Family Update - October

Dear Family and Friends,

Almost two months into our Road Team Ministry Season, six churches, several thousand miles, and ministering to over three thousand people has been an exhilarating and moving experience, and we are just getting started. We are scheduled in twenty five locations this season and are eager to see God move in extraordinary ways. Below are just a couple testimonies from the hundreds that we have received as we investigate what an authentic Christian life looks like….

“Before Life Action came to our church, my spiritual life was best described as so-so or lukewarm. I had sin in my life and simply couldn’t seem to shake it loose. Through this I have begun to realize just how much more God has to offer than the world. This revival has challenged my lukewarm self and lit the fire under me to begin change, starting with myself. Lord, send revival and let it begin in me.”
“What a week! The time has flown too quickly. Thanks for all the preparations all of you have made. God has spoken to my heart through your words of wisdom from God’s Word in ways I have not felt for a long time! God is such a great God! Thanks for your help in giving me a renewed spirit at 80 years of age. Thanks be to God, I feel vibrant and alive once again after losing my husband to cancer almost two years ago. He (God) is so awesome!”

“What a blessing this team has been! I have been in this church for 60+ years and this has been one of the most meaningful things we’ve had. Thank you and God bless you from an 85 year old white headed woman! I have learned that God is not through with me yet and I still have a ministry to serve Him.”

“God has spoken many things to me these days about how God sees me. I tend to think that I’m walking a fairly pure life – because I compare myself to those around me. But God’s standard is His Word! So I’ve taken an honest look and seen so many areas where I fall so very short. When that is realized, His grace that He so freely gives becomes the precious gift that it is. I want more of God in my life – less of me, more of Him; less stuff, more giving; less grumbling, more of the fruits from His Spirit. My heart is ready to hear Him. I’m ready to be truly open to His call.”

What an experience to see so many people reprioritize their lives and continue this journey with Christ as the center. When revival comes, we live in such a way where we say, “God, it’s all Yours.”

 One new experience for our family has been with Jennifer having a significant outbreak of shingles on her face and in her ear. About three weeks ago she was not feeling all that well (we thought it was allergies) and broke out with a “rash” across the right side of her face.

 It proceeded to break out in the form of blisters which also appeared on her lips and into her ear. Because of this we decided it best to see a doctor, try to figure out what was happening and why it was so painful. Upon the diagnosis of ear and sinus infections as well as shingles, we received some medication, and Jennifer has been on a very regimented schedule in order to rest and heal. Needless to say, the past three weeks have been difficult (especially for Jennifer) as we have navigated this new experience. One decision we have made is to come home for a few weeks to allow Jennifer to see her regular doctor as well as rest and heal at home in Holland. On Monday we will begin this journey back to Michigan from Florida.  

For the next three weeks I will be giving direction to the team from a more permanent location (Holland) as they travel to North Carolina and Mississippi. I will then travel to Tennessee as the team conducts a Thirst conference there. Would you please pray for us as we navigate this? 

On an exciting note, our team will be coming to Calvary Baptist Church in Holland to host an 8 Day Summit from November 25 through December 2. Please make a note to come to these days if you are within driving distance. We would love to have you participate with us and hopefully experience God in a way you have never experienced before.

With Grateful Hearts,
Ben, Jennifer, Christian and Elizabeth.