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October 2014 A Call for Revival the world it becomes apparent that we are in need of a heaven sent revival. There seems to be a prevailing passivity against naming sin. A common phrase I have heard when an unbeliever dies is that they are in a better place. According to the bible in Revelation 21:8 it says, “But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars—their fate is in the fiery lake of sulfur. This is the second death.” That is a serious charge. I fear the Church has given too many a false sense of security that somehow we can live in sin because God is a loving God and would not send anyone to hell, therefore, somehow all will end up in a “better place” when we die. In Romans 13:11 we read, “This is all the more urgent for you to know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” Jesus tells us in Revelation 3:1, 2, “I know all the things you do, and that you have a reputation for being alive—but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost dead. I find that your actions do not meet the requirements of my God.” John the Baptist, Jesus, the Apostle Peter and Paul warned, “Repent of your sins and turn to God.” Shortly before Paul’s death, he instructed Timothy, “For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their etching ears want to hear. They will reject truth and chase after myths.” 2Timothy 4:3-4. I believe we are in that time. The bible instructs us in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” It’s time to recognize the time we are in and call out to God in humility for a heaven sent revival.
I’m just getting over the flu. One of the things I had to think of during my week “off”, was how God’s love for me was not conditional on how much time I was spending reading His word or praying. In fact I didn’t feel like doing a lot of that. He reminded me of His love and that I can rest in Him. It was a very comforting thought. “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28 NIV. It’s a new year. I had to think of Queen Esther from the Old Testament. It seems she rose from being a nobody to become a somebody in the King’s life. Her adoptive dad was Mordecai, also her cousin. When the Jews were facing execution, Mordecai turned to Esther to petition the King on behalf of her people. He asked her this question, “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 NIV. Esther responded by going to the King and pleading for the life of her people, resulting in deliverance for her people. She had been put in a royal position of influence by God. What about our life? Perhaps we too have come to “royal “position as a child of the King, to become a “somebody” that God can use to make an eternal difference in the lives of others. It’s a new year. Whether you’re full of vision and goals for this year or discouraged by past failures or sickness, we can rest in God’s love! He cares for you and wants to walk with you in triumph or tragedy, because He cares for you! Vehicle fund update; some of you may be aware that we are raising 20,000 dollars for a vehicle for us to use to travel with as well as use locally. We now have 7500 dollars in that fund. Thank for your help. If you would like to contribute toward that fund, ear mark your check accordingly. Thank you for your financial support. God bless you for your generosity! Because of Jesus, Philip Stutzman
July 2012 Awake! To your Destiny at The Pier is now history. Worship, preaching, prayer and ministry time at the altar was a very special time. The Holy Spirit moved powerfully in the services, some experienced salvation, for others emotional healing from things in their past. Tears of joy at the altar from restored relationships were special to see. Here is a testimony from Awake that someone sent me: Inferior, inadequate, incapable. Those words probably describe my feelings towards myself to a T. I couldn't understand how God could love a girl like me. A girl whose parents were well known and loved in the church due to their leadership and strong faith, a girl whose brother was oversees serving the Lord and her sister was preparing herself to do the same, yet she was too young and felt too inferior to do anything to further God's kingdom in her own life. Now, imagine those feelings diminishing after seriously seeking answers and just being hungry enough to honestly seek God's face. No, the answers to all my life's problems weren't discovered in one night, but the strength and confidence and knowledge that God does love me as much as any other person in my life was revealed to me. On that one special night at Awake, Phil took the time to talk and pray with me and speak words of encouragement into my life. I was told many things that still stick with me in my heart but the one that had such a powerful impact was being told that I'm God's princess. I can't even begin to describe the feelings I had as I was given the picture of myself as a princess just walking around holding hands with my Jesus who is so proud of me and who loves me with an unconditional love. That night, I gained a strong feeling of importance and purpose over my life as my King had grasped a hold of his princess who is ready to follow his special plan for my life to further his Kingdom. :) It’s testimonies like this that inspire me to go on proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. Thank you for your prayers and financial support. God is using you to further His kingdom!
Because of Jesus,
March 2012
We just returned from Kenya, Africa this past week. Our team numbered thirteen, eight men and five women. We built a 28 foot by 50 foot church house and then had revival meetings in the new building. I t was special to see the church house being built and then having the first service there.
The message I felt the Lord gave me for the first service was taken from Luke19:13, “Occupy till I come.” (KJV) In this parable, “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return.” (Luke19:12) Before leaving, he called ten of his servants and gave them each a coin worth about three months wages and told them to “occupy till I come.” The word “occupy” means, put to use. Upon his return he called his servants to see what they had done with the money entrusted to them. The first one said he earned ten more coins. The nobleman responded, “Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in very little, have authority over ten cites”. The next servant earned five coins and was told, “have authority over five cites”. Then another servant came with this reply, “Master, here is your mina, which I have kept put away in a handkerchief, for I feared you…” (Luke 19:20, 21 NKJV) The end result was the Master taking the one mina from him and giving it to the one with ten minas. God has entrusted a spiritual gift to each of us that we are to “put to use” until He returns. Let’s not be like the servant who feared his master and hid his money, (spiritual gift) rather, let’s put it to good use! For the African church it is putting to good use the new building God has entrusted to them. For Souls4Him, it was putting to use the money you as donors had given for the construction of the church as well as the study bibles. In our next newsletter we will include pictures about the church building and bible projects. The African church moved from a small rented room to a 28 by 50 church house. We were able to purchase over 100 study bibles plus regular bibles. We delivered 8 suitcases of bibles. On behalf of the African church, thank you for what you have done. God bless you for your faithfulness.
serving joyfully,
Philip Stutzman
Souls4Him Ministries
Happy New Year! January 2012
I was reading the “Parable of the Talents” in Matthew 25. Jesus said, “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them.” Mat. 25:14 To one servant he gave five talents, to another two and another one, “to each according to his own ability”, verse 15. In the parable the first two doubled their talents, or money. The one with one talent dug a hole in the ground and buried his talent. Later in the story we find out why he buried his talent, he was afraid of his master. It’s easy to commend the first two and condemn the one with one talent. According to the text each was given something he was capable of managing. In the church, the body of Christ, He has given each of us something to do. How well are we doing? Some are called to preach, lead worship, teach a class, be an usher, be a Christian businessperson, custodian; nursery worker, husband, wife, grandparents and the list could go on and on. Jesus said, “Well done” to the first two. To the one who had buried his talent, he took it from him and gave it the one with ten. I wonder how often we forfeit the use of our talents because we “bury” them because of fear of failure or being afraid of not doing as good a job as someone else. Here’s the encouraging part, God has entrusted something to each of us to use for His glory. With the gift He gave the ability to use it for His glory. However, for some of us we’re thinking of the failures we have had and are afraid to try again. Gather courage my friend, God wants to use you. What God is looking for is faithfulness. It’s not about the “big” things or “little” things you or I may be doing. It’s about being available and willing to do what He wants us to do. So be encouraged to know God loves you and cares for you and He is pulling for you! We pray God’s blessing on your life in 2012. Thank you for your partnership with Souls4Him. We’re looking forward to seeing what God will do this year! Because of Jesus,
Philip Stutzman
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Souls4Him Ministries
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