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2010 REPORT—A VERY SPECIAL YEAR

 
      One year ago, 2010 was dedicated to the Lord as a very SPECIAL YEAR. Not only was it the 30th year for prayer seminars, it was the 50th year of overseas ministry. In January 1960, as a twenty-four year old pastor, I was  privileged to conduct an evangelistic crusade in Placetas, Cuba, four hours east of Havana. Seventy came to Christ.
 
      With your prayer and financial support, there were sixty-three prayer seminars in eleven states (FL, GA, MN, MS, NC, OR, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA) and six foreign nations (Cuba, Kenya, Paraguay, Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela). Thousands attended, including a record number of pastors from a record number of churches. I preached eight sermons, led five evangelistic clinics, and spoke at four youth meetings. 2010 could not have gone better.
 
      One of the many highlights was working with the Venezuela Baptist Convention to prepare hundreds for an evangelistic effort in four western states that resulted in 6,010 coming to Christ. Returning to First Baptist Church, Placetas, Cuba within itself was a special blessing. Having a lady to stand at the end of the Sunday morning services to say, “I must say something. I was one of the seventy saved fifty years ago!” was an indescribable blessing. Eight others who were saved in 1960 were among the 250 present. What a great God we serve. Isn’t Jesus wonderful?
 
      Looking ahead to 2011. My first seminar is in January with the West Connecticut Baptist Association followed by a seminar in Litchfield CT at Friendship Baptist Church. Then I travel to San Jose, California to be with Foxworthy Baptist Church. A prayer revival is scheduled for Northeast United Methodist Church in Columbia, South Carolina. I will return to Venezuela to work with the churches in the eastern part of the nation. At the age of seventy-five, I am eager to share as often and as widely as possible since it is obvious that my time is limited to declare that “prayer is the work that must come before all other work” and to teach the purpose and power of prayer.
 
                                                                                                            Yours in Calvary love,
 
                                                                                                            1 Corinthians 3:9
 
                                                     1980-2010
                                        •    1,473 prayer seminars
                                        •    USA: 46 states and District of Columbia
                                        •    International: 57 nations
                                        •    Miles traveled 2,419,655
 
              “Brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified” (2 Thessalonians 3:1).
 
What is the biggest need that we have? It is prayer support. When I think about the enormity of the responsibility that the Lord has placed upon JGHM, as a ministry, and me, as the leader of the ministry, I am humbled. The opportunities continue to be amazing. I know that my physical strength is inadequate; further, I lack the wisdom needed. As prayer goes forth for us from around the world, it is an act that declares that our dependence is on God. Some of you have shared that you often pray for every facet of our ministry. Please keep it up. As the years swiftly pass, we must work for the night is coming when we will work no more.
 
A second need is help in scheduling the seminars. When I began, there was little hesitation for a local church to schedule a six-hour event that has prayer as its focus. A discernible shift has taken place. Many church leaders are reluctant to ask their people to make a commitment. Perhaps the answer is to identify believers who are interested and schedule a seminar for them. It could be a Saturday seminar (9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.) or Friday evening (7-9 p.m.)-Saturday morning ( 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.) Since there is no set fee for a seminar and each participant is given a prayer seminar workbook regardless of a contribution, finances should not be a deterrent.  Perhaps YOU could be the hand in the glove to schedule a seminar in your area. I would be grateful. By doing this you will help keep the doors open—a working DOOKEEPER. Thanks!.