Trying Again To Make Everything Come Out Right!

I'm learning, slowly, how this all goes together. Chris was supposed to be on the bottom of the next section, but you can figure that out. What a blessing it was to share in the ministry and the music with people celebrating their oneness in Christ. The most moving moments of the week, though, were not found under the bright lights of the stage, they were found in the less bright areas of our encampment where folks too messed up to get around were ministered to. In Sturgis during the rally the police bring by the "paddy wagon" every so often with the ones who aren't really breaking any laws, yet(jail is filled to overflowing)and give them opportunity to "visit" with us, or go to jail. Quite often our minstry teams work with individuals for hours on end as they sober them up, straighten them up, and present God's plan of salvation in terms that can be easily understood. I pray with God's leading that I can share a few of the stories with you from 2005 right here. It's still a little too "fresh" in my heart, not to mention my mind, to put into perspectives that might be useful for helping people to make new and better choices for their lives.

This is my wife, Cheryl, and I working the stage on Wednesday evening of rally week. We decided a year ago that the new CD had to debut at Jericho Camp in honor of the inspiration and support the folks there have given both of us the past 15 years. I can say without reservation that we love each and every one of you. A few of the songs I've written are in direct response to the outreach done in this tiny city during our state's single largest event. The Cd is available direct from us here in Brookings at a cost of $15 (15 original works for a buck apiece) + shipping and handling to your mailbox. The music outlets will be offering it soon for the $21.95 tag, so give us a holler at cltl@brookings.net for your copy soon! Now, I've got to post a better picture of Chris because the first one was too dark. If this does not come out as I planned it, keep stopping back, I will get it eventually. God bless, In Christ's Love, Preacher.

Sharing The Faith In Sturgis

This is our "soundman" Marty! He was with us for almost the entire event. Duties called him back to his home and work before the final two days. We really missed you, Marty, and the work you accomplished will never be forgotten. God bless you and yours, and know that you can touch base with me anytime.

Chris came to us from Chicago. He has a heart for ministry and brought a refreshing combination of hardrock (metal) to the stage with a zeal for delivering the message of salvation geared for the generation he represents. He could only stay with us one day, his father passed away and he was called back to Illinois. His performance was astonishing, and none of us knew the circumstances under which he performed until it was all over. The tribute he provided for his father and the witness he presented on behalf of our Savior was enough to bring the entire gathering to it's collective feet in thanks. Amidst a surrounding of new-found brothers and sisters in Christ Chris was blessed with prayers from everyone and encouragement to continue the work he is doing. Somewhere tonight out there in the world he is working, I'm sure, to hone his talents to an even greater degree as he prepares to launch into the college circuit of believers carrying the one true message of salvation. My prayers are with him, and my wife and I look forward to his coming to SDSU here in Brookings one day soon!
Faith is not simply an activity we take part in once or twice a week, it is an ongoing, daily participation in the relationship we have been given through the visitation of God's Holy Spirit. God bless you, Chris! Keep on rockin'

Many of the folks that come to work in the evangelistic outreach accomplished over the course of two weeks in "Little Babylon" have artwork done on their cycles to carry the message of salvation as they travel. In recent years this trend has brought about an amazing change in the things that are seen on the streets during the height of rally week. Carrying the cross along the blocks that are filled to capacity with cycles from every imaginable corner of the US and many foreign countries is a daily occurrence. This year we had many members of the various christian camps processing through downtown, together! It was a wonderful display of unity in Christ seeing the brothers working for their Lord without concern for denominational alignment. That's one of the more enlightening asides that can be garnered from a spiritual visit here, those who are walking in the spirit are all in agreement on the fundamentals of faith. For the most part any theological differences are set aside for the sake of reaching the lost and hurt human beings that are in abundance wherever one looks.

Sturgis, SD - The Outreach

The journey westward this year was filled with anticipation and a bit of remorse. My co-pilot that usually accompanies me (close enough to snuggle back to front) for hours had to come the following day. Cheryl drove out to carry the equipment needed for performing under the "bigtop" this year. I really missed her along every mile(398 lay between us and Jericho Camp)that runs straight through the center, east to west, of South Dakota. Every stop presented me an opportunity to witness to others the goodness of God and the freedom that is to be found in Christ.

God Touches Hearts And Brings Them To Llife Just Like The Flowers Grow When Given Water!