The Shepherds' Journey

More Clearing

2008-07-19T15:05:00.005-05:00

Last night and this morning I was able to get back on the tractor and do more clearing. It's very nice to be able to see things out on the property again. It had really started to become overgrown and things appear to close in on you as that happens.

A view from the tractor looking over some of the area I've cut in the last couple of days.

I ran into a small tree that speared the front of the tractor. Thankfully, it didn't puncture anything and after fighting with it a bit, Kyle and I were able to work it free.

Our tractor has been through a lot, but a lot of what you see here is really not new damage. We bought a used tractor and the lights have always been disconnected like this.
Notice how the tree found where the radiator comes out of the hood!

Coin Show

2008-07-18T14:59:00.000-05:00

Jay-El is our resident numismatist. For months he's been looking forward to attending a big coin show today. This was our second visit to a show, and we enjoyed learning from all the pros.

Learning about grading coins.

Learning about errors during the mint process and seeing some very rare mistakes.

Clearing again

2008-07-17T14:55:00.001-05:00

I've worked on the tractor a bit here and there lately and was finally able to get it to run and do a little clearing. I'm not doing anything too heavy, just cutting what I've already cleared in the past. Here is a view from the porch after the last round:

God Knew

2008-07-17T00:13:00.014-05:00

Back in April and May I had been doing a lot of walking (light hiking, really) on our land in a very futile effort to shed some pounds. I hate exercise, mostly because I find it excruciatingly boring. (There is one kind of exercising I love -- rollerskating or riding my beach cruiser on the Hermosa Beach Strand. Alas, getting there would take a bit more gas money than I can afford right now.)

Those two months, I walked. And I walked. And I walked.

Though I ate very carefully and in moderation and was diligent to trudge through roots and weeds and up and down small hills, not one single pound was lost.

It was not wasted time, however.

During those days, I did a whole lot of praying.

As I walked, I prayed for everything under the sun that was on my heart -- my husband, my family, childrens' salvation, that the Lord would grant us another child, for friends, extended family members, Tuscaloosa abortion mill workers and their murderous employer, Christian ministries & their godly leaders, favorite filmmakers and for other culture-changing efforts of people I love.

I also prayed if it would be the Lord's will, that He would allow our family to go to Atlanta, Georgia July 12-19 to participate in the life-saving efforts of the folks of Operation Save America.

Their annual event took place last year here in Birmingham and for various reasons, we weren't able to be involved at all. Now here they were again, due to be not very far from our home. They were going to be working to shine the light of Christ and save souls and lives of children threatened by abortion right there at some of the old abortion mills I used to rescue at nearly twenty years ago.

Our older children are learning more about the battle for mothers' hearts and their babies' precious lives and I wanted very much to be able to get those older children more actively involved in the fight, as well as teach them about a significant part of their parents' personal histories at some of those locations around Atlanta. Atlanta is where I met their father, who was also involved in the pro-life battle with his own parents. To try to get to Atlanta and participate in the OSA events and teach our children about some of these locations and events in our lives was a very meaningful and worthy desire to me.

Daily I earnestly prayed, "Lord, if it would be your will, would you please make a way for us to go to Atlanta?"

Yet while I prayed, I remembered full well one of my favorite life verses:

Many are the plans in a man's heart but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.
~ Proverbs 19:21

I held on to my intense desire loosely, knowing the path of my life is not up to me. As Christians, our lives are not our own. They belong to the Lord and He determines our steps. We go or we stay, as He gently instructs.

As the weeks wore on, I sensed from Jay's godly leadership of our family that it did not look favorable for us to go to Atlanta. I accepted this as from the Lord and, by God's grace, allowed my heart to embrace Jay's decision.

Eventually, we were blessed to find out some wonderful news... The Creator and Giver of Life had blessed us with another child!

Praise the Lord!

Ah, yes... Now it seemed we understood at least part of the reason why it would not be in the Lord's plans for us to go to Atlanta! -- I would be right in the thick of some very trying first-trimester challenges. In pregnancies past, my fatigue has been so extreme our family has had to go into complete "survival" mode. I'd like to think I could be in Atlanta, being a strong sidewalk counselor-pilgrim, trying to save babies even while being utterly without energy and feeling awful, but the reality is that during weeks 5-12 of my pregnancies I am an absolute mess physically and hormonally.

However, last Thursday...

Last Thursday...

Last Thursday morning, as I left my OB's office with tears blurring my vision, I began to understand a bit more clearly why the Lord did not allow our family to go to Atlanta this week in July.

He knew.

Back during my daily walks, praying passionately as I made myself keep trudging, my merciful Father in Heaven knew I would need to stay close to home as we worked our way through the miscarriage process.

The Lord is here with us, as we whisper a gradual goodbye to our beloved, beautiful baby.

God knew.

And His plans for His children are absolutely perfect. Jay and I rest in His mercy, which endureth forever. Our Redeemer lives.

Lord God, thank you for our dear child you gave us for a short time. We loved our little girl or boy before we even realized You'd placed its life within. We loved our dear child and always will. But all of our children are Yours, Lord. And we trust You to do what's best. Thank you for that tiny gift we did not deserve.

And Lord? We ask that lives would be saved this week in Atlanta. Please bring the lost to you. Please remove veils of deception. Please free the captives. Please protect, assist and grant victory to those who have gone to rescue the weak, the needy, the voiceless and the fatherless. Please help mothers to see the Truth.

Please save the little ones.

As always, may His will be done.

For He's a Jolly Good Fellow

2008-07-15T23:26:00.003-05:00

Well, with 40% of the vote, Matt didn't win but it was an honor for our family to support him. We'll happily and heartily do so again, should the Lord give him another election opportunity in the future.

God's plans for His children are perfect.

God bless the Chanceys!

Tomorrow the 15th is the Day: Please Vote for Matt Chancey!

2008-07-14T19:57:00.002-05:00

A note from Matt Chancey to his supporters:

July 14, 2008

Dear friends and family,

Tomorrow evening, we'll know the results of our efforts.

Our television and radio ads are blanketing the state. Our volunteers have gone door-to-door in key precincts. Our phone bank has called thousands of voters. Our yard signs are all up. And we've "prayed without ceasing."

Tomorrow, there are no points for second place. We've got to win this race outright if we are going to live to fight again in the fall against the Democrat nominee. This is quite a challenge, but I feel up to it and you're help has been a primary motivation behind my confidence.

Thank you for giving so freely of your time and treasure. Regardless of the outcome, I want you to know how grateful I am to you for all your support.

If you have not done so already, please contact your friends and family list in Alabama about the election tomorrow. It's amazing how few people even know there is an election. A personal endorsement goes a long way and it will make a difference tomorrow.

Thanks again for standing with me. Let's sprint together to the finish line!

Best regards,

Matt

Alabamians, please remember to take a few minutes out of your day tomorrow to vote for Mr. Matthew Chancey.

May the Lord's will be done!

Thank You for Walking With Us

2008-07-13T15:32:00.004-05:00

My mind is full and I hope the Lord will allow opportunities for thoughts to be expressed a little at a time.

For now I wanted to stop in to thank everyone for their kindness. Thank you for your happy comments in weeks past when Jay announced our good news. Thank you also for all the prayers and words of tenderness offered since we learned our little baby died. These kindnesses mean much to our family.

We had a baby last September, then we didn't.

We had another life within in June, and now we don't.

I want you to know it's not our desire to take everyone on a roller coaster ride, without thought or care.

Some folks, most understandably, wait to announce a pregnancy until they feel somewhat confident the tiny child is stable and growing well. We, however, choose to let others know the news as soon as we have discovered it partly because we are too elated to hide it, but more importantly, because we believe the new little life should be prayed for and celebrated as soon as possible, for as long as the Lord allows the child to be with us -- be it a few weeks or a long lifetime.

Thank you for joining us on our journey, through the joys and through the sorrows.

May God be praised and glorified through it all.

Love,
Ruthanne

Goodbye, Little One

2008-07-10T11:13:00.003-05:00

We just learned this morning that we have lost our little baby. Please pray for our family during this very hard time as our hearts are breaking.

Going Underground

2008-06-24T19:05:00.010-05:00

I'm starting to hit a wall, dealing with first-trimester pregnancy challenges, so I won't be around for a while. Ever grateful for this amazing new little life inside, I need to lie low and focus on getting through this time.

Take care and keep fighting the Good Fight of the Faith with His help!

Ladies, pray for one another and be strong, sturdy pilgrims.

Love,
Ruthanne

Pro-Life Pharmacies

2008-06-18T21:56:00.006-05:00

There aren't too many out there yet, but let's hope a pro-life pharmacy will open in your town soon!

"Contraception is essential for women's health. A pharmacy like this is walling off an essential part of health care. That could endanger women's health,” said Marcia Greenberger of the National Women's Law Center.
The Family Research Council, however, disagreed.
“On the contrary, what endangers women's health is the propaganda by Planned Parenthood and others that insists ‘emergency contraception’ is safe, when it can and has caused serious side effects,” the group said in a statement.
“The lack of contraception isn't killing any woman. Sexual promiscuity, on the other hand, is. We commend these drugstores for creating a safe environment for employees and consumers of moral and religious conviction,” the FRC added.
Pro-life pharmacies, the FRC stressed, would be identical to any other pharmacy, except for the absence of contraceptives and drugs that could be used for an abortion like the so-called “morning after” pill.

Read more of New 'Pro-Life' Pharmacies Defend Religious, Moral Objections

More probably exist, but there are at least six pro-life pharmacies listed on the Pharmacists for Life website.

The pharmacies are located in:
Tampa, FL
Hialeah, FL
Richmond, IN
Gray, LA
Grand Rapids, MI
Superior, NE

(For location specifics, visit the Pharmacists for Life "Find a Pharmacist" page.)

Here's a (biased) article on the DMC Pharmacy due to open this summer in Chantilly, VA.

Special Father's Day Announcement

2008-06-15T23:15:00.003-05:00

Each year that passes I realize the incredible blessing and responsibility of Fatherhood on a new level.

As this Father's Day draws to a close, I am grateful and pleased to announce the Lord's blessing us with another child. We learned of the good news about a week ago, and are humbled by this special gift.

May His hand be upon this little one as He knits him (or her!) together in the womb. May He grant Ruthanne a smooth, safe pregnancy, labor and delivery and may our family be blessed through this new life.

Psalm 127:3-5
Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.

Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

A Heartcry and Rebuke to the Pro-Life Movement from Rusty Thomas

2008-06-12T22:43:00.004-05:00

A few weeks back, I mentioned that I was working on a post explaining my personal history in the pro-life Rescue movement, how the Lord took me off of the front lines to lead the life of a busy, flourishing homekeeper and how He is fanning the flame in my heart (a fire that's burned brightly in its quiet place) to reach mothers and children for Life and train our own children in the Battle.

That post has been lost and I haven't had time to rewrite it, but that's okay.

I've kept tabs on things to some degree during all these years I've not been in the doorways or on the sidewalks of the abortion mills, but as I've reemerged and gotten back up to speed on all the new pro-life organizations, efforts and happenings, I've been deeply saddened to find out about some terrible divisions among pro-life leaders that have unfolded over the years.

In some ways, I feel like a child of divorce because leaders I love, have been in jail with and who influenced my life for the better are on both sides of the infighting. I see claims and behaviors on both sides that grieve my heart and it's hard to sort out the fact from fiction.

Rusty Thomas of Elijah Ministries has written a beautiful, yet heartbreaking rebuke to the pro-life movement.

In the midst of this duplicity, does anyone stop to consider what has happened to our hearts, the very ones that were once broken for the cause of Christ and the little ones made in His image? Have they become so hardened by the deceitfulness of sin that we can’t see the mess we’ve made (Hebrews 3:13)? Tragically, this appears to be the case. Thus most of us remain blinded and do what is right in our own eyes. When confronted with our misdeeds, we simply convince our embittered minds that all is fair in love and war. And besides, we still hold to the noble goal of ending the holocaust in America, right? Wrong! We can do a good work in a bad way. We can have a great motive to end abortion, but our actions can still be condemned as evil by God.

God’s Word states, “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all (James 2:10).” We shout from the mountain tops that God hates the hands that shed innocent blood and yet conveniently ignore that this same God hates those who sow discord among the brethren (Proverbs 6:16-19). How much more division, bitterness, hatred, variance, strife, contention, wounds, hurts, and broken fellowship must come before we repent? How many more lambs will be fleeced and devoured as we seek to glorify ourselves instead of the God we claim to serve? We seek names, titles, funds, recognition, and our own legacies, while babies still die, the Church languishes in a state of denial, and America is going to hell in a hand basket.

I'm so thankful he has written this article. These are things that so desperately need to be said.

Family History Updates by Jay

2008-06-11T23:52:00.007-05:00

My Jay has been snowed under and, as family historian, is trying hard to get current with Shepherd family happenings and pictures.

Here are several things he's back-posted.

Bandsaw Mill

Jay-El Goes to the Bank

Brooder Malfunction

Happy Birthday, Joshua!

New Chicks Arrive

Time for Lumber

Greener Pastures

Building a Salatin-Style Pen

A Day for Eeyore (I wrote this one, for anyone who pays attention to that kind of thing.)

Lord willing, Jay will be able to work on more soon.

Gay's Mill

2008-06-11T23:52:00.004-05:00

Twenty years ago, when I left Southern California to rescue full-time in Atlanta, Georgia, this mill's entrances were some of the first I became acquainted with. The abortionist who had been there for years, James Gay, died in 2004 but ever so dutifully trained a successor so the baby killing could continue without missing a (heart)beat after his departure.

Now the Northside Women's Clinic in Chamblee is under investigation to determine if a state parental notification law was violated.

In the meantime, there is a girl and her family who are left hurting, and with empty arms.

"The actions of both Cindi Cook and the Northside Women's Clinic have affected our daughter's life with much pain this past year because of the loss of her baby. It was a sense of helplessness. As for us, they took away our right to be there and help our daughter during a time when she needed us most. The outcome of the trial is a positive step forward in the long healing process that we must go through as individuals and as a family."

For more on this story, see Jill Stanek's Pro-Life Pulse blog.

Trip to RailsConf in Portland, OR

2008-06-09T22:29:00.004-05:00

I visited Portland, Oregon from May 29 - June 2 for a software developer conference called RailsConf.

Walking over to the Convention Center from the hotel

Ben, Matt, Anthony, and Jason having lunch

This is the first major conference I've been to since Wi-Fi services have been made available to attendees. Almost everyone had a laptop and was online during the conference.

The conference went really well. I enjoyed being able to get away from the office and focus on some more developer related topics.

A couple of guys playing a big game of chess near the exhibit hall

In the evenings we were able to get away and head downtown for dinner.

A view of the river as we cross over the bridge on the train headed towards the downtown area.

Heading downtown on a very packed train.

The Rose Parade was going on Saturday night as we walked through to find a place to eat. We ended up doing a lot of walking that night!

A band warming up as they start the parade

We visited Powell's Books, a huge bookstore.

On the top floor, they have a rare book room.

Inside the rare book room, I found this set of Robert E. Lee books for a cool $500.00.

Everyone said we have to go to Stumptown, so we went twice!

A fancy cappuccino

A special gift for Ruthanne: A Powell's coffee mug (for the booklover) and some Stumptown Coffee (for the coffee lover)

Binding Up the Brokenhearted in Sudan

2008-06-08T00:08:00.008-05:00

If your family has some extra funds (or if you could give sacrificially), would you consider supporting the work of the Persecution Project Foundation?

Even pocket change accumulated in a jar on the kitchen counter can quickly amount to many dollars. Then a quick check can be written and those coins will help bring comfort, hope and life-saving supplies to brothers, sisters and others experiencing profound suffering.

In yesterday's mail we received from PPF our copy of this stunning book, Voices of Sudan. One man featured in its pages is Amet, a father who was lied to by the government. They told him his wife and children would be taken to safety but within moments after boarding a train they were torched alive.

Our children have been fascinated by the pictures and stories found in the book and on Persecution Project Foundation's website and newsletters. These resources have helped give them tender hearts toward the desperate -- and often unfathomable -- need of the Sudanese people.

Welcome, New Little Peeps!

2008-06-07T23:30:00.003-05:00

Belated congratulations to Evan and Kristena on the birth of sweetie-punkin Jacob Emory. He and his big sister, Emily, are two of their parents' finest "crafts" and "productions" yet!

Belated congratulations to Wesley and Rachel on the birth of snuggy li'l Joseph Wesley. What a tender account of his arrival his Aunt Adeline penned!

Timely (hey!) congratulations to Bert and Laura on the birth of precious-heart Francesca Nancy Jo. What a beautiful name and meaning for a beautiful little girl.

May these children be saved at a young age and walk with the Lord with uncompromising devotion.

Abercrombie & Fitch

2008-06-06T11:49:00.002-05:00

Whoever digs a pit will fall into it,
and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.

Psalm 26:27

And If You Haven't Had Enough Good News, Here's More!

2008-06-06T01:05:00.008-05:00

The Giver of Life has visited Erik and Karen. The Engstroms have been blessed again!

Rejoice with those who rejoice!

Simply awesomenal*.

: )

* Pronounced "aw-SUM-nul" -- RuthanneSpeak

BREAKING NEWS! Sarasota Habitat for Humanity Ends Deal With Planned Parenthood

2008-06-04T13:58:00.007-05:00

I'm so excited to let you know that the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity of Sarasota, Florida has chosen to do the right thing and sever its intended agreement with the child-killing, God-hating, racist organization, Planned Parenthood.

If you took action in this matter, thank you for helping to make a difference!

May our God continue to thwart, frustrate and overthrow the plans of the wicked.

All glory, honor and praise be to Him!

Now to write my note of thanks to the Habitat folks...

: )

Chancey in Runoff!

2008-06-04T00:54:00.005-05:00

Cavanaugh and Chancey in runoff to be held July 15th

Election results

Praise the Lord!

Come on, Alabama -- Let's help Matt WIN!

May the Lord's will be done.

Alabamians: Please Remember to Vote for Matthew Chancey Tomorrow, June 3rd

2008-06-02T00:08:00.007-05:00

If you live in Alabama, please vote for Matthew Chancey for Public Service Commission President on June 3rd (tomorrow, Tuesday!).

Judge Roy Moore says:

I've known Matt Chancey for many years. He is a wonderful father, husband, and friend. As a conservative Christian, I know Matt to be an honest, dedicated, and loyal American who will serve the public with the greatest of integrity and honor. I believe Matt will fully represent the "public" in the Public Service Commission and will not bend to special interests who have in the past controlled their agenda.

The following is an excerpt from an email we received recently from Mr. Michael Farris of the HSLDA and Patrick Henry College:

Several years ago, a young home school graduate from Alabama, still in his teens, came to the Home School Legal Defense Association to intern with our National Center for Home Education.

We were so impressed with him that we offered him a job working as Chris Klicka's personal assistant, and he remained in that capacity for several years before moving on to a successful career in business and public policy.

That young man was Matt Chancey, and I was delighted recently to hear that he had stepped forward to run for President of the Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC). This is a statewide office, so all registered voters in Alabama can vote for Matt. The PSC touches literally every household in the state and it needs real leadership-the kind that Matt Chancey will bring when he's elected.

I was recently in Alabama speaking at a home school conference and I was able to spend an evening with Matt and his wife, Jennie, at their home near Birmingham. Matt told me about his vision for public service and his desire to serve the people of Alabama.

It is vitally important that we elect strong Christian leaders at all levels of government. But the PSC race in Alabama is especially important for homeschoolers. You have an opportunity to make history. To my knowledge, there has never been a homeschooler and home school graduate elected to statewide office in Alabama.

Mr. and Mrs. Tom Keen of Family Conferences say:

We have known Matt Chancey for about nine years, now. Matt is a rarity in our day…a true American statesman who isn’t afraid to stand up for what is right, regardless of the opposition. He is a wise man who knows the issues involved in this race and knows what is needed for Alabama. We have observed Matt to be a kind and principled family man who walks in his integrity before the Lord. Matt Chancey is passionate about Alabama! He loves her people and takes a special interest in their needs. He has a true servant’s heart, and will serve the people of Alabama well as the next President of the Public Service Commission.

To learn more, visit the Chancey for PSC President website.

Learning About the SPP and the NAU

2008-05-31T00:33:00.010-05:00

When it comes to public and foreign policy, I have a few meager thoughts on a few meager topics and some very strong thoughts on illegal immigration. I'll admit, however, that it would behoove me to work harder to expand my understanding of domestic and international issues.

So when I saw this at Doug's Blog, it definitely caught my attention.

Maybe the story of a potential union between the United States, Mexico and Canada is old news to you. It wasn't to me!

A friend emailed me a list of articles written by Mr. Corsi and I picked through it, using it as a springboard to learn more about the Security and Prosperity Partnership and the North American Union.

I have much to learn and don't feel comfortable commenting further but my Google searches were very eye-opening and I would like to read Mr. Corsi's book.

And wouldn't you know it? It wasn't long before my poking about led me to the subject of... illegal immigration.

Shame on You, Habitat for Humanity

2008-05-29T22:24:00.003-05:00

Subway restaurants may -- due to hostility, poor judgment or simple naivete -- exclude homeschoolers from their contest if they like. It's a bummer but that's their choice. I don't plan to boycott them.

But when a company or organization decides to align itself with child killers Planned (Banned) Parenthood, that group immediately goes on my personal "bad list" and I don't want anything to do with helping them succeed.

In Sarasota, Florida, the process is underway for Habitat for Humanity to make it possible for Planned Parenthood to construct an abortion mill -- a building in which women will be harmed and preborn babies will have their skulls crushed and their limbs ripped from their bodies.

(That's not inflammatory language, it's the truth.)

“Habitat for Humanity, which claims to be a Christian ministry, says that this was only a real estate transaction. However, Planned Parenthood could not open its abortion facility without Habitat’s help...”
- Jim Sedlak, Vice President of the American Life League

A mother's womb should be the safest, most peaceful dwelling for a child but if this agreement proceeds, Habitat for Humanity will be ensuring fatal "domestic violence" for many tiny girl and boy Floridians.

Reading Judie Brown's May 29 blog entry, I see that it is supposedly not an entirely done-deal. Concerned folks who contact Habitat are being told the paperwork has not yet been signed and that the CEO of Sarasota HfH is having second thoughts.

Mrs. Brown provides us information on how and who to contact, to encourage Habitat for Humanity's Board of Directors to reject this undertaking and walk away fast.

The CEO of Habitat for Humanity in Sarasota, Tony Souza, is telling callers that the paperwork has not yet been signed and that he is having some doubts. But, he says, it is ultimately up to Habitat's Board of Directors. According to its web site, the current board members are Zeb Portanova, James Frederick, Bob Ripley, Fred Scheerle, Brock Leach, Bill Johnson, Ken Pendery, Bruce Franklin, John Schaub III, Rich Gerrity, Erin McLeod, Mark Usher, Patrick Ryskamp, Laurin Ripley, Dr. Peter Wish, Bruce Wismer, Dr. Peter A. Wish and Janice Zarro.

Please add these board members to your mailing lists and send e-mails to them at info@sarasotahabitat.com.

Interestingly, Habitat board member Bruce Franklin is reportedly a principal in the ADP Group, the architectural firm for the PP abortuary.

We encourage all STOPPers to contact Habitat for Humanity and ask that they break this agreement: Habitat for Humanity, 1757 N. East Ave., Sarasota, FL 34234, 941-365-0700, tsouza@sarasotahabitat.com.

We also encourage you to contact Habitat for Humanity International to register your complaint. You can reach them at 1-800-HABITAT. They also have a complaint line: 1-800-461-9330. Pease contact both of these numbers and let them know that Habitat should have nothing to do with Planned Parenthood. Contact, Duane Bates, Director of Public and Media Relations 404-733-3079, dbates@habitat.org.

Mrs. Brown is also wise to remind us to be Christlike in our emails and phone calls with Habitat for Humanity:

In all of our communications with these people we should reflect our love of Christ and truth, never being harsh or judgmental in our comments. Let us focus on the truth about Planned Parenthood and remind Habitat for Humanity of its commitment to Christian principles.

While I do believe they should be held accountable -- and yes, even reprimanded -- I promise Mrs. Brown I will do so calmly, respectfully and prayerfully. (And if they pull out, I'll happily contact them again voicing praise and gratitude.)

Will you join me in contacting H abitat for Humanity?

Following the Street Preaching Adventures of E-Vangie Tales

2008-05-27T21:48:00.011-05:00

Then the master said to the servant, 'Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.' Luke 14:23

Recently, while taking a walk down Memory Lane and recalling the time of my life when God took me to Himself, I visited the website of Hope Chapel of Hermosa Beach, a church I attended for a short time years ago before moving to the South.

While I now hold different views than Hope Chapel regarding church format philosophy and some doctrinal teachings, I recall with fondness that this church was used greatly in my life as a new believer. Hope was a church on fire for the Lord, full of people committed to growing in Jesus Christ and spreading the Gospel. The leadership was also very vocal about the need to rescue the preborn and the church had a large group of active pro-lifers.

While poking around their website I ran across the site of Steve Sanchez, Associate Pastor. Steve is passionate about street preaching and on his blog, E-Vangie Tales (soon to be renamed www.StoneThePreacher.com) he documents his adventures with both humor and urgency. Steve and friends employ methods taught by Ray Comfort of Living Waters . They also look to godly men of the past -- men like Jonathan Edwards, Charles Spurgeon and others -- for wisdom and guidance in speaking Truth to the masses.

On a personal level, I love reading Steve's evangelism blog because he posts lots of pictures of my old Southern California stomping grounds. They are proclaiming the message of sin, repentance and forgiveness through the blood of Jesus all across the beaches of the South Bay and Orange County, in Hollywood, at amusement parks and wherever possible. I love it!

Here are a few recent posts at E-Vangie Tales that I've enjoyed:

Preaching at American Idol Part 1 and Part 2 (with more to come)

Ambassadors' Academy Part 8: Backflips for satan -- Baptism in the ocean before the believing and unbelieving alike... Mmmm, nice. Please pray for the backflipper today.

Mennonites in Sodom -- I love this fun post! As believers who love the lost we have so much to learn from each other.

Hollywood This Saturday -- This post in itself is not spectacular but I love the graphic. *wink*

Be sure to scroll down and peruse some of Steve's "Radical Evangelism Adventures" stories linked on the right side of his blog. The ones about the homosexual Starbuck's guy and the Jehovah's Witnesses convention tugged at my heart.

The other day I wrote about the Torrance Armed Forces Day Parade. Who was there talking to people about the Lord? Steve and his team.

All kinds of evangelism styles are needed in our dark world. I'm a big advocate of quiet, patient cultivation of relationships with unbelievers, allowing them time to see that we really do care, praying that they'll start to trust, and being there as they open their hearts. But I also believe there is a very real need for Christians to be present in the marketplaces of life, boldly proclaiming Truth -- in love and without fear -- to all who will stop and listen.

May the name of Jesus be lifted high. May He use the voices of these godly men and women to draw many to repentance, forgiveness and salvation.

Please pray for these street evangelists today.