“If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.”  John 8:36 Happy 4th of July! Celebrating our Nation’s 237th Birthday! It’s that time of year for hot dogs, home made ice cream and fireworks. Thank you, Lord, for our freedom, for those who have been willing to give their lives for it, and for all those who still defend it today. But more importantly, Lord, thank You that regardless of the political state of this nation or this world, we know that our freedom is in You, purchased at Calvary. Intro to Bible Update The Second Edition of our Introduction to the Bible, Student Manual, is no longer a Student Manual. It has grown in such proportions that it has now become a book. Last month, Jennifer and I completed our first round of edits on the text, and in a few days, she will have completed the layout and graphic design work that is still remaining. At our Board of Directors Meeting later this month, we will be presenting a Draft Copy to each Board...

Greetings from the Still Warm and Sunny North! Well, not quite true. We have clouds today (forecast says more sun tomorrow) but we’ve had nearly a month of sunshine and warm weather. Unusual for Juneau to say the least.  Actually, we’re glad to see the rain as long as it doesn’t overstay its welcome! Progress in Pune God is moving in Pune, you can feel it, sense it, see it. The desire for revival has taken root and started to sprout. There is a fresh, deep hunger for more of God and a willingness to pay any price for that “more.”  We saw this in the meetings and it was amplified while spending time with the leaders of several of the churches we ministered to. The hearts cry for “more” was clear and loud, heard in the willingness to  risk, to deal with the messes that revival creates and the willingness to re-examine long cherished cultural and religious beliefs and practices. Please, Lord Jesus, let this grow to maturity and bear fruit. Now, about the teaching ...

Amen, Amen. Blessing and glory, wisdom, thanksgiving and honor; with power and might be unto our God forever and ever, Amen. (Taken from Revelation 4:11) ANNIVERSARY MONTH June is the Anniversary month for LTI. This year marks our 34th year of ministry, and the writing of our 408th newsletter. A few days ago, a chorus we learned in the early days of our ministry in Nigeria, began ringing in my spirit, and it reminded me of all the wonderful years of ministry that God has allowed us to have in the many parts of the world that He has sent us to – both prior to and since those days. Sometimes I am asked if it were possible for me to live my life over, would I live it differently. My simple answer is “no.” There are some things in the process that I would do differently, but I would still answer the call and I would still go wherever God would choose to send us. It has been a wonderful 34 years, and I thank God for all of them. In addition to that, we most certainly thank...

Greetings from the Warm and Sunny North, Nope, not a typo, we are having a nice spring/early summer here in Southeast Alaska. Well, we are now. It snowed several times in early May but yesterday we were into the 70’s. That’s HOT for Juneau. Shorts and t-shirts and hit the swimming hole hot. It can get pretty funny, too, watching the tourists in their jackets and hats and the natives in sandals and shorts. Jesus did it again. We had a great trip: lots of fun with our brothers and sisters in India, as well as a wonderful time of ministry. But let me tell you about the few days before we left. Just 3 days before I left, I was still $1500 short of the need. Praise Chapel, the church we are now attending here, had a Friday night worship meeting (we call it Face to Face). Pastor Brian asked me to share about the trip and a bit of the message that I was taking to India, and then we would take an offering. Worship was fantastic, the presence of God was powerful, a truly wonderful time. I...

The first order of business this month is a praise report! Mark’s budget for his India trip was totally met! Last month we reported that he still needed $1700.00. Well, the Lord provided that $1700.00 through two churches, and we are truly praising Him for this wonderful blessing. A special Thank You is sent to all who made a contribution toward this need. May the Lord richly bless you for your generosity toward the work in India. You have made this trip happen! Julie has written the “News From The North” column this month. I know you will enjoy reading it. TEACHING MATERIALS Work continues on the second edition of our Introduction to the Bible Student Manual. By the end of this month it will be completed. I continue to be blessed by the interest and excitement that is expressed by those whom I have the privilege of teaching it to in the Adult Bible Class on Wednesday nights in my home church. The Lord is good. Here is a sneak preview. UPCOMING TRAVELS The...

Greetings from the Snowy North, I know, I know it’s April. Yet we’ve been experiencing the *cough* joys of a “late Spring snow” the last two days. Hopefully, this April shower will not only bring May flowers, but a long stretch of sun in the Summer as well. Mark has arrived in India and enjoyed a much needed day of rest, recouping from a looooong 2 day trip just to get there – 22 1/2 hours in the air. The ministry activities this year were kicked off on Saturday, April 27th with a one day Youth Conference. This is a new thing. Mark and Balchandra have been talking about doing this for several years, and this year marks our first of what will hopefully become a natural companion venue to the annual Leadership Conference. On Sunday, Mark ministered in 2 churches and then the Leadership Conference began on Monday. The Leadership Conferences have a new name as of this year – “Ignite Conference” 2013. We are truly excited about the Conference in a way that’s different from previo...

“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.” I Corinthians 15:20 Praise God for His plan of salvation for all mankind. Praise God that Jesus willingly became the final sacrifice for sin. Praise God that Jesus victoriously rose from the grave, triumphant over death. We who have believed in Him are so blessed. Today, we walk in victory because Jesus purchased victory for us. Today, we have the hope and promise of eternal life because of His victorious work on our behalf. Today, we look forward to the time when we will rise from this earth to meet Him in the air and live with Him forever. And, as the song goes, “What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see.” Wonderful day, indeed. Thank you, Lord, for your great love for us. Thank you, Lord, for the Easter season that causes us to reflect, one more time, on all you have done for us. Today, we also carry on with the work He has given us to do until That Day arrives. W...