CAN'T DRINK GRAPES

We have just finished the first two months of travelling, connecting with Pastors, and ministering in churches around the state.  I’ve been profoundly impacted by so many believers among the local churches in Arizona.  As a Pastor, I feel a sense of great hope to see every church filled with people who have a heart and passion for world missions.

Our Network Conference was also a significant event where many of those Pastors made a sacrificial pledge to many of our Arizona based missionaries to send more missionaries around the world to preach the life changing message of Jesus Christ.  The church is poised for a great harvest and we are privileged to serve as laborers in His field.

Brigette and I are so grateful for all of you who have partnered with us in this season of preparation.  We are believing God to finish preparations in a seven-month period and leave by October 1st this fall.  It will require a series of faith and miracles that we have already experienced thus far.  I’ve always taught that those who dare to do the ridiculous…God will do the impossible!

I also want to honor my two sons Jamin and Jenson.  They have been our greatest supporters and continue to make us proud parents.  Many have asked what will be the most difficult part of the preparation?  Saying goodbye to my boys is not really something I can prepare for and will require an element of God’s grace that I cannot seem to grasp until that day comes.,

Most American Christians, including myself have no real theology of suffering.  Oswald Chambers was right when he taught, “If we are ever going to be made into wine, we will have to be crushed; you cannot drink grapes.  Grapes become wine only when they have been squeezed”.

In Philippians 2:17, Paul considered his life to be compared to a “drink offering”.  Something poured out, no holding back, giving all, bold living, sacrificial willingness…all for Jesus.  I would like to embrace that kind of theology.  All or nothing mindsets have changed the world.

Thank you for praying with us.  Without you we could not continue this journey.  We love you.

Dana & Brigette