Joe & Becky Cruse

I trust you are having a great week. You know what is exciting? God is up to something at CWC. There is a lifting, a stirring—something is happening and it is good and it is God! Can you sense it? I want to encourage you to join us this weekend for our special Mother’s Day celebration along with baby dedication. It’s going to be a wonderful day!

One of our new members shared story this with me. I’m sending it your way—it blessed me!

“Yesterday, Pastor Joe gave a great illustration about crabs in a bucket. Being from the Chesapeake Bay area, I had no problem seeing exactly what he was talking about.

Crabs in a bucket always try to escape. The more crabs you put in the bucket, the closer they get to the top, the more likely one might get away. EXCEPT the crabs that are closest to the top have a serious problem. The ones underneath will grab ahold of them and pull them back into the bucket! Now I don’t know if the crabs are thinking, “Hey, buddy, you’re not going without me” or “Hey, buddy, you’re staying right here for the crab boil with the rest of us.” Either way, the pulling down by the ones below tend to keep the bucket full and escapees a rare occurrence.

When I was youth pastor, I used to have my teens try this experiment. One would stand on a table and another on the floor. Then they would play tug-of-war. Who do you think won, every single time? The one on the floor, of course! Because it is easier to pull someone down than pull them up. The fallen human nature tends to be negative, tends to focus on the worst case scenario. This is the effect of fear that entered with sin.There are plenty of crabby people out there trying to pull us back into the bucket! And not just unbelievers, either. There are plenty of crabby Christians out there, too. Some of them are actually wanting us to pull them up with us and other simply want to pull us down to them.

Faith, the absence of fear and perfect confidence of the good things we expect, is supernatural and powerful, but it requires a lot of practice before it is strong enough to mitigate the effects of that downward pull. So, today, I’m going to be careful how I hear, careful who I listen to, careful with my thoughts and careful to protect the joy of the Lord in me, which is my strength, so that I not only will not be pulled down, but also by God’s grace may be able to pull someone already down out of the bucket with me!”

Can I encourage you to be salt and light this week? There are so many hurting people that need a warm hug, a friendly smile, someone who cares. Invite them to church, or better yet, bring them with you to the house of the Lord. We can see their lives changed forever by the presence and power of the Lord.

Why don’t you join us this Wed night @ 6:30 for Recharge? It’s a great time of prayer, praise and worship. You will really be blessed!

If you aren’t able to join us Wednesday, link your faith with us. We are going to be praying for:

Our newest members—The Ogle Family and Becka Treadaway
Our Centre g’s – especially, Fraternity and 3:11 (Men’s and Women’s groups)
Our Kids @ CWC and Debbie McMillen and helpers
Our Four12 Youth @ CWC and Aaron Folz and team
The visitors who have been visiting the last few weeks
Our neighbors in our local communities surrounding the church
Our students as they finish this year
Our Pastors, teachers, and administrative team
Our businessmen/women

We love you all,
Pastor Joe and Becky and the team

You are cordially invited to join us as we celebrate our 8th anniversary with a week of revival! (is there any other way???)

Wed Sept 16 Revival @ CWC @ 7:00 pm

Thurs Sept 17 Reception @ the new property @ 7:00 pm—food, live music, raffles, awards, and plain old fun!

Fri Sept 18 Charity Golf Tournament @ Falconhead Golf Course @ 8:30-3:00 and then
Revival @ CWC @ 7:00 pm with David Holmes and family, (from Hillsong Australia) Marcus and Cindy Cruse Ratcliff and family (Lakewood Church Houston), and Ps Joe and Nancy Cruse from Ft. Bend Tx

Sat Sept 19 Revival @ CWC @ 7:00 pm (come on…DVR the game and see it later)

Sun Sept 20 Revival @ CWC @ 8:30, 11:00 and 7:00 pm

Church, let’s take advantage of these tremendous opportunities—time for fun, celebration and impartation from some of worship’s biggest names in the industry!

Don’t let this pass you by—when we say “party” we mean “PARTY”!

Blessings,
Ps Joe and Becky and the team

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

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!

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