Then He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a remote place and rest a while,” for many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. (Mark 6:31, MEV)

Everyone needs rest. No matter how strong or spiritual you are, without rest, you will become weary in your heart, mind, and spirit.

I believe, for most of us, rest is underrated. “Come away and rest for a while,” Jesus told his disciples. It’s a command that we all need to heed, as well.

For Susan and me, the North Shore of Lake Superior has often been our place of rest. Before we moved to Minnesota in 1976, we visited the North Shore and rented a cabin. It was a time to rest, reflect, and look to our future. Days later, we purchased a piece of land in southeast Minnesota and began our adventure in this great state.

We were on “my lake,” as I like to call it, on Sept 11, 2001, when the towers came down in New York City. That is one time we needed to cut our vacation short since we felt we needed to be with the congregation we were pastoring during a time of national crisis.

When we were raising our children, too, the North Shore was often our go-to place to get away, play board games in the cabin, build fires on the rocky shore, and make smores (gram cracker sandwiches with Hershey’s chocolate, and marshmellows toasted over a wood fire).

Last month, Susan and I once again visited the North Shore to rest, reflect, and push the reset button on our lives.

There is something about the rhythm of the waves on North America’s largest lake that brings rest to the mind and peace to the soul. It somehow puts things into perspective and helps you to get in touch with the heart of God.

Some call it Gitche Gumee, a name made famous by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem, Hiawatha. Gitche Gumee is the Ojibwe word for this Great Lake, meaning big sea or huge water. Well, it is huge, and it is great.

Here are some thoughts I wrote down as I sat beside the big lake:

On the Shores of Gitche Gumee

On the shores of Gitche Gumee with nothing to do but live and move and have our being in Him.

A place to remember who you are rather than what you do.

A place to breathe in the fresh air of a new beginning.

A place for the heart to pulsate with new life.

A place to cleanse and heal from the rigors of life.

Just tranquility at its best. A taste of forever right now.

A place of rest and peace, not to be experienced for a few days, but to revive that place within where you can find rest to your soul.

So come to the waters. Take the cure for anxiety and fear … on the shores of Gitche Gumee …

Plastering ceiling at the dormitory.

Dormitory Nearly Completed

As I mentioned to you last month, we are nearing the finish line for the construction of the dormitory at Mt. Moriah Bible School in the village of Danzounmey, Benin, West Africa. Since I wrote, $3,150 has come in. We are estimating that another $350 is needed to complete the building. Any additional funds will be used for furnishings.

Our friends in Benin are hard at work installing windows, finishing electrical work, plumbing, plastering, and painting. They hope to have the project completed by mid-October. 

I am amazed by what God has done! The majority of the funds for this project have come through speacial gifts from the partners of Tom Shanklin Ministries. Susan and I hope to visit Benin in the near future to evangelize, teach in the Bible School, and rejoice in what God has done. 

Learn more about the Mt. Moriah Bible School Project>>>

Thank you!

Susan and I are so thankful for each one who has joined with us to reach the world through prayer, finances, and mutual encouragement. Please let us know any needs you have for prayer so we can lift them up before our Heavenly Father. We are in this together!

Learn about partnership>>>

Letters from Our Friends…

Blogpost: Minnesota: The Revival State Book Review

Thank you! I love reading about God’s saints of the past. I have a huge book of John G Lakes’ writings. I read it often and am carried away by the trust and simple faith. I am also inspired by you two. You work together so harmoniously and, to me, hilariously. Susan’s humor is magnificent! I am on your team. (Florida)

Thanks, Tom. I know that some Pentecostal brothers and sisters were surprised to find out that the powerful move of the Holy Spirit that entered our area was not after Azusa, but a decade or so before through the Lutheran, Methodist, and such who had been filled, baptized and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Good book review. (Pastor from North Dakota)

Blogpost: Overcoming Oppression and Depression

I pray in Jesus’ name that suicides will be prevented through this message. I pray that people send this to anyone they know who is struggling in these areas. Thank you for presenting a subject that is a major issue today. The verses are mighty. Jesus Christ is the answer. (Florida)

August Newsletter

Just read your August newsletter. Thank you for preaching and teaching the Word of Jesus Christ. Pray God’s blessing be upon you. Susan, I loved your article on the Fourth of July parade. I enjoy your spirit and your love for life. (Minnesota)

Video: How to be Like Jesus

Hi brother. I was watching your video on “How to be like Jesus.” Good word, especially that we can’t do it of our own power, but we need the Holy Spirit. (North Dakota)

Sarah and I just watched this and it’s 1 a.m. here now!!! We couldn’t stop watching, we couldn’t put it down, and go to bed.. we loved this message and you and Susan make us so happy!!!… such hope.. such encouragement… such joy… God’s love and blessings from your Aussie family in Christ! (Australia)