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A demonstration of God's power in Pakistan.
--- 05/31/2006
Hi, Kevin,
I'm so ashamed of myself that it has taken me so long to respond to such an inspiring e-mail that you sent me. To be quite honest, I didn't want to until I had sufficient time to truly respond adequately and not have to "rush out" an e-mail. I can't even muster up the words to describe what an impact you and your family, Lisa, and the vision of SWI has made on my life. When the Lord first spoke to me about disaster relief and crisis evangelism, I didn't really even know what it was. I just knew it was a resounding "GO" and "BUCKLE UP!"
I had a quickie two-day course in Colorado Springs on what the Word says about disasters and wars and rumors of wars; later a one-week training in Chicago also about disasters and crisis evangelism and what the Word has to say about it, plus some incident command training; then the EMT-B course (which, by the way, I never dreamed I would be on our local rescue squad, as I thought it was strictly going to be used on the field); then instructed by the Lord to actually join the Griswold Rescue; now asked to be a part of the disaster planning committee or whatever you call it, for the State of Iowa.
But honestly, nothing has been more exciting, challenging, and life- changing than my time with SWI, in the field and off. I include off because my prayer and intercession for the nations and Strategic World Impact is not the same either. My life is being consumed by the Lord, and it's awesome, but scary too. I know that you know what I mean. I know you've cracked jokes about I'm the only one who's been to DART more times than you, and whilst I chuckle, I'm starting to understand why. I've studied the 10/40 Window, taught lots on the 10/40 Window, done research for publications on the 10/40 Window and now through you and SWI, I've seen the Kingdom of God demonstrated in the10/40 Window, and I now see just what is "A DEMONSTRATION OF GOD'S POWER".
I've learned so much from you, not only when you speak, but watching you live your life. You have taught me what it means to "follow the Man". The Apostle Paul has taught me a lot about it too, but you I get to see in the flesh, just how it works. 1 Cor. 2:4-5: ... not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Sprit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power."
DEMONSTRATIONS OF GOD'S POWER JUST RECENTLY:
1. Risking danger, traveling impassable roads is a demonstration of God's power.
2. Doctoring the sick is a demonstration of God's power
3. Feeding the hungry is a demonstration of God's power
4. Worshipping on soil where there has been no worship for hundreds of years (foreign feet to boot) is a demonstration of God's power
5. Giving money to widows is a demonstration of God's power
6. Speaking the Word outloud where it has not been spoken for hundreds of years is a demonstration of God's power
7. Praying in territory that has been in the ironclad grip of the enemy for centuries is a demonstration of God's power
8. Praying for release of the captives is a demonstration of God's power
9. Giving shelter to the homeless is a demonstration of God's power 10. Bringing in the Gospel message of hope, forgiveness of sins and eternal life IS A DEMONSTRATION OF GOD'S POWER.
Thanks so much for letting me be a part of it all. Reflecting on the Major and Captain, they were amazed that God had sent us just for them; that the food, medicine, etc., was just a cover for bringing in the message of Christ; that God told us specifically to come to them; that we payed our own money to get there; that we risked our lives in order to share something that must be very important - the Gospel Message, the power of God unto salvation! Scales fall off spiritually blind eyes when people see, perhaps for the first time, that God is real, that He knows and cares personally about them and their urgent needs, and that He is willing to intervene for them. I'm so honored to serve with you and your family and the SWI family. You guys are truly my people group. I mean, after all, does anybody else understand us? Oh, as regards to the awesome invitation to begin doing something in the line of work for SWI, volunteer in nature, no pay, no attention, no glory, etc., sounds great!!!! In fact, I've been praying for it.
Thanks, Kevin, for all your labor in the Lord. You have a genuine gift of making everyone feel special and an intricate part of a team. Your Sister in Christ, Steph
I can't wait to see Tammy and the kids!!
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