven, doing His work, and trusting His leading for our lives. We are completely dependent upon Him for all our needs, hopes and desires.

We want to thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts, for your partnership with us. So many of you have continued support and prayer for us during this transition. Without you, it wouldn't have been possible to even make this transition! Your love and care for us has kept our hearts encouraged. We will continue to do this ministry here, teaching, training, and raising up worship leaders. Saving grace world missions will continue to sponsor us. We look forward to see all that God will do.

 

May God pour out on you and fill you with His Spirit and joy, and His abundant life!

To God be the glory, for the things He has done!

"For everything comes from him; everything exists by his power, and is intended for his glory. Romans 11:36

Yours in Christ,

Bruce and Teresa