Joe & Becky Cruse

Let me start first by recapping our New Season Revival. In a nutshell, WOW. Words can’t even begin to describe the week. People were dramatically touched and changed, pastors and staff included. The worship each service was off the scale and it seemed as though throughout the whole week, one message was being preached even though we had three guest speakers. I truly believe that this week will be one marked in the annals of history as a pivotal turning point for this ministry. And no, I’m not being over dramatic….it was and is a new season in the life of our church and ministry and God WILL watch over HIS word to perform it!

Both Ps Mike Hankins and Ps Sam Carr referenced the word “season” and spoke prophetically to our church about the new thing God is doing here. Let me say, I’m no Greek scholar, in fact our “resident theologian”, Ps Jay Crisman, helped me better define the Greek renderings for the word, “season”. Kairos (God’s timetable—not limited by minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and years) and Chronos (referring to the natural markings of time).

Sometimes our minds will not allow us to see beyond the natural realms into the big plans God has for us because we judge our future based on what has happened to us in the past. God’s course of time in our lives is not limited to, or contained, or stifled by yesterday. In fact, the plans that God has for us are good ‘For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV) Now that’s good news!

This past Sunday morning, several stood to tell of God’s greatness through the 21 day fast and also from the revival. Financial miracles, healings, confirmation of words spoken were just a few of the exciting things people shared. It’s one thing to hear it from the pastors and yet, quite another thing to hear good news from the people! To God be the Glory! It’s so exciting to look forward to all He has in store for us corporately and personally.

As we move forward in this new season, we see God bringing great multiplication in several areas—

1. Souls—that we could see an explosion of new believers coming into the kingdom
2. Laborers—we desperately need laborers to help disciple, train and impart
3. Resources—time, talent, materials, as we put up the dome on the new property
4. Provision—finances to take possession the property and buildings for the glory of God

We covet your prayers and will stand with you as well. Drop us a response to this blog, tell us what you are praying for, and we will present it to our church on Wed nights for corporate prayer. Until next time–PB

Our Fall Festival was a smashing success with upwards of 300 people who came out for food, fun and fellowship this past Friday night. It’s really amazing to see how many people we minister to in any given week. With four services on Sundays and two schools in session five days a week, we don’t see the full impact until everyone comes together for “family get-togethers”! WOW—it’s big and getting’ bigger! There were many people there I had never seen before which just makes it more exciting than ever.

In reflection of this past gathering, the thing that stands out in my mind is the opportunity for the church to “be the church”. Where else could you go on a Friday night these days and have free food, the great outdoors, live music, ole time hayride, a roaring campfire and Smores to boot? Did I mention, all for free? I believe we are going to have more and more opportunities to reach out and bless our community and there’s not a more beautiful place than the 26 acres God has given us!

Would you keep praying over the property? We know He has given it to us and we believe He will supernaturally provide finances to acquire it quickly.

If you’ve not had a chance to see or be on the land, join us on Wednesday nights as we have moved our Wednesday night Recharge Service to the property. We are praying and worshiping on the land and believe God will lead us forward. I share with you a verse the Lord gave us earlier–

Acts 16:26 And He made from one [common origin, one source, one blood] all nations of men to settle on the face of the earth, having definitely determined [their] allotted periods of time and the fixed boundaries of their habitation (their settlements, lands, and abodes),
27 So that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel after Him and find Him, although He is not far from each one of us.

Blessings—Ps Joe and Becky

Wow, have you seen the news lately? According to CNN, ABC and other similar news reporting agencies, it doesn’t look so good for America these days.

But I’m happy to report to those of you who know Jesus, we are aliens on this planet! Ephesians 3:20-21 says, “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body”.

Call it “getting older” or whatever you would like, but I have a keener sense of eternity than ever before.

I am also happy to report that there is no recession in heaven nor is there any need for economic bailouts, stimulus packages, or coming elections. Now I know that those things are important on this earth, so while I poke a bit of fun at what is whirling around us at the present, I know how easy it is to put our eyes on the overwhelming circumstances. And yet, eternity is now and heaven is more real than what we are bombarded with everyday!

Friends, don’t let your faith drown in the sea of sluggish economy, negative thinking and bleak forecasts that surround us daily. Don’t let the fear of the unknown swallow you or your dreams.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up”. (Heb 12:1-3 NLT)

Just reminding you to “lift up your heads—your redemption draws nigh”! Ps Joe and Becky and the team

PS “Friends don’t let friends worry about things they can’t change! (a small note from our Ps Ryan C)

Hey guys! If you happen to be in Austin for the National Worship Leaders Conference @ Riverbend Church, come see the IFTA booth in the Vendors area. We would love to meet you and we are giving those who stop by a copy of our newest CD called, EXPERIENCE.

The ministry and workshops have provided valuable resources for those who have been in attendance. Come on by–we would love to see you!

Hey this is Ryan Cruse from the Creative Arts Department. I am excited to tell you the great news of a new baby. A beautiful girl with 6 strings and 6 tuners. She’s made of burl redwood, purple-heart maple and walnut. I am a proud father. The gestation period was 17 months. What a killer!! But was worth the wait. Anyway, We have begun tracking for the new Experience record, and we have captured some incredible moments. I will try to keep you up to date as the recording process continues.