A Fabulous Sunday!

Dateline- Sunday, January 30, 2011- Noita (Delhi), India. There is a dear friend, Pastor Andy and his wife Sandréa and their beautiful 3 kids- David, Sarah, and Naomi- who are an integral part of The Delhi Initiative. I count it a real joy and privilege to work with such a leader. Pastor Andy has a vibrant new church of several dozen believers only a few years old and it is always a special joy to minister there. Lauren played the keyboard and sang “Hosanna” for the offertory; the entire congregation was blessed and began to sing along with her. Soon the entire worship band was accompanying her and she played on to lead us in a beautiful time of worship!

Lauren's video of her in ministry will be added soon!

We are all well- by the grace of God- thank you for your support and prayers. Please continue. There is always an ever present danger lurking and waiting for an opportunity to attack! Food, water, pollution, sleep, sickness and emotions, among several of life’s basic issues- seemingly all have their own little demons assigned to them by the enemy- just waiting for their special opportunity to fulfill their duties in full force. It is crucial to be on guard at all times- which is a daunting task without question. That is why we are so very grateful for those of you who stand in the gap with us to help implore the Lord’s ministering angels to be our rear, side and forward guard at ALL times- so we can get on with the business of ministry at hand!

Abounding Hope News- Elliotts in India 2011

We have finally arrived! After so long- we are so very happy to be here in India as a family! For all those who have been praying for us, supporting us, and encouraging us along the way- we are here! Incredible India is new and exciting for the family and the week of ministry ahead will be an exciting one. We start in the morning at a fairly recent new church plant with Pastor Andy- who has become a dear friend these past several years! More news pictures and videos to come!

Hi there everybody! It's lauren. I had such an experience today shopping. We went to a little street market store and then to the biggest 5 story mall that I have ever seen! The food here is really good. I was reminded of how blessed I am today when a young girl came up to me asking for money. Thank you all for praying for us.

Nate says: Its a wonderful experience that we could all be together in India where we are supposed to be! The Indians are very friendly and helpful people. I am looking forward to the services and meeting all the people!

Prayer Requests: 1) Health- please continue to pray that no one gets sick; and that we would all get over our colds. 2) Saftey- we need God's hand of protection every moment of every day. 3) Effective Ministry- that we owuld be used by teh Holy Spirit to bring about the richness of God's hope and grace to an impoverished land so hungry!

Lauren's qoute: "I am fascinated."

Final Blog for Paris 2009

Holding up the Eifel Tower is a big job!!!!

Well, Lauren and I have arrived back home without incident. Even though we did not get to fly back in First Class (as did Nate and I 4 years ago), we had a nice flight home. When I think about our missionaries of yesteryear like Victor Plymire- it took him over 14 weeks to travel to the mission field. It took us 14 hours and we were back in Grand Rapids! We were just happy to be home and thrilled at what God had done!

I have to share this one particular picture with you; standing with Lauren here is Sabine. While I have been to Paris many times to preach revivals, I distinctly remember the meetings well 20 years ago when Henry Linderman invited me to come and minister. Europe was in an uproar- Romania had just barely endured their civil war and their 7th president / dictator, Nicolae Ceauşescu, had just been executed. 1989 was considered a historical turning point for the wave of revolutions that swept the Eastern Bloc, starting in Poland. Collectively known as the Revolutions of 1989, they heralded the end of the Soviet Union just two years later. .

But a far greater happening took place that summer. Sabine had been invited to come to a special service at the Vie Nouvelle Eglise (New Life Church) in Paris where I was ministering. One night when I gave the altar call and asked if there were those who wanted to ask Christ to become their Lord and Savior, she responded. Not only her, but then she went and brought her sister and she became a believer, then her mother as well, and others until her entire family had experienced the incredible hope in Jesus Christ.

Today, Sabine is one of the church leaders and very active in many ministries in the church. It has been an awesome delight to see her each time I go to Paris. She is just one of many trophies of God’s incredible hope and grace. I know she would be embarrassed to know I was going on about her as I have- but I just wanted you to meet- Sabine.

Thank you again for all of your prayers, support and encouragement while we were away. It meant a lot to us- especially Brenda and Nate at home. As we were about to land at home in Grand Rapids, I asked Lauren if she felt like she was ready to take on India- she looked at me through her bleary, tired and jet lagged eyes- perked up as if she had just jumped into a cold swimming pool and said, “Oh ya- you better believe it!!!!”



This is a shot of Lo on one of the richest streets in the world- the Avenue des Champs-Élysées! Real estate here rents for $1.5 million per 1,000 sq ft. You can barely see the Arch de Triumph in the background.

Well, God has been growing us and preparing us for a time such as this. We have committed to help plant 1,000 house churches in and around Delhi- an emptied soul neighborhood of over 22 million people in 7 years; we are already in our 2nd year.

So… all I can say to the imps of darkness in India is- look out here we come! Please pray with us as we prepare to go to Inida later this year for a family time of ministry.



Lauren’s Lines: One hour, two hours, three hours, four hours, five hours, six hours, seven hours… it's a long flight home!!!

Final Service in Paris 2009

Tuesday, May 19, 2009 This was our final service for the 2009 Paris Mission. Looking back over the mission- it was astounding to see all that God had done. I know in days gone by we would count all those who had come to Christ, were healed, were delivered, and were just touched by the power of God. Counting is not a bad thing- God named a book after it- Numbers. But instead of counting this year- we merely rejoiced each night at the awesome work of the God of miracles! Each night we asked for those who wished to accept Christ to come forward- many came. Each night we asked for others who wanted special prayer for healing or deliverance to come forward- many others came. And each night so many were blessed as the power of God moved amongst us.

This is a picture of our dear friend Ita. She was Lauren's auntie while we were there. She watched over Lauren and made sure she was safe at all times. We are so grateful to Ita. She has been a very special friend for many years.

I was so proud of Lauren- she never once wanted to give up, stop- or even to go home! And that means a lot if you know how much Lauren loves home, mom, friends, and her dog Maizy. Lauren made a lot of new little friends. She reminded me of David Grant’s daughter, Jenifer. When Jenifer was little, David asked her once if she was worried about meeting all the new little girls in India. She simply looked at David and said, “Of course not Daddy- they are all my friends I just haven’t met yet!”

Lauren’s Lines: Au revoir everyone! Merci beaucoup!

Sunday #2 is histoire!

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Big day # 2! This was our second and final Sunday here in Paris. Even though we have pretty much beaten jet lag- it’s now almost time to go home! But what a special day this was. This is our very dear friend Ita. She has been helping watch after Lauren this week.

Of course we had three services- and in each of them- the God of miracles met us in a special way. While our series of these special meetings is about the miracles of God- the focus is not on the miracles- but rather the God of miracles and how He makes a difference in our lives through miracles. Many have made decisions to make Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior- and that is what this is all about.



We have known Mami' & his dear wife Helia' for over 20 years now. After the 2 morning services, they prepared a sumptuous “Cous- Cous” dinner for us. If you have never had this Moroccan / Parisian delight- then you have missed it. It is a “grainy meal” cooked with chunks of beef, merguez (a spicy little sausage), big carrots, potatoes, onions, zucchini, and chick peas. All with a special broth like sauce with a little kick to it! You simply cannot leave Paris without having a Cous-Cous dinner!



The afternoon service at 3:30 was packed- again I’m sure to hear Lauren- and the response to the message was awesome. Lauren even played in the Kids Hand Bell Choir! This dear lady, Madeleine, gave Lauren some special gifts. These people are so very giving and loving!

Now, perhaps I have to defend my rights here as a dad. I know I have gone on at length about Lauren on each of these blogs. Ya- so what?!?! Er, I mean... well- I do have rights you know. Yes, I know I went on and on about Nathan when he was with me in Paris- but I reserve the right to go on about Lauren this time. It really is quite an accomplishment for her- no matter how you slice it.

We are proud of our kids- I mean all of us- for all our kids. They indeed are a gift from God. I truly do think your kids (if this applies) are pretty special too. We are so very blessed to have friends and family like you! We do appreciate every one of you and thank God for you. Your prayers mean more than you know- and I know I always say that- because it’s true!

Lauren’s Lines: Another big day behind us! I think the word of the day would be “blessed!” Thank you to all of my friends who are praying for me- I really appreciate it! And tomorrow- we are going to conquer Paris and go up in the Eifel Tower- IF it doesn’t rain again!

May 16, 2009

Saturday it was a visit to the Castle of Versailles! It was a rainy day around here so we got some much needed rest, worked on the blog site (while Lo watched “Akeelah and the Bee”), prepared for our big day tomorrow, and went to the famous Castle of Versailles. We saw where all the royal kings and queens ate, slept, and lived (and even died)!



Lauren has a new show she would like to do called, “On the Spot with Lauren Elliott”. It is reporting from her world travels to you! Go figure! Kind of fun! I’ll let you be the judge.

Lauren's Lines- Well, this is where all that “Pride and Prejudice” and “Sense and Sensibility” and stuff like that happened! Very cool!

I'm so proud!

May 15, 2009

Another great service at the church. I am so very proud of Lauren. It’s not an easy schedule for anyone to keep and she has done remarkably well! She has not missed one beat (no punn intended) and she doesn't want to go home! But that's because I haven't talked about Maizie (our boxer)!!! I think her pictures and videos say it all!!



Lauren’s Lines- I hope we get to go up in the Eifel Tower tomorrow! Only a few days left in Paris! Oh no!!!!! Tonight I sang- “Here I am to worship.”

On the streets of Paris!

Wednesday, May 13, 2009-

Paris! Well today is a day to meet Paris! After a losing battle of jet lag verses getting up early- we had lunch and took off for Paris. It all starts out at the train station in Versailles near where the Lindermans live. 30 minutes later we arrive at Notre Dame. Our first stop is the doll shop. Each time I have been coming to Paris ever since Lauren was old enough to appreciate dolls- I have brought her home a doll from this particular doll shop. We found out what I had suspected for a couple of years now and the lady at the doll shop said they were no longer selling these particular ceramic dolls because the doll factory was out of business. So we simply had to buy 2 this time!



After a stop at one of the finer eating establishments of Paris (as you can see above) it was of to Notre Dame across the River Seine. As we walked, it began to drizzle; the drizzle turned into a drazzle and then into a down pour; and of course we left both umbrellas at home. Ironically we found refuge in the one of the grandest churches in the world. So we enjoyed a special concert- in Latin, and we toured the inside of the cathedral- very slowly until it stopped raining.



Next we were off to the Tour Eifel. However our plans of going up on the Eifel Tower were spoiled due to the low ceiling of fog and smog. So we went on a delightful river cruise down the River Seine and we learned a bit about the history of Paris.

Lauren’s Lines- The Eifel Tower was cool! I can’t wait to go up in it and really see all of Paris at once!

Do you know the God of miracles?

Tuesday, May 12, 2009 After a good day of rest- whompin on jet lag (though it still tries to rear its ugly head) and a good time of prayer and study- we had a great service on Tuesday evening! In each of the services we have a time of worship, then Lauren sings, I preach, and we give an altar call for salvation.

So far many have made commitments to ask Christ into their hearts. Then we ask if there are those who would like to come forward for special prayer- for a healing touch, for deliverance, or just simply for a touch from the Lord. While Henry Linderman (the missionary/pastor) and I certainly do not have any special abilities- we pray, and ask the Holy Spirit to do what only He can do. Many have been touched as we pray each night.

Each time I am in Paris, I present a theme for the entire revival by way of a question. My theme or question for this time is, “Do you know the God of miracles?” Each service I present a different question about God and His miracle working powers. Thus far each service has been electrified with His undeniable anointing and miracles.

Lauren’s Lines- Tonight I sang “Shout to the Lord”. This has been the fastest week in my entire life! I hope it slows down!

Rest, rest and more rest!!!

Monday, May 11, 2009

Monday was a day of rest. Thank the Lord for rest.

Lauren’s Lines- Yea for rest! I love it!

The Big Big Day!!!

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Sunday is always an enormous day. We start at 7:30 a.m. and do not get home until about the same time in the evening! That’s a lot for a 9 year old- not too mention a 49 year old!!! The first Sunday is always the hardest because you are, generally speaking, still battling jet lag. It’s not good when you are not a morning person to begin with- but when both of you are not morning people- oh brother!!!

The first service is always good for a dry run! The people are dry, you are dry and your sermon is dry! But the second service there are rivers flowing!!! After a nice lunch break- the afternoon service begins at 3:30. Most of the services have been packed out- I think to see Lauren!

It was cold that morning- so hence the new fashion- a blanket!

Lauren’s Lines- After Sunday- I was really tired out but happy to have the opportunity to sing for the Lord! I sang our theme song “Your Name”, I also played the piano and sang “Worthy is the Lamb” and “Your Love Oh Lord.” And hi to Kimmy, Amanda and good old Ethan- my buddies across the street at home!!! I am almost finished with the list of things to find and get! Also thanks for the bag and the book- I really enjoy them and they work great!!!! :) Hi to everyone at school too!

Our first service!

Friday, May 8, 2009 Our first service was on Friday evening (the services during the week are from 8-10 pm) and the people welcomed us in royal fashion. Both Nathan and Brenda have been to Paris and met most of the congregation. Brenda was with me several years ago and Nathan came just 3 years ago. Now it was Lauren’s turn to make her debut. We want to thank those again who were so generous to help send her. As I have said- the investment you have made in her for this trip in your prayers and sacrificial giving- will pay tremendous dividends. In fact they have indeed already begun!

This is a picture of a very dear friend, Sister Christian, whom I have known for many years at the church. Normally when we are here in Paris, we have 11 or 12 services over a 2 week period. However due to the landlords refusal to rent their building out except for the normal times when the church meets- we are only able to do just that. So- we are having services on Sunday (2 in the morning and 1 in the afternoon) on Tuesday evening, and on Friday evening. This time there will be a total of 10 services.

Thank you for praying for us for each of these services. We are fighting jet lag, fatigue, different food and water, the weather, allergies, and even car sickness! The devil wants to stir up as much havoc as possible- and we need your prayer covering. But he cannot win! There was a lady who came forward for prayer and then we began to lay hands on her and pray in the name of Jesus- she began to let out a shrill scream of despair. After a short time of prayer- she finally gave a sigh of relief and had just experienced the delivering power of the Savior.

Lauren’s Lines- I was so glad to meet everybody! My singing went well- but it was a little unusual singing to people who didn’t understand me. There are many people who do understand English though. Our theme some for the week is “Your Name” (…is a strong and mighty tower…).

Lauren is in Paris!!!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Despite the cramped seats in the sardine class, no sleep, and only one temperature- HOT on the plane, we arrived in Paris not too much worse for the wear. This is where the battle of jet lag and excitement take hold! Lauren has a pretty good idea of how to sum up jet lag- YUK!!!!

We apologize for the delay in getting our blog up and running- but I have had some trouble getting the video clips to load up correctly. AND perhaps the real reason may be that jet lag has attacked me this time in a more vociferous manner than usual and all I can say is… YUK!!!

When you normally arrive from the east- it is important to try and stay up for that entire day and then retire after supper to get a good night’s sleep. Most of the time when you do that- you have overcome jet lag and you are fairly good to go from then out. Well- I succumbed to a short nap for a couple of hours and Lauren stayed up all day. In fact- she stayed up until almost midnight! We both went to bed and I think we both missed the next day almost entirely! And we haven’t been able to get completely turned around quite yet!

Lauren’s Lines- Uncomfortable says it all! That’s what the trip over here was like! But it was a beautiful thing when we got here!

Nathan sums it all up!

-- Santiago’08 --
-- Dean & Nathan minister in Santiago, Chile --
July 28, 2008

Thank you so much for helping me financially and with your prayers for my ministry trip to Chile. It has impacted my life more than all of the previous ministry trips- and it was because of your help it was made possible.



We didn’t know what we were going to do until we got down to Chile; but we had to be flexible with whatever we had to do! Our team ended up doing three main things. Our main task was construction at the Santiago Teen Challenge center called “La Casa del Alfarero” for 4 days. We worked on sanding and painting steel beams, mixing and pouring concrete, and cleaning up LOTS of “stuff”.






Then we helped paint the church (Catedral Del Rey- Cathedral of the King) for one day where Brother Italo Frigoli is pastor. On last day the team was in Chile we helped the Hosanna soccer team provide a “Sunday School / Soccer camp” to help start a church in a very poor community. We were able to give over 75 kids each a soccer ball, a uniform, and a Bible.




The part of the trip that impacted me the most was when we helped do the soccer camp with the kids there. Since soccer is a passion for me it really meant a lot. It was amazing to see all of the kids and teenagers play soccer- they were all very good no matter how old they were. After the soccer part of the camp and the day was almost over, we did a devotional with the kids and a few dramas. Then we gave all of them a Bible, a uniform and a soccer ball. Even though we couldn’t understand their words too good- we understood their gratitude easily because we all got lots of hugs- and the smiles on their faces told it all!

But the language barrier was still a problem. I leaned Spanish for four years in elementary but that was almost three years ago. A little of it came back to me and there was a couple of people on our team who spoke a little Spanish, but otherwise we all smiled and nodded our heads A LOT! So now I am taking a whole different approach on learning Spanish in high school.

The most rewarding part of the trip was the smiles on all of the people’s faces that we helped. Whether it was painting or sanding steel beams or even just kicking a soccer ball around together; it always made me smile when I saw them smile. Knowing they would now hear more about Jesus made all the difference in the world!



I would like to especially thank you for your prayers and for your support. Without it I wouldn’t have been able to ever go on this trip. I realize now more than ever how grateful we should be for what we have and where we live. This trip has meant so much to me that I could talk about it for a long, long time. But again, thank you, for helping me to minister in Chile.

With much appreciation,

Nate

28 More Snatched From Darkness!

Our Mission in Paris has come to a close; and the devil is not happy about the results! Today in the 3 services- 28 more precious friends from France prayed to receive Christ as their Lord and Savior! That means there are a total of 108 total empty seats on the highway to eternal damnation and an eternity without Christ. I wished you could have seen the tears flow and hear the cries for forgiveness. Today was an exhausting and precious day.

Tuesday I return to my family and to more services in America. I leave Paris with the incredible satisfaction that God has won, the devil has lost, and souls were added to the kingdom of God. Many were prayed for- for healing, for deliverance, and for a special anointing from God. The true results will only be revealed in eternity. But one thing is for certain, you will be with me one day as God passes out His rewards for a job well done. Because you gave, because you prayed, and because you cared- together we were able to bring God glory by working for the kingdom. Together wen will receive the prize.

Thank you.

Please continue to pray; although the mission is over here in Paris- there are still many needs. I would be grateful for your prayers for a restful day on Monday; a safe and uneventful journey as i return on Tuesday; and for my reentry into my "state-side" schedule. These are all very important.

We are so very blessed because His Hope Abounds more and more-

En Agape',

Dean

P.S.
Thank you for you prayers and support for my family in my absence. I think they were all to busy to even notice I was gone!!!

A Unique Anointing!

As we drove up to the hall the church rents for all their services, I knew we were in for a different night- a good "different". Something we failed to realize when we were planning the services was the fact that this was very week in France was their spring vacation week! But our attendacne at each of the meetings has been excellent!

Tonight (Friday) had been advertised as healing/miracle night! While we have been praying each night for the sick during the altar time, we set aside this night to give it a real emphasis. Despite the beautiful weather and spring break- the auditorium filled up nicely.

The worship service seemed to be "extra good" this night. As I stepped to the platform and stood behind the pulpit, I felt a supernatural anointing come over me that I knew was the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. I almost wanted to call everyone forward at that moment- I felt that God would even raise the dead had there been any cadavers amongst us!!!

Instead I gave in to the Holy Spirit's urging to continue in our worship. For the next 20 or 25 minutes we enjoyed a time of refreshing in God's anointing. Following the message, as we do in every service, I asked if there were any present who would meet me at the front for special prayer for salvation. There were 10 who came forward. With tears and sincerity, they experienced the greatest miracle of all- salvation, and the kingdom of heaven rejoiced once again!

After Henry lead them in the salvation prayer, I asked for those who would, to come for special prayer to receive their miracle- for healing- for a special anointing- for whatever it was they needed from God. I began to anoint each one with oil as the Bible instructs us to do and pray over them. There were about 50 or so who came forward and after an intense time of praying for each one the service came to a close.

The bummer of not speaking French very well is not knowing what is happening all the time. It is really too much of a chore to have someone follow me around and interpret what is being said. But I did have the associate pastor interpret one testimony. There was a lady who said the last time when Nathan and I were there for special meetings- she came forward for prayer and was healed of a sickness! So God does bless, the testimonies do come and God is glorified in it all.

Just 3 more services this Sunday to go! Thank you for keeping all of us in your prayers. All is well at home; Brenda and the kids are keeping busy with all the spring activities at school and church.

En agape',

Dean

70 Decisions so far with 4 services to go!

Time is of the essence! It seems as though there is just not enough time, or that time goes by too quickly. Tuesday evening's service was great! There were 16 who came forward to meet me at the front and make the decision to receive Christ into their hearts. That would make the total right at 70 if your counting!

Why do I count the decisions made? Perhaps it has to do with the depths of darkness that prevail here in Paris. Or maybe it is the miracle of salvation (that we see so rarely in our churches in America) that is so amazing to me. Or possibly it has to do with so many I have seen again here in the church that were saved in past services I have conducted over the past 25 years who are now involved in ministry and have brought their families to Christ! Perhaps it is all of the above and more!

The buildings that Henry and I went to look at were all duds. Back to the drawing board. Finding a building that would even remotely work for a church is a much more difficult task than you can imagine. With the Communist, socialists and pro-gay agendas in the governments here- it is no where near like it is in America.

Please pray they can find a building.

Tonight will be a special night that we have set aside for prayer for healing. We have encouraged people to bring the sick and afflicted. We are trusting God for great miracles for His glory.

Thanks for praying for us all!

En agape',

Dean

Much more grace...

One need only come to Paris for just a short time and see how truly dark the City of Lights is. Like most large cities across the world, Paris is a harbor for darkness and incredible depths of sin. This better called the City of Darkness! 16 million people and the vast majority of them lost- damned to an eternal hell without Christ!

But then, one need only come to a revival service at the church here (New Life) and experience the truth that where darkness abounds- does much more grace abound! This was a great day in Paris. There was much darkness destroyed as the light went forth! My pastor has always told me that light by it's very nature- destroys darkness. All we have to do is flip on the light and watch the cockroaches of darkness scurry into oblivion!

Including the 3 services held today there have now been over 54 decisions to forsake the darkness and accept The Light!!! After preaching hard for 3 services on a warm spring day in Paris, exhausted- but incredibly satisfied, I am calling it a day- A GLORIOUS DAY for God!

Again- we win.

Thank you for your prayers and support; they mean more to us than we can tell you.

Tomorrow Henry and I are going to look at two different possible buildings with the hope of purchasing one for their church. Many of you know that they have been renting a dilapidated old trashy hall to meet in for church since 1981!!! They truly need their own facility to better ooperate their ministries out of and to dress the body in as they gather!

Please be in prayer as they search. Pray the government will not block the sale if one of these is the right building for them.

Our next service will be Tuesday evening and I will update you on the continued destruction of the darkness!

En agape'.

Dean

Cutting holes in the darkness!

To all of you who have been praying for me- Thank You! I arrived in Paris Wednesday morning unscathed and zipped passed customs with everything I was commissioned to bring for the missionaries!

After two days trying to turn my body back right-side up I still seem to be upside down. It is almost 3:00 a.m. Paris time and I am writing this blog for you!

Well I had to give you the update of the first service. We started off the 2 week revival with a great service and the presence of the Lord was there in a powerful way. Over the past 25 years I have been coming to Paris, little has changed. Darkness is everywhere, evil prevails to a degree; and the devil is hard at work trying to dissuade the souls of men, woman, boys and girls. I would say he is succeeding at his attempt- but he is not!!! There are pockets of light destroying the darkness just like this church throughout the city!

It was so rich and rewarding to see so many friends whom I have known for so many years. Sadly some have passed away, or sadder still, have fallen away. But there is a thriving church in the heart of Paris- hungry for God's Word and His miraculous power!

Following the message as we do every service, we ask those who would like to receive Christ as their Lord and Savior to come forward for prayer- tonight- there were 10 who responded and made that life changing decision.

This revival is different than most we have done- rather than hold services nearly each night of the week, we will be only be meeting during the regular service times on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. We normally have a total of 10 services, this time we will only have 9.

Thanks for checking in with us and thanks for praying for me, the services and my family back home. All is well there, thanks.

Robert Louis Stevenson was watching a man light the gas lamps on evening from his upper bedroom. His governess came in and asked him what he was doing. he replied, "I am watching a man cut holes in the darkness!"

Thank you for helping us cut holes in the darkness!

Until next time- keep standing in the gap!

With thanksgiving…

I wanted to write and say thank you. These are both precarious but powerful days to be in ministry. Demands, new and old, arise everyday. I just received a call from another evangelist friend who told me of his transition in ministry to become a pastor of a local church; another good evangelist off the field. More and more evangelists and missionaries are leaving their posts for more “stable” and “secure” positions of ministry; or more sadly, even out of the ministry all together. Did you know that records tell us the number of evangelists in full time itinerant ministry has declined by over 50% in the last 10 years alone? While that saddens my heart, it also motivates me more than ever to heed the call God placed on my heart 34 years ago.

As I reflect over these past 31 years of ministry- God’s faithfulness has been so enduring and God’s people have been so loyal. This holiday season we want you to know that we are so very thankful for you! Your prayer and support mean more than you can imagine; in fact only eternity will reveal the outcome of the partnership we have with you. Thanks.

Would you indulge me a few moments to relate a very special story to you?

As we recently celebrated Thanksgiving this year in America, I want to especially thank the Lord for one particular couple- Evart & Dee; and here’s’ why. It was over 38 years ago that I was at my grandmother’s house in Frontenac, Kansas for the summer. Nearly every day, my Kansas best buddy (and still a dear friend today) Scott, and I would ride our bikes to the community swimming pool in Pittsburg (a bordering town) about 4 miles away!

We got to know a life guard there at the pool named Evart; a guy in his early 20’s who had just gotten married that spring. In between all the whistle blows, he would talk with us and even helped us learn how to swim! If I recall, it was during one of our “breaks” one day that he asked us if we wanted to go to a “youth camp”. “What in the world was a ‘youth camp?’” we said. He explained it was where lots of kids our age went to a special place for a whole week, played games all day and had a “little” church service each night for a few minutes. Well, games all day in exchange for a church service for a few minutes at night seemed like a good deal! So I went back and asked my grandmother and she said I could go!

I will never forget what happened at the “little church” service the last night of camp. After the speaker had finished his talk he gave us a challenge and he invited everyone who wanted to take on that challenge, to come to the front- and the last night I did! The challenge was to believe that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, ask Him to forgive my sin, come and live in my heart and dedicate my life to Him. It was so simple to do- to just believe by faith- yet so profound an outcome. My life has never been the same since that day.

I left Kansas that summer and came home a different boy. Four years later, I accepted another challenge at youth camp- to dedicate my life to be an evangelist and share the life changing, eternity securing message of the gospel with as many as possible. From that day at youth camp that summer in 1974 until now- the pages of my life’s scrap book have been filled with priceless memories of ministry at dozens of youth camps and services, countless revivals, hundreds of mission’s conventions, and ministry in 52 countries across 5 continents!

A couple of years ago, after many years of wondering what ever happened to that life guard and his wife I began a search to find them. Just a few weeks ago, after numerous Google searches, probing, computing, and piecing together various and scattered bits of information, I found a telephone number on teh West Coast for an “Evart and Dorothy". I called and a man answered the phone; I clumsily told him who I was and why I was calling. As I mentioned more and more details of the info I had found on “Evart”, he understandably and reluctantly began to confirm he was that man! Amazingly as I heard his voice after all these years- I clearly recognized he was the guy!

I quickly began to inform him that I had been looking for him for several years. I wanted him to thank him for being kind enough and sensitive enough to ask a little 10year old boy at the community swimming pool one day if he wanted to go to “youth camp”. After I reminded him that I had accepted Jesus Christ as my Personal Savior that week at camp, I informed him that because of his simple gesture of asking a near effortless question- hundreds of thousands of people had since accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior! I owed him the greatest depth of gratitude.

Well, as you can imagine, it was hard to talk and share the rest of our life’s stories through all the tears. Since we were together 38 years ago, the Deckards had gone on to answer the call of God into full-time ministry and become great church planters out west. It was interesting to hear of how each of us had faced seemingly insurmountable odds- the loss of family members, sickness, cancer, etc.; and yet God had been ever so faithful. We gave God the glory for what He had done!

So this year, especailly during this Thanksgiving season, I am especially grateful for the “life guard guy” who took the initiative to ask a boy to go to youth camp. It will be an awesome day in heaven one day when the big picture is revealed and the results of that one deed will be known! Thank you Lord, for Evart and Dee!

We recognize it is your faithful support in prayer and finance that enable us to continue in ministry today. Thank you. I can hardly wait to tell you about a tremendous new and exciting ministry focus for India in evangelism that we are embracing. I can tell you now that it will be the greatest challenge in 31 years of ministry! But we know God is calling, and we are answering!


So as we now prepare for Christmas- we just want to say thank you again; our prayer is that the blessings of the Lord will be yours this Thanksgiving, Christmas and the rest of the year. We love and appreciate you.

En agape’,

Dean & Brenda
Nathan & Lauren

A final blog- Home again.

Because you prayed- the time of ministry in India and the Middle East was near perfect! It was by far the best time away for ministry ever! And I firmly believe it was because you prayed! In fact the roughest part of the entire time was on my final international flight back from Amman to Chicago. I still do not know how the adorable little 5 year old girl who sat behind me could kick the back of my seat for 13 consecutive hours!

At any rate, as I settled in for that Royal Jordanian flight for home out of Amman, I was overwhelmed with the events of the past several weeks of ministry. There was a rush of contradictory feelings- I was filled with joy and sadness; strength and weakness; and a fulfilling sense of accomplishment along with the foreboding sense of needing to do more! That’s what ministry does for you.

India was good to me. That has been the somewhat sardonic phrase that comes back to my heart over and over again. What makes it all a bit cynical is that in so many ways, India is not good to anyone. On the first take it can appear generally harsh, unforgiving, crude, blunt, and shocking. With it’s seemingly often lack of gentility and its common criminality, India can quickly turn the hardiest of heroes into the mightiest of mush. I will never forget the drive one day with Dr. Mark Buntain from Calcutta (now called Kolkata) on the way in from the airport. He looked at me and with all sincerity said, “Dean, you would be amazed how many big name preachers and pastors that I have had to take back to the airport on this ride to my apartment- because they couldn't stomach India- and they wanted to leave!”

My first visit to India was over 23 years ago- I will never forget my arrival into Bombay. After cramming into a taxi with three other riders (with all of our luggage), I was fortunate to get a window seat- I thought. As we sped off to our hotel, I remember looking at my watch- it was 3:00 a.m. Each one of my senses was assaulted over and over again.

Even all the years of preparing me for India by my mentor, David Grant, didn’t prepare me for what I was about to see. There in the triangle of light coming down from a street lamp; I saw the figure of a small child perched on top of a garbage heap sifting through it- foraging for food. With jet lag overwhelming me, the sight, smell, and sensation of it all nearly caused me to throw up. I could understand those words of Mark Buntain very well.

But now, over 23 years later, I don’t notice the dirt as much, the odors are not so strong, and I am not nearly as aware of the harshness of India as I used to be! But what I do know of is this- There are one billion plus people who are lost and on their way to a Christless eternity- and that haunts me whether I am in India or not. Indians are precious, genuine, and sincere; they have manners galore, kindness to kill you with, and love to laugh.

When you are with the believers, you will know right away they display an authentic and deep passion for serving God; as well as an absolute willingness to worship their savior. If you ever go to India and visit one of the churches, you will never be the same after you meet them. Your life will become all the richer because a huge part of their heart will go with you.


My burden and passion for the lost of India has been enlarging; I think that is what this time of ministry was all about. It was such a privilege to minister to the wonderful people of Global Christian Life Center; to the Bible College students at CBC in Delhi; to the pastors from South India at the General Council; and to the executive leadership of North India. God willing, I would like to spend much more time in North India and want to specifically focus on Delhi- teh capital city.

Finally, when I was in Amman, Jordan on the way home, there was sad news that overwhelmed us all. You may have heard of the two women in Baghdad (just several hundred miles away next door) who came too close to a military convoy and were shot and killed by an Australian security team. (http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2007-10-10-iraq-wednesday_N.htm?csp=34) Well, both of these women were from the New Life Assembly of God church in Baghdad. One of them, Geneva, was the main interpreter for the Bible College there. I believe the other, Marou, was also involved in the women’s ministry of the church.

The pastor of the church said, “The enemy doesn’t want to kill Geneva, he doesn’t want to kill me- he wants to kill the dream!” He said the church is very saddened by this tragedy but so very grateful to God for His faithfulness. We do not know what happened- but we must continue to pray for New Life Assembly there in Baghdad and the other 3 churches in Iraq.


There is a powerful church there in Amman with a beautiful congregation of about 250. The senior pastor, Dikran and his wife, Ani, are absolutely precious. Please pray for them as they continue to face persecution on a daily basis in this Muslim nation.


Thank you again, for going with me to India and the Middle East. How you say? As I have said many times, because you gave and prayed, darkness was destroyed and God was glorified! I would like to plan a trip in the future, perhaps in 2008 or 2009 and take you to India for ministry with me! So let me know if you would like to go on an Abounding Hope Mission to India!

Below are some pictures of the time in India and Jordan- Thank you again for your partnership in ministry with us!





























Oh yes, one final thing- Murphy, our dog, is still with us, and better now that the "big dog" is back. Thanks to those who prayed for our "entire" family during my absence!

Almost Home!

Greetings from Amman, Jordan. This is the first real opportunity I have had to get to a computer and work on a blog since my last entry! Sorry for the lack!

India was fabulous! There was a real move of God in so many ways it is most difficult to know what more to say. Let me just say two things for this entry.



First- while God is moving in mighty ways in the southern parts of India (as in Chennai), He is also moving in the north! I was so very blessed to be a special part of the 25th Silver Anniversary for Global Christian Life Center in Delhi. My friend Robert Jeyaraj (pictured to the left standing on the right with his wife Pat) has been the senior pastor there for 231/2 years of that time. I must say they pulled out all the stops and it was an incredible 4 day event. The special guest speakers included Pastor William (Willie) Soans and his wife Beverly from Mumbai(Bombay) in the picture above on the left ; a dear college friend and missionary David Stewart Jr.; and a special treat was having a famous Indian actor and evangelist- brother V.J. Benedict to minister as well. The special services and events went from Thursday through Sunday; I was the Sunday morning speaker.

While they certainly celebrated God's faithfulness and goodness of the past 25 years, the entire event was focused on looking ahead with winning the lost as their key motivator! They set up a beautiful outdoor fabric tent with seating for over 2000- it was filled for every service! To date, we have received over 250 decision cards thus far with more coming in! The pastor's goal is to start 1,000 new "home cell groups" over the next 5 years- they already have over one hundred started! from this special meeting- they will add another 20-30!

I believe it is God's day for Delhi and the north of India! The strongholds have been there for too long; the needs are too great; and God has too much invested for such a day as this!



Secondly, in the course of my time in Delhi- God has continued what I believe will become a special part of the coming revival for Delhi and the north. We will continue to pray and continue to seek God for His direction for ways that we can be "spent" for His glory. There is a strong burden for evangelism that continues to grow in my heart! Thank you for going with me to India!

Tonight, as I return home, I will be ministering in a Church in Amman. Sitting here in the Middle East I feel as though I am so close to the "epicenter" of all that is happening in the world right now. The feeling is hard to put into words.




While this little entrepreneurial beggar boy made me chuckle, the the sadness of their plight is most overwhelming. Even though he was certainly creative in his efforts, his life is on a one way road filled with despair and an eternity without the love of Christ.

Thank you for praying for me and our family- they are well and we are ready to be together again. There have been some difficult moments- but God has been so very faithful as He always is. Please keep praying and I'll keep going!

En agape',

Dean

He remains faithful!

God is faithful!

Yesterday I taught a class at Central Bible College here in Delhi. What a special group of students they are. God has called them from many places afar to Delhi to answer the call of God on their lives for ministry. There were several students from Burma- where currently all the upheaval is going on regarding democracy and human rights. They told me about their families are back home; and they believe this movement is from the Lord. Please pray for these dear brothers and sisters in this dark land.

Evangelism and church planting is the goal; souls are the prize. My time here in Delhi has been very important as God continues to shape and mold His direction for ministry in India. I am most interested in knowing what the needs are, what can be done about them, and how I can fit in as they relate to evangeliasm and church planting.

Stay tuned for upcoming details on the great 25th Celebration- Anniversary of Global Christian Life Center church here in Delhi with Pastor Robert Jeyaraj. The church is a true beacon of the gospel in the vast darkness of Delhi. Brother Robert has been the senior pastor for 23½ years.

Thanks for your continued prayers for my family; God’s faithfulness continues to stay true!

The Land of Paradox!

If you were to travel with me to India (a distinct possibility soon), upon arrival you would most likely be stunned by the richness of the land, by its lush beauty and exotic architecture, by its ability to overload the senses with the pure, concentrated intensity of its colors, smells, tastes, and sounds. Each of your senses would be defiantly assaulted!

It will be as if all your life you had been seeing the world in black and white and, when brought face-to-face with India, you would experience everything re-rendered in brilliant Technicolor! It is a land of curious paradox- the rich and the poor; the pristine and the soiled; the latest of technologies and the antiquated- all side by side, and functioning in a chaotic rhythm that you have to be truly Indian to understand! And undoubtedly you would be overwhelmed at times with the rush of it all.

But then there is the light and the darkness. At times the darkness tries to hide the light- but thank God, by its very nature- light always destroys darkness! Yesterday was a great day of ministry. I was privileged to speak to the Executive Committee of the General Council of North India. It was a real humbling experience to speak to these men of God and lead them in devotions.




To the left is a picture taken at the South India General Council. Early this morning I was privileged to speak to a group of students from Central Bible College here in Delhi, helping to prepare them for a special project of evangelism outreach. It involves going door to door to visit 1,000 homes in the area- light destroying darkness! And again I was asked to bring the morning devotional to the Executive leaders; once more it was a genuine honor. We are truly blessed with outstanding national leadership in India.

Thank you for your continued prayers for my family while I am away. Murphy seems to have "rallied" a bit and is doing better. Thank you so very much.



Here is a picture of a precious Indian princess and her King on their way! As the finely tuned commotion of India and the disheartening moments of life at home continue, we are so blessed to know that His hope, and love, and grace, and comfort still abounds.

Darkness Grieves

Good afternoon- from Chennai, India. The temperature is a balmy 87 degrees with about the same humidity.



Thank you for going with me to India; yesterday we made a difference. The first of three services began at 7:00 a.m. out on the new property of New Life Assembly of God church (pictured here). We had a service on the 40 acres where they are constructing a worship center to seat 55,000 people. Presently with over 35,000 people attending each weekend, they have already started over 200 other churches throughout the city; and God continues to bring in the lost in miraculous proportions!

On the property, they have built a pavilion that houses a satellite TV room (where they often beam the services live from the main campus in town), a prayer room, and seating for 2,000. They even had to extend the outside of the structure with a beautiful fabric tent allowing several hundred more to join each service. They currently have 3 Sunday morning services on site. These are such precious believers, intense in their passion to serve God unlike you have ever seen.

My second service of the day was in the afternoon at the current main campus of New Life for the English speaking congregation. There are nearly 2,000 in that group and we had a powerful service. Finally we concluded with the final service in the main auditorium for the evening Tamil service. God moved at the altars in wonderful ways as we prayed for dozens for special needs and believed for miracles of healing and anointing.

I have to say that after the tremendous day of ministry and weight loss (yes- that is a good thing) I was exhausted. So thank you for helping make a difference in India yesterday. The kingdom of darkness grieves all the more; while the kingdom of heaven glories in the cross.

I have been in country nearly a week now and all is well- no real issues to speak of; so if you would, please continue to pray. Today is a travel day- I will be departing for Delhi where I will spend the remaining time in ministry with my dear friend Robert Jeyaraj. Also if you would, please remember Brother David Grant in your prayers. He was taken to the hospital in Springfield, MO on Friday with chest pains. Tests revealed 2 blockages and he was to go in for an angioplasty procedure on Sunday.

Until next time we meet… may God continue to bless you in His abundance with His hope and blessings.
Dean