June09 Web Newsletter

DEAR FRIENDS, THE LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS HAVE FLOWN BY AS I HAVE TRAVELED FROM WYOMING TO THE MIDDLE EAST TO SE ASIA BACK TO THE MIDDLE EAST AND BACK HOME. As I write this I’m in Texas speaking in churches and meeting pastors. I LOVE IT WHEN THE LORD GRANTS US THE DESIRES OF OUR HEARTS AND LETS US DO THE THINGS WE DESIRE TO DO. As we focus on Jesus with His Spirit living within us and His love in our hearts, our desires are aligned with His. One of my desires for a long time has been to visit Iran. My uncle was Iranian and I remember him making dolmas (stuffed grape leaves) and other Iranian food for me. Since that time I’ve been fascinated with the country of Iran. After becoming a Christian and seeing scripture references to Persia and God’s plan for the Persian people, my fascination with this country increased. In the beginning of April, I traveled to Bucharest, Romania with a team from Wyoming. We went to work in an orphanage we have been helping for over 8 years. The team worked hard to help paint the orphanage and work in the greenhouse. It was exciting to see the vegetable seeds sprouting and growing as we transplanted tomato plants and helped out around the grounds. It was a special blessing to be able to partake of God’s provision by eating the vegetables that were grown in the greenhouses. I was blessed to see the Lord at work in the orphans in the Children’s Home. A year and a half ago, I led a team and we met six new kids that had recently come to the orphanage. The change in their lives was evident, as they were very different than when they first arrived. Jesus has done a great work through Pastor Moses and his staff to change these precious kids and it is evident that God is transforming these young lives for His glory. I woke up one night and felt that I should pray that God use these vessels of honor to touch many lives in Romania.

It’s amazing to me how God uses the foolish things to confound the wise. What the world despises God uses for His glory! One young boy was quite wild 18 months ago, but during this visit, he played Amazing Grace on the keyboard and later he testified how God had used a British missionary to touch his life. I was amazed at the confidence God has placed in him as he spoke and the peace of God that exudes from his countenance. The team had a wonderful time at the orphanage and meeting the people in the church. God blessed our time with Pastor Moses, Nutsi, and their family. It was difficult for the team to say goodbye as God’s love was evident between the people of Romania and the team. From Romania we flew to Istanbul, Turkey.

bring the truth to others as well. One morning at Ephesus I met a Moslem security guard who looked very sick. I sensed the Lord’s leading to pray for his healing in the name of Jesus. He let me pray for him and a little while later, he called out, “Sir, your God just healed me, I’m totally healed!” I was able to give him a gospel tract and he was excited to get it. It was another confirmation that God desires all people to be saved.

THE TEAM HAD A GOOD TIME IN ISTANBUL AS WE SHARED THE GOSPEL WITH MANY TURKS.

The first team returned home and I joined another team and flew into Tehran, Iran. I could not believe that God would let me go into this country that I have been fascinated with for many years. I want to thank you for your prayers during the trip to Iran. It was amazing what God did. I was amazed to see the love the Iranian people have for America. It was not what I expected.

I was amazed to see openness to the Gospel in Turkey like never before. I’ve been using the Ten Commandments as I share the Gospel with the Moslems. Jesus broke the fear in me that I have had of the Moslems several months ago while I was in Turkey. He has placed love in my heart for all people and by His grace I’m seeing people through His eyes and being moved with compassion to share the Gospel with more people. I’ve had a deep rooted fear of the Moslems ever since 9/11. Seeing pictures and hearing the stories of brutality, violence and hatred had increased the fear in my heart. God’s Word says perfect love casts out fear, and I have seen His faithfulness to replace the fear in my heart with a love and a desire to see many Moslems saved. God has shown me they are people created in His image, just in need of Him. God does not want me to fear man as it proves to be a snare. When we see people through the eyes of Jesus we can’t help but share the Gospel with them. I started seeing millions of people around me who need forgiveness for their sins and need the hope of salvation that only Jesus can give.

WE HAD ONE SMALL INCIDENT AS WE WERE HANDING OUT GOSPEL TRACTS IN ISTANBUL. The police threatened two members of the team and told them not to share the Gospel in Turkey anymore. The disciples of Jesus, the early church, often faced this situation. Paul said, “Woe is me if I preach not the Gospel.” The two guys rebounded and kept sharing out of obedience to Jesus. Many of the young people were receptive to take the tracts. We traveled south of Istanbul and visited Ephesus, Laodicea and Colossae. The whole time we were ministering the Gospel and were blessed to make new friendships with people who are searching for the truth. I’m so thankful that Jesus saved me, but he didn’t stop there. He wants to use us to

We arrived in Tehran at 4 am and we were taken to be finger printed. The immigration official was excited to help us and he expressed his love for America and the American people. I noticed he held his chin high as he escorted us through the airport. I was nervous as we went through customs because I was carrying New Testaments in Farsi. The customs hall was empty so I thought I would get my luggage and get out quickly. Just as I approached the x-ray machine a man stepped out of nowhere and said, “Put your bags on the x-ray machine.” My heart starting pounding as I thought I would be going to jail my first trip to Iran. After putting my big suitcase on the x-ray machine he asked, “Are you tourists? “ We said “Yes,” and he asked “Where are you from?” We said, “The United States.” He said “I love America, take your luggage off the x-ray machine. You can go right through. You’re American.” I breathed a sigh of relief. We found the Iranian people to be very kind, friendly and hospitable. When they heard we were Americans, they all

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wanted their picture taken with us. The Lord gave me a great opportunity to share the Gospel using the law of God with our tour guide. We have heard there is a great revival taking place in Iran and there is a tremendous need for Bibles. We are prayerfully working to send help—the Word of God to those in need of its guidance and truth.

WE ARE LABORING TO HELP OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN IRAN. The President of Iran said this year he will get rid of all Christians. In spite of his threats God is at work. I left part of my heart in Iran and pray that one day I will be able to return. Please pray for the Iranian people and the Moslems in general that many of them will repent of their sins and put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. God Bless You! Patrick and Staff

The President of Iran said this year he will get rid of all Christians. In spite of his threats God is at work.