Bruce's Travel Journal
 2003

Archives: 2007 2006  2005  2004  2003  2002  2001  2000

LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. Well, another Thanksgiving, another journey to Africa--and I tell you, I just can't wait to get there! Glory to Jesus!

It is a phenomenal adventure that awaits me there. It sounds crazy, but I can just "feel it" in the air. Martin and his leaders are working hard, next week the intercessors will kick in the 24 hour thing, the excitement about the kiddies crusade is going through the roof, and those who will lead the kids are preparing their puppets and clown costumes, their face paint and their crayons, their comic book-Gospels and on and on, and I tell you, it will just be downright glorious--no doubt about it.

It will also be summer there, and man, that alone is worth the excitement. And they have summer rains there which are breathtaking in the bigness of the storms that bring them. I've spent many a night in a South African bed just lying awake as thunder explosions roll on and on and the room lights up with the crack of lightning. I guess I should be a little nervous about that lightning thing, but call me tourist if you will--it's absolutely amazing!

I remember one time I had this nice upstairs room that had a big porch that overlooked a vast valley. If you can picture it, it's raining so hard you have to raise your voice to talk to someone sitting next to you, but it's 85 degrees! Shocks of lightning streaked across the African sky and the thunder just shook the place, and I would just sit on that balcony night after night and take in show after show until I couldn't keep my eyes open another minute. Then I'd wake up the next morning, hit a few high schools and see scores of kids come to Jesus. Man, what a way to spend a month or two. If this is as bad as life gets, I tell you, I'm not complaining in the least. Glory to Jesus!

But things have changed in terms of the ministry. The high schools are less and less, and that is such a tragic happening. The new "democratic" (ahem, ahem) government is taking the country in the same direction as our country--eliminating religious stuff from the schools. And where it is allowed, most often the principals are unsettled because they get loads of complaints from all the parents whose kids are Muslim, Hindu, traditional African religions, etc. Sometimes they're downright afraid of what might happen to them.

But if there's anything I've learned over the years, it's that God is so much bigger than all of that. You can try to keep Him down any which way--you can even try to "kill" Him like they tried 2000 years ago and like what still goes on today in so many places where "His body" has to hide for fear of their lives. You can try and you can try, but He ain't a-goin' nowhere. In fact, He just gets bigger and bigger--He just brings glory and more glory--glory to His Name!

And you know, I just had a thought--it's the same in our personal lives. We can run, but there's nowhere we can hide. Psalm 139 comes to mind--"Where can I flee from His presence? If I go to the deepest depths, He is there. If I... He is there." That's even one of His Names--Jehovah Shama--The Lord is There. And man, am I ever thankful!

So 24 hours from now I'll be tearing off my Levi's and replacing them with a pair of shorts--and I can't wait! And a week-and-a-half from now I'll be wearing one of my two ties, sweating in the heat and wet as 1000's pack into an auditorium and bounce off the walls and the goodness of God descends on their lives--and I can't wait! And there will be legions that bow before His throne--scores that come to embrace Him--countless men and women, kiddies and teens... that will climb back into the buses that brought them completely new persons--confessing the Name of Jesus. I tell you, glory, glory, glory to His Name!

And you know one of the neat things? I mentioned about the schools closing to Christianity, but one of the most breathtaking things we've seen in each and every one of these crusades so far is legions of teenagers in attendance. It's uncanny, really, as we've made no special effort to bring them in, and no one is forcing them to come. Everyone in the community just knows when and where the crusade bus comes to fetch them, and it's the teenagers that are lining up more than anyone else. Of all the things they can do on a Friday night, they're coming to the crusade.

Now, try to explain that to me. I remember walking through the crowd once while worship was going on and I was really taken--the crowd was probably 75% teenagers--and when Martin gave the call, they were just coming and coming to Jesus--with tears, coming to Jesus. I tell you, Martin and I have had many conversations about this and we just can't figure out why.

But you know, as much as we can't figure it out, I can easily tell you why. It's just the Lord--the Lord touching their lives with hunger, touching their lives with I don't know what, and bringing them there. Yes, the schools are closing to Him, and that is terrible. But like I said, He's so much bigger than man's foolish attempts to stop Him. And here's a good line--their schools are closing, so He opens their hearts! I love it! He's going to get His babies saved no matter what, and again, glory to His Name!

So God bless you in this holiday time. Enjoy, enjoy! Off to adventure--and beyond!!! I hope they boot me up to the front of the plane--I have enough miles that they should pay for my ticket! But even if they don't, hallelujah, hallelujah! People are about to be saved! Glory to the Name of Jesus!

Go To Top
         

OFF TO AFRICA! THANK YOU. Before I fly next week, I just wanted to say huge thanks to you who came alongside in support of this Crusade effort. This may surprise some, but only a handful of folks gave. I didn't say anything but it was the same in September, and with a few exceptions, it was pretty much the same handful!

But you know who you are--there's the widow in Indiana, the couple in South Carolina, the teenager in a wheel chair with cerebral palsy...--and all I can say is thanks. From me and Martin, thanks for your trust and excitement for souls. But more than that, thanks on behalf of those souls--souls that will literally be in the kingdom of God soon because you set yourself aside for them--thanks, thanks, big, big thanks.

I can promise you, the living God is smiling--smiling big-time! 2000 years ago Jesus said, "Take up your cross and follow Me." Well, that's what you do when you "sacrifice" (yes, that's the word) no matter how small or big. You line yourself alongside Jesus as He so sacrificed, too. You carry on His torch, if you will--and I can promise you, He is so, so pleased. "Well done," He says, as He smiles and smiles... He is so, so pleased.

So with a final word from Martin--he just sent me this short email below--I'm off and running. Keep checking in for updates. And again--thanks, thanks, thanks! Glory to Jesus!

Hello my dear brother and partner,

I am excited and full of joy to see what the Lord is doing. My dear brother, ONCE MORE AGAIN MAY THE GOOD LORD BLESS YOU MY DEAR BROTHER.

2003 HAS BEEN A YEAR OF HARVEST WITH ALL WE HAVE DONE TOGETHER, AND KNOW THAT ALL THE CHURCHES PLANTED ARE THRIVING.

We give all the glory to God for this, Brother, and we are looking forward to see you.

I love you

Martin.

Go To Top
         

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA. It's not the happiest week of life, that's for sure. After having an aneurysm burst on Wednesday night, my pastor, Scott Bauer, was taken off life support on Friday. I tell you, "shock" and "loss" just aren't big enough words to describe this "sheep's" heart in the wake of his shepherd's passing.

I never talked about Scott too much in terms of his hand on, and his contribution to this ministry--to my life in general. Scott just wasn't one of those guys looking for limelight and accolades--in fact, quite the opposite.

He was one of those very rare leaders in the body of Christ who just quietly went about the business of influencing this nation and other nations of the world. In fact, he was so quiet about it, I bet that statement was a surprise to most of you.

But it's true--and due to his humility, very few people know exactly how true. I mean, his father-in-law, Jack Hayford, received a phone call from the White House expressing the President's condolence--that might give you an idea of how true.

But Scott was just one of those guys who wasn't interested in building his own kingdom. He never trumpeted his horn and shied away when others tried to do it for him. He stayed away from the TV cameras. He stepped away from the photo opportunities and magazine interviews. He just had one thing in his heart all the time--to serve, to serve, to serve... And as far as he was concerned there was only One who deserved any glory all the time, and we all know who that is: Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!

I will never forget my first meeting with Scott--it was several years ago. Matthew was being introduced to this nation, and my phone was ringing off the hook with ministry opportunities. It sounds wonderful, and wonderful it was. But there was a point of confusion for me in it all--I was an actor, not a minister.

As exciting as it was to be thrust into such purpose, like anyone else I needed to make a living and with each day away from my career--a career I'd invested years of blood, sweat, and tears to get off the ground--my career was sinking deeper and deeper.

And there was another dimension--I love making movies. It's a passion that was born in me when I was just a kid, and following Matthew it was stronger than ever. So as great as the ministry was, I was one torn puppy inside.

So I made an appointment with Scott. He had been introduced to Matthew, he'd heard that I was running around ministering, he knew it was God's business, and that meant it was time to get acquainted.

I'll never forget how Scott just sat there and listened that day. He didn't try to solve anything for me, he didn't tell me what to do. He just expressed concern for me personally--that was the important issue for him--not the ministry, but me personally. He wanted to make sure I was ok.

But I spilled my guts all over his office floor--all about my confusion between the dreams in my heart and the opportunities God was birthing through which I was seeing 1000's come to Jesus. And of course, I prayed my socks off all the way to his office, "Lord, speak to me through Scott! I trust his ear for Your voice--please speak to me."

Well, Scott just said one phrase--he asked me one short question. It was always his way--he never told you what to do--he just let you figure it out for yourself. But after I told him the whole thing, Scott looked at me and asked, "Bruce, what's your life all about?"

It was a question that took my by surprise, and I'm embarrassed to say, as it was our first meeting, I could only give him the "Christian-ally correct answer." I said, "Bringing souls into the kingdom of God."

Scott gave me a nice slap on the knee and said, "Good. You're right. It's what all of our lives are about." Then he continued with these "parting words." "Bruce, once a man knows what his life is all about, the rest is easy." In other words, just get in step with that (which your life is all about) and everything else falls into place.

Scott went on to say, "Bruce, you just choose which way you want to go. The Lord won't love you any more or any less either way. He wants you to be happy and fulfilled. He just wants your heart and your worship. If you want to say no to the ministry and get back to your career, feel free. I won't think any less of you, and again, God's heart doesn't change one bit toward you. You just make a choice."

Then he prayed and prayed for me. I tell you, he cried out to God for me and just blessed and blessed me. Glory to Jesus!

But that was Scott--and that's the way he dealt with me every time I was with him over the years. His biggest concern was never the ministry, but always me and my well-being. And when it came to points of confusion where I needed counsel, he never once told me what to do. He always just tossed out wisdom, bottom line truth, and above all, grace. Then he let me make my own decisions.

But getting back to that meeting, only a few who are very close to me know it, but those words, "What is your life all about?" became the cornerstone of this ministry. I walked out of Scott's office that day and though it didn't set 100% comfortable, I knew it was the truth.

For the first time in my life I had a clear line on what my life was about--what I had been birthed for. And I knew what I had to do to pursue it, which was simply to walk into the opportunities God was setting before me (it's all any of us have to do).

So I lunged forward, and here I am today--hundreds of thousands of souls later, Lord knows how many saved babies later, changed lives upon changed lives, people snatched from drugs and divorce and prostitution and whatever, people healed of AIDS and blindness, a 4th book on Jesus coming out... On and on and on--and on and on...

And that's not to boast of what I do. It's to honor Scott--my pastor--my gracious, loving shepherd--who though he's not around anymore, through guys like me and I-don't-know-how-many others, his ministry goes on and on... Praise the Name of Jesus!

Scott led me and supported me 200%. He told me that there were times when he felt like he was accomplishing nothing, and he would think of me and how my life had progressed, and it would give him the boost he needed.

Every time I walked out of his office or stood with him in a coffee shop parking lot he would say, "Is there anything I can do for you--is there anything you need?" And you should have seen the look in his eyes when he said, "anything." I tell you, he meant it--and more than anything he was trying to send me one, big message: "Bruce, I'm behind you all the way."

And there was one time when I took him up on it. I remember being in South Africa and so many people were responding to salvation I ran out of follow-up booklets in a just a week. I made one phone call, and Scott had boxes and boxes of those booklets at my South African doorstep the following week--boxes for which I never received a bill.

And it was important to him that I stayed in touch with the church body. No matter where I was, he arranged for a tape of the week's service to be sent to me.

And I remember when I told him that I was committed to his leadership--that the Lord had given me a strong word once while he was teaching, saying, "Bruce, I want you to commit to this man." Here was this leader of one of the most influential churches in America and the world, and he just cried. His eyes filled with tears and he cried. He told me he was honored. Here it was my honor to have the privilege of his personal attention, and he was telling me that he was honored.

And more than anything else, it wasn't just that he gave me personal attention. I mean, he was one of those guys who everyone was trying to get his attention. But I will never forget the first time he said it--and he said it more than once--and knowing Scott was a guy who chose his words carefully, I was so blown away when he said it. One time he looked at me over our respective cups of coffee and said, "Bruce, I consider you a friend--I'm proud to call you, 'friend.'"

Yes, I lost my shepherd this past week. And it is a huge loss in that way. There's no one else of leadership in my life who knows my personal history, or the history of this ministry, or the hopes and dreams that are this minister's and this ministry's future. Scott alone has walked with me through it all.

But the big thing--the big loss--I lost a man who called me friend... Oh, I know I'll come right--and if it's tough for me, I can't imagine what it's like for Scott's family. But as much as I'm thrilled that he's with Jesus, I tell you, today I just miss "my friend."

"Scott, what can I say? I miss you, brother. I miss you as a leader, I miss you as a brother, and I'm humbled to be able to also say that I miss you as a friend. You just have no idea, Scott, what you've meant to me and undoubtedly so many, many people--and so many people through me, if you know what I mean.

But as I write that I think, 'I bet you do know.' I bet by now you've had that lo-o-o-o-o-ng chat with Jesus--that long chat I know you lived for--where, among so many other things, He told all that you've meant--to countless souls, to guys like me, to your family that was so privileged to have you, to your wife who is undoubtedly one of the most blessed wives there is... But more than anything else, what you meant to Him.

And I can only guess what words He used. I can only guess that among them were those 6 words that you lived for--the 6 you taught me to live for: 'Well done, good and faithful servant.'

Yes, Scott--well done. And make no mistake--you live on. As I sat under your leadership for all these years, and as so much of what I do and how I do it was learned from your example and teaching--from your friendship, too--you live on.

Everywhere I preach, every book I write, every film I look forward to doing...--as I told you so many times, 'it's because of the equipping I received from you.' So yes, Brother, you live on. You live on, and on, and on... And I miss you.

So say hi to Jesus for me, Scott. I'll see you soon-, well, I guess I don't know how soon or not. But one way or the other, I'll see you.

Hey! Maybe you can sit with Jesus and me when I get to have that chat with Him. Yeah, that would nice--and with all my heart I mean it when I say, it would be only fitting.

I love you, Brother. I miss you, and I love you."

Glory to the Name of Jesus...

Go To Top
         

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA. What a day... It was 100 degrees and I went for a magnificent jog through the hills of Coldwater Canyon (I love the heat!), I took a long walk down "memory lane," going through stacks of old notes and stuff, and then of course, my Yankees just tied up the game in the top of the 9th--just like my Yankees, don't you think?

Now I have to ask forgiveness when I use a phrase like "my Yankees." Born and raised in southern California, I could hardly make any such claim. And I can hear all my New York friends nodding at their computers right now and saying, "You betcha, buddy." I mean, to be born and raised in New York, especially the city, well, these folks live and die Yankees.

But after a lifetime of despising the Yankees (they came out of nowhere to beat up on my Dodgers in 1978, I think it was. I mean, we went ahead 2/3 games, I think, and then lost. I tell you, it was the last time I ever bet on sports in my life. Amen!), a couple of years ago I "converted." I was in New York and sitting at my first game at Yankee Stadium--a legendary experience no matter who you root for. It was in 2002, and I tell you, the moment came in the 7th inning when everything stopped and we sang God Bless America. I tell you, it was downright "chilling." I mean, there were 50,000 people there, and not a hair moved--"God bless America!"

I looked all over the stadium--every hot dog vendor, every wild kid, every granny, every drunk, every ballplayer... It was so incredibly moving, and I know it has nothing to do with it, but I think it was in that moment when I became a Yankee fan--a New York fan. "Go Yankees--go New York--God bless America!"

But switching gears from one end all the way to the other, there's this thing in the Old Testament that the Israelites did when they were wandering around the wilderness all those years. It was something God told them to do. They would erect piles of stone in places where the Lord "met" them, so that they would never forget His meeting them. Years ago, long before I was born again, I remember a history professor telling me about this--in my memory he called them "Ebeneazors," if I spelled that right.

But my spelling notwithstanding, they erected these stacks of stones so that they would never forget. Funny how it's so easy to forget...

So, no, I don't have piles of stones all around my house (maybe I should try it!), but I do have stacks of notes all over the place. For years and years, the Lord will "show" me something, or prompt me in some way, or I'll get a fresh understanding about some Scripture or whatever... and I always jot it down on the nearest piece of paper and stuff it in my Bible or whatever. Then when those papers get too much I'll stop and drop them in a drawer thinking to look them over, or "I need to remember that," or "I can use that sometime,"...

Well, as you can guess--and something tells me I'm not so different than a lot of folks in this--I never seem to get back around to those notes and scribbles. They just pile up and pile up, and I just keep piling them up. Praise God for all He's shown me!

But today was the day I set aside to go through all that stuff. I'm doing my best to get more organized so I can get more done, and part of that meant going through all these papers I've got stuffed everywhere. So the bottom line, without realizing it was what it was, I had a day of visiting my "Ebeneazors."

Some of them dated back to 1997, and as you can imagine, it was quite a day--both exhilarating and heartbreaking. Exhilarating to see how far God has taken me, and heartbreaking to see the same "crossroads" and longings pop up over and over, year after year (again, probably not so different than most folks).

The funny side of these notes is that by far the vast majority of them are scribbled on hotel stationary! I just laughed and laughed--it was like charting my journeys over the last 6 years. You know how you see these maps of the journeys of Paul? Well this was kind of like that, except it wasn't Ephesus, Phillipi... It was Chicago Hilton, Hong Kong Ramada, Holiday Inn in central Johannesburg... Funny...

But I could see clearly the way the Lord has led me, what His hope has been in me all along, the mistakes I made not obeying, the successes I experienced obeying... It was great seeing emails I'd received from Regardt (director of Matthew) back in 2000 when Visual Bible began to make all their changes and he and I were getting sidelined. Oh, those precious emails--so full of hope and God's promise, so full of faith and excitement. I tell you, I just sat there with tears in my eyes.

And there were long lists of things like, "What God is doing right now," and notes beneath like, "I think these Crusades with Martin are a next step for me in South Africa" (gee, do you think I hit that one right?), and "Time to go nonprofit."

Of course, so much of what I read was about John and the Lord's leading in that regard, the steps He was taking me toward it... That was not 100%o nice, of course, to see all of that. For me, I think the worst experience a guy can have is walking a path you believe the Lord is leading you down, only to wake up one day and nothing looks like He said it would. Oops, oops, big oops...

At the same time, as I reviewed those "leadings," and the way He opened one door after another all along the way ever since "the promise" began in '98. It was all so miraculous (it will be another book someday, I can promise you), and so exciting to just "jump in the water" of His ways and just go with His flow. I tell you, as I read those notes and "Words," I tell you, I just know I wasn't crazy. I was hearing from God, no doubt--and I just have to sit here today and believe His promises still. I mean, the choice is simple--I either believe Him or I believe what I see with my eyes. And what's that Scripture? "We walk by faith, not by sight." Amen (I hope!).

But it was quite a journey. There was a note about a Scripture the Lord gave me one time when I was going from high school to high school in Pretoria, South Africa, and I was just completely spent. I tell you, I hate to be so honest in public, but I just didn't have it in me to do it one more time. It was just killing me to be away from home for so long, not earning a buck, costing me thousands of bucks, just alone and running around... Man, whoever said that ministry was a walk in the woods, well either I'm doing it wrong or somebody was kidding. I know that Jesus didn't say that--Jesus said, "Count the cost." Thanks for Your honesty, Lord!

Well, it was a time when the cost was bearing down on me, and I wasn't carrying it very well. Funny when you stand in front of folks and you just have nothing, but then God does amazing things--I can't tell you how many kids came to Jesus in that run--thousands on thousands by the time I flew home. Glory to His Name!

But then there I was in some funny little bed & breakfast, and probably praying my brains out for the strength to go out there and do what I'd committed to do, and there the Lord met me. It was 2 pages of Scriptures, encouraging words, understandings of Scripture that even today I sat and thought, "Man, I've got to remember that one."

And you know, I remember going out that door and in my first high school, telling the kids all about that. I told them what a struggle it was, and I told them what the Lord showed me (which was basically how desperately He loved them--how desperately He wanted them to know Him). I can remember that high school--all the kids were wearing green uniforms--and they just cried and cried, and the Lord touched them and touched them. I tell you, it was something.

So as the song lyric says, "What a long, strange trip it's been..."--and I can promise you, it's afar from over. Full of excitement, full of challenges and heartbreaks, full of victories and failures, full of mistakes and more than anything else, full of God's faithfulness. I tell you, that's the bottom line--God's faithfulness. Amen!!

And you know, where there have been mistakes, there's nothing anyone can do, so just move on. I don't care what it is, you can't go back and make it different. You can only lean on God's faithfulness and His promise of redemption--yes, He promises redemption. In fact, for lack of a more sophisticated way to say it, that's more or less His "middle" name--redemption. He just redeems, and redeems, and redeems... Glory to His blessed Name!

You know, it's so funny, but everyone has that big first question they're going to ask Jesus when they see Him. My question will be, "All that great stuff that happened, Lord--was it me doing things right or was it you "mopping up" behind my mistakes and stumbling? Was it just You redeeming and redeeming and me blowing it, and You just redeeming?"

Well, I can guess what His answer will be. I think He'll just smile, slip one of those glorious arms around me, chuckle a bit, and say something like, "I don't think you want to know, kid." Ha! Even His grace in a moment like that. Praise His blessed Name!

But one way or the other, I tell you, it's just incredible. I got this email below from Riekie, the woman I work with who cares for the abandoned babies and all, and I guess it just puts it all in perspective. I mean, whether I'm doing things right or wrong, whether I'm making mistakes upon mistakes or I'm right in the center of exactly where He wants me, I tell you, after reading her email, does it really matter? The Lord is faithful--He redeems and redeems, He gives us the opportunity to jump in His "water," He promises that the water's fine, and He is just so, so faithful. Read on--and glory to His Name!

Dearest Bruce,

It is 5 in the morning now and everybody is still sleeping but outside it is raining softly. It is our first summer rains and it is raining for the past two days already. I just love it and I was listening to the rain while still in bed, when the Lord start speaking in my heart about His love and His care and then the thoughts came of His control and dominion over the world and that we all belong to Him and I thought of all the babies and of the staff and volunteers and you who all play a part in God's plan to rescue, save and love tiny babies. Romans 11:36 came to mind "For everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by His power, and everything is for His glory" Living for God's glory is the greatest achievement we can accomplish with our lives.

A time ago I felt the Lord asked me to ask Him anything I want and I asked the Holy Spirit to help me answer. The Holy Spirit led me to Isaiah 43 and when I read it my heart took verse 4 as my answer and I asked: Father give me children as a heritage and babies in exchange for my life here on earth. If you read the whole chapter 43 you will understand what I am trying to say as it was an awesome time with the Lord. Isaiah 43 : 5,6 and 7 changed my life as God so clearly answered me in saying that He will bring my children from the east and gather them from the west - I think you know these verses but please read it again and just experience God's heart for these children as verse 7 says: bring my sons and my daughters, everyone who is called by my name whom I have created for my glory whom I have formed and made...."

A week ago I was again waiting on the Holy Spirit to show me Father's heart and again an amazing promise was given to me through Genesis 15:5. I believe the Lord spoke to me saying the same as to Abraham - Look to the starts, you cannot number them but so will be the children that will be counted from this ministry.

I believe this word is not for me but for all of us involved in the ministry of SA Cares for Life - no matter how big or small the part. Just know today that God is saying He will give to you babies and children as an inheritance for the sacrifice you have made.

I want to share with you an update of one week which will give you a glimpse in what is happening in reality and how we need to stay close to Jesus and hold on to the promises he has given us in difficult times.

On Monday, a baby died who was due to return to his birth parents, so the birth dad, instead of seeing his baby for the first time, had to be informed that the baby had passed away that morning. The staff at Abba nursery and the social workers from adoptions stood together, not understanding, but knowing God is in control.

Miriam wrote about that same Monday: "I watched little Lydia deteriorate before my eyes. Every time I went back into the isolation this little 9 month old girl who fitted into 0-3 month clothes looked worse. She had spent time in hospital but she was discharged after a week and we were told to follow up at a local clinic - the hospital did not want to see her again. So we took her home and fed and loved her and she seemed to do ok for a few days and then she got quiet and refused her feeds. By Monday evening I decided that SOMETHING must be done! But Pretoria Academic Hospital was full and they were closed. So I phoned Riekie, and she spoke to Justus and he suggested we call the ambulance. And that is what we did. The ambulance came later that night and whisked Lydia away to Kalafong hospital. One of our staff, Nnuku, had to accompany her, which left Grace alone on duty over night with 9 babies, but she coped fine. Nandi came in from 5am - 7am to help with the morning rush."

Tuesday, Lydia was a little shadow in a big cot. You almost had to look twice to see her in the bed. She had a drip up and was on oxygen. Wendy had arranged to bring Lydia's family to see her in the Nursery, but instead they went to say 'Good-bye' to her at the hospital. Then they came through to see where she had stayed for the last couple of weeks. Our staff sat with Lydia on Tuesday and on Wednesday but I don't know if she knew anyone was there.

Wednesday evening, Lydia gave up her battle for life. She had an overwhelming infection and no reserves left to fight. Wendy has handled everything with the family, and SA Cares is helping to pay for the funeral costs. It's good to know that we aren't only there for those who have happy endings. Its even more important to be there for those with sad endings. Please pray for her family who have been through such emotional pain that I don't know if they can even feel anymore.

In the meantime, the story with Koketso also wasn't going that well. Koketso is our premature baby with the chronic chest problems. Every time we think he's almost well enough to go, something else happens! So please pray for him! Pray that the parents we have identified for him will accept him and that he will be well enough to fly.

On Friday morning we learned that an adoptive mother, flying out to receive her baby died on the plane! It was an entirely unexpected death and obviously devastating for her husband. It also threw the whole adoption plan into jeopardy - what is right to do now? Many discussions followed with all the relevant role players and we trusted God in every decision to be His will and the best for everyone concerned.

One week and our time was consumed with losses and questions, yet through it all we could see God holding us and leading us. How I just love Jesus, knowing that He was not taken by surprise, He was there with us and giving us peace and guidance and using us to bring His love and care to hurting people.

Thank you for holding up our arms and thank you for sharing your resources with us to help us to do what we are doing. I have to say good-bye now as I need to drive the children to school, but my heart is light and I feel encouraged just sharing my heart with you, knowing that you are family and will live this day for the Glory of Jesus.

I love you,

Riekie

Go To Top
         

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA. I've just come back from voting, and I tell you, it was everything in me to keep my emotions. I know that sounds funny, but I guess it's because I've traveled so much overseas and seen so much that just tears my heart out, that I've just grown to so appreciate my country and the freedom and security it affords me so much.

I know the whole world is having a bit of a laugh at California right now--what, with The Terminator running for governor and probably going to actually win! (Amazing...). But you know, there I was standing in line at this voting station in the middle of a city park. The sun was bright and there were kids playing all around me, their moms and dads lounging around the playground...

There was such "peace," such security, such freedom to just enjoy and live a fullness of life--yes, that's the word: freedom. And then there were all these retired folks manning the voting--a recall vote that would never even be possible in 99.9% of the rest of the world. I tell you, they were just precious, each doing their job of checking off names or whatever. One was even entertaining us as we stood in line--"All the sexy people on the left and all the pretty people on the right..."

And then there was the line of voters--I tell you, I almost cried. There were moms with their kiddies, city workers, businessmen, a doctor in his scrubs, a teenager with her granny... Once inside, there were Mexican folks, and Asian folks, and every culture and background you could imagine--some of them, no doubt, coming from countries where such an opportunity would be as conceivable as walking on Mars.

And one of the most touching things--one of the moms was in the booth with her little one, using the occasion to educate him on democracy. I tell you, it was "America," and America at its best, if you know what I mean. And then to top it all off, the Cubs are in the play-offs! Now that's America!

So I'm really appreciating my land today. Forgive me, but I'm so thankful to live here. The security we enjoy, the prosperity, the freedom to vote like we do without intimidation... And again, that voting line--I mean, here were folks from every imaginable socio-economic level, and no matter how powerful or helpless any one of them might feel the rest of the year, here the playing field was level, and each counted as much as the next one, and I tell you, it was just wonderful.

So right or wrong, recall or no recall, Arnie or no Arnie, I tell you, we live in a glorious country. May God bless America!

On another note, it is always a bit like falling off a cliff when I return from Africa. It's like you're one person living one life one day, and a completely different person living a completely different life the next day. And then you add on to it the relative vitality of excitement of the work there. I mean, I have no idea why there's such a difference, but it's all just so "raw" there, and the power of God just bouncing all over the place. I tell you, it's amazing.

But for whatever reason, I've been doing this for so long, and as good as I've gotten at "reentry," that's how far I have to go. Thank God for just one day's rest before I had to fly to Oregon for more. I don't know how healthy this sounds, but it's like as long as the wheels keep turning the "crash" doesn't come. Praise Jesus for such grace...

And Oregon was just great--kids getting saved, and you can just see God meeting them right where they're at. I tell you, I arrived exhausted and running on empty in every way, but what's that Scripture--"When I am weak, He is strong." Something tells me it's one of the kingdom's most fundamental standards and the golden key to experiencing Him strong--me being weak. "Less of me means more of Him," and it's just that simple. Glory to Jesus.

So it was a successful weekend--the testimonies coming across the web site just blow my mind and touch my heart. And even though the road sometimes gets weary, even though I'm so far from the dreams I started out with it isn't funny, even though it feels "funny" to be doing a camp for high school kids after all these years... God is incredible, awesome in His power and ways, blessing and touching lives--here in America just like in Africa--blowing my mind with the honor of participating in it...

Next stop is Maryland, and all I can say is glory to Jesus. Glory to Jesus, glory to Jesus, glory, glory, glory to Jesus!

Go To Top
         

BRITS, SOUTH AFRICA. There’s that saying, “It’s all over but the shouting,” and as I sit here the morning of September 8 with that all-too-familiar mix of thankfulness for the rest and sadness to see it all end, the shouting is long-over as well.

The microphones are silent, the instruments are packed away, the stage is taken down, the chairs are on their way back to wherever we rented them from… The September 2003 Crusade is in the books, and all I can say is, “Glory to the Name of Jesus!”

I tell you, the life change we saw in the past week—I just couldn’t even begin to know where to begin. Martin and I sat together for the longest time yesterday, quietly enjoying an African meal while just on the other side of the wall 3000+ were laughing and feasting and enjoying the same, and we just sat across from each other astounded.

“It was the most fruitful Crusade, Brother,” Martin told me, “Far more fruitful than May.” And just as Martin said that, completely by coincidence, two of his leaders came into the room to pick up the literal crate full of salvation/follow-up cards that had been filled out. I said, “It looks like we’ve created a lot of work for you, Brother.” “Yeah, sure, Pastor,” was Martin’s reply. “Yeah sure…”

So I sit here at the keyboard, and I just don’t know what to say. People were healed—and I tell you, it was many people. Friday night, I think, Martin opened the microphone for testimonies and the people literally lined up. An old man who was blind—now he can see (yesterday in the Sunday service I spotted him in the front row, just going crazy in worship for Jesus). A woman who suffered under years of some sickness that left her debilitated—now healed and set entirely free…

A woman whose husband had long left her and her children—we prayed for her family to be restored and the next morning he walked in the door (we actually heard this kind of testimony a lot—God restoring families—it seemed to be a specific work He was doing). An old woman who had to be carried into the stadium walked out in her own power. A man who walked in with an old, homemade crutch walked away without it. A man living a drug-infested existence testified he was completely free…

There were so many people, and the testimonies went on and on, and it was just plain breathtaking. But the one that touched my heart the most, I think, was a girl of only 18. She had been gang-raped (“Oh Lord, have mercy—oh Lord, oh Lord…”) and came forward for prayer.

I remember her well—Martin gave a call for anyone suffering in heart—the volume of people was more than we could handle and this girl was among them. We prayed for her and because her story was known by some of the leaders, it was brought to my attention.

I tell you, I couldn’t sleep that night because of that girl. We prayed and she collapsed in a heap of tears. She just kept crying and crying, “Why me? Why me?…” I’ll never forget it—it was one of the most disturbing things I’ve ever seen, this girl crying out to God, “Why me?”

But I stayed with her a long time, as did others. We just kept praying and holding her, and praying and holding her... I tell you, I was shaken.

But then there she was in that line to testify Friday night. She had a smile like all 18 year-old girls should smile. She took the microphone and told the people she had been raped. She told the people how it crippled her in every way. And she told the people that God had healed her—that today she can forgive the men who did that to her, and that there was happiness in her heart and freedom to move forward in her life… She just testified, and testified, and testified—glory to the living God!

And then there she was Saturday night and Sunday, too, sitting up front, hands raised high in glorious worship, joy bouncing off her person, just joyously in love with Jesus. I tell you, all I can say is, “Wow!”

And then there were the salvations. It’s hard to describe, but it’s downright mind-bending. Every night Martin took the microphone from me and I would tip-toe off the stage and just sit with my back to the audience and just pray. He would say, “If you’d like to receive Jesus as your Savior, lift your hand…”

I will never forget that first night—there was so much trouble, and the buses bringing the people late, and the rugby team trying to mess us up, and the whole thing… Everything went wrong, and then Martin gave the call and I had my head down praying, and forgive me, but it had been such an awkward night I was expecting little. Then I heard Martin from the stage half whisper-half gasp in the pin-drop silence, “Hallelujah…”

It was the reaction of a stunned man, and I turned, and I tell you, I couldn’t believe my eyes—it was literally massive. The “sea” of raised hands was literally massive.

And then the people just came. They came, and they came, and they came… They swarmed and overwhelmed the pastors and counseling tables as they just came. I tell you, it was breathtaking, and all the angels in heaven just dance, and dance…

The people came like that every night, and every night the angels just danced. And I’ve said it so many times, but therein is the biggest miracle—the miracle of miracles--the truly most glorious of miracles—the miracle Jesus had His eyes on from day one and still has His eyes on today—people coming into the kingdom of His Father. Glory to His precious Name!

One really neat story—the story of Anthony… Anthony came to me Friday night—a handsome well-dressed guy, maybe 30 years of age. The evening was nearly finished and he walked over to me and asked if I could pray for him. He said he wasn’t feeling well. He didn’t know what it was, but he had constant headaches and was losing weight.

I didn’t remember him from when Martin called the people forward who wanted prayer for sickness, so I asked him why he stayed behind. “No, I was in the tent (getting counseled),” Anthony said. “I gave my life to Jesus.”

I tell you, that just blessed my socks off. But with a measure of embarrassment, Anthony went on to say that he’d only come to the Crusade because he wanted prayer for healing. “Well, that’s just fine with me,” I told him. I mean, who cares why anyone comes, as long as they go home with Jesus!

But then guessing from the look on his face, not knowing anything about what his symptoms may mean, I asked what he thought was wrong with him. I’ll never forget the way his face dropped into his hands and how he struggled against tears—oh, how my heart came out for him—“AIDS,” he said. “I think I may have AIDS.”

Anthony went on to tell me he’d gone for a test but they lost his results. He went back for another test but now the computers are down so he can’t get them for 3 more weeks. (Welcome to Africa, I guess…)

But man, the fear and brokenness—Anthony just tore my heart out. So I prayed for him—I prayed and prayed for him. Then I told him to come back and he assured me he would.

With Jesus afresh in his heart, I saw him Saturday night and again yesterday. Anthony was alive in Christ and well, just worshipping his heart out, coming for prayer and coming for prayer and even more coming for prayer—seeking God and seeking God and even more seeking God. Glory to His Name!

So with Sunday’s meeting over, as Martin and I were eating, here came Anthony. His bus was leaving and he wanted to say good-bye. I walked him to the door.

“How do you feel?” I asked him. “Better,” he said, and with a smile he continued, “I think I will go for another test.” You should have seen the confidence in his eyes—he felt he’d been touched by God and wanted another test.

“But you know what?” he went on to say, “I’m not afraid anymore. I feel peace in my heart. Everything’s going to be ok… Yeah, I’m ok…”

Anthony had come to the Crusade with fear and walked away from it with Jesus. And who knows what that new test will prove out? Just maybe the next time I find myself in this direction—maybe at the next Crusade, even—I’ll hear a “Hey, Pastor Bruce!” (Yeah, they call me “Pastor”). It will be Anthony, and he’ll just be so excited. “My test is negative! The first one was positive, but then the second one was negative! Jesus did it, Pastor! I’m healed! Jesus did it, and I’m healed!”

Healed in heart, healed unto eternity, maybe even healed in his body—we can only trust Jesus. Glory, glory, glory to His precious, precious Name!

So that’s Anthony, and that’s his story. So many precious “Anthonys,” so many precious stories… and the September 2003 Crusade comes to a precious, precious close.

I tell you, sometimes the privilege God has given me to participate in these things, well, it just blows my mind. That’s all I can really say about it—it just blows my mind.

So thank you, those of you who came alongside to make it happen. Take Anthony’s story as your own—take that little girl’s as your own, too. I know, I know—“all the glory goes to God, Bruce”—but thank you anyway, and I just know He’d be so pleased for you to take them into your heart as your own.

You and I are Him and His heart extended, folks, and that’s the just plain, unarguable never-ending-until-He-returns truth. Without me on my end, you on your end, this guy on his end and her on her end… well, none of anything gets done and the Anthonys perish, and the Anthonys perish, and oh, what heartbreak when the Anthonys perish.

So again, thanks. Believe it or not, we’re doing it again in December—yes, another Crusade in 2nd week of December. We’ll be in Okasi—a “black township” like Lethlabile, just outside Brits, that has no church of its own among 10’s of 1000’s of hungry-for-God people.

They do have a public hall, though—it seats about 4000, and that’s just about right for an indoor Crusade during the area’s rainy season. Funny, but Martin said he must book the hall immediately, as it is often used for political rallies. Forgive me for this editorial comment, but that means it’s been a place of empty promises for these people—a place of self-proclaimed “saviors” who, all good intentions aside, get the people all excited then save no one but themselves.

Well, in just a few short months the one, true, only Savior will be taking the platform in that hall. He will spill the fullness of His promises—promises that are beyond true, promises that are beyond reliable, promises of eternal life and glory, glory, glory to His precious and saving Name!

Yes, come December, that hall will be wall-to-wall with God’s goodness, shaking with His holiness, quaking with His saving power, reaching into people’s lives on unimaginable levels. As plans take specific shape in the days to come, I’ll be telling you more about it, but suffice it to say, I just can’t wait until December!

The September dust has hardly settled, and I can’t wait until December. And again, glory to His Name! Jesus! Jesus! Jesus! Glory to His precious Name!

Go To Top
         

BRITS, SOUTH AFRICA. Night two of the Crusade is in—only night two, and I sit here astounded at what I have seen—astounded that it isn’t even the beginning. “Oh Lord, Your breathtaking faithfulness--if we had any idea of the degree of Your faithfulness… Glory to Your Name!”

Night one was a war—pure and simple, all-out war. Martin phoned me in the morning deathly ill out of nowhere. He said, “Bruce, I have never felt like this in all my life.” Funny, but as he described his symptoms it was exactly what I experienced back in December during our first Crusade.

But Martin was determined to pray it through. The “pray-ers” were alerted, the knees hit the sand, and when I saw him at the stadium at 4:30 he was 100%. You wouldn’t have known there had been anything wrong.

But that was just the beginning. My brand new rental car—couldn’t get it started. We prayed and prayed—it started. I know this stuff sounds funny, but it’s true. And there was just so much more--Martin told me I didn’t know the half of it—he was sparing me the details.

And then the practical wars—undoubtedly the physical manifestation of the war in the spirit. First there were the guys sent out—and this just blows my mind—by their pastors to tear down our posters. At night they would go out and tear down all of our posters.

They were from churches—Christian churches. Leaders who somehow felt threatened, I guess—afraid they would lose their control over their people. It’s so beyond understanding, and all I can say is, “Oh Lord, have mercy.”

Then there was the white/black thing. My goodness, cultural arrogance is such a killer. Brits is a traditionally white conservative stronghold, and though we were received with open arms by the town council and guys at the top, the hands-on workers were another story.

Every step for Martin was like pulling teeth—oh, how it grated against these guys to do what a black man asked them. As it was, there we were on night one, 30 minutes into the time to begin and the stadium lights had yet to be turned on. Martin went to the guy and went to the guy, and it was one excuse after another. “Another agenda,” is the way Martin phrased it. And with the pray-ers still praying, the lights finally were turned on.

Then there was the rugby team—I tell you, I would never have believed it if I wasn’t standing there watching it. Here we were beginning the worship, and they came on to the field just behind the stage and started practicing, kicking their balls toward us, crashing into our instruments and speakers and wiring and everything. I tell you, it was clearly intentional, and it was so unbelievable we all just stood there not knowing how to even begin to address it.

Then they would just run in to retrieve their balls, right into the middle of the worship team and band. Again, it was mind-blowing. One guy ran in and one of our worship team told him to stop it, and I tell you, even this was calculated—the next thing he knew a rugby player was in his face about to drop him with a punch.

Praise God I was white and close by, and man, how the Lord uses funny things—praise God for my American accent. When I told the guy to back off I could see he was totally sideswiped by my accent—I wasn’t “one of him.” It kind of shocked him, and he trotted off.

I gulped big and went to chat with the coach. Again, I could see my American accent was a shock—it just took him by surprise a bit—enough to give me an advantage, so to speak. And of course, the pray-ers were praying—praying ever harder--and the rugby team moved. Praise God for His faithfulness.

Then the big thing--the buses never showed. It was an hour after the evening was set to begin and the buses had yet to show. We’d paid an enormous amount of money to this company, and their buses never showed.

Martin was frantically calling everyone he knew to call. I never saw him so intense. There was so much that played into it—lazy bus drivers that didn’t want to do another route just not showing up at the bus stop (welcome to Africa). There were Muslim bus drivers who intentionally missed their stops. There was one district that was “controlled” by a powerful influence of witchcraft, and one call was made to that bus driver and he never showed up.

There was a bus that caught fire, a bus that had an accident, a bus that broke down, a bus driver who said his bus broke down just to get out of work, and there were buses that just were late… It was amazing—here we were an hour after the time and not even one bus had arrived.

I could go on and on—there was the guy who parked his BMW just next to the seating area, and the alarm kept going off during the preaching. It must have gone off a dozen times, and you’d think he would use his head and just turn the alarm off but he didn’t. He just got up, walked to his car, clicked his clicker, then came and sat back down. And you know, now that I think about it, I can’t help but wonder if he wasn’t intentionally doing it.

But like I said, I could go on and on. But I’d rather switch to the good part—the part where we laugh in the devil’s face--the part where the living God displays His victory. Glory to His Name!

The buses finally arrived at 8:30—just 5 out of the 15 we hired. Well, that was good enough for about 2000 people. With the late-ness of the hour, the preaching was short, but the Holy Spirit was long. (Man, I love this part!).

I spoke of all the difficulty of the evening and how it was an allegory to life in general—one difficulty and hardship after another, sometimes, the enemy always trying to knock us out. I spoke about the stadium lights, saying, “How many times in all of our lives have ‘the lights’ just not gone on?” I spoke of the buses not arriving and asked, “How many times in all of our lives has ‘the bus’ just not arrived--the bus of our dreams, the bus of our success, the bus of our happiness, the bus of…” I asked, “How many times in all of our lives has a ‘rugby team’ come on to our life’s field and just caused a mess? A rugby team—broken people who bring betrayal and difficulty, who trash us and cause pain, who try to hurt us and turn us away…”

I spoke of Jesus at the end of John 16, saying, “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart for I have overcome the world.” I spoke to them of Jesus and who He is in the middle of all that life throws at them.

And then came the really good part—Martin and his salvation call. Folks, in a word the response was simply massive. The people came, and came, weeping before God, they came. Teenagers came, adults came, little kiddies came, grandmas came. They just came, and came, and came… They came to Jesus!

We were overwhelmed. It was just too much to handle. Counselors were outnumbered 30 to 1. The people lined up for an hour to receive counseling and fill in their follow-up cards. I tell you, it was cold out there by this time—my hands were like ice—and the people just stood in line for an hour. Oh glory to the living God!

And it was the same last night. Oh, God was so faithful! The stadium was probably 4000 strong and the response was mighty. Yes, there were still difficulties, but largely subsided—praise God for the pray-ers.

And on the aside, you should see those pray-ers—largely little old ladies who arrive at the stadium about 3:00 and just march around and around it, all over the field, all through the crowd, until the evening is over. I tell you, we could learn a lot from those ladies.

So the victories are breathtaking. God is doing a huge thing, and tonight we’re expecting even more. We’ll probably be 5000 tonight, then a multiplied leap Friday with no work for the people the following morning. Then, man, I don’t know what we’re going to do Saturday night.

Martin and I were praying and he said to me, “Bruce, I feel the Lord saying we need to make a special invitation to widows and orphans to come Saturday night, and we need to feed them. We need to just bless them.” It was something the Lord showed me days before and so I just smiled when Martin said it.

When I arrived last week, Martin told me he felt the Lord’s word through this Crusade was “Feed My people.” He meant it spiritually, but I felt it literally. I never said a word to Martin—he’s the leadership on this boat—but then last night—“We need to feed the people, Bruce.” “Amen, Brother. Amen, and amen.”

And when he announced it to the people—oh my goodness, the people went bananas. So I can promise you, Saturday night will be standing room only, and the cow is falling as I write (yes, we’ll literally buy a cow and have it slaughtered to feed the people—it’s the Africa supermarket!). But you know, there will be so many people, I am guessing one cow may not be enough. We may need a whole lot of cows! Better run for mercy, Ol’ Daisy! Glory to Jesus!

So we’re having an amazing time out here, and as long as the pray-ers keep praying there’ll be no end to the glory in sight. So keep praying, pray-ers. God is moving, God is victorious, God is changing lives, and glory to His precious Name! I’m off to night three, and glory to His precious, precious Name! Jesus!

Go To Top
         

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA. It is the "Dog Days of Summer," that is for sure--and I, for one, absolutely love it! Glory to Jesus!

Yesterday was my kind of day--100 degrees and the sun shining bright. Always the one who looks for quiet places, I figured that no one would be out at the local park in the afternoon, so I opted to take my work-out there instead of the gym, and boy, am I ever thankful. What a blessing to feel the sun on my back and the sweat rolling down my face, and my muscles nicely strained and pushed just "that much" beyond where they should be. Glory to Jesus!

But there was just no one out there--just me and Jesus--and just to step outside of air-conditioned comfort, and get my hands nice and dirty, and "toughen-up" a little, and do my sit-ups on a coarse wooden bench, and my push-ups in the sand, and my running... I tell you, it was just great.

In fact, you know what it felt like? It felt like "the old days," when there was no gym membership and there were no dumbbells or machines to use--only heavy rocks for lifting, tree limbs for pull-ups, and dirt paths around corn fields to work-out my legs, because it was all I could afford. It felt like the prep-for-Matthew days--days of such innocence, such precious freedom from any pressures other than the desperate need to know Him. (Man, it makes my knees weak to think about that last one!).

Now don't get me wrong--I actually do this outdoor gym "toughen-up" thing often. In the winter even, I'll bundle up and go out there on purpose, just to push myself out of that "comfort" and "soft" thing (whatever that means). Just to "touch home base," keep my feet solid on the ground, step outside the rushing world and get quiet with Jesus, and just make sure that innocence, that simplicity never slips away. It's kind of the same principle as a fast--pushing yourself out of human comfort to get close to Jesus--and of course there are other ways a guy can do that, but I guess this is just my way.

And I tell you, lately the world has been spinning, and spinning wildly. So much is going on--revamping the ministry office, leaving for another Crusade in just a few days, editing a new book, scripting a video project, flying around and speaking, some big meetings that could lead to break-through in areas of long-held hope and planning... It's all great stuff, but man, it all sure gets to spinning like mad.

So even to step away for an afternoon, to step out into the hottest part of the day, to just be alone--to just be with Jesus. Yes, to just be with Jesus...

I tell you, I'm so thankful for my life--the life He's given me. It's been far from a box of chocolates, that's for sure. Even last night I tossed and turned over things that have been thorns in my side for years now--things I've been praying over and seeking His guidance about for years now--but just seem to continue without end or resolution. And then the funny thing--you don't just toss and turn over those things, but you toss and turn over the fact that you toss and turn, because as a mature Christian (whatever that is) you should be past tossing and turning (or so it would seem). Hilarious, and all I can say is thank God that His mercy and grace are so much bigger than my human-ness. Glory to His Name!

But He's just given me so much--adventure, goodness, He provides for me, He shows me things of His heart and Person, He gives me the opportunity to write about and speak those things to other folks and other nations... and more than anything else--souls, souls, souls... Glory to Jesus!

Yes, I can't tell you all the souls I've seen step into His kingdom. What a thing--what a breathtaking, astounding, miraculous, glorious, beyond amazing, beyond valuable, beyond anything else thing. Whether it be through sitting at my desk and writing 12 lonely hours a day, or sitting on an airplane for however many hours, or standing in front of a film camera, or standing in front of 1000 people, or sitting at a coffee shop counter... I tell you, it's the only thing that really means anything--souls, souls, souls--Jesus!

No guys, the activity is not the important thing--it's the souls that are the important thing. It's all about those souls, and it's that singular focus that needs to be, and glory, glory, glory to Jesus!

So this afternoon I get to have lunch with a pastor friend who just loves Jesus, and what a blessing to sit together and just laugh and celebrate our lives in Him. Then I'll get back out in my "wilderness gym" as my brother likes to call it, and get nice and dirty all over again, and "hang" quietly with Jesus. Then it's back here for phone calls and emails and some Q&A for the web site... And in just a few days it's off to Africa--off to stand alongside Pastor Martin for another wondrous week of watching God pour out His Crusade goodness.

Yes, He's just given me so much--not always what I asked Him to give me--rarely what I asked Him to give me--but He knows so far better than I do about what needs to be given, and man, the wonder of it all, every step of the way. The breathtaking, astounding, heart-stealing wonder of it all--glory to His blessed Name--Jesus!

Go To Top
         

ESTES PARK, COLORADO. I tell you, it is the sight of sights to me--a sight I've been looking at for a long time now and still it just blows my mind--people coming to Jesus.

It was so humbling to meet with these young leaders up here--organizers of a huge youth event--young guys who just love the Lord and love His children and have their eyes firmly focused on His kingdom and the Word of grace that is its constant flow. They called me in to bring that word, and man, was I ever honored by that.

But with the music over, the message (my message) probably 20 minutes too long (can't fault me for trying too hard), it was time to give the call, and there it was--salvation! Scores of young people coming to Jesus, some right off the bat, some struggling and struggling and then finally forcing themselves to overcome all the fear and whatever else...

I remember two young girls, maybe 14/15, sitting there side-by-side for the longest time, fighting to hold back their precious tears. Then finally one leaned to the other and I can only guess what she said--"I'll go if you go..." They took each other's arms and rose out of their chairs, and man, there were just tears and tears... I tell you, it is the sight of sights--people coming to Jesus.

Then with all the dust settled and the event long over, to walk to my car and just see the grace of almighty God in scene after scene all around me... All around there were little huddles of these precious kids, some praying together, some just holding each other, maybe one of them crying and the others praying for him... I tell you, it just took my breath away--God being God like only God can be, in the middle of what we would say is impossible, and "the kids today are a mess," and "why doesn't God bring revival," and, and...

Well, I tell you, as I saw these kids spontaneously bowing their lives before Him in that parking lot--no organized nothing--just stopping in the middle of that parking lot to bow before Jesus--there's no doubt in my mind that God is as big as He's ever been, and He's big-time busy in the today and now, and the revival we don't see because we imagine it to look a certain way, is happening all around us.

I think of when Jesus said to the apostles in John, "Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields (in other words, "Wake up and smell the coffee, guys!"), for they are white for harvest!" In Lethlabile, South Africa--people coming to Jesus. In "Estes Park, CO--people coming to Jesus. Next door to you and next door to me--people coming to Jesus.

Every son and daughter, every father and mother, every friend and husband, wife and co-worker that every one of us has ever prayed for, and prayed for, and prayed and prayed for... I can promise you--coming to Jesus.

So just keep on praying, brother--just keep on praying, sister. "Lift up your eyes and look," and glory, glory, glory to Jesus!

Go To Top
         

MY LAST JOURNAL ENTRY received such an overwhelming response, I just had to stop and go into it a bit further by forwarding a couple of emails I received about it. The first should be encouraging and the second will blast your eyes open with the reality of what's going on out there (like it did mine!). But just to press the point, I tell you, I DON'T CARE WHAT THINGS LOOK LIKE ON THE SURFACE, just keep seeking Jesus, stay on your face before, crying out to Him--HE IS FAITHFUL and "He will do it." It's a promise--a guarantee. Keep praying for that loved one to find Jesus, keep being a light, keep going down to that homeless mission and working with the guys... Just keep going and don't pay attention to what your eyes see--JUST PAY ATTENTION TO JESUS! Hallelujah! Here we go...

Dear Bruce,

Thanks for your Boyne City update. I have two co-workers who have absolutely no interest in Jesus. I know that no one is too far for God to reach, but with these two it feels so impossible. I was talking with them yesterday and said something about Jesus, and I could just see that look in their eyes, like I was a weak-minded fool who needs the crutch of religion.

I've been so discouraged that I recently decided I was not going to pray for them anymore or anything. But now I realize that is exactly what the enemy would want me to do. God is so much bigger than what we see with our eyes! I am going to keep going to them and blessing them with the love of Jesus and no matter what I see, just keep going. It looks "so dark" that I just know God is doing a miracle in their lives. Thanks!

 

Dear Bruce,

I read your latest Travel Journal entry and I tell you, my heart was touched and my eyes filled with tears. God is so awesome!

Just last Saturday I returned from a mission trip to Mexico and we saw situations similar to what you wrote about in North Korea. It is heartbreaking to witness children dying because their parents believe witchcraft for a cure and refuse medical attention. We visited a church where people make sacrifices to God of Pepsi and Coca-Cola, dead animals... How our hearts ached.

But as you wrote, despite that folly God is at work. We met some amazing Christians whose faith is so strong they have been stripped of all their earthly possessions and live in shacks because the refuse to forsake their belief in Jesus. They have been forced out of their communities because they believe in Jesus. These people who were being persecuted had such strong faith--you could see it in their faces. Praise His Name--those people were willing to surrender all in exchange for Jesus. Souls and more souls--may all come to know the beautiful love of Jesus. God bless you.

So be encouraged, everyone. God is huge and hard at work. Just keep praying, just keep seeking, get your knees more dirty with prayer than they have ever been. We are truly in extraordinary times, and it's all about souls, souls, and more souls--Jesus, Jesus, and more Jesus. Go get 'em!

Glory to Jesus!

Go To Top
         

BOYNE CITY, MICHIGAN. I tell you, it is one of the most beautiful areas I've ever been. Green as far as the eye can see, right on the lake as far as the eye can see... Man, why do I live in California? (Snap out of it, Bruce--winter is why you live in California! Glory to Jesus!).

But on the flight out here, I tell you, I got so revived in the Lord. I'm a real news-reader and these long plane rides are the perfect opportunity to catch up on things. Often I'll pick up both Newsweek and U.S. News/World Report and spend those 3/4 hours combing every story. So there I was on page 18 of U.S. News, June 23 issue. I'm reading their headline story--North Korea's secret political prisons. They had an opportunity to interview people who had been released and made it out to the sanctuary of South Korea, as well as prison guards who had also snuck out of the country.

Well, as you can imagine, we Americans... we just have no idea. I mean, the things that are reported are like they're out of some cliché' spy movie. It's so hard to imagine that here in the 21st century, such things are going on. Apparently some feel that North Korea is the worst human rights violator on the planet. l tell you, we just have no idea--people living afraid to sneeze the wrong way lest they be thrown into prison. Anyway...

Then in the middle of my reading--you know when you have those moments when you're a little too overwhelmed by all of this? You look around and all you see are bombs dropping and buses being blown up and men killing their wives and women killing their children and this latest one--this woman who hit a guy driving and he landed inside the car and instead of getting the guy help she drove home and let him bleed to death and hid the body. I mean, this isn't some hardened criminal--this isn't Al Capone or anything--this is just some woman living normal life and this is they way she thinks. I tell you, sometimes you look around and you just wonder where God is.

Just yesterday I was driving through west L.A. and in the middle of the city here's this guy lying on the lawn of an office building completely exposed. He figured to do some sunbathing, I guess, and L.A. being the town where you can be who you want to be, that just happened to be his time and place of choice. I mean, imagine the little kids who had to look at that, and the women walking back to their offices after lunch--to violate people that way. And then I'm reading this article--people being tortured and put to slave labor. I don't know about you, but sometimes it's a little too much.

But then I got to page 18--the story of a woman named Lee whose whole family was imprisoned for some silly excuse of a reason--and the last paragraph reads like this:

"Lee won release, apparently for her success in meeting production quotas (slave labor producing clothing)... Lee fled (to South Korea) with her son in 1995. She converted to Christianity, HAVING MARVELED AT JAILED CHRISTIANS WHO REFUSED TO RENOUNCE THEIR FAITH IN THE FACE OF TORTURE AND EXECUTION."

Can you believe it? I know we know it, but just let it sink in--our brothers and sisters are being killed--for Jesus. I tell you, if there's ever reason to give pause--"Selah" is the word in Psalms, I believe.

But that's not the thing that hit me, and this may sound very weird, but I just got so excited. It is just so "God," so victorious, so miraculous, so "in your face, enemy!" Here's this effort to "kill Jesus"--yes, they tried to kill Him 2000 years ago and as you can see, they're still trying to kill Him today. But in the middle of that--in the middle of what appears to the human eye as "Where are You, God? Why don't You do something?!"-- He answers, "I am doing something--I'm getting people saved!!" And it's an exact duplicate of what happened on Calvary 2000 years ago.

To the human eye, it looked like the absence of God. Can you imagine how John must have struggled, looking up at Jesus, "Where are You, God? Why don't you do something?!" And what appeared to the eye like God's total absence, well, God was actually never more there, never more God, never more powerful. Here Jesus looked powerless, but he was actually doing His greatest miracle ever--getting people saved! It is so glorious! Glory to His Name!

He's the same yesterday, today, and forever, and today in the prisons of North Korea He's doing the same thing as He did on the cross of Golgotha, in the exact same way. It's mind-blowing! And again, glory to His Name!

I tell you, I get so excited! It is such a kingdom constant--as consistent a kingdom principle as there is--GOD ALWAYS WORKS THROUGH WHAT LOOKS TO THE HUMAN EYE LIKE THE EXACT OPPOSITE OF HIM WORKING.

You must never forget that kingdom principle--"He uses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise"--and what could be more "foolish" than using death--the complete opposite of life--to birth that very thing it opposes--life, life, and more life! Glory to Jesus!

Look at the realities of Revelation. I tell you, we get excited about it, but there's really nothing in the human sense to get excited about. It's all death and destruction, famine and wars, disease and genocide... What is so nice about that? I mean, there's that valley in Israel that will become a virtual sea of blood. No, there's nothing pretty about it at all, I don't care what side of the fence you stand on.

And here's the key--to the human eye, it looks like the absence of God. It looks, well, it looks like what it all looks like today--"Where are You, God? Why is all this going on? There is so much destruction and filth and corruption--why don't You do something?!" And I tell you, His answer is exactly the same as it was from Calvary, exactly the same as it was in that North Korean prison--" I am doing something--I'm getting people saved!" Glory to Jesus!

I tell you, they can try to kill Him and try to kill Him in us, and they can try and try every which way... They can try to saturate our lives with filth and ugliness and they can try to destroy our families and steal the hearts of our children... And remember, "We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against powers and principalities," so that's who "they" are.

But OUR GOD IS ALIVE AND WELL AND MORE POWERFUL THAN ALL OF IT PUT TOGETHER AND EVEN IF IT DOESN'T LOOK LIKE IT TO OUR HUMAN EYES, TAKE CONFIDENCE, MY FRIEND, BECAUSE HE IS BIG, AND HE IS LIVING REDEMPTION, AND HE IS LIVING VICTORY, AND NO MATTER WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE HE IS RESURRECTION AND GLORY AND GLORY AND EVEN MORE GLORY AND GLORY TO HIS GLORIOUS NAME!!

(Whew!).

And you out there who are going through difficult times, take confidence because the same principle I just outlined in terms of "the big picture" is going on privately in all of our lives. That which the enemy means for our destruction, God is turning to redemption and resurrection. Whatever it is that the enemy is trying to kill in or around you, I can promise you, the Lord is there in a huge way, and He WILL turn it to life. Praise His wondrous Name!

So when you look around--at the world around us and at your own personal circumstances--and you think, "Where are You, God? Why don't You do something?!" I tell you, buckle your seatbelt--it's a sure bet He's going to blow your mind.

Off to the next adventure--and what an adventure it is!
Glory to His wondrous Name--JESUS!!!

Go To Top
         

MONROE, LOUISIANA. Gregory Peck died today. I tell you, if there's a short list of 10 guys in this world that I've always had a lot of respect for, Gregory Peck was one of them. As an actor, I don't know if we've ever had better, more committed or hard working. He never just kicked back to 'phone in' a role, relying on his strong looks and masculine charm, but he always gave it everything he had. As an actor myself, I could recognize it in his every performance, and I can't tell you how he inspired me.

But far more than that, it was who he was as a man--quiet, strong in character, integrity… a true gentleman in every sense of the word. We've never once seen him on an interview or anything trying to flap his wings and get attention, show off or boast, talking foolishness or foulness. He was always the picture of grace and humility.

And of course, we all remember him as Atticus Finch in 'To Kill A Mockingbird'--for my money, just about the finest film ever made. I remember being a kid and watching that movie, and as young as I was, recognizing the real manhood in Atticus Finch, standing alone for truth and right, gentle and kind, responsible and meek. I remember even as a kid wanting to be like Atticus Finch.

I'll never forget that scene where Atticus takes down the rabid dog with one shot. It's such excellent film-making--in one 90 second scene we learn everything about his character we need to know. Here he was, this guy who could hit a bull's eye at 50 yards, but no one knew--not even his own kid--and that's because he never made a thing about it. It's the picture of power under restraint, humility--real masculinity.

But it's so interesting--and now we swing into the spiritual. As I read those characteristics I've listed--characteristics we all admirable--that humility, meekness, grace, integrity… It's a personality profile of Jesus.

Yes, even outside of Him, even not looking for Him, without even knowing it, it's Him we deep-down admire. It's Him we are deep-down drawn to. Whether it's the integrity and graciousness of Gregory Peck or the meekness and stand for righteousness of Atticus Finch, it's 'the Jesus' exhibited by both of them that is what we find so attractive. I tell you, the testimony is everywhere--Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!

But interestingly enough--and I've never really talked about this--when we first began filming 'Matthew' in Morocco they had not yet cast an actor for the role of Old Matthew. Lots of names were being tossed around, but deep in my heart I was thinking, "Gregory Peck." Of course that never happened, though he was on the list at one point and I have no idea why it never worked out--and of course, Richard Kiley did an incredible job. But just for the record, I always had Gregory Peck in my heart.

And another even more interesting thing--about 2 months ago I sent him a 'Matthew.' I got a letter from a believer in Canada with Gregory Peck's address attached, requesting that I send him a DVD. The letter said it was something he felt the Lord telling him to do. How he got the address, I have no idea, but I went ahead and sent it.

So here I was just a minute ago, sitting in this airport chair watching CNN, and I hear the news--Gregory Peck passed away. I couldn't believe it--here the Lord showed this Canadian brother to send Mr. Peck the Gospel on film, and here just a couple of months later, he dies. As I understand it, Mr. Peck was relatively frail of late, and I have to guess he probably spent a good amount of time watching TV. Who knows--maybe it was 'Matthew.'

I don't know where Gregory Peck was with the Lord in his life. He certainly exhibited qualities that a child of God should have. Though I've heard him use 'Christian-y' terms like 'blessing' and 'God-send,' I never heard of him talking about Jesus per se. But who truly knows--only him and Him, I guess.

But just in case he didn't know Jesus, what a thing to consider--it blows the mind, really, and isn't it just 'so Jesus.' Knowing there are only days remaining for him, through His Spirit He whispers to some guy in Canada to make sure Gregory Peck gets the Gospel. Then He makes a way by providing the guy with a postal address that's all but impossible for the public to find. Is that just like the Lord, or what? Praise His glorious Name.

So Gregory Peck has passed away, and I can only hope with everything I am that I'll get to hang out with him in heaven. And as for me, well, in an hour I get on yet another plane to yet again make my way back home from yet another journey. I tell you, what a life and how did I ever get here? Oh well… Glory to Jesus!

But it was a great trip--meetings with my new publisher, Howard Publishing, planning my next book. What an absolute pleasure to work with people who love God, who don't shy away from that, who understand the need to bring Jesus and more Jesus to a world that needs Him so, so much. What a pleasure to work with people you can trust and enjoy--I tell you, it's just great, and I can only thank God for the opportunity. Besides, they fed me so much Louisiana bar-b-que and shrimp, fish and fried everything... Believe me, tomorrow morning it's back to the gym big-time!

But I had the neatest thing happen. While I was out here I scooted a few miles out of town to talk with some kids at a Christian camp. I walked into the hall and there they all were, chatting it up and basketball here and volleyball there, and just having a ball. It was great. And the sweat of all those kids jammed into that room mixed with the Louisiana humidity, m-m-m-m-m, you can only imagine…

But it was just great--I so love kids and the opportunity to share the Lord with them. I told them God had a plan for their lives--an incredible plan--and all they need do is seek and obey, honor Him, and when they blow it get right back up, knock the dust off, and confident of His goodness and the bigness of His grace, jump right back into the race. Glory to God!

But the neatest thing, three kids came to me--two brothers and sister. Their parents were missionaries in (am I spelling it right?) Kazakhstan. The kids told me that they had 'Matthew' in that native language and their parents used it a lot, and the people were getting born again through it. Is that awesome, or what?

But here's the really neat thing--'Matthew' was never officially dubbed into that language or any language close. It's been one of the most heartbreaking aspects of the whole 'Matthew' journey--because the distribution decisions were always made by business guys with a profit mindset, the last thing that happened was that which should have been one of the main priorities--getting it out to the nations of the world.

But I love that Scripture, "God will not be mocked." His priority is human souls, and He is going to get His work done whether we co-operate or not. So I asked the kids about the dubbing and they kind of laughed as they explained how bad it was, and how you could hear the English beneath the other language, whatever it's called.

So apparently what happened is that someone just recorded right over the VHS! They couldn't get the rights without some huge payment, so (and I guess I shouldn't be giggling over this, but I am anyway) they just went out and did it. I tell you, one way or the other, the kingdom of God is going to go! Glory to the Name of Jesus!

So there was 'Matthew' in Gregory Peck's home, and there's 'Matthew' somewhere in a place called Kazakhstan, and two weeks ago I was in Africa, and today I'm in Louisiana, and, and… And as I sit here today, I tell you, through all the ups and the downs and the difficulties and disappointments that have often been the 'Matthew' journey, I couldn't be more thrilled.

"Lord, You're so awesome, so incredible! I love you so, so much. And if You're hanging out with Gregory right now, please tell him hello for me and I can't wait to do a movie together with him when I get up there. And Lord, say hello to the folks from Kazakhstan, too. Tell them I apologize if I misspelled their country's name, but something tells me they'll understand. Glory to Your Name, Lord! Glory to Your wonderful Name!"

Go To Top
         

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA. I tell you, it has become so surreal, sitting here in yet another South African Airways jet bound for Atlanta then on to L.A. How many times have I been here? And the more interesting question, how many more times will I continue to be here? Many, many more, there can be no doubt--it just gets thicker and thicker and deeper and deeper, and there just can be no doubt. Glory to the living God!

But what can a guy say about a month like I just had? The funny thing is, I've had so many months just like it--one after another--and it just continues to blow my mind wide open.

Yesterday Martin and I sat in a coffee shop to say good-bye, and he shared story after story of lives changed. Testimonies upon testimonies continue to roll in...

Criminals--and I mean serious, hardened criminals--born again and serving God. He told me of teenagers whose parents/grandparents were 'sangomas' (witch doctors) and were being trained and groomed to carry on the trade--born again and serving God.

One of them reported to Martin that his grandmother walked in the house the night he found Jesus, took one look at him and fell on her face weeping and cowering, shrieking that he'd found Jesus. He didn't tell her even one word--she just knew--and fell in fear and whimpering. Talk about the power of God!

But I could go on and on just as Martin went on and on. But you know the neatest report of all? That little church that he and his guys threw up near the stadium in 10 days to cover the new believers? Its first service was Sunday, and guess what? The church is already too small!

Martin said he was expecting maybe 50 for that first service, but it was shoulder to shoulder, packed to capacity. Yes, there were hundreds who came--born again and praising God, bringing their friends to be born again, too! Can you believe it?

And what a guy Martin is to have anticipated that need, and smack in the middle of all the crusade preparation and already over-working, to say, "Hey guys, let's build a church, too!" Amazing, and I tell you, these guys humble me--what a privilege that they would consider me a part of their team. Glory to Jesus!

And wouldn't you know it--it doesn't stop there. In September we're planning our 3rd crusade--a landmark crusade--one that will reach across the gaping South African racial and cultural divides. But not just that (as if that's not exciting enough)--Martin drove me to a plot of land--a corner in the same community where we'll be in September. "The city has offered me this site to build a church, Bruce..."

Yes, everyone--and I tell you, if anyone would have ever told me I'd be writing what I'm about to write, in a million years I'd never believe them. We've put up 9 churches based on the December/May crusades, and every one of them is filled to capacity. But looking forward to what God will do in September we're buying this little corner so we can put up number 10.

But it's not just 'number 10.' Martin is committed that this will be a church where both black and white people will worship together. Next to salvation, it is a focus of this next crusade--to bring the people together--and this church will carry that on. Does that take your breath away, or what? I tell you, in a million years I never would have believed it--glory to the name of Jesus!

So it's been exciting beyond words, but homecoming will be good for me. I need the 're-grounding'--get re-acquainted with whatever my life is, have a nice plate of Mom's spaghetti and meatballs, play some softball, do my laundry, earn some rent money, visit my office, get back in the gym... Sit in my yard in my own morning sun with my own cup of coffee, and seek God and seek God, and even more seek God...

Yes, if there's anything I need right now it's to really seek God. So much is going on, yet so many longings remain that have yet to go on. Disappointments, questions... Places of life where all I can do is get on my face and cry out, "I don't get it, Lord!"

So I just need to seek God--to get home, get quiet, get 'aside,' and seek God. I need to wind down from all the excitement, step 'off the boat' for a season, be still before His glorious feet, check every move against His glorious counsel, get really close to His heart--and just seek, and seek, and seek... God.

"I love You so much, Lord. You are truly a wonder, and I thank You for all the wonders I've seen this past month. It's astounding, Lord, the places You've brought me, the things You've given me to take part in, the people You've given me to partner with... I tell You, Lord, You blow my mind."

"And I just have to say, 'Forgive me, Lord.' It breaks my heart that You've given me so much and still there are opportunities I long for. It just shows how far I've yet to go in You, Lord--how huge Your grace is, and how far I've yet to go."

"So thank You, Lord--for this past month and for so many such months. You're so faithful, Lord--wonders beyond wonders, month after month... And so all I can do is say thank You. I love You so much, Lord, and I just say thank You." Glory to the Name of Jesus!

Go To Top