Baptism at Seeds of Revival Outeach in Devils Lake.

Dear Precious Friends and Partners,

He [Jesus] said, “The kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he does not know how. (Mark 4:26-27, MEV).

Sometimes, we do not recognize the power of a Gospel seed. The precious seed may seem unproductive, lying dormant in the soil, until finally it comes to the surface, is watered, and begins to grow.

I was nine years old when I heard the Gospel in a Southern Baptist Church in southern Illinois. It was Easter Sunday morning. My mom and dad were both there, sitting in the back pew. My dad was not a church-going man, but on special holidays, he would sometimes attend.

I was sitting next to the aisle about halfway to the front of the church. A guest speaker (I assume an evangelist) gave the message on Jesus’ death on the cross, His resurrection, and the forgiveness of sins. I was moved by the Holy Spirit, and when the invitation was given, I went forward and prayed the sinner’s prayer. Shortly after that, I was baptized in water.

But my life did not reflect the change that should have come. In fact, shortly after that, my mother left that church and went to another, and I did not continue attending with her. In my teenage years, I followed the crowd rather than following Jesus. I’m sure that must have been a grief to her soul and a confusion to others, seeing me go forward for an altar call and nothing seeming to happen in my life. And yet the seed was planted!

But in order for the seed to grow, Jesus must become not only Savior, but also Lord. The precious seed sprouted and began to bear fruit when I repented and gave my life to the Lord at age 27. Today, that seed continues to grow and multiply as I have shared the Gospel with people in 19 nations of the world so far.

“Seeds of Revival” are Growing in Devils Lake, North Dakota

The “Seeds of Revival” outreach in Devils Lake, North Dakota, a town of 7,300 people located about 100 miles south of the Canadian border, brought a blessing before it even took place. Pastors and ministers from the area experienced God’s blessings as they united and put their hands to the plow together. As we prayed the day before the actual services, a prophecy came forth. The Lord said, “I am pleased by your coming together, and I will bring blessing out of this.” The Lord told us to gather together unto Him, let Jesus be the focus, and He would do marvelous things. And He did!

Jesus Christ was lifted up, and there was a wonderful sense of unity as we gathered together unto Him for two evenings at Roosevelt Park. The results were wonderful. There were Lutherans, Pentecostals, Presbyterians, Catholics, Evangelical Free Church people, non-denominational people, and people who were not part of a local church. Seeing Native Americans, people of European descent, and others, young and old, worshipping and fellowshipping in harmony was a beautiful testament to God’s love. Divine relationships were formed and strengthened, and there was a wonderful atmosphere of the tangible presence of God.

On the first evening, the meeting was held indoors at the park due to a scheduling error by the Park Board. I preached on “You Must Be Born Again.” On the second night, I spoke outdoors on “Forgiveness and Healing.” There was wonderful worship with both old-time Gospel and contemporary music and powerful testimonies of changed lives. Many received healing, help, and encouragement through the prayer team organized by participating churches.

Free hot dogs and hamburgers drew people to the event, including homeless people. One of them was healed and prayed to receive Christ before the meeting even started. There were four more recorded first-time decisions for Christ, 14 people rededicated their lives to Christ, and three baptisms. There were many more who did not respond publicly but heard the Word of God through the worship, testimonies, and preaching.

The seeds that were planted will continue to grow. The pastors who planned the event plan to follow up with those who made decisions and to continue working together to see Jesus lifted up in the area. There is a very real sense that the “seeds of revival” will continue to grow and multiply in the Devils Lake area and on the Spirit Lake Reservation. Thanks to Pastor Rob Buechler, who coordinated the event, all the pastors, ministers, and workers who labored, and everyone who prayed for “Seeds of Revival!”

Church Services in August

I also had fruitful church meetings in August. At For His Glory Church in Spring Grove, Minnesota, I shared a message on deliverance titled “The Finger of God,” from Luke 11:14-26. I later received a report that a friend who was at the meeting took the message of deliverance to a group of people in Wisconsin, where they “saw breakthrough with some long-standing issues.” The seed is multiplying!

I had two wonderful meetings at Trinity-Bergen Lutheran Church in Starkweather, North Dakota. I preached on “Thy Kingdom Come … in Me,”  a call to consecration, and shared again on “The Finger of God.” Two people made decisions for the Lord, and many were encouraged to find freedom in Christ.

A Prayer Request

I want to ask you to pray for me! The Lord is talking to me about branching out to new areas and to more people, both online and in person. Pray also for open doors, an infusion of strength, and a stronger anointing to share the Good News, preach deliverance, and bring healing to people.

Susan and I continue to pray for you every day and believe for MUCH FRUIT in your life. May the seeds that have been planted in you through us and others GROW, GROW, GROW. And may the seeds that you plant (acts of kindness, words of life) GROW, GROW, GROW and multiply, in Jesus’ name. Thank you for your friendship and partnership.

Onward!

Tom