Archive for July, 2009

GOOD NEWS! GOOD NEWS! GOOD NEWS!

Tuesday, July 28th, 2009

Are you ready for some awesome news? We have now seen over 102,000 people come to the Lord as a result of the Days of Glory crusade here in Africa! In just 37 days, with the help of internet, satellite, and other modern technology, people all over Africa, Europe, and North America are going out on the streets, sharing the gospel with thousands and reporting back via texts/emails of those praying the salvation prayer.

Some might ask, but what about “follow up?” Friends, we stand on the Word of God from Romans 1:16 which says, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile”. Every time the gospel is preached, we trust that the “Power of God through the Holy Spirit” witnesses to that one and confirms the Word through signs and wonders.

To those who might be uncomfortable with the method of one on one witnessing, we say, “Okay. Show us your method and what you are doing to save the lost.” Church, time is so short and the majority of people are not ready for the soon return of Jesus. We must be about seeing the lost come to know Him before its too late. Did you know that 1000 adults die somewhere in the world every 12 minutes? Did you know that over 1000 babies are aborted every 12 minutes? We will be held accountable if we don’t give away what we have. That is why we are here in South Africa and are excited to be a part of such a great harvest.

We again want to thank all of the staff and team for their support during our absence. We have been praying daily over our church and schools and know that God has orchestrated and directed our paths in ways we could not have imagined.

For our prayer directive this week, Ps Joe and I have been praying some particular scriptures over the ministry and we want each of you to make these a daily confession, so that we are all speaking the same thing! Why don’t you make these apart of your prayer time this week and watch God move in your personal situations as well.

1. Sufficiency

Phil 4:13–I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who ]infuses inner strength into me; I am [self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].

2 Cor 3:5–Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;

2. Wisdom

Eph. 1:18–The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.

Psalm 49:3–My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the utterance from my heart will give understanding.

3. Provision

John 15:7–If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

John 14:13–And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

Genesis 22:13-14–Then Abraham looked up and glanced around, and behold, behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up for a burnt offering and an ascending sacrifice instead of his son!
So Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah Jireh–The Lord Will Provide. And it is said to this day, On the mount of the Lord it will be provided. (this is why we must be worshippers on the mountain of God!)

4. Healing

Psa. 107:20–He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their
destructions.

Is. 53:5–But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

5. Scriptures for our church

Eph. 4:13–Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:

Psalm 133:1-3–How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!
It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down upon the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.

6. Scriptures for our land

Gen. 13:17 Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee.

Josh. 1:3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.

Acts 17:26-27 From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.

And last but not least, would you please keep us in your prayers and for the crusade here in South Africa as it continues into the 5th week? We covet your love, prayers, and support and know that God’s perfect will is established in all of our lives.

One final word from your pastors– Stay faithful in your church attendance on Wednesdays and Sundays and faithful in your tithes and offerings. Hebrews 11:6 says,

“But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out].

Regular church attendance and tithing are definitely acknowledgements of our faith. Thank God for His promises—He is the great Rewarder!

To God be the Glory Great Things He Has Done!
Ps Joe and Becky and the team

Revival continues in East London South Africa

Saturday, July 25th, 2009

Hello! This week’s writing is coming directly from the beautiful country of South Africa! We are currently apart of the “Days of Glory” conference hosted by Ps Rodney Howard-Browne and Pastor Andre Reibert, Pres/CEO of the Christian television ministry, TBN Africa. We are super excited to see what God is doing on this continent and literally around the world as untold millions are receiving the live program nightly via satellite. Many people have come very hungry for a fresh outpouring of God’s spirit and are here to be trained as disciples to reach the lost. As of today, through the TBN Africa registry, we have seen over 75,000 people make decisions for Christ and City Worship Centre, partners, and friends, you have an eternal reward in this harvest! AMEN!

It is always humbling to be used by God, but after all, that is what we pray for and that is what we are prepared for. Because of the global outreach of WMI, I thought it important to remind you of the vision God has called us to.

City Worship Centre truly provides the home base for WMI and we couldn’t do all God’s called us to do without the support of our church family. “Equipping people to see their dreams fulfilled” is in full swing at CWC through the various ministries and outreaches of the church and we believe it will only grow stronger. As of today, our youth are away at youth camp, with great reports already coming in, and our VBS enrollment for next week is beyond our expectations. “Thank you Lord for our church and for all our leaders and families who are faithful to you and your kingdom”.

The schools, Austin City Academy and Institute for the Arts are vitally important as well. “Excellence and the anointing” are certainly evident through the impartation and training of young worshippers and future leaders. Ps Joe and I are in close contact with the office back home, and this school year is on target to be a great year with new students, families, and teachers. School starts August 24th, so it’s not to late to enroll but time is of the essence. If God has been speaking to you about Christian education, call the office and speak with Ms Glenna for IFTA or Ps Stan/Kym for ACA. (you may also go to www.wmiglobal.org and click on the school sites for further information)

God has definitely orchestrated the summer travel schedule for Worshipworks Ministries International. He opened the door for us to join the conference here in South Africa and it has been a blessing to so many. We also have some dates scheduled in August for two ministry opportunities, one in Panama City Fl and one in La Crescenta, CA. It is truly a remarkable and stunning ministry that God has called us to and though life becomes a bit hectic at times, we wouldn’t want to do anything else.

Knowing these things, the main focus of our prayer this week must be focused on the harvest. I remind you of a timely passage found in Matthew 9:36-38.

“But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest”.

As we agree in prayer, let’s ask the “Lord of the harvest” for a harvest of souls this week and next.! As the discipleship and outreach goes on here, we are asking the Lord for a harvest of souls back home in Austin as well. Whether the youth at camp, or children in VBS or during our Sunday services, He has sent us as laborers but remember that we will all share in the harvest—those who go as well as those who “stay by the stuff”. (1 Sam. 30:24) And for those who “stay by the stuff”, you can evangelize your world as well. Your neighbors, relatives, co-workers need to hear the good news of the gospel and you can spread God’s love wherever you go!

And there is one other passage of scripture that has been a comfort to me personally through the years and I believe speaks prophetically to this ministry God has called all of us to.

It is found in Psalm 107:35-38 and reads–

“He turned the desert into pools of water and the parched ground into flowing springs; there he brought the hungry to live, and they founded a city where they could settle.
They sowed fields and planted vineyards that yielded a fruitful harvest; he blessed them, and their numbers greatly increased, and he did not let their herds diminish”.

Would you pray with us this week regarding these specific directives?

1. Pray for the work here in Africa–
(a) pray for supernatural strength and pray for supernatural discernment that we might hear His voice and follow Him as we lead people to a higher place
(b) pray for impartation and that the passion for worship is stirred
(c) pray for the critics to be silenced. There has been quite a bit of opposition to the meetings here.

2. Pray for the church back home—
(a) It is good to know that as we are away, the same anointing for harvest can be felt at home
(b) pray for increase this week in souls and in finances
(c) pray Psalms 107:35-38 over the church family and your family
(d) pray for our youth and children and all their leaders at camp and VBS

3. Pray for wisdom for your pastors—
(a) we have some decisions that need God’s divine intervention
(b) we covet your prayers for the gift of faith to arise strong on the inside of us

Thanks for your faithfulness as you continue to stand with us, even in our absence. Pastoral team, servant leaders, lay leadership..,we ask for your faithfulness to the work of God there and that this weekend, we rejoice in great expectation and celebration of all He has done for us. Don’t forget—Recharge this Wed @ 6:30 pm with Ps Stan and Ps Jay and then Sunday @ 8:30 and 11:00.

We love you more today than ever before! Ps Joe and Becky and the team

PS As I close this writing, I felt the Lord say that several who are reading this, would sow a supernatural seed towards the harvest and that it would release a supernatural harvest of blessing in your personal lives as well. Ask the Lord what He would have you do and be obedient. The summer months are always a challenge without the schools in session so your extra support during this time would be a great blessing. You may go to http://www.wmiglobal.org and give online. Also, keep checking the blog at www.joeandbeckycruse.com for pictures and updates. See you real soon!

UPDATE FROM SOUTH AFRICA

Thursday, July 16th, 2009

Hey all, I bring you greetings from a very cold but beautiful land–South Africa. We are here serving with our dear friends, Pastors Rodney and Adonica Howard-Browne in a crusade that is being aired live every night from TBN South Africa. The whole continent is watching the meetings and we are getting calls from countries here in Africa, Europe, Australia, and beyond. The news of the “Awakening” is spreading like wildfire. To date, there are more than 50,000 registered decisions for Christ with numbers being updated every day. Here in East London alone, 30,000 people have given their hearts to the Lord and business men and women have heard the news and are sending supplies, such as coats, food, etc, to be given away to those who are being saved.

We are getting word now that there are Presidents and dignitaries of nations here in Africa that are watching the meetings every night and have extended invitations for the revival to come to their nations! To God be the Glory! WE ARE SEEING A GREAT AWAKENING IN OUR LIFE TIME! AMEN!

For those who are interested, you can go to www.revival.com and click on “revival webcast” between 12:00 and 3:00 pm CST and see what God is doing. I tell you, there is a great hunger here in Africa like I have personally never seen before.

It is so incredible to be a part of this harvest. Ps Joe and I were watching the meetings just last week from our home and this week, we are here! What exciting times! It is the prayer of all who lead the meetings here, that this too, will sweep America! God knows, we need an awakening as well!

As we have said numerous times before, Worshipworks Ministries is not only called to Austin Texas, but we are globally focused as well. We must keep our eyes on Jesus and what is happening in the whole earth. We just met with a missionary this morning from Zambia who has extended an invitation to us to bring teams from our church to help in the mission work in Zambia. They need men that are contractors and medical missions people to come help them with some building and humanitarian projects. They are adopting small villages in Zambia and looking after the people in various ways! Get ready City Worship Centre, now is the time to mobilize yourselves to be a part of what God is doing in the earth!

Psalms 2:8 says, “Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession”.

Are you ready? I adjure you in Jesus Name, “Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest”. John 4:35

We ask only for your prayers for the work here and for Ps Joe and I as we are away from Austin during this season. We are praying for the team there and that the work locally goes forward. Drop us a note this week and let us know you are reading, watching, and praying!

Blessings,Ps Joe and Becky

MINISTRY UPDATE

Wednesday, July 8th, 2009

What an incredible 4th of July weekend! A big thank you to all you folks who helped build, clean, haul equipment, set up, tear down, and lent your support in various ways. We have a fantastic church family and staff and we say thanks for a job well done.

The Spirit of the Lord was so present in the service Sunday morning and expectancy was in the air. The worship team did an amazing job of preparing the way for the Word and it was exciting to see the altars filled with folks being ministered to. As we prayed the prayer with the man who gave his heart to the Lord, I was keenly aware that he was the first of many who would answer the call in the years to come. To God be the Glory great things He has done!

Would you be praying with us over the next 10-14 days? We are at a crossroads to take possession of the land and your prayer and faith agreement would mean so much to us. We have had some interest with a couple of lending institutions and have submitted paperwork to them. We should be hearing from them shortly and would like to begin the construction and buildout of the dome asap.

Matthew 18:19 and 20 says, “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”

Link your faith with us and let’s see this mountain move in Jesus Name! If you would be willing to pray with us this week, drop us a quick note here on the blog and let us know! We would love to hear from you!

Blessings, PB
PS You may also email us with any prayer requests or praise reports you might have. www.worshipworksmin@aol.com or bcruse3@gmail.com

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA

Friday, July 3rd, 2009

Hi friends, just sending you a last minute invitation to get on a bus, truck, plane or car and join us this weekend for our first ever 4th of July Freedom Fest Saturday from 5-9 on our new property, 13550 Hwy 290 W. located between Austin and Dripping Springs. Its a big birthday celebration for America with lots of good fun, good food and great fellowship together and then a patriotic concert @ 7:00 pm with fireworks to follow.

And that’s not all–

On Sunday, July 5th, @ 10:00 am we will be having church on the property with some of the best worship under the big sky and Ps Joe’s message–The Blessing Brings Freedom. Its sure to be a fun filled weekend. Now, it’s not too late. Decide right now, that you can’t miss this monumental occasion! You can help write history, or you can read about it!

Come on…see you Saturday!–PB