June 2014

Greetings in the name of our wonderful Lord and Savior!

We are back in Siegen, after having a very fruitful time in the UK. We praise God for the work that was done, and the hearts that were encouraged by the teaching of His Word and the demonstration of His Spirit in worship.

We’ll pick up where we left off last time.

From York, England, we traveled over to Waterford, Ireland. At the airport, we were met by John Golightly and Danny Keating, two former bible college students. They are now in full time ministry in Waterford. What a joy seeing them and their growth in the Lord!

The church booked a “holiday” house for the weekend, and we met with their worship team and leaders. God moved in hearts the first night, as we worshipped and prayed together. Bruce taught during the weekend on God’s heart in worship, and towards us.

It was a precious time of meeting with these dear saints.That Sunday, we led worship at CCWaterford, with the worship team. They told us how much freedom they experienced in their worship.

 From Waterford, we flew to Swansea, Wales. We took a train from the airport, and was met by Rhoda Pickins, the pastor’s wife. We stayed at their home, and they were so gracious to give us their bedroom. What wonderful servants!

Teresa picked up a virus in Waterford, that left her with Laryngitis and a sore throat. During most of our time in Wales, she was recuperating. Bruce did the worship seminar by himself, and it was well attended. Both the pastor and worship team responded with great enthusiasm in what they learned as biblical worship. Bruce taught the sermon on Sunday and led their worship team as well.

Afterwards, we took a train to S. London to stay with Tim McBryan. He was such a blessing to us.We stayed in his lovely home, in his bedroom, as matter of fact! We had a couple of days before the conference to see London . He was a great tour guide! It was good to catch up on some down time for Teresa, as she was just getting over being sick

.

 

On Friday and Saturday, we met with the worship team, as Bruce taught on why we respond to God in Worship and Praise. In the afternoon, we did workshops on various topics. Two former CCBC students, Lydia Mae Warren and Andre De Haan come down from York to help us. Pastor Efrem Buckle was so impressed with the Bublical forms of worship, that he said he wanted his whole church to hear it. Hence, Bruce ended up teaching the Sunday morning service. Many came up afterwards to him, and shared how his message had impacted their view of God's heart towards them. It was a very encouraging time!

After being in the UK almost 6 seeks, we flew back to Siegen, DE. It was nice to be in our own bed again! We love ministry, however, traveling cn be exhausting! We spent the next week getting back into the groove of things.

We taught the youth group musicians at CCSiegen the next Saturday. They enjoyed learning the different forms of worship the bible includes.

The following week, we helped out at the annual Mitarbeiter conference at CCSiegen. Church leaders from all over the UK and EU attended. There was a packed house. Bruce did airport runs, chauffered people around, while Teresa helped with the worship team. We hosted two people attending the conference. It was a wonderful conference. Pastors from the US taught the sessions. It was a 4 day blessing of rich fellowship, teaching, worship, and ministry.

 

During our time here in Siegen, Bruce will be working on a book he is writing. It will be on all God has shown us through the scriptures about God’s heart towards worship, as well as practical ways to develop in worship, etc. We are excited about this!

The house we are renting is for sale. We don’t know the timing of it all, but please join us in prayer for our next season. We will have to make some decisions about our next steps when it sells. God has been so faithful to us, and will continue to be. We are encouraged by the many open doors in ministry here, and the fruit we see.

May God continue to pour out His Spirit on your lives. We look forward to Christ’s return as well as His work through His people while we are here!!!

“So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord’s work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” 1Cor.15:58

Bruce and Teresa

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!