No compromise…No hypocrisy

In my time here I've learned so much already. The people are so unique and even though some may find things they deal with as a struggle I look at them as being a positive thing. Please don't keep me to my exact history but the story line is the most important thing. Sweden at one time was ruled by the Catholic Church and its leader as we all know. The King decided that they were not going to be ran by the Pope and changed to be a protestant nation. At that time every person who was born was born into the Lutheran church, I believe it was, instead of being born into the Catholic Church. Well as you can imagine the people of Sweden have an idea of being a Christian as not being a relationship but just as it really is a religion. Since people in Sweden were born into a religion they were never able to be founded on the moral standings that America was built on. Even though some may think this is a negative thing that they will never open up to the Word of God that is not entirely true. The people here respond well to the Word of God as that is the only true thing that can change the heart.

During my conversations I've realized truly how amazing some of the lack of understanding is. Without the idea of what is morally right you have no ability to fight the common "but I'm a good person" response. Another thing is that people in Sweden do not like hypocrisy so that means there is no doing things just because that is what the pastor says. If people are going to make a stand for God they are going to do it with their whole heart meaning that the process that God intended takes place, from the inside out. How encouraging is that, as well as how uplifting and refreshing. We have found in the churches in the States and in Canada a sense of compromise as we say but really it isn't compromise it is hypocrisy. Being here I've realized how badly I don't want to be a part of that. As long as I'm true to my Lord and what I stand for that is what is going to be my salvation. Yes submission to my Pastor and his authority in my life is important and I will obey what he has for me but that is another thing that is different in Sweden. Here in Sweden people are treated as equals which is a good thing but a negative thing when you are trying to teach submission and authority. However, that is in the Word of God and the word of God speaks to the heart which changes, hence from the inside out.

I am encouraged today and excited to witness the things that God is going to do. It sounds like I will be going up into Falun, Sweden some time very soon and praise the Lord I am very excited about that. I can't wait to share with you the people that I meet and share the great things God is doing. I have realized that it isn't always about taking the step but holding God's hand through the whole walking process. With God we can't fail and that means that no matter what happens while I'm over here it will be exactly what God intends as long as I stay under His will.

So greetings from your overseas Sister. I will try to keep better updates but today was difficult being that nothing has really taken place but getting settled. Have a wonderful day as I am going to Bible Study and you are just starting your day. Lord bless you all and look for pictures starting on Saturday as I will be entering into the city! J

The journey begins with gratefulness…

Sunday school was different today there was sadness in the air as I knew it would be for my last day in the classroom. Watching the youngsters enter in the room made my hear t beat to a new and different rhythm. I wish I could say that I was comfortable or ready for the class but I wasn't, my heart hurt inside as I knew it would be my last class with these wonderful young people. Pastor's presence in the room was only a reminder of the sadness I was feeling inside and the struggle of making this no different because I was leaving.

Sweet Ms. Rachel paid for a cake with her own money for my leaving. The love that was shown from Rachel's gracious giving heart showed through her gift. I will miss that girl as well as the sweet determination of Josh, Chet's loud boyish manhood change in his attitude, and Luke's confident change. These sweet children have changed my life and I will forever be grateful for that. They have given me something that I can't put my figure on.

Hugs were given as the youth group came to say good bye to me. My heart still breaks as I saw the tears in Sara's eyes and the hugs from Lacey while the boys shook my hand. I'm proud to watch the change in Mike and witness the persistence that Brother Justin has came to with the Lord. As sad as it is to say good bye and leave I can't look back at the beautiful blessings that these young people have been in my life and not be grateful.

Now that we are on the road I can't believe this day has actually come. The roads are terrible as we can only imagine when the Lord is about to do something. I was told that I couldn't get my e-ticket yet and the computer took a while to upload. It truly has been quit the day.

Pastor's words will forever ring in my ears while I'm away. "Faithfulness is success in the eyes of the Lord". As I step into this new chapter of my life I want to stand firm on what the purpose of this trip is for and that is souls. The lack of churches in Sweden breaks my heart but I know that will change. As long as I stay faithful to the Word and house of God my witness will be as it should be in the land of Sweden.

Last Sunday after fretting about leaving the Lord gave me this scripture.

Acts 16:9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. 10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

I know I have been called to help in Sweden as far as what will happen after my three month deployment, I do not know. I have three months of service to find out what God wants to do. The Lord has guided the footsteps of His people. Some to go, some to stay, and some to reach…

My Pastor is an amazing man and his love for service has taught me so much throughout my walk. It is today that I would like to say… thank you Pastor. You have done so much for me, taught me, corrected me, and encouraged me. I am going on this mission trip because of your faithfulness. You took me in, brought me under your protection, and with the help of God allowed healing to take place. If you would have not obeyed the call to stay and pastor the church in Fort Frances who knows what would be of my life.

Many want to go to the mission field, be a pastor, be an evangelist, or the next million dollar soul winner, but I have a pastor who followed the will of God for his life and because of that I am able to follow mine. You always said that it is about the will of God and now I say to all…..

Don't say I wish I could do this and I wish I could do that. Allow God to make you into what He wants. In your words "I am forever grateful" for what influence my pastor has had in my life.

I pray that everyone is safe today and blessed by the warmth of our Fathers embrace. Remember to forever be grateful for the people and things that make you who you are today.

Departure!

I am on my way to the mission field.... I will be there TUESDAY JANUARY 26th!

Departure fast approaching...

Dear Friends and Family,

Well my trip is fast approaching! Praise be to God that I only must fight butterflies for one more week. Is it the Lord's will for us to feel that just new love feeling in our tummy's right before going to do His work? If so I must say he is very successful and my stomach is floating like I'm about to see my first love, but than again I am about to see my first love. Through the eyes of souls in Sweden I plan to see Jesus.

I was encouraged last night to receive a great blessing of contribution from those around me. The church gave to the work of Sweden and even though I have my budget the Lord will bless those that gave to the work I will be taken part in.

For I have dreamed a dream of being a help to those who need it.

Last night my eyes were opened to Acts 6:19 Paul dreaming a dream of a man asking for help in Macedonia. Praise be to the Lord who gives His saints dreams and visions to do the work that is needed. And Lord knows we have work to do in Sweden.

Sweden is about the same size as California which has around 196 churches in the UPCI, however, Sweden has 1 church with a couple daughter works growing. We have much work to do before the Lord's coming. It is not His will that any be lost and if I can help bring the WORD of God to people in Sweden I will go.

My heart goes out to those who have labored in this country and their prayers through out the years. I'm excited to work along side the Smith's and ready to get my hands dirty. What an amazing couple who I look forward to getting to know and adding to my list of influential people in my walk with Christ.

Please pray for me as I depart to Sweden. Pray that God puts a hedge of protection around me. This is not a vacation to a place where I really know a lot of people. I appreciate you all and love you dearly. I will miss you deeply but know that I've been called to go and help much like Paul was. We shall see what God has planned! Lord Bless you all and stay tuned as I will update this blog spot often.

"Grateful"...

The only person I know who answers a greeting with "grateful", someone who feeds the multitudes and not in his own power, someone who goes to battle on his face and enters with only a sword(the Word), someone who will enter into the battle fields with nothing but victory in mind, someone who has no idea how his love for souls saved me from never walking into a United Pentecotal Church again. Who is this man you may ask? This man is my Pastor... Rev. Sean V. Ward

I remember the day this man became my Pastor and will never forget it. My desire is not to dwell in the past but I must give honor where honor is due. There are two things about that day that I will dwell in forever. The first words spoken by the man I call Elder are the words that gave me peace... "they are finally home". The second words spoken by the man I call Pastor... "it is about souls and you are welcome here". These words are what I know make my Pastor the best pastor in my eyes. He is the sheperd that threw over his shoulder two wounded sheep and has protected them ever since.

Pastor Ward has helped in mentoring out gifts that I never knew were there. He has pushed me to heights that I never knew exsisted in God. He's prayed for me and let God work out the many rough spots in my life. Allowing the love of Christ work through him I am slowly growing into the servant that God has called me to be.

I say all of this to say be grateful for the one who's authority and call has given you the hope to learn more about the one true God. Be grateful for the man of God who has listened to the call of God and preaches to you the Word. Who helps you to grow and become strengthen in the faith.

Thank you Pastor I am grateful for what you've done and the huge roll you've had in helping me to become what God wants me to become. No matter what comes my way I know that you will preach the Word of God to me.

Tack Jesus!

Grandpa Fries...

There was a solider who went home...

I sit here today thinking about what my Grandpa Fries truly taught me. He was not a perfect man in fact he was truly the poster child for forgiveness and mercy. I look at his life and what he did and I wonder how a man so mean could turn into a man who was so in love with something besides himself.

As little as I knew Grandpa there is one thing I do know. He was a man who trusted in the Lord with his whole heart. Grandpa was not a perfect man but he was a changed man by his faith.

Some people have the love that is transparent in their work. Grandpa loved God with all his heart and soul. His work was God's work and his life God's life. I'm grateful today to have known him and will forever be thankful for what God did to change him.

Just a little tribute to one man who along with many has impacted my life.
I miss you so much but I also know that you are in a much better place.

Walking on water...

I'm looking forward to what God is going to do in the next couple weeks. I've learned so much about myself and what I stand for. It's just to good to be true.

Life is amazing and never have I felt so thankful for what He is going to do. I'm in the last part of planning my trip and in that I've realize so much.

The Lord spoke to me and told me not to be afraid. I stepped out in faith with my whole trip from my budget to my insurance and over again. This whole thing has taught me how truly amazing our Lord is. I'm looking forward to doing God's work and with a grateful heart.

Five year to get answers, five years to be filled with the Holy Ghost, and five years to start it all in baptism. My Lord has worked in fives my whole life.

God is giving interest in the wait....

Well my departure date is drawing near and my excitement of leaving is starting to bubble out of me like rivers. It is difficult to focus as I try to keep my mind away from what I will be able to witness in Sweden. I'm going to see souls saved on the streets of the city of Stockholm, in the beautiful landscapes of Falun, and on the trains on my way.

Yesterday I received my first church contribution to my trip. The church from Grand Forks, ND sent me a gracious offering. I'm thankful and gracious to those that I've met there. The people of Grand Forks were very kind to take me in to their church family. I learned so much from Brother Fennel and the saints and will forever be grateful for his obedience to the voice of God.

Nothing else is really going on around here lately. I'm finding things coming together as the Lord finds ways for me to save on this trip. I grow interested to see what else will take place as I heard today from Sister Emilie about my housing arrangement. She informed me that she wants to speak with me about details. We shall see what else the Lord has done.

Well I believe that is it for today. The Lord is so great and I've seen Him work mightily through out my arrangements and those around me. Starting 2010 I've seen chains broken, sickness healed, and joy given. If we can not see the hope that we have through the blessings that have been given so far I don't know if we ever will.

Prayer tonight at Pastor and Sister Ward's house. We shall see what other wonderful things God is about to do! Our Lord is a mighty God who WILL be praised!

Departure to Sweden...

It is official I will be joining the church in Sweden on January 26th. My departure date is January 25th but I do not land until the 26th. I'm overly excited and can't wait to see what God is going to do. I pray that I will be a blessing in whatever way possible. By the email I received from Sister Smith, the Pastor's wife in Stockholm, I will most likely be spending a lot of time in the Word with people. Praise God though I love to teach Bible Studies and pray that souls would be changed and strengthen by the Word! :)

The country of Sweden is around 9 million and is similar in size as California. When I looked into the number of churches in the UPCI in the district of California I was able to count around 197 churches. This could be less or more depending on the changes in the last year. In this my heart breaks as I realize that there is only one church and one daughter work of my knowledge in the country of Sweden. However, God has a plan for Sweden or I wouldn't be going there. My burden for Sweden runs deep and my love for the people is strong for not knowing them.

My true desire is to watch souls saved at the wonderful power of God and know that will happen as for when the Lord is present all things are possible. Brother and Sister Smith are doing an amazing job in Sweden as I have seen pictures and read website information about their growing church. God is going to bless this country and with no doubt I can't wait to be a part. With the help of this godly couple I pray that we may reach out into the community in the way they feel is fit for the people of Stockholm and Falun.

I can't wait to go to the field but ask for a prayer of protection as I'm out there. Please also pray for the souls of Sweden. God is going to do mighty things! You can have a part of this trip!

I will try to update you often through my blog. I won't be able to write everyone as that is just to much. So please stay tuned as I plan to us this as my tool while I'm out.

May God Bless you all richly in the new year! 2010 is going to be powerful and I can't wait to see the witness that Jesus will have.

480 Knew!

As I have been studying out the book of Acts I've been amazed at the true beginning of our church. 500 people had seen and known about the resurrection of Christ. Knowing that the man who was to them nothing was seen of men after He was declared dead. That is five hundred people who declared that they knew and saw something that was only a miracle act of true God power!

If five hundred people knew and only twenty people were filled with the Holy Ghost in the upper room, where were the other 480 that knew that they would be given the gift of the spirit. Yes that is right 480 people knew and did not seek after the spirit. They were given the opportunity to hold the keys of the kingdom and they refused to enter into the upper room. They knew that Jesus would come through as He had declared that He would and they saw that He was sent up into glory.

Today I say to you all... where were the 480? As I read and understand this I find myself wondering why did they miss out when they knew? Do you know? I would like to say that if you know the plan of salvation and don't seek to strive after more you are truly no different than the 480. God has a greater plan but there is only one thing that you must know........

Through Acts we see that miracles only took place when they were in one accord. The only way you can be in one accord is when you are in prayer. Pray in one accord in one heart! That is with God's heart and with a repented soul.

Don't be the 480 be the 20! I know I'm going to strive to be the 20 more so now than ever before.

The white dress...

Flowers, white, and rings all seem to be on the minds of little girls at birth. From the big puffy 80’s sleeves to the 1900’s high collars, wedding dresses have been a staple in the fashion department for decades. Nothing has changed the traditional white dress. Sure we have the nontraditional bride who wears a red dress or off white dress, but your traditional bride who has dreamed of wearing white her whole life has not changed.

White is the symbol of purity something us apostolic women have heard about for years. The word purity has become a clique almost and through the years being used as a threat to those young girls in the church. But truly purity is much more than that it isn’t a scare tactic, it isn’t the white dress, it isn’t even just a command it has a purpose, a reason for being mentioned in the Bible.

Not until I took my Family and Marriage Counseling class did I truly think or put any thought towards purity being more than a command by God. So why than did my text book have one FULL chapter on purity? A secular university level course textbook speaking strictly on the importance of purity and sexual relations before marriage.

After studying out this chapter I learned something that has changed my life forever. Purity is not just a commandment by God to keep yourself to one man for eternity, but it is there to grant you a confidence in your decision forever. In this article I’m going to share with you the statistical data provided that proves that purity before marriage is not just a command but an unspoken truth teller to a successful marriages.

In the church we are taught that cohabitation, two people of the opposite sex living together before marriage, is not biblically correct. However, statistically if we are looking for a mate for life which is biblical than why is this world who has 33 percent of people claiming to be Christian, 85 percent in the United States, 93 percent in Brazil, and 99 percent in Mexico, than why do I ask are any of these statistics even needed.

In a study done in the United States in 1995 the probability of a first cohabitation break up after 10 years was 68 percent who were under the age of nineteen, 60 percent were ages twenty-twenty four and 43 were twenty five and older. So in ten years you have over 50 percent of all cohabitation ending and we still feel that we live a life of rules and regulations? So how can you tell me that waiting before you get married is not wise?

How about this for some good dirt, over all cohabitation transitions to the first marriage within five years by religious affiliation is 72 percent. We are teaching the bible and purity all over this world but we still have cohabitation happening at this kind of rate and they are Christians. If 72 percent are getting married because of religion than why did that belief not stop them in the first place?

Now onto statistical data of percentages of premarital intercourse. 84.9 percent women from the ages of 15-44 said that they had premarital intercourse and 91.3 percent of men ages 20-44 said they had. Are you kidding me! Sad to say that some of these are probably apostolic young people.

In 2002 at the age of 15-17 30 percent said they had premarital intercourse, 71 percent at ages 18-19, 78 percent at 20, 79 percent at 21, 90 percent at 22, 23 percent at 25, and at 24 over 92 percent. This tells me that we are still able to influence our younger generation but we must keep the older generation believing that life does not end if you don't find someone at 18.

The women ages 15-44 who saved themselves for marriage in the years 1995-2002 was at 14 percent but the women who had relations five or more years before their first marriage was 60 percent. Before 1980 there were only 7 percent of women who had been with someone five or more years prior.

Now we wonder why over 50 percent of all marriages in the United States end in divorce and it just gets worse every time. The second marriage rate is at 67 percent and the third marriage rate is at 74 percent. In Canada the rate of divorce for the first is 50 percent, second marriage is 72 percent, and third is 85 percent. If numbers keep increasing in divorce and in cohabitation why is it that we can’t find the common denominator.

Sexual relations before marriage are statically and biblically sound. We can look at these percentages and see that sexual relations outside the protection of marriage will bring nothing good. I know we should live our lives by the Book of Life and I would never say differently but why would you want to be apart of this world that shows no hope for happiness. To people in the world getting married is for happiness and it is but when we mess with the plan that God designed no good can come of it.

The white dress means purity and every little girl should be able to wear that white dress with pride and confidence. I don’t know about you but I’m ready to be proving to this world and to this younger generation that happiness comes from the Creator. Every young girl is having a young man created for her as I type. God did not create man to be alone. Don’t mess with God’s timing or divine plan He’s God and He knows way better than us.