Going Strong Despite Opposition!!!

I want to give you a perspective many may not think about daily. Ephesians 6:10-12: Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. In James chapter 4 the brother of Christ tells us to resist 'the devil,' and he will flee from us, and to draw near to God. I can go on and on. Why do I bring this up? Oh, what a week we've had! Our power inverter broke and a new one costs over $200, our tank has sprung a leak and our generater has been acting up. Then to top it all off, the bus wouldn't start - just a click. Of course all this happens just when the doors are starting to open up here in Greeneville for our work: Speaking engagements, churches to visit, etc. You see, the Bible is clear that the devil, Satan, the prince of darkness, however you want to address it, is very real. He doesn't want us to succeed in our work for God's kingdom - hence, all the problems all at once; obstacles to discourage us from doing God's work. What the forementioned didn't count on, however, is our preparedness for this. In Ephesians, the Apostle Paul goes on to say, much like James, to draw near to God through prayer, faith and perseverance through God's word. I not only was not discouraged by all this, but was more determined to seek God and pull through. The blessings are unbelievable. I spoke at a church where a couple offered us their vacant apartment for the remainder of our stay. This was especially welcome since it has been in the 20's at night and barely over freezing during the day. Therefore, we pretty much have had to keep the water turned off. Now I can work on the bus as the kids function comfortably in the house. The husband even offered us a power inverter as a donation! I had an extra starter in the trailer, and I'm off today to make my rounds to the churches. A day, I'm sure, that the Lord has prepared for them to listen to me. I needed to just be humble and undistracted and call on God to pull us through, and if you ever read the story of Job: GOD ALWAYS DOES, AND THE BLESSINGS FAR EXCEED OUR EXPECTATIONS!

We did some work at Tabernacle Mission Soup Kitchen last week (pictured above) and are heading there again tommorrow. We have had some success in drumming up support for them. Please be praying that an abundance of help be sent their way.

Peace Through Grace,

Doug & Family