Ministry Update: Detroit Lakes Gospel Festival
Photos by David Lysaker of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota.
Susan and I felt like we were on the mission field at our Love DL Gospel Festival at the City Park in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota in August. And why not? The United States IS a mission field, just as much as the rest of the world. As long as there are sinners to reach and saints to encourage, we are on a mission to fulfill the work of Christ.
Praises rang out, the Gospel was preached, and decisions were made for Christ. We heard testimonies from those who were healed and joy on the faces of God’s people. Truly, Jesus is alive in Detroit Lakes!
I have always enjoyed preaching in the open air. Mostly it’s been in foreign lands, where eager multitudes come to hear the Word and receive prayer for their maladies. Whether it’s in the back of a pickup truck in Haiti, a dusty field in Africa, or under the canopy of the stars for a late-night meeting in India, it’s always a great joy to proclaim the glorious message of Christ and sing His praises out where the people are, in the open air.
Our Father is blessed, as well, as He is glorified in praise and the message of His Son is announced outdoors. I believe God is waiting for His Church to get out of the box and proclaim the message from the rooftops. There is something about it that speaks of freedom—liberty to proclaim, to lay hands on the sick, to let the world know that Jesus is Lord.
On Saturday night, Susan spoke on “Jesus is my Anchor” and I spoke on “The Father’s Love,” from the parable of the Prodigal Son. When the son returned the Father forgave all, ran out to meet him, hugged and kissed him, gave him every blessing, and threw a party. Oh, how our Father loves His children!
On Sunday night, Susan shared her testimony and gave a wonderful Gospel presentation, sharing about Jesus’ death and resurrection, the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and the need for repentance. Then I spoke on “The God of Miracles” and shared about many healings and miracles that we have seen over the years. I also told the people that the ministry of healing was not only for preachers but for all believers.
We then prayed for many people for healing followed by an invitation to those who wished to be used in the healing ministry. A line of people hungry to be used by God extended across the bandshell, received prayer, and declared their earnest desire to be used by the Lord to heal the sick. Mighty seeds were planted, and only eternity will reveal all that took place in Detroit Lake in August 2021.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work at Detroit Lakes Gospel Festival!
Love DL was sponsored by our ministry, but other churches, ministries, and individuals joined forces with us to reach people for Christ.
Singer-songwriter David Bakke gave a concert each night of his poetic ballads. Some of the songs were birthed out of his relationship with Native American people concerning the tragic events of the past. David also was the local coordinator for the event, and his wife, Dori, was also a tremendous help.
Barry Schoder, former director of Strawberry Lake Christian Retreat and a spiritual leader in Detroit Lakes, served as our spiritual advisor and prayer partner. Katie Baker and a group of young people from True Life Assembly of God brought a powerful spirit of praise and worship to the event and led us into the glorious presence of God.
People from other local churches also pitched in to help. Karen Brakefield, a missionary to the White Earth Indian Reservation, and Susan Walther volunteered (without being asked) to follow up on those making decisions for Christ and those needing further prayer.
Pastor Ev Monserud of Northern Lights Freedom and Light, along with others, volunteered to pass out flyers in the park, beach, and elsewhere. A friend from Australia was prompted by the Lord to send an online offering to help with expenses for the event. Teamwork makes the dream work!
Seeing the Finish Line for the Benin Bible School Dormitory
Apostle Issac Clossou of Benin reports that approximately $3,500 is needed to complete the dormitory for the Mt. Moriah Bible School in Danzounmey, Benin, West Africa. This will be used to complete the electrical work, toilets, windows, doors and to finish and paint the inside walls. We praise God that we have been able to help construct this building with donations from our partners in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. If you would like to help finish this project to help raise up ministers for rural Benin, please click here.
Let’s Keep Going!
So Let’s keep going! Let’s keep preaching, praising, and praying! As the scripture says, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:13-15, AV) Thank you for sending us!