Praying for India ~ e3

“And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,” Acts 5:14

Today, ask Jesus to add multitudes of new believers every day to His church in Banjara country.

Asking "Why?"

- from the desk of Curtis Sergeant, e3 Partners
I asked God why He allows all the spiritual darkness, abusive leadership, poverty, illness and ignorance in the world. He replied, "Ask rather, 'Why do we allow this to happen?' You are my body, my hands, my feet."

Ever since the garden of Eden, mankind has been pointing the finger at someone else and blaming them for all that has gone wrong. God is looking for someone who will take responsibility rather than shifting it.

Matt 25:31-46
31 "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 34 "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 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, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' 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? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
41 "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
44 "They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' 45 "He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.' 46 "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."

LORD God, we pray and ask that You so fill us with Yourself that we faithfully proclaim Your call … to go as we love and to love as we go … to our others here, who also profess to be Your children while denying the spiritual darkness there in Banjara land. – in Jesus name, AMEN.

This is a DAILY Banjara prayer distribution to those intercessors committed to praying daily for the Banjara Gypsy of India … for a 1000 fold harvest of souls within Andhra Pradesh’s lost, hopeless, and predominately illiterate population … for laborers to work the tribal’s harvest field … for genuine discipleship that produces faithful and reliable men and women who point continually to Jesus as they intentionally “make disciples …, baptizing them …, and teaching them to observe …” all Jesus Christ has commanded us.

Randy Singer - The Justice Game *congats Valerie*

Thank you for entering - congratulations to Valerie!

About The Justice Game
After the target of an investigative report storms a Virginia Beach news studio, he executes one of the anchors on live television before the SWAT team is able to take him down. Following the victim’s funeral, her family files a lawsuit against the gun company who manufactured the killer’s weapon of choice.The lawyers for the plaintiff and defendant—Kelly Starling and Jason Noble—are young, charismatic, and highly successful. They’re also easy blackmail targets, each harboring a personal secret so devastating it could destroy their careers. Millions of dollars—and more than a few lives—are at stake. But as Kelly and Jason battle each other, they discover that the real fight is with unseen forces intent on controlling them both.

About Randy’s Approach to this Book
The Justice Game asks whether justice can be bought and sold in America and focuses specifically on the national gun debate. Randy’s goal in this book was not to make converts to either side but to present both perspectives of the debate and let readers draw their own conclusion. In fact, Randy’s book has been endorsed by people from both sides of the aisle.

Randy took a unique approach to determining the verdict in this story—he had his readers decide. Readers were invited to watch a special online video of the closing arguments and then vote on the verdict. People took this very seriously, and from feedback we received, it was a difficult decision for many. While the jury has made its decision, you can still view the video at http://www.randysinger.net/.

My review: I haven't finished reading the book, but it's certainly not because isn't interesting. It's a page turner and really hard to put down. Since it's based on a real store, I'm being presented with real information, so I feel like I'm learning about the 2nd Amendment as I read along. I've really enjoyed the book. Mr. Singer has an easy to read style. If you enjoy legal thrillers, especially ones that are relevant to current times, you will really enjoy this book.

Giveaway:
One lucky winner will receive a free book (U.S. only)!! Congratulations Valerie!

You know the drill. Enter a comment for your chance to win. If you tweet or blog about the giveaway, you get more chances to win when you come back and post a comment about it.

Confessions of Pastor's Wife: Giveaway*Congratulations Lianne*

Confessions of a Pastor's Wife: He Speaks, Can You Hear Him?


by Kathryn Bonner

If you could hear God whispering, what would it sound like? Are you able to recognize His voice?
In Confessions of a Pastor’s Wife: He Speaks…Can you hear Him? author Kathryn Bonner shares her true confessions, revealing her teenage pregnancy and the many different ways God has spoken into her life, through subtle and profound ways, and even through humorous means, shedding light on the unique voice of God! Anyone from the outside looking in would think Kathryn’s “charmed life” had always been just that. As you read this page turner of confessions, you will discover that has not always been the case. Discover how to take steps with God, believing Him to guide and direct you, even when you don’t know where He’s taking you! Are you ready to hear Him speak into your life? Kathryn’s prayer for you is to know how God reveals Himself to you. You will learn to hear Him, and recognize His voice after reading Confessions of a Pastor’s Wife: He Speaks…Can You Hear Him?
“Kathryn’s zest for life and love for God jumps off of every page! This intimate personal story is like sharing a conversation with a girlfriend. Curl up in a favorite chair and be ready to laugh, listen and learn from this Sister in Christ.” Mary M. MacGregor; Women’s Ministries Consultant and Director of Leadership Development for the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. Kathryn Bonner has a God-given passion for you to experience your life from this point forward with new ears to hear!

About the Author
Gifted, Gracious, Genuine, Insightful, Good-humored and Petite. These words make it possible for you to have a bit of insight to Kathryn. Her depth, and her love for life, laughter and the Lord and her size! She has a passion for God's word. Kathryn has a way of finding the humor and the lighter side of things that will cause you to giggle and laugh out loud in one moment and ponder deeply the things of God and the application of the Word to your life in the next moment. Her radiant touch combined with her knowledge of the Word makes Kathryn unique. You will enjoy your time immensely with her and will discover new insights, new truths, and new ways of “doing” life.
Kathryn is married to a pastor, and loves being in ministry with her husband Bruce. They are empty nesters and enjoying life at this stage of the game. Kathryn shares who she is openly, including the fact that she has had teenage pregnancy. She wants everyone to know that though each of us have a past, we can stand free, completely free in the saving grace of Christ. God has been able to take her mess and use it for a message of hope and healing. She has love for God’s healing power and wants each of you to know that as well.
Kathryn is an author, a speaker and a Life Purpose Coach. She knows the power of breaking through the fears and stepping fully into your faith by the gift of coaching.
Kathryn has been married to Bruce, the love of her life since 1989, truly a gift from God. They have two wonderful daughters, Tabitha and Kellie Ann, and two wonderful sons-in-law Gerald and Chase.

Leave a comment and be entered into a drawing to receive a free copy of this book! Contest ends 8/8/09.

e3 - Day of Prayer - 7/29/09

Join us for prayers for e3 Partners Ministry on Wednesday, July 29th, 2009!
We are praying to the Lord of the Harvest for laborers – prayer intercessors!
Come or call in - pray and be welcomed!

9:00AM – 10:30AM (CST) Prayers specifically for e3 Partners Ministry – worldwide during this time. Pray in unity with us. Either call in, pray as you are led during this time, or join us in our home (Huntsville, AL).
1:00 – 2:00PM (CST) Prayers specifically for God’s work in Rwanda during this time. Pray in unity with us. Either call in, pray as you are led during this time, or join us in our home (Huntsville, AL).
3:00 – 4:00PM (CST) Prayers specifically for God’s work in India’s Banjara country during this time. Pray in unity with us. Either call in, pray as you are led during this time, or join us in our home (Huntsville, AL).

To call in during the times we are praying for
· e3 Partners – worldwide (9:00 – 10:30AM CST);
· Rwanda (1:00PM – 2:00PM CST) or
· India (3:00 – 4:00PM), follow these instructions:
(Contact me for call in information if you're interested.)

Hearts at Home

One of the things I love about blogging is the exchange of ideas that takes place; after all, what mom can't use a new idea every now and then!


If you are interested in a blog that brings a group of mommy bloggers all to one place, stop by and visit the Hearts at Home blog.


Hearts at Home's contributing bloggers write about motherhood, each with a unique perspective, reflecting on the spiritual, emotional and downright funny aspects of motherhood. Their group of bloggers range from professional speakers to authors to stay-at-home moms, all who share a passion for the profession of motherhood.

The Hearts at Home blog covers a variety of topics, such as practical mom tips, recipes, book reviews, and advice for tackling tough mommy issues.

Take a peek at this great resource and connect with real moms sharing real stories today!

Banjara Gypsies and Me!

Can you envision a land where cows are holy, animal sacrifices are a weekly occurrence and human cremations take place daily? Because God called me to go, in November, I will be going to India with e3 Partners Ministry in November of this year. e3 Partners’ purpose is to personally live and corporately exist to extend the Kingdom of God and to exalt His glory by their lives, their witness and their Mission. Their mission is to equip God’s people to evangelize His world and establish His church … thus, e3!

My time in India will be spent traveling to “thandas”, or villages and sharing the gospel with an unreached people group called Banjara Gypsies. The Banjara are tribal people that live in remote villages and worship many gods such as rocks, trees, cows … anything but the One True God. Only 12% of the men and 3% of the women can read, so they are oral learners. We follow up with new believers during the week and share God’s Word using The Proclaimer, an audio New Testament in their own language! Those that have been to India have told us that when the Banjara hear the Word of God for the very first time, they listen intently, comprehend it, and answer questions afterwards.

I'm excited about the opportunity and experience that lie ahead. As you can imagine, a trip like this requires financial support from a number of people and I need to raise $3,600 in a short amount of time. If you can support me in a financial way, I would be very grateful. (No amount of donation is too small. You’d be surprised how God can use $5.)

Most importantly, I also need your prayer support. Prayer is the fuel that will allow us to be successful as we follow God's leading in ministry in these countries. Without prayer, nothing will happen. You can sign up to receive daily, weekly or monthly emails to help prepare the team for the trip.

We are living in difficult economic times, but God’s economy never changes. He told us to GO, and so I trust that He will provide. If you would like to be part of this mission through your financial support, send a check made out to e3 Partners and return it to me in the enclosed envelope. e3 will send you a tax receipt. If you would like to be part of the prayer team, please email me at cathydavis2005@yahoo.com and let me know if you’d like to receive emails daily, weekly or monthly.

Here is a great website with more information about the trip than I can ever provide. I cannot even begin to tell you how huge of a step of faith going on this trip is for me. Of all the places I saw myself serving, this wasn’t it! I’m so appreciative of any support you can provide. I will wait until after I return from my trip to send any type of thank you so I can share my experiences with you. I’m just so amazed God can use me for anything (but still, India??)!

Because they haven't heard,

Cathy Davis
Acts 1:8
(Online donations accepted - just email me!)

Daily Prayers for India (Preparing for Mission Trip)

Today’s daily prayer for India:

Acts 2:47 “praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Ask our loving Father to add new believers every day to the churches of the Banjara gypsy!

Sent, let’s pray

“… sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.” [John 17:3c, 4 ESV] for ‘Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld." [John 20:21-23]

As He was sent, we are sent … so others may live in the fullness of being Jesus’ disciples, just as Jesus prayed in this passage of John 17:

"I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am praying for them. …” (Vs.6-9a)

Going, we pray we also glorify our Father GOD as Jesus did and does and that we so manifest Jesus to those being drawn to Christ so that called: they hear, they receive, they believe, they know, and they keep Your word.

We pray that many will profess discipleship: “Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts.”[Jeremiah 15:16]

We pray that these many also turn to the gathering, going to the harvest fields in Christ … lovingly carrying the gospel message and manifesting the good Samaritan to their others praying as Jesus prayed in John 17:11,25-26: “…Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.” … : “O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them."

Going, gather together to together go to gather together to gather … all for Your glory! Amen (Rev.3:14)

Linda Newton - 12 Ways to Turn Your Pain into Praise

Today, I’m talking with author Linda Newton about her new book 12 Ways to Turn Your Pain Into Praise: Biblical Steps to Wholeness in Christ.

I’m delighted to be here with you sharing about something that puts wind in my sails—helping people heal from emotional pain and lead empowered lives.

What a timely book, 12 Ways to Turn Your Pain Into Praise: Biblical Steps to Wholeness in Christ! With our current economic and political climate we certainly need steps to turn our pain into praise.

I agree. I find that the same tools that help us deal with our damaged past can guide us through an insecure future. I wrote this book to help people who feel “stuck” because of the dysfunction, divorce, depression, abuse, grief and guilt in their lives, but I am walking through these same principals each day in my counseling office with folks who are dealing with the difficulties of job loss, anxiety, and marriage issues in a struggling economy.

What can you tell us about your book?
Since the book’s release last fall I have heard feedback from readers and I can say with confidence that whether you are seeking tools to empower those you are helping or needing the tools to transform yourself, you will walk away from this book spiritually stronger as you learn to:

-- remove your offender’s face from God and stop blaming Him for life’s pain
-- stop renting space in your head to bad memories and offenses
-- relinquish the stinkin’ thinkin’ that causes you to emotionally circle the drain
-- stay constantly connected to Christ with time-tested tools to process your pain
-- realize your full potential as you seek God’s divine purpose for your life.

You’re a counselor and an abuse survivor. Will you tell us a little of your story?
I grew up in the deep South and I wish I could say we spent happy hours saying, “Yes Ma’am” and “No Sir” and “Good Night, John-Boy.” But nothing could be further from the truth. In reality, I was ten years old before I realized that God’s last name wasn’t damn! My Daddy took off when I was five, and raising four kids alone brought out the worst in my mother. She became abusive with a bust-your-lip, black-your-eye kind of punishment--the kind of pain that stings your face for a while but sears your soul for a lifetime.

The neighbor-lady from across the street took me to church, I found Christ and He changed my life. That church helped me get to Christian college. On my quest for my own healing, I became a Christian counselor and have had the privilege of working with God’s precious people for the past seventeen years in my office at a growing church in California.

You started each chapter with a word that starts with the letter “P.”
Each chapter is one of the steps, and I did that to make them easy to remember. I’m at the stage of life when I stop and think and forget to start up again! Alliteration helps things stick in my head.

You mentioned compliments defining us. Can you explain that?
My old pastor used to say that compliments are bouquets thrown from the hand of God. When we don’t take the compliments given to us, it’s as though we are ripping the heads off the flowers God has given us, throwing them to the ground, and stomping them. Compliments are God’s way of telling us who we are. When we receive them it builds our confidence in the qualities and gifts He’s given us. But when we don’t, we remain static and self-critical.

I took those words to heart and stopped dismissing compliments some twenty years ago. In that time God has had the opportunity to remake my self-image. Before that I had to climb a ladder to look an ant in the eye!

The pain in your life hasn’t hindered your sense of humor, has it?
I hope not! My goal for all the books I write is for the reader to laugh, learn, and leave each page feeling closer to the Lord.

Are you working another book?
Yes. My working title is You Can Fix Stupid: Seven Savvy Choices for Mind, Body and Soul. I deal with people everyday who are in terrible situations that were preventable. I want to give folks information to make better choices and avoid being “stupid.” I am working on a blog on my website that addresses these issues.

What else is on your agenda?
I love speaking and since my books have come out, God has opened doors for me to share with groups all over the world. Folks in today’s busy culture like to have teaching material accessible to play in their cars or on their computers. So I am making CD sets available for each of my retreat topics. Each set has 4, forty-minute talks in a handy labeled holder. They are available on my website http://www.lindanewtonspeaks.com/.

Thanks so much for having me on your blog. I hope your readers will visit me online at http://www.lindanewtonspeaks.com/. Please remember that God deeply desires to turn your pain into to praise.

Here is the sweetest picture of Meagan sharing the story of Christ with a child in Costa Rica!

Happy Monday!

Just popping in to say hello and Happy Monday!

My Meagan is home! She got home around 10:30'ish and I stayed up talking to her for about an hour. I'm popped but so glad she's home! She journaled while she was gone but said I couldn't read it...WHAT??? Well, she said maybe I could. She experienced someone giving her life over to Christ and was telling about the woman's total change of countenance. I was so happy she got to experience that. Costa Rica was very humid and her bed was damp every night. Yuck.

James & I had a nice weekend together but neither of us got much sleep! We went out Friday night to meet up with a classmate of mine from elementary school, who I haven't seen in probably 20 years, but we've kept up with each other through email and Facebook. We had a blast singing karaoke! We stayed out till 2 until the bar closed. Seriously? I am usually asleep by (or in bed by) 10:00.

On Saturday, we lounged around for a bit (imagine that) and then ran out to the grocery store for some stuff to grill. Our Wal-mart is being remodeled so not many people are there...which is good because we're all walking around dazed and confused! Of course, when we went to fire up the grill, we found some flying stinging bug had made a nest in our grill AND we were out of gas. George Foreman grill to the rescue! Later, we went to Morgan Creek Winery (see post below this one) and enjoyed a nice evening under the stairs.

James had to head back to KY yesterday but we took a loooong nap and he didn't leave until after 6. Ooops!

My twitter account was suspended due to strange activity. Are my tweets that strange? Wait, don't answer that. I was able to log in this morning and not receive a warning message, so maybe it's ok now.

I'm back at work today but I really want to be back home asleep. I'm so tired and I seem to be overusing exclamation points. So sorry.

Not only did my twitter account have strange activity, but so has my blog. I had to enable the comment moderation feature beacause I keep getting spammed by people who don't write in the same language we do. Sorry about that but it's a necessary evil for now.

I hope you have a great Monday!

Morgan Creek Vineyard ~ 7/4/09

My pictures of the fireworks didn't turn out at all!

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July America! mmMmmMmmm the smell of freedom is great! My soldier just woke up and we're going to spend the day doing... who knows?

I think this evening we're going to Morgan Creek Winery for their 4th of July celebration. I found out about it thanks to a post on Alabama Bloggers.

On Roy Lessin's site, he has written a prayer for our Nation that I wanted to share. (Seriously, have you checked out his site? He's a co-founder of Dayspring and he's such a godly writer!)

Prayer

You may not be mighty, but you can pray and see situations change by the hand of Him who is almighty; You may not be influential, but you can pray and ask Him who raises up one ruler and puts down another to have His way in the affairs of men; You may not know how to comfort or encourage someone who is hurting, but you can pray and touch the heart of Him who is the Father of all comfort; You may not know how to protect yourself from evil, but you can pray and allow God to be your shield and defender. You may not have a lot of resources, but you can pray and receive what you need from the treasure house of Him whose resources are unlimited.

A Prayer For America

Lord, make our country strong in Your hands. May our goals be shaped by Your will; may our resolve be based in Your truth; may our resources be used for Your glory and the good of others. Cover us with grace, shield us with mercy, and motivate us with love. Lord, we know that as a land, a nation, and a people, there is nothing greater than Your presence with us and Your favor upon us. May we move ahead with faith and reliance upon You in all things and at all times. May we live in such a way that pleases You and blesses America.

He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.
Psalm 102:17 [KJV]

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: but the prayer of the upright is his delight. Proverbs 15:8 [KJV]

I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
Psalm 40:1 [KJV]

The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. Psalm 145:18 [KJV]

I pray you'll have a safe and _______ [fill in the blank to whatever you'd like to have in that second spot].

My daughter comes home fromCosta Rica tomorrow night!!!

Costa Rica - Update #3

July 2, 2009 - Third Update:

Everyone is doing great and working hard. The team is taking turns working on the sites and sharing the Gospel. And, at least 22 people accepted Christ yesterday morning! Wow!

Return info:
The plane will get in on Sunday at 5:45pm. Pam said it will take an hour or so to clear customs, so the vans should be returning to the church around 9pm or so Birmingham time.

Panta ta ethne,

Amber

~~~~~~~~~~

There's a post on the Costa Rica Missions website!

Costa Rica Mission Project

Meagan and the crew are working at Piedra Blancas in Costa Rica this week. If you click on the link, I believe you'll see some pictures of the work they are doing. Costa Rica Mission Project works at several different areas.

I get tickled looking at this picture because when they say the acorn doesn't fall far from the tree, I think they were talking about me and Meagan. I don't like to be hot or uncomfortable or dirty...Do you think she's out of her comfort zone a little? I'm proud of her for doing God's work and I CAN. NOT. WAIT. to hear her stories!