August 2008 Monthly Letter

2 Corinthians 1:11 "You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us in answer to many prayers."

During these summer months I have asked you to specifically pray for "pastors to respond to my daily calls for hosting future UpBuilding Weekends."

Well, to that I say "thank you, Lord," and "thank you, Partners!"

Our Lord has been faithful to His Word and "granted His blessing to this ministry in answer to your many prayers!" He has blessed us with a full calendar of committed dates beginning with September 08 and continuing through January 09. He has also provided single dates so far in February, March, and April. Three pastors are to call next week to confirm dates for pre-Easter weekends!

I praise the Lord with you and FOR you and your faithful prayers!

Just today I received a call from a pastor in Fuquay-Varina (I don't know how to pronounce it either!) North Carolina. He and his wife co-pastor a church of 289 members.

As we spoke, I inquired of him how he heard about UpBuilding Ministries. Was it through another pastor's recommendation? "No," he answered, "my wife was browsing the network for renewal ministries and found your site! It was exactly what we have been looking for! In fact, we couldn't believe its emphasis was on the entire family of God, including children!"

Prayer Partners, this is the first time in19 years of UpBuilding Ministries that this has happened! How do you explain this--other than another God-cidence that comes, as His Word says, "in answer to prayers of many!"

I phone, re-phone, and email, between 35 to 40 pastors on Tuesdays at 1:30 pm through Thursdays at 7:30 pm (which is 4:30 pm Pacific time.) Why? Most pastors take Mondays or Fridays off and most church staff meetings are on Tuesday mornings. Also, most pastors are not available when I call, nor return my first time calls nor repeated calls until after an average of 8 calls. That's just the way it is! Having been a pastor, I understand! It is rewarding to me that when a connection IS made, many of the pastors thank me for "my persistence" rather than call me a "pester bug!"

Each date you see on my calendar represents from 15 to 19 calls over a 3 to 4 year period of time. Yes, I have become a salesman! But, I also serve the greatest Boss Who also gives the greatest benefits ("…forget not ALL His benefits." Psalms 103:2b)

Bottom Line: The Lord has heard your prayers and answered them in the affirmative. Let's Praise Him for His faithfulness and graciousness! I praise Him for these attributes, for your prevailing prayers, and for each of YOU! Please continue to pray with praise, patience, and perseverance!