“Pastor Nick never sings to me like that.”
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Recently, my memory was triggered and I recalled a powerful moment in the Brig, back in Segregation (the section of the Brig where confinees are isolated from the General Population.) Years ago, Sandy and I had just finished the Sxxual Integrity & Restoration (SIR) Class, so we went back to Seg to spend time with a young man (NC) who, just a few weeks prior, was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life without parole. We had ministered to NC throughout the previous year, while pending his court-martial. We watched his faith and dependence on Christ thrive. Throughout his pre-trial, NC ran a gauntlet of emotions – remorse, shame, regret, fear, denial, bewilderment, shock, etc. NC couldn’t fully grasp what he’d done or why, nor could he stop thinking about the lives he destroyed and impacted, especially the victim and his family. NC continued to cling to God’s forgiveness, but he perpetually wrestled with forgiving himself. In the midst of all this, NC said he deserved the sentence he received (life without parole) but he still has to process everything and adjust to these catastrophic changes in his life and those he’s affected. NC said he felt hopeless. I told him, “As long as Christ is alive, there’s always hope! And Christ ain’t going anywhere!” I also said, “I will hope for you.” And I do. I hope for his soul ”” that his soul receives forgiveness, healing, deliverance, peace, and restoration. I told NC of a favorite song that says, “Be strong in the Lord… never give up hope…” Right there, on the spot, unrehearsed, and through the 4” x 12” slit in the steel door, Sandy began to softly sing the song to him.
Sandy finished and we were momentarily silent as those words settled into NC’s spirit. It was a powerful, peaceful moment. When NC did speak, the first thing he said was, “Pastor Nick never sings to me like that.” We all burst out laughing. It was a welcomed, momentary relief from all his burdens. We closed and prayed for his continued peace.
I was reminded of Matthew 25:31-46. “But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. (vs.32) All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; (vs.33) and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left. (vs.34) Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. (vs.35) ‘For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; (vs.36) naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’ (vs.37) Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? (vs.38) ‘And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? (vs.39) ‘When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ (vs.40) The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’ (vs.41) Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels; (vs.42) for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink; (vs.43) I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.’ (vs.44) Then they themselves also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?’ (vs.45) Then He will answer them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ (vs.46) These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” Do something for the Lord. |
Opposition Update:So, as I’ve mentioned, over these past 10-12 weeks, I’ve fielded multiple phone calls, meetings, and questions about my qualifications and presence on the US bases here. Last week, I was called to the carpet and asked for any professional certifications for teaching the sxxual subject matter. I presented them with my papers (Ordinations, Seminary Diplomas, and various other certificates). I was ready with a dozen questions of my own, but these authorities kindly apologized for any inconvenience and said we carried much credibility with them, especially with our twenty years of volunteer, steady, and faithful service. They mentioned that because they were being asked questions from higher up, they had to cover their bases. I totally understood. This Monday, I have a follow-up meeting about my request for SOFA status. “Status of Forces Agreement” is an agreement between a host country and a foreign nation stationing military forces in that country. SOFAs are often included, along with other types of military agreements, as part of a comprehensive security arrangement. SOFA for Americans here includes American postal system, American banking, American driver’s licenses, travel visas, on-base gas stations and prices, on-base groceries, etc. Please be in prayer for this meeting as I was told I’ve been targeted. Honestly, with the high turnover rate, we tend to experience this every 2-4 years, just not this bad. What I’ve learned is that after they’re gone, I’m still here. Know that Sandy and I remain with our hands to the plow, until we’re thrown out or God calls us elsewhere. Without skipping a beat, we conduct every outreach — minimum of four separate ministries every week. And, I just concluded a 4-part candid series on “Divine Design for Sxx” (soon to be uploaded on Youtube). In the midst of all this, Sandy and I still took time to complete a handful of funny, 70’s Soul/Afro, lip-sync videos. (This was the reason I had been growing my afro over these last six months. The hair was driving me crazy.) However, doing these videos together ended up being quite therapeutic for us. Go figure. (See Videos) |
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Philippines Medical Mission Outreach (PMMO) 2020Asian Relief & Medical Services (ARMS) 2020 is on for April 13th – 24th. People from around the globe will be participating as we provide free medical and dental services to the needy, and present the gospel to every attendee. Presently, we are scheduled to minister at seven sights, maybe eight. With up to 600-800 men, women, and children at each sight, the potential for impacting these communities with the gospel of our Lord, Jesus Christ, is enormous! Me, Sandy, and Danielle are hoping to attend by raising $2,000 each (Total $6k). Please know that when you partner with us through your giving, you become a benefactor in the Kingdom fruit that is harvested. (See Php 4:17) So, please consider joining us in these works by sowing into this ARMS mission. When you do, please designate your gift to ARMS. (Donate Here) |
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In closing… So many people (women, primarily) have enjoyed our silly 70’s videos. They ask if we’re still really in love like that after thirty-three years. Yes! They ask how, and I begin with “Sandy makes me love her!” (Read here: https://zcdc.wpcomstaging.com/2018/02/20/sandy-makes-me-love-her/) Saints, now more than ever, we covet your prayers. After describing some of the opposition, someone said, “Tide’s in and you’re up to your neck in $%!#!” (Haha!) Here’s to hanging on ’til the tide goes back out! We genuinely believe we can see light at the end of the tunnel. Beloved, even with all the interference, we remained focused on making disciples. We can use your help. The costs of being full-time missionaries in Japan — financial, physical, and emotional — are enormous. Please consider partnering with us through your faith-giving. Financial gifts and contributions can be made online through Christians In Action. Or, you can mail contributions to the “new address” listed below. (Address Change) I declare that the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in Jesus’ name, shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever Jesus has said! (Jn 14:26) Contributions can be mailed to:
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— Our Mission & Vision —“Gather Sheep & Convert Goats!”“Catch, Clean, & Release!” |