Missions: Here, There, and Everywhere!
By Tom Shanklin
Missions is not just about some distant land. It’s really about God’s love for every human being on the face of the earth. It’s about how He sent His Son to die for our sins, so that we could KNOW God as Father and have eternal life.
Brendon Bernard
On a ministry trip to North Dakota over the Labor Day weekend, I met Brendon Bernard of Tolna, ND a 25-year-old man who had been bound with prescription drugs and alcohol and who was neglecting his two children. Earlier this year, someone invited him to special meetings at New Life Fellowship near Tolna, where the secrets of his heart were revealed by the Holy Spirit. He then literally fell to his knees and repented. The same day was baptized in water and filled with the Holy Spirit. This young man is now free from drugs and alcohol and seeking to do what is right for His children. This is the work of the Holy Spirit. This is what Jesus will do in people’s lives.
On Sunday, when I preached the Gospel at New Life Fellowship, another young man came forward to receive Jesus as Lord. I also had several words of knowledge for healing, and each person who responded to specific words testified that they had received a healing from the Lord.
God Moves in Home Meetings, Too
On that same trip, I held a meeting at Steve and Julie Nelson’s home in Edgeley, ND. Another friend who had been raised in a Pentecostal home was there. He had never spoken in tongues, but after receiving the clear teaching from the Word of God on the subject he was gloriously baptized in the Holy Spirit. Later that same night, a small group gathered and we studied the Word of God once more. Julie had received a word of knowledge concerning a problem in a man’s neck. We gathered around the man and prayed. Here’s his testimony:
“For 28 years I’ve been troubled with a very complex and degenerative neuro-endocrine disorder; and in the last eight years has been disabling. Two of the latest effects were a much increased leg muscle pain, and vision stress headaches. The latter was such that by August, not only could I not read, look at a computer screen or TV screen, any close-up work meant an assured headache.A couple in a small Bible study group invited me to a meeting at their home over Labor Day. Near the end of this meeting, my friends laid their hands on me to pray for healing. It has been three weeks now, and I have not had a headache. I’m back on the computer, reading and able to use focused vision as before. My legs are getting stronger and I can walk longer.” (Paul Scallon, Edgeley, ND)
Worship at the women’s conference in Hendricks.
In Suptember, Susan and I had a wonderful time of ministry with Pastors Chris and Joyce Caugherty of Faith Family Christina Center in Hendricks, MN, where Susan preached a women’s conference she called “God’s Power=Girl Power.” Ministering in her unique style combining humor and spiritual insight, the Holy Spirit used her to probe deeply into hearts and bring liberty. She spoke a message on the life of Peter called “Failure Is not the End” and another message “Developing Your Vision” using the lessons she has learned from her stained glass work. One of the ladies wrote later and said that she was blessed by the conference and had set a goal in her heart to lead 10 people to Jesus during the next year.
Going Fishing in Nepal this November
Teaming up with Bible Living Ministries, we are planning three leaders conferences and outreaches in different locations in Nepal in November and expect to minister to approximately 750 Christian leaders. I believe God is going to do a work by His Holy Spirit and touch a nation for God.
The translation of our book, “You Can Touch the World” into Nepalese is completed and will soon be printed. We are planning to have copies ready to give to the ministers who attend our conferences. Click here to download a free copy of You Can Touch the World in Nepalese.
I really need your prayers for this trip. Nothing great is accomplished without prayer. Pray for finances, too. I estimate the cost for our ministry’s part of this mission to be $10,000, which includes air fair, transportation and lodging in Nepal, printing of “You Can Touch the World,” and conference expenses. If you are led to have a part in this mission financially, you can donate here.
Don’t ever feel pressured about finances. Let the Holy Spirit guide you and you will be blessed in your obedience. Some go. Some help. Some give. Some pray. We ALL have a part! Susan and I are praying for you every day!