JUNE, 2009
IMPORTANT, IMPORTANT!
Last month a letter and form were
sent to all UP members and
supporters. I called it a “re-up,” or
a re-enlisting. We have now
completed seven years of the
existence of the Uninterrupted
Prayer Team, and God has indeed
blessed the members/supporters
and many prayers have truly been
answered. But now it is time to
reassess commitment. Only a
small percentage of you have
responded to the request. So, here
it is again, with a strong statement:
For people who do not respond, we
will assume that you no longer
wish to continue your involvement
with the UP Team. That would be
a tragedy, if your commitment
continues to be fresh. You do not
have to respond with the form.
We simply need to know: 1) Do
you want to continue your
involvement, and if so, as a
member with an hour a week or
more or as a supporter who prays
for the UP Team and its members?
2) Do you want to change your day
and/or hour(s); if so, what? 3) Are
you not sure what your day and
hour are and want clarification?
4) Do you want to end your
membership and/or support, or do
your prefer to move from a
designated hour to a support role
or vice versa? It is absolutely
critical that each and every one
of you respond to this. You may
call me, Bob Burton, at (417) 331-
1028 or Anita Prochnow at (417)
336-7056. You may e-mail me at
bburt98@aol.com or Anita at
aprochnow@silverdollarcity.com.
You may drop a note to me at
1582 Talking Rocks Road,
Branson West, MO, 65737, or
Anita at the SDC Foundation,
7347 W. State Hwy 76, Branson,
MO 65616. Please do not delay;
respond, one way or another,
right away. This is critical!
Thank you for your faithfulness
to the UP Team!
REFLECTION
We are in the great season of Pentecost,
celebrated annually fifty days after the
Resurrection of Jesus from the dead.
Interestingly, the time originally
corresponded with the Jewish Feast of
Pentecost, or Weeks. It was one of the
feasts celebrating harvest and occurs
fifty days (Pentecost refers to fifty) after
the great Feast of the Passover. Thus,
once again we see how perfect is God’s
Plan of Salvation, how Christianity is the
true fulfillment of Judaism, and how
Christianity is fittingly called a Judaeo-
Christian religion. Jesus’ death and
Resurrection occurred during Passover –
the commemoration of the Jews in Egypt
placing blood from a lamb on their
doorposts so that the angel of death
would “pass over” them. The typology
pointing to the Blood of the Lamb is
magnificent. So, too, it is so fitting that
the birthday of the Christian Church
should be on the day of the Jewish Feast
of Pentecost, when the harvest of souls
for the Kingdom of God begins in the
New Covenant. For Christians,
Pentecost is now indelibly connected
with the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of
the Blessed Trinity. For the coming of
the Holy Spirit in power, as promised by
Jesus, utterly transformed the Apostles
and the others obediently waiting in
prayer in the Upper Room and the
spreading of the Church began. We read
in Acts that the Holy Spirit appeared
with tongues of fire and as a mighty,
rushing wind; but make no mistake:
This was the arrival of a Person, not a
wind or an expression of fire. Jesus
promised the coming of the Holy Spirit;
on the night before He died, He told the
Apostles, and us, that the Comforter and
Counselor would come and that He
would remind them, and us, of
everything that Jesus taught. One of the
titles of the Holy Spirit is the
“Paraclete,” which means Advocate, or
Counselor. Paul later, under the
inspiration of the same Holy Spirit, gave
us the theology of the Spirit with regard
to the dynamic Christian life, when he
wrote such magnificent truths as 1) the
presence of the Holy Spirit within
believers makes us living temples of
God; 2) the presence of the Holy Spirit
makes us adopted children, crying out
“Abba,” or “Dad,” thereby describing
the incredible privilege of intimate union
with God, of sharing in His Divine
Family life; 3) only those who have the
Spirit of God are truly sons and
daughters of God. So, what does this
mean for us as people of prayer? There
is a tremendous truth here, folks.
Because of our decision to accept Jesus
as our Lord and Savior, resulting in the
outpouring of the Holy Spirit within us,
the prayer of a Christian is powerful
way, way beyond our own power. When
we pray in accordance with God’s will,
we are truly guided by the Spirit in that
prayer, and the prayer becomes joined
with Jesus the Great High Priest,
becomes His prayer, and the Father
always listens to His Son! So, when we
engage in praise and worship, in
thanksgiving, in genuine repentance, in
intercession, and in talking with and
listening to God in our own way, there is
an awesome spiritual reality going on, a
supernatural power beyond our human
ability to perceive. Brothers and sisters,
Satan absolutely wants to blind us to this
reality, He wants us to believe that we
are little and insignificant. He is
terrified by genuine prayer and it causes
him to flee. This is why the UP Team
re-up is so important. Satan knows how
powerful the prayer of people joined
together in this way is, how it can bring
about spiritual transformation and the
salvation of souls by God’s grace
working through such prayer. He wants
us to give up, change our priorities by
putting life emphasis on tasks and
responsibilities other than prayer,
especially extended prayer. Now is the
time to renew and recommit ourselves –
for victory is truly in sight.
FUND RAISER
The SDC Foundation is benefitting from
a family-fun event at White Water on
Saturday, June 20, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
All proceeds will go to meet the physical
needs of kids through the Foundation’s
Care for Kids program, serving all the
school districts in Stone and Taney
Counties. The $15 admission includes
the rides, a barbecue meal, games and
music. This is a 417 Magazine event,
and your participation can specifically
help Care for Kids. For more
information, please contact Cally Ross at
(417) 336-7058 or 7056, or go to
www.silverdollarcityfoundation.com.
LOVE, INC
The following is a message from the
National Love, INC President, Robert
Odom: “One life. Through the life and
death of Jesus Christ – one man, Son of
God – the course of history was changed
forever. His one life changed each of
ours. Every life is precious to Him; He
knows and loves each one of us
personally. This is how God chooses to
work in our world – one life at a time.
The encounters Jesus had with
individuals in His earthly ministry were
deeply personal. Again and again, He
quietly reached out and touched lives in
ways that few would ever see. When
Jesus walked along in a crowd and heard
a single cry for help, He was moved with
compassion. Each need was important
to Him, and each life was of
immeasurable worth – the lonely and
despised, the outcast whom no one else
would touch, the hurting and the sick.
He loved and cared for each one. How
can we not do the same? How can we
ignore or reject anyone who is broken,
hurting, lonely, or lacking? Jesus knew
that anyone who encountered the love of
God face-to-face would never be the
same. He knew that His kingdom grows
one heart at a time. It is exactly how He
designed it to be – one life loving
another life, in His name. The heart that
suffers is oftentimes a heart that is open,
and suffering hearts surround us. There
are so many opportunities to show His
love. A bag of groceries, a safe home, a
ride to the doctor, a caring mentor, a
warm coat. And that’s what Love in the
Name of Christ is about. Each need is
an opportunity to fulfill our purpose – to
love our neighbor as He loved us.”
ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
There was a pastor who wanted to add
some drama to his Pentecost Sunday
sermon. So, he trained one of his youth
to position himself in the rafters with a
dove. When the pastor raised his arms
and shouted, “Come, Holy Spirit!” the
boy was supposed to let the dove loose,
to soar among the congregation. On the
big day the church was packed. Then
the moment came. The pastor raised his
voice, looked heavenward, and shouted,
“Come, Holy Spirit!”…Nothing. So, the
pastor shouted even more loudly,
“Come, Holy Spirit!”…Nothing. All of
a sudden there was a squeaky voice from
the rafters: “This is God. I can’t send
down the Holy Spirit. But would you
like me to throw down the cat that ate
the Holy Spirit?”
MORE ON THE LIGHTER
SIDE
Two in honor of Fathers’ Day: 1) A
father passing by his son’s bedroom was
astonished to see the bed was nicely
made and everything was picked up.
Then he saw an envelope in the center of
the bed; it was addressed “Dad.” He
opened the letter and read it with
trembling hands: Dear Dad: It is with
great regret and sorrow that I’m writing
to you. I had to elope with my new
girlfriend because I wanted to avoid a
scene with mom and you. I have been
finding real passion with Joan and she is
so nice – even with her piercings and
tattoos, and her tight motorcycle clothes.
But, more, dad, she’s pregnant and Joan
said that we will be very happy. Even
though you wouldn’t care for her, as she
is so much older than I am, she already
owns a trailer in the woods. Joan taught
me that marijuana doesn’t really hurt
anyone, and we’ll be growing it for us
and trading it for all the cocaine and
ecstasy we want. In the meantime, we’ll
pray that science will find a cure for
AIDS so Joan can get better. Don’t
worry, dad; I’m 15 years old now and I
know how to take care of myself.
Someday, I’m sure we’ll be back to visit
so you can get to know your
grandchildren. Your son, John…..P.S.:
Dad, none of the above is true. I’m over
at my neighbor’s house. I just wanted to
remind you that there are worse things in
life than my report card that’s in my
center desk drawer. I love you! Call
when it is safe to come home. 2) The
power mower was broken and wouldn’t
run and the wife kept hinting to her
husband that he should get it fixed.
Somehow the message never sank in and
the grass kept getting taller. Finally, she
thought of a clever way to make her
point. When her husband arrived home
one day, he found her seated in the tall
grass, busily snipping away with a tiny
pair of sewing scissors. He watched
silently for a short time and then went
into the house. When he came back out
a few minutes later, he handed her a
toothbrush. “When you finish cutting
the grass,” he said, “you might as well
sweep the sidewalks.” The doctors say
he will probably walk again, but he will
always limp.
PRAYER MOBILIZATION
Please pray for: Sister Paula’s brother…
Jeanne Bensch, who will be taking an 11
month mission trip in January, to 11
different countries, for funding and for
safety…Shannon, Reflection of Christ
client…Charlie Engram, his business
ventures…Mary Engram, health…
KLFC, financial resources to continue
their ministry, as sponsors dwindle
because of the economy…Catherine
Evers’ mom, health…Zach, high school
student, still recovering from a severely
debilitating auto accident…Keith Lilly’s
wife and her friend, recovering from a
serious auto accident…IRM
(International Renewal Ministries), for
the upcoming National Pastors’ Prayer
Summit…Ozarks/Branson Christian
News and John Sacoulis…All SDC
Foundation programs, that they have the
staff, volunteers and funding to continue
with their community services…all
regional churches and ministries…Bott
Radio Network…area Food Pantries…
all facing bankruptcy and foreclosures
and struggling financially…all other
needs, spoken and unspoken.
STORY
“We use to fish together, he and I. We
would laugh, get wet and examine each
new lake or fishing hole with an
explorer’s passion. I taught him well, all
that I knew about hooks, lures, baits and
about how different fish would feed or
react to the taste of a sharp wire in their
lip. He learned well. Matthew loved to
fish. From pond to stream to lake and
river, from bluegills to bass, to catfish, to
trout, it didn’t matter what kind they
were. It was the enjoyment of fishing.
Many times as he was growing he would
fall behind as we waded a river or a
creek. ‘Dad, wait up,’ he would call out
with a grimace as he pulled off his tennis
shoes and dumped out sand and pebbles.
Or he would shout, ‘Just one more cast,’
in order to get a few more minutes on
the water. We got good at fishing
together, Matthew and me. As he grew
older he became more proficient at his
art, and at the art of living a life of grace.
Shortcomings – he had his own distinct
ones, but he was never short on being a
servant, expressing gratitude, showing
kindness toward others, laughing so hard
that he would fall to the floor holding his
sides, genuinely caring and praying for
his lost friends, and loving others. He
believed in Jesus Christ, he knew God,
and he was always learning the Word of
God. Then Matthew, who at thirteen
and a half years of age had never really
been sick, died. Suddenly, without
warning, he left us. No goodbye, just
gone. And our lives changed, changed
forever in a few short minutes. A
searing blade of pain sliced through our
spirits. The sorrow was so intense that
we thought we would never recover.
Even as we began to heal in the years
that followed, the enormity of his
absence never left us. Oh, to see him
again, to watch him smile, to hear him
laugh and sing! And that is one reason
why heaven has become so real to me. It
always has been that magnificent abode
of God; it has never been less than God’s
best. But I guess that I never truly
appreciated all that it is, never really
grasped the satisfying blessing of all it
represents, until Matthew left us behind
for his new home over there. Then
heaven truly became a much longed for
city on which I have set my sight. Of
course, the great blessing of eternity will
be Jesus. To see Jesus, to serve Jesus, to
worship Jesus will be our everlasting
pursuit and joy. But along with that will
be the glad reunions that take place
constantly in the courts of glory. Loved
ones, so painfully separated from in this
life, will be ecstatically rejoined with
there. Nevermore to roam, the circle
unbroken, no sad farewells, no tear-
dimmed eyes, together once again. One
day I envisioned entering glory. So
awesome was the sight that I could
hardly take it in. I entered the Holy City
through a huge gate made of single
gigantic pearl. The wall that the gate
was in was shining with the brilliance of
precious stones. The whole city
glistened with the radiance of purest
gold. The street that I walked upon was
transparent, so fine was the gold that it
was made from. To think that the riches
of this earth had become the common
building element of heaven! The street
that I traveled upon became a huge
divided thoroughfare leading to the
throne of God the Father, the Holy Spirit
and the Lamb. There was the Lord God,
high and lifted up! Spontaneously I fell
to my knees and praised the One who is
most holy. Everywhere that I gazed
there were beautiful dwelling places.
There were gardens and terraces, and
buildings upon buildings. I looked up
and out, and as far as I could see there
were saints of all ages, angels, gardens,
parks, forests, lakes, lush vegetation,
golden streets, precious stones and
radiant colors. A river, awesome in its
beauty and power, flowed from the
throne of God. Saints of all the ages
were enjoying the serenity of its rippling
waters. Some were picking fruit from
huge trees growing on each bank. As I
traveled the Highway of Holiness, I was
conscious of constantly scanning the
banks of the river. I found myself
calling out, ‘Matthew, Matthew
Hoffman – it’s me, your dad, your
earthly father.’ Eventually I saw a
young man (everyone there is mature) on
the river bank with a pole in hand and
line outstretched. He turned and with a
smile shouted, ‘Just one more cast.’
Then he came running to me and we
hugged, and we wept and laughed all at
the same time. Matthew told me some
heavenly jokes that so tickled him that
he had to hold his sides as he rolled on
the ground in glee. And I knew that I
was home!” (Written by Jack Hoffman
for Tidbits)
KLFC REFLECTIONS
Some of you are aware that for the past
few years I have had the privilege of
hosting a three-minute program called
“Reflections,” on KLFC radio,
88.1 fm, at 1:30 pm, Monday through
Friday. I just found out that the
corporate sponsor for this program has
decided to end the sponsorship effective
the end of June. I primarily feel bad for
KLFC, as they have been losing
sponsors because of the economy. But I
also regret not being able to continue
with this, for two reasons: First, the
listeners are not large in number, but
they are faithful. Second, this has been a
tremendous personal spiritual blessing
for me, taking a Scripture or a topic and
focusing thoughts in a three-minute time
“The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come.’ And let everyone who
hears say, ‘Come.’ And let everyone who is thirsty come. Let
anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift.”
(Revelation 22: 17)
span. Before long, there will be a book
published by AuthorHouse entitled
“Reflections,” and it is based on the
KLFC reflections. I plan to donate to
KLFC for every book sold. If you have
any ideas for sponsors to keep this
program going on, please let me know; a
sponsor could be a company, an
individual or a group of individuals.
Please contact me at bburt98@aol.com .
FINAL THOUGHT
From an anonymous source: “We
complain about the cross we bear but
don’t realize it is preparing us for the dip
in the road that God can see and we
cannot. Whatever your cross, whatever
your pain, there will always be sunshine;
perhaps you will stumble, perhaps even
fall, but God’s always ready to answer
your call. He knows every heartache,
sees every tear; a word from His lips can
calm every fear. Your sorrows may
linger, throughout the night, but
suddenly vanish, by dawn’s early light.
The Savior is waiting, somewhere
above, to give you His grace and send
you His love. May God fill your day
with blessings! Be kinder than
necessary, for everyone you meet is
fighting some kind of battle!”
Peace to you and yours!
Bob Burton