DPM Update – 2015 April

Dear Friends

We’re back home in KC!!

Europe 2015
What a blast! Four countries in five weeks: Norway, England, Wales and Switzerland. All but one of our hosts have been in our home in KC sometime in the last few years… and all were over-the-top gracious when we were in their home. This was definitely a God trip, as we can see the fingerprints of God throughout. We were in about 30 meetings in 34 days… so it was full, it was a wild ride, it was heavenly, it was full of love (both given and received) and it was extremely rewarding. When we think of all the lives we personally touched with a hug, a prophetic word, worship time, preaching, remembrance of their name, a laugh, time of tears, or a time of counseling… it’s a little overwhelming to comprehend how God let us personally touch so many of His people with His love. God is so good that His resources of love are never exhausted. I’ve gotta believe that Heaven’s ‘bank accounts’ are a little richer for all the love exchanged.

Norway
Beautiful!!! Fjords, sheer vertical mountain sides, snow-capped mountain tops, beautiful green deep valleys, the land of tunnels (we drove through over 100 and the world’s longest), whole cities without stop signs in favor of round-a-bouts, crystal clear streams, grass roofs, and quaint old-world architecture and style buildings. All these make Norway a spectacular place to see. But surprising to me was that most believers we met were lovers of Holy Spirit freedom… which made it a ton of fun for us. A four-day “Outcry” conference, Jesus Fellowship church, house churches and one day of teaching at Veien Bible school gave us many opportunities and great pleasure to be a catalyst for freedom and joy. A great big “Thank you” to our hosts, Oystein & Sigrid Hilleren and Bruce & Ellen McKibben!!!

England
England was a place for Debbie and I to rest and relax. We spent parts of two days in London on a whirlwind date… saw many of the major sites, mastered The Tube and double-decker bus system and of course, we had to eat traditional fish-n-chips and meat pie at the pub! Then we were guests in Paul & Michelle Gaskin’s Bristol home where we had an easy schedule of rest, relaxing and sight-seeing… with the exception of one afternoon and evening of meetings. Easter Sunday morning, we enjoyed the liturgy of a formal Anglican church as Paul’s daughter was baptized. A warm “Thank you” to Paul & Michelle!!!

Wales
This land is rife with recorded revivals extending back for over 1000 years. My mind staggers at the extent of God’s intervention in mankind’s history here. All of the UK and Europe are like a modern Bible of visitations of God. Our time in Wales was rich with spiritual refreshing and renewal for us; from visiting Ffald-y-Brenin (a current revival hotspot), to visiting two chapels where Evan Roberts had his historical experiences in 1904 that changed eternity for thousands. (We won’t be the same… there’s so much more I’d love to say about that!) Then we settled into a sleepy little town of Presteigne were we integrated into very rural life with hikes through pastures full of sheep and shops that still operate in old-world style. Very enjoyable. We also shared in several meetings and discovered that God has on-fire people everywhere. One of our meetings was in a 400 year old pub. That night the ‘drinks’ were on the house… God’s house! As far as our hosts could determine, Presteigne had not experienced a Holy Spirit evening like this for longer than anyone knew. We’re so privileged to be a part of God’s love expressed on earth!!! A very grateful “Thank you” to our hosts, Dick & Gladys Funnell and Jon & Anne Judson.

Switzerland
We were welcomed graciously and warmly… then immediately we stepped into nine days of a fairly full schedule. Our schedule was rewarding in many ways… from just good fun, to awe inspiring stunning scenery of majestic snow-capped jagged mountains and tranquil green valleys, to many divine appointments where hearts were melted and wonderfully massaged by the love of God. This is a very noble culture, but lacks expressed love, which makes for a most wonderful God-moment when the authentic love of God is felt. This proved true many times… as evidenced by so many tears that it’s impossible to tell of all the experiences. A three-day spiritual retreat, several house churches and small groups gave many opportunities for personal touch and affection. Do you think Jesus loves this?!?! Otto & Helen Leuthold, Walter Hegetschweiler & Marianne Frei, and Salvi & Marinella Greco & family were all amazing gracious hosts… “Thank you, SO very much!!”

Switzerland has 4 official languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh. Then to make matters more confusing, German has a high and low version which are VERY different from the other. In addition, most everyone speaks some English. So literally this country speaks 6 languages. Wow, crazy, but everyone seems to make it work.

Overview…
It was a huge blessing that most people in each country spoke at least a little English… and many are quite fluent. We strongly felt the pleasure of Heaven throughout the whole trip. The favor from people and impact in people’s lives was much more than we could have ever expected! What an honor to love Jesus’ bride and give her hope and a personal ‘kiss’ from Him. We can truly say that we have richer hearts for giving love away. Sounds like Jesus in John 4:34 when He said, “My food is to do the will of the Father.” In other words, when we do His will, it will be food (’nutrition’) to us.

So now, let us have a week or so of ‘sabbath’ at home… and to see our family… then we’ll be ready to do it again… somewhere on the earth… and in God’s timing, I’m confident we’ll be back in Europe. Your prayer ‘cover’, support and care were hugely appreciated. Thank you all SO very much!!

To view pics of our travels, visit our Facebook page and click on the Europe 2015 photo album.

Lydia – India mission
Speaking of family, our daughter Lydia is planning a trip with a team to Chennai, India… May 8-16. They will be teaching worship music, art, singing, dance and prophecy 4-6 hours each day… with children outside of the orphanage in the mornings… and in the afternoons, to children who live in the Children’s House of Prayer. About 300 children are going to receive the love of Jesus in a personal way. Thank you for keeping Lydia and team in your prayers. For more info or to watch live, see: http://chopnetwork.org (Pic – Lydia on an Africa mission trip)