Many of you have already heard, but I just had to stop and give an account of the weekend for our records if nothing else. God did some amazing things! This was a turning point weekend.
We finally have everyone in the computer and our new attendance system is underway. This is the second week to have it up and going and we had 272 in attendance this past week. We are believing God to go over 300 shortly. They say that this is a barrier and once you get past it, you will be to 400 in no time. Whatever the case, we are ready to break into areas that we have not been before, not for a number's sake, but to see lives impacted.
Saturday night we had 7 guests with us in the Spanish service and God's spirit was poured out upon them! Most of them were refilled and touched greatly by the service.
Sunday morning, we had 25 guests with us in service. A family of five, who only speak spanish, came in and sat on the back row, using our listening devices and interpreters. God dealt with their heart and they prayed during altar time. They returned Sunday night, and in the middle of praying for the sick, God began to touch the gentleman and he was filled with the Spirit and his wife was very close to it. After talking to them, they told me (through Bro. Ojeda) that he had once had the Spirit, but it had been 4 years since he was in church. He said that he was seeking God for a church and as they drove by, he felt God tell him that this was the place. He asked God to give him a sign during the morning message and He did. They had not been invited by anyone. Come to find out, their children are in class at school with two teachers in our church. They were so excited to find a church home.
After this "altar time" we went on with service. As the choir sang, the was a rushing mighty wind come through the auditorium. I really don't know how to explain it, but it was a gushing move of God that actually swept the sanctuary and it continued for an hour or so. At some point, God spoke through tongues and interpretation. I can only remember parts and it may not be exact words, but in essence, He said, "Can you see it? Can you see what I am doing? Bring me the hurting. Bring me the destitute. Bring me the sick. I will answer their cry. This is beyond what you can imagine. There will be victory." He laughed several times in the message and as He repeated, "There will be victory," the noise of the crowd swelled in a shout of victory that sounded like a freight train coming through. I honestly can say that I have never experienced something so powerful in His presence.
During all this time, we had a brand new young man receive the Holy Spirit, and two more backsliders that were visiting with us refilled. We also had a young man who was there for the second time, weeping and seeking to be filled.
Those who received the Spirit last weekend, were back in service today, worshipping and getting refilled. That is key to their survival!
There was no flesh that could glory in what was done today. It was God and God alone. May you have a blessed week. I'm expecting miracles!
Then we took off for a trip to Dallas/Fort Worth. Our church family presented us with a 3 course dinner at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas for Thursday night. The place was beautiful and the food was awesome. This was the curve drive that we drove into for valet parking.
We were on a veranda overlooking the terrace and pretty much had a private room.
For the first course, we chose a serving of Alaskan King Crab for each of us in two types of frothed butter over new potatoes.
Our second choice was the filet mignon. It was so good. It was served over mashed potatoes and asparagus. Mmmm.
For dessert, Karla chose— "Lemon." All different types of lemon items.
I chose ice cream. Nine different flavors! It was served with a Texas sugar cookie.
Here is the terrace our table was overlooking. Everything was so nice.
I had tickets for the sweetheart symphony in Fort Worth on Friday night. So we had a late lunch downtown on Friday at PF Changs.
And since Karla is into the music theme, she had to get a picture of the restroom! The men's room was decorated with the bass clef, but there is no way I was taking a picture!?! :)
The symphony was "Unforgettable" - they even played that song! We ended the night with a leisurely stroll to Starbucks watching the carriages and enjoying the crisp night.
What a great way to celebrate 20 wonderful years together! Thanks for all the wishes and the great dinner from Life Tabernacle.
I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that we are in the will of God.
Many of you have already heard, but I just had to stop and give an account of the weekend for our records if nothing else. God did some amazing things! This was a turning point weekend.
New bathroom cabinets have been put in.
The entertainment center has been installed in the game room.
We are looking forward to moving in - hopefully not too far in the future. Life is busy and will only get busier, but that's the way I like it most of the time.
