“But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.” Luke 15:22-24, KJV.

Pastors Randy and Donna Barstad

In June, I was invited to share about our mission to England at a missions conference at Lindford Christian Fellowship in Littlefork, Minnesota. Littlefork is about as far north as you can get in the United States and in Minnesota, located in a remote area just south of the Canadian border.

Along with sharing the particulars of what God did during our trip to England in February, I spoke on “The Father’s Heart for the Nations,” based on the story of the prodigal son. I shared how our heavenly father longs for men and women and boys and girls to come home to Him and receive His love and blessings. That is WHY we are involved in missions. I talked about William Carey and others who were used of God in a great way and how we likewise can be mightily used as we give ourselves to God. I sensed that I was in the middle of God’s will as I encouraged the missionaries and ministers in their role of bringing our Father’s children home. The experience was a great joy to me!

Pastors Randy and Donna Barstad and Lindford Christian Fellowship started holding their annual missions conference ten years ago. The church supports, prays for, and encourages  missions in Haiti, India and other nations.  The church also has an ongoing mission to Vietnam, and the pastor travels there regularly. Pastor Randy said, “If a church can get their eyes on missionaries, they can get their eyes off of themselves.” I was also encouraged to hear that the church has been studying my book, “You Can Touch the World,” in their midweek Bible Study.

Healing Service in Mankato

We enjoyed a wonderful presence of the Lord during a healing service at our home church, Two Rivers Vineyard Church, in Mankato, Minnesota. Several people came forward to receive the greatest miracle—a healing in their relationship with the Lord. Many others testified of an immediate manifestation of God’s healing power and relief from pain in their bodies. One man shared with me later that he was totally delivered during the service of shame he has had since his childhood. Praise the name of Jesus!

Pastor David and Shannon Welker

I spoke on “There’s Healing in the Presence of the Lord,” emphasizing healing for the total person—spirit, soul, and body—as we come into the presence of the Lord. The Bible is really the story of mankind’s journey away from and back into the presence of God through Jesus Christ. In His presence is fullness of joy and everything else we need in life. You can listen to the message here.

We received the following encouraging note from Pastor David Welker of Two Rivers Vineyard Church after the service:“Praise the Lord!  Last night was so good. Many folks were touched and healed by Jesus. I was especially grateful for the number that wanted to reconnect with God. That was awesome!  Thankful, excited and expectant for what the Lord has put in your heart (and Susan’s).” 

Urdu Translation Progressing Well

Our missionary friend in Pakistan reports that the translation work for our book, “You Can Touch the World,” into Urdu is nearly finished. After the translation and proofreading, then the book will be formatted and prepared for printing in Pakistan. We are planning to print 1,000 copies which will be distributed to young people and ministers in Pakistan.

Teaching in Asia via Skype Beginning this Fall

Tom and Susan Shanklin with Pastor Deva.

We have been partnering with a pastor from a nation in Asia for a number of years and seeing good fruit as we work together with them. We are excited to announce that we will be teaching classes weekly from our Believers School of Ministry beginning this fall via Skype. The classes focus on training ordinary believers to function in reaching others for Christ, making disciples, moving into the gifts and fruit of the Spirit, healing ministry, and much more. We are expecting a great release of ministry through these classes and that the ministry will be multiplied as those who participate are released to teach, train and encourage others to find their ministry in the Body of Christ.

Prayer Requests for Tom Shanklin Ministries

Please agree with us for these requests:

• Pray for more open doors to speak to missionaries and other ministers concerning God’s plan to reach the world.
• Pray with us for God’s timing and resources for our return to the United Kingdom, Asia and the other nations where He has called us to minister.
• Pray for the Believers School of Ministry in Asia via Skype this Fall.
• Pray for the health and well-being of our wonderful partners. Pray also for more partners, supporting churches, foundations, and businesses to join with us as we go into all the world and preach the Gospel.

Susan and I are so thankful for your prayer and financial support as we continue to preach the Gospel around the world. You are a great blessing to us and we are praying for you every day!

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