On the Streets of Portland.....

Preaching to Santa's Helpers

2011-12-20T12:59:00.000-08:00

The Lord gave us a beautiful day to hold forth the gospel message. The air was crisp and cold to the carry the words of the message far in the market. But there are always competitors on the street to struggle for the attention of the people warring against the evangelist's offering of the message of life.
This last Saturday we had a surprise visit from Santa and his helpers! Occupy Portland demonstrators where there in force at the fountain to express their message (Although I do not know what it is!) But they certainly did not like the gospel message of God gift sacrifice and resurrection life through the finished work of Christ! You see in the picture that Pavel is surrounded by the occupiers...but Pavel preached fervently to everyone present without slowing down hardly to take a breath! They eventually wondered off to another area.

There were also a dozen police on hand on bikes, horses and on foot to control any possible trouble from the demonstrators. Interesting enough, the police have always been very helpful and with a few even expressing appreciation for for coming to Portland to give the gospel to the lost. WE remind them of God's ten commandments, what they are and how we have broken them and that we stand in condemnation of a just and Holy God. But that we can have forgiveness through Christ, the propitiation for our sin before God, and that all who will repent and believe shall be partakers of eternal life through His finished work on the cross. Paul said, "I preach Christ crucified...to the Greeks, foolishness and to the Jew a stumbling stone". You never know what is going to happen on the streets when you lift up your voice!

Pray for Us!

2011-12-03T08:15:00.000-08:00

We are going down to the market this morning to preach the Gospel and hand out tracts. We will be at the Skidmore fountain at around 11:00 am. Please pray for souls to hear , believe and receive the good news. In other words...pray for a miracle! Pray that the LORD will be glorified in the preaching of the timely coming of His Son to the earth to save us from our sins...God Bless

Portland....We have You Surrounded!

2011-11-19T00:08:00.000-08:00

The past week we went down town ...it was raining at times but people were out shopping! And we were out preaching the gospel. I had an unusual thing happen. While I was preaching a crowd gathered! They slowing made their way over to the box and waited for me to acknowledge them... "WE want to pray for you!" I was just in the middle of the final appeal of the gospel...."Let me finish this verse...." I discovered these dear people came 149 miles to Portland from the East Side Church in Prineville, Oregon, to pray for people and generally to minister to people. They were encouraged by the preaching and that we were here holding forth the light of the Word. I was blessed to see Brothers and Sisters who saw the need to bring their young people to the 'big' city to serve the Lord in some way. Youth Groups need to be led into the gospel ministry at some level! To many churches today are in the youth entertainment business. Young people need to be challenged to do great things for the Lord. Portland is surrounded by gospel preaching churches who for whatever reason do not come to Portland to evangelize. Pray the Lord of Harvest that He will send laborers into His harvest.

This precious little flock stepped out in obedience to the Lord. They were not sure exactly what they were going to encounter but they acted on the call to go and minister the Gospel! Thank you dear folks from Prineville for your prayers and encouragement!

PSU Open Air Preaching

2011-11-09T03:56:00.000-08:00

Professing Themselves to be Wise....

2011-11-09T03:50:00.000-08:00

http://youtu.be/-LhEeYFQ0yo

We went down to Portland State Universityto stand with Brother Shawn Hole and his team as they preached and witnessedone on one. I gave out the 180 tracts, written by Ray Comfort which uses thehistorical context of Hitler’s Germanyand the American holocaust to bring home the truth of our national sin ofabortion with a personal application to repent of sin.

As usual, there was a good deal of reaction to the signs andpreaching ministry. Some laughed and mocked, saying profane things. Others walkedby with a looks of utter distain for this ‘foolishness’ and then there werethose who were in a rage that we would dare come onto ‘their’ campus and yellat them! It is funny how preaching anything biblical always seems like yellingto those being preached at! Granted, some open air preachers can come acrosspretty strident in their tone, but I did not see or hear anything like thatfrom those preaching.

I positioned my self about 25 feet from the crowd to handout literature… After some time an intelligent looking couple approached me, “Areyou with these people?” “Yes, I’m afriend with the leader of this group and I came out to be a part of the team.” “How can you as a Christian condone thisjudgmental condemnation of everyone to hell? Do you really think that Jesuswould hold those signs and yell at people like that?” (watch the YouTube to seethe signs). I replied, “Jesus has commanded his followers to go into all theworld and preach the gospel….I believe that would include speaking as well withwritten means….” I then pointed out that God instructed Jeremiah, “….have youread about Jeremiah?”…..She cut in, “We know the scriptures…we were raised inchurch and have read the bible…” It became apparent to me that these two definitelywere out to pin my ears back. They were like two dachshunds working together totake down a coon, “You are being judgmental aren’t you? Did not Jesus say toremove the ‘beam’ from your own eye before you worry about the splinter in someelse’s eye?” At this point I gave more rope, “Ok so what is the beam in my eye?”They blurted out, “Do you eat meat?” I told them that I did and that the Lordwas OK with that (Genesis 9). To which they pointed out that I was wearing aleather coat! “An animal had to die for you to wear that coat!” “Well…” I said,“They have die sometime…why let a good coat go to waste?” Needless to say they didnot appreciate my stab at some dry humor and were quite disgusted with my rednecked attitude toward husbandry! I then turned the subject to abortion and thekilling of children in the womb, “…Are you OK with killing children in thewomb?” The young woman rejoined, “They are not children….it is a fetus!” theyoung man chimed in, “Yes we are pro choice!” I replied, “OK, I see you are finewith killing a human baby in the womb, but object to the biblical view ofanimal husbandry?”

This should make your blood run cold. These are the peoplewho are and will be the elite, educated ruling class of our society! This is exactly the belief and attitude of Germany leadingup to the holocaust. Germanyhas killed their millions and Americahas killed her tens of millions! God help us!

“Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, andchanged the glory of the incorruptible God into and image made like untocorruptible man and beasts!” (Romans 1:22-23) When it became apparent to themthat they could not tree the ‘coon’, we agreed to disagree…

Sowing the Seed....The Laborers are Few

2011-11-02T00:49:00.000-07:00

We were handing the 180 tract that deals with two nations, Germany and the holocaust and then America and her holocaust. Germany killed her millions and America has killed her tens of millions! There is a personal application to repent and believe in Christ for salvation. We had Brother Andrea come out to hand out tracts. He is a friend of Pavel and attends a Ukrainian church in Vancouver Washington. You see in the picture below folks receiving gospel tracts as they go on their way through the market.

This next week Brother Sean Hole is coming through Portland to preach the gospel. Pray for a good day as to the weather and plan to come out to pass out gospel tracts with us or just come out and watch and pray. The harvest is great but the laborers are few! We will be at the Skidmore Fountain at 10:30am, Portland, Oregon. You can park at Loyd's Center Mall and then ride free of charge on the Max Train to the Fountain...BE SURE TO RIDE A RED OR BLUE LINE TRAIN! The Green Line train by passes the fountain.

In Due Season you Shall Reap if you Faint Not!

2011-11-01T14:12:00.000-07:00

It has been a few weeks since I was able to go out to preach and hand out tracts in portland. I had a bad ear condition that completely blocked my hearing in my left ear. I thought is might be an infection but it turned out to be blocked by wax...Thanks to the Doc it is all better...I'm am back to normal and I am not saying ....what? to my family as much!

I give thanks be to the Lord for the faithful brothers that went out to sow the gospel seed in my absence. Brother Pavel is a very faithful soul-winner and preacher of the gospel and I am honored to serve with him and others who come out! Pavel shared with me that last week a man approached him and asked to share his testimony. He revealed to Pavel that he had heard the gospel in this very spot at the Skidmore Fountain, some 29 years ago, from a faithful servant of the Lord and had come to faith in Christ as a result! We cast the bread of the gospel on the waters, not knowing what the Lord is going to do in the hearts of men, women, boys and girls. We must be faithful to obey the call to the field of service he has for us. God bless everyone and thank-you for praying for the ministry of the gospel in Portland!

We had a Great day of the Streets....

2011-10-11T14:14:00.000-07:00

Jon Gives a Public Testimony

It is always exciting to meet new people on the streets of Portland who were moved by the Lord to share the gospel in some way. We met Jon and his wife down at the river front several weeks ago. Jon takes an elevated place near the 'portable potties' and reads the Gospel of John to the people standing in line to use the facilities! Now that is getting creative! Jon dropped by Saturday at the fountain and gave his testimony of salvation on the 'box'.

I spoke to a pastor from Granite Falls Washington who had stopped with his wife to here the preaching. He asked me if we were all from one church. "No" was my reply, "We met here on the streets of Portland." More and more Christians are answering the call to share the gospel today. As wickedness becomes more prevalent and bold there must be a bold reply from the kingdom of God to the spirit of this world, " YOU CAN NOT PASS!"

Barry Offering the Gospel

We had nearly a dozen brothers come out to share the gospel through preaching and through the written word. I began with a call to repentance to our nation calling into remembrance Hitler's Germany and the source of his doctrine of death. Many do not know this but Hitler was encouraged by Eugenicists in the United States! These groups were forced underground after the war...can anyone say, "Planned Parenthood". These wicked people continue on today, financed largely by tax payer dollars. Hitler killed 6 million....The doctrine has killed over 57 million in the United States! The count is rising each day. There are more killed on any Saturday in the US than died on 9/11. And yet there is not ever a stir. We have become complacent with the American Holocaust. See the film 180, by Ray Comfort. Judgment day is here! Do not think that we are exempt from God's righteous judgments. There were some people responding, saying "That's right" and "Amen". We pray that people are beginning to wake up. God help us to stand against wickedness and stop the killing of children in our generation!
Thank you for your prayers! It was a good day, scores of tracts were received. The gospel was preached, the Lord's righteousness was lifted and his name glorified! Pray that the Lord will use his word to convict and save the lost.

We Need Air Cover !

2011-10-08T01:31:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow we are meeting at Skidmore fountain, to preach the gospel and hand out gospel tracts. Please pray for God's name to be glorified !

Paul proclaimed, "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first, and also the Greek". Romans 1:16

And, "For since in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe" 1 Corinthians 1:21

We need 'Air Cover"! You may not be called to preach on the street but you are so important in the spiritual battle for the souls of men! We covet your prayers, that God would grant us boldness and clarity of thought to present the gospel in a clear, concise and loving way.

The Sidewalk Scribe

2011-09-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

The Lord gave us a great sunny warm day to do gospel work on the streets of Portland this past Saturday. One never knows what may take place when you step out in faith to sow the seed of the word of God in open air. The spiritual give and take is living, dynamic and always changing; but we go in faith believing the gospel is the "power of God unto salvation". It is not pragmatism that drives the gospel ministry. We do need to be creative in presenting the gospel....but the speaking of the gospel in the open air is foolishness to the unbeliever; this will never change. It always be foolishness to the sinner until God's quickens his heart in repentance and faith.

Today something new happened. I was on the box preaching and a man began writing on the sidewalk while I was preaching. First he wrote, LOVE.....LOVE....LOVE... . I thought to myself, "I can go with that..." "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son...." "For God did not send His Son to condemn the world but to save the world..." I then went on to explain the consequences of neglecting and rejecting God's only provision of salvation in Jesus Christ..., "He that believes on him is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already..." After having extrapolated on sin, condemnation and the lake of fire, the sidewalk scribe then wrote, "You are scaring me!" To which I proclaimed, " Do not fear those that can kill the body, but rather fear God who is able to cast both body and soul into hell fire!" The fear of God is good and with good reason as it will drive you to Christ, the only hope of salvation. Finally he wrote, "Tell me something good!" The good thing is that today is the day of salvation! There is none good but God. For God made Him (Jesus) to be sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Christ" Now that is the Good news of the gospel!

Many received the gospel tracts and many heard the gospel preaching....pray that the LORD prepares Portland to really "hear the gospel" in the biblical since.

Luke 10:2

Therefore said he unto them, "The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few: pray you therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth laborers into his harvest."

Do you have any questions about open air gospel ministry? Please ask! Sign up on our Prayer Partners list, follow the new of what is going on in Portland.

WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS!

P.S. More news is coming...we had another first happen on Saturday! So stay tuned.

The Persistant Witnesses

2011-09-18T02:01:00.000-07:00

Today I decided to stay home. After all it was raining and Molly and the girls had been gone for two days and I wanted to visit with them and take it easy before going off the work. But I have to admit that I did feel a tinge of guilt. That is a good thing if it is for the right reason. Liz looked up from her hand work and said, "Who is here?" I turned to look out the window, "Looks like a J W coming to visit us!".

I grabbed the tract "A prayer from Hell" and headed for the door. Our house has no front door. When people come to the house for the first time they sort of hang around in front of the house wondering where to go! I come out to face off with my visitor, a fit medium sized man in his late fifties with white hair and a penetrating blue eyes.
"Hi, want can I do for you today?" I began. He is reaching for a piece of literature as he begins to speak, "Hi there!" "You're a Jehovah's Witness, right?" I said holding out the tract, "Here is something to tell you about the hell you do not believe in." He had gotten his 'Watch Tower' about half out of the bag when he looked up with a start. His hand went back in the bag with his literature, "I can appreciate that your mind is made up...".

"I'm pretty settled in what I believe...not much chance of either one of us convincing the other....we'll just have to wait until we die and then we'll find out who is on the right side of things." To which he countered, "Yep we'll know in the resurrection...".
"No, 'To be absent from the body is to be present with the LORD' (2 Cor 5:8), now we can joust for hours if you like....it's sort of cold today..." He turns and trudges back to his van, "Maybe we'll see you next time...", he said over his shoulder. "Maybe...or maybe not...God knows," I replied.

We have been up here on the hill for over twenty years. We have been visited faithfully by one church multiple times during those years and it is NOT the Christian church! Not one Christian has ever come to visit us with the gospel! But the Jehovah's Witnesses have visited us not once, but at least four times! Years ago a young man, I would guess to be about 14 years old, came to the house (He had a driver...looked like his mother). He was sincere and earnest in his presentation of his belief. It was like the story of the rich young ruler. The scriptures records that Jesus looked upon the young man and loved him. My heart went out to this young man! He was so sincere and yet so wrong! On his way to hell was the best of intentions!

Let us learn a lesson from these persistent false witnesses. First, we need to learn from their diligence and faithfulness to go, stand and speak! We have the true gospel! We should be ashamed that we are not more diligent to get the saving message of the gospel to lost souls. Second, we must be faithful to take our children with as we serve the Lord in evangelism! Handing out tracts should be an activity our kids see us involved in. Don't go alone, take your young person with you!

So here I am 'AWOL' from preaching the gospel down town today and the LORD sends a persistent witness, an example in faithfulness...the ever diligent heretic!

How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation; if we neglect so great salvation: which at the first began to spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him... ( Hebrews 2:3)

Note that it does not stay 'they'; as in the lost, but 'we', the people of God! How shall we escape the condemnation of our Lord if we do not obey the last command that He gave before going back to heaven? Even the Apostle Paul said, " ...Woe unto me if I preach not the gospel!" (1 Cor 9:16b) May the Lord work in us to be a faithful and persistent witness of the true gospel!

Sowers Went Forth to Sow

2011-09-14T13:08:00.000-07:00

College student reading "A prayer from Hell"

On Sunday evening on the 4th, I was home for a change (Not at work!). Our family sat down to watch a film called, "Go, Stand, Speak" , The Forgotten Power of the Public Proclamation of the Gospel. This is a lengthy presentation with six segments, each dealing with an aspect of open air ministry. Afterwards,my daughter, Lizzie, said, "Dad, I'd like to go out with you on Saturday!" And so, Molly, and daughters Liz and Jo came with me and Larry Dubois out to sow the seed of the gospel.

We went down to the river side. The crowds came by in groups. Many heard the gospel and many received gospel literature.

Larry Dubois, from Citrus Grove California, spent the entire

Larry Dubois preaching the Gospel

week in Portland doing open air ministry. During the week we preached at and near the Pioneer Square, joining forces with Ron Roman and several that serve with him on a weekly basis at the Square from 11:00am to 1:00pm, on Tues, Thurs and Fridays. Molly and the girls handed out several hundred gospel tracts. I am very pleased that Liz chose to spent part of her birthday in the fields of harvest sowing gospel seed. This is certainly the greatest gift ever offered and someday she may have the joy of being introduced to a soul who believed the gospel after reading a tract from her hand on this very special day!

Jo, far left, Molly and Liz, right, offer the Gospel with a Smile!

Lady Reading "A Prayer from Hell"

You see in the picture on the right a lady reading a gospel tract, "A prayer from Hell" This is not the first time I have seen or heard of people being impacted by this particular title by Holmes Moore. It is distributed by Chapel Library, Pensacola, Florida. www.mountzion.org.

One particular time as Liz offered a Catholic man the tract, "A Prayer From Hell". He asked, "What is it?" "It is a gospel tract" she said. He retorted "Why should I read that?" To which Liz replied, "To keep you from going to hell..." she said holding out the tract with a smile...he traded Liz, taking the tract and giving her piece of Catholic literature..

Keep these and other dear souls in your prayers that light of the glorious gospel will shine into their hearts!

Divine Appointments

2011-09-05T12:15:00.000-07:00

These kids were moving across the street slowly and LarryDebois offered them the tract, “A Prayer from Hell” by Holmes Moore. You cansee that boys are holding the literature listening attentively to theevangelist. Although this does not happen to often in Portland, it is a good reminderthat we are there for those chosen from the foundation of the world, brothersand sisters yet to be born spiritually. Larry asked them if they had ever heardthat Jesus was the Messiah. “I have heard of that term…”, one of the boysresponded. Larry then shared with them the main points of the Gospel,emphasizing that one must turn from their sins and follow Christ inrighteousness. Before they went on theirway, the boys each received pocket Gospels of John.

Brother Carlin preached last. He came a little late and wepassed off the baton to him. Carlin has a gentle but fervent manner inpreaching the gospel. People stopped to ask questions! You can see in the picturethree guys standing there listening to the preaching and asking questions. Acouple approached Carlin and asked the question, “What is the difference betweenCatholics and Presbyterians?” I could see he hesitated to answer so I offered tofield the question. Lord opened the door to share a brief but thoroughpresentation of the gospel. I explained the difference between the imputedjustification of God through Christ and a justification for which you must work towards by doing the sacraments.

Toillustrate the point I told them the story of a Catholic man named Mitch. "Mitch wasa ‘hard’ living logger who drank and smoked throughout his life. Mitch lay dying of emphysema in the hospital. When I came tothe hospital early on a Thursday morning, Mitch was barely hanging on, strugglingfor every breath. I knelt down and spoke into his ear, 'Mitch there is only oneman who has the power to forgive sins and that is Jesus Christ. He died foryour sins and arose from the dead.' After praying for Mitch I encouraged him tocall out to the living Savior for the forgiveness of sins…I waited. After awhile I asked, 'Mitch, If you are trusting Christ for the forgiveness ofyour sins…squeeze my hand…' He nearly broke my hand off! As I left the room thatmorning he kept repeating something over and over again, and as I bent down, I could hear him whispering, 'Thank you! Thankyou!' Mitch died that evening! A Priest had come in earlier to give Mitch the last rites....but there was no peace or confidence of sins forgiven. But not until he called on the name of the living high priest, Jesus Christ, did Mitch have confidence that heaven was a reality!"

I explained to the couple that this is the justification of Christ, imparted to the sinner by grace through faith.

Rom 10:8-9

8 But what doesit say? "The word is near you, in your mouthand in your heart" (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim);

9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesusis Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, youwill be saved.

May the Lord's Name be Glorified!

2011-09-02T23:57:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to report that Brother Lawrence Debois is visiting with us from the Bay Area in California. God has called him to travel from city to city preaching the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Lawrence will be in town for the entire week. The Lord is raising up his people to pray, give and to go in the work of gospel! For this we are thankful!

We are meeting up at 10:30 am at the Skidmore fountain in Portland. We have plenty of gospel tracts....for anyone who would like to come and join in the sowing of the seed! We covet your prayers for the gospel ministry Saturday and through out the week. Pray for us, that the Lord would grant us power and boldness to speak the Word. May the Lord be glorified!

Saturday Ministry Report - August 27th 2011

2011-08-30T22:19:00.000-07:00

We had a great day in Portland this past Saturday. We arrived at the fountain to find that a full scale juggling act had taken our usual preaching spot. There were gather great crowds...so I used the opportunity to pass out tracts. The Evangelist needs always to be ready to assess the situation and make the most of it! After a time we retired from the fountain and headed to the riverfront park area.

There were several interesting encounters. I use a brochure about the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. It gives reasons to believe the Genesis account of creation based upon geological evidence. Inside the brochure is a gospel tract with a message from our Pastor and information about Glencullen Baptist Church. I offered this 'package' to a big guy, he looked like he played football and had a 'Texas" hat on. He took it and went on his was with his girlfriend on his arm. Pretty soon he comes back my way grinning, "Boy you are really slick, that is really slick the way you are doing the work here!" He shook my hand, pressing a wad of bills into my hand and walked on! That is a first for me! I have never taken donations on the street before this and I probably will not see it again for a long while. I did not feel like I should keep it so I pressed it into the hand of one of our faithful listeners. See the picture, he is there at the end of the wall under the shade tree. Also notice the crowd under the shade tree. This crowd grows as the day gets hotter. Many of them listen...I know they can hear ...but pray that they hear and believe!

There was a young college age girl who nervously listened to me preach a message that answered FAQ of skeptics and unbelievers...you know like, "If God is all powerful and good, why doesn't HE stop evil in the world?" or "Why would a 'loving' God send any one to an eternal hell?" As I address the question of God's law and our condemnation she wanted to say something...afterward to justify herself she tried to make the case that I was guilty of slander! "What is slander in your thinking...." She answered her own objection and realized she had no 'case' and went away sorrowful. Pray for this young lady.

Look at this photo. A young man reading the gospel sign. I later passed him on my way out and he received a tract. Pray the light of the glorious gospel would break through the darkness.

GOD BLESS TIL NEXT TIME and thank you for your prayer support!

Let me Introduce you to A Hero of Mine...

2011-08-27T00:49:00.000-07:00

"More things are wrought by prayer
Than this world dreams of."
Alfred, Lord Tennyson

I came to the Day Creek Free Methodist church as a young boy of 11 years old, lost and outside the covenant of the kingdom of Christ. There were many "old ladies" at this church. One particular lady, Iva Morgan, sat in a pew behind me that morning. I heard the gospel message and fell under deep conviction of sin. I was clinging to the pew during the invitation. The church was singing, "Just as I am without one plea....but that thy blood was shed for me...". Mrs Morgan lay her hand on my shoulder and asked, "Jimmy would like to be saved?" My answer took the form of action! I was at the alter on my knees not knowing exactly what to do ...when the preacher whispered in my ear, "Jim, put all your sins in a bag and give them to Jesus! I was the pilgrim...and that was the day the heavy burden rolled off my soul! O the sweet peace of sins forgiven!

Years later our family paid Mrs. Morgan a visit during the Christmas season. She was up in years and could not stand up straight. When she walked she could only look at the floor, but prayer she could see the heavenlies! Her greatest complaint was that she could not pray like she used too! I thought that she had plenty of time now. What would keep her from praying as she once did? Being curious, I asked why? "Well", she began, "There was a time, years ago, when the Spirit moved me to pray. I would go to my room.... the season of prayer would last for three days..." I sat there in utter amazement!

Mrs. Morgan had drunkard husband. He hated Christ and thought nothing of taking out his displeasure upon his sweet Christian wife. When he drank, there were times that Iva bore the brunt of physical abuse. But God used these trials to drive her into the prayer closet! It was her leadership in prayer that kept that country church open! Her prayers that brought Pastor Spurling to the community. Pastor Spurling visited me, carried me to church and preached Christ to me! I thank God for the prayers of this dear saint. She now is a part of that great cloud of witnesses in heaven (Hebrews 12:1). When I get to heaven, I look forward to expressing my deep gratitude to Iva Morgan for her many years of faithfulness in prayer!

Tomorrow pray the Lord of harvest, that he would send forth laborers into His harvest! We will be down town at the Skidmore Fountain at 10:45am. Thank you all for your prayers!

Lift up your voice like a trumpet....

2011-08-14T23:11:00.000-07:00

Go into all the world and preach the gospel! This is the heart of our Lord Jesus Christ! The work of the cross is the Pulpit of God's love to the world. Jesus Christ was made an offering for us that we might be made " ...the righteousness of God IN HIM!"

Saturday Ministry Report

2011-08-13T20:40:00.001-07:00

First, we want to thank you for your prayers for the gospel ministry! Brother Pavel and I met together shortly after 10:30am for a brief time of prayer and setting up. It is hard to know all that happened today because so many contacts were made in the time we were there. I took the box first at Pavel’s insistence that the elder must go before the younger! I gave a message outlining the “lines in the sand” or the trespasses of God’s law man has broken, beginning with the fall and continuing through the big ten written in the rock. It is amazing to see the response of people when confronted by the law of God…there is the sixth command…thou shalt not murder, our nation has crossed the line with the millions of abortion since Roe vs Wade; there is the 7th commandment; the state is ignoring God’s marriage covenant to “redefine” marriage. People were stopping, listening and hopefully consciences were pricked with word of God.

One character of note was a street person that was attracted to the preaching and who tried to interrupt and confuse. He sounded like a sincere ‘seeker’ at first but was then found to deny the deity of Christ. Pavel passed him off to me…I could tell he was “well versed” in his heresy. Having dealt with JWs for years I know the verse they are going to use before they get there…he used them all. After a firm rebuke of his high minded pronouncement that he was speaking the 'words of God’ he got angry and left the scene.

In the above picture you see a young lady that sat on the fountain listening to Carlin preach the gospel. Carlin has a very wonderful style of preaching the simple and profound truths of the doctrines of grace. The young lady approached Carlin afterward to inquire further about the gospel of Christ. She received gospel literature as she was leaving. Pray that she would come trust in Christ by His grace.

Another remarkable thing happened. A young woman, after receiving a tract returned and with amazement said, “ I was looking for a church to attend tomorrow! I had found Glencullen’s web page this morning and was hoping to find the church!” Sarah attends a reformed church in her area and plans to attend services at Glencullen tomorrow!

Our brothers Justin and Jason came in on the "second" shift at about 12:30 and continued the good work of gospel. We thank the Lord for all the those who are faithfully serving on the ground and in praying for this work!

The Dearest thing to Jesus Heart!

2011-08-13T07:32:00.000-07:00

The thing a man speaks about the most tells us what he cares about most, for out of the abundance of the heart a man speaks. Did you know that Jesus warned poeple more about hell than he spoke of about heaven? Do you remember one of the first things Jesus said to Peter? "Follow me and I will make you a fisher of men!" Our Lord came to seek and to save that which is lost! The last admonition Jesus gave before he went back into heaven was....

"But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and you shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Acts 1:8

That is like saying, "You shall be witnesses unto me in Portland, in Oregon/Washington, in the United States and unto the ends of the earth!"

PRAY FOR US TODAY THAT THE LORD GRANTS TO US BOLDEST TO SPEAK THE WORDS OF THE GOSPEL!!

We meet at the Skidmore fountain at 10:30 am, Portland Oregon to hand out tracts and to preach the gospel.

Thank you!

The Young Atheist

2011-08-08T00:53:00.000-07:00

A young man approached me this week after an open air message down on the river front. He said something about ‘free speech’ and handed me a sticker promoting ‘Atheism’ and then turned and walked quickly away. But he stood and listened for some time, waiting for me to finish so that he could deliver his message of atheism. A Christian brother next to me, quipped, “Yea, there goes a brave one, he hands you his literature and runs away!” I quickly said, “Brother, he heard the word of God! God's word will have its way with him.” This is the confidence we have in our message of the gospel; IT IS THE LIVING WORD OF THE GOD!

This is the confidence of the evangelist! He preaches in obedience to his Savior the good news of the gospel, knowing the Jesus’ sheep will hear and come to Christ!

John 10:27

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

Imagine a voice without sound…this is the voice of Jesus Christ speaking right down into the soul….Words of the Holy Spirit that quickened spirit of the sinner to "see the kingdom of God!" (John 3:3)

We were not saved by a clever arguments, or superior apologetic, but by the foolishness of preaching and the power of the Spirit of God speaking life into the dead soul of the sinner.

John 10:28-30

28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish; neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

30 I and my Father are one.

The question to the Christian….will you be obedient to your master? Will you speak the good news that Jesus Christ shed his blood to purchase, or will the fear of man lay a snare for your feet? Lets fear God, not man! Always be ready to leave a tract or speak a gospel word to those you meet day by day.

Pray for that young Atheist and all those who received gospel literature!

Remember to Pray for Us!

2011-08-06T00:47:00.000-07:00

Hey Watch this guy hand out tracts.....Oh and remember to pray for us tomorrow. We'll be at the Skidmore fountain in Portland, Oregon at 10:45am handing out tracts and preaching the gospel!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_grPpt47SE&feature=player_embedded

Cry Aloud and Spare Not!

2011-07-31T23:25:00.000-07:00

Isa 58:1

"Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins."

Have you ever posed the question to yourself, "What was it like to walk in the shoes of a prophet of God?" As I read Jeremiah one morning I was meditating on the life and ministry of the prophets....Portland came into my mind. I immediately had a negative feeling about going to the "wicked city"! I just do not like cities and crowds...but to receive a command to go an to preach the gospel to Portland...well the Lord had just gone to meddl'n in my affairs! For weeks I tried to dismiss this 'idea' spoken by that still small voice in the inner sanctuary in my soul. But God is very patient and firm in His leading. He literally led me to the streets by the hand (That is a story in itself!). This year marks my fourth year going into Portland to hand out tracts and to preach the gospel.

Some of the most severe criticism of open air preaching is from sincere Christians (and some insincere) but all confused concerning the Biblical ministry of the gospel of Jesus Christ. They say things like "You are just making them mad!" or "This is not the way we should win people to Christ" or "you should be their friends first and earn the right to speak to them about eternal things!"". Of course there are the pragmatic souls that contend that Preaching is just not appealing to the modern man! We need fresh ideas to reach out to this generation! OK, so since gospel preaching "does not work" we should just abandon God's plan. (See 1 Corinthians 1:21)

Three weeks ago I saw two attractive young ladies standing and listening to brother Pavel Starykov preach the gospel. They looked as though they were troubled. I thought maybe they were lost and concerned for their soul's salvation, but after the message they approached us to say, "Why are you yelling at people? You are just driving them away from Christ!" We learned that these young people had come to Portland on a 'mission' from a church in California. They explained to us that they worked with people 'one on one', speaking with them about things that they cared about and then tried to get into a discussion of spiritual things. I explained to her that this is not an either/or proposition! We need to preach the gospel and work one on one. There are many opportunities for one on one work during and after the preaching. There is a great need for folks to hand out tracts. It would be wonderful to have saints on the ground praying for the the salvation of souls during all our activities. Christians need to go into the highways and hedges and see the needs....look into the eye of people. Why? The scriptures tell us in

Matthew 9:36

"....when Jesus saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them..."

Now to answer the young ladies question, God told the prophet to lift up his voice like a trumpet. Why? What was the purpose?

To shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins!

This is not going to be popular in any form or fashion! I know that everyone is not called to be a preacher on the box....but you can contribute to the preaching of the gospel in many ways. In the weeks ahead I hope to share with how you can do just that.

Thank You for Your Prayer Support Today!

2011-07-31T01:25:00.000-07:00

We had a great day out on the streets handing out gospel literature and preaching on the box. Here are few pictures of the day. I will follow up Sunday night with a full report. Thank you for your prayers. Souls were stirred to think about sin and judgment today. Our prayer is that the Spirit of God will grant to them repentance!

PRAYER REQUESTED

2011-07-30T01:21:00.000-07:00

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Please pray for us this morning as we are going down town Portland to hand out gospel tracts and to preach. We gather at the Skidmore Fountain at 10:30 a.m. A great way to get down to the Saturday Market is to park at the Lloyd Center and catch the Max down to the Market. Best of all it is Free.

Hear the latest news, happenings on the Streets of Portland, Be a Prayer Partner,you will find the 'gadget' to link up to 'On the Streets of Portland....", on the left margin of the page. You will hear the latest news of how the Lord is working down town each week.

Thank You for your prayers and support in the ministry of the gospel!

Brother Jim

They went forth Two by Two...

2011-07-25T13:59:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday the regular 'crew' of evangelist were not able to meet at the Fountain at the regular time of 10:30am. Paul had to work days and would not be there on the site until 3:45pm and I had to go to work at 3:00pm. I almost did not go down,...it would have been so easy not to...but thanks to Barry Gorter I was able to have a partner to hand out tracts at the fountain.

It was 'Vanity Fair' in the extreme this past Saturday. There was the regular guy banging on plastic pales, but the young man driving nails into his head was more than I wanted to look at! In the midst of all this we stood our ground and handed out the gospel until the seed bag was empty...

PROVIDENTIAL MEETING
We took the MAX and sitting across the aisle was a young boy about 13..."Do you have one of these?" as I handed him a picture tract..."This was your life..." He began to read it...I then ask him if he had ever read the Bible. He said, "No" I handed him a Gospel of John and he took it. "If the Bible were a great portrait with Jesus as the main object, that little book in your hand is a picture of Jesus' face...read it and you will know Him. "Who are you anyway?" the boy asked. "I'm a preacher...", I replied. He seemed satisfied with the explanation and went his way, PRAY FOR THE WORD OF GOD TO HAVE IT'S WAY IN THE HEARTS THE DEAR ONES WHO STRETCHED OUT A HAND TO RECEIVE IT!

GOD BLESS... See you Saturday?

Saturday Market Report

2011-03-07T12:35:00.000-08:00

This last Saturday marked the beginning of the street market season in Portland Oregon! We were there to minister the gospel of our Lord to the crowds that came. I have to confess the weather at my house on the hill was foggy and rainy...I thought this would be a great day to stay home around the fire...But thank the Lord for my good Ukrainian brother, Paul, who had E-mailed these words to me ..., "Dear brothers, tomorrow Saturday Market will start! I'll be there ....Hope to see you! Luke 10:2!"

We began to arrive at the fountain at around 10:45am, gathered for prayer and set up our "Good News" station to preach the gospel. Brother Lafayette began the day with a message on the love of God extended to a lost world from John 3:16 and spoke of Jesus Christ as the only opportunity to receive the fullness of the Father's love. But if any man rejects the Son, they reject the only love God has provided for lost man."He that has the Son has life, but he that has not the Son has not life", 1John 5:12.

There were others who came to preach the gospel on the street. We had six different brothers sharing the speaking duties during our time there at the fountain! The Lord is raising up people to hold forth the gospel in this dark time. Brother Steve Dickensheets, who works in open air ministry with Ron Roman during the week at the Square, spoke the word more that once during the day. Brother Carlen, a brother I had met two weeks ago at the Square, also stood to preach very wonderfully a good Biblical presentation of the gospel with a clear voice and a fervent heart! It was wonderful to be there and witness the working of the Holy Spirit in so many 'regular folks' to reason out of the scriptures many times in the face of ridicule and mockery.

'Tracting'
I met Janelle, a young lady who came out with Christian bothers from her church to hand out tracts. She said that this was her first time out! We had many opportunities to speak to people one on one during the preaching. Many time people will stop and listen and seek out someone to speak to. There was one singular moment that happened while handing out tracts. I give out many different tracts, but there is one booklet that I offer entitled, 'What is a BIBLICAL CHRISTIAN?', by Albert N. Martin. Very few take these booklets as they have no interest in the subject matter, but I hold them out there believing that God works providentially to call people to Himself. A family passed by not showing any interest but after a few minutes past a boy of about ten years came running back, looked up asked me very clearly, "Can I have that book on Biblical Christianity?" You certainly can! And then he was gone as quickly as he had appeared. It makes you wonder what God is doing with this boys life!

Oh yea that verse Luke 10:2....speaks to this time...

Luke 10:2
Therefore said He unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth laborers into his harvest.

PSU Campus Ministry Report

2011-02-15T13:03:00.000-08:00

Last week, on February 8th, we went to the PSU campus in Portland to pass out tracts and preach the gospel. I met with Pavel, his brother in law and a young lady from Saint-Petersburg, Russia, Nadezhda. Brother Pavel is from the Ukraine. We met him and his group last year while preaching down at the Skidmore fountain.

Brother Pavel preached the gospel in the face of sever mocking and ridicule for nearly an hour! I praise the Lord for this good brother who loves the Lord Jesus Christ and His kingdom. The young man that did most of the mocking took his place along side of Pavel, (Paul) and basically tried to disrupt the preaching of the gospel. But God granted Brother Paul grace to lovingly continue on preaching, talking and discussing with the people. Paul maintained a spirit of compassion and even respect toward the dedicated heckler! At one point the heckler asked to give Paul a hug! Pray for this young man (the heckler)...he has a great determination, that the Lord would call he him to life.

Lord, please glorify your name in this young man! Call him to life and ministry to magnify your eternal purpose before the unbelievers at the PSU campus!

Nadezhda, we would say Natasha, was out doing open air ministry for the first time! She reported to me that she felt the Lord calling her to travel and to do gospel ministry where ever the Lord would lead. Paul took the opportunity to invite Natasha to be with us and introduce her to biblical evangelism. She handed out tracts with an information page on the reasons to believe and to read the scriptures. The material was taken from Brother Ray Comfort's 'Evidence Bible'.

I was giving out material from the 'Back to Genesis' ministry, discussing the Mt St. Helen's eruption and how the evidence from the event support the record of Genesis 1-11. I even had a young man come back and thank for handing out 'substantive material'...the best he had seen and so on. I was quite shocked to be honest with you! PSU is very much in opposition to any thing Christian. Of course there was a gospel tract in each one with our church information. Every thing we do is an extension of the local church. We are striving to win souls and offer a church home for them to grow and serve.

Some may ask, "What kind of success do you have?" Well not much that we know of. I do not think we have had one person come to church as a direct result of street ministry. But we are not doing this for pragmatic reasons. We are preaching the Gospel in obedience to our Jesus Christ. We could ask the same question of Ezekiel, or Jeremiah! We are living in such times. Jeremiah was thrown in a pit for his faithfulness. But there is always a remnant of people who will follow the Lord. In this time of national sin and decline, it is important for the church to 'lift up the voice and cry out! God help us to be faithful to our calling. Time is Short!

So if you would like to come out with us, please contact me via e-mail. If you would like to pray for us in 'real time' while we are on the street please contact me via e-mail and I'll put you on our contact list...either e-mail or text. I hope to post some video of this event...it will be coming soon.

Stay tuned and pray for Portland....

Ministry in Portland at Skidmore Fountain -Update

2010-08-09T02:27:00.000-07:00

We have been preaching and handing out tracts at the Saturday Market near the Skidmore fountain. See the preaching on my YouTube channel. If you would like to join us we meet at the fountain at 10:30am each Saturday.

Thanks to My Partners on the Streets of Portland

2010-06-10T19:13:00.000-07:00

It has been over a year since I have written a post. This is mostly due to my lack of enthusiasm for the work. It is very easy to grow cold towards the work of the ministry, especially the open air ministry of the gospel.

If you have read my earlier entries you know that my partner in ministry was Daniel Balter. Daniel made it clear to me last year that he did not believe in the diety of Christ....Yeh, you read that right. I love Daniel and pray for his repentence and salvation, but it has taken me a little while to return to the streets to minister. It should not have been that way but it was.

The Lord sent them out two by two to preach the gospel. There are reasons for this. First, I think that we need the support of a partner to encourage us when things get tough. Also, there is the training factor and then there is the 'watch my back' factor. It is always comforting to have a partner to watch out for the one who would disrupt or even attack the person preaching! And then there is the imprtant task of praying for each other and others on the street taking part in the gospel ministry.

The Lord has given me a brother to stand with on the street. Barry Gorter is very faithful to come down town and hand out tracts and keep an eye on things. This last week I was comtemplating whether or not to come down to the Saturday Market and I had just about "talked" myself out of it (I had to work that afternoon and I was worried about Rose Parade traffic) when Barry dropped a text on me, "Dost thou intendest to go down to Vanity Fair and listen to the Ruskies preach to the commies?" After calling Barry I learned that the Parade was not until next week.

Thanks for the encouragment Barry.

In addition to Barry, my sons Jim and Jon have come down to hand out tracts this year. We are usually at the Skidmore Fountain at between 10:30am and 10:45am, on Saturday.

Latest Happenings on the Square

2009-04-19T01:54:00.001-07:00

A Great Day on the Streets of Portland

2009-04-19T01:35:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day to be on the streets of Portland! The sun was out and hundreds of people received a gospel tracts. I was able to speak to a several who expressed some interest in perhaps visiting church. Joanna spoke to an elderly man that said flat out said that he would visit, but you never know just how serious they are.

I met groups from two other churches who were out sharing tracts with others today. We were encouraged and exchanged information for a possible 'big' tract day in the future.

Pray for those who received the tracts that God would use them to fulfill His perfect will.... Read More

Again I want to thank each and every one who came out!

Join the Easter Week End Mission

2009-04-10T12:31:00.000-07:00

Join the Easter mission on the Square Saturday, April 11th, 2009. We are meeting tomorrow at the Starbucks corner at 12:00pm, Pioneer Courthouse Square. You can come to watch, pray and/or to pass out tracts with us. Dress for cool temperatures, showers with sun breaks (we hope) in the forecast. We generally are out til 1:30 -2:00pm.

Come out if you can, but by all means please pray us during this time, that the word of the gospel is received and that the Lord would grant to us boldness to offer the gospel in written and in spoken word as the opportunity arises.

Planned Outreach on Hold for Now

2009-02-11T12:23:00.000-08:00

I'm recovering from a very bad chest cold that has kept me from work this week. Our planned outreach for February 14th must be postponed until I recover. Prayers Appreciated

2009-01-30T11:52:00.000-08:00

Our first 'tracting' day in 2009! Praise the Lord for willing workers coming out to hand out tracts. Our old friends Cliff and Shelby Desclux joined us(far right) will regulars Holly and Heather. Des Standfill (far left) joined us for the first time and plans to be a regular. Several hundred tracts were given out. Pray that the Lord will bless his word. Thank you for your prayers

We are looking to go out again February 14th unless the weather is absolutely terrible. Any are welcome to come out to pass out tracts and witness. We go out from Glencullen Baptist Church. We welcome any who hold to the historical Christian faith...Salvation by grace through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. (See the Baptist Confession of Faith 1689 for our doctrinal position)

Lieutenant Ken

2008-10-04T13:42:00.000-07:00

This past week we met a former Army Ranger paratrooper. His name is Ken...Lieutenant Ken! Wow, Ken has stories to tell and he did. Many times you need to listen to people on the street to be able to tell them the gospel. Ken took a gospel of John and gospel literature.

Here is a man that did a search and destroy missions every six weeks with a team of 3 other men. They all survived two tours of 4 years! Pray for Lieutenant Ken that he finds peace through the grace of out Lord Jesus Christ.

By the way...how old do you think Ken is? Veteran of VietNam...Ken is only 58. Alcohol has taken it's toll. We swapped gifts; I gave him a scripture pen and he gave me his four year AA token. As I finger this token I let it remind me to pray for "Lieutenant Ken" Sir.

May the Captain of the the Lord's host grant grace to Ken according to His riches in Glory.

A Place Holder!

2008-09-25T02:18:00.000-07:00

Our family did go out this past week end to the Square. We had a great day of witnessing and giving out gospel tracts.

I've been working every day for the past 10 days, many 12 hour shifts. Great for the pocket book but hard on the body!

I'll be giving a full report soon.

Latest Happening on the Square

2008-09-17T01:31:00.000-07:00

The Jesus Stone

2008-09-08T19:54:00.000-07:00

We were out on the streets this past Saturday with the family, Molly, Liz, Jo and friend Holly Welsh. The little band did an great job passing out the gospel of Jesus Christ. We began the day at the 'Jesus Stone' where I dedicated the preaching to the Lord Jesus Christ, the incarnation of God in the flesh. (I will post a you tube link later-you tube is down for repairs).

The Lord granted his servant grace as we were able to witness one on one with Tiffany a Gothic girl who said she has a grandmother that is a Christian missionary that prays for her! Pray for Tiffany she said that she would call for a ride to church next week. There was Amy, a young 'new age' mother. She listened to the gospel and took a Gospel of John. As I made my way down the steps there was a rugged guy eating a bite. His name is Donald who said that he just came moved to the NW from Massachusetts . Donald was open to hearing the gospel. He said two weeks ago he would not have given me the time of day. And then there was Deborah, a former JW now new ager. I listened and shared.

Molly spoke a lady of 70 plus years from Scottland with sweet scottish brogue and a testamony of salvation. Her word to Molly is that "We need to love justice and show mercy"

People need the Lord! Thank you for your prayers.

A Prayer Request to You

2008-08-19T19:23:00.000-07:00

This Sunday several of us will be meeting together at Glencullen Baptist Church to discuss and pray about what and where the Lord would lead in future ministy on the streets of Portland. Please pray with us and for us as we seek the Lord's wisdom in further open air ministry in down town Portland.

The Sowers went forth Sowing the Seed

2008-08-09T20:54:00.000-07:00

To day we went out on the Square in Portland armed and loaded with gospel tracts. Our good friends Heather and Holly came out to take a corner for Jesus at Broadway and Morrison with little Joanna standing with them. Molly and Liz took the NE corner at 6th and Morrison with Jim and I in roaming mode. Over all around 500 tracts were distributed into the hands people young and old.

There were to many contacts and conversations to mention all of them but there were a few that stood out in my mind.

While passing through the Max stop on Yam Hill I asked a middle age man, " Do you have one of these?" He looked briefly at the tract and said," No I don't!" He looked anxious and eagerly snatched the tract from my hand. I thought, wow I wonder what God is doing in that man's life.

Molly reported that the young security officer picked up a tract that someone had thrown down and read the whole thing. He came over to Molly to check us out, you can not sell literature on the square. Molly was able to give a good gospel witness to the young man before he moved on.

We had one reviler today. She first singled out Joanna at her corner. Naturally she picked the smallest to revile with her angry protestations against the whole exercise of giving out gospel tracts and move on down the street. As she passed Molly the whole ugly thing started again with more vehemence! She complained that our money would be better spent buying food for the bum down the street (Of course she is not spending any of her money on the guy! Molly and I both carry granola bars with us and offer them to hungry souls from time time).

Most are hard hearted and indifferent to the gospel...but there are always a few with whom God is working. Dear Lord grant mercy to those who received your word today! Amen

Christ is Captian ...Let's do it!

2008-08-09T19:59:00.000-07:00

Have you ever come to a place where you just want to stay home. You are tired of running around. Have you noticed that you really feel this way when it comes to doing a good work for the Lord? This week was a busy week with work and much activity around the house with me trying to get power hooked up and Molly selling puppies; Liz and Jo were both working various summer jobs which require mom to do extra running. I did not feel like going out today but we did and I'm glad that we were there once we got there.

Jesus told a story of two sons.....
Matt 21:28-31
"What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work in the vineyard today.'
29 And he answered, 'I will not,' but afterward he changed his mind and went.
30 And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, 'I go, sir,' but
did not go.
31 Which of the two did the will of his father?"
ESV

All that to say that God will bless faithfulness and obedience to His commands in the absence of feeling like it!
God help us to prepare our hearts to serve the Lord! By God grace I'll do better in the future.

Good to be back on the Streets of Portland

2008-08-06T02:57:00.000-07:00

Back in the Saddle!

2008-08-01T13:26:00.000-07:00

By God's grace and good blessing we are planning to be on Square on Saturday, August 2nd, 2008.

We encourage you to join us to pass out tracts, witness one on one or to watch and pray for those who are actively doing ministry. It is said of Jesus, When He saw the multitude he had compassion on them. Come out for an hour to see the need and to pray with us. God will move your heart.

We will meet at Starbuck's corner at 12:00 noon (NW corner, Morrison St & Broadway). My family will be there with friends. Please pray for us that God would grant us power in the inner by His Spirit to the furtherance of the Gospel to His glory!

Report on Bible Camp

2008-07-27T00:49:00.000-07:00

For the last two weeks ministry down town has been on hold. Molly and I left for camp on July the 12th to speak at the Living Waters Bible Camp. Our theme this year was 'Striving to Make Jesus Christ Known'. The word was sown and receive onto good ground. There were several conversions on Thursday night after hearing the powerful testimonies of our counselors Tim and my son Jim. Thanks also to the lady counselors who helped lead their kids to Christ. Our friends Holly Welsh and Gloria Olsen both came to volunteer as counselors this week!

We gave a practical instruction on tract-ing. There were several young people in the Concrete area who are planning to start a tract club. This is a great plan. Please pray for these kids. Well over a thousand tracts were taken by the young people to give out in their home towns and at county fairs.

The cabins were recognized for decorating their cabin in a creative way. Here you see idea's on how to give out tracts. (Click on the picture for a close up view! You can read the notes)

Chapel time at Camp Living Word. Great group of kids...pray for God to grant to them a measure of His power by the Holy Spirit to glorify and honor their LORD!

Preaching from the Psalms

2008-07-03T01:50:00.000-07:00

A Small Bridge

2008-06-22T23:19:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday in the course of 'tracting' on the square I had an interesting encounter. A young college age man sat on the divider between the south side Max stop and the square reading a book. Sitting on the barrier placed him at eye level.

I approached him, "Hey, got one of these?"I said as I offered him a 'School Shootings' tract. He took the tract gave it a quick glance and he tossed it down like it was hot, "Don't give me this s--t ! My mother took me out in the woods and shot a tree and said son it's not like in the movies!"

I said, "Dude, I did the same with my boys!" I then let him speak his mind, offering no objections to his slights against the true God and His word. After speaking a while, he then ran out of steam and began to apologize for his angry outburst!

"Hey, I'm glad you got that off your chest! My name is Jim," I said, as I offered him my hand. He took it and we shook hands. I had picked up the tract I had offered him and after our hand shake I offered him the 'Science Facts in the Bible' tract.

"Hey you'll like this one, it tells of scientific facts found in the Bible...very interesting...later," I said as he took the tract from me and I moved on down the walk.

What is the lesson in this encounter? I think being led of the Spirit is important. He'll give you direction and wisdom to know when not to talk! It was like taking several verbal blows and turning the other cheek. He felt a little ashamed that he had spoken so and that opened the door for a small emotional link to be established with the introduction and the shake of the hand, which opened the way for another offering of the gospel with a different 'wrapper'!

Believe me when I say that this was not a 'knowledge' thing. After it was all over I could hardly believe what had happened. It wasn't me. It was rather like the servant of Abraham searching out a bride for his master's son. Remember his testimony? 'I being in the way, the Lord led me!'

I guess that's what we are doing out here each week. We are seeking a bride for the Lord Jesus. Dear Lord use your word to call souls to your self!

The Best Father's Day Gift

2008-06-16T01:03:00.000-07:00

Joanna rode with her dad back to the homestead.

She said, “Dad, a lady on a bike stopped and tried to get me to not believe in the Bible. She said that I was stupid for believing the Bible.”

“Oh?”, I said, “And what did you say to that?”

The little 'tracter' said, “I told her, 'I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ!'”

To which I queried, “And what did the lady say then?

“Nothing” she said, “she just rode off on her bike”.

The little trouper gave her daddy the best father’s day gift ever! The shy one stood alone on a public square and boldly proclaimed her faith in her Lord Jesus Christ! Praise God for his grace in giving our little lamb the boldness of a lion!

Fathers, I would challenge you to set the pace for your children. Lead them into service for the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men!” Your children will follow you; into service for their Lord but they will puke up lukewarm 'Christianity'. Our young people need a challenge to boldly stand for Christ in this dark time. God help us not to fail our little ones that follow us.

Family Affair Sowing the Seed of the Gospel

2008-06-16T00:28:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a church work day for our home church and so we did not get to the square until 12:30 pm. It was a family affair, Molly and Liz taking the NE corner at 6th and Morrison, Joshua and Joanna holding forth on the SW corner at Yamhill and Broadway. Jim and I were roving through and about the square handing out tracts on the sidewalks and on the steps were many people were eating lunch. We had a great day with over 400 tracts given out.

The square pavement was filled with flowers and foliage with a stiff wind blowing through from the SE. Not the greatest for open air preaching. I decided to go to individuals with the message. I had several one on one conversations with different people on the steps and with people waiting for the Max on Yamhill. We were using a variety of tracts from living waters ministry. I like giving out 'Giant Money'. I had several ask for another to give to a relative or friend.

I want to thank my dear family for their faithful service to the Lord. The seed was sown. Dear Lord glorify your name in the saving of your people!

Father and Son Endeavor

2008-06-08T00:16:00.000-07:00

To day was the day of the Grand Floral Parade in downtown Portland. What a great opportunity to give out tracts to many people. I read that as many as two million people would be in town on for this event! But I have to confess we were more like the small army of Israel under the leader ship of their new king Saul. The Philistines were spread out before them as the sand on the sea shore while people of Israel were distressed; running to find places to hide! These were the conditions that Jonathan took a step of faith saying "It is nothing with God to save by many or by few!" He and his armor bearer went up to the army of the Philistines expecting the Lord to use them.

I have thought that the fear in the heart is the measure of Satan's resistance to do a work for God. God help us to fear God more than men. We normally go to town in cars but because of the parade the streets down town are closed off from 7:00am until the parade is finished at about one.

As I was praying and struggling with what to do the thought occurred to be that most everyone going to see the parade would ride the train. The Max is the answer. My son Jon and I went down to the Max park and drive on Sandy Blvd & 95^th about hour before the Parade was scheduled to start. At this particular Max station all who are going to the platform must cross a pedestrian bridge. We found that it is perfect for passing out tracts.

We chose to give out the 'Giant Money' tract. This tract looks like a $100 bill and has the gospel written on the reverse side. About 60% of the adults that passed us took one! Plus they are sitting down for the trip in and will likely read them. Also, there is a good chance that those who are offended at the gospel message will leave them on the Max for someone else to read! We were able to hand out 94 Giant money tracts. This is the only tract I have every had people ask for additional copies!

I must admit that I am a little disappointed that more was not done for the cause today, but I am pleased that at least a hundred souls more than likely read the gospel today. Who knows what God will do with the seed sown?

Next Year we will be better prepared. Pray for laborers to enter into the harvest.

Closing out the Month of May

2008-06-01T22:09:00.001-07:00

Our team did a great job holding forth the gospel on the square this Saturday. In addition to our regular group we had Emily with use today. This was her first time out distributing tracts. She did a great job with Liz and Jon holding down the corner of Morrison & Broadway. Molly joined Jim and Daniel on the corner of Morrison & 6th Ave.

Jim and Daniel lifted up the voice of the gospel with good effect. Daniel gives his testimony of God power in saving him. Jim gave a message of the coming judgment due the national sin of Abortion and the forsaking of God's marriage standard. A couple of men get up close and personal but Jim keeps delivering the gospel message.

We had a first this week. A young couple with children approached us and asked to sit nearby to listen to the preaching! Daniel spoke with the young man afterward of the word of God and the Christian way. Be sure to visit Daniels Blog to get the full story of this remarkable response. Pray for Richard and his family that they will seek the Lord and the way of Christ.

A Family Affair

2008-05-25T00:36:00.000-07:00

We did some preaching, singing and handing out tracts at 10th and Yamhill. Not all the preaching is shown due an inexperienced camera man. The word of God went out today and many people received tracts. There were over 400 pieces of literature distributed on the streets of Portland.

Molly and the girls set up on 6th and Morrison. They did a great job! Liz was excited that one lady returned and ask for the tract that uses the topic of school shootings to show that the common denominator is the fallen nature of man. She wanted to give them out to some select people.

So many people passed by today. Please pray for those that received tracts and heard the word preached. Pray for laborer to come out for a couple of hours to multiply the sowing of the seed! We want to thank Holly and Heather that came out today. They were a great help!

Notice in the picture that the lady is walking away with a tract in her hand! Good job Liz.

Molly has a great smile for everyone that passes by. To the right of Molly is her side kick Joanna who is becoming a very talented 'tract-er'

A Warm Sunny Day on the Streets of Portland

2008-05-18T01:32:00.000-07:00

Today it was hot in Portland but praise God for the shade trees around the square. We had a good group of tract-ers out for the Lord today. Besides Molly and me, there were Daniel, Paige, Josh, Stacey, Jim, Liz, Joanna and our friend Holly. Josh met a couple of young men for the Westside Baptist Church in town. These two brave hearts came down to do one on one witnessing and were happy to see others out doing ministry on the street. They did not come with tracts and so we supplied them with some material to pass out to people.

All in all by God’s grace the word went out, the seed was sown. We want to thank those that came out to day and those that pray for us. It is absolutely necessary and greatly appreciated!

Divine Appointments of God

2008-05-18T01:25:00.000-07:00

The DVB Girl

The Lord knows those that are His! Praise the Lord we need not worry about using mans methods and schemes to get people to pray or ‘be saved’. We go because we are commanded to, knowing that God will use His Word to call those who are the elect from before the foundation of the world!

Today many people were passing by, trying to ignore the guy with the tracts. Suddenly, there stood before me a young couple; the young lady began to ask me questions, lots of questions. Here are a few that I remember…

Why do you need to use a particular name to address God?

Yea, I attended DVB as a kid and memorized scripture. I even prayed to accept Jesus as my savior, but now I have doubts about many things. Will I still go to heaven?
I heard that God loves every one. Is that true?
Why didn’t God answer the prayers I prayed as a child? I’m so disillusioned when it comes to God. There has to be a God who created all this, just look at those flowers! I mean, someone had to have created that.
What is faith?

To each of these questions the Spirit graciously brought scripture to my mind and then she was off the next question…

About this time her boy friend said, “Let’s go!”

To which the young lady replied, “No! I’m depressed and have thoughts of suicide. This has never happen to me before. Why am I having these thoughts?

Mister, do you know that you are going to heaven? I answered, “Absolutely!” How did you come to know that at first? At this point I shared my testimony of salvation with them.

What is heaven like? Will we be ourselves?

I closed my comments to her relating the failure of the first Adam and the victory of the second Adam; that Christ, the God-man died on the cross for our sins, rose bodily from the dead and ascended into heave to sit at the right hand of the Father. I admonished her to repent of her sins and to have faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross. Romans 10:9-10 & 13. The will forgive and indwell the believer. It is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

I leaned that they were finishing their freshman in college this year. Did you know that 75% of Christian young people renounce their faith before leaving college? She took a gospel of John with a “Good news for you” tract as a book marker.

Please pray for this soul. I do not know her name. I’m thinking of her as the Daily Vacation Bible girl, or the DVB girl. She has our contact information so pray that she will contact us with questions.

A Great Day to be on the Streets of Portland!

2008-05-10T22:51:00.000-07:00

Work and illness took a toll on the number on our team today but we had good success singing, handing out gospel tracts, preaching and praying. Paige was able to join us today. She teamed up with Liz and took the SE corner of SW 5th and Morrison. Jim moved around giving out tracts on the move! He reported running out on three different occasions. That's well over 100 pieces of literature. Great job Jim!

The choir took up their position on the SW corner. When they sing the gospel songs the darkness rolls back. People act like they are walking through a church service. Two construction worker were loitering on our "preaching boxes" when we arrived but quickly vacated the area when the choir began to sing a gospel song. Some in the Russian group were handing out gospel tracts. On a particular occasion a girl who jumps in to the choir to make fun leaves with a tract given to her by this young man.

In addition to the preaching today there where several one on one witnesses. Here is a visual report of some of what went on today.

Send Forth Labors into the Harvest!

2008-05-04T00:08:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to report that we had new laborers in the field today. Mike and Nick with his two sons came out to the square in addition to our regulars. In all we had twelve handing out tracts today. Our friends from the Slavic Grace Baptist Church helped us sanctify the corner of SW 5th and Morrison St. Our folks easily gave out over 500 pieces of literature today. One of our ladies reported giving out 100 tracts herself. As we were preparing to leave I saw a kid about 11 years old walk pasted with his eyes pouring over a color comic rendition of "Are you a Good Person". Praise the Lord! Please pray for the word to find the 'good ground' and to bear fruit s0, 60 and 100 fold!

The Transcendent God of the Universe

2008-05-01T01:16:00.000-07:00

The father of modern philosophers, Immanuel Kant, believed that our universe is a closed system and that we can not know God exists by our senses. This thinking marked the departure of the great thinkers, St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas but most importantly the Apostle Paul, who without a doubt is the greatest theologian in history, writing fourteen books of the New Testament by the inspiration of a very transcendent God. The problem is not that man can not deduce a Creator from the Creation, but that man's heart is fallen and wicked. We do not want to know the God revealed in Creation!

The Devil Shows Up on the Square

2008-05-01T00:59:00.000-07:00

Daniel did this skit before a crowd of about 100 foreign exchange students sitting on the steps of the square on the south side. Before we he began Jim passed out a dozen booklets called "The Atheist Test". Several good things happened in response. The skit make an impression on the young people and as they left our 'tract' distributors reported that the young students asked them for material! Molly gave out twenty or so tracts as they were leaving the square. Also I was able to answer the inquiry of a young man who had watched from across the square, "What are you guys doing?" We were able to give a thorough presentation of the gospel . He readily received gospel literature and thanked us for our efforts. Pray for Nick as he seemed to be searching for the truth. Of course we know that it the Lord who is seeking out His own!

Thanks to Our Tract Distributors!

2008-04-27T01:47:00.000-07:00

We had a great group out to hand out gospel tracts today. It was a great effort with about 400 gospel tracts given out. Thank you Molly, Jim, Jon, Liz, Joanna, and Paige Balter who also join us today.
the following clip is a wonderful story of a man that handed out tracts for forty years in Autralia without one word of any results. But before he died God did something very special for him. What can one man do for God? Watch and find out!

The God of Light Creates the Cosmos

2008-04-21T10:47:00.000-07:00

The have to turned to the fables of evolution, eastern mysticism and vain philosophies.

2 Tim 4:4-5
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

The Heavens Declare the Glory of God

2008-04-21T10:40:00.000-07:00

People do not know what to do with the preaching of God's word. Paul charged Timothy to preach the word...
2 Tim 4:1-4
1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Gospel Tract Ministry

2008-04-12T21:34:00.000-07:00

Four weeks ago we ordered 1700 tracts for the ministry down town. Today, the young people passed out the last of that 1700 plus over 100 tracts from the church. This is a great work of the young people who have 'manned' the corners each week to offer the gospel to all who pass by. These kids pass out more literature in 30minutes than I can do in three hours! As more people become involved in work I can see the number tracts needed going up considerably. We just placed an order of over 2000 for the coming weeks ahead. This is a good thing!

The tracts that we use are colorful and interesting, with an emphasis on using the law of God to convict the sinner. I call these tracts, 'armor piercing rounds'! Because the law of God breaks through to the heart of the sinner to convict them. Often people just toss a tract aside, but we have seen people come back across the street, curse and throw it down at the feet of the person who gave it! Today, Jim said one lady when she read it, tore it up and threw it down! The law goads the sinner to the cross of Christ! We purchase these at a cost of 7 to 12 cents each.

I have looked into a xerox color copier that does full color, 20% coverage for only 7 cents per side of an 81/2 by 11. I have been using my jet printer but this is very expensive and the ink runs when wet. The Xerox 8860 uses a new printing technology and prints very economically. The ink is offset print quality and is impervious to water.

So if there are those out there who would like to support the work in this way, you can send a check to the church with a designation to the 'On the Streets of Portland Ministry' - tracts and/or xerox laser printer. Please do not use your tithe. I believe the tithe belongs to your local church.

Glencullen Baptist Church
4747 SW Cameron Rd.
Portland, Oregon.

2008-04-12T19:07:00.000-07:00

The Preacher 'Ruins' a Nice Day in the Sun
We arrived on the Square close to one in the afternoon. With one look over the square the most advantageous spot for preaching to the crowd was clear. With the Lord's help I led out on the square today. My hope was to present the gospel and to sow the seed in giving out Gospels of John afterward.

The fear on man is strong in these situations. I have often wondered if the strength of the fear is relative to the importance of the occasion. We must focus on the command of our Lord to preach the gospel and not on the faces. God told Jerimiah not to look at their faces! I'm beginning to understand the reasoning behind those instructions.

The preacher began with, "every good gift comes down from the father of lights, with whom there is not shadow of turning...". the jeers and hoots shot up instantly. But some listened and three or four received gospels after the preaching.

You will see a woman approach me during the preaching. She said something like, "I came out to enjoy a nice quiet day and you are ruining it!" Sinners do not want to consider their sin or the judgment to come. But dear lady to die in your sins to appear before a righteous and Holy God without the blood of Christ and a testimony..."would really ruin your day!"

Revelation 12:11
1 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Jim works through the remaining crowd offering Gospels of John.
There were several who received that pocket testament. (The crowd had considerably thinned out.)

Preaching on the Corner of SW 10th and Yamhill
From here we moved west, down the street to the corner of 10th & Yamhill. There is a parking garage on the NE corner with a major station for the Max extending east for the entire block. This is a great location. A new crowd gathers every 15 minutes or so.

Josh's First Public Reading From Psalms One and Two
This should be an encouragement to any one who would never dream of speaking on a street corner. Proclaiming the Word in the open air is a powerful thing. The Lord pricked hearts as the just the reading of the scripture brought jeers, taunts and profane gestures. The fear of man brings a snare!

2 Timothy 1:7
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power , and of love , and of a sound mind.
KJV

Daniel Preaches the Folly of Evolution and the Glory of Christ!
This is a great spot for public open air preaching. First, it is in the shade! Another great aspect is the acoustics of this street reverberates the voice up and down the street. You will notice that when Daniel begins to lift up Christ his volume steps up.

James David's Preaching Attracts Lesbian Reviler
This is Jim's second time to speak in public. He has a great heart and a strong voice. You will notice that the reviler is blown away with the strength of Jim's pronouncements that come from the heart of the 'new man'. Christ in us, the hope of glory!

Daniel Sanctifies the High Ground!

2008-04-07T23:58:00.000-07:00

Daniel's opening message this past Saturday sprung from a Creationist platform. I was intently listening and forgot to capture the first part of his message. He had some great quotes from well know scientists, like Einstein. One of the big reasons we are shooting the clips is to extend the preaching of the gospel to the world via the internet; for the lost and saved. So, we'll be sure get this one out there at the first possible opportunity. The message below is the closing only but a great appeal to the lost to examine their life by the light of the law and to repent.

Shortly after our 'choir' lifted up the Lord in song, Daniel hopped back up for another round! This is what we heard. You will notice our friends giving moral support by fanning out to hear the preacher preach while our "little tracker" hands out literature throughout the whole message.

The Invisible God is Clearly Seen

2008-04-06T02:57:00.000-07:00

Brother LaFayette preaching the gospel from Romans 1:18-25. You can view all of todays video on the YouTube channel:

http://www.youtube.com/user/jrlafay

Daniel delivered two messages. They are on the youtube channel. We'll post them here...tomorrow...Good night to all!

Grace Baptist Church Youth Provide the Music

2008-04-06T02:45:00.000-07:00

The young people from the Slavic Grace Baptist Church in Vancouver, Washington, sing Amazing Grace.

The Lord is Lifted up On the Streets of Portland

2008-04-05T17:09:00.000-07:00

We had a great group out today on the Square! A group of 6 from our church, 3 friends of the Lafayette family and a 'choir' of 10 from the Slavic Grace Baptist Church in Vancouver, WA. With the old guys, Daniel and Jim, there were 21 in all. In a little over hour there were over 200 tracts passed out on a rainy day with just small passing groups of people.

The choir and the preachers took up the at the corner of SW Broadway and Yamhill. The singing added a great spiritual tone to place. They began with "How Great Thou Art", singing of the creation and the glory of God manifest in it. That became the theme as Daniel led off with a message against the theory of evolution and reasoning for the creation of the Universe by an intelligent Creator. Jim followed preaching from Romans 1:18-25.

"For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made; even His eternal power and godhead, so that they are without excuse..."

More news later...clips & Pics

When They Revile You Rejoice...

2008-04-03T21:09:00.000-07:00

Mixed reactions to the ministry of the Gospel.

I arrived and engaged a young man that quickly mounted an attack against the true God of the scriptures and His Son, Jesus Christ. The discussion was intense and above the noise level of normal conversation. After some time of listening to the young mans objections and giving answer, I noticed the young man's right arm and hand was smaller than his left and that he kept it covered. It was obvious that he had issues with the creator of the universe.

He attacked the authority of the Scriptures (I used them any way in the course of our discussion). Afterwards the discussion ended I turned to see two young men who had listened intently to the entire discussion and the answers given. They confessed Christ and stated that they were greatly encourage by the witness given. Pray for this man with the angry, bitter heart that the word of God will have it's way to God's glory.

God said, Preach here to these people!

Daniel came just as the former engagement ended. As I scanned the square the Spirit whispered there is the place.... about then Daniel said, "I think I should speak to that crowd over there!" As we walked that way I acknowledge a confirmation of 'word' from the Lord. To which Daniel responded with, "I guess that settles it." The crowd was the counter culture crowd. Many of them live on the streets and profess to worship the devil openly. Watch for your self the unfolding of events. Notice that during the preaching the revilers attracted more people to hear as Daniel swallows hard and opens his mouth to preach.

Wherefore God has Highly Exalted Christ!

Before we took moment to rest and fellowship before home, Daniel nudges me for one more to which I gladly agreed. I took my message from Philippians 2:5-11. Note the just after the exalted Christ is proclaimed in verse 9, a man comes into the picture blasphemy the gospel and proclaiming satan is master.

" Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him and given Him a name which is above every name! Oh how the sinners hate the exalted Christ! It is like this man was prodded with a hot iron! Listen to what he is chanting....

The Lord gave Daniel special grace to speak to this filthy reviler (He called our precious Lord the filthiest names), the truth of the Lord.

After the preaching a young man by the name of Cassidy, came forward to ask me a 'hard' question. He was very colorful, literally; he had blond spiked hair with pink and blue tints that poked out from beneath a white billed hat. The Lord gave us a clear witness to Cassidy of sin, righteousness and the judgment to come. Pray for Cassidy that the Lord will grant to him repentance to acknowledging of the truth.

Cry Aloud and Spare not....

2008-04-01T21:25:00.000-07:00

Isa 58:1
Cry aloud , spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.

Jim and Daniel were on the square this afternoon to lift up the voice. I must confess, that after missing this past Saturday, it was difficult to swallow the fear tonight. There seemed to be a fear that weighed heavier than at other times. Thoughts arose in the heart, calling into question the 'good sense' of this whole endeavor! But by the faith granted by the Lord in His Word and the good leadership of my good brother these fears and doubts were conquered.

Pray for a Preacher's Son

Before the preaching began I took the a walk around the square handing out tracts and came to speak to a young man sitting on the steps. He told me he was the son of a man who had left a prosperous job engineering job to become a pastor in a small Oregon town. He seemed to admire his father for 'selling all and following Christ' but he himself rejected the gospel, speaking of his own self deprivations for good causes.He is a young man who by his self sacrificing thinks that he will find favor with God. His name is Steven. Pray for this prodigal son, that he would come to faith in Christ and return to his father's house.

The Lord Sent Them Out Two by Two

The Lord sent out his 70 evangelists to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom of God two by two. It was great to have brother Daniel there and I'm sure the sentiment is mutual on his part! After preaching a good round of the word, Daniel was challenged by a new security officer tonight. He was told to quiet down or the police would be called. We assured the young man that this issue had been settled years ago when the city of Portland tried to stop the open air preaching and the Supreme Court of Oregon ruled in the favor of the street preacher.

We continued on preaching for sometime more and did not receive any further trouble, except from the hecklers and revilers that sounded off from time to time. It is rather comical, they would hide behind the pillar listening to the preaching an then stick their head out and yell a remark, only to retreat back around to their hiding place.

Who is Eric Harris?

"Does anyone know who Eric Harris is?" Watch the clip and find out for yourself. This is only the introduction to the body of the message that dealt with sin, righteousness and the judgment to come. Many people revile the Bible. It is hard for them to hear the clear presentation of the scripture without reacting. We do not revile people personally but do endeavor to speak the word of God clearly, logically to convince the people of their need for the cross of Christ.

Saturdays on the Square

2008-03-28T18:47:00.001-07:00

One on One

Jon Lafayette speaks to Travis about things
of the Lord this last Saturday. Pray for Travis as he is seeking to know more about the Scriptures. He reads the Bible but has some confusion about Baptismal regeneration that was taught to him by Church of Christ international, which is a cult group that teaches this heresy.

People from Around the World.....

I offered this Muslim man a tract as he crossed the square with his family this past Saturday. I learned that he is a professor with the University of Yemen, in the area of Chemistry and Biology.

Omar Ahmad Bamaga is finishing his research project at OSU in a few weeks and then he will return to his country.
Omar did retain possession of the gospel tract. Pray that he will read it and consider the claims of the gospel of Christ.

This past Wednesday morning Daniel offered $20 to any one who could prove that they were a 'good person'. These two homeless boys stepped up to the challenge. The young man on the left listened intently to the gospel, even though his friend tried to draw him away...he stayed to hear the word. Pray for this young man that the seeds of life will take root and grow up into life eternal in Christ Jesus.
(To watch the video, click on the link to in the left margin.

Rainy Day in Portland

2008-03-27T17:56:00.000-07:00

On the Wednesday morning the rain began to come down in earnest at about the time Daniel and I arrived at Pioneer Square. We knew from experiance that the crowds would be nil to none on a day like this, but we were determined to present ourselves to sanctify our turf with some spiritual activity for the day.

Answered Prayer

Our prayer for the day was that God would use us to touch one life He had marked for the kingdom of God, in spite of the weather! Over all the work of the day was to hand out liturature and to speak to people as we could.

Daniel stepped up at the Starbucks corner to address the people passing by and those waiting for the Max.

Click on the link in the left column to see what transpired. (Sorry the picture is turned on it's side)

A New Discovery

2008-03-25T23:54:00.000-07:00

Did you know that there is a Jesus stone on the Pioneer Square?

Last Saturday, I made my way back toward the center of the square from Yamhill & Broadway; I looked down and saw this....

You will find it up near the SW corner. Oh, and when you find the spot....pray for God's Holy Spirit to reprove the world of Sin, and of Righteousness and of the judgment to come; and that in this place sinners will be drawn to the Cross of Christ for salvation by the preaching of His Word! Join with us, pray for Portland!

Saturday on the Streets of Portland

2008-03-22T21:39:00.000-07:00

Saturday, March 22nd 2008

With Daniel having a sore throat most the week and in much pain with his back condition, he came with his walking stick to pray and do one on one ministry. Today was my semi-solo test in the preaching end of things as I needed to lead in the preaching for the day.

We first began at the 'Starbuck's Amphitheater' with a message on Easter and what does it mean. In general we began with the identity of the person of Christ (John 1:1-2, 14), the nature and sinfulness of man (Gen 1:1; 2:7; 1Thess 5:23;Rom 5:12), the work of the cross (Is 53:6,10-11) and the admonition to repent and believe (Acts 17:30; Rev 20:11-15). We commit the scriptures to memory to be ready at hand 'withersoever the Lord leads'!

(The picture above shows Preacher Jim on the 'stone medallion, preaching a few weeks ago)
Stopping the mouths of False Teachers

As soon as we had finished the first round of preaching, a 'brother' Uri collared an interested group of young people who listening attentively to the preaching. (Uri is a hard core pentecostal that preys on any soul that shows the least bit of interest in the gospel.) I perceived that these were Christian young people out doing ministry themselves. I felt constrained to answer Uri's false doctrine of tongues. He went away sulking and began to speak to another in our group, Holly, who was on the corner handing out tracts with Liz!

Lord Send Laborers into the Harvest
These young people were a little discouraged that the people were so cold to the gospel. No one wanted to take their Easter literature. They attend the Grace Slovak Baptist Church in Vancouver, WA on Mill Plain Blvd and Andresen. The young man in the right front of the picture is named Slovak.He was surprised that we preach the gospel every week in Portland. They offered to sing before or after the preaching in the weeks ahead.

Our prayer is that the Lord will raise up his saints to pray, support and to preach. May the unction of the Holy Spirit rest upon these young people to have a part in the preaching and the spreading of the gospel in Portland.

Moving up the BIG AMPHLITHEATER

I felt led of the Lord to preach from the center of the Square today. It took a while to get the courage up to open my mouth, but once I did the Lord's Spirit helped me greatly to preach to all the people on the square. Daniel walked around the square as the preaching continued and he verified that the preaching was clearly heard all around. It must of been quite novel to some as they were taking pictures, at least that is what Daniel said later. (When I'm preaching I see little more than 'men as trees walking!')
You can see people in the scene below as Daniel pans around, but the small phone video clips do not pick up the preaching.

Daniel Rises Up to take the Parting Shot!

I preached on the sidewalk just below the place you see in the picture below. Daniel had 'sanctified' this preaching station as 'holy ground' in the weeks prior to this and felt I must hold our ground that we have gained. Daniel compared the tracts to small flash lights that deminish the darkness little but heart felt preaching of the Word of God lights a great lantern that causes the darkness to flee away. I tarried on the sidewalk giving out tracts for sometime before I let loose with the gospel message on 'Jesus' Warnings of Hell' (Matt 10:28; 18:5-11) and closed out with the 'Great White Throne' and the Invitation of Romans 10:9-13

Daniel had been sick this week and was just coming along to assist with prayer and his presence; but He just could not remain silent the whole day! This was the parting shot as we were going to the car….a two minute shot, but people stopped to listen with wonder and disbelief of a clear voice crying out in the spiritual wilderness of Portland

(The black lady you see looking up, stopped to hear the Word, she was favorable to the message and wanted talk, but Daniel kept plowing the gospel plow.)

Meet us at Pioneer Square!

2008-03-21T21:41:00.000-07:00

Saturday, March 22nd, 2008

Meet us at the NW corner (By the Starbucks) of Pioneer Square at noon to pray, pass out tracts and to support the preaching of God's Word. Bring tracts if you have some you prefer or just come without, we will have plenty to supply everyone.

For those who can not come, please pray for God to grant his grace to ministers and hearers alike!

When Jesus sent out the 70 to preach it is recorded that they returned with rejoicing at what God had done through them. Jesus said, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heavenw satan fall from heaven! Luke records the heart of our Lord with regard to the public proclamation of His Holy Word in verse 21.

Luke 10:21 (King James Version)

21In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.

A New Preacher Spreads Wings of Faith

2008-03-20T20:43:00.000-07:00

During our time of ministry this past Saturday, the 15th of March, my son James David publicly proclaimed the gospel of our Lord. We were making our way back to the car from PSU. Daniel began to encourage Jim to read Psalm One on the corner of SW Yamhill and Broadway. The decision was made to launch at the 'little amphitheater'. Jim quoted the first Psalm as I was praying for the Spirit to give him wind under his wings of faith and let him soar a bit, and that he did, doing a fine work of exegesis on the text, preaching the moral requirements of the law and the provision of the cross. A lady on the sidewalk even added a hardy, "Amen" upon the conclusion of the proclamation!

Praise the Lord for his faithfulness to help us and use our simple obedience to fulfill His will.

A Change of Plans

2008-03-20T01:03:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, 19^th of March

Today our plans were to preach on the PSU campus, but due to Daniel coming down with a bad sore throat I decided not to go down alone. I was out on the road when I received Daniel’s call so I use the time to do some other things that needed to be done.

Tracts - First, I stopped by the printers to arrange to print up a ‘Ten Commandments’ tract. We hope to do a run of a couple thousand to lower the cost and to raise the quality. The lowest price right now is about 18 cents per piece. I bought first rate, quality tracts from Ray Comfort’s ministry for 7 cents! To lower the price I may have to print 10,000. Please pray about this matter.

Pray for Brother Daniel’s return to full operational duty status!

I stopped by with some limes and ‘Emergen-C’ from Costco. It’s great for boosting the vitamin C and with a lime it’s perfect for what ails ‘ya’. We had a good time of discussing the work and parted with prayer for God to anoint us and those to are partaking in the work with compassion and boldness to hold forth the gospel.

Dear God rise up a company of young men to preach the Word of God with unction and compassion.

We are looking to Saturday the 22nd.

Regardless of Brother Daniel's condition, with the Lord’s help, we’ll meet at the NW corner (by Star Bucks), of the square at noon on Saturday. If you would like to join us meet us there. It is good to Email me or call to confirm that nothing unforeseen has occurred. Contact info is in the church directory. You may also reach me at jrlafay@gmail.com

OUR FAITHFUL BAND OF BROTHERS AND SISTERS

2008-03-18T12:50:00.000-07:00

Saturday, the 15^th March

On Saturdays we like to meet at Pioneer Square at around noon. There was a good group of young people out with preachers on this wet, blustery day. It is always good to have a group with the guys who are doing the preaching for several reasons.

An attentive group listening to the preaching tends to ‘invite’ other people not with the believers to stop and listen.
It is a great opportunity for those in the crowd to speak to any one who would seem to have need of the gospel explained to them further
Also, strong young man watching your back side is a great comfort to the preacher that some ruffian does not catch him unawares.
But perhaps the greatest need is the co-workers praying for the word of God to have an eternal effect on the hearers.

Upon arriving we noticed that there was an unusually security and Police presence. We later discovered that there was scheduled for this very day an anti-war rally, more on that later.

In addition to having Daniel and myself present, there were two young men and a young lady in their twenties with one high schooler and her ten year old sister. The girls always do great handing out tracts. A rocker passed me by only to walk to next corner to receive a tract gladly from our ‘little gal’ offering a word of life. Care must be taken to pair up the children with a ‘guardian’, but the word is spread most effectively by these little soldiers. I would recommend though that a child must be a believer and understand what they are doing so that the decision to hand out tracts is theirs. This ten year old asked to come out when she beheld the example of one our young ladies in the church.

WALKING THROUGH THE PROTESTERS

We had purposed in our heart to walk to the PSU campus free speech zone before the day was done to gather there for prayer for the campus. The PSU campus is about four blocks as the crow flies from the square. On our way there we walk through a crowd protesting the ‘Church of Scientology’. I doubt that there was a believer in the crowd. They see this cult as violating man’s freedom of will by using behavior and mind control techniques. Now there is no problem with man violating the Creators truly sovereign will!

We came in contact with the peace crowd as we approached the campus park area. Loud rock music blared out, with a base drum beat that reminded Daniel of ‘war drums’ of some wild uncivilized society. As we made our way south through the crowd our ‘little trouper’ was handing out “School Shootings – The common Denominator” tracts as she went. There were at least 40 plus tracts handed out just walking through the people.

NO ONE SPEAKS FOR THE SLAUGHTERED INNOCENTS

The grass area around the free speech area was covered with little white flags signifying the Iraqi lives supposedly lost due to the war. Forgotten are the 35 million little babies that have been slaughtered since Roe v Wade. They wonder why there is no peace. We have not seen any thing yet. In the Old Testament we read of God raising up the nations around Israel to judge them for their sins. Over the course of our walk through that area we saw everything from save the whales to “peace starts with your dinner plate”, try vegetarianism! Of all the ism and schisms represented there we did not see anyone speaking up for the children. This is the ‘sin of Manassah’ who filled Jerusalem with innocent blood, of which God said, “I can not forgive this sin”. That is a sobering word from the Lord!

PRAY FOR THE PREACHING OF GOD’S WORD ON PSU CAMPUS

The rain began pouring down as we joined hand to pray on the brick ‘free speech’ platform. Jesus stood up in the last days of the feast and cried out, “Out of your belly shall flow rivers of living water!” As the great river flowed out from the high garden of God in Eden so may the Spirit of Christ go forth onto this campus to call sinners to repentance and Christians to the battle! As we finished praying around, the blanket of dark rainy gave way to a beam of light that surrounded us on the raise pavement where we stood. May the Spirit of Christ break forth from that place to the glory of God!

Pray for us, as it is our intention to go to PSU to preach this Wednesday the 19^th at around noon. We hope to make the campus a regular preaching station in the future.

Angels Unawares/ Teacher Reviles the Truth of Creator

2008-03-17T14:07:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, the 12th of March 08.

I heard from Daniel that he was planning to go into Portland to preach and evangelize alone and so I asked my work mate to cover my 12 hour work responsibility to allow me to able to accompany my good brother to the city.

Daniel began preaching on the corner of Yamhill and Broadway. I manned the corner and passed out tracts. After a half hour or so, Daniel suggested that we return to the small ample theater adjacent to the Starbucks because of the back ground noise being high at our present position.

As we made our way over towards our new digs We noticed an elderly gentleman standing in the center of the square silently, his frame was slight and his sweatshirt hung loosely on his shoulders. The words on the front of his sweatshirt read, “I stood at the Empty tomb, Jesus has Risen!” I said to Daniel,” Is that guy going to preach or what”? We slowly made our way to the center of the square where the old man stood still with his arms down at his side, his palms turned slightly open. Daniel approached the man and engaged him in conversation. We introduce ourselves all around. His name is Alfred. Alfred is 87 years old and comes down to the square on Wednesdays at 12:00 to 1:00 to pray for Portland! As we were parting I asked him to pray for us. He immediately reached out to gently touch our arms and prayed the blessing of the Lord on our efforts in speaking and publishing the gospel of Christ. His prayer was offered up with a true earnest unction of a man led of the Spirit. I could not help but to see the Lord’s hand in this wonderful event. As I sat listening to Daniel preach, I looked back to where the old man had been…he was gone.

There were school children at the square throughout the morning. One of the favorite things to do at the square is to stand on the ‘round stone’ in the ample theater and hear how your voice resounds back to your ears when you speak. The children were lined up to make little noises and words at the encouragement of their teachers. Between groups I took the spot and began to preach the truth of God as our creator, the fall of man, the certainty of Judgment by the righteous judge, Jesus Christ, at which time a teacher to my side and reviled me for preaching in the presence of children. He vehemently pronounced, “That this is a school field trip that they should be forced to hear such ‘crap’!” A leader of another group of a dozen or more children allowed them to stay and hear the message of the cross and how they could have assurance of sins forgiven! Praise God for Christian teachers. This illus trates just how ‘tolerant’ these secular teachers are of anything having to do with Christ. Truly the carnal mind is an enemy of God, it is not subject to the law of God, and neither indeed can be!