Hi Folks, here are a few letters from recent events to share with you how God is blessing… these are from Preganncy centers banquets… but the Lord has blessed our recent retreats and preaching just as much…. ! Praise Him !!

Dear Gordon,

We appreciate your part in our banquet program very much. I’ve gottennothing but positive feedback. Laughter really does lighten the heart,and it was great to give our guests that lift along with informationabout the ministry they support. Your love for the Lord, for our guestsand for the unborn was evident in your words and manner of interactingwith us, and people responded positively to that.We had 319 guests, about the same as our last banquet. The total givingof underwriters, on-the-spot gifts, and pledges (with the doubling ofthe last 2 categories factored in) comes to $64,860. This compares to$52,000 in 2008, and is the largest potential income in our history.Our God is an awesome God. We feel like the servant who received tentalents from his master - - we know we have a tremendous responsibilityand we pray for God’s direction in using these resources wisely.Thank you, too for the gift from your DVD sales. God bless you in theministry you have to our armed forces overseas.God bless you as your comedy ministry continues to develop and bearfruit for God’s Kingdom!In Christ, Linda Davis

Hey Gordon, Wanted to let you know how we did.

We got a little over $19,000 Thursday night and $9,000 in pledges!!!!!! That is the most we have ever gotten!!! GOD IS SO GOOD!!!!!! Thank you so much for coming. I thought the night was great! Hope your getting some rest and enjoying your family. I will let other centers in our area know about your ministry and how wonderful our banquet has been the past 2 years. Thanks again!

God bless you!

Stephanie Kelley

Ex. Director

Gordon,

What a great banquet -? our final number as of today for our banquet is $74,295. Our treasurer announced it is a 40% increase J.! Praise the Lord! And thank you.

I am sending a note to all the area centers to highly recommend you as a banquet speaker.

Blessings,

Merri

Executive Director

The Pregnancy Center

Clinton, IA

Hi Gordon,

I just had to let you know that we received 2 more checks - one for $2500 - that put us $52 over last year! So you did, in fact, beat Mike Williams! People still are talking about the wonderful evening and great entertainment…….(Don’t tell Mike, but more than one Board member told me they enjoyed you even MORE than Mike!!)

You are both great and Godly men. Keep up the wonderful work………and keep up the prayers for God’s Will in this election….that minds and hearts are open to the TRUTH, and that voters will be stirred to cast their votes for LIFE!

God bless you!

~Karen Berhow, TLC Board Sec’y and Banquet Chair

1. Where I’ve been- you could be next!

2. Weekly comedy right to your computer

3. Where is God leading ? A deeper thought

4. A Fourth of July tribute to our troops.

1. Where have I been ?

June was one of the best months ever. I am still riding a wave of laughter that started with a trip to Imperial Valley California near Yuma Arizona where it was 104 degrees before 9 am. And the crowd was hotter. A comedy outreach on Saturday was followed by a graduation message on Sunday- and hearts were touched. It was almost as hot when I got home, under the big revival tent in North Philly, where both the comedy and my testimony were part of a giant community outreach. Then it was 3 trips to York, PA for 3 different groups including a Holy Humor Sunday. This was followed by Client Appreciation Night for my buddy, financial Advisor Steve Ziegler. Then Handi-vangelism invited me to come to Malaga Camp to be a part of their formal banquet. And before I could say It is nice to be here, they were laughing and they never stopped. One young man kept standing up and asking if I had any jokes about blondes, or pastors, or any one of a dozen subjects, it was my first show taking requests and he exploded with joy each time I told one. And the whole night was a blast.

On Fathers Day, my daughter informed me that I am being promoted to Grandfather status !!! Baby due in January. The ultra sound looks more like a weathermap then a child but our prayers are for a fearfully and wonderfully made child that will be a blessing to all.

When I didn’t think it could get any better I headed up to Spruce Lake for a “Joni and Friends” camp. This great ministry is for families that include a child with a physical challenge. To see families overcoming some of life’s toughest obstacles with love and joy along with a great staff and volunteers following Jesus example of humble service was overwhelming. I get to go back again for another program in July. Can’t wait !

*** It is an honor to fill a number of pulpits this summer and into the fall. Many churches are planning back to school parties, Family and Friend days, Fall Festivals, and Holiday events now, this is the time to email me and secure a date, make a note to call or email after the holidays. Sept and October are filling up fast. February is still pretty open for sweetheart banquets - but by October it is usually jammed.

2. Do you need a laugh ??

THE COMEDY BUS? DVD will be out this fall, with many of my favorite Christian comedians. ( I will be on Volume 3), However, you can hear many of them right now at www.Christiancomedypodcast.com or go to my all time favorite comedian, Mike Williams website www.Christiancomedian.com . Each week a new comedian is featured. The best place, I am told, is to go find the podcast on ITUNES and you can have this sent to your email each week. There is a contest with a prize worth over $500 for the best written review. I recorded two interviews yesterday to be aired the end of July and early August.

*** We are in the early stages of planning on bringing The Comedy Bus to Philadelphia in the fall or spring? if you think your church might be interested in hosting a great night of fun … please let me know ASAP.

3. A deeper thought.

June also held the annual Christian comedy Association conference where hundreds of funny men and women gathered in Anaheim California, to learn how to use their gifts and talents for the Lord. As chaplain for this group I got to give the devotion. This year’s topic was on one of the two things the disciples asked Jesus for. One was Lord teach us to pray ! The other was Lord, Increase our Faith !

My message outline
Faith Is
Faith In
Faith Illustrated
Faith Increased

One of my favorite faith stories is about Hudson Taylor. His book “Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secrets” was mandatory reading the first week of Bible school. He tells of leaving England to go to China to serve the Lord as a missionary back in the 1800’s. When the wind stopped for 3 days the current took them closer and closer to an island inhabited by cannibals. As the boat approached the beach, the captain went to Hudson’s cabin and asked him to pray for wind. Hudson agreed if the captain would put the sails up first. The captain not wanting to be embarrassed or to make the men work needlessly- wanted to wait till the wind started blowing. Hudson would not back down. You put up the sails, then I will pray . The captain with no other choice ordered the sails up and Hudson sought the Lord of Heaven and Earth. It wasn’t too long after the captain returned asking Hudson to stop praying.. why the sails were beginning to rip !

Are you waiting for God to do something- or is he waiting for you?

He has a plan for each of us, Most of His will is already revealed- obey, take a step of faith, put up the sails and see where God takes you. There is no better place then to e in the center of His Will.

Need More faith ?? Read missionary biographies !

George DeTellis is the founder of New Missions. This ministry has helped provide schools, hospitals, and homes for 1000’s and 1000’s of children in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. This week George went to his new home. His book “A Leaf in the Wind” recounts God goodness and control of his life in leading him and his wife Jeanne to Haiti many years ago and His faithfulness over the years. What a blessing !

Lord raise up many more men and women like these, and INCREASE OUR FAITH !
(How God usually puts us in a place where we need it. )

4. Tribute to our troops..

We received two more great letters from soldiers overseas last month- thanking us for our OPERATION BELLYLAUGHS comedy packages. Here is a touching emails with words and pictures that remind us that our freedom isn’t free.. take a moment.. Thank God for what we have.. and ask His blessing on those who serve.

As the old song goes, See ya in September !

Gordon

1. The Comedy Bus is on route - on line !.
2. Knock Knock- who is there? Banana who ?
3. Anyone have a flute?
4. Going Deeper

1. The Comedy bus is rolling.

What a fantastic month! Lots of great events like the concert with the Apologetix. The crowd was as responsive as they come. Jay and the guys from the Apologetix didn’t hold anything back in their 90 minute concert. Great Music and a dynamite clear gospel message. Then God opened the door for me out west. The scenery in Montana is breathtaking- but the teens of the Nazarenes were even more impressive. At the foot of the Beartooth Mountains, not far from Old Faithful, the One who is Faithful and True showed up to teens who were eager to learn more of His Word, and grow in their Faith. AH, what can happen when we draw near to Him. Many came to the altar to give God permission to do whatever it takes to make us into the men and women He designed us to be. Have you ever prayed that prayer? be careful.

My altar calls are greatly influenced by two of my mentors, Mike Williams and revivalist Jim Anderton. I explain as clear as I can my goal, with no attempts to manipulate or stir the congregation. Proclaiming a truth in the form of a new quote for me, that summarizes much of what I have learned in over 20 years of ministry. The quote is There is a great cost to following Jesus ( not often heard on TV ! but there is more ). There is a great cost to following Jesus, but there is a greater cost for NOT following Him. Chew on that for awhile. The rewards for following Him are great, but so are the battles.

Rewards? There are many. As you often hear quoted Eph 3:20? that God will do exceedingly abundantly above what we can ask, think, or imagine according to the power that works in us. But it still amazes me when the Lord opens doors and puts me in places I would have never thought of. Like a seat on THE COMEDY BUS. A new DVD project featuring 11 of my friends and heroes in Christian comedy. The DVD is in the final stages of editing and licensing. The bad news is you can’t get this yet. But for you guys and gals into I-Tunes and podcasts, you can to listen and download some of this RIGHT NOW at www.Christiancomedypodcast.com . There are NOT enough adjectives to describe how good this thing is. Check it out for yourself and we will let you know as soon as it is available.

2. Talking Banana’s and Ears of Corn ?

Justin Fennell another precious mentor taught me, that when one Christian comedian does well it helps us all. No need to be threatened or jealous. So let me tell you about an upcoming event with two comedians that have helped me and Operation Bellylaughs. Thor Ramsey, host of the television show Banana’s and one of my families all time favorites comedian/ventriloquist - Taylor Mason, both are performing together in my area. Freedom Life Center is hosting the event in Christiana, PA on May 10. The church website is www.freedomlife.tv - the event is being held at the Octorara High School on Route 41. Help yourself to a double dose of laughter the whole family will enjoy.

3. Got a Flute ?

As many of you know our large family lives by faith. Really we all do.. some just don’t realize it. As Larry Burkette used to teach, due to our many blessings, many forget that everything we have, comes from God and belongs to God. We need Him for everything. Now that our family is under 10, we sold our big van this week and we are praying for a new-er car that gets good mileage for my increasing trips, some kind of 4 door Camry, Maxima, Accord type buggie. ( blue or red preferred) We have tried to model this faith walk for our kids- making our needs known, praying for His provision, working hard, and trusting that what we need will come. ( and the more specific a prayer the more specific an answer)

On that note , ( musical pun), Kristen, my daughter continues to improve on the flute- now taking private lessons. Cha- Ching ! And we are praying for a good flute for her- better then the used/rented one from the High School. Good ones cost $800-$1500. But my guess is that there is one sitting in a bedroom somewhere that isn’t being used. If you know of such an instrument, Let us know? and we will let all of you know how God provided again !

4. Going Deeper

This year I am re- reading many of the books that were greatly used to stir my heart and deepen my faith in the 80’s. Wesley Duewel’s Revival Fire is one of those. Wesley Duewell is probably now in his 90’s and what a treasure the church has in this man and his writings. Revival Fire is a summary of some of the great revivals in the past and moving mini- biographies of the men, women and children God used to change the world. It will give you hope when you hear how bad conditions were before revival came. Your prayer life will change when you read of how prominent the role prayer warriors played - before and during these mighty moves of THE HOLY SPIRIT. You will be better armed for long term victory when you learn the many ways Satan has tried to deter this work, and discourage the faithful. And you will be encouraged by the way entire cities, even nations can be turned around in such a short time.

An amazing stat- was that 70% of those who claimed conversion under Moody ended up in a backsliden state, but 85% of those converted under Finney?s ministry stayed active in ministry. Why the difference? There are two key truths that are often missed. In Ravi Zacherias daily devotional ‘A Slice of Infinity’ there was a startling statistic of how long folks in art museums spend before a classic piece of art. ANY guesses? 10 minutes? 5? 1 ? Many of these pieces took the masters years to complete. Yet the average time spent looking, appreciating, studying these paintings was less then 5 seconds. 5 seconds !! So what?

Good Friday came and went, Easter Services, with special dramas and cantatata’s are over. And so few really ponder the cost of our salvation, or the implications of the miracle of the resurrection. And the church is no better for it. We need to recapture these two truths and keep them before our minds.

The more we know of our sin and the cost of forgiveness the more motivated we are to live holy lives. That any one would suffer the way Jesus did, and die for me, in my place is cause for unceasing worship and adoration and to turn from those things that put Him on the cross.

A new contemporary song says it well, I’ll never know how much it costs tp see my sin upon the cross.

Second is Paul’s Prayer that the eyes of my heart may be enlightened to know the surpassing greatness of His power, toward us who believe ( Eph 1: 16-18- 19) Because the more I try to serve Him, the more I am aware that it is only by His Spirit that anything good is done. Each day should begin with a pray of thanks for His love and grace and a request for ourselves that the Holy Spirit would help us in all we do and say, and maybe after reading of these prior revivals - a plea for Him to DO IT AGAIN could be the best prayer offered for this country.

 

Until next time, Choose to Rejoice !

Gordon