I 've got a ticket to ride

Found this amazing photo on a

blog from missionaries in Kenya

Read the post

Posted by Amrita

God's presence in our storms...

"If you have the Shepherd, you have grace for every sin, direction for every turn, a candle for every corner, and an ANCHOR FOR EVERY STORM" (Quote by Max Lucado)

Last week I posted the following post on my blog "Dwelling in His Presence". I'm sharing it with you here as well but I'm also adding to the end of it some thoughts that I came across today as I was reading a Max Lucado Devotional on Matthew 14:25-33 (Jesus walked on water).

(Nov 21, 2008) This week I've found myself feeling like I'm in the midst of a storm...not really sure on how to accurately describe it except to say that I've had a lot of unrest. There are a few areas of my life that currently have a big "?" on them and this week those Question marks for whatever reason seem to have gotten even bigger.
As I type this we are expecting another major snow storm (2nd one this week) and they have been talking all day about how this storm is going to hit quickly and be extremely intense over this part of the Island. I'm thinking tonight about storms in our lives and how so often they seem to come out of no where and we find our selves in the midst of a storm, not knowing how we got there or how we can get out of it.
I AM SO THANKFUL that in the midst of the storm...in the midst of the confusion, doubts, unknowns and Question Marks...there is a GOD who is able to calm the storm and see us through the storm!!!
I'm so encouraged tonight by Job 40:6 "Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm:", this verse has been such a timely reminder to me of how even in the Midst of a storm...God STILL SPEAKS!!!
Whatever you may be facing today...be encouraged to know that you are not alone in the Storm...and that God will walk through the Storm with you...He will guide you and will speak to you through this time...Rest in HIM...
Psalm 107:28-30 28 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. 29 He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. 30 They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.

God's Presence (Max Lucado-on Matthew 14:25-33)

Their Question--What hope do we have of surviving a stormy night?

My Question--Where is God when his world is stormy?

Doubtstorms: turbulent days when the enemy is too big, the task too great, the future too bleak and the answers too few. Every so often a storm will come and I'll look up into the blackening sky and say, "God, a little light, please?" The light came for the disciples. A figure came to them walking on the water. It wasn't what they expected. Perhaps they were looking for angels to descend or heaven to open. Maybe they were listening for a divine proclamation to still the storm. We don't know what they were looking for. But one thing is for sure, they weren't looking for Jesus to come walking on the water..and since Jesus came in a way they didn't expect, they almost missed seeing the answer to their prayers. And unless we look, and listen closely, we risk making the same mistake. God's lights in our dark nights are as numerous as the stars, if only we'll look for them. "When Jesus comes," the disciples in the boat may have thought, "he'll split the sky. The sea will calm. The clouds will disperse." "When God comes," we doubters think, "all pain will flee. Life will be tranquil. No questions will remain." And because we look for the bonfire, we miss the candle. Because we listen for the shout, we miss the whisper. But it is in the burnished candles that God comes, and through whispered promises he speaks: "When you doubt, look around; I am closer than you think."

**I (Kelley) am still in the midst of a storm, but as this week has gone on God's lights in my dark nights are becoming clearer with each moment--I'm seeking to find the purpose in this storm--determined to be joyful in the midst of the storm--and confident that HE IS WITH ME THROUGH THE STORM!!! Be encouraged today....whatever you may find yourself in the midst of...to know that with HIM we truly have an ANCHOR FOR EVERY STORM!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, My American Pals

Happy Thanksgiving to our beloved American friends.

Wish I could join you for a big turkey dinner today.

We have so much to thank the Lord for! He has blessed us abundantly and we praise Him for everything He has showered upon us.

Have a wonderful day, dear friends, and don't eat too much!

Be blessed!

Gratefully,

David

Prayer Request

Will everybody please pray for Amrita.
There has been a terrorist attack in India and I don't even know how close she and her Mama are to it but it has me worried..Please pray for her and her fellow India Christians...........Love Terry

Happy Thanksgiving

Have a blessed Thanksgiving America Pilgrim Pals....love from your Canadian, Norwegian, Indian and Australian Pilgrim Pals!


posted by Terry

Biblical legacy of America

I received this article from my from my friend, and elder brother in Christ Vishal Mangalwadi. I taught his daughter too and his wife is a close friend of mine. They live in California now. Check out his website which I have linked.Vishal is an author, speaker and thinker of international fame. (International lecturer, social reformer and political commentator) He has written 13 books on Eastern religions and the New Age, India 's social problems and the impact of the Bible on the western world.He travels all over the world speaking in top universities, presenting Christ and engaging in open forums and debates.He is really a radical thinker. This is what he says about President Elect Barack Obama.SHOULD BARACK OBAMA SWEAR ON THE BIBLE ?Same-sex marriage is now being framed as a new Civil Right movement. Since the opposing view comes from the Bible, it will be cast as the enemy of progress, liberty and human rights. Will President-Elect Obama come under pressure to break with the past and "change" the tradition of a new President swearing on the Bible to take the Oath of Office? He may not succumb, but those concerned need to spark a public discussion on the place of the Bible in the past and future of American civilization?Most people have no idea that Mr. Obama was elected because of the Bible. It was the Bible that inspired America to abolish slavery, institute civil rights, and transform Europe's aristocratic culture (that would have elected Hillary Clinton or John McCain) in favor of meritocracy that elected a little-known member of a racial minority to its highest office. As you will see below, the Bible supplied the values that forced Hillary Clinton to support her opponent.A national conversation on the Bible is needed urgently because America has drifted so far from its heritage that the above claims would seem outrageous to most people. I presented a cultural case for the Bible in a lecture series at the University of Minnesota: "Must the Sun Set on the West? An Indian Explores the Soul of Western Civilization" (available from http://www.vishalmangalwadi.com/).The following are some of my reasons: Why Obama Should Swear on the Bible on January 20, '09 (Please strengthen, add or challenge this summary) 1st Segment: (5-7 minutes) Obama was Elected Because the Bible Made America a Meritocracy President-Elect Barrack Obama should place his hand on the Bible to take the Oath of Office because he owes his election to the Bible. How could Americans select Obama over distinguished rivals such as Hillary Clinton (former First Lady and Senior Senator from New York) and Senator McCain (war hero, Senior Senator with a distinguished pedigree and a wealthy, glamorous, socialite wife)? Negative reasons such as economic fears and an unpopular President were real factors behind Obama's success, but they would not have elected him in any other culture. America elected Obama because through the Puritans the Bible wrote the principle of meritocracy into the very DNA of America. John Winthrop, the first Governor of New England was not a nobleman. Class conscious English aristocrats would have never chosen him to lead the Company that came to colonize America. The Puritans accepted him as their leader only because they followed the Bible in putting ability above class and connections. (Expound David, Jesus and the 12 Apostles, 1 Corinthians 1:26-28 etc.) The Bible's emphasis that God prefers humble and capable follower-leaders is the reason why people coming from class-oriented European society metamorphosed into meritocracy in America. Obama won because (rightly or wrongly) the voters perceived him as the better leader. This American/biblical tradition of putting merit before pedigree, wealth or connections is one of the most important cultural reasons for America's intellectual and economic ascent over the rest of the world. By undermining the Bible, America will undermine its very soul - the secret of its corporate success: educational, scientific, technological, economic and political.2nd Segment: (5-7 Minutes) Obama was elected because the Bible ensured that Hillary Clinton had to Support Him Senator Hillary Clinton needed to do nothing to ensure that her supporters voted for McCain in order to defeat Obama. But her support for Obama was passionate, powerful and unequivocal, even if it came out of a broken heart. If Hillary Clinton were an Indian politician she would have gone as far as seeking a McCain-Clinton ticket! American culture, however, required her to support an opponent who had defeated her in an emotionally charged primary. Such trivial issues split Indian political parties that not one of our 900 registered political parties can even imagine holding "primaries". During the Democratic Convention, Mrs. Clinton asked her foot soldiers why they were campaigning for her during the primaries. She claimed that her election campaign was never about her. It was about America's greater good. She was fighting, she said, for certain moral principles and values and if her supporters understood her and cared for what she cared for, then they would have to rise above personal hurts and campaign vigorously (along with their former in-house rivals) to elect Obama. As an Indian, I want to understand what makes American politicians different from Indian politicians. Why didn't Hillary Clinton follow secular postmodern/Nietzschean "will to power?" Why was she able to submit the 'quest for personal power' to (what she considered) higher "moral" principles? When I heard her speech, as an Indian I assumed that her appeal was nothing more than political necessity; she could not be sincere; she could not really want her supporters to work for Obama. Yet, as the election unfolded it became clear that most of her supporters believed her and worked for Obama. I was still an Indian in my subconscious thinking but her supporters were biblical at the core of their being, even if they reject the Bible at a conscious level. I doubted Hillary's sincerity because secular universities deny that we live in a moral universe where moral laws are real and moral principles matter more than personal power. By doing so, secular intellectuals have made themselves incapable of helping our countries understand why American democracy still works. Hillary Clinton acted the way she did because she is an American and has the DNA of the American culture which was written by the Puritans who came seeking - not just gold - but the Kingdom of God. People followed the Lord Jesus in search of the Kingdom of God. He taught them that they cannot have God's Kingdom unless they deny themselves, take up their cross and follow him in sacrificing themselves for others. America loves to condemn its Puritan past. But the reality is that at its core American culture continues to be Puritan rather than postmodern. Had the Bible not been the soul of Western civilization, Obama could not have become the President. Therefore, it will be wise for him to honor the Bible at his inauguration. 3rd Segment; (5-7 minutes) Obama was elected because the Bible wrote the Truth of Human Equality into America's DNA Many American women supported Hillary Clinton because they do not experience themselves as equal to men. Indeed, it was "self-evident" that the secular media did not treat Governor Sarah Palin as a candidate "equal" to Joe Biden. The blacks voted for Obama because it has never been self-evident to them that they are equal to the whites. Human equality has never been self-evident in any culture at any period of history because it is not an observable, empirical, self-evident, scientific fact. Inequality is the observable fact. Equality appeared self-evident to the American Fathers only because their mental lenses were colored by the Bible. If the American Constitution were being written today, it would have to read, "We hold these truths self-evident that all human beings have evolved equal . . ." That would be an absurd statement because evolution is an explanation for the observable fact of inequality. No amount of intellectual juggling could build a case for equality on the basis of a belief in evolution. [The segment will discuss the historical and theological basis for America's faith in human equality, its relationship to Obama's election and why it would be a huge mistake if he saw himself as the answer to the hopes and dreams of the oppressed in our world. The best thing that he can do for the minorities in America and the oppressed for the world is to turn their attention to the Bible]
Posted by Amrita

For Erin's Family

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/erinpage




I have such a bitter sweet feelng right now! On Tuesday, November 18th my precious "niece" was born. Her mommy, my best friend, had her at 9:35a.m. She is a healthy, beautiful little angel! Tammy found out she was pregnant right after my angel went home to her Lord and Savior. Shortly after they found out they were going to have a girl she asked me if they could name her after Erin. What an honor. Her name is Raylie Erin! Erin would be so tickled. She loved and looked up to her Aunt Tammy. I waited on Raylie all night Monday night. Now she is here. I love her to pieces but holding her makes me miss and want my baby girl so badly. I miss her all of the time but this floods my mind with memories and thoughts of my baby! Erin used to want to be with her Aunt Tammy all of the time. I know Erin can see Raylie and she is happy for her Aunt Tammy. It just seems so hard to keep on going sometimes. I miss her, I hurt, and want her. I know God has a divine plan and He has me (and my family) in his hands! I am so thankful for that! I trust him and I definitely lean on Him! I have never dreaded holidays so bad! But, Erin loved them and she would want us to continue to celebrate. I plan on celebrating her and her awesome life. Thanks to the virgin birth of my Jesus, my baby accepting him and is in Heaven worshipping our Savior! How Grand! Thanks for all of the prayers! God is good and He will continue to provide


Note....

IT WAS ON MARCH 11th 2008 THAT ERIN LEFT US. OH, HOW SHE IS MISSED BY FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND IT SEEMS EVEN STRANGERS! GOD, KEEP USING OUR PRECIOUS BABY GIRL TO TOUCH LIVES FOR YOU AND BRING OTHERS TO YOU! YOU ARE MISSED ERIN MICHELLE PAGE AND WILL BE LOVED AND MISSED FOREVER! YOUR TESTIMONY CONTINUES TO LEAD OTHERS TO CHRIST! WE WILL MEET AGAIN SOON

PRAY FOR KONGO

To me the word missionary is synonymously with the person Ingeborg Eikeland. She was sent from the little Pentecost Church Salem in my birth town Sauda out to Belgian Congo in 1956.A top scholar. Straight A's and a Master degree in languages. For 52 years she has served Kongo with all her heart and mind. First she built a primary school, then school for teachers. She cooperated with the UN the establish a university. Now the circle is finsihed. She's back teaching in highschool in Bukavu, 140 kilometers south of Goma. Four times she's had to flee the country, first time in 1961, then in 67 and twice in the ninties.
I remember her visiting our Sunday School telling about cruelties one never had heard of. I remember the peace following her. And unselfish love.
Now she is the only foreign person left in Bukavu. She has established two shelters for raped women.The cruelest way of waging war ; against innocent civilians.
"I will not leave until my Congolese superior order me to," she said the other day on telephone.
The suffering and need are beyond imaginations.
"I do not worry for myself, I know I'm living on grace-time."
My prayer to the Pilgrim Pals; please pray for missionary Ingeborg, pray for her church, her school, her abused women. Pray for peace and justice for Congo.

From Felisol

The winner is.......

Mr. Fisher!!!!!!

My little brother drew the name on the strangest way, but your name was chosen.

Congratulations Mr. Fisher!

The book will be on it's way shortly. I'll let you know when I send it.

Susan's Poem of Praise

Our Pilgrim Pal Susan posted the following concerning their church, Kindred Community Church. We have much to praise God for! - David

By the grace of God

Our church still stands

From the fire and winds

Sparks and embers flew wild

The peril was great

The dangers many

He gave courage to men

Emboldened them to take a stand

The fire burned close

As it neared our beloved cross

Fire burned hot

Ash rained down

Prayers of the faithful were raised

Pleading for God’s mercy and grace

Homes nearby went up in flames

By God’s grace…lives were spared

As ash and cinders fell

Flames dared to touch the sign

But God used men

Everyday heroes to accomplish His will

By the grace of God

Our church still stands

May we never take for granted

That this building will be here one more day

May we thank God for the privilege to worship Him here

The body of Christ united…at Kindred

By the grace of God

Our church still stands

Susan Bunts Wachtel

November 15, 2008

How easy it is to be complacent…take for granted that our church will always be here for us to assemble and worship our Lord and Savior.

But as the ash rained down…and smoke filled the sky when we looked toward the east our hearts were burdened to pray for God’s mercy and grace in these circumstances.

Thank you Lord…for answering our prayers…and protecting the building called Kindred Community Church. We are most grateful. Thank you for sending brave men…ordinary citizens…to stand in the gap. We thank you for the firefights who willingly put their lives on the lines. We pray for those who have lost their homes in the fires. We pray for relief for all effected by the fires.

The pictures above are of our beloved cross…the sight of which I love so very much. They were taken just last Sunday…on a cloud filled rainy day. When I see it from a distance…it so reminds me of God’s love and His power in my life and circumstances. When I see it…my stress level starts to melt away.

Who would have thought that just a week later…our church building would lie in the path of wildfires. Well our God knew that…nothing takes Him by surprise. Today…He protected our church home. While tomorrow…we will not meet as a church body…you can be sure that the members of Kindred will be one in giving thanks to our God for His mercy and grace bestowed upon our church.

Just a few miles away…in the middle of moving to a new apartment, my husband Chris and I looked up into the sky as the smoke clouds increased and the sun turned red.

We were amazed at God’s hand upon us as we heard the news that apartments we had considered moving to just a couple weeks earlier…had just gone up in flames. 50 apartment homes were lost. By the grace of God…so far no lives have been lost.

Below are the pictures taken with my cell phone. The ash was poured down…and breathing was difficult…and we were several miles from the fire. I can’t even imagine how horrible it would be for those much closer and in the path of the flames.

Kindred Praise Report

Just in case you don't read Pilgrim Pal Susan's comment following the previous post, I've reproduced it here. God graciously spared this building and this body of believers from the fires which are raging in Southern California. THANKS FOR YOUR PRAYERS, PILGRIM PALS! - David

Susan writes:

Dear David, Terry and all the Pilgrim Pals:

What a praise report we have on God's hand of protection upon our church. At this evening's prayer meeting...we gave thanks to our God for His hand of protection upon us and offered prayers for the firefighters and those people who have been affected by the fires.

We are so grateful for your prayers. In response to the prayers of so many...God sent a west wind which protected the church property. He also used the service of two of our own Mike Farrel and Jim Slazas who stayed at the property at risk of their own lives. They watered down the buildings. Of course we must thank the firefighters who protected the church as well. We are so grateful to so many...especially our God for His mercy.

Thank you for your prayers dear ones!

Love and blessings...Susan, Chris and all of Kindred

Prayer Meeting TONIGHT...at the Church

Here's the latest update on the fires in the area of Kindred Community Church. God is good! His people are meeting tonight. Thanks for your prayers! ~ David

Kindred family: We will be having a prayer and praise service this evening from 6:30 to 7:30 in the Multi-Purpose room on the church property. Please note that there is traffic in the area and possibly road blocks due to people looking at all the devastation. Allow extra time to get there, and if you are stopped, tell them you were told that we have permission to meet this evening on our property and you are a member from Kindred Community Church. Also, an alternate traffic suggestion may be to come in to the church property from the Gypsum Canyon side rather than the Weir Canyon side. Thank you and see you tonight!

While you're rejoicing, why not check out Susan's blog and read her poem about God's protection during the fires.

Check it out here!

Update on Kindred Community Church

Here's the latest update concerning Kindred. The fires in the area are threatening. PLEASE PRAY!

THANKS!

HERE'S THE UPDATE:

Please pray for the church. The Yorba Linda fire is nearing the church, although we do not know how close it is, or what side of the 91 fwy it is on. Mike Farrel and Jim Slazas are reported to be at the church with water hoses just in case. Please pray for their safety and for the safety of the church property.

Also, please pray for the fire fighters and the families and houses that are in the area.

Church In Danger

Our Pilgrim Pal, Susan Bunts Wachtel, attends Kindred Community Church in Southern California. Her former pastor, Chuck Obremski, was a good friend of mine. God called him home several years ago after a valiant battle with cancer.

I receive regular prayer requests by e-mail from Kindred and tonight's was a real concern to me.

Here's what is says:

No church services or ministry events (high school, prayer, etc.) will be held tomorrow morning or evening, as the Fire Department is not allowing access in the area. The hillsides around the church are charred in areas, but the church itself has sustained no damage at this time. Please keep all in prayer, especially those who have lost homes in the area.

Please pray that the fires in the area will not touch this church which stands unswervingly to the fundamentals of the Christian faith. How distressing it must be when Sunday services have to be canceled!

Pray for Susan and Chris as well. THANK YOU!

From Betty Jane

I received this forward from Betty this morning and it is very good!



HANDY LITTLE CHART
God has a positive answer:

YOU SAY GOD SAYS BIBLE VERSES

You say: 'It's impossible' God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)
You say: 'I'm too tired' God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: 'Nobody really loves me' God says: I love you (John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 )
You say: 'I can't go on' God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: 'I can't figure things out' God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5- 6)
You say: 'I can't do it' God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)
You say: 'I'm not able' God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: 'It's not worth it' God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28 )
You say: 'I can't forgive myself' God says: I Forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: 'I can't manage' God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)
You say: 'I'm afraid' God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)
You say: 'I'm always worried and frustrated' God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)
You say: 'I'm not smart enough' God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: 'I feel all alone' God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)


posted by Terry

Revival Meetings In India

There were week long revival meetings

with guest speaker Brother P C Verghese

at the Christian University.

The Lord made it possible for me to attend some of those

and a half day retreat.This is the Chapel of Brotherly Love where the retreat took place

A 20 foot high Cross
adorns the entrance inviting everyone
to seek shelter under its shadow


The altar with
the cross behind it.

Morning group discussion

Impromptu worship time while waiting for tea to be served

Strive to be godly
from 1 Cor 2;14 - 3;9

Young and old feeding

on the manna

In the afternoon I rested at a friend 's place.

This is their garden over-looking the river

Another friend 's dogs - they were not friendly at all.

You can see some more pictures

on MY BLOG

Posted by Amrita

A reason to smile again...good news!

Hi Pals-

Since so many of you have been so supportive and given me so much good advice over this past (rough) year, I FINALLY have some good news to share: I GOT A JOB!! It's not really in my field, but it's still interesting: I'm teaching computers to senior citizens at a local library. The reason I decided to take it is because about a month ago I applied to the recreation and leisure department of one of the big resorts here in Muskoka, and last week I had an interview for it! They have four (yes, FOUR!!) interview stages, and so far I've made it past the first 2, so hopefully it will continue to go well. I decided to stay in Muskoka a bit longer to see if I have a shot at the resort job. If not, the library position is only for the winter. I was sad to not be going back to Ottawa, but I can always go back after the library position ends.

As a child of God, I think I deserve to be put in a corner or a time-out or something! I could practically hear God saying to me "You see Lauren, I DID have a plan for you, you just stubbornly refused to listen. I keep telling you I will never leave you, so please try and work on remembering that".

I hope my mistake can serve as a reminder to Pals to never doubt our Lord- He really does have a plan, even if it's hard to always see it.

~lauren-mary

p.s. Since I hardly have any winter gear and suitable "office clothes" with me, I'm leaving Thursday night to go to Ottawa for the week-end..please pray it's a safe trip!

Prayer Request

Dear Pals

Please take a moment to visit
Following My Glorious
and leave a prayer for her cousin Jakeunder the blog post Prayers For My Cousin

Thanks so much
blessings
donna

Remembrance Day Nov 11 2008

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Posted by Terry

THANK YOU...

Thank you all for the welcome to Pilgrim Pals...I'm so thankful that God has lead me to this wonderful community of Believers. Thank you as well to those of you who prayed for me as I spoke to a group of teenagers today. I spoke to a group of youth (age 12-16) and I was so thrilled and encouraged by their desire to serve God and their dedication to living a life that reflects Him. It was such a blessing to be a part of their retreat weekend on leadership. Going into the day I had a ton of notes, thoughts, scriptures and illustrations written down...I wasn't really sure how it was all going to come together but tonight I am praising God for how He directed my thoughts, guided my words and brought clarity to what I was to share.
Thanks again,
Kelley
"Your Island Girl" :)

WELCOME to the Island Girl

We want to officially welcome the newest member of our Pilgrim Pals, Kelley Campbell (picture taken on her recent trip to England). Kelley hails from Canada's island paradise, Prince Edward Island, one of our Maritime provinces.

She has already been such an encouragement to me through her e-mails, cards and letters. Please check out her blog, Dwelling In His Presence by clicking here. Kelley's blog is our feature for the month of November.

WELCOME Kelley and thanks for your recent posts! We love you and we're thrilled to have you as our Pilgrim Pal.

~ Pilgrim David

A Little Get-Away

Good morning Pals...

I wanted to bring this post to the fore-front this morning, so we can be praying for Julie as she prepares for her trip....and during the time she is away. May God continue to use her as she pours out His love, hope and blessings to others!

- Donna on behalf of all the Pals

The Lord said....I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. ~ Psalm 32:8

I am off to Mexico City again on a missionary journey from November 9th to the 15th. A good friend is coming with me - it's nice to have a missionary buddy. This is my 7th mission trip - my 4th to Mexico City. We will met up with American team mates and also a team of Mexicans (we couldn't do this without them!). We will minister to the poorest of the poor who live and work (recycling plastics) in a garbage dump. We will also visit an orphanage with over 200 children - many of whom have severe mental and physical disabilities.

This trip was a last minute decision on my part. I felt I really needed to do something I truly get a sense of joy and purpose from. I am so blessed to have good friends who sponsor me financially on each trip - otherwise I would never be able to go.
Dear Pals, please remember to pray for the health and safety of the entire team. These types of mission trips come with many hazards - physical as well as spiritual.

L -Missionary

P.S. I know I haven't said much lately about my work situation. Don't want to say too much here, except, I am not back at work and likely won't be for a long time. Please just continue to pray for my healing.

God bless you Billy Graham

Today Billy Graham turned 90 years.. I want to join millions of people from all the world to greet him on this day.

When I was 12 years old his associate evangelist Dr Akbar Haqq held tent meetings in my town.My family attended each night.

Although we were conservative, traditional Christians and church goers we did not understand the significance of making a personal decision for Christ.

On that last Sunday afternoon, when the preacher talked about the death of Christ on the cross I was deeply convicted. I understood why I must make a personal commitment to Christ and declare it publicly.I was a very shy and scared 12 year old but when the call came I walked forward for prayer.

A missionary lady counselled me and I still have some booklets she gave me that day.Later on my whole family was born again.

I listened to the Hour of Decision Broadcasts faithfully and wrote to them each month.I also got books which Cliff Barrows announced and their magazine too.

Mr Graham you have influenced my life immensely and I want to say God bless you.

Posted by AMRITA

Prayer Request...

A friend of mine is bringing some of the core members of his youth group to the Island this weekend for a retreat. He's asked me to join them on Saturday for a couple of hours to share on Leadership. I'm extremely excited about this opportunity...there's so much that I could share...and I'm praying for clarity and direction as to what God would have me speak!! If you could join me in prayer, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks so much,

Kelley

Thoughts for a Thursday

Precious Lord! Beyond Expressing,
Are Thy Beauties All Divine
Glory, Honor, Power and Blessing
Be Henceforth Forever Thine

Charles Haddon Spurgeon





The Whole Meaning of Prayer is
that we may know God.

Oswald Chambers


God's love is measureless.
It is more....It is boundless
It has no bounds because it is not a thing
but a facet of the essential nature of God
His love is something He is
and
because He is infinite, that love can
enfold the whole created world
in iteself and have
room for ten thousand times ten
thousand worlds beside

A.W. Tozer

blessings
donna

Remembrance Day...

I posted the following thoughts yesterday on my blog "Dwelling in His presence", but I wanted to share them with you..as well as include a link to a video that I came across tonight. The video was produced by Global tv in Edmonton last year. Here is the address for the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8gRx8tWJmI

November 11th, Remembrance Day....A day set aside for us to Remember those who have fought and who are still fighting for our freedom! A day where we remember the sacrifices of so many...we remember the families who have children, brothers and sisters serving our country around the world....we remember the soldiers who wake up each morning with the sole purpose of protecting freedom...and we remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice...their lives.

I hope these are things that we remember and that we are thankful for leading up to this remembrance day...but so often we take for granted the sacrifices that have been made for us...we take for granted our freedom that we have and lose sight of the price that was paid so that we may enjoy that freedom!

Leading up to this Remembrance Day...I encourage you to wear your Poppy Proudly....and as you pin that red flower to your jacket...remember the cost that was paid...remember the sacrifices that have been made and are still being made so that we may live in Freedom within this wonderful Nation!!!

Most importantly I pray that we will never forget or take for granted the ultimate sacrifice that was made for us...the sacrifice that enabled us to have Eternal Freedom-home in Heaven...May we be thankful each and every day for the sacrifice that Jesus made on the Cross..He died so that regardless of where we live in this world (if it's a free country or not), we can live in Spiritual Freedom!!!

Isaiah 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.

In HIM,
Kelley

God Bless America

"God is still on the Throne"

I am seeing those words on many blogs and in e-mails
being sent as forwards across the internet. The election is
over and the people of our nation made their decision.

My hope is that as a believer in Christ, you will join me as
we continue to faithfully stand in the gap in prayer for the United
States.....for it is by His Word we live, it is His face we seek,
and it is His will we yield to...
believing and trusting that yes, indeed...

"God is still on the Throne"


if my people, which are called by my name,
shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face,
and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear
from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will
heal their land. 2 Chron 7:14



Thank you, my dear friends across the globe, for your heartfelt prayers for the United States of America.


blessings
donna

Nov 5th -10:30 surgery

Thank you for praying....I just received word that surgery went well.....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Please pray for a lovely lady I met earlier this year...
she is having surgery this morning to remove fibroids...

I sent an email earlier and normally receive responses,but
have only received one, so I am wondering if the email got
through....so if you read this, please be in prayer for her

thank you



blessings
donna

Book give-a-way!!

Hi Pals!

I recived this book from the American Bible Society a few years ago, and I don't find a use for it. So...every Pal that comments on this post will be put into a draw and I'll ship it out to the winner. Now you overseas Pals don't be shy to add your names. I'll wait a week before drawing to make sure ALL Pals see it.

Here is a short decription of the book:

The Bible is full of mysteries that have gripped millions of people over thousands of years. Here, the most intriguing mysteries and unanswered questions like, "Where is the garden of Eden? What ever happened to Sodom and Gomorrah? Where is the Ark of the Covenant today?" are brought to life for today's reader through colour illustrations and photos, as well as commentary by renowned biblical scholars. From the miracles of Jesus to spiritual powers to cosmic marvels of the ancient world, the Bible's mysteries are explored here. The chapters include: The Story of Creation; Jesus: A Life Shrouded in Mystery; Angels and Demons; The Da Vinci Anti-Code; and others. Thanks to the collaboration of the American Bible Society, one of the world's foremost providers of Scripture and Scripture resources, there are Bible passages and accompanying commentary, helping to make sense of these mysteries and their meaning for modem day life. American Bible Society is a 190 year old organization whose mission is to make the Bible available to every person in a language and format each can understand and afford, so all people may experience its life-changing message.

Love,

Little Montreal Girl

Happy Birthday Mrs. Butler!

Since I am sooo late on acknowledging your special day on Pals, I am putting up a post....



May the Lord bless you and draw you closer to Him!



A Happy Birthday to you

A Happy Birthday to you

May you feel Jesus near

Every day of the year

A Happy Birthday to you

A Happy Birthday to you

and the BEST year you've ever had!



(and know you can tell the Pals that YOU know the tune and how it sounds when the 6 of us sing it...LOL!)



Love and Prayers,

LPP

Please pray for the US Elections!

Hi Pals!

I don't want to take away from Mrs. Butler's birthday posts, but I just want to put up a reminder to PLEASE PRAY for the elections today in the U.S.A. Unfortunately, somehow I lost my absentee ballot (it's floating around this house somewhere!), so I have as much say in this election as the Canadian Pals do...but we can pray---pray for God's Will to be done, whether it means a good leader or a bad leader gets elected, that it will be God's Will fulfilled. It says in the Bible that He rains upon the righteous and on the unrighteous; He sets up kings and takes them away...

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. -Proverbs 14:34

Here's a movie and song I really love...
http://www.cbn.com/media/index.aspx?s=/vod/MUS5

Praying,
LPP

Donna's Day

Dearest Donna:

All the Pals join together in praying that this would be a very special and significant day for you! We love you and we praise God for this fellowship of plodding pilgrims progressing towards "home". May you sense the abiding presence of our God today as you walk with in communion with Him.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Be encouraged! You are loved by the Father and by your Pilgrim Pals!

~ David and my friends

P. S. Be sure to visit Donna's By His Grace Alone blog often!

Our Pilgrim Pal Birthday Girl Donna

Birthday Blessings

Instead of counting candles,
Or tallying the years,
Contemplate your blessings,
As your birthday nears.

Consider special people
Who love you, and who care,
And others who’ve enriched your life
Just by being there.

Think about the memories
Passing years can never mar,
Experiences great and small
That have made you who you are.

Another year is a happy gift,
So cut your cake, and say,
"Instead of counting birthdays,
I count blessings every day!"

Happy Birthday to our dearest Donna....from all of the Pilgrim Pals.

Could somebody please bake this poor girl a cake?
SOMEBODY???

I love this site!!!

I would just like to thank each of you for welcoming me in as a PAL!! I absolutely love this site...it is such a joy and blessing to read all the posts on here as well as read the blogs of each of the PALS. I'm so encouraged by the fact that this site...this community of believers joins together to pray for and encourage each other as each of us walks on the Journey that God has us on.
I'm so thankful that although we may all come from various geographic, cultural and denominational backgrounds, we can join together in unity around the Cross of Christ!! I'm so burdened for the Christian Community and how so often we focus on what divides us rather than what unifies us. We focus on the way someone worships rather than the ONE they worship...We focus on what someone wears rather than what the Heart looks like...how it must break God's heart to see HIS children divided.

John 17:20-23

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."

Even Jesus prayed for us! He knows how important it is for us as believers to set aside any differences we may have so that we can show this World who He truly is. He knows how the division among the Christian Community can become a roadblock for those seeking to know HIM!

I'm reminded of a song from the late '90's by Clay Crosse...it was called "Saving the World"...
The song begins with the statement:
"So many preachers, so many churches and denominations, got their opinions and their documents and statements and beliefs and sometimes there's a miscommunication, and we complicate the truth, and convolute the story, but as far as I recall, I do believe it all comes down to a man dying on a cross Saving the world, Rising from the dead doing what He said He would do."

May we focus on Christ and how it is only in Him and through Him that man can be saved!!! May we focus on the TRUTH that UNITES us!! We will always have differences in opinion on certain methods and theology, but it is so vital that we don't focus on those differences!!! That's why I love PilgrimPals so much...because it brings us all together in UNITY!!! May we be faithful to share HIS GLORY to all we meet!!!
Thanks again for welcoming this Island Girl into your community!!!
Kelley (Dwelling in His Presence)