Thirty-five years ago this morning (much earlier than I’m writing this), I was making phone calls and pacing the corridor in front of the nursery at Crittenden Hospital in Rochester, Michigan.  I don’t remember his birth weight.  I don’t recall his length.  However, I can never forget him! 

To a father, the birth of a child is special, but the birth of a son is somehow extra-special.  And for thirty-two years, Justin Dale Peterson found a special place in the hearts of those who got to know him.  His impact was larger than life to many of us—so much so that our memories of him are almost as real as life itself—only he is not here in person.

For example, somewhere in the Philippine Islands, Bob and Susan Tevault serve as missionaries.  However, in the early 1980s they were serving as principal and elementary school teacher respectively at Paducah Christian Academy, the educational arm of the Broadway Baptist Church where I served as senior pastor.  Or somewhere in Heaven, Juanita Wagers, who in the first years of Justin’s life loved him in her home for eight hours each weekday as his mother worked.  Or right here in Southfield, Michigan, just like he was doing during Justin’s junior high and high school years, Dr. Ken Hall will occupy that office at Southfield Christian School.  Certainly he will never forget the impact that Justin, a regular visitor to his office, had amongst the school family.  (Notice that I haven’t claimed the impact to always be positive, although in the big picture, that impact certainly was!)

The list of people, places, and events the lives of others intersected with Justin’s are too varied and exhaustive to write about here and now—fellow students, soccer team members at every level of soccer from AYSO through Taylor University, neighbors, friends, and fellow Marines.  However, that influence was cut short three years ago tomorrow in a freak non-combat accident in the sands of Iraq, where Justin was serving on a border transition team. 

Hold that thought (about a life of influence being cut short), and let me ask a sobering question—one that I’m asking myself on this 35^th birthday of my first son.  What impact and influence does my own life have, given the way I am currently living?  You see, any of our lives could be cut short—an accident, a sudden medical problem, or a terminal illness to which we succumb.  I know, I know, thinking about dying isn’t a pleasant thought on which to dwell.  However, since “it is appointed unto men once to die,” perhaps we would be wise to use various mile markers along the road of life to evaluate how we are spending the lives we have.

That being said, how are you spending your life?  What impact is your life having on other people within the circle of your influence?  Each of us certainly has a circle of influence—some larger, some smaller.  The question isn’t how large or small, but rather “What difference does my life make in the lives of those within the circle that is mine?”  Is it positive and wholesome and beneficial for others or is my life a negative influence that drains others and drags them down?

BTW, do you pray?  If so, would you pray that both you as the reader and I as the writer, and as our lives intersect in this cyber-moment of time, will make daily decisions that will augment the positive influence of our lives to the benefit of those around us for time and eternity?  Thanks for that momentary partnership in prayer!

And since you’re already praying, why not pray for my wonderful daughter-in-law Patty and Justin’s three children, Jared (9), Jayden (5), and Caitlin (3) … and Justin’s four siblings (Charity, Jordan, Joshua, and Joy) … and … well … you get the idea.

Well, I sure do miss my boy, especially today.  And I know that I’m certainly not the only one wiping tears, swallowing lumps in my throat, and remembering … and laughing.  (You see, if remembering Justin doesn’t make you laugh, you probably didn’t really know him!)  But I don’t intend to waste the pain and ponderings.  There are many things in life that we have to go through, but it’s always a choice whether we grow through them. 

Now, let’s go make a positive impact within our respective circles of influence while we have today!  Cheers!

Justin Dale Peterson 2006

Once again, I sit in an airport – Amsterdam’s Schiphol, hurriedly typing a note to update ministry friends and partners on what is happening recently.  Hurry as I might, I know this will not get out to until I am in Amsterdam, or even back in Detroit, but I wanted to share the latest news with you.

Two weeks ago, in our BBF-GB camp in Cefn Lea Park (Wales), with approximately 144 campers total, we were privileged to see 15-17 campers come to place their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior.  Due to other responsibilities, I was not at the camp for the closing ceremonies on Friday morning, and I have been given two different numbers.  However, on their own testimonies, at least 15 young people came to faith in Christ.

After a brief visit with my middle son Jordan in Oxford, where he has been working this summer at Oxford University, my journey took me back northward to Huntingdon-Alconberry, where I was privileged to spend time with Carol and Jose Esquibel and the wonderful congregation of their labors.  I truly anticipate future ministry opportunities with this gracious family.  Their immaculate church complex is located across the street from the Alconberry Royal Air Force base, and it was truly a pleasure to interact with both RAF military personal as well as a few American families who serve on the same base, some as DOD contractors.

Following the morning services and a wonderful noon meal in the Esquibel home, I raced back to the White House, where Dan Brown and the LIFT-UK 09 team had already settled in.  After a day of rest for them, we headed northwest to Cloverley Hall Christian Conference Centre and the LIFT-UK 09 camp.  These camps focus primarily on evangelism, and we were not disappointed in the results!  The spirit of God was self-evident in less than 48 hours, and by the closing of the camp Friday morning, 30 young people became Christ followers.  But it didn’t end there!

I just received word a few minutes ago from Dan Brown, who spent the night last night in the Birmingham area near the airport to catch earlier flights, that another young man had accepted Christ as Savior after camp was over, and over the telephone!

Fifteen teenagers one week, and thirty-one young people another – a total of 46 new heavenly-bound people … because you prayed and invested financially.  Somehow, at the end of the day, that all seems to me like a wise investment of our lives and financial resources.  Thanks for being a part of it, even by proxy.

BTW, do you pray?  If so, would you now pray for these young believers?  Would you also pray for those pastors and Christian leaders in the area churches who have the awesome privilege of following through with discipleship?  Would you also pray as we endeavor to multiply the number of camps in the next few years?  Imagine the impact for the kingdom!

Got to run catch that flight now!  Cheers!

Well, it’s been a while, but here I sit in my “On-Line Cafe office” at Detroit’s Metropolitan Airport, waiting on NW 48 to Amsterdam.  It’s been a while (too long) since I traveled this route, via AMS, to Birmingham, England.  Perhaps money and scheduling are common problems for many of us these days.

This past week, the world has been rocked by the deaths of three American entertainment icons- Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, and Michael Jackson.  Within minutes of the deaths of these Hollywood celebrities, I had received the news on my Blackberry from the New York Times.

Amazing, isn’t it- that within perhaps a two-hour window, the entire world knows about the death of the King of Pop, while two thousand years after the death of the King of Kings, the majority of 6.7 billion world residents have yet to hear even one bulletin, in their own language that they can understand, about the death of Jesus Christ?

Our world is consumed with three human beings who basically lived  for what was in life for them, while the eternal Son of God became a man, lived a short life to the profound benefit of mankind, and died a horrific, yet vicarious, death for all the world.  But can I ask a blunt question of Christians everywhere?  In the light of eternity, do you think it’s more important that the world hear the news about Ed, Farrah, and Michael or about Jesus Christ?

Let me be equally blunt about something else.  CNN, BBC, Fox and Sky News will see that the world hears every kinky detail of these three glamorous lives and  tragic deaths, but it is the responsibility of the Church to let our world know about the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.

Breaking news always carries with it a certain urgency.  The world media tries to break their news stories before their competitor stations can.  As believers, as the Church, our competition is two-fold … Satan and time.  Simply put, we do not know exactly how much time we have to get the Good News to a dying world … and it’s almost eternity!  Time must be short!  Surely there should be an urgency in the hearts of believers to get our news story to the world!

Jesus said, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.”  (John 9:4 KJV)  If that work was important and urgent two thousand years ago when Christ walked in this world, how much moreso now!  Why should we be going with the Gospel with renewed urgency?

First, because we’ve been commanded by the Heavenly Father to “go and tell.”

Second, simply because we love God.  Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.”  Far too often, the lukewarm church of modern Laodecia wants to claim with the lips that we love Him, while the actions of our daily lives tell a different story.  As my mother used to say (and probably your mother said it too), “Actions speak louder than words!”

Finally, we should be going with the Good News because the eternity-bound world around us needs to hear the Good News while there is still time.  Jesus said it over two thousand years ago: “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few.”

I refuse to sit idly by, watching my world sink further into hell, without giving my best shot at heralding the Good News of the Gospel far and wide.  If GOd’s ear is not heavy that it cannot hear, and if God’s arm is not shortened that it cannot save, then there is reason to believe that God will use any of us who are willing, prepared, and serving Him!

Most who will read this understand that, as believers, we have been given a task to accomplish … Go into all the world and make the Gospel available to every creature.  Each of us understands that time is short and eternity is only one step, one heartbeat away.  BTW, how far from eternity are you?  What impact are you making in the lives of others for eternity?

Folks, it’s almost eternity!  We must go!

BTW, do you pray?  If so, would you pray for Debbie and me as we travel today through Sunday night late to the Indianapolis, Indiana area?  I preach Sunday for my dear friend Rick Cochran and The Bridge Church in Fortville (IN).  We will also get to spend a few hours with my daughter Charity, son-in-law Brandon, and granddaughter Brynn tonight and tomorrow!

Brandon, Brynn, & Charity Geddes

Cheers.

With summer vacation season also comes the opportunities of camp ministries.  The same is true in the United Kingdom, and we have three camps that now seem to be approaching at the speed of light! 

In July, I speak daily to youth leaders to encourage and augment their ministries through their local churches at the Senior High Baptist Bible Fellowship of Great Britain.  This is always an encouragement to me as I witness the growing potential to impact the entire UK for Christ.

Dale w/ two great youth workers

During the first week of August, we partner with Dan Brown and the LIFT staff for a second year of camp together, focusing on unsaved teenagers.  Last year just over 50% of the young people who attended this camp accepted Christ as their Savior.  Currently it appears that we will matriculate almost double the number of campers from last year—from 60 to well over 100—from all indications.  Relative to this particular camp, I need your help.

First, I need your prayers.  Pray with us that God is already at work in the hearts minds, and lives of these campers, even before they arrive.  Pray that their hearts and minds will be open to the messages and music throughout the week.  Pray that many will come to put their faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior.  Pray for the local church workers who will disciple these converts.

Second, could you financially underwrite the cost of even one of these campers, making a week of camp available to them?  The proven track record shows that when we get them into camp, many of them will accept Christ.  Your investment of $250USD will help provide the camping experience for one camper—and dollar-for-dollar, this yields greater results in evangelism than anything.  Will you help?

While all personal support goes to Central Missionary Clearinghouse, all project funds are handled by Gospel Alive, Inc., the Michigan-based 501(c)3 through which I work internationally.  This avoids any potential “co-mingling” of funds and clear accounting.

If you (or your church) can help, please make these checks payable to Gospel Alive, Inc., and mailed to 200 Woodstone Road, Waterford, MI 48327.  These funds are needed by July 30, 2009, if at all possible.

Thanks in advance for investing in the young people of the United Kingdom—young people with the potential to shake the UK for the cause of Jesus Christ!

Yours and His for Souls,

Dale

P.S.  If you will help, please email me at dale@dalepeterson.co.uk to let me know.  Thanks!

When I returned to my office in Waterford yesterday, my “cup was full and overflowing.”  I have been blessed with five of the most wonderful children for which any parent could ever hope.  But the specific reason my “cup was full” yesterday was because of time spent with my daughter-in-law Patty.  My oldest son and her husband Justin was killed while serving in Iraq almost three years ago widow).  We had just spent seven of the most beautiful hours together. 

Captain Justin Peterson

I had picked Patty up at her house at 6:00 in morning  and had driven to the residence of Michigan’s Governor Jennifer Granholm, where about 50 or so of us had breakfast.  This annual gathering is for the parents and spouses of Michigan’s Fallen Heroes.  If the conversation during the ride out to Lansing hadn’t already put us both into tears, the time with other Michigan families who have an empty seat at their table each meal did.

 As we drove away following the breakfast, I asked, “Well, Patty, what would you like to do next?”  “Well, Dad,” she replied, “(do you) want to drive out to Great Lakes National Cemetery?”  An hour or so later, we arrived at the ever-expanding national cemetery.  With groundskeepers putting the finishing touches on everything for Memorial Day Weekend, and with flags blowing in the breeze against a nearly cloudless sky, Patty and I stood beside Justin’s grave and talked, laughed, and cried together.  She shared with me things that I had never known before … things like how she had scattered the ashes of Zoe, Justin’s Rottweiler, in the snow above his grave after his ten-year old pet had to be put down … and how we both have these conversations when we’re there by ourselves as though Justin was listening to our every word (silly to some perhaps, but cathartic to us) … and how she wants just the two of us to drive out in Justin’s “dream machine” – a Jeep Wrangler (Michigan license plate “JDP2”) – with the top off and revisit his grave together sometime this summer.

Patty, Jayden & Caitlin at a Detroit Tigers game

 We had also planned to have lunch together that day too, so as we finally drove away from the cemetery, I asked, “So—what do you feel like eating for lunch?”  Patty looked over at me with a mischievous tinkle in her eye and grin on her face and exuberantly exclaimed, “I feel like Mac ‘n Cheese!”  Well, that could only mean one place—the Clarkston Union—Justin’s favorite restaurant in Clarkston, and his standard dish – macaroni and cheese!  For the next hour and thirty minutes we spent some of the greatest quality “father/daughter-in-law” time together that we’ve ever had – laughing, talking, crying, reminiscing, and philosophizing!  And in spite of our losses—she a husband and I a son—we again concluded that life must go on, even when it’s tough.

 And while I have my periodic moments of emotional meltdown, (because I still miss my boy), my pain surely must pale when compared to a young wife and mother who sacrificed her husband for the cause of freedom.  You see, ladies and gentlemen, all across this nation there are untold numbers of wives and mothers who today will be strong for their children, parents, friends, and neighbors, but tonight, when the kids are tucked into bed and are fast asleep, will close their bedroom doors, wonder how they’ll rear their children alone, worry over how to pay the bills, and cry themselves to sleep while clutching a pillow rather than the rock-hard body of their Marine.

Jayden's & Justin's boots

 And surely, in a nation of 300 million people, I’m not the only grandpa who will set aside my morning’s work to babysit a little three-year-old girl whose daddy went off to war two days after she was born, but whose dad came home in a flag-draped coffin, and will forever be to her the stranger in the photographs and the voice on the recordings of children’s books left behind, lest daddy be forgotten. 

 My friends, don’t let your family forget what Memorial Day is all about.  Put a face on it for them each year.  And when you pray this weekend, include Patty, Jared, Jayden, and Caitlin Peterson in your prayers.  And by all means, thank the Lord for the men and women of the Armed Forces of the United States of America who sacrificed their lives for our freedom, as well for those families left behind who make the sacrifice daily as they awaken each morning to an empty pillow on the other half the bed, and empty seat at the table each meal, and an empty “hole” in their hearts 24/7.

"On behalf of ... a grateful nation ... "

Yet, in spite of the void in our lives, we have a responsibility to each other—as individual families and as Americans; therefore, we face forward and carry on.  Semper fi.

 Cheers!

 Dale (JDP1)

Freedom Is Never Free

Blessed!  That’s perhaps the best key word that comes to mind as I consider the experience of a couple of Sunday evening ago.  Let me explain.

Friends Rick and Mick Vigneulle, were traveling with me in England and Wales.  We had just concluded the evening service at Woodhill Baptist Church in Colwyn Bay, Wales, when a 76-year-old gentleman approached me, standing immediately in front of me, only inches from my face, and asking, “Do you know how far back we go?”  After thinking for only a second or two, I replied, “Fours years, I think.”

With eyes sparkling, Arnold Rigby retorted, “No, we go back to 1976.  You were preaching in Bury, England the night I accepted Christ as my Savior!”  Over thirty years ago, a team of singers from Liberty University (then Liberty Baptist College) and I were traveling for the first time to Great Britain.  Our closing service was on a Sunday evening in the Bury/Manchester area in a church whose pastor (Forrest Tutor) was an American.  While Arnold Rigby was only one person among many who became Christ followers that evening, there was another adult woman who made that eternal decision at the close of that same service – Arnold’s then-74-year-old mother, now with the Lord.

Arnold Rigby and Dale Peterson

What makes this so special to me personally is this – Arnold, his wife Sheila, and daughter Miriam are some of the most humble, godly, servant-hearted people that I know.  When I first met Arnold and Sheila, they were working long hours in the commercial kitchen at a youth camp where I was speaking.  Miriam, then a college student, was helping in food services as well.  I have admired these three believers since I first met them.   And to realize that the Lord had used my service for Him, as I have prayed that He will, leaves me feeling … well … blessed!

BTW, do you pray?  If so, would you pause for a moment and ask the Lord to continue to use me for His glory?  I would be grateful!  Cheers!

Ten days ago I boarded my flight out of Detroit feeling tired. This morning as I await my flight to Amsterdam and connect with the flight back to Michigan the weariness continues—only with a renewed sense of fulfillment.  With nights usually short and days quite long, the activities from before daylight to well after darkness, the results have been a God-thing.  It’s the kind of things for which I live! 

With less than twenty-four hours of preparation on the ground, my friend Damian Pickett and I waited at the Birmingham (England) airport for the arrival of three additional ministry partners—Brandon, Mick, and Rick Vigneulle.  Their delayed flight finally arrived almost two hours late but after ramping up an $80 short-term parking bill, we were on our way.  After a quick meal and short stop-over at our “headquarters” in Cannock, we pointed our hired van toward Buckley (Wales) for our first youth rally, hosted by Bob and Jan Marshall and the Ebenezer Baptist Church.  Result:  ten teenagers and two adults placed their faith in Christ as Savior!

The itinerary placed us in Llanfairfechan (Wales) with Kevin and Kim Davis, who were the kind of hosts that everyone in itinerant ministry loves to run across.  After a power-packed youth rally in the town’s community centre (Result:  18 young people whose names were added to the Lamb’s Book of Life), the Davis’s drove us to near the top of one of Wales tallest mountains and the nicest bed and breakfast I think I’ve ever experienced.  After viewing the Irish Sea/Atlantic Ocean and the town lights below from my open window, I signed deeply (Debbie wasn’t with me to enjoy these wonderfully romantic moments) and retired for the evening.

Following a leisurely breakfast, the Davis family escorted us throughout the region, packing our day and evening with a tour of castles, villages and shops. Of course, our time in the village of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogogh (yes, that is correctly spelled) was mostly spent trying to learn how to pronounce the town’s name!  (Result:  Brain fatigue … and bubble bath thingies for Debbie)

Sunday services took us to Libanus Baptist Church with Kevin Davis and Colwyn Bay’s Woodhill Baptist Church with Leonard James. (Result:  8 became Christ followers and 11 trusted Christ in these churches respectively).  After the drive back to The White House in Cannock and getting to bed at 3:00a Monday morning, we took the rest of the day off, resting and running a few errands, but headed to Wrexham, Wales Tuesday morning in time to meet Dixie and Larry Quade for a wonderful Dixie-cooked lunch, some rest and conversation, and an evening service.  (Result:  9 adults and 2 young people accepted Christ as Savior)

Wednesday morning we were up at 5:00a, rolling by 6:00a, after a night’s rest in the home of the Quade’s, and racing to a school assembly at the Hillgrove School in Wrexham by 8:45a.  (Result:  Major doors are now opening into public schools because of this one particular assembly’s success!)

We treated ourselves to lunch at Hard Rock Café in Manchester on our way back to “headquarters” at The White House, where we set up the equipment and conducted our final youth rally.  (Result: 4 more young people making Jesus Christ their Savior)

This offers only an overview of how God was working, but I’ll give you a couple of follow-up articles over the next few days.  Right now, I just need to catch my breath before heading back out the door for a weekend of missions emphasis in local churches here in Michigan. 

BTW, do you pray?  If so, would you pray for these 51 people who came to faith in Christ and the effective discipleship for each of them through the local churches with whom we are partnering?

Cheers!

The sun had not yet begun to pierce the eastern sky with its warming rays of light.  The darkness hung heavily in the pre-dawn air, as two shadowy figures quietly wound their way from their humble homes to the garden cemetery outside Jerusalem.

Why they have chosen such an unusual hour for a journey to visit a grave site, I am uncertain.  Nevertheless, with the sounds of a heavy hammer pounding huge nails still ringing in their heads, these two women shuffle along in silence.  However, one thing of which I am certain is this—just two days earlier, they had been witnesses to the most horrific scene ever known to mankind.

The most unusual friend of these two women—from whom they had experienced such unprecedented life-change, encouragement, hope, and strength—had been falsely accused, mockingly tried, humiliatingly stripped of his clothing, inhumanely beaten, and finally nailed to a cross.  Surely Mary Magdalene and the other Mary have been drained emotionally.  Now with spices in hand, they approach the guarded sepulcher as representatives of many whose lives had been touched by the hand of the man in the tomb.

Quietly questioning who might be able and available to roll away the stone, affording the burial attendants access to the newly-hewn tomb, the two Mary’s must have been taken aback when they discovered the displaced boulder.

Can you not see their eyes darting from open grave to each other to surroundings as their hearts raced and adrenaline traced through their bodies?  But as doubts and fears filled their minds, the kind but commanding voice of a heavenly messenger interrupted their pre-dawn perplexity.

The familiar story is recounted for us by the converted tax collector Matthew.

 (Matt 28:1-20 KJV) In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.  And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

 5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tellhis disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

 9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

 11 Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

 16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

From an angel whose presence had only moments earlier caused rugged Roman soldiers to faint with fear, now comes a calm assurance to “Fear not;” a clarion announcement, “He is not here,” and a clear command to “Go quickly and tell … “

Nearly two thousand years after that initial announcement, may I say to you who read these words and celebrate the fact of the empty tomb, those three simple elements are still in play today for you and me.  Let me rehearse them with you briefly:  

First, the angle admonished, “Fear not!”  Almost every time God wanted to do something miraculous in the Scriptures, he reminded his people to “Fear not.”  Abraham heard those words in Genesis 15:1.  Moses heard these words.  The same words were spoken to Joshua, Zacharias, Joseph, and Mary.  Simon Peter and the Apostle Paul heard them, also. 

In each of the four Gospels, as the two Mary’s approach the opened sepulcher, they are afraid, and Matthew tells us that the angel of the Lord who rolled away the stone, consoles them with the words, “Fear not!”  I can’t help but wonder as I look at the fearfulness of these who were so close to the Master of ocean, earth, and sky – who had watched him perform multiple miracles – and yet were afraid – what is it that causes me to fear when I should be courageous?

In spite of three years of His teachings, His disciples had forgotten those things He taught concerning His death, burial, and resurrection.  How do we know they had forgotten?  They all went into hiding and mourning, as if there was no hope.  The women came to the tomb with spices in hand for anointing the lifeless body, because they had forgotten what he had taught them concerning his resurrection.  Two disciples walked along the Emmaus Road, interacting with him, yet not even recognize him until he vanished.

Our celebration today should be a powerful reminder to us of the power and promises of God, lest we forget also.  He has already set before us the examples of His power numerous times both in his Word and in our lives.   In addition to these examples, we also have His instructions—tasks to perform—that will require that we fear not and forget not. 

The instructions given to these disciples of Christ were direct and simple – “Go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead.”  Interestingly, this is the same basic message that we are to share with our world today—the hope of eternal life is … paid for by his vicarious death on the cross;  sealed with his burial in that tomb; and guaranteed by his resurrection from the grave.   

(Rev 1:18 KJV)  I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

Can you imagine the hopelessness that would have consumed those early disciples had those who had received the miraculous news “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said” and who knew the truth had kept it to themselves? 

But I ask you, O church of God—what about the hopelessness in our world of 6.7 billion eternity-bound people, most of whom have not heard the good news of the Gospel?  Should we allow our fear to cause us to draw back? No.  Should we allow forgetfulness as an excuse? No.  Should we allow ourselves to resign to the fact that not all will believe? No. 

(Rom 10:14 KJV) How … then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?  

On this 1976^th Easter morning, may I say to you that through the eternal Word of God we, like the women of that first Easter morn, have been to the tomb and seen that it is empty—let us not fear!  We have the encouragement of a weekly gathering of the church of God—let us not forget!  We have the Divine instruction of God to go quickly and tell—let us not fail!

In spite of the fact that the world economy really stinks and times are tough, ministry opportunities abound. Let me share one such opportunity that we’re seizing in the next few weeks and with which I could use the help of our ministry friends worldwide.

Beginning April 15^th, we’re making our initial foray into the public schools of Great Britain by conducting five high school assemblies in North Wales. These events are a strategic step in evangelizing the youth culture of the United Kingdom and connecting young people with local churches for baptism and discipleship. My prayer is that many of them will also be called of God into vocational ministry and receive their formal Bible college training at the Baptist Bible College of Great Britain.

My dear friends Rick and Mick Vigneulle, who have conducted high school assemblies in America for almost three decades – a program currently called Attitude Check – will be joining me as we partner with various local ministries in North Wales in April. Last summer during a week of youth camp, the Lord greatly used Rick and Mick to impact the participants and the teenagers loved them, their music, and their humor. Our prayer is that the impact will grow to several thousand young people who have no relationship with any church at all, and that many of them will come to place their faith in Jesus Christ.

Would you consider partnering with me in prayer and in financial support? I’m not asking for a long-term, monthly commitment of support (though I am currently operating with only 30% of the monthly support that I need personally), but rather a one-time investment to help in one of the following ways.

Each high school assembly will cost at least $1200USD. Could you, your church, Sunday School class, company, or organization underwrite the cost of one high school assembly? At least one pastor in New York contacted me to say that his church could not give $1200, but would invest $600. Thankfully, it all adds up at the end of the day.

After all the assemblies have been conducted, we’re planning to bring all the students together for a regional pizza blast, which could cost up to $20,000USD with the facility rental, equipment rental, food, drinks, and paper goods. This is the critical evangelist thrust that can yield hundreds of young people coming to Christ. I need financial help for this event quickly, since it is only a few weeks away.

All of these young people will also be invited to attend a summer youth camp, which offers further evangelistic possibilities, as well as follow-up for many who became Christ-followers at earlier functions. However, most of them cannot afford the $250USD—but many American churches could sponsor one or more young people for a week of camp in 2009. My friend Dan Brown and LIFT Student Ministries is returning to the UK to partner annually with us to conduct these camps.

Please let me know that you will help in some way. (Instructions for making your contribution appear below.) I’m starting to sweat this thing—and I hate that feeling—because the first events are only six weeks away! Thanks for any financial investment you can make, and certainly for all the prayers!

And, BTW, do you pray?  If so, would you pray for three specific things please? First, pray that the Lord will supply all the funds that are required to make these strategic evangelistic events happen. Second, please pray that the logistics will come together as we approach our first high school assemblies. The volume of details is staggering. Third, join me in praying that as hundreds of teenagers hear the Gospel, many of them for the first time in their young lives, that many of them will be prepared to put their faith in Jesus Christ as personal Savior.

As you can easily see, this isn’t about me – it’s about the spiritual future of untold thousands of other people! Thanks in advance for your prayers and financial investment!

Dale

Checks for these events should be made payable to GOSPEL ALIVE, INC., a Michigan-based 501(c)3 ministry through which all our projects funds are handled, and mailed as quickly as possible to: Gospel Alive, Inc., 200 Woodstone Road, Waterford, MI 48327.