a church in pursuit of God, with a passion for people
01… John Dakin
01… Randy Gideons
04... Linda Rohal
06... Diana Strock Crawford
07... John Rohal
10… Curtis Peacock
11… John & Barbara Smith
13... Nhzingha Evangelist
16… John & Amy Schaller
21… Ray & Dawn Moses
21… Shea Moser
22... Julian Evangelist
23… Kiersten Leiva
24... Jeanne McDonald
25… Dawn Windham
25… Joel Hayes
27... Joshua Machamer
28... Kathryn Merrill
29... Alan Hendricks
30... Jill Vanorder
30… Zachary Haines
 Randy Gideons Lead Pastor The Warehouse Church

It's hard to put in words just how wonderful it is to be a part of

the Family of God.
Our Annual Fall picnic was incredible and I just appreciate
everyone who participated and contributed to this event. A big
Check out Randy’s blog on the Warehouse
thanks to Brenda Petersen and team. That was some mean
website. www.vcfleesburg.com
bar-b-q Jeff Light!

A group of alumni, all highly established in their respective careers, got together for a visit with their old university professor. The
conversation soon turned to complaints about the endless stress of work and life in general.
Offering his guests coffee, the professor went into the kitchen and soon returned with a large pot of coffee and an eclectic
assortment of cups: porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal - some plain, some expensive, some quite exquisite.
Quietly he told them to help themselves to some fresh coffee.
When each of his former students had a cup of coffee in hand, the old professor quietly cleared his throat and began to patiently address
the small gathering. .
''You may have noticed that all of the nicer looking cups were taken up first, leaving behind the plainer and cheaper ones. While it is
only natural for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is actually the source of much of your stress-related problems."
He continued. . .''Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In fact, the cup merely disguises or dresses up what we
drink. What each of you really wanted was coffee, not a cup, but you instinctively went for the best cups. . . Then you began eyeing
each other's cups.''
''Now consider this: Life is coffee. Jobs, money, and position in society are merely cups. They are just tools to shape and contain
life, and the type of cup we have does not truly define nor change the quality of the life we live. Often, by concentrating only on the cup,
we fail to enjoy the coffee that God has provided us. . . God brews the coffee, but he does not supply the cups. Enjoy your coffee!''
The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything they have. . . So please remember:
Live simply.
Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.
Leave the rest to God!
And remember -
The richest person is not the one who has the most, but the one who needs the least.

Submitted by Jeff Light

SATURATION
B ack in July, my family went on vacation up to the
Panhandle. Beautiful beaches, hot sun, water
park, oh yeah and Tropical Storm Bonnie! We
were not to be deterred from a wonderful time. So much
so, that as Tropical Storm Bonnie was literally going
over, Jen, Abbie, Trever, Jen’s parents and Jen’s sister
and her family were all out in the water playing IN THE
RAIN! Jeff was up on the beach wondering what I had
gotten myself into. As I was sitting up on the beach, I
was just taking it all in; the beach, the storm, the waves,
the clouds, the sand…..You can see the picture can’t
you? As I was watching the waves come in and run up
the bank, I noticed something. The waves would totally
saturate the sand and as the waves fell back, the sand
would visually begin to dry out when the presence of the
wave was gone. Then when the next wave came, it was
the repeated process. Saturation would diminish to
hardly anything and then it was saturated again.
As I was watching this happen over and over again,
that’s when the Lord gave me this little word. We do the
exact same thing. We come to church or go to a revival
or some other highly religious gathering and we get
totally filled to saturation with a big dose of God and
then we do nothing to keep it. We let it diminish and
diminish and diminish until there is nothing left to keep
us filled with Gods saturation.
It’s kind of like going on a “yo-yo diet”. You gain a
lot of weight, go on a strict diet to lose it and then go
back to doing what you did to gain it all back again. It’s
a repetitive process and the fact is that is just doesn’t
work.
In order to really be able to stand on your own two
feet and be able to deal with what the enemy is dealing,
you have to feed yourself on a regular basis. It can be
feeding from the word, soaking, conversation with the
Lord (conversation implies that there are two people
talking…..that means that you have to hush and listen to
what He says too), listening to word, listening to other
people bring the word….. You get the picture.
If we can commit to not doing the “yo-yo”
Saturation, can you imagine how effective we would be
in the world around us?
Not in the next town, not in the next state, not in another
country; I’m talking about right here, and right now
beginning with you, your family, your coworkers, the
people at Starbucks, the people at church, the people at
the bank, the people at the gas station. Start feeding
yourself regularly and...wait for it…
OH TASTE AND SEE, THAT THE LORD IS GOOD!!!
Yeah, you’ll be singing it now for the rest of the day.
 Scott Zior
Serve International
PO Box 238
Okahumpka FL 34762

Phone
352.787.5018

Email:
info@serveinternational.org

He or She?

O n Sunday morning at the end of the service, a real live

"eunuch" came to me asking for prayer. In the USA,
we would use the word "transvestite."
I really got stuck. I did not know whether to say "he" or "she" or
"brother" or "sister." I finally said, "Lord, thank you for this
I asked her testimony. She said her mother was sick and a
Christian prayed and she was healed so from that time she
started to believe in Christ. Still she did not attend church
because eunuchs are rejected throughout society. But she
said, this church came and
precious life." Later I asked the pastor the protocol and he told gave me a personal invitation
me to call her "sister." so I came and they accepted
She also gave me an offering which really surprised me. me so now I come regularly.
The "eunuchs" are the people who show up uninvited to Wow!
weddings, new births and other functions and demand money, How great is our God! He
otherwise they pronounce a curse and sometimes start a fight. saves to the uttermost!
So, most people pay them just to get rid of them. Money only Blessings
flows one way for the eunuchs! Scott
Every Sunday ~ 2nd & 4th Wednesday ~ 4th Friday ~
averagejoe’s Café The A L T A R @ 7:00pm Older Gents @ 11:30am
Free continental breakfast served from Sit at His feet . Be in His presence . Make intercession
Older Gents is an opportunity for men over
10:00am to 10:20am The Lindsay Home
50 to meet for lunch and enjoy great
Contact: Renee Stoffel @ 253-2465 The Plantations off Hwy 27
conversation over a variety of topics that
24113 Peekskill St. South Leesburg
affect all of us.
Contact: Sandy Lindsay 315-0245
Golden Corral, North Leesburg
THEWAREHOUSE BAND Dinner served @ 6:30pm
Contact: Randy Gideons 793-9270
Contacts: Aaron Symonds @ 330-1928 Next Meeting: Nov 10
Next Meeting: Nov 19
Mela Striker @ 365-1006

Every Thursday @ 7:00pm ~ 1st & 3rd Saturday ~

WAREHOUSE NURSERY & PRESCHOOL
We believe in ministering to the needs of even
our littlest members. Our qualified teachers
create a positive experience that introduces
nursery and preschool children to the love of
Jesus early on.
Contact: Jill Porvaznik @ 793-1326
Our foundation is in Acts 2:42 "They devoted Wild at Heart
themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the
fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer". Men’s Book Study at 9:00am
Surely Goodness Deli
Sonia Shearer's home 2255 Citrus Blvd., Leesburg
2112 Hollywood Dr, Leesburg Contact: Duane Sturgess @ 360-0107
Everyone (18 and over) is welcome. Next Meeting: Nov 20
We’ll be discussing the

ation
book Small Footprint, Big
Handprint by Tri Robinson. elev
WAREHOUSE KID’S Contact: John Macrae Young Adults of 18 to 29 years old gather for
Warehouse Kid’s is for all boys and girls in 255-0828 fellowship and different activities. Contact:
Kindergarten through 6th grade. We provide a Vance Harbaugh (941) 720-3912
combination of games, interactive characters,
and fun filled songs capture kid’s attention Every Thursday ~
while showing them that living for God is the Warehouse Softball CREATIVE ARTS
best way to live! Sleepy Hollow Rec Complex, Leesburg
Contact: Ron Sellers @ 787-0385 Drama! Dance! Pantomime! Sign language!
Check out the webpage calendar for times. Flags! Children's ballet! These are just a few
Contact: Derek Striker 551-9535 venues that have been incorporated into the
Creative Arts Ministry at the Warehouse
2nd & 4th Sunday ~ 1st Friday ~ Church. The message of salvation through
S T A T U R E Youth Group @ 1:00pm READER’S Book Group @ 6:30pm Jesus Christ and the ministry of worship are
Community Center West Room This group is for the discussion of books key factors in the foundation of our Creative
Contact: Neal Hayes 365-1496 pertaining to the Christian Faith. Arts Ministry. Many people are blessed
Next Meeting: Nov 14 Brenda Sims Home through the visual arts and this is why this
600 Bidwell St, Fruitland Park ministry exists. Look for future opportunities
Book to read: that will allow community oriented theater and
Every Tuesday ~ Ever After by Karen Kingsbury dance.
Warehouse Softball Contact: Brenda Sims (352) 787-5266 Contact: Barbara Smith @ 315-1400
Sleepy Hollow Rec Complex, Leesburg Next Meeting: Nov 5
Check out the webpage calendar for times.
Contact: Derek Striker 551-9535
2nd & 4th
Every Wednesday ~ Friday ~
Captivating Book Study Harp &
For Women 18 to 30 years
This is a 10 week study on unveiling the Bowl -
mystery of a woman’s soul. Worship &
Contact : Myra Harbaugh (941) 720-3912 Intercession
(This class is full. Please see Myra for the next
available class.) Cochran Home
3233 Indian
Trail, Eustis,
1st Wednesday ~ 32726
Light Home Group @ 6:30pm Snacks at 6:30;
Our group is about RELATIONSHIPS; Harp & Bowl at
building them and maintaining them. We are 7:00
studying the Five Love Languages by Gary Contact: Cliff
Chapman. Cochran @
1304 CR 245A, Oxford (West) 483-3140
Contact: Jeff Light @ (352) 427-9211 Next Meeting:
Next Meeting: Nov 3 Nov 12 & 26
 Brenda Petersen

HINTS FOR YOUR VEHICLE

REPLACE YOUR SPARKPLUGS

Fouled, damaged and worn-out spark plugs can cause misfires, hard starts, CLEAN YOUR FUEL SYSTEMS
increased emissions, and poor fuel economy. You should change your spark Rough idling, engine hesitation and
plugs every 30,000 miles. Consult your owner's manual for your specific declining fuel economy can also be blamed
interval. Find spark plugs on fuel system deposits. Adding a fuel
system cleaner to your gas can help you
REPLACE YOUR SPARK PLUG WIRES restore performance and economy. Add a
Even with new spark plugs, you can still experience hesitation and misfiring if fuel system cleaner after every oil change.
you have worn or damaged spark plug wires. You should always replace your
spark plug wires when you replace your spark plugs REPLACE YOUR AIR FILTERS
A dirty air filter blocks airflow to your engine
REPLACING YOUR FORGOTTEN FILTERS and makes it work harder. This can cause a
It's important to remember your fuel filter, PCV valve, and breather element. decline in your horsepower, fuel economy
These filters are often neglected during a routine tune-up. Overlooking these and possible engine damage. An aspirin
filters can lead to poor performance and damage to your engine. size amount of dirt can cause wear
equivalent to 75,000 miles
REPLACE YOUR 02 SENSORS worth of damage to your
A fouled or worn-out oxygen sensor can cause engine problems like surging and engine.
hesitation. A bad oxygen sensor is the number one reason for emissions test
failures. A new oxygen sensor can help you avoid performance problems and
improve your gas mileage. Be sure and use an O2 removal socket to make the
job easier.

CHANGE IN VENUE
11
On Sundays, November 14 & 28, December 5, 12, & 19
The Warehouse Church will be meeting at
Main Street Receptions
on the corner of
Canal St. and East Main St. in Leesburg.

Parking spaces are available on the site, the street, or in the lot provided on the corner of Main and Kaolin Streets.
Look for the signage.

Our service time will be:

10:00am – Café and 10:30am – Worship Service

Hope to see you there!

 Lucas is one of our talented guitar players on the worship team. He’s
been around the Warehouse Vineyard since he was a little guy. It’s
been a blessing to watch him grow and mature. We love him for his
confidence and humor.
Full name: Lucas Ethan James
Lucas James

Nicknames: "Loosey Goose," courtesy of the guys section in my show choir

class, and the always funny "gay boy," from a buddy of mine at school.

Born where & when: Orlando, Florida, represent!

Family stats: Johnny and Elise are my dad and mom, Sarah is my sister,
and Elias is my brother.

Pets: Murphy and Lilly, the best cats ever, I mean it.

Last movie seen: Oh man, I don't remember.

First job: Being ridiculously good looking.

A FEW OF YOUR
Worst job: No bad jobs yet. FAVORITE THINGS
Worst subject in school: So far, I'm not liking science a whole lot.
Color: Depends on my mood.
Your favorite sport/game to play: Football, only because I can run fast.
Food: Sushi!
Most annoying habit: Honestly, I can't think of one. I'm sure there's a few,
but I can't think of them. Words: "It's all good."
Best way to make you laugh: Leave me in a room with my buddy Jacob, I Vacation spot: The beach
guarantee three hours later I will have a full body work out from laughing.
Bible Verse: Matthew 11:28 ~ Come to me,
If you had to pick another profession, what would it be: Who needs a
all you who are weary and burdened, and I
profession when you're as good looking as I am?
will give you rest.
Word or phrase you overuse: "Dude," "man," "it's all good," "true that," and
"heck yeah. Song: Love Uncompromised by Jason
Castro
Worst trouble you got into as a child: I didn't get into all that much trouble
back in the day, I either fessed up to it, or my parents didn't explode when Dessert: Cheesecake
they found out.
Cologne: Fresh Guy by BOD
Hidden talent: I can sing
CD: Let's Just Fall In Love Again by Jason
Most unusual thing in your fridge right now: Everything in our fridge is Castro
pretty normal, you see, we aren't freaks, we don't keep weird things in our
fridge, weird things belong in the garage freezer. Movie: The Dark Knight
Most embarrassing moment: Oh gosh! Once when I was nine, I was sitting Book: Save Me From Myself
on a plastic chair in Shoney's listening to Randy preach and I passed gas
and the plastic chair decided to resonate the sound so EVERYONE could
Restaurant: Thai Sushi America
hear it. Just about all the rows turned around and looked at me.
Spiritual song: Down In the River To Pray.
Best advice you've ever been given: "Don't worry about a thing, 'cause
ev'ry little thing is gonna be alright."
TV show: Raising Hope
How many speeding tickets: NONE, WASSUP!
Toothpaste: Whatever I grab first at Wal-
mart.
When you see God, what do you hope He'll say? "Welcome home
dude. So, listen, I have this awesome worship team and I need a
Flowers: Hibiscus
guitarist, you in?"
P.O. Box 702015 Saint Cloud, FL 34770-2015 * Phone: (813) 714-8999 * Website: www.spiritualmeat.com * email: spiritmeat@yahoo.com

How Can You Believe?

A ccording to Scripture we are all suppose to know why it is we believe was more than able to do that which he had
what we do; in difficult times it will apparently be even more so. The instructed him to do. It was Moses who then
Lord spoke to me and said, “This will be the question that you will be doubted God’s choice!
most often asked”. Now here I would like to ask you a
In October’s Newsletter, I began to share what I have sorted through, trying question. Has God asked you to do
to be made ready to answer such a question for myself. The following is part two something? Are you afraid? Do you doubt
of pondering in my heart, “How Can You Believe?” that it is God speaking to you, though you
know in your heart that He is? What miracle
Can you believe? has he produced in you that you are refusing
to walk in? Do you know that the miracle He

M
has already produced in you will provide the
oses was good ground. He believed and God performed miracles in
power that will
him. Still like us, Moses was not convinced. Even if he did believe give other men
God, “Why would other men believe him?” the freedom
Doubt is something that angers God. Exodus 4:14 says, “The Lord’s anger necessary to walk
burned against Moses.” I’d rather it would have said it burned against satan the with Him? It will
Father of all doubt, but it doesn’t. It says, “The Lord’s anger burned against literally provide
Moses. the kingdom of
Moses, like you and me, was in charge of what he was going to believe. God to come
Freedom of choice is the love of the Father that He gave to each of us. upon the earth as
Did you hear me? Freedom of choice IS the love of the Father that He gave it is in heaven! It
to each of us. It was our choice to accept Christ into our hearts. It is our choice is YOUR choice?
to be obedient to do his will. Can you believe?
In verse 12 God placed His faith in Moses when he instructed him to GO.
God selected Moses, placed faith in Moses, prepared Moses, and knew that he

The Fragrance of Friendship
T he term fragrance of friendship is
odd, I know, but I have found it
to be true in my life. I have a
friend I grew up with who came to visit
recently. We used to ride bicycles
together, we went to movies, and we
have laughed together and cried
together many times over the years. I
have always loved his smell; I know that
sounds crazy to some people, but it’s
true.
We hugged as he arrived and when
he departed. Almost immediately in my
mind I was back in Ohio where I grew
up. It was so comforting and so familiar
to me and also made me a little
homesick.
One of our worship leaders, Mela
Striker, wrote a song about it. I’m not
sure of the title but a line in the song
goes like this, “I am breathing you in, like
the fragrance of a long lost friend”. I love
that song because it is so true.
Sunday
Nov 6
8:00AM to
1:00PM
The Warehouse
Church
by Sonia Shearer
It is amazing to me how a smell can take
you somewhere that you either really
loved or really couldn’t stand.
God has a fragrance about him.
There is a story of a pre-mature child
They are attracted to you for some
reason. I think it is the fragrance of God
and the friendship that we have with him
that draws people to us. I’m trying to
smell more like God, how about you?
that was born and the parents couldn’t
touch her because she was just so small
and fragile. The mother prayed for God
to come to the child and hold her in his
arms.
As the child grew older, one day
when it was getting ready to rain the little
girl looked at her mother and said, “Do
you smell that, it smells like him.”
I believe that if we get close enough
to God, we can pick up his aroma and
when we walk into a room, it will be a
loving fragrance that is pleasing to
others.
Have you ever been in a grocery
store line or a restaurant and people just
seem to want to talk to you.
Monies collected will fund our Storehouse & Community Outreach
INFORMATION:
Tables are provided.
There are 3 ways you can donate:
1. Donate direct to us unwanted items.
2. Contact me with goods that I can sell on eBay. In particular items that are old or
interesting that may fetch a good price.
3. If you know of someone who is having a yard sale in the next two weeks, offer to
take their unsold items. Pick–up of items can be arranged.
Our yard sale will be divided into sections of books, media, clothes, shoes, furniture,
appliances, electronics, jewelry, kitchen, bedding, etc.
We will also need volunteers to help with traffic flow, parking, delivery & pick-up, face painting
and hair braids.
If you’re interested in volunteering at any of these tables let me know.
There will be coffee, hot dogs, etc.
If you have items to donate, drop off times are on:
Fri. 11/5 from 9:00AM to 4:00PM or you can call Kelly Mahoney at 321-5302 to arrange
another time for drop off.
We can also make pick ups if needed.
PLEASE could you reply to me to give us an indication of how many we can expect on the
day and plan accordingly.
Julie Macrae
Cell: (352) 255-0852
Email: jlamacrae@gmail.com
Rebecca Anderson ~ Without question, I am like Martha the sister of Mary and King Ducharme ~ Jeremiah the Prophet.
Lazarus. I am not sure that is a good thing, but I have been working on it (and
praying about it). Although my heart was in the right place, it wasn’t necessarily Barbara Mispel ~ I guess I would say
listening to God’s heart. Over a period of about 6 months, the Lord dealt with me Martha, because I need to spend more
and showed me that it is not about the time that I spend doing it all, it is about the quiet time with the Lord.
time I spend with Him and others. It is all about relationship. Randy referred to
Mary and Martha many times on Sunday mornings during those 6 months. I
thought it was all for me, but apparently Randy is a Martha-type also. When he
had his Ah Ha moment and shared it with all of us, it was a revelation to me.
Thanks Randy.

Sandy Lindsay ~ Ezekiel is the person in the Bible that I most relate to. Very early
on in my walk with the Lord He likened my call to Ezekiel's. He said to me,
"Whoever will listen let him listen, and whoever will refuse let him
refuse"(Ez.3:27). He said to me, "I will make your forehead harder than flint" (Ez.
3:9). "Do not be afraid...you must speak my words to them, whether they listen or
fail to listen"...(Ez. 2:7).
Ezekiel had many encounters with the Lord, some difficult to understand and
sometimes hard to believe. I have experienced many "burning bush"
experiences that are marvelous yet often difficult to share. He is truth and spirit,
yet unfamiliar territory when communicating, even if you can find words to
describe this kind of intimacy.

Brenda Sims ~ Martha! And I don’t think that’s a bad thing!! Remember, He
wasn’t reprimanding her for the gifts and qualities she had, but, on her priorities
and timing. Pretty important to learn that lesson!

Find the Cross!

Hidden somewhere in the newsletter is a “cross” similar to the
one below and possibly a different color.

If you find it and you’re the first to call the church office
@ 365-2594 or email to vcfleesburg@embarqmail.com,
you’ll win a treat! Happy Hunting!

Last newsletter the cross was hidden in the

picture for the ad on Picnic.

No one found the cross!


Affliction
A
few years ago, I bought a 1021 page book,
Maria Woodworth-Etter; The Complete
Collection of Her Life Teachings, compiled
by Robert Liardon. My son-in-law Ted drew my
attention to the find and then squealed on me saying,
“Mom, someone is going to buy another book.” After I
purchase the book my Betty said, “Oh no, not another
book, you have more books than you know what to do
with.” I responded, “Honey, it was on the clearance
table, the original price was $40.00 and I bought it for
only $8.98.”
I enjoy studying lives of men and women who
have been used of God in previous times. These
people were different; very few started out to have a
ministry, whatever that is. They hungered and thirst for
intimacy, heard the voice of God, eventually stop
making excuses, moved out and followed the Eternal
One. Why, because they could do nothing else...
Sometimes they pulled back for a time because of
barriers they faced, as a lack of proper education, being
a female in a male dominant environment, a physical
impairment or family opposition.
Maria Woodworth-Etter was born in 1844 died
1924, converted at age 13 and at the same time she
heard the call to be an evangelist. She tried to answer
the call by going to school, hoping to marry a
missionary who would help her in her work. Later her
father died and she had to go home to help support her
family. During the Civil War, she put her call on hold
and married P. H. Woodworth, a Civil War veteran.
After she was married, the Lord continued to call
her, but because of her responsibilities, sickness, lack
of Bible knowledge and her husband showing no
interest in ministry she continue to resist. In her days,
the only respectable way a woman could do the work of
Jesus was to be a foreign missionary. (Many women
labored on foreign fields building God’s Kingdom and
when it became large enough the missionary society
would send a male overseas to take-over the out post.)
Church leaders, religious people and the public frowned
upon women preachers. In the Disciple church, any
idea of her doing the work of Jesus was considered
ridiculous.
To every objection she had for resisting the call, God
answered them one by one. Robert Lairdon wrote in
Maria Woodworth-Etter; The Complete Collection of
Her Life Teachings, that, “Finally, she had a vision in
which angels came into her room and showed her a
long, wide field of grain, which fell like sheaves as she
preached. Then she heard Jesus tell her, “Just as the
grain fell, so people [will] fall.” He said this would
happen as she yielded to His call to preach. She
agreed, but it was some while later before she had the
courage to step out in front of people and obey the call
to preach the Gospel.”
During this time disease carried away five of her
six children and she began to search Scripture for
comfort, as she did the Holy Spirit began to open the
Word to her. She saw throughout history God had
raised up people from all backgrounds; men, women,
young people for furthering God’s kingdom.
Maria first act of obedience was she held a
meeting in her community amongst a crowd that
included most of her husband’s relatives, which was
one if not the hardest she ever held. She opened her
mouth, and the crowd began to weep and fall to the
floor. Some got up and ran out in tears. Twenty people
were converted at that meeting. People were
converted all through the neighborhood.
Maria began her ministry when she was 35 years old
and she continued ministering until she died at the age
of 80. Before long, she was holding several meetings
throughout the week as well as every weekend in
neighboring towns. Eventually, she traveled all over
the country holding tent meetings in which thousands
were saved, healed, delivered and baptized in the Holy
Spirit. She embraced the Holiness doctrine as well the
Pentecostal doctrine with the experience of speaking in
tongues.
No matter how grievous our
affliction may be God is doing
something special and good in us.
Maureen D. Eha wrote in the Charisma magazine,
Whatever He Says To You, Do It. In this article she
stated, “I’ve seen pictures of some of these meetings,
and they weren’t glamorous. The tent was pitched in
the middle of a large, open field that was often wet and
muddy. Maria had to walk through the field in long
dresses – the fashion of the day – and lace-up boots.
She had no air conditioning to keep her cool while she
preached and no money to stay in fancy hotels when
she was finished. Nor did she have overwhelming
support from other ministers, especially men, in the
places she was led to go. All she had was a call from
God and a determination to fulfill it.
We can also learn something from Maria’s
persistence and her desire to be obedient even in the
face of obstacles and opposition from critics.” (Maria
rarely defended herself in public for she said her call
was to lead sinners to Jesus.) “I like to think that,
because of her faithfulness, God redeemed the time
during which she had delayed answering His call.”
Maria gave up, cried out and walked in
righteousness, waiting to hear His voice. “Be joyful in
hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans
12:12). As David says in the Psalms, many are the
afflictions of the righteous.
No matter how grievous our affliction may be God
is doing something special and good in us. March 31,
2008 World Challenge Pulpit Series, The Healing
Power of Afflictions by David Wilkerson, he says at the
end of his article. “The truth is, whenever God has
done a major work in my life, it has been during my
darkest hours. I have learned my most lasting life
lessons in my times of deepest pain. That is when his
mercy came – when I finally stopped trying to figure
things out and instead just held on, trusting him to
deliver me and work his way in me.
I have read numerous books on apologetics by
wonderful men of God. They try to explain the suffering
of saints whose trials continue day after day, year after
year, sometimes for a lifetime. But most answers never
satisfy me. I simply can’t explain theologically why
some of the godliest people seem to suffer the most
and the longest.
Instead, I have drawn faith from humble people
who have witnessed God’s faithfulness to them in their
unthinkable afflictions. ...I think of my wife, Gwen, who
has endured more than twenty-five surgeries, several to
remove cancer. She has lost much of her eyesight to
macular degeneration. Over the course of fifty years,
Gwen has known intense physical pain, with very few of
those years pain free. Yet she doesn’t complain. As I
look at her, I see witness of whom I have to say, ‘God is
faithful.’”
Finally, I would like to add my wife Betty to this
list. We made an agreement with each other that we
would let each share their own testimony but since she
is not here to share, I will. I have for years seen a
woman who has suffered much from a very young child
to her passing. I stopped counting at eighteen the
number of invasive procedures she had. She had been
in and out of the hospital so many times. Do you want
to know why she hated hospitals? She very seldom
complained. We had another agreement that it is ‘okay’
to complain to each other for that is part of God’s love
demonstrated in our lives. I admire my wife for what
she is made of and for all she has gone through.
In addition, what she has done for our family in
keeping all of us focused on the things of God. To me
Betty Jean is a hero of the faith who belongs with those
listed in Hebrews 11. “By an act of faith...”
The Lord is good to all and the Holy Spirit shows
His merciful kindness and comfort. “For our light
affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a
far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2
Corinthians 4:17, KJV).
“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger,
and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide:
neither will he keep his anger forever. He hath not
dealt with us after our own sin; nor rewarded us
according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high
above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that
fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far
hath he removed our transgressions from us.
Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord
pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame;
he remembereth that we are dust” (Psalm 103:8-14,
KJV).
Check out Leo’s blog on the
Warehouse website at
www.vcfleesburg.com