" Reflections 2007 "
Dear Friends and Family,
I can hardly believe it is 2008 already, and I find myself wondering where 2007 went. It would be good to think back on all the good and positive things that happened last year, and forget about the negative ones. If you would, just pause for a minute and thank the Lord for all the goodness He has shown to you throughout the last year. Oh how He comforted us in our times of sorrow, and He was there in our times of need. He is the one that turns our sorrows into joy, and picks us up when we are down. We can rejoice at all times, knowing that He loves us and is near to us.
I would like to share with you some of the things God has done for us in the last year. Pastor Larry Olson encouraged many of us at Lake Michigan Christian Center to go on a forty days fast, and pray for our nation. This would be a “Daniel Fast”, which you have to stay away from certain foods. After being on the fast for three weeks, Lena started feeling faint. Lena had high blood pressure and was on medication, but even then her blood pressure would be higher at times. She took her blood pressure and it was 90 over 54, this is extremely low. She then called her doctor, and he said to discontinue her medication. God had honored her for fasting and healed her of high blood pressure. Lena’s blood pressure is now normal without medication. God truly rewards those who diligently seek Him.
When Lena went for her physical toward the end of the year, she had a bone density test because she had osteoporosis (deterioration of the bones) for about five years, but wasn’t able to take medication for it because of the bad side affects. When the report came back, they found no osteoporosis. She also had an ultrasound done because she had an aortic aneurysm (weakening and enlarging of the main artery supplying blood to your legs) for about four years. When the test came back they found no aneurysm. Lena has had a lot of prayer for her condition, and has sought pray every chance she got. Every time she took communion, she would ask God to heal her. We can only thank and praise God for miraculously healing her.
I’d like to share a Christmas Miracle with you. On Christmas Day we received a phone call from Lena’s sister, telling us that she and her daughter wouldn’t be able to come to our home to celebrate Christmas with our family. Lena’s sister had hurt her back the day before and couldn’t move without severe pain. After our family had left, we packed up all of her presents and some food, and drove to Lena’s sister’s home. When we got there she was lying on the couch and couldn’t move. Lena asked her if she could sit up, so that we could pray for her back, but she wasn’t able to sit up. Since she couldn’t sit up, I placed my hand under her back and prayed for her. She said when I placed my hand on her back, it felt like electricity and warmth going through her back, and all the pain went away. She then was able to sit up and stand without any pain. She was completely healed. She turned and said to us, “I think I just got Healed”. What an awesome God we serve.
Another high point that stands out in my mind is when we went to Kingwood Texas, near Houston, to the City of Light in October, and became Ordained and received our Ministerial Credentials under Hunter Ministries (Charles and Frances Hunter, Worldwide Healing Evangelists). We were also licensed as Ministers of Pastoral Care, and Ordained as Evangelists with Living Way Ministries (Apostle Larry Olson) who launched us out into the ministry.
We are looking forward to this year of 2008. It is truly going to be “The Year of New Beginnings” for many of you, as you step out in faith, and do the things Jesus has placed in your heart to do. Remember that with Christ all things are possible to them that believe and are called according to His purpose. Now for the good news, everyone has been called. Jesus equips who He calls. Let us take a look at what the scriptures say we should do.
The New King James Bible says in Mark 16:15 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
The Bible in Basic English says it this way, Mark 16:15 And He said to them, Go into all the world and give the good news to everyone.
I like the way the Bible in Basic English says: “give the good news to everyone”. Let us be givers this year. The more of Him you give, the more of Him you will receive.
I would like to encourage all of you to get closer to the Lord this year, and to listen to His voice, to lean on Him in your time of need, and rejoice with great joy of His goodness. Love Him with everything that is in you, and He will return His Love abundantly to you. God loves with an unconditional and everlasting love. You are very special in God’s eyes, and He wants only the very best for you. You can call on Him at any time, and He will always be there, right by your side He will lead you and guide you, His hand in your hand all the way through life. He doesn’t ask for much, only your obedient love.
Yes, this is indeed “The Year of New Beginnings”. You have the opportunity to start all over again. You can put your past behind you and start anew. Jesus is holding His hand out to you. Will you take Him by the hand and accept Him as your Lord and Savior. Today is the day of decision, you can decide to go through the next year alone, or you can decide to go with Jesus by your side. What will your answer be? If your answer is yes, say this prayer. Jesus, forgive me of my sins. I believe you are the Son of God, who died for me, so that I could have eternal life. I accept you as my Lord and Savior, and invite you into my heart.
If you have any praise reports about what God has done in your life, or have any prayer requests that you would like us to pray for, simply write or e-mail us at the address below. We are looking forward to hear from you.
We would like to give a very big THANK YOU to all of you that helped support Healing Hands Ministry throughout the year of 2007. May God abundantly prosper you and bless you with good health.