September 4, 2010 - Revival Continues

While we are home, we have been attending revival services each week at Church of His Presence. God is really pouring out His Spirit. The lame are walking, the deaf hear and the blind see. Thank God for the fire!

Keeping my time in Pensacola as productive as possible, I finished and sent a new book to the printers this week. It is The Chosen Vessels, book 4 in the Azusa Street series. I am also working on book 9, with hopes of finishing it by the end of the year.

August 23, 2010 - Revival is growing in Mobile

Gasoline to Mobile . . . $10 . . . Junk food . . . $13 . . . Parking at the convention center . . . $5 . . . Reserved seats at a fresh and powerful move of God . . . PRICELESS!

August 16, 2010 - Busy Day

Sunday was a busy day. I preached in Foley, Alabama at Family Revival Center and then drove to Crestview, Florida to preach at Harvest Vineyard in the afternoon. Harvest Vineyard is a Teen Challege type ministry helping men and women go from addiction to recovery. Thank God for their great work!

August 14, 2010 - Revival on the Gulf

The past two nights we have visited Church of His Presence in Daphne, AL. Revival has broken out in the church. Last night Lindell Cooley led us into the weightiest glory I have experienced in years. It was the same presence that was at Brownsville on the greatest nights of the revival. Do it again, Lord.

August 8, 2010 - Another Year Older

Today was a good day. It was my 58th birthday. How blessed I am. I have gone further, seen more and done more than I could ever have hoped. To God be the glory.

T.J. and I took Matthew, our grandson, home today. He has been with us for almost two weeks. He and Papa found something fun to do every day. I have enjoyed him more than I could ever tell. He is a wonderful young gentleman. Pray for little Matt.

July 31, 2010 - Bethel Assembly in Duncan, OK

It had been 38 years since I preached at Bethel. It was so great to be back. The services were powerful and the fellowship with Pastors Ron and Jan Meador was so enjoyable. My brother Dan is a member at Bethel and the Meadors and the church have been so good to him through Terry's battle with cancer and his season of grief.

July 24, 2010 - Bixby, OK

How dAfter just a few days at home, I left for meetings in Oklahoma. This week I was in Bixby, just south of Tulsa. Pastor David Dillon is one of my dearest friends.

July 15, 2010 - Amazonas District Convention

How do I begin to describe the great convention rally sponsored by the Amazonas District of the Pentecostal Church of God of Brazil? It was awesome! Prayer, worship, dancing, music, installation of officers, dancing, programs, singing, hot dogs, popcorn, bananas, patriotism, fireworks, did I say dancing?, preaching, more than 1,000 answered the altar call--the largest altar call in 43 years of ministry. Praise God forever.

July 13, 2010 - Sunday

Here are some photos from Sunday in Manaus. I will try to get up a report on Saturday night before I leave town on Friday.

July 12, 2010 - Why?

You can't imagine how tired I was when I got to Pensacola today. We had a huge convention rally on Saturday night, more than a thousand answered the altar call. I prayed for hundreds (I will post a larger report soon) and then on Sunday morning I preached at an 8:30 service and again prayed for dozens to receive the Holy Ghost. Sunday afternoon I did a television interview and then preached at four pm and seven pm services in another church, praying for dozens after each sermon.

After the services, we loaded my luggage and headed for the airport. I was physically wasted. Then, I flew all night and finally got into Pensacola at 11 this morning. I was exhausted--totally exhausted. Why would anyone torture themselves like this? Here are two good reasons--this lady was saved when I was in Brazil in 1994. She and her husband are now preparing to me missionaries. Friday night in the service their ten year old received the baptism in the Holy Spirit. I think I can do it again . . .

July 10, 2010 - Pentecostal Church of God Convention

July 9, 2010 - "It's a hap, hap, happy place . . . "

What a day . . . . a boat trip on the Amazon this morning, McD's for lunch and a trip to the dentist in the afternoon. Can't wait to see what God is going to do tonight!

July 8, 2010 - Azusa

Last night we hosted a great Azusa Street rally at Manaus Moderna. The same Spirit that filled the mission at 312 Azusa filled our hearts again.

July 7, 2010 - Brazillian Radio

Yesterday I preached a bit on Brazillian radio. The station was helping to promote the convention which begins today. Pray for the meetings that God will do wonderful things.

July 5, 2010 - What a Sunday!

Things are a bit different in Brazil. The main service on Sunday is in the evening. I was blessed to preach in two churches last night- Maunaus Moderna (Pastor John Nunes) and Capela Charismatica (Pastor Neri Campos). Both of these men are leaders in the Amazonas District of the PCOG in Brazil. In addition to the central church, John has 18 satelite churches, Neri, 29. These men pastor thousands of people.

Both services were wonderful. The Spirit of God moved and many were baptized in the Holy Ghost. I went to Manaus Moderna first and preached at 6PM. I prayed for dozens of people to receive the baptism.

We then rushed across town to be at Capela Charismatica and the same Spirit visited us there with a great outpouring. Brother John's son, Calede translated for me. It was his first time to translate a sermon and he did an excellent job. When I was here last, he was just a small boy.

I am so excited to be here!

July 3, 2010 - Beautiful Brazil

Well I am back in Brazil. It has been fifteen years since I was last here. My good friend, John Nunes and his son picked me up at the airport last night about midnight. Please cover these meeting in prayer. I will be preaching a convention for the Pentecostal Church of God and Saturday night could be a huge meeting. Pray for souls!

June 29, 2010 - Back in Baton Rouge

TJ and I had a wonderful weekend in Baton Rouge. I preached at Family Worship Center on Sunday night and was a guest on Brother Swaggart's program and "Frances and Friends" on Monday morning.

On Brother Swaggart's program I lived by the rule, "Don't say anything and people will think you are a fool . . . open your mouth and they will know it." I was not so fortunate on Sister Swaggart's program. We enjoyed ourselves so much and the Swaggarts are always so very kind to us.

June 19, 2010 - In Loving Memory

I changed my tickets in New York and instead of flying home I flew to Oklahoma to be with my brother and his wife. Terry had taken a major turn for the worse and I wanted to be there to serve them any way I could.

Our precious Terry went to be with Jesus on Wednesday night, June 16. We had celebrated her 50th birthday on Saturday.

Just three months before, Terry had learned she had a tumor. She was diagnosed with Renal Cell Carsinoma and despite radical surgery, thousands of prayers and a valliant fight, God took Terry home. This is one of those things we will never understand this side of eternity. Terry was a wonderful Christian and a great supporter of this ministry. She will be missed terribly. We do, however, have this hope--she is awaiting us on the sunny banks of sweet deliverance. What a day that will be!

Please pray for my brother Danny, his whole life has been turned upside down but his faith is strong.

June 11, 2010 - Northern Hospitality

How do I describe the hospitality shown me by Pastors Don and Rose Foster at Yorktown Assembly of God in Yorktown Heights, New York? The Fosters, who spent many years as children's evangelist should write the book on how to treat evangelists. They were so kind and they have an awesome church. We were blessed that God was with us in every service.

After closing in New York, I changed my schedule to fly to Oklahoma City to be with my brother Danny and his wife, Terry. Please continue to pray for them.

June 5, 2010 - Crash!

After preaching at Foley, I spent a week in Oklahoma supporting Danny and Terry as she battles cancer. It was not a week of good news for Terry. She and Danny both need your prayers for a miracle. God is able.

While I was in Oklahoma, the almost unthinkable happened--my laptop crashed. Unfortunately, Jesus saves, but I don't! I faced a real dilemma Everything I have been working on was on the laptop. I ordered a restoration disk and hoped for the best. Thank God for favor, a lady that works on my computers was able to copy all my documents and replace the hard drive. I got the computer back last night about 9 and left the house this morning at 3:30 a.m. to fly to New York. Now, I am trying to reinstall programs--so far, so good. At least I am able to update you tonight.

Spring in Florida has some advantages, the azaleas were especially beautiful this year and the perfume of the flowering gardenias scented our whole yard. My lovely lady is more beautiful than them all and always brings a wonderful aroma to my life.

May 24, 2010 - Close to Home

Pastor Tommy Howard from Family Revival Center in Foley, Alabama called us on Saturday and invited us over to preach. Tommy was saved in the Brownsville revival and attended BRSM. He is doing a great job in Foley. We had a great Pentecost Sunday service and at least one received the baptism in the Holy Spirit. God is so good!

Please continue to pray for my sister-in-law Terry. She needs a miracle.

Today is T J's birthday. Happy birthday to my wonderful partner in life and ministry.

May 21, 2010 - Home

I had not scheduled anything for a few weeks in May because of the conference. After it was cancelled, it gave me some time at the house. I have been doing some "honey dos" and catching up on paper work. We did not get ridge vents in our house after Hurricane Ivan so I was on the roof a couple mornings putting in the vents. They are all but necessary down here with the heat.

Tomorrow is TJ and my anniversary. Monday will be her birthday. She feels like she gets cheated with Mother's Day, her birthday, and our anniversary so close together. Believe me she doesn't and she makes sure of it!

I finally got Treasury of Prayer to the printer today. This a wonderful book. I know you will appreciate its powerful message.

May 10, 2010 - Amelia, OH

I just spent three wonderful with my dear friends Lary and Rosella Goss at Mt Holly Christian Church in Amelia, OH. The church has made great progress since our visit last year. Several received the Holy Ghost baptism this week.

For those that like music with a bit of a country or southern gospel flavor they have some of the best pickers and grinners around. I really enjoyed the worship and the good people at Mt Holly.

It was a special treat when Jim Groves drove up from Lexington, KY to be in service with us on Sunday night. Bless you, Jumpin' Jimmy.

May 6, 2010 - Word of Life Church

I was back in Casey, IL this week with Pastors Ken and April Wade one of our BRSM graduates. April has had a lot of physical problems and needs your prayers, but the ministry is going well. We love the Wade family.

I also put up a gallery for the Ethiopia trip today. Take a look at the pictures.

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May 1, 2010 - The Ups and Downs!

The last few days have been filled with emotion. We had to cancel the BRSM2010 Conference. There was not enough registrations to guarantee the success of the conference. We have felt several days that it was time to pull the plug. This was very hard us for, we have been planning this for a year, invested a lot of time and money, and most important were looking forward to a great spiritual boost. Unfortunately it just didn't happen this year. Of course, there is also the relief I feel from being out from under this heavy load. One of the former BRSMers who was helping with the reunion sent me this interesting observaion:

....."It is fascinating to see this not go through given the amazing line up of most of ......the principals and the fact that a great many of us threw away our former lives to ......attend BRSM. Interesting times..."

Yesterday, travelling through Missouri I was able to spend some time with Lil Matt. For the first time ever I was able to attend his ball practice. I am no sports fan, but when it is your grandbuddy it doesn't matter.

April 29, 2010 - Back in Howe

We have just finished another revival at Howe Assembly of God in Howe, OK. We have preached more in this church in the past three years than any other. Pastor and Mrs. Barron are such wonderful hosts.

This great church bought us our car two years ago and this week some of the wonderful people bought us new tires--not to mention fresh beef and home-grown and canned garden vegetables. What a wonderful group of friends and supporters of this ministry.

April 21, 2010 - Revival!

Sometimes, as an evangelist, I get tired. I know I shouldn't, and probably shouldn't admit it, but I still do. Tired of being away from home . . . tired of driving thousands of miles . . . tired of low income and high expenses . . . tired of carrying water to people who aren't thirsty . . . and then . . . when you think you can't go any further--God shows up! My, my, my, did he ever show up at Grand Assembly of God in Chickasha, OK. I have know Pastors Larry and Helen Hatfield for forty years and knew they were wonderful pastors. I didn't know they had such a great church.

We have never been treated better by such a hungry, humble and generous group of people. We led an Azusa Street Now Conference, but it was a real Holy Ghost revival. People received the baptism in the Holy Ghost every night--I lost track of how many--well over twenty, I believe. Thank you Pastor Hatfield and your wonderful congregation . . . through you God has restored our soul.

April 18, 2010 - Here and There

Sorry I haven't updated but other things have kept me occupied. Since the last post, we held an Azusa Now Conference in Comanche, OK. It is always good to be with Pastor W W Harkins and the good folk in my home church. It was especially good to have T J with me for the meeting.

Following the revival, we spent two days in OKC where my sister-in-law Terry had cancer surgery. Terry is recovering and we appreciate everyone who prayed for her. She needs your continued prayers as she will begin treatments soon.

I drove back to Pensacola and preached an Azusa Now at Belleview Assembly of God. Having lived in Florida 10 years now, this was my first revival in the state. Several received the baptism in the Holy Ghost.

I spent a couple days on the yard, taxes, and the other stuff of life before hitting the road again. Now I am back in Oklahoma for an Azusa Now Conference at Grand Assembly in Chickasha.

March 31, 2010 - Ringling, OK

I have lost count of how many times I have preached in Ringling! I have been preaching here for 40 years--but this week, we taught the Azusa story. As always, God showed up and touched the good people of Ringling.

March 30, 2010 - Lindsay, OK

I am finally recovering from the jet-lag and strain of the Africa trip. "The ole gray mare . . ." You can fill in the rest. I was in Lindsay, OK for the week-end and God blessed in a powerful way. Pastor Rodney Hutcheson is doing a great job of leading a great church.

March 25, 2010 - Pray for Terry

I finally got home Tuesday night about 10 after over 40 hours in airports and airplanes. This was one of the best, but also one of the hardest trips I have ever made. Sometimes I wonder if I am getting too old for all of this.

We received terrible family news yesterday. My brother Danny's wife, Terry was diagnosed with cancer. Terry has the disease in her kidney and several other places. Her doctors are assembling a surgical team for an operation early next week. Many of you do not know Terry, but she is a wonderful, generous, godly lady. Danny and Terry really need your prayers--please remember them.

March 23, 2010 - Meeting Friends in Amsterdam

This morning I met two old friends in Amsterdam. Assemblies of God Missionary James Dodd has been one of my best friends for 40 years. James was on his way to Africa as I was on my way home and a divine appointment put us both in the Netherlands this morning.

Ronald McDonald is also a long time friend, it is especially good to see him again after being in Africa for ten days. However, the $13 price for a quarter pounder value meal was a bit of a strain on our relationship.

March 22, 2010 - Nairobi

I am in Kenya with a six-hour layover at the airport. It takes about fifteen minutes to see everything in the airport and I saw it all in 2008, so I will take the opportunity to update you on our trip.

Before leaving Ethiopia this morning, I preached at Joshua Campaign's project to help unfortunate women. It was a great experience. Abbi Akvist and her team takes these ladies and trains them to cook and sew and ministers to them and their children for nine months, preparing them to enter the workforce and support themselves.

Our entire trip to Ethiopia was marvelous. What a blessing to meet several wonderful missionaries doing the work of God. My Swedish hosts in Ethiopia, Per and Abbi Akvist showed me so much kind hospitality. They are missionaries with the Word of Life in Sweden and the Pentecostal Church of God in America. We hope they are friends forever.

Saturday morning I preached to a group of church leaders. As Jim Groves would say, "It got real!" What a wonderful presence of the Holy Ghost came into the meeting.

On Saturday night and Sunday I preached at a new church plant in a small community. The church had a eucalyptus frame, a tin roof, a dirt floor and plastic sheeting for walls. The place reeked of a pig pen, but praise be to God 23 answered the altar call.

March 19, 2010 - Joy in Ethiopia

I have taught at the Bible School all this week, finishing yesterday at 12:30. It was a great pleasure teaching the students, but a relief that this part of my assignment in Africa was complete. All of these men will leave the Bible school in a few months and plant churches in Ethiopia.

On Wednesday night I preached at a church near Addis Ababa. Several were ministered to and we thank God for His touch.

On Thursday night I shared the Azusa Street story with a group of pastors from Addis. I don't know that I have ever felt more hunger from a group of church leaders.

March 16, 2010 - The Spirit Which Is from God

Today was my second day at the Bible School in Addis Ababa. I am teaching on the Holy Spirit from 8:30 AM until 12:15. God has been blessing powerfully. Please keep us in your prayers. Tomorrow I will teach in the morning and preach at a local church in the evening.

March 14, 2010 - Remembering Sister Steele

We drove out of the city about 30 minutes to a village with a new church plant for our first service in Ethiopia. Thank God His presence was in the place.

I sat in the humble tabernacle today and tears ran down my face as I remembered Sister Kathleen Steele. Sister Steele was our Children's Church director when I was a child. I remember once she made a hut out of cardboard and a palm tree from a carpet roll to teach us the value of souls in far away places like Africa. Sister Steele taught us to love people we couldn't see and give that they might hear the gospel. Back then Africa was a far away place I could only dream of visiting. Today, I am here telling them about Jesus. I think Sister Steele is pleased.

March 13, 2010 - My Triumphant Entry into Ethiopia

After more than 48 hours of cancelled flights, missed flights, weather delayed flights, security checks, long lines, long phone calls, more long lines, more security checks, I finally left Atlanta at 4:30 pm on Thursday. Somewhere along the journey, I picked up a stomach bug and all my pepto bismo and such were packed in my suitcase. The flight to Frankfurt was 8 1/2 hours then more long lines to get my boarding pass to Addis. No stomach meds for sale at the airport. Finishing another seven hours on the plane to Addis almost finished me. Fortunately, neither plane was very crowded and I could at least breath, but I dozed very little. When the plane arrived in Ethiopia at about 7 PM on Friday, lets just say I was getting a bit weary.

After deboarding the plane we had to clear customs and gather our bags for another security check. I had one heavy bag in hand and grabbed the second one off the fast-moving conveyor belt. Somehow, the suitcase threw me for a loop and I lost my balance. One bag went this way, the other went that way. I had only one direction to go--down. I was grabbing for anything and everything, but nothing was there but air. By then I was only 3 feet from the floor, but it was like one of those slow motion dreams where you keep falling and falling. Finally, I ended my "trip" spread-eagle, face down on the airport floor. Fortunately the only thing fractured was my pride.

Welcome to Ethiopia!

March 11, 2010 - Still a New Adventure

This morning, I am in Atlanta, sitting at a motel. Yesterday's flight out of Pensacola was diverted to Dothan, Alabama because of storms in Atlanta. When we finally got to Atlanta, I had missed my flight to Amsterdam. I am trying again today at 4:25 for a flight to Frankfurt and then on to Addis Ababa. This is the third day to try and get out of the USA. I will miss my first preaching appointment in Ethiopia even if everything goes well. Please pray for travel grace.

March 9, 2010 - A New Adventure, for Sure

Well, the one thing predictable about travel is that it is unpredictable. Instead of heading to Amsterdam, I am chillin' in Pensacola.

As I was stepping onto the plane today the pilot came out of the cockpit and said, "You might as well go back to the terminal. This plane isn't flying." Seems the windshield cracked upon landing. Someone said it was bird strike. Whatever it was, I missed the appointment in Amsterdam. I will leave tomorrow for Addis Ababa. Perhaps I will be able to give the teaching in Amsterdam on the way home.

Thank you so much for keeping us covered in prayer. I can only wonder what might have happened if the plane had flown. Thank God for protection.

March 9, 2010 - A New Adventure

I am at the airport in Pensacola, waiting on the beginning of a new spiritual adventure. I will fly tonight, arrive in Amsterdam in the morning and go straight from the airport to the seminary to teach on Azusa Street. The next morning I leave for Ethiopia. Pleas pray for us.

March 2, 2010 - Netherlands and Ethiopia

I received my itinerary for my Africa trip today. I will be leaving in one week. I am having some difficulties with the Ethiopian visa, so please pray the embassy will send it to me tomorrow.

On the way to Ethiopia, I will minister at the Azusa Theological Seminary in Amsterdam. I count this an honor and a privilege to be at this great school, training leaders for Europe.

As soon as I arrive in Ethiopia, I will do a three day conference at a church in Addis. Following this, I will teach on the Holy Spirit for a week in the Bible School and preach some in the evenings. The following weekend I will preach another conference in a different church. Please cover all these meetings in prayer.

February 24, 2010 - Publishing Ministry

One of the most important aspects of this ministry is our publishing division. We have published more than thirty books on revival. Some of the books we have written, many are reprints. Because we do short runs (1,000-3000 copies) there is very little profit in the publishing, so most of these books would remain out-of-print and unavailable without our efforts. One book that we reprinted--Sodom Had No Bible--was very rare and getting a copy could cost as much as $100 before we made it available for only $12. Hundreds have been blessed by these books because of the efforts of this ministry.

This month and last while we have spent some time at home we have been working on two books--Holy Ghost Revival on Azusa Street: The Chosen Vessels and A Treasury of Prayer. Both books are now ready for editing and I hope to have them at the printer by the first of April and available before conference.

We also hope to finish at least one more book on the Welsh revival in 2010. Maybe, just maybe, we can get another Azusa Street book finished (two more and the series is complete).

February 16, 2010 - A Great Valentine's Day

T.J. and I spent our Valentine's Day in Baton Rouge at Family Worship Center. I was blessed to preach Sunday night at this great church. All the Swaggarts were so kind to us, as they have always been. I was so nervous, preaching with Brother Swaggart on the platform. Since I first heard him preach in person in 1969, I have believed he was the greatest evangelist of my lifetime. I still believe it!

February 12, 2010 - Baton Rouge

It was cold and snowing when I headed to Sonlife Radio this morning. What a pleasure it was to be a guest on the Frances and Friends broadcast. By the time we got into the Azusa Street story, things heated up as the fire of the Holy Ghost filled the studio.

February 9, 2010 - Sonlife Radio

I will be interviewed by Frances Swaggart on her radio program on the Sonlife Radio Network. You can hear the program at 9 am on Friday. The broadcast was originally scheduled for Monday, but the date had to be changed. We will talk about the Azusa Street revival. If you get the Sonlife Network in your area, listen in. You can also listen live on the internet at www. jsm.org.

I want to take a moment to say thank you to a special friend. Deena Alexander is a voluneer and supporter of this ministry. Time would not permit to tell everything that Deena has done for this ministry, especially preparatory and promotional work for the conference.

January 29, 2010 - Howe!

I just got home from another great revival in Howe, OK. Howe is a remarkable place. It is where 1950 and 2010 are happily married. You are much more likely to see someone riding down the street in a horse or kids pulling tadpoles from mud holes than a 2010 Hummer or Rolls Royce.

Howe Assembly of God is much the same way. The church is just as comfortable with "Everybody Will be Happy Over There" as they are with "Revelation Song." Howe is the kind of place where you come home with offerings of farm-raised, freshly-butchered beef, home-grown and canned pickles, relish, jellies and chow chow.

The way the past and the present meet in a very good way makes Howe Assembly one of my favorite places.

January 15, 2010 - Brrrrrrrrrrr!

Who says it doesn't get cold in Florida. We have been here nine years and the past two week are probably the coldest since we have lived here. I know, I know, it was colder where you lived, but understand, we take it harder down here. This is a photo I snapped on the way to church on Sunday.

With the help of a sprinkler we can even have a winter wonderland! Pray for us, we are working on plans for a mission trip to Ethiopia. Want to join us?

January 3, 2010 - Happy New Year

Sorry to be a few days late with the New Year wishes, but I spent a couple days on the road taking Little Matt back home. Only fellow grandparents could know what a great time we had with him. He had been to grandma's house in over two years.

We were blessed and surprised to have missionaries James and Susan Dodd drop by on New Years Day. They were driving from Orlando to Kileen, TX and stopped by for lunch. James and I have been friends for forty years. The Dodds are currently training church planters in Africa.

For Archived News, Click Below:

January-December 2009

July-December 2008

January-June 2008