Life with the Loveings

2012-02-14T17:11:00.000-05:00

2012-02-14T17:10:00.000-05:00

2012-02-14T17:08:00.001-05:00

Testimony from Farmington, New Mexico - "This week, I was broken, lost, tempted by the world, ready to give up on my marriage. I have been tempted to be unfaithful to my husband. He has been very sick with several mental, stress disorders. I felt defeated. Every message this week seemed to be directed to me and opened my eyes to the person I had become. Godless, hopeless, unfaithful, bitter, and unhappy. This revival opened my heart up to hear God's Word and to change my heart. God has shown me how to be a godly wife and mother and He reminded me of the grace God wants to give me. My heart had hardened so much and I didn't even realize it. I have been talking with my husband and my daughter has used the Life Action worksheets from Base Camp to bring the Word to my husband. Praise God!!"

2011-11-10T07:56:00.002-05:00

TESTIMONIES FROM MILTON, FLORIDA

"For most, if not all of my life, I have worn a mask. I have lived what others might say is a blessed life. Others have told me what a giving, loving person I am. What a great mother I am. And I never let on that I truly wasn't who they thouht I was. I am ashamed and saddened that I not only let them down, but more importantly, I have let God down. This week, He has shown me who I am in His eyes. And He has given me the opportunity to make alot of wrongs right. He has given me another chance to be the woman of God He has called me to be. I already see myself changing. In my home, in my marriage, in my parenting, in the disciplines I have asked Him to help me with. I have hope now that I can make positive changes that will forever change my life, my marriage, and my children's lives. God has blessed me." young mom

"I have been praying for a revival in my life and in the nation. I found myself these past few months wanting so much more of God in my life. To feel Him and His presence more than ever. Your messages have helped me see what God wants of me in order to be closer to Him by getting rid of the certain attitudes I've had, hurts that I hadn't let go, that are now given to Him. Thank God your obedience of allowing God to use your ministry has truly helped me. It's truly hard for me to write down on paper what's in my heart." 76 year old woman

"How do I put into words, what God has done for me over the past four days. He has grown in me an insatiable appetite for His words, and His voice. Coming into this revival, I was an empty shell. I was depressed and hopeless. I was lost in my sin and God was calling me to Himself. He has filled this empty shell with His Spirit and given me passion that I have lacked for years!"

teacher of pre-schoolers

"God has revealed to me that I need to change every aspect / every way that I live my life... to move beyond myself... to forgive those that I never thought I could forgive... to be a better leader in my family and how it should be based upon unconditional love... I know my role in this world now, and that is to honor God in everything!!" young man

"God has been revealing His truths to me throughout this time. Honestly, my cry has been over and over, "Lord, please revive me. Do not pass me by. I believe, Lord, but help my unbelief. My spirit wants to be revived, but my flesh is so weak. I have failed. I have failed." It was hard, but I loved the put off-put on sheet. To actually see just where I stand in relation to God's holiness and the realization of His overwhelming grace to me. What a joy to ask forgiveness and confess my sins to Him. I have felt very cold and distant from Him. I know it is from my own choosing. These four days have been a long drink that has saturated these dry and thirsty bones. I do not feel full by any means, and though I still thirst for Him, the dryness is gone. Please pray for me. I have tried so hard for so long, and I'm good at being self-sustaining, and that has only made me more dry. Please pray for my will to be broken daily. Pray that I would walk continually walk in obedience."

A stunningly beautiful evening with family and friends.

2011-10-17T11:51:00.002-04:00

My sweetheart and I (Mal) spent Saturday evening at Shawnee National Forest in Illinois with Shawna, Austin, Holly, Crista, Sam, Christian Slenk, and Sasha Shubert (violinist on our team). The rock structures were stunning, colors amazing, and scenery breathtaking. What a gloriously created world we live in!! What an awesome God we serve!!

Ministry in Poplar Bluff, MO

2011-10-15T21:51:00.002-04:00

We are on the road again and in our 6th conference of our ministry season. Enjoy reading these testimonies from one of our THIRST conferences.

White Team Poplar Bluff, MO Oct. 2-5

“Well, I have to be honest. The first message left me thinking, “I wonder what God wanted me to get from the message?” But after attending Monday-Wednesday nights – Wow!! God pretty much smacked me with a 2x4! I see now, from the 1st message to the last, was just what I needed, what I thirsted for. I had been out of church for a few months and praise God I thirsted and was very much fulfilled. God showed me what changes I have to make in my life with my family, friends, and those that come into my path. I actually came hoping for help with my marriage of 24 years. I gave the team a prayer card requesting prayer for my marriage. I love my husband David and I want my life to continue with him. These messages had led me to
really look at myself and understand that I am part of my own problems. Thank God I am making a commitment to work on my marriage and look to God for answers, and not to this world.” Terrie

“As a staff member of the church, we are expected to “have it all together.” Unfortunately, I was
becoming unraveled. In my personal preparation for revival, I sought to empty myself and become “naked” before God, removing the masks that I wore daily. I cried out to God to be broken, because so many things seemed to capture my time and attention, instead of focusing on the Lord. I must say that my soul has been refreshed!! There are many things that have been revealed to me by the Holy Spirit that had become my idols!! Thank you Jesus for your mercy and grace!! I could not express in a more appropriate term, the condition of my soul – except to say I was “thirsty”. I am so thankful for God’ cleansing and refreshing!!” Terry

“I have been a Christian since I was 10 years old and I am now 59. Through this revival, God has revealed how He sees me. It broke my heart to realize I am NOT the Christian I thought I was. I am NOT the Christian my friends and family thought I was. God opened my eyes and my heart and I am determined to become who God wants me to be. I am a wife of 41 years, a mother
of 38 years, and a grandmother for 9 years. But today, I am a new woman – the daughter of the King!! I have re-committed my life, my walk to be someone my family, my friends, my church and my Lord can be pleased with. I want my legacy to be “Retta was someone who served Jesus and others saw His love through her.” Thank you for sharing God’s truth with us this week through your music, ladies luncheon, and preaching!! God bless all of you!! Retta

Fall Update

2011-10-10T13:10:00.000-04:00

Testimonies from Flushing, Michigan

2011-09-25T20:58:00.005-04:00

"Wow! So much has been going on in my heart and life these past few days. I can't possibly express what has happened, but I'll try to share just a few. First, my husband and I have been married 49+ years but there has not been any joy in my heart as I look toward our 50th anniversary. Bitterness, selfishness, pride, resentment - I could go on, but I think you get the picture. This week, the Lord has been peeling off layer after layer of sin and revealing these sins in our lives. The Lord is healing our marriage!! There is still much to work on, but it is a beginning. Also, depression and anxiety has plagued me for years and I felt as if I had a huge hole in my heart. God is filling that hole with His love and grace. I no longer need the prescription drugs!! Praise His name!!"

"God has spoken to me about assuring that I pour Scripture into my children. My sons and I sat down after school yesterday and today and discussed God, Scripture and how we spend our time. He has also prompted me to live more generously. Yesterday, I offered cookies to some neighbor kids that were outside. Today, I took a bowl of tomatoes from my garden to our elderly neighbors. I stayed and talked with them for about a half hour and was very blessed. God is prompting me to ask forgiveness of several people all whom I hurt 26 years ago!! It will require getting a secret out in the open. I am fasting and praying about this. Thank you for using your time and talent for the Lord. God is doing a great work in my life and in my family."

"I have been feeling overwhelmed with life. I have a husband in poor health and unable to help with daily tasks. I find it hard to not be angry at God for my prolonged circumstances and at myself for not keeping up. The anger spills over to my husband with a lack of respect for him and also to my son, who is homeschooled, and is with me 24/7. God has convinced me that I can rest in Him and I don't need to "keep up." I have resolved to let the other things go and sit at His feet. "

"God was never real to me until this THIRST conference. I have grown up in the church since before I could remember and I prayed a prayer for salvation around age 4, but I never truly loved Jesus until yesterday through the message of the revivalist. God has revealed himself to me. I had my first real devotional time this morning, and for the first time, I was certain He listened as I poured out my heart to Him. I feel so joyful and I keep bursting into tears simply because I'm so happy. I have no doubt in my mind that God sent you to minister to me and help change my life. To God be the glory!!"

"God has given me the desire to seek Him more and put away the things that have consumed hours of my time that I could be spending with Him in His Word and prayer and doing the things that I have neglected in my home and with work. I have been reminded of God's grace to supply my needs when I give to others of my time, talent and treasures. I want Him to have 1st place in my life."

"Thank you for being here! God has really touched my heart during this time. I am a pastors kid and I have been mad at the church and at God. It can get hard, but you have really helped me. I was not acting like a real Christian and I was being a fake. Your youth revivalist helped me deal with some of the feelings."

Never Once!!!

2011-06-28T18:20:00.004-04:00

We are on a journey, but this time, it's not out on the road. The story begins when we came home from Canada the first week of June. We began moving back into our house and tearing out a 30 foot deck outside our dining room, because we had decided to add on a room to our existing living space to accomodate our growing children and 18 team members when they are over. A work crew of 7 guys from People's Church in Canada were coming to use their time (they would be here for 5 days), talents (they are all in the construction industry), and treasures (they had all taken a week off work), to come frame out our room. We determined that we would build as we had the funds and we had the funds now to frame it in. We figured we'd drywall and finish the inside later. We are teaching our children about not going into debt, so we were committed to move forward only as God provided. Sunday, June 26th, we were eagerly anticipating the arrival of the work crew. The trailer was in the driveway, refrigerator and cupboards were stocked, and the beds ready. We received a phone call from Walt, the gentleman who put the trip together, and he regretted to inform us that they were TURNED AWAY AT THE BORDER!! They had been detained for 3 hours, and the border patrol would not let them into the States saying, "You'll be taking American jobs from people who need them." Ryan had even sent a letter stating that they would not be compensated, but that this was a missions trip for them to help missionaries in America. We were dumbfounded!! Not allowed into the country? You're not serious!! But it was true. So we are sitting with lumber in our driveway, and a hole in the sideyard, and we're trying to find someone who can do the work for us. Ryan is currently working with a man (Eric) who believes he can get the framing done this weekend, and we're praying his price will be what we can afford to pay!! Praise the Lord!! We do know this for sure. NEVER ONCE... has God ever not been faithful!! NEVER ONCE... has God ever not provided for our needs. NEVER ONCE... has the Lord not made a way!! NEVER ONCE... has he failed us!! SO... we rest in Him. And we're taking it one day at a time.

Please pray for (1) That God would be glorified in our attitudes and actions (2) Good weather / (3) Financial provisions / (4) Enough manpower to get the job done expediently.

Lessons from a Teenager in Apex, NC

2011-05-05T09:33:00.008-04:00

Friends,

Take the time to read this testimony from a teenager that met with the Lord in our 4-day THIRST conference. We would all do well to follow her example.

"I am a senior this year, but when I was a freshman, my mom left my father and our family. It was during really hard financial times. I didn't talk to her for almost 6 months. We lost our house. My sister went to college. My father and brother lived in a storage unit. I lives with my best friend for the 1st 6 months of my sophmore year until my dad found a house. The summer before my junior year, my parents officially divorced. I was very angry and hurt by my mother. She abandoned us. Then when my mother was given custody of me, I still held it against her. This week as I've attended the THIRST conference, God showed me that I need to forgive her. She loves me. And God wants me to forgive her. It might take awhile, but Jesus died to forgive me of my sins, why can't I feel a little uncomfortable forgiving my own mom? God is good all the time!!!"
Emily Freeman

Thank you Emily, for your example of surrender!! As followers of Christ, we should all desire to walk as He walked.

Chattanooga, TN

2011-04-28T09:47:00.004-04:00

I have no doubt in my spirit that you all were sent by God, because this revival has changed my life forever. Me and my wife were talking about and in the process of divorcing after outside counseling and church counseling, but all that changed during the revival. We are now showing love for one another and praying together and coming to church more. We are both saved and have been together for 25 years. Our lives have been changed forever and we are so grateful to God. Thanks to your ministry!!
Perry and Cindy Bates

It is hard to find the words to begin praising God for all He has done in my life this week!! I was the skeptic before your team arrived. I was thinking, "I don't need this type of meeting in my life!" Wow - was I so wrong, but God in His awesome grace continued to "prod" me along in His patient way. Monday evening, I was confronted with my sin of running to food as my comfort instead of to my Jesus. I relinquished this over to Him. Tuesday at the luncheon, I was confronted with my lack of respect for my husband. I continually kept him under a "carpet of criticism." This had been a habitual problem for most of our 24 years of marriage. My eyes were opened to this sin and I couldn't stand to look at myself as I knew God saw me. I confessed areas of disrespect to my husband and asked his forgiveness as well as the forgiveness of my children for bringing this sin into our home. Gaod has freed me of this!! Praise God I immediately felt the freedom that comes with the release of control and pride to God. Thank you so much for allowing God to use you in this incredible way and in touching others lives in such deep, thought provoking truths.
Lynn Smith

After our session Thursday night about having a clear conscience, my wife and I came home and I proceeded to confess sin from 17 years before in our marriage. God's grace was upon that moment and the healing will take time. Five hours later, at 3 AM Good Friday, I woke to an inch of water covering our downstairs living space. The washing machine hose for the cold water split open and was filling the rooms. After I turned it off, I realized we might get electrocuted because of the extension cords we were using that were in the water. Again, God's grace had protected us. I thought of your teaching and put on some praise music and began to praise God and pray for Janey as this followed our time of confession and repentance five hours before. God used this as a team-building, mate-building excercise. It was also much easier to let go of whatever may have been damaged with a focus on the eternal and not the temporal. Thank you. Words cannot express the impact you have made in our lives in Christ!!
Bruce

Thank you for giving of your hearts, time and talents to bring the life and truth of God's Word to Oakwood. Through this week, God has been cleansing me of things hindering me from a more intimate relationship with Him. I have forgiven those who hurt me, and have asked for forgiveness for those I've hurt and for holding onto bitterness and ill feelings towards some. God has also been testing my faith with respect to my obedience, asking me, "Will you obey me? Will you give me control of everything?" See, He hasn't been first in my life. He's been second to other things and I have not given him the time or dedication that I should. He has broken down my pride and built me back up as a more Christ-like individual. He has renewed my spirit. I praise Him for molding me into His likeness.
Emily Smith

God convicted me of a lack of personal time with Him; and not being the example for my children and my wife. This means prayer and Bible study. Not just alone, but visible to my children. I have not been the spiritual leader of my home.

Extraordinary movements in Lexington, SC

2011-04-14T12:43:00.005-04:00

Just outside the capital of South Carolina sits a beautiful community called Lexington. We have spent the last 4 days seeking the Lord with the people of First Baptist Church, and God met with us yesterday in an extraordinary way!!

In our morning team meeting, the Lord began to soften the hearts of our team members, and Tyler, Sasha, and Sarah came to genuine, sincere surrender to Christ!! And in the evening service, Ryan had the privilege of baptizing all three of them.

Following their baptism, our service continued on for three hours with people coming to the front and publicly sharing all that the Lord accomplished in these 4 days. It was nothing short of a divine work of the Holy Spirit.

Adultery was confessed.

Forgiveness was sought.

Bitterness was released.

Chains of anger were broken.

Salvation came.

Obedience was modeled.

Rest was found.

Joy was evident.

A teenager left the youth building, came into the sanctuary and stood before the congregation to share that he had just asked Jesus to be Lord of his life. His father put his arm around him and together, they headed up to the baptistry and the father had the privilege right then to baptize his son!!

Six individuals came to the altar to be baptized, stating that they wanted to be baptized on this side of salvation!!

We ended the evening with corporate "popcorn praise" for the Lord and who He is. What a night of rejoicing!!

Thank you, Lord!!!

Spring schedule

2011-03-17T10:12:00.013-04:00

March 19 - Mal speaks at Pure in Heart conference in Lake Charles, LA

March 20-27 - Troy, TN

March 31-April 3 - Ryan speaks at Life Action's Vision Gathering in Asheville, NC

April 4-7 - Heartcry for Revival Conference in Asheville, NC

April 10-13 - Lexington, SC

April 17-24 - Chattanooga, TN

May 1-4 - Apex, NC

May 22-29 - Sarnia, Ontario, Canada

May 29-June 1 - Wyoming, Ontario, Canada

Visit with Margo

2011-03-09T15:33:00.005-05:00

A daughter is a dream come true

Pink lace, ribbons, fluff and froufrou

Giggles, kisses, bubbles, and bows,

She's such a sweet dear from her head

to her toes!!

What a joy to spend this week with our sweet Margo!!

New Life Church - Conover, NC

2011-02-17T10:14:00.001-05:00

These are tesimonies of God's amazing work that He has done in Conover!! We thank Him with grateful hearts as we move on to Rocky Mount, NC for our next THIRST conference. The family and team are weary, but are doing well, and we appreciate your prayers as you lift us up to the Lord. Please be praying for us this next week, as we are in a large church of 2,000 people. Base Camp (2nd - 6th graders) is expected to have 200 children, and Happy Heart City, (4 yr. old - 1st graders) 100 children. So our team needs to be rested and ready to serve!! Austin and Holly, and the Slenk's son, Christian, will be assisting in clubs each night. Thank you for visiting our blog. We pray you are blessed and encouraged as you read about our great and awesome God!! Enjoy His presence in your life today!

"God found me dry and distant from Him. Doubts of His provision, His will for my life, and even His existence at times. He found me busy, disobedient, and distracted. As a mother of four, I have not been consistent in leading my children in teaching or by example. I have relied on my husband and the Christian school to "train up my children." Through these days, I have felt God's touch and I have a new refreshed heart. I've learned practical ways to work with our kids before time slips away. I plan to reprioritize my time."

"The Lord has convicted me that I should have made sure my children had learned godly lessons. They are now 31 and 26. My husband and I were so busy being busy in the ministry (a preacher and preacher's wife) that we neglected their daily walk with Christ. I've apologized to both (our son won't come to church and our daughter is presently teaching her 2 children). May God bless and heal the hurts."

"God has reminded me of my responsibility to teach His Word to my children. My children and I talked last night. My 12 year old son printed out a 3 year plan for reading through the Bible. We will start next week!! Our 14 year old daughter is excited also!! My children and I have not been so quick to turn on the TV. We have sat in quietness and talked about what we have learned - what God is teaching us. The Lord has also affirmed and encouraged me in reference to decisions He has led me to make which honor Him and are opposite of worldly views. It's sweet for the Lord to remind me that my sufferings have not been in vain. I am thankful for His provisions, the lessons He has taught me, and the closer walk and reliance we have in Him as a family."

"I have been distant from my wife and boys, even as much as having an adulterous relationship with my eyes and words with a woman in my neighborhood. After Thursday's clear conscience message, I lost it. I confessed to my wife all that I had been hiding - lies, fears, my past sins against God and her. The remainder of the services changed my life without question. The family revivalist and his wife took time to counsel my wife and I praise God for this Life Action summit. I give the Lord all the credit that through your team, He is changing my life, saving my marriage, and giving me joy that I had lost long ago. Thank you so much!!"

"Depression and bitterness filled my life as Life Action came to our church. After twenty-five years of pastoring, I was done, finished. But I knew I couldn't quit the call. I was in the depth of brokenness with no way out, trapped. But God met me where I was. He told me I was responsible for how I was responding to my circumstances. He said with the power of His Spirit in me, I could choose joy over depression. It was up to me. The next to last night, I chose joy. Today, my life is so different."

THE GREAT MOUSE CAPER!!

2011-01-21T11:07:00.001-05:00

Ever since Christmas break when our trailer was parked at the Life Action Retreat and Conference Center (LARCC) for three weeks, we have had a mouse in the house!! We're not sure if it's Mickey or Minnie, but if it's Minnie, she has quite a large brood to feed!!

Our first clue that there was a rodent in the house was the fact that Manly's dog food was found in different places throughout the trailer other than in his food bowl. We found dog food packed in a neat little pile in a corner of the girls room. So we set out a glue trap in the middle of the pile, and the next morning, the dog food was gone, and the glue trap was moved about 6 inches,

but NO MOUSE!!

Crista found dog food in her shirt drawer. Shawna found dog food in her shirt drawer. Austin found dog food in his drawer under his bed. We set the glue trap out again with cheese in the middle of it, and the only one that got into it was Manly!! He had glue on his muzzle, in his beard and on his feet!! What a mess!! So we've yet to find our culprit!!

I (Mal) am bound and determined to free us of this menace and the sooner the better!!

2011-01-20T10:21:00.000-05:00

We've just spent a week in Okeechobee, Florida doing a 4-day THIRST conference wih our team, then spent a few days with family in Sarasota before heading to Pensacola today to take Margo back to school. We'll drop her off tomorrow (Friday), then head to Dalton, Georgia, to connect back with our team and conduct our next conference.
The day after we left Okeechobee, the church staff called our headquarters, and has scheduled a longer summit for November, so we'll be coming back!! We never complain about being sent to Florida!!
We stand in awe of our God and give Him all the glory for what He alone has done. He has blessed us with a great team, and He is working in His people. In those who desire to live authentically in our culture!! Praise His name!!

Heading to Georgia

2011-01-20T10:15:00.000-05:00

I (Mal) was sharing with a friend about how different our lives are. I said to her, "You're an empty-nester, and I have five children still at home. You're in one city all the time and I move every week. You have a new husband (2nd marriage) and I'm married 22 years." She looked at me and said, "Mal, your life is different than most people's."
"True."

15 years with Life Action!!

2010-11-26T17:44:00.000-05:00

We have just celebrated our 15th year of ministry with Life Action and we thank the Lord that we can be a part of such meaningful work!! Long days, truck problems, trailer problems, lots of travel (we've logged 5,000 miles since Sept. 1st), constantly being "on", yet it's all worth it when our God does extraordinary things in and through ordinary people. Bringing believers to a new level of faith and intimacy with the Lover of their soul is our burden and passion, and we thank Him for where He has our family!! Thank you for supporting us through your prayers and financial gifts. During this Thanksgiving season, we thank the Lord for you!! Ryan, Mal, Margo, Shawna, Austin, Holly, Crista, and Sam

Testimonies

2010-11-20T11:06:00.000-05:00

"I have been in a dry place in my life and ministry. I have been guilty of prayerlessness and neglect of God's Word, and overall lack of striving for real holiness. God has convicted me this week and renewed my Spirit, my love for Him, and my passion for His ministry. I have identified soome "substitutions" in my life, and am working to set them aside and turning back to God in these areas. I am back to praying God's Word and creating time to hear from Him through His Word, and I am confident that this will help my marriage and family as well. Praise the Lord!!"
Chris (youth pastor)

"I have felt wounded, confused, and quite angry. I have been doing an amazing job of pretending I've moved past it all, and able to even convince myself. God has shown me that all the "stuff" that resides within me is affecting my thinking, attitude, and emotions. I often find it difficult to concentrate. At times, I avoid God's Word because of what I believe He will probably have to say. God is, not has yet, but is, seeting me free. I am working to hear, listen, and obey. It is happening. this thing God is doing, is going to happen in my life. I don't need a bigger God. I need to trust and believe in the big God I have."
Yogi (pastor)

"Since the summit at Berean back in May of 2010, I have reconciled with my mom. I asked for forgiveness for disobedience and rebellion in my teens. She wasn't all that thrilled and convinced by my request for forgiveness, but in the months since, God has given me a host of opportunities to show my sincere repentance. My love for my mom has grown and I have felt freed in ways I have not known in the last 30 years since leaving home!! Thank you, Lord!!"
Cindy (woman attending our THIRST conference in Mansfield, Ohio)

"I have been wearing a mask. I was doing all the "right" things or at least trying to appear that way to my church and my family. Meanwhile, on the inside, hating myself. I felt lonely and so I fill that with food, cigarettes, alcohol, and an angry heart. I treat my husband and my children in a way that I am ashamed of. I feel as if they should be in the pit with me, I guess. After the teaching on having a clear conscience, I spent an emotionally exhausting 2 hours confessing to my husband and praying together. I feel emotionally raw today, but finally feel as if I can break free. I don't have to live everyday in secrecy. I am on my way to seeking God and His forgiveness. I am realizing that I am so much more than my past mistakes and that God is in the process of remaking me."
Julie

"God has found me THIRSTY, and not really aware of how close to total dehydration I was. I have been upset with my wife for not meeting all my needs. I was causing strife in my teen's life, so I'd work 14 hour days because it was easier. I was my own idol. God has dealt with me through this conference, and now, my burden is light, my marriage has hope, my wife is special to me again, my teenager doesn't avoid me, and I refuse to substitute myself for God. I now know where to be refreshed. Thank you."
Dave

"I was torn before the conference. Half of me was so excited about the conference that I couldn't sit still, and the other half, honestly was dreading it more than anything. The message on Sunday about Idols and Substitutions was directed at me. For the last ten years, I've been saying, "I'll be happy when ______." I was looking for anything and everything from alcohol to a husband to a baby to fill in that blank. My low point was over this summer after leaving my job to stay at home with our infant daughter. I felt lost and very depressed. I denied it, of course, because I have a "perfect" life. Except that what I was filling my cup with didn't fill it at all. Then I realized that I'd been missing what is supposed to be the most intimate and fulfilling relationship attainable. Thank you very much."
Dara

Cobourg, Ontario, Canada

2010-10-31T17:24:00.001-04:00

Glory to God!! He has done miraculous things here in Cobourg, Ontario, on the north shore of Lake Ontario. Along with our 4-day THIRST conferences, we also conduct 8 and 11-day revival summits. This church happened to be an 11-day summit. Listen to the heart of this pastor as he shares what the Lord has done!!!

"God found me defeated, discouraged, and disgusted with God's people, and I'm the pastor. We needed to come to a place, and I personally needed to find myself, where our complete dependence was on Him. We were a church that was filled with divisions and devilish ways. BUT, the Holy Spirit moved in and through strong Biblical teaching, much prayer and persistence, in a miraculous way!! Lives are changed, families have found new love, men have learned to pray and lead, ladies have become filled with joy, and youth have a renewed passion for Jesus. These eleven days at Summit will forever be remembered as the significant time in which God changed our church all for His glory!!!"

And so we move on to Barrie, Ontario, to Emmanuel Baptist Church, where we are currently ministering in a 4-day THIRST conference. We trust He will move in our midst again, praying for the ultimate desire, revival among God's people!!!

Peoples Church: Ontario, Canada > The Lord is Moving in Our Midst

2010-10-14T14:27:00.000-04:00

Peoples Church: Ontario, Canada > The Lord is Moving in Our Midst:
"The Lord is Moving in Our Midst
by Pastor Craig on October 13, 2010
God has been moving in some mighty ways here in the last two weeks. All for His glory. There have been many who have testified of what God has miraculously done in their lives. There are those in our midst who have confessed sins and asked for forgiveness. Many of these sins are those that we often keep hidden and pretend to play church and we make things appear as though everything was just fine in our lives....the masks are coming off and people are getting right with the Lord, right in their relationships - it is truly the work of God. There has been adultery confessed, addiction to pornography confessed, pride confessed, bitterness confessed, controlling behaviour confessed, and so much more. Relationships are being restored - husbands are coming forward and confessing how they have not loved their wife as Christ loved the church, wives confessing that they have not respected their husbands, young people confessing their need to trust in Christ in the things they are pursuing. This transparency is so powerful, the Lord is glorified through confession, repentance and ultimately restored and revived believers. May God receive all the glory!!!"

On the road again...

2010-09-23T10:11:00.000-04:00

We are on the road again for our 2010-2011 travel year!! Already we have seen the Lord working in Wilson, North Carolina and Raleigh, North Carolina. Not only is the Lord using this team, but we are hearing of stirrings of revival occurring in Winstom-Salem, North Carolina where our Blue Team has been ministering for two weeks, and also in Sulphur, Louisiana where our Red Team has been in a two-week revival summit.

This weekend, Revive Our Hearts, an outreach ministry of Life Action, will host 6,000 women in Indianapolis, Indiana, for the 2nd True Woman Conference of 2010 with speakers Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Mary Kassian, Joni Eareckson Tada, Janet Parshall, Crawford and Karen Loritts, Fern Nichols, and Dannah Gresh. What a wonderful time it will be as these women gather to seek the Lord together!!!

Would you continue to pray with us for the Big R? Revival in our nation!! As you do so, continue to pray for the little r!! Revival in the hearts of men and women and children, and revival in the churches we are ministering in, SO THAT the Lord can bring about the Big R!! Revival once again in our land!!

Dear friends, unconfessed sin is crippling the church!!! One important truth that we have learned as a family is that the power of sin lies in it's secrecy. When sins are confessed, both to God, and to those we've wronged, we can live with a clear conscience, and begin to reconcile those relationships. We have a greater freedom to love and worship God, and we can be a greater witness for Christ.

We want to share with you, a testimony from one couple...

"Coming into this conference, I was below rock bottom. I had had an affair just one year into our marriage. That was 19 years ago. I was going to take that incident to my grave without telling my wife. God revealed to me during this conference that it was time, past time, to take care of my sin. Tuesday evening after the service, we put our kids down to bed, and I confessed my 19 year old sin to my wife of 20 years. She forgave me as did God. We are going to a Christian marriage counselor to help forge a path toward reconciliation, trust and honor. Had God not stepped in, suicide was on the near horizon for me. God has given life back to my dry, dead bones. My road, and my wife's will be challenging, but the price I must pay is nothing compared to the price Christ paid for my salvation. Thanks for being honest, open, and transparent with us. Otherwise, I most likely would be in the same frame of mind as when your team came in on Sunday."

"God found me frustrated that my husband was so depressed / angry at his situation in life. I was also stressed about work and the kids. This week has been great!! I feel refreshed and excited about what lies ahead for us. Last night, my husband told me about a "one night stand" he had very early on in our marriage and how that was a seed of sin that had been damaging him from the inside out. Only because of God and His great forgiveness and the testimony we heard at the ladies luncheon and last night, I was able to readily forgive and seek a greater oneness in our relationship. Thank you God for this ministry and the change it has made in our home even today. Thank you for arranging the circumstances for us to attend the whole time. You are an awesome God!! Oh, how many obstacles you cleared to make this happen!!"

Here's another testimony from a wife...

"God found me in a rut. I had plenty of head knowledge, and had seen God work in amazing ways in the past, but was very frustrated with my life, my prayer time, my marriage, and my parenting. Several things I heard this week were duplications of three book's messages I have been reading recently. I knew all the Biblical answers, but was still dry and empty. Then one thing was said at one of the evening sessions (Monday night), that brought a sin to my mind that I had been avoiding, forgetting (on purpose), and excusing. The "little" frustrations (and big hurts), all stem back to this one sin. I have kept this financial sin from my husband. I had not even confessed it to God!! This gross lie may cost me my marriage - it will definitely be a major strain. But I know I can no longer keep this from my husband. After the ladies luncheon, I pray he can forgive me for this. What a release when I confessed it to God today and asked my husband for some time alone with him tonight. Already, I know this has been the one thing hindering my Christian walk!!"
There are many more examples of God moving and working and we praise and give honor to the only One who deserves it. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!!!

We are heading to Michigan...

2010-05-27T09:39:00.001-04:00

I (Mal) was about to title this post, "We're heading home," but in reality, we're pulling our home behind us. But we are heading to Michigan for a much-needed break, to have some time with family and friends, and to make preparations for our next ministry season which will begin in September. We pulled away from Lakeside Baptist Church half an hour ago, and we're heading up Interstate 81 N in Virginia. It's been a great year and we're praising the Lord for all He has done!!!
Sharing God's heart for the Church,
Ryan and Mal

2010-05-13T08:28:00.000-04:00

BITTERNESS
The dictionary defines it as something "difficult to accept" or in describing a person, "angry and resentful." What does this have to do with what we do? We have just ended an 8-day summit at Berean Baptist Church in Mansfield, Ohio and we were overwhelmed this past Sunday with over 50 people coming to share by way of testimony how they were responding to what God was teaching them through the course of the last 8 days.
Many issues were shared, but the one thing that stood out repeatedly was individuals recognizing and confessing bitterness in their lives, either toward a parent, a child, a spouse, or another indivdual. Many of them didn't even realize that they were bitter in their heart. They were unwilling to accept the circumstances or individuals that the Lord had brought into their lives. Many were bitter towards God, and didn't even realize it. God has set so many people free this week, and we are in awe of all that He has done!!
The Life Action staff and the staff of the church met on Sunday afternoon and determined that the Lord wanted our team to carry over one more night, so we actually finished the conference last evening with more testimonies. We have heard over and over again in the past four days comments like "My life will never be the same," and "Our home is changed," and "I am free from the bitterness," and "Our relationship with our kids is sweeter than we ever imagined," and "I sought forgiveness and I now have a clear conscience. I feel like I'm soaring!!," and "We are not the same family today as we were at the beginning of this summit."
One woman came to the microphone and shared that she had not spoken to or seen her parents in 24 years, and they live in the same town!! She didn't know where in Mansfield they were living, so she got online and found her mom, drove to her apartment, and sought her forgiveness for the years of bitterness and anger she had held against her mother. She then drove to the nursing home where her father was, and sought his forgiveness as well. She asked her father, "Dad, do you know who I am?" He said, "Yes." She shared what she needed to, and he forgave her!! She made the comment last evening that she felt as though she was soaring. Free from years of anger, bitterness, and resentment. But now she's free!! Praise God.
85 men come to pray!!!
Tom and Marie Nesbitt from Ames, Iowa, were with us teaching on the family, and Tom met with the men of the church every morning at 6 am teaching them to pray the Scriptures back to God, and then teaching them to take what they were learning back home and pray with their wife and children. Many men came forward Sunday morning and evening sharing how the Lord was using this prayer time to show them that they are to be the spiritual leaders in their homes, leading their wives and children in the study of the Word and in prayer. Many men came in a spirit of humility confessing that they had not been the priest of their homes as God calls men to be. What an awesome time we shared together as a body rejoicing over what the Lord had done!!! We praise His name, and our whole family would tell you, "This is worth livin' in a trailer for!!!!"

Resources that are available...

2010-04-22T09:43:00.000-04:00

Through this blog, we not only want to inform you of where we are, and testimonies of changed lives, but also give you resources to aid you in your walk with God. Life Action has several websites full of topical helps based on the truth of God's Word. The websites are listed on the right side bar of this blog, and we would encourage you to visit them. Ladies, Revive our Hearts is a great tool for growing not only in our walk with God, but also for enhancing intimacy in our relationships with our husband and children. Life Action produces a weekly podcast called Infuse that you can download right to your computer that is available through www.lifeaction.org. We hope that you'll take advantage of the abundance of resources available to you. Our desire is to share God's heart for the Church with His church, and one means in which we do this is through our websites. May God bless you and your family and our prayer is that you would be a light for Jesus in your sphere of influence!!! Blessings, Ryan and Mal

Concord Baptist Church

2010-04-18T23:02:00.001-04:00

We are here in Jefferson City, Missouri where approx. 400 attended the service tonight!! We are expecting God to do great things this week!! Please pray that He would meet with us here in the capital city of Missouri and that a mighty move of His Spirit would change hearts and lives, impacting not only this church, not only this community, but the state as well as the nation!! We are in deep need as a nation for God to do something extraordinary. Would you pray with us for this community, Jefferson City, Missouri?

Enid, Oklahoma

2010-04-15T13:18:00.000-04:00

We are driving on I44 heading east out of Tulsa on our way to Concord Baptist Church in Jefferson City, Missouri. We finished a 4-day THIRST conference last evening and will begin at Concord on Sunday morning. The Lord did a great work in Enid and we are praising him as we're driving. Our desire is to share God's heart for the Church with individuals and it's thrilling when the truth is heard and applied!! Families are restored! Marriages are healed! Teenagers get excited about following hard after God!! And individuals are restored to an intimate, love relationship with Jesus, the Lover of their soul!!

wife and mother -
"Before this conference, God found me locked up!! I didn't realize it until the conference, but I always felt held back in my continued growth in the Lord. I've learned this week that as I obey, and take the steps required of me according to His Word, He moves and displays His enduring grace and faithfulness. Jesus, my Lord and Savior, has revealed my hindered growth. In the past, my heart had been broken, so I locked it up and could only give it to God. But He has now set me free!!!! He is enabling me to give my heart to my sweet, wonderful, dear, husband!!! I now trust not only my Lord, but I am free to love and trust my husband as well. God has unlocked my heart and I am free!!!!"

DESOTO, TEXAS

2010-04-07T13:02:00.000-04:00

We are leaving Desoto, Texas, this morning (Wednesday) bound for Enid, Oklahoma. Our summit ended on Easter Sunday with 30 individuals sharing the wondrous work that God has done in their lives and in their families. One precious 80 year old man came to the microphone and said it this way: "We came here this morning to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, but we are leaving here celebrating the resurrection of our love and devotion to our Lord Jesus Christ."

How profound!!! I'll let you read the testimonies for yourself:

"I have been married for 30 years, but I've been happy in it for 3 days!!! When we arrived for service the other night, my wife and I were sitting in the foyer. She leaned over to me and shared with me that she needed to confess something. She proceeded to tell me that she had been unfaithful in our marriage 20 years ago. Nedless to say, I was quite shaken, and did not know how to respond. It was time to go into service, and Ryan preached on the importance of having a clear conscience. H explained how to extend forgiveness when we're hurt, and how to seek forgiveness when we hurt others. The Holy Spirit knew what I needed to hear!! I have been able to forgive my wife, and we've had the best week ever in our relationship!! Praise the Lord!!"

"I come here each week with a smile on my face, but my heart has been so full of anger and bitterness. You never see it, because I'm really good at wearing a mask, and not allowing anyone in, but I must tell you, my heart has been as black as this shirt (he was wearing a black shirt). The Lord is cleansing me through a new love for His Word and I'm beginning to feel free!!"

"I came in here this morning (Easter morning) mad at my husband. We didn't even sit together. I just went and sat with my girlfriends. Anger has been one of the constant demons in my life and I am determined to be rid of this sin. I truly want to be a godly wife and mother. Please pray for me as God continues refining me through the His Word."

Living in Texas

2010-03-30T21:09:00.001-04:00

Please pray for our son, Samuel. Everytime we come to Texas, he is miserable with allergies. He practically lives on Benadryl. His eyes itch all day long, and he's sneezing alot!!! But Lord bless him, he's got a positive atitude.

We're looking for better methods, and God's looking for better men, and once He gets them, He may touch down.

2010-03-22T11:55:00.000-04:00

We've had a great summit here in Sylvester, Georgia. Twenty-two men showed up for prayer this morning at 6 AM, and we finished our summit yesterday!!! That is an indication that the revival that has taken place here will be ongoing!!! Tom Nesbitt, who taught truths pertaining to the family this week, along with his sweet bride of 40+ years (Marie), has been meeting with the men of First Baptist Church every morning this past week. He has been teaching the men to pray through the Scriptures for their wives, children, and grandchildren.

We want you to hear several testimonies of changed lives amidst the people of God.

"Before this conference, God found me angry, hurt, and bitter. The week of the Life Action summit marked the 9th anniversary of the death of our first son, just 2 days old. The weeks prior to the summit, it was discovered that my wife had been unfaithful to me. Through the messages and daily 6 am prayer times, God revealed to me how I had failed. I was able to express my anger to God and give it to Him. I was able to claim I Thessalonians 5 and give thanks!! I discovered how my anger and bitterness tore down my wife which caused her to seek compassion elsewhere. I now have a new love for my wife and my marriage is better than ever!! Praise God!!"

"I am a man who thought I was living a good, Christian life. But, because of the truths taught this week, I have seen the pride in my life and I have needed to clear my conscience. I had to go to my wife and my son and ask forgiveness for the things in my life that I thought were covering my sin. I have learned how to pray and lift up Scriptures in prayer. Most of all, I have asked God to forgive me for my sin against Him. "

"I have been bitter and searching for answers. I was brought up in church, married a man my family adored, and saved myself for him and my marriage. I recently had a miscarriage. I work in a neonatal intensive care setting and see young girls having babies each day that they can't care for. I was able to thank God for placing our baby in our lives for 3 months. I was also able to thank God for taking our baby. God has awesome plans for my husband and I. I now long to worship & talk to God continuously throughout my day. My future is in his hands."

"I have been a bitter, prideful, selfish mother. I have been unwilling to allow my husband to lead our family. I was afraid he would make the wrong decisions, and he doesn't seem to be saved. God told me to do what he asks of me and he would handle my husband. I just need to trust Him and just sit at His feet."

"I have been working very hard with many church responsibilities which have left me tired, weary, and dry. I knew I was failing in the most important areas as a wife, mother and teacher of my children. Still, I wanted to run from these most important activities. God told me He would give me the power. I can't do it on my own. The kudos from others don't satisfy. Only God can satisfy."

On the road again...

2010-03-08T11:53:00.000-05:00

After four days in Pensacola (looking at a school for Margo), we are back on the road headed to Sylvester, Georgia, where we will begin an 8-day conference with Tom and Maria Nesbitt on the 14th of March. Ryan will be flying out tomorrow to Austin, Texas, for Life Action's Vision Gathering, and the children and I (Mal) will spend the week in Sylvester. The team will be arriving Friday and Ryan will return on Saturday. Thank you, Lord, for two restful days!!

Dothan, Alabama....

2010-03-04T11:04:00.000-05:00

We have had a wonderful conference at Ridgecrest Baptist here in Dothan. This conference was broadcast over the internet via live-stream and you can view the messages on the home page at http://www.lifeaction.org/. We'd love to hear your feedback through the COMMENTS tab. Please pray for our family as we take a much needed spring break. We will be arriving in Sylvester, GA next week to begin our next 8-day conference on March 14 at First Baptist Church. Blessings to you all!! I (Mal) will be posting testimonies from Dothan next week.

Dothan, Alabama....

2010-02-28T15:27:00.001-05:00

We are in Dothan, Alabama at Ridgecrest Baptist Church. Our THIRST conference this week can be viewed on our Life Action website via Live-Stream. Simply go to www.lifeaction.org and you'll see it on the home page.

Columbus, Mississippi

2010-02-25T11:24:00.001-05:00

young woman -

"I have been in a bitter, angry mode of life. My heart has been hardened towards people. The "horizontal beam" of my cross-centered life was out of balance. The quote, "Don't underestimate your ability to hurt someone" really spoke to me. When Ryan taught on having a clear conscience, I knew there was a friend of mine that I just had to talk to. This morning, I got up and sent an e-mail to her asking her for forgiveness. I have been relieved about it all day!!! A peace has come over my soul, and I am so blessed by it!!!"

young wife -

"I have been hurt, in a broken marriage, dealing with the anger and pain of an unfaithful spouse. I came asking God to break my husband and lead him to repentance, but realized that I need to be broken myself. I have been able to let go of the hurt and pain, even though I had already forgiven him and overcome the hurt. I now understand that he has his own appointment with God. I can't change him. I must love him. I have been able to see areas I needed to ask forgiveness for, and I have asked for that forgiveness. God has begun to heal my heart."

young mother -

"Unforgiveness, bitterness, and having a clear conscience are areas that I have refused to address in my life, but in these past four days, the Lord has given me the courage to obey Him and deal with things that happened a long time ago. What a blessing to feel God's forgiveness and strength."

young mother -

"The Lord has shown me this week that I have put my children first, before the Lord and my husband. I made mistakes and I have been so prideful. My role as a mother had taken precedence over my role as a wife and daughter of the King, my King Jesus. This is not only wrong, but it is a disservice to my children!! They need a mother who is intimate with Christ. Thank you for being bold enough to be honest and challenge me in my walk."

father -

"I have been trying to live a "good" Christian life, yet I was lacking in so many things, especially in having a consistent prayer life. I always have an excuse. I know the Lord has begun a work in me to bring about the change that is needed."

young man -

"I have been challenged this week to confess my pride, which manifested itself in me trying to do ministry in my own strength. I am committed to abandon the idol of my selfish pride and to seek the strength of my Saviour, Jesus Christ."

young wife -

"I have been an absent Christian. I had stopped praying, stopped reading my Bible, and quit going to church. I am in the process of a divorce, so I had started drinking due to depression and emptiness from the hurt and anger toward my husband. I had a very heavy conscience and have been carrying a ton of baggage!! This revival has been just that - a revival!! It was what I needed to renew my faith, and being closer to my God. I have been praying, reading the Word and listening to what the Holy Spirit is saying to me. He has begun a good work in me, and He will be faithful to complete it."

wife -

"My husband and I have experienced some hurt in our marriage. I needed to hear the sermon on forgiveness. God has helped me to let go of the hurt and bitterness. I have realized that I must seek forgiveness as well. Human nature tends to only recognize my hurt and sorrow. With God's help, our marriage is and will only get better."

mother of 4 young children -

"I have felt dry and used up. My life is so consumed and busy as I am the mother of four young children. Over the past few days, I've realized that I shouldn't feel like I don't have time for a ministry. My life is my ministry!!! My life in front of my husband and my children!! They need to see me worship the Lord. They need to hear me adore my Saviour. They need to feel me touch them while praying for them. This revival has truly been a time of refreshing and reminding me of who God is and how completely worthy He is of all my praise!!!

Leesburg THIRST conference

2010-02-04T10:25:00.001-05:00

Our THIRST conference here in Leesburg, Florida ended last night with a prevailing spirit in which there was an acknowledgement of corporate and individual need expressed to God, as the entire body flooded the altar and cried out for His grace. One senior saint stated that it had been nearly two decades since the church responded in a corporate manner as it did last night and what a beautiful picture it was!!

First Baptist Church, Leesburg, Florida

2010-02-03T21:58:00.000-05:00

THESE ARE INCREDIBLE TESTIMONIES OF HOW GOD HAS BEEN WORKING IN THE HEARTS OF HIS PEOPLE HERE AT FIRST BAPTIST, LEESBURG. IF YOU ARE PART OF OUR SUPPORT TEAM, YOU ARE READING THE RETURN ON YOUR INVESTMENT!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR HELPING US AS WE TRAVEL THIS NATION SHARING GOD'S HEART FOR THE CHURCH.... WE LOVE YOU!!

"I struggle with a drug addiction that has nearly claimed my life several times. Today, I have been clean for over 6 months, but I still struggle with the wreckage from my past and the deep rooted battle with sin in my life. The Lord, through the Life Action team, and by His power and grace, has awakened me to the hope and knowledge that I can serve our Lord Jesus Christ in a mighty way despite where my addiction has taken me. I have been convicted of the hate and selfishness in my heart, and the team inspired me to give all of myself to the Lord. I am now praying diligently for God to give me guidance and show me how I may be of service and further the message of the gospel to those who are currently where I once was. God has begun to work on my heart and break the pattern of me seeking to satisfy my selfish and sinful desires, and my wholeness is found in Jesus Christ."

"Before this conference, God found me lacking in joy. There were many things I was continuing to put before Him that hindered my dependence on Him. I truly wanted more intimacy with Him and I have been brought to His throne in a new and refreshing way, trusting Him for all provisions and realizing I was not giving my husband the place of respect I should."

"I have been bitter and angry with my husband. We are both believers, but we are struggling big time. These nights "and the ladies luncheon have reminded me of the steps I need to take. The words and notes are invaluable to my quiet times. I must go slowly through the list of things I need forgiven of. My husband doesn't treat me right, but I have been wrong. God held me accountable for me. Thank you for laying a path out for me to follow. Today for the first time in a long time, I sense a mustard seed sized bit of hope in my heart."

"Following Sunday, I was convicted about how I had allowed my mornings to become more involved with the world than with God. The next morning, I refused to check e-mail, voice mail, or even watch the news. I filled my morning with prayer, meditation, and eating breakfast. I was missing my time with God!! That has changed!! Folliwing the 2nd day of the conference, I used the message handout to read through the Scriptures. I discovered so many sins in my life. Hours of Scripture, reflection, and prayer now fill my mornings. I know this is something I really needed. I soon expect to have a church to pastor. I will never forget this revival time. Thank you."

"Thank you for getting my attention!! I have been saved for nearly 20 years. I go to church regularly and tithe. However, I'm far from where I know God wants me to be. In regards to my time, talents, and treasures, there is so much more I can and need to do for the kingdom of God. I think I'm beginning to get it finally thanks to four straight days with the team. Thank you, Lord, for waking me up and refreshing me."

"The most important thing God has revealed to me this week is in the area of forgiveness. I have been married for two years, but the whole first year, we were separated. The enemy led me to believe there was someone better for me. I was committing adultery and wasn't even thinking twice. God has brought me home and He has set me free from my sinful nature. I know that I am forgiven and my husband and I are working on our marriage with Christ in the center. He deserves all the glory because only He can fix a broken soul."

"God has spoken to me about resolving the issued between my father and myself. He (God) has told me to write a letter to my father several times and express my feelings, but I have been stubborn. I would write the letter, but always failed to put it in the mail. Well, that has all changed today. I wrote the letter, but not as harshly as the past ones. I asked him for forgiveness and told him I forgave him. I have every intention of putting it in the mail first thing tomorrow. Maybe, I need to write it several times to get it just right. Thank you, God, for everything you have done for me and everything you will do."

Wayside Baptist Church, Miami, FL

2010-01-14T09:21:00.000-05:00

Well, we are pulling out of Wayside Baptist Church in Miami, Florida, heading to New Port Richey, Florida, where we will begin our next conference this Sunday, Jan. 17th. We have had a great 4-day conference here at Wayside with many individuals responding to the Lord in obedience to the lover of their soul, Jesus Christ. Night after night, they have come with hearts prepared to learn and grow in their intimacy with the Lord. The cultural diversity here in Miami is refreshing as there are many, many people groups represented in this city. Our ladies luncheon was full with 150 women attending, and many women have made a fresh commitment to being true women of God in respecting and honoring their husbands, teaching the Word of God to their children, loving those that are hard to love and digging deeper into God's Word. We depart with grateful hearts for all the Lord has done, and we will be posting some pictures and testimonies very soon. We love you all and thank you for your love and care for our family.

2009-10-29T14:18:00.000-04:00

TESTIMONIES FROM WALLER, TEXAS

"My wife and I were sharing a house, one in one room and one in the other room. We both love our 2 kids (ages 16 and 12), and we show it. It was not until this conference that we came together on the "same page" in our walk. We needed to see and hear God's Word to break us both. Now, we are more like we were when we first were married. Forgiveness, God's grace, and letting go of pride made the change."

"I had made Lilly Faye (my wife) my "second ministry" after my church family. However, God has reminded me during the summit that she is my "priority" ministry. I have known in my mind that, after God, noone is more important than Lilly Faye. However, I have been insensitive to that and put her second to the church. I know that God's grace will give me the desire and the power to focus first on serving, loving, leading, and providing for my wife. I'm also convinced that I will be a better pastor to the church!!!" pastor

"I am in a broken marriage. God showed me my lack of respect for my husband, and that I am not submissive to him and I've not loved him as I should. God has revealed to me what I need to do to fix my marriage. The teachings on how a wife should treat her husband opened my eyes and gave me tools through Scripture to learn to love, respect, and honor my husband. My husband and I have talked and are working through the process of clearing our consciences and we have begun to heal."

"I have been living a life that is not honoring to the Lord. I was going through the motions, but not allowing God to be intimate with me. God has really dealt with me in the area of having a clear conscience. I obeyed the Lord's prompting and told my husband what I had kept from him for 12 years. Then he told me of two affairs he had and I found myself lost once again. But God has so graciously given me a love and forgiveness for my husband. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I am praising and thanking God for loving me so much that He won't allow me to remain where I was in my walk with Him."

"I was holding back a past sin. Through the moving of the Holy Spirit, and the obedience of my wife (above), in what she confessed, I confessed a hidden sin in my life and cleared my conscience. Damage was done and it will take time to heal the wounds, but with direct counsel and love from the Life Action team, I have already seen growth in my marriage. We shared our first personal Bible study together and it was great!!!! Please keep praying for us."

"Before this summit, I was prideful, disobedient, and numb. I was not submissive to my husband or to God. God showed me this week how I have neglected my husband. I have never seen or heard the Biblical role of the wife until this week. It has made me realize why our marriage is strained. It made me realize why my relationship to God is strained." Becky

"I have been too busy. I let my job as an Assistant Principal at a school be an idol and steal all my time, strength, and energy. I come home with very little left to just make it through the day, and I spend little precious time with my family before crashing into bed, only to get up and do it all over again. I haven't been reading the Bible and I don't pray enough. I've had Jesus, the lover of my soul, on the back burner instead of spending time in His Word. My husband and I haven't been studying the Word together or praying together. This week, we've make a commitment to resume that time together and leave a legacy of our prayer journals someday with our children."

"I have been a lukewarm believer that had come close to ending his marriage. With God's Word and conviction from the Holy Spirit, my wife and I have been closer than ever and have ignited a fire to serve the Lord more with our time and talents. All to the glory of His name!!!"

Prior to this summit, I was discontent, complaining, and feeling sorry for myself. I lost my husband in 2003 to cancer, and a daughter in 2005 to an auto accident. Because of this, I lost my joy. God convicted me this week that I need to be grateful for the wonderful marriage I had for 30 years and for the 37 years I had my beautiful daughter. I want to develop a spirit of thankfulness for where I am now. I will be able to work for God more fully since I am alone and God is my husband and provider. In all things, let me give thanks to the Lord."

2009-10-26T12:17:00.000-04:00

Yes, believe it or not, Ryan actually tried his hand, or should I say feet, at rip-sticking. We are leaving Waller Baptist Church where the Lord has done a great work in the lives of many people. We had over 2 hours of testimonies yesterday (Sunday), and we are rejoicing that the hearts of many husbands were turned back to their wives and children, many confessed to the idol of busyness, many shared how computer time surpassed their time with God. It was a great week of ministry. I'll be posting several testimonies from Waller when we arrive this afternoon in Grapevine. Praise the Lord with us!!!

2009-10-01T09:07:00.000-04:00

Fortified Hills Baptist Church, Dallas, GA

"God spoke to me about being honest, open and transparent instead of just being what others expect me to be. It's been a long time since I've looked forward to coming to church as much as I have this week. God has awakened in me, a desire for holiness." Cindy

"I have a brother that is lost and we have not been around each other for over a year. God told

me to call him this week and ask him to forgive me for my hateful actions toward him. I am going to call him this week and ask him to forgive me. I desire that he comes to know Jesus as his Savior, and that he can find it in his heart to forgive me." David Powell

2009-10-01T08:48:00.000-04:00

Hillcrest Baptist Churst, Hopkinsville, KY

God is alive and reviving His people!!!

"God is awesome!! For some time, my family has been sitting back watching God from a distance. This week, God has shown us He is alive, and He has brought us back to a real, vibrant, meaningful relationship with the Father. Our prayer is that God will continue to use your team to awaken sleeping Christians everywhere!!!"
Steve and Becky Grace

"I have put relationships, personal and business, before the Lord. I have repented and will strive to keep God first in my life."

2009-09-17T15:45:00.000-04:00

Troy Baptist Church

We have just left Troy, TN and God has done a great work in the hearts of many. Many shared of a new desire to walk in deeper intimacy with the Lover of their soul, Jesus Christ. Many shared how the things of this world have pulled them away from the only One that can fill the void in their lives. We are so grateful for all that the Lord did in these four days. Below is one testimony of how the Lord is revealing His will to one precious wife and mother. You can read more at the church's facebook page, www.facebook.com/troyfbc. Read and rejoice!!! (We are in the truck on our way to Hopkinsville, KY)

"God has revealed to me certain ways and things

I kept control of and didn't give Him Lordship

of my life. I am beginning to understand that

God will change me and not certain people in

my life. I need change."

Angel

2009 - 2010 SCHEDULE

2009-09-17T14:19:00.000-04:00

2009
September 13-16 First Baptist Church
Troy, TN
September 20-23 Hillcrest Baptist Church
Hopkinsville, KY
September 27-30 Fortified Hills Baptist Church
Dallas, GA
October 4-7 Indian Springs Baptist Church
Laurel, MS
October 11-14 First Baptist Church
Pearland, TX
October 18-25 Waller Baptist Church
Waller, TX
October 30-31 One Day Vision Gathering
Fort Worth, TX
November 1-8 Church at the Cross
Grapevine, TX
November 14 Compass Christian Church
Mal is speaking at Pure in Heart conference
Colleyville, TX
November 15-18 Sale Street Baptist Church
Lake Charles, LA
November 20-22 Marriage and Family Conference
Sulphur, LA
November 29-December 9
Missions trip to Central America
2010
January 10-13 Wayside Baptist Church
Miami, FL
January 17-20 Living Word Church
New Port Richie, FL
January 24-27 Spring Hill Baptist Church
Spring Hill, FL
January 31-Feb. 3 First Baptist Church
Leesburg, FL
February 14-17 First Baptist Church
Columbus, MS
February 21-24 First Baptist Church
Gonzales, LA
February 28-March 3 Ridgecrest Baptist Church
Dothan, AL
March 7-10 First Baptist Church
Headland, AL
March 14-21 First Baptist Church
Sylvester, GA
March 28-April 4 Hampton Road Baptist Church
Desoto, TX
April 11-14 First Baptist Church
Enid, OK
April 18-21 Concord Baptist Church
Jefferson City, MO
May 2-9 Berean Baptist Church
Mansfield, OH
May 16-19 Green Ridge Baptist Church
Roanoke, VA
May 23-26 Lakeside Baptist Church
Salem, VA

Home in Michigan

2009-06-28T20:03:00.000-04:00

We are now home in Michigan for some rest and preparation for our next travel year. This weekend, June 28th, Ryan preached at Bay Harbor Church in Petoskey, Michigan. He and I (Maryann) will take the next two days to enjoy some time together here at the lake. The month of June was taken up with saying good-bye to our team members, some returning, others going on to school or work. We spent two weekends with friends that came to our home for a visit. We were able to put them up in our trailer right in our driveway and that worked great. Kelly and Kristi Reynolds came to visit from Minnesota, and our friends, Lissa and Jeremy from Israel just left after three days with us. They live just outside Jerusalem. It was wonderful to see them and their five precious children. New team members will arrive July 19th when we will begin our staff training for next year which will occupy much of August. Then we hit the road in September. Please send an e-mail to charmsfarms@aol.com to let us know that you have visited our blog as we'd love to hear from you. Thank you all for your prayers, care, and concern for our family. You are loved!!!

New life in Bethlehem!!!

2009-05-31T17:02:00.001-04:00

We are currently in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where we are seeing the Lord do great things. There is new life in the hearts of this body of believers. Sunday morning we had quite a dilemma. We opened the service up for individuals to come and testify about what the Lord was doing in their lives since the beginning of this summit, and we had testimonies for an hour and a half in the first service and again, in the second service. Many that wanted to share had to come back

Sunday evening and we had another 2 hours of testimonies. We have been teaching revival principles all week, while Tom Nesbitt (with wife Marie) have been here with us teaching family principles. Parents have made things right with their children, marriages have been impacted as husbands and wives embrace their God-given roles in the home, men have stepped up to be the spiritual leaders in the family - committed to praying for and with their wives and children. Over 45 men have been coming to the church each morning at 6:00 am to cry out to God to do a work in their hearts as well as in their families. Read on, and you will see what the Lord has done......

from a teenage girl - I have had so much bitterness in my heart towards my mom. She left my dad when I was little and I have been so angry with her. This week, I have let go of the bitterness and I feel so free. There is no more anger towards her, and I know I need to be praying for her. I want her to see Jesus in me.

from a mom - I have been walking in my own strength. I have 2 sons and 1 adopted daughter. I have not loved my daughter as I should, because she wasn't everything I'd hoped for. I became angry with God. The Lord has dealt with me regarding my bitterness, and I have let go of the anger. I can now say I truly am happy that she is with our family.

from a father - When I first got saved, I was intimate with the Lord. But in the last several years, my life has been like the song, Slow Fade. I have not been the spiritual leader in my home, and my life has been filled with frustration. Our home has changed this week!!! I'm now teaching my children and they are responding in a very positive way.

from a husband - I started seminary this past fall. I was learning about God, but not becoming more intimate with God. My grades have become too important to me, and I have focused more on them than my family. I was failing to minister inside the walls of my home. This week, my prayer time with my wife has been so sweet. I thank the Lord for all He has done in my heart.

from a man - I ride mountain bikes, and this past Thursday, I wanted to go riding, but there was a storm, so I came to church for the revival summit. Ryan spoke on clear conscience, and God reminded me about a situation with an employer that I never made right. When I was let go, I stole some uniforms that belonged to the company. I never paid for the uniforms. So I went home and wrote an e-mail explaining what had happened, confessed my theft, and made things right. My past employer wrote me back and said he would gladly forgive me and that I did not need to pay him for anything. He was very thankful that I got in touch with him. It feels so good to have a clear conscience.

Family / Marriage Conference in Gettysburg, PA

2009-05-18T14:12:00.000-04:00

We have finished our final 4-day conference for this travel year, and we had a wonderful week here at Gettysburg Baptist Church. We were just here 7 months ago for an 11-day revival summit, and God did a mighty work in the hear of Pastor Bill and his son, Ty, who happens to be the Associate Pastor. With the emphasis during this conference on marriage and family, there were several marriages impacted throughout the 4 days. Families were brought closer together, and relationships restored that were experiencing the threat of disconnection. We praise the Lord for all that He is doing at Gettysburg Baptist.

We're on our way.....

2009-04-29T11:04:00.000-04:00

Welcome!!! We are so glad you are visiting our family ministry blog!!!
We are leaving Niles this morning for the final leg of our 2008-2009 travel year. We are headed to Upper Marlboro, Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C. for a 4-day Life Action THIRST conference. You can view our family schedule further down this page. We have just three more locations this travel year, then we will be back in Mihcigan for the summer. Have a super day!!

WHAT A WEEKEND!!

2009-04-19T00:31:00.001-04:00

I (Maryann) have just returned home from Harvest Bible Chapel in Davenport, Iowa, where I had the wonderful privilege of participating in the first Pure in Heart conference, hosted by Revive our Hearts, an outreach of Life Action Ministries.
Just 8 hours ago, I was with 500 women who came together with their precious daughters (1,150 attendees in all) to learn how to live a life of purity in our futile, immoral culture. As a ministry, we desire to help young girls stay morally pure, and many times, moms feel inadequate for the task. This is a day-long conference to help mothers captivate the heart of their daughters before the world does. Our goal is to ignite a passion for purity in young girls as they explore their identity in Christ as a beloved princess, a daughter of the King!! The cool thing is that 300 miles away, our daughter Margo was teaching a purity session to the church's youth girls during our team's Wabash, Indiana conference. The joy of knowing that I had the privilege of taking her through the Princess and the Kiss study 6 years ago, and now God is using her commitment to purity to touch the lives of other young girls is a thrill to me!!! There truly is no greater joy than to know that our children are walking with the Lord!! We serve an awesome God!!! To learn more about the Pure in Heart conference, you can visit the REVIVE OUR HEARTS website. In addition to that, you can view the live blog from the weekend at the TRUE WOMAN website. Ryan and 5 of the children are still in Wabash, Indiana where they are finishing up the 8-day conference at Emmanuel Freewill Baptist Church. They will be departing there tomorrow evening after the final service to drive home to Niles. We've had a cancellation in our schedule, so we will actually be home here in Niles for the next 10 days. We thank you for your prayers and encouragement. We serve an awesome God who is worthy to be praised and our family is praising Him today!!

Graham, Texas testimonies

2009-04-03T14:44:00.000-04:00

We had testimony night last Sunday evening, in Graham, Texas, and we thought you'd enjoy hearing what the Lord did at Oak Street Baptist...

"I began this conference not understanding brokenness. As a husband and father, God found me disregarding my family for the sake of my work. I have desired the praises of men more than the praises of God. The Lord has drawn my heart back to Him and I've sought forgiveness from my wife and children for not leading them as I should."

"I was content to be a "good guy". The Lord has shown me this week that I'm to be a godly man. I have not been praying with my wife, and that is something we have begun to do together this week. We are choosing to live completely for God."

"I began this conference sad, angry, and overwhelmed. My mother and I have had a broken relationship for over 18 years. After the message on hurt and forgiveness, I contacted my mother and our relationship has been restored. We are restored!!! Praise the Lord!!!"

"I was raised in this church, and three years ago, I got my girlfriend pregnant. She aborted that child, and I have been so angry with God. I thought He had left me abandoned. I have been involved in drugs and alcohol these past 3 years. I just couldn't handle things or hold down a job. The Lord has shown me this week that He never left me or abandoned me. I'm 2 weeks sober today, and I want to be a godly man."

These testimonies are just a small glimpse of what the Lord did during our time in Graham. Our God is a faithful God that meets us at our point of need when we cry out for Him, and many were brought back into a deep love relationship with Jesus!! We are driving to Illinois just thrilled that we get to be a part of His gracious work!!

Graham, Texas

2009-03-26T19:39:00.000-04:00

We are here in Graham, Texas, where the pollen levels are at their highest peak for the year, and we're all being affected. Itchy eyes, stuffy noses, sore throats, headaches, etc... So, we're crying out for God's grace, and He's amply supplying it. Above you'll find a picture of our trailer community (we're in the middle), and a picture of Oak Street Baptist Church where we are currently holding an 8-day revival summit. This church and it's staff have been PRAYING FOR REVIVAL EVERY DAY FOR 2 YEARS. They began their 3rd year of praying 2 days after we arrived. The prayer cards have been very specific and we are anticipating the Lord to do a great work here. Please pray for our health in dealing with the allergies and for the Lord to rain down on us, his glory and presence. Thank you so much!!

2009 - 2010 SCHEDULE

2009-01-04T10:13:00.000-05:00

2009
September 20-23 Hillcrest Baptist Church
Hopkinsville, KY

September 27-30 Fortified Hills Baptist Church
Dallas, GA

October 4-7 Indian Springs Baptist Church
Laurel, MS

October 11-14 First Baptist Church
Pearland, TX

October 18-25 Waller Baptist Church
Waller, TX

October 30-31 One day Vision Gathering
Fort Worth, TX

November 1-8 Church at the Cross
Grapevine, TX

November 15-18 Sale Street Baptist Church
Lake Charles, LA

November 20-22 Marriage and Family Conference
Sulphur, LA

November 29 - December 9
Missions trip to Central America

2010
January 10-13 Wayside Baptist Church
Miami, FL

January 17-20 Living Word Church
New Port Richie, FL

January 24-27 Spring Hill Baptist Church
Spring Hill, FL

January 31-Feb. 3 First Baptist Church
Leesburg, FL

February 14-17 First Baptist Church
Columbus, MS

February 21-24 First Baptist Church
Gonzales, LA

February 28- March 3 Ridgecrest Baptist Church
Dothan, AL

March 7-10 First Baptist Church
Headland, AL

March 14-21 First Baptist Church
Sylvester, GA

March 28-April 4 Hampton Road Baptist Church
Desoto, TX

April 11-14 First Baptist Church
Enid, OK

April 18-21 Concord Baptist Church
Jefferson City, MO

May 2-9 Berean Baptist Church
Mansfield, OH

May 16-19 Green Ridge Baptist Church
Roanoke, VA

May 23-26 Lakeside Baptist Church
Salem, VA

White Team in El Salvador

2008-12-18T15:20:00.000-05:00

Our team was in El Salvador Nov. 22 - 29 and we had a tremendous time of ministry. Our entire team was able to go, along with our 4 older children, Margo, Shawna, Austin, and Holly.

Our team was sectioned into 3 groups. One group ministered at the children's home where we stayed. They spent several days painting buildings and ministering to the children.

A 2nd group worked in a nearby village teaching the villagers about proper hygiene and health, and our 3rd group dug and constructed a fresh-water well for the village. The villagers have been using the local river which is contaminated to bathe in, leaving them with skin rashes. They use this same water for drinking and cooking, which causes them to have stomach problems. What a blessing to provide this great need for these people!!! Our team was also privileged to minister at the local church across the street from the village and Ryan preached Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night, with the help of an interpreter. We were thrilled to have been a part of this incredible time of ministry, and we thank the Lord for all we learned on this trip and all the wonderful experiences. We met some great people that are grateful for the little they have. We look forward to another missions trip next year!!

Austin serving food to the children at the Oasis feeding program.

Life Action White Team at fresh-water well that was constructed for the village.

2008-10-09T13:19:00.000-04:00

Margo, Shawna and Austin have really enjoyed being on the platform this year. Margo is the female vocalist on our team this year, Shawna plays keyboard, and Austin ministers on the harmonica. Margo is also helping in the youth, Shawna in our 2nd through 6th grade kids club called Base Camp, and Austin and Holly help in our 4 yr. old through 1st grade club, Happy Heart City. We are thrilled that our children have enjoyed serving in these areas. They are gaining some very necessary skills for future ministry that the Lord may have for them. We are so very grateful!!!