Fishing in Lansing!

Greetings, Loved Ones In Christ;

This evening as I sit on the sofa, in a warm, toasty house, the cold 21 degree weather outside is merely an inconvenience, As if I wanted to be out there! However, tomorrow being Tuesday, I'm looking back to last Tuesday....looking back with memories of our outreach.
I look forward to tomorrow with great anticipation! I have wanted to do this for so long! God truly does always give us 'the desires of our heart' when we delight to do His will! (Psalm 37:4-5).

He had long ago placed a desire in my heart to be out in the streets, whether Prayer-Walking, handing out tracts, flyers, or whatever. I have Prayer Walked all over East Asia, Europe, America, and parts of Canada.....I have loved every moment of it. I've even loved it though I was heartbroken to see tracts thrown away, as I looked back. I've been overjoyed to see people stop what they were doing to read them on the spot, and wave a "thank you" to me. I've been blessed to have some come to meetings, or talk in a park, etc. Prayer Walking in itself has been an instrument of teaching and evangelical opportunities that grew into more than 2000 believers prayer walking over E.A., and teaching the teachers all about the power of prayer and intercession.

This past Tuesday, though, I was blessed to be able to stand in the cold, wind, and icy snow, to serve the homeless. I grew up in a depressed area of Kentucky, where I was born. I know what it's like to see people have real struggles, to see little children with either no shoes or shoes taped together. The 1947-1955 years in eastern Kentucky left a mark in my heart, and a longing in my soul to reach out to hurting children, especially. I knew that I wanted to be a nurse from the age of five. There was more in my desire to be a nurse than I could ever explain.....it was a 'calling', I now realize (and have for quite some time).

When I once said to Lora, that I didn't feel that I contributed much to God's Kingdom work, she said, "but Mom, you're a nurse! You don't just do your work, you love your patients and you love your work!" I proceeded to tell her it was different, I was paid to do my work (doing it my best was a given). She then told me, "Well, you can be paid to do work you love, but loving your patients the way you do....that is from God! You have the gift of love." (thank you, Lora!!) My children can both be so wise, and so encouraging!

So, now here I am. I've just returned from Poland since September. I'm in my beautiful new home. I'm near my grandsons and Lora (and Michael, in spirit and heart!) I have a dream or two still unfulfilled. I wanted to do what Jesus says is so important: Matthew 25:35-46. "When I was hungry, you gave me food, and when I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. I was naked and you clothed me. I was sick and you took care of me........"

Well, we've all pretty much donated our clothing, non-perishable food items, etc., to Salvation Army and many other organizations. Many of you have gone to Haiti and worked with missions there......seeing poverty that most will only read about. God bless you for that love and compassion that HE placed in your heart as you delighted in Him! We saw a lot of poverty in asia and in other places around the world.

I see the devastation all around Haiti, and my heart aches for all of them, but especially for the more helpless children, elderly and sick.

I know the situation here at home is no comparison to the devastation of Haiti, even before the earthquakes and aftershocks.

I feel called to do what I can right now, in this little corner of Michigan. The weather is freezing cold. The wind has been blowing. The roads are icy and dangerous. The shelters are filled. People are hurting. Michigan has the highest unemployment rate in America, right now. As I stood at the table, dishing out whopping over-sized portions of bread pudding, lovingly made for the outreach by a local restaurant owner, whom God had "told him to do this, and I've been doing this for seven years, now", I was enjoying myself immensely! There is just something about being able to help those who need help. I could stand on my head for a sick and helpless patient, but anyone who could reach their own water glass only inches away from them and ask me to get it for them...should beware! I just enjoy feeling that I am showing Jesus to others. I listened to the words of the outreach leader on the loudspeaker as she talked about Jesus and His love. She made it so clear to everyone that this is completely unconditional love; we wanted to show it by actions.....not only by words.
I could hardly believe it when we had fed over 160 people and the line was dwindling down, and that our time was about up. We began to tear down the tents, tables, and clean up. I talked about it all the way back home......I remember the last time I talked like that! I was going back home from our mission trip to Ecuador......I just about talked Allan to death! He told me later that he figured I'd talk myself out soon, but it went on for two weeks! That's where our journey into missions began.......well, anyway, that's where I can see that it began. We know that God had His plan from much earlier than that. He was just waiting for a 'willing' heart to STEP OUT of the BOAT and look only at HIM!
Pray for me as I continue to seek where He is working and obey His voice as I walk along the Way. Pray for Allan, because he is so eager to do anything that I feel God is leading us to do, as well as what he feels led to do. I appreciate him for that. I remember once, I believe it was Chuck Swindoll, who said, "listen to your wife. Sometimes she may be the one God is communicating with. Women really do have discernment more than most men" (paraphrased and maybe it wasn't even Chuck...maybe John McArthur!!!).I love people who confess that women are more sensitive, don't you?? I could listen all day to that kind of person!

I am so glad you at FBI and CFTB were able to see Michael, hear what's been going on, and get a chance to talk with him. I'm so looking forward to seeing him, too! It's been way too long!!

I must say bye for tonight. I hope you enjoy reading about our wonderful new involvement with the "Into the Streets Ministry." Pray for the homeless, for the hungry, lost, and those who feel helpless, and pray that we can show the Hope and Light of Jesus Christ and His free gift of salvation. Pray that we can be a light for them and that they will see JESUS through us!
Glory and Power to the One and Only True God!
I Th. 5:16-18
Matthew 4:19 "and Jesus said unto them, Follow ME, and I will make you Fishers of Men!"
The Fishermens Line
Michigan, U.S.A.