CRUSHED GRAPES MINISTRY |
Frank B. Smith, Director, PO Box 3009, Vista, CA. 92085-3009 |
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March 17, 2003 Dear friends and family, God's peace, blessing, and direction be all over us as we breathlessly wait for the next unfolding of events. What an awesome time! I don't know whether to read the papers or Isaiah; watch the TV news or read Revelation; listen to the commentators or read Jeremiah. Stay tuned to Him for all the breaking news you need to know. Meanwhile, back in the Omaha trenches, much has transpired. I returned from a wonderful and fruitful trip to the West Coast on March 6, presumably so the escrow on this house could close on the 7th. It was postponed till the 10th, then the 11th, then the 12th, and then the 14th. The loan had been approved, but now the lender wanted more information: Where is the Crushed Grapes Office? Do you have a business license? A 501c3? Anyone who can vouch for you as an employer? Can you give assurance that the offerings to Crushed Grapes will continue? Finally on the 14th a person from the mortgage company said the lender wanted the name of a CPA. She asked if I had one do my taxes. When I said no, she asked if I knew any CPA's. When I said yes, she asked if I could get one of them to write a letter that they had done my taxes. When I told her I wouldn't ask anyone to lie she said we had reached the end of the road. This morning after finishing reading and praying and conversing with the Lord, I asked if He had anything else. He said John 13:7 which reads, "Jesus replied, 'You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.'" Hallelujah! We will understand in His time, and we don't have to understand now. The call is to be faithful. Last Thursday an argument broke out over a video game at a market down the street. It escalated and turned ugly. Several ran up 42nd street and into the house next door. The intruders were apprehended after 22 (yes, twenty two) police cruisers converged on the house and shut down the neighborhood. The neighbor's dog was shot and killed by the police, but the "intruders" were only shot with pepper balls. What a wonderful place to serve Jesus and let His light shine! I'm getting requests to come to other cities and help with existing congregations, both house churches and larger gatherings, or to give encouragement to some that are just beginning. I am tempted to go all over, but am waiting at His door and trying to tune out the noise to hear His voice only. In Proverbs 8:34, Wisdom calls out, "Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway." In 1 Corinthians 1:30 we learn that this wisdom personified in the Proverbs is actually Jesus. Perhaps we will meet and touch in spirit as we gather at the entry of His doorway. Soon we will enter in and experience the fullness of His presence. He who now lives in us and is our life will be manifest in all His glory. Hallelujah! With love in Christ, Frank PS The lender called this afternoon and asked me to send faxes of business cards, letterheads, etc. ??? Blessings. I love you, Frank  Ps: Hungersite.com is an advertising website that feeds the hungry. Every “hit” sends a meal to a hungry person in a third world country. Check it out and if you feel it’s worthwhile, put it on your favorite sites. It is an easy and convenient way to help the hungry and a good reminder to pray. |