Inmate’s 8-year-old daughter last visit tells him that she is praying that God would send someone to speak to him.

 

On Monday July 7th, 3 of us went to Maricopa County Jail, Midge she's about 85 years old, Catherine and myself. We usually arrive around 8:30.  This Monday was truly a blessing for them & us, as we were able to see more inmates than usual. Usually we leave the jail around 2 to 2:30, but this Monday we didn't leave till 4 o'clock. 

 

 In our 2nd session one of the young men, in his early twenty’s, stated several times, "it doesn't make sense"! He had heard many times about Jesus dying on the cross to pay for our sins, again he states, “doesn’t make sense"! 

 

 That's when I walked over and sat down next to him and asked him what doesn't make sense?  He stated, "If someone who lives his life and breaks every single one of God's Laws and then right before he dies on his deathbed he accepts Jesus, are you telling me that that person is going to heaven... That doesn't make sense! " I’ve been told many times that Jesus loves me and all I have to do is accept Him and I’m saved, so I might as well get what I can and before I die ask em.

 

That's when I shared with him what I learned from Ryan Comfort who brought us the teaching of The Way of The Master.  I then asked him if he had ever lied, stolen or used the Lord's Name as a swear word, or ever looked with lust?  He stated he had, with a flippant attitude!

 

I then asked, based on his own admission, would he be innocent or guilty in front of a Holy God...He said guilty! I then asked Heaven or Hell, he stated probably Hell. I then asked did that concern him he said, NO! I then explained what Hell is like, as I have found that many even those who claim to be Christian don't really know. He now changed his tune bout being concerned about spending eternity there. 

 

So as you can see his understanding of a god who will just set you free because you accept him didn’t make sense and rightly so.

 

Now is when I was able to give him the courtroom analogy that Ray had shown us. If he was in front of the Maricopa Judge and was about to be sentenced with the Judge stating he would have to spend life in jail or come up with one million dollars, to be set free. I then asked so if he just told the Judge how sorry he was, please forgive me, and I’ll never do it again, could the Judge let him go? He stated no!

 

I then asked what if just as the Judge was about to slam the gavel down for his sentence of life in prison, when someone he didn’t know walked into the courtroom and shouted out that he had a certified check for $1 Million Dollars. The man states he sold every thing he had, Stocks, Bonds, Investment property, cars & his house because he loves this man & didn’t want to see him suffer. 

 

I then asked the inmate could the Judge let you go? He pondered a while and then with a smile, said YES! That’s when I told him that’s what Jesus did for us two thousand years ago. Now what is needed from us and in this case him, (the inmate) is NOT to just accept Jesus, but to REPENT, (have Godly sorrow) and TRUST in Him for the forgiveness of our sin, and if he does then I would assume that he would do as He requested, “to go and sin NO MORE”!

 

Now this is a true Blessing from the Lord, as not only did his body language change but also stated, “Now I understand, that makes sense!”

 

I asked him to seriously think about what he has heard and when he goes back to his cell that he may want to get on his knees, no on his face, and ask the Lord to forgive him of all his sins, even name them, then share that experience with others in the jail.

 

Please pray for this young man as I think the Lord was calling him, as when I was finished talking he make an amazing statement. 

 

His 8-year-old daughter spoke with him last week and told him that she was praying that God would send someone to speak to him.

  

Saturday Night Live 11/10/2012

This was another Glorious night for our Our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ.! Those who claim Christ as Lord left the comfort of their homes, like He did, and came out to the streets of Tempe where there are hundreds who walk up and down Mill Ave all night looking for who knows what...

The Lord must have been pleased to watch as those who regularly come are now being joined by some new sowers, Tony and his wife Lorna.

While I was up on the large flower pot that stands on the corner of 5th and Milll, offering to give away free Glow-sticks to anyone who can pass the Good Person Test, a young man holding a Million Dollar Gospel Tract in his hand stopped in front of me and asked for one. Seeing the tract in his hand told me that he probably spoke to one of the other sowers., Al, Alan, Dan, Keith, Marcus, or Mike. Mike even brought his young son who is eleven, with him. I guess Mike believes in what the Bible says in : Pro 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.“

So back to this young man as I told him in order to receive the free Glow-stick he had to prove to me he was a good person. With that he immediately stated that he had broken all the commandments, so give me a glow-stick! That’s when I stated that in his own admission he didn’t deserve one as anyone who is rebellious and violates God’s Ten Commandments couldn’t be considered to be a good person.

That’s when he does, as most do, state their standard of what they believe. He stated that he was a Muslim, Hindu, and Christian and reads the Bible everyday and knows it backward and forwards. That one I’d never heard before so I replied he couldn't be a Christian, which means,”One who follows Jesus Christ “, and at the same time admitting believing in the other religions.

Now he becomes even more prideful and tells me that he has a 4.0 average at ASU, and teaches others and also is a professional dancer???? That’s when I asked him if he think that because of the blessing’s that the Lord has given him, that God would allow him to enter Heaven?

Now comes the amazing part of this man’s reaction to hearing the Law of the Lord. He stepped back took off his shoes and his hat, it was very cold that night, and got on his knees and started bowing up and down. Well since I have never...never had anyone bow before me I shouted to the other sowers, "Look I have a Muslim bowing down to me!!! " When he heard that he immediately stood up and angrily stated that he was not bowing down to me but to Mecca and he was offended by my comment. WIth that I looked at him and asked, "How could you be offended when that was exactly what you did. If you were really bowing to Mecca why didn’t you move over, left or right of me, so that you could face it without me in front of you, and as I’ve seen those on the news who are bowing to Mecca, they place a rug on the ground which you didn’t do".

Now he was quiet, just staring at me, that’s when I seized the opportunity to tell him about the provision that God had created. It was the love of God that He has for us that He sent Jesus Christ to pay the fine for the crimes that he and I committed. Jesus being the perfect sacrifice on the Cross. The Romans crucified the worst of the worst and yet Jesus, who was perfect in all areas went willingly, as an obedient servant at the Father’s request.

Our response to that wonderful gift is that we,

Repent, have a Godly Sorrow, 2Co 7:10 “For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.”

then place our faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of us violating God’s Laws!

Here are a just a few of the several verse’s that you may want to read about Repentance:

Luk_5:32

"I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance."

Luk_15:7

"I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

Luk_24:47

and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

I then explained what is stated in Eph 2:8-9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

This is when I explained to him, It’s not what we do but it’s what God has already done for us . Because of that I could now offer him a Glow-stick. I explained how this is a poultry example of what Jesus did on that Cross for me and for him. All he had to do was to reach up and take it.

Now I hope you’ve read this far as this part of what happened is the most unusual thing that has ever happened to me!

With both of his hands at his side, him staring at me and me staring at him, he took a deep breath and ever so slightly raised his right hand. Then another deep breath, our eyes still focused on each other, he raised his hand a fraction more. This continued for what seemed like 60 seconds until his hand was now where he could grasp the Glow-stick. Remember, I’m standing on a planter box that is at least 3 feet above the ground. He finally grabbed the stick placed it around his neck put his shoes back on and walked away.

As he was leaving I gave him another Gospel Tract, which he took, “Are You Good Enough To Go to Heaven”
If you would like to read what it says just click on the name above.

Navajo Indian taking the Good Person Test

Check out this Navajo Indian taking the Good Person Test at McDonald's. He came to our table during our breakfst meeting and stated that he had seen us sevearl times and were alway taking about what the Bible said. He then asked if I knew the answer to his question, who was responsible for the earthquake in Haiti, God or the Devil. I told him that God was in control of everything and that the Devil can only control what God allows. This earthquake was not a suprise to God as He knows everything that happens now and in the future. He didn't think that if God allowed it then He wasn't GOOD. That's when I asked him if he thought he was a good person and would it be okay if I recorded his response.

1st Friday in Feb. at the Art Festival

Tonight the people were overflowing. It was like standing in a river of salmon swimming upstream! Alan & I were standing in the middle of Roosevelt and 3rd st while hundreds of people, the very young, the old, and in-between, who seemed to be looking for something to satisfy what there purpose in life is all about.

Here's Alan giving away one of many Million Dollar Bills to a happy youngster.

While I was walking to another place to fish, a man came up to me and asked what I had in the container that I was pulling behind me. I hesitantly told him I had an amplifier, a microphone and a step stool. He then asked me what I was doing with a step stool. I told him I stand up and ask if anyone can prove to me they are a good person. He immediately responded with, well I'm a good person! (Proverbs 20:6) Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?

I then asked if he would mind if I recorded him while I asked him a few questions, using God's Ten Commandments to see if it were true.

Below watch a proud man take the, " Good Person Test"

God's Saturday Blessing at Pat's Pizza

I want to make this perfectly clear that this story is NOT about me but about how anyone of us who claims Christ as Lord can experience the same kind of interaction. (Proverbs 11:30)

I met with my good friend Blace at Pat's Pizza, where God allowed me to show him exactly how to open a conversation with perfect strangers. We were discussing how the Lord expects us to share what we have recieved with others who may be lost. (Mark 16:15, Acts 1:8, Acts 10:42) He then commented on the verse in (Eze 3:18-19), that those who we do not warn, their blood will be on our hands, but if we warn them and they don't listen then are hands are clean. I agreed with him and just as we were ready to leave I asked him did he know of anyone who would try to share with the two ladies sitting on the other side of the restaurant. He sheepishly responded that he didn't, and probably wouldn't do it either.

Just then, several teenage boys came in followed by several other teens. Now the line went from the ordering counter back to the entrance, probabbly 15 to 20 teens. As I stood up to leave, I noticed that one was smiling and asked if he wanted to see something funny and then took the Ten Commandment coin out of Blace's ear. The young man was amazed and I did it again to another teen. Now they wanted to know how to do it. Now standing, as most of them were now seated, I mentioned that it was an illusion and asked them if they would like to see another one. I took out the pink & blue illusion cards, which are the same size and asked them which color looks bigger to them. Now about ten of them were watching and stating, Pink, Blue, Pink, as I moved the cards from left to right, stating how can that be when I've shown you that they are the same size?

This gave me the opportunity to ask them about the Ten Commandments and as I started asking the first question using the ninth commandment, have you ever told a lie, one young man admitted it with a big grin. I focused on him when I asked the next three commandments, the 8th, 3rd and 7th, I asked base on just those four which he admitted to breaking he stated he was guilty. I asked where God would have to send him and he stated that he would be guilty in front of a Holy God. I then I asked where would God have to send him, Heaven or Hell, he stated HELL! I asked if this concerned him, and he thought for a while and then he arrogantly, said NO! I then asked if he knew what Hell was like and he replied no. I then explained to him what Jesus said it was like. Your thirst never quenched, (Arizona 126 degrees, Hell 1, 226 degrees), constant gnashing of teeth, and where worms never die, being eaten alive for eternity! His attitude changed when I now asked him if it concerned him, and he said YES! I then asked if he knew what God had done so that he wouldn't have to go to Hell, and after a long pause he said no, and the other teen sitting with him said, we've been forgiven? I then asked does that mean that all of us are going to be in Heaven, LIARS, THIEVES, FORNICATORS, and he responded with a no.

Now everyone in the restaurant was listening so I gave the example of being guilty in front of a judge and telling the judge I was sorry please forgive me so that the judge would let me go, and they all agreed that a good judge would not do that. I could see the one young man on my right looking a lot more serious than before. I then explained what God had done for us. He sent His only Begotten Son to die on the cross to pay the price for the sins that I had committed. It's like being guilty, standing in front of that judge, now if someone was willing to pay the fine, or do the time, take the punishment for what I've done, then the judge can let me go. That's what Jesus did for those of us who know that they are guilty of breaking God's Law and deserve Hell. Jesus took the horrible punishment that I deserved, the beating, mocking and being crucified as the perfect sacrifice so that if I REPENT, have remorse, regret, for what I've caused Him to have to go through, and now place my trust in Jesus Christ alone, then my sins will be forgiven, past, present , future.

I then passed out at least 20 more million dollar bills to everyone in the restaurant and thanked them for listening to me and that they needed to read the back of it because it has the most important question and answer..."Are you good enough to get into Heaven!" Why use the Law, the Bible tells us so? (1Timothy 1:8-11)

Now comes the most amazing part as the Pastor was still there with me as I thought he had left. Outside he put his arms around me and stated, "That was awesome!" I thanked him and then said, " This, you can do as well!" (Mark 16:15, Acts 1:8)

We need to be praying for these teens and others as it seems that they haven't a clue about what it means to be adopted into the Kingdom and to , "Repent and Born Again".

Joe Charles Mens Breakfast Meeting

Thanks for all you prayers and support. I was blessed to have Al Gordon & Dale Chase with me to help engage with these men after the breakfast.

With the five minutes I was given I emphasized why those who claim Jesus the Christ as Lord are commanded to share with the lost, not just friends and family as is the more acceptable tradition. In Acts 10:42,Paul stated ”And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.” (John 14:21, Mark 16:15, Acts 1:8) (Know any pew sitters?)

One of the comments I shared with these men was what the Lord had given me early one morning. JFK’s famous quote,

“Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country!”
What we should be asking is, “Ask not what Jesus can do for you, but what you can do for Jesus!”

I then mentioned to these men what seems to be really difficult is to start a conversation with a perfect stranger, or maybe you don’t really care what happens to that stranger, it’s not your job, or maybe someone will become his friend who goes to a church and then that pastor can save him. If this was them then they should read(2nd Cor 13:5)


If you really appreciated what our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ did for you on that cross, you would be out shouting in the streets, so that everyone knew what an unbelievable gift you had received.

To quote Charles Spurgeon:
“We must school and train ourselves to deal personally with the unconverted.
We must not excuse ourselves, but force ourselves to the irksome task until it becomes easy."

So it looks like Training & Practice make it easy. The most common objections I hear for not sharing is that, I’m a quiet person, I don't like to speak with other people, I’ve been told to wait for God to tell me when to speak to someone, the final one is, I don't feel comfortable speaking to a perfect stranger about my faith as they could ask me a question that I don’t know. (So why not be honest and say you don’t know and then find out!)

Remember, He calls whom He equips, not those who are equipped.

To many of us say we follow Jesus but only if He is our co-pilot!
I asked some of the pastors if this concept of reaching the lost could be taught at their place. The response was almost the same. They had their own way and they didn’t think that scattering tracts was of much use because you wouldn’t be able to come along side a person or bring them into the Church where his teaching would save them. They said they were only interested in bringing someone into their church, so that through their message they could make them a Christian. Once that happened, then that person could go out and bring in another person, and so on.

I was told that it was a waste of time to just hand out tracts and speak to strangers who I may never see again. So to teach it to those who come to their worship would not be productive. These people need to have a close relationship with the person sharing. But they were thankful that God had given me the gift to evangelize to those people, but they were satisfied that what they were doing was what God had in mind for them to do. I even had one claim he would speak only to those God told him to speak to and he repeated that comment several times, so that I wouldn’t ask him if he would like to learn how to share with everyone.

Then Al commented about a pastor (with the cross around his neck) who was so against everything we tried to say really bothered him. Not the man himself, but that reaction from a pastor. I let him off easy and just moved on to talk to others, but maybe we should be a little more aggressive towards a pastor. They will be judged more harshly, according to Scripture. He’s either deceived or a deceiver and it doesn’t really matter which one. They seem to think that they are making the conversion; they’re building their church, puffing themselves up. I should have asked him, “What caused Satan’s fall?” Selfish pride caused it, and the Bible tells us that pride comes before a fall. If one thinks that scattering Gospel seed is useless, that man obviously thinks that he has the secret to bringing people to salvation, through his own works. God’s Word does not return void, and who are these mere mortals to speak of God’s Word with such derision in their voice? Anyway, there were people who were open to the idea, excited by the tracts, and a few of them even asked for extra tracts to give to friends and family. Al then mentioned how he liked what the guy who’d been in prison said. He said, “There was going to be a change this year, and people weren’t going to like it. No more sitting around being nice, we are to get out there and tell the Truth, whether anyone likes it or not.

Now the good news! Well a few men came to me and admitted that they did not speak to others about what God had done for them because they were shy and mostly kept to themselves. These were humble men, not using the excuse that almost all Christians use so then can justify their neglect and lack of love for what Christ has done for them. They knew they should share but were uncomfortable to even try. When I asked them could they ask a perfect stranger, “did you get your first Million yet,” they said yes they could, so I encouraged them to sign up for the Crash Course and watch the Lord perform a miracle.

Some asked if we had any extra Million Dollar bills, so that they could hand out some as well. I was encouraged by the woman who was serving us the food, as this was for men only. I gave her one for serving such a delicious breakfast and then asked her the Million Dollar question, “Are you GOOD enough to get to Heaven” She said yes and then I read the back of the bill with her and then she understood that she wasn’t and said, “WOW, this is awesome, I like how easy this is to explain. I’m a Christian do you have any extra as I would love to give them to some people I know.” I then gave her a bunch and then explained that if she would come to this Crash Course I would show her how she could not only give it to her friends but everyone she comes in contact with, if that were true how much more effective as a Christian do you think you would be? (You should have seen the look on her face, like a light bulb just turned on)

Well it’s a good thing that our Lord and Savior wasn’t like this. Can you imagine what He was thinking when He went with His disciples to Gethsemane and was praying, sweating blood, because He knew what He was going to go through the next day? Judas would betray Him, His disciples would abandon Him, falsely accused in a mock trial, He would be beaten, punched in the face, whipped, spit on mocked, striped of His clothes then, rejected by His own people, sentenced to a horrendous death by carrying a heavy wooden cross, wearing a crown of thorns and then be nailed to it and hang there for about three hours all the while taking on the sins of the world. This part had to be the most painful punishment as this Man Jesus who was God in human form never knowing sin now taking on the sins of the world to satisfy the only sacrifice acceptable to our Heavenly Father. Then came the worst and most agonizing torture of all…when he stated, “Father why has thou forsaken me.” Here we see Jesus all alone as our Father in Heaven turned away from the only Begotten Son. Jesus was looking for a plan "B" but did the will of the Father, can't we!(Mat 26:29, Luke 22:24, Mark 14:36)

So couldn’t we overcome our fear by placing our trust in Him, (Phil 4:13) and share with everyone with meet, not just friends and family?

Of course those of us who have been chosen and are adopted into the Kingdom understand that this was God’s plan of redemption for mankind and His death brought us life as He was raised from the dead three days later.

We now know we have the gift of eternal life because of what happened then, and those of us who place our trust in what He did that day and repent from our own selfish desires will spend eternity with Him in Heaven.

How then can anyone who claims Him as Lord not have the desire to do as He commanded to GO into the ALL the world and proclaim the Gospel to ALL creation (Mark 16:15)

Well the final blessing was when Al brought a man to me who asked if I would like to use his Tour Bus as a place to have my Crash Course. He explained that the bus takes them out for about 4 hours, each seat has it’s own TV monitor. They can be driven to a place like Prescott and while they are confined in the bus (can’t leave, ha, ha) they can be trained on how to reach the lost and then when in Prescott practice handing out and sharing with those we meet there. I asked how much would it cost and he replied that the Lord would provide! WOW, to say the least I was in shock!

I pray that those of you have not been able to communicate this message that our Lord suffered so much for to come to this Crash Course.

Remember what Spurgeon stated earlier well he also stated that:

If you’re not seeking to save the lost then you’re not saved yourself,
you can be sure of that!

And of course we must honor our Lord when He prayed in Luke 10:2
And He was saying to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.

So if you’re still struggling with reaching out to others, need some practice, I pray you come to the next Crash Course.
(no more excuses!)

October 24th Way of the Master Seminar

Today I was blessed to host this seminar as the Pastor from The Father's Fellowship had asked if I would do The Way of The Master Seminar for his people at Church. I just started going this Church about a month ago. They had just started the series from the weekly training for their Tuesday evening Bible study and I started to attend. It was the second time I was there and Pastor Jack took me outside before the meeting and asked if I would put on the 1/2 day seminar for his people as I had been sharing with him that I had been doing The Way of The Master seminars for the last four years. It was exciting to hear him announce that on Sunday, that this Saturday I would be hosting this seminar and that all should attend. I stood by the sign up table after the worship service prayerfully hoping that some would sign up. The Lord definitely touched the hearts of those who were there as about 30% signed up for the training.

The day came and the training was well received. There were many somber and humorous moments. Somber, because when they viewed the video that showed a group of teenagers who couldn't name any of the Ten Commandments, (Romans 2:15) but had no problem naming 10 different brands of beer. The humor when they heard some of the ridiculous answers from those who were taking the "good person test" (Galatians 3:24)

It was a blessing to have others who had been through this before come just to share what listening to this teaching had done for them. One of the ladies named Ann lives about 45 minutes away and shared how this training changed how she shares, as she admitted being a Christian for at least 50 years and never used the Law to help someone understand why they need a Savior.

Dan also wasn't a member of this church but had been out on the streets with us because of AL, another seed sower whom he knows. He tried to implore the group to at least come out on the streets to see us in action as this is what helped him to understand how using the tracts and the Law was an easy way to share and it gave him a desire to want to reach out to save those who are lost. (Acts 1:8)

Well the five hours passed quickly as now it was time for prayer and nourishment. Some came with me to Tempe to observe how this actually works with strangers. Below is a picture of me drawing a crowd by giving away money by asking trivial questions. At the right time I ask, "Who here can prove to me that they are a Good Person?" Someone's hand always goes up! (1Tim 1:8)

The lady you see in back of me is Ella. She has the beautiful white hair. This was her first Way of The Master Seminar and she came down with me as she doesn't like driving at night. She was on fire as she handed out several Million Dollar bills to perfect strangers. All her life she said she has wanted to share, but never did anything like this. She mentioned to me that she was going to call & order her own pack of Million Dollar bills so that she can give them away wherever she goes.

Then there was Andres and his 13 year od son. It was amazing to watch how this young boy on his own requested to have some of the Million Dollar bills so that he could hand them out like we were. (Matthew 18:3)

Well, today was a long day as we got finished around 10:30 pm. Lots of tracts were handed out and many one--2- ones were done. We praise the Lord for giving us the passion and desire to go out to reach and save the lost. We are nobody's who can share with anybody about somebody who can save anybody. (Mark 16:15)

What Happened at a Funeral

Since this is to be the season for giving I thought I would share what happened to me Sunday at a funeral for the Episcopalian priest that Catherine's family associated with him & his family for generations. Last year at this time we went to his wife's funeral. I always carry Million Dollar Gospel tracts just in case I encounter someone who could use one. I don't really remember how many I passed out but I know I passed out several. I tell you this first so that you might be able to experience how I felt when I was confronted by a women who is a long time friend of Catherine's brother. I was listening to her brother speak when this woman came up to me & said, "I know you , you were the one who was handing out those Million Dollar bills, why didn't you give me one?" Needless to say I was in shock to have someone confront me about what I had done a year ago, and the fact that she remembered me was mind boggling! I then asked her to forgive me for not giving her one and then handed her one. I then told her to read the back as this is a Gospel Tract & she might want to answer the Million Dollar question, "Are you good enough to get into Heaven. She thanked me for giving it to her and then said that she was good enough. To my amazement she then asked me if I had given one to her good friend Nancy, I stated that I didn't know who Nancy was and she then said well she’s right over there, I then said well if she is your good friend then maybe you should give her one yourself, here is an extra one to do that. I instructed her that you would also have to tell that is was a Gospel tract and to read the back an answer the good person question. She again said thanks and immediately walked over to her friend and gave it to her.

Later as Catherine & I were in line to give our condolences to the daughter of the deceased priest, another woman came up to me and stated the same thing the other lady said. After I gave her the Million Dollar tract her husband took it from her. I then gave his wife another. He was about my age, & because of waiting in line, I was able to ask the questions about being a good person using the Ten Commandments, (you know we only use 3-4 of them). He admitted to breaking God's Law but he was saved because many years ago he walked forward at a Billy Graham event.

Afterwards Catherine told me that his wife who was standing there told her that she was so thankful that I had shared this message with him because it gave him a clear picture of how God has to punish those who have violated God's law and only by the repenting from those sins and placing our trust in the death & resurrection of Jesus Christ can we have eternally life, and not just because someone says a prayer or walks forward. She told Catherine that she has never seen any change in him.

So back to my original statement about the season for giving. What a wonderful gift to be able to share with ALL those we come in contact with, not just family & friends. Even Catherine who was reluctant in the beginning has now become more faithful and excited about the responses she gets from those she gives them to. Just last night she gave out three. She is amazed when she tells them what it is, "a Gospel tract and you need to answer the Million Dollar question, are you good enough to get into Heaven". One lady after she was asked the question stated, “That question is more important than making a Million Dollars, I’ll definitely read this when I get home!”

I am so thankful that I have learned how to share the Glorious Gospel of my Lord & Savior Jesus Christ with those who are in the world, strangers, people you met every day. When Christ told Peter, "come follow me & I will make you fishers of men", (Mark 1:17) I'm sure He wasn't telling Peter that it would only be to his family & friends that he was to share with & hopefully you understand that this command was not just for Peter. So now I can give a gift, a Million Dollar bill, & become like fishers of men, which has the true message of what being born again is all about. So my friends I pray that you see this as a most wonderful GIFT, one that is remembered and desired by others, just like this funeral. We who are born again have been commanded & encouraged by our Lord & Savior as He stated in Mark 16:15 & again in Acts 1:8, to share with the lost. So if you understand what our world is all about, "money", then why not give them what they want so they will have the opportunity to read the Word of God as well.

So if any of you would like to learn a way that Jesus Himself used, the Ten Commandments, (Luke 18:18) please let me know. Or if you have been but don't have any Million Dollar Tracts let me know & I will gladly send some to you.

So we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and pray that the gift of giving becomes more than just buying gifts for others and that you include gift giving every day as the gift that you have been given by the only One who has saved you, JESUS THE CHRIST!

Till The neTs R full

Love

Catherine & Thomas Fusco

My tongue shall speak...0 Your Word, for all Your Commandments are righteousness. (Psalms 119:172)

Japan Mission Trip - January 2008

Catherine and I have been blessed by God to be able to go to Japan to Spread the Gospel. As you know Japan is dominated by two major religions, Shinto and Buddhism. Christians in Japan are in a distinct minority, so mission trips to this country do much to nurture and grow and spread the Message.

Just two nobodies who can share with anybody about somebody that can save anybody.

Thursday, December 20, 2007
It's late around 10:30p and I just finished setting up this blog so that I can communicate with those who supported us on what happens to us in Japan. I pray that this method can work and so that they can read about what God has us doing in this foreign land.

Posted by Catherine & Thomas Fusco at 8:30 PM

19 comments: SUMMARY IS ON PAGE 3 -7
December 20, 2007 9:43 PM Tom's friend Alan said...
I think this is a great idea. We can see in real time (almost)what is going on with your trip

December 21, 2007 9:30 AM Blace said... My aren't we getting techie! This is great: we who are praying can hear how God is answering on the front lines.

January 22, 2008 9:17 PM I'd love to hear more news as the time of your departure is closing fast. Praying for a safe flight, what else can we pray for? Anonymous

January 23, 2008 7:45 AM Catherine & Tom said... Anonymous,one of our concerns is that of Catherine's mom Gloria. We have moved in with her so that she can have constant care. Pray that the Lord watch over her while we are gone. Also that He protects us from any illnes so that we can be on fire for the Lord to those we meet.

January 23, 2008 7:04 PM Dale said... Cath and Tom, Will pray for Gloria & for your good health while over there. But do remember 2 Corinthians 12:9.

January 23, 2008 8:19 PM Catherine & Tom said... Dale, Thanks for the message, and pointing me to the One who saved me & provides me with all that I need. As I continued to the chapters end, 2nd Cor 12:21, it reminded me of those who have not repented and are lost.

January 24, 2008 5:38 PM kim said... Hi Mom and Tom! …I am just checking to see if you have landed. I will be praying for you guys and of course grandma. I love you!

January 25, 2008 11:20 PM Edwin said...Are you in Japan yet?

January 26, 2008 12:56 PM D.Yoder said... Tom hows the fishing in Japan ?
Praying for you !! Psalm 89:1

January 26, 2008 7:19 PM Catherine & tom said... Kim, we arrived safely except I did lose my dinner 10 minuite before landing. This is the first time we have been able to send something. This has been an awesome experience. We have met so many nice people here. 1st on the train, i was able togive awyt a million dollar bill. Then while at StarBucks in the mall, Tom shared the Ten Commandments with a young girl who spoke english. We are at their church now and we gave them our testimonies. I`ll try to send some more when we have a chance

January 26, 2008 11:46 PM Dale said... Wow, you peeps are 16 hours ahead of us! (AZ is GMT-7 & Japan is GMT+9). Let’s see, it's about 12:30 am here, so it must be 4:30 pm there. Hopefully you're getting some good sleep to adjust. So Catherine, you lost your dinner, huh... don't worry about it-maybe you'll find it on the flight back!
Grace to you who love our Lord Jesus Christ

January 28, 2008 1:03 AM catherine & tom said... Dale, nice to hear from you. Your sense of humor is refreshing. We were out today meeting people in the neighborhood by this church which is about 45min from where we are staying. We were at lunch and a women recognized me as the man who was handing out tracts she saw at Starbucks the other day.

January 28, 2008 1:11 AM catheirne & tom said...Edwin, Thanks for your concern. As you can see we have arrived safely. We have lots to tell you when we get back. We can compare stories now that you have already been here and done that

January 28, 2008 1:15 AM catherine & tom said... D.Yoder, The fishing has been great. Today we were busy sharing the bait. Getting to a computer has not been easy. Say hello to the sower`s on mill for me.

January 28, 2008 1:20 AM Today I started to feel the jetlag as I was extremely tired this afternoon. Constantly yawning and eyes trying to close. Please keep us in your prayers that I get the rest I need so that tomorrow I get be fight to do battle.

January 28, 2008 9:09 AM Edwin said... Tom Good to hear you are fishing like crazy. I can’t wait to hear all about it when you get back. I will keep you both in prayer and remind the team at home to do so as well.

Catherine & Tom said...
Left Phoenix AZ on Thursday at 7:30a & arrived in Tokyo on Friday at 5:30p. Met David Spurdle outside and had to take the 3 separate trains to get to where he parked his van. This took approximately another 2 hours. Then 45 minutes later we arrived at the house where we would stay, this was about 8;30 or 9P Japan time which would mean that we were up for about 27 hours as it was now 5:a Friday Phoenix time. On the first train our prayers were answered as we had been praying that the Lord would bring people to us who spoke English. At the first stop a man got on and sat next to Catherine. He asked her if she would mind if he sat by her. She was surprised how well he spoke English and complimented him on it. She offered him a million and he took it. After reading it, he mentioned that he liked the tract and that he was a Christian and she continued to have a great conversation with him. He gave us the newspaper he had with him as it was written in English and he stated that he buys it so that he would better understand the English language. We praised the Lord for answering our prayers so quickly.

Saturday. January, 26 (which is Friday in Phoenix)
Woke up early Sat, David made great blueberry pancakes. Each day after breakfast we have a Bible study, and are learning about missionaries. After our study David took us for a walk that lead us to the base of a mountain. We climbed that mountain and at the top we could see the city that Satan held captive. We prayed to the Lord above that He would use us to help free those people and bring truth to the city of Tochigi. On our way down David & Jack were able to witness to two people, a mother & son who were cleaning the area.

Afterwards we went to the mall to buy some supplies and to pass out tracks. They had a Starbucks inside the mall & we were privileged to talk a young girl named Kazayo and I walked her through the commandments as she spoke English and was ale to understand what I was saying. She was convicted by the law an Catherine noticed that she had tears in her eyes when we got to the part were she stated that would it concerned her that she could be in Hell. David invited her to his home for that night as his pastor & the pastor's son were coming that night. To my amazement she and her sister showed up.

Afterwards we all went to dinner at a great Japanese restaurant and shared with one another. Jack & I started singing and were having a grand time coming up with all the different songs that we could remember. Even the owners who was the cook & his wife were smiling at us signing.

Sunday, 27th, We attended worship at the chapel in Tochigi and we all shared our testimonies. Afterwards I was able to log on to my website and share the video of the piano player. Everyone was amazed at that man using balls to play music. I also shared with them the pink & blue illusion cards as well as showing the coin that appears out of thin air. They were eager to learn how I did it and I showed them. You should have seen all the men young and old practicing how to do it.

We were invited to a ladies home which was on the outskirts which was like a farm house. She served us an amazing meal which Catherine helped her to prepare. She shared with Catherine all about her two sons and then took Catherine to her bedroom where she showed her pictures of her daughter dressed in beautiful Japanese gowns.

Monday, 28th We drove to the top of another mountain, Ohira, in Tochigi. We had a terrific view of Tokyo in the distance and could even see Mt Fuji. They have a three story platform that you can walk up to get a better view and there we saw padlocks that were engraved and locked into the fence that surrounded the platform. I was told by Jack that couples who want to get married leave them there. As we looked out over the area David had us pray for all of those people who have never heard of the Gospel.

We drove to the area where the church is and dropped off flyers inviting people to come to the church on Saturday.

Tuesday, 29th Today was a damp and rainy day. We dropped off tracts locally and then went to the mall and stopped at Starbucks. David was able to share with a man who stated that he had never heard the Gospel before. David was able, with the Lords help, to show this man the connection from the old Chinese manuscripts and the invention of the computer how God was real.

Wednesday 30th Today we drove to Mt Nikko, where there is a Christian camp. We actually have a bed to sleep on & heat on the floors. We all went to a tiny hut where we prayed for Haruko who is the wife of the Pastor at Tochigi as she has a failing liver. We also prayed over Nakajima, a close friend of theirs who has ovarian cancer and was told she only had a year to live. Then we split up and each went to there own little hut for about an hour to spend some quiet time with the Lord.

We then drove to a place called Nikko Wonderland, but the attraction was closed from 1/25-2-7, we just missed it. While we wondering around at this empty location some college students from Tokyo showed. We were able to witness to them for quite a while. When they left to get on there bus they we very thankful that we shared with them.

The Gospel Tract of the million dollar bill with JFK on the front and the Japanese language on the back is being very well received.

When we came back to the camp we were able to use the hot water bath. First everyone goes inside to shower and then steps into a large bath and from there you go outside to another large hot bath which is located on the edge of the small canyon. From this spot you could see a water fall which falls into the river below. AWESOME!

After dinner we had prayer time and Bibl study. This was an unplanned part of our trip as we asked by Haga San if we would accompany them so that we could pray for the two women.

Thursday, 31st Then next morning we went to the Nikko Tokugawa Shrine. This place is amazing! The buildings and their artistic sculptures are truly works of art. The only problem is that they are art works for Satan. I was told that millions of people come form all over the world to worship here. They even have what looks like the Ark of the Convenient as described in the Old Testament in one of the temples.

The five of us were able to hand out 100's of tracts each to all the tourists who came.

Jack who I have to say is the oldest was able to walk up three hundred & fifty two stairs to and it was only through the Lords power that he was able to do it. The rest of us didn't even try. Oh Jack usually wears a knee brace but he did this without it.

Friday, Feb 1st Got more flyers came back and cut them up. Headed for the Chapel and put them in their mailboxes. We then met up with the kids at the park from the last time and played some games with them. Even Jack tried to hit the ball but to no avail. About a dozen more school kids on bikes came to the park and we able to pass out million dollar bills to all of them. They were very excited to have the money and we explained to them that they had to read the back and have their parents so the same.

Saturday Feb 2nd We went to Starbucks again for some more fishing and they had a live band in the mall. As they were performing I mingled with the crowd and offered them the million dollar bill. I'm sure they thought it had something to do with the entertainment that was going on because no one refused them. I was able to hand out almost a whole pack. Jack came over and helped out as he gave a bunch away and then the security stopped him. By then it was to late as our task of handing out God's word in Satan's domain was complete.

Evening came quickly and we had to get back to our base as we were entertaining some people from his church as well as neighbors that were invited. David and Catherine prepared a wonderful American meal, burrito's. They loved it as many had two helpings. As the evening went on Shin the son of the Pastor Haga Son asked if I would show his fried the magic. While doing the tricks one of the neighbors asked me to do more and then I showed the pink & blue illusion and then with the help of David, translating it into Japanese, I took him through the question about selling our eyes. We were able to go through the process of how God would have to judge a sinner, which we know is someone who lies, steals or has lustful thoughts for others. His response to it was that he hadn't given it much thought.

Now comes the amazing part, remember the friend that Shin brought, his name is Isikawa, I noticed that his eyes were wet and he started to speak about how he understood what I was saying and how he is a Buddhist & so is his whole family. He related to us about his grandfather's funeral that when he looked at him lying dead, his face seemed peaceful. Since then he had been trying to live his life by doing good things just like his grandfather taught him but after hearing what I spoke of he understood my message and was very thankful for me sharing with them.

He is still a Buddhist but know wants to search out other religions. I asked if he had every read the Bible and he said no. I then offered him a Bible written in Japanese and he thanked me and said he would read it. His tearful story brought me to ask if I could give him a hug and he responded by leaning over towards me. I was hugging him he said that he has great respect for me & then I told him that this moment was the best thing that happened to me in Japan and I think that God wanted me here so that he could hear my message. I then told him I would be praying for him so that God would open his heart and he would truly understand what it meant for Jesus to die on the cross for him. After that I could hardly speak as I realized that God had answered my prayers, and allowed me to hear the heart of someone in Japan