September 5th, 2008 Posted in Newsletters | No Comments »
July, 2008
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
