| June 18, 1999
Dear Friends and Loved Ones,
May the great God who made you, and rejoices over you with joy, and
considers you His precious child, and has prepared an eternal place for you to be with Him
forever, may He overwhelm you with His love, motivate you by His peace, and direct your
service to Him in these days of awe. May the courage of Jesus, exhibited in Cassie and the
other Colombine martyrs, roar to life in
you and set you on His course to do exploits as the birth pangs of His
coming Kingdom intensify. What an exciting time to be alive!
I WAKED UP
I recently did a two day baby-sitting stint for five-year-old Jesse,
and three-year-old Samuel. They are very normal, healthy, and active boys.
You could translate that any way you want, but for Sammy it sometimes
includes ornery, headstrong, and obstinate. We had a great time with just
the usual amount (lots) of testing and pushing the Grandpa envelope to see how far it
would go.
I'm an early riser, and covet the quiet time with Jesus and His word.
After an hour or so, Sammy comes running to me, his face exploding into a smile,
"Grandpa, Grandpa, I waked up. I waked up." And then up on the lap for hugs and
kisses and rubs on the back and words of blessing. And it isn't just up and down real
quick. He stays long enough for the tug on my heart to grow strong and glow with the
guileless love of a little child.
As Jesus said he would, Samuel has led me much deeper in the
wonderful dimension of early morning worship. "Abba, Abba, I waked up. I
waked up." And then up on the lap of God for hugs and kisses and rubs on the
back and words of blessing." Try this as a little child and see if you don't
feel the approval and joy of Abba.
DEATH ROW
On a recent visit to death row I was struck by the intensity of the light
and the intensity of the darkness. Those men who have returned to the Lord or
entered in to the Kingdom while on death row, shine with a brilliance that
reflects the pure love and grace of God. The others seem to emanate darkness and emit a
spiritual presence of evil that is almost tangible. That's not correct - it is touchable
and has substance.
I'm certain the students at Colombine experienced the same thing: a beauty
of holiness and power of light from the martyrs, and a reeking stench of evil
and death from those who were the fruit of our pagan culture of death.
Selah.
This is the environment of the world in its present form. The glory of God
in the face of Jesus Christ is shining brighter and brighter. The bride to be
adorns herself with the beauty of holiness to meet the Lord. And at the same
time, the wickedness of man, and the evil of the world system, and the
darkness of his satanic majesty's kingdom also intensifies. The showdown
draws near when the victory Jesus gained on the cross will triumph over
every enemy. Hallelujah! Maranatha!
We need our eyes and ears open to the reality of these things and not
pretend this isn't happening. BUT, we must focus on Jesus and the growing light, and the
exceeding greatness of His love and mercy that is extended to all for as long as it
remains "today."
REVIVAL
Several big things I had expected to happen by now have not. I don't
understand what is going on, but I am rejoicing and basking in the glory of
God as revival continues here at Green Oak Ranch.
For those who are not aware of my activities I spend a great deal of time as
"consulting chaplain" at Green Oak Ranch, a drug and alcohol re-hab
community and retreat center. I am not officially part of the staff, but do sit with
the staff at the leadership meetings. There are approximately forty men,
twenty women, and ten children in the healing community. You don't have to
be a Christian to come, but you must be open. Consequently, it's something akin to
"shooting fish in a barrel," and it's getting better all the time.
In January two entered the Kingdom, February two more, but in March nine
became followers of Jesus, April dropped to three, May had seven, and thus
far in June [the 17th] there have been fourteen. [*It's now Friday the 18th
and one more just received Jesus, was delivered and baptized this morning.
The Promise Keepers were here at the time and several of the men assisted.]
These are baptisms, in addition to the many rededications, and very often
deliverance is part of the process.
Most residents come straight from prison or the streets or one of the
sobering services. They respond to love and have grown into a blessed family
that encourages and helps one another. It is an honor and privilege to be
part of a wonderful work like this, and especially rewarding to see many
reclaimed servants take up their leadership positions in the Body of Christ.
During my personal time of trial, this has been a sanctuary, and I am
spending most of my time here.
HOME FRONT
There is no apparent change in Betty and my relationship, except I felt the
assurance from God a few weeks ago that He would restore our marriage.
I am trusting Him and trying to walk with integrity. The activities at the Ranch
and a couple of ministry trips have kept me real busy, but often the sadness
and ache hit like a hammer in my gut. Please keep us in your prayers.
UNITY
When we become one as Jesus, Father, and The Spirit are one, the world will
believe. Until then, all of our evangelistic programs will continue to have
very limited results. We are at a point in God's timetable that was modeled
for us in the crossing of the Jordan after the forty years of wandering and
judgment. We are about to cross some kind of Jordan as the Seventh, Thousand Year Day or
The Day of the Lord begins.
Moses, the servant of God and leader of the people for so many years is
dead. Joshua is the new leader, and is told to be bold and courageous. The people
are told to follow the Priests bearing the Ark of the Covenant. The Priests go first, at a
distance ahead of the people so they can see what's
happening.
The Jordan is at flood stage and there is no human way to cross.
The Priests are to walk into the waters of the Jordan. It is a raging flood.
The waters did not recede UNTIL their feet were in it. The people stood and
watched. There was dry land for them to cross, but the leaders had to step
out, or rather "in," in faith. Leaders of today [probably everyone who is
reading this], step into the raging torrents and bear the Ark of God.
You are the vessel that carries the presence of God. Unity is the key to
everything the Lord desires to accomplish in this Day of His visitation.
Step in. The water's fine no matter how it looks. Christian love and unity,
especially among the leaders, is not an option. No longer can we dispute
over non-essential doctrine or practice. We are fellow Elders of the Church - one per city
only. Seek and find one another in God. Together pray for His will
and way, and watch the whole world believe because we are one.
Rest in Him. Learn to rest. We are not entering a time of frantic activity,
we are entering a Sabbath Millennium. Does your brother that you are led to
pray with have lots of doctrinal differences? Learn to rest in God and trust
Him. You are not God's little protector of His Word. You are not the sheriff
of the Kingdom. You are a servant leader, called to walk in unity. Step in.
There is more of the water of life than the tumult of the world.
COMMUNITIES
A few weeks ago one of the Promise Keepers asked to have a meeting with the Ranch Director
about a handicapped friend of his becoming a resident. I told Jim that this was not the
place for his friend, but several of us have a
vision for community housing centered around a handicapped person. Many of the folks from
the Ranch need a Christian family, or community life style,
and there are so many overlooked handicapped it seems like a perfect fit.
"Well why isn't it going, Jim asked?
"Time and money," I answered.
"I have some time and plenty of money," he responded. "Let's get some
houses."
We've looked, prayed and done some planning, but need others to help. If God stirs this as
a ministry in your heart, please let me know. We're about
ready to commence, and all that is needed is you.
GOD-WILLINGS--
Another Crushed Grapes Day in September to celebrate and rejoice together.
To pour oil on those the Lord has chosen and set them aside for the work to
which He has called them.
A trip to Colorado Springs, Littleton, Omaha, Okoboji, Mankato, and ???
If the Lord tarries and provides, a visit to the Holy Land at Tabernacles
and then on to Taiwan to be with Mike, Nico, Solomon, and Isaac.
Encourage and assist in establishing as many house churches as possible.
See the Church of Vista continue to unify through its elders. Experience the
King of glory manifesting Himself as the gates lift up their heads. The Lord
Almighty will come, the Lord mighty in battle Who alone can cure the ills of
our society.
THANK YOU
The response to our marriage difficulties has been large and intense. I am
very grateful for all the prayers and concerns that have been shown. Thank
you for your love and understanding.
Also many thanks to those who continue to support Crushed Grapes Ministry
with prayers and offerings. Every tithe or offering is received as from the
hand of God and for the Lord's work. It is a privilege to live from God's
storehouse, and a great joy when He sends His provision through those we
love.
Be strong and courageous and do those things you know God wants you to do, but you have
been putting off. Do them now. Do them for the Lord. Do not
wait any longer. As long as it is "today" we can fulfill our assignments. May we
all like Jesus be able to say, "I have finished to work You gave me."
If you are afraid, let the perfect love of God cast it out. Even when Satan
is (was?) cast out of heaven, remember that WE ARE NOT. We are still seated with Christ in
the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, in the power center of the entire
cosmos. In that place we have victory in Christ.
Here In this world we have tribulation, but Jesus has overcome the world.
Satan's ability to triumph over the saints is only for a short, limited
period. Our triumph in Christ is forever.
Be strong and courageous.
Love, Frank
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