HOME FROM CHINA

Wang Jun Long and Xian

Hey all, just an update.  I am home now for the first time in a while!  Since January  I have spent 63 days out of this country and 58 in this country.  That is crazy.  Since January I have had the opportunity to be in Kenya, Mexico, Chile, Dubai UAE, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, and China.  Wow, I am soooo tired.  In the pic are my friends Wang Jun Long and Wang Jun Xing.  They are two great brothers who work with their Dad, Mom, and Long's wife in the Muslim market in XIAN.  I have known them for three years now, and this trip came to know them as brothers instead of just friends.  What a life I live.  It is purely by the grace of God.  I did get to visit with about 30 or so friends who are leaders in their community groups in China.  It was a blast.  It never could have happened without my friends Jabez and Ester who translated for me during the trip.  Sorry I could not keep you up to date during the trip, for some reason my blog is blocked in China and I could not access it.  Ok, I have to move, but wanted to touch base with you and let you know what's up!!!!!!  Stay in touch, keep life in gear, and remember, you only get one shot at this.  It goes faster than we think!  Love you all.

David

Home in time for Easter

Overwhelming Reception

Patoki Church w/new paint

Joe at the ordination in New Church

Pastor Aslam, the laborer 24/7/365

Hey all, the entire Pakistan team made it in with all of their bags! Yea!!!  It has been an incredible journey.  We have had the opportunity to make contact with more than 50,000 people during our visit.  On Sunday we went to a small church about an hour away from Patoki that grows flowers.  On our arrival, the entire community met us in the street and covered us with flowers beyond belief.  We also visited our home church in Patoki + 2 new churches started since last year.  During the 3 meetings, it was my privilege to bring the charge for 10 new ministers during their ordination service.  Friday was an awesome good Friday and then we were off to the USA on Saturday.  The trip could not have been any more fulfilling.  I watched Sherman Aten (check out www.atenministries.blogspot.com for more video links including Trace dancing with the Security in charge) lead in Worship and share his faith, Trace, Kevin, and Joe, share their testimonies, and I shared His word.Here is a link to the last night of worship in Patoki.  They don't dance in church but we did! Trace dancing before the Lord If you want to see the invitation and see the response go to the link Invitation in Patoki It was an incredible trip.  Let me just say, every Pakistani person we met was incredibly kind, curious, and respectful of us.  There were no incidents or hatred expressed the entire time.  Well, there was that one security guard at the airport in Lahore who really didn't like Trace's skateboard, but the other members worked that out! Ha Ha! It was an amazing trip, incredible opportunities, and eternally productive.  Thanks for all who followed, prayed, and helped us go!  Your the best.  Love you all and living fast.  David

Lights go out in Patoki

Just try to imagine more than 10,0000 people, pressed together like sardines in the can minus the oil.  All of the sudden, the lights go out.  No sound system, no emergency exit lights or exit signs.  One exit the size of a six foot double door opening. Now you are one of 5 Americans on the black and silent stage surrounded by drawn weapons, faces filled with panic and fear, and no estimate of what might happen next.  Now you have a little glimpse into the excitement and journey of the last night in Patoki.  Toward the end of the experience we were told to single file 50 yards toward the waiting Van parked under the only street light on the other side of the wall.  American consensus was, "better to be scattered in the dark, than all together in the light."  We chose to stay on the stage, pray, watch with excitement and adrenaline, and experience the euphoria when the generator came back on and all was restored.  In America, you would think the night is over.  Not in Pakistan.  At 1:30 am we all returned safely to our rooms with memories forever inscribed upon our brains.  What a night.  All of us participated, God took over, lives were changed and Patoki will forever be a part of each of us.  Wish you all could have been there! Life is great, even when it slows down for ya! Love you all.  Here are some clips.

DAVID

2nd night in Patoki a real fun night

It was a great night in Patoki.  The crowd was interactive and the atmosphere was eclectic.  Azeem is an amazing translator.  My style is so totally different than the preaching style of the staid British style they are used too.  Yet, Azeem is natural and proficient.  He is a gift from the Lord.  Shehrazer and Sherman had the crowd engaged through a diverse and often time unbalanced approach to the music, yet it just all worked.  I spoke about how the Lord wants to free us rather than bind us through such human conditioning as religion or personal ambition.  It was exciting to watch the people absorb His words.  I have included a couple of videos for those interested  just to see how it works.  You will really love the clothes.  Joe shared his whole testimony last night and God used it to speak to those who thought they were through.  Trace and Kevin enjoyed the worship, crowd and a few little "moves" themselves, while Kevin worked to try to keep Trace single and unmarried.

It was an interesting reality last night as storms and tornadoes swept our home area.  While many worry about our time in Pakistan, the real danger was in Arlington.  I guess we just need to make sure we are where we were built to be and let the Lord decide the number of our days! Personally, I would prefer blown up in Pakistan over blown around in Arlington!  Ha Ha!  Hey I love everyone who follows.  You are all such diverse people from so many different genres.  You are what makes my life colorful and great!  Take care, Cuidate, and know your loved.  Gotta run!  Life is passing me by.  I am missing my family, it always happens about now.  It will make the reunion great in a few! Insha Allah ( means if God is willing in Arabic[or Aramaic, not sure, actually both] ) Ha Ha!  I am soooo stupid!  Ha   Hey check out Proverbs 30 :2  It was written about me! Love ya!

End of the year awards at St. Thomas School

The drama team performs

A class room

1st place boy

The family Tree

The St. Thomas High School

In 1981, the Father of Azeem, Shehrazer, and their four sisters, started the St. Thomas High School.  It is now a full 4 years through 10th grade college prep school.  St. Thomas was chosen after the Apostle Thomas who came to the area first in the 1st century.  The vision was to provide a high standard of education to Christian students who would not otherwise be able to receive it.  Today they have graduated many alumni in prestigious positions through the school.  Here are some pictures of our exciting day. 

Headed to first night in Patoki

Yousef In Patoki

2 year old church in Patoki

Joe at a new church

Hey all, we are headed to our first night in Patoki.  Yesterday we were in 3 churches.  One started two years ago and 2 new ones. I included a picture of Yousef for those who know him.  He read scripture in church.  How cool is that!  We had the opportunity to dedicate 2 new churches as well as ordain 9 men into ministry.  It was an amazing and long day!  Tonight we will begin our 3 day event in Patoki.  This will be my 6th time in this community.    Well I have to run so let me try to get these shots up.  Living at a rapid pace!  Wining!  Love ya all!