March 2009
Dearly Beloved of Our Lord:
We have had a lot of dry, but cold, weather which has made it possible for us to get out to Pioneer Courthouse Square several times each week. The last we heard the city is now about eight or nine inches below normal in rainfall for the rainy season. This has been good for us and given us the opportunity to talk and pray with many people.
We have referenced the scripture from Matthew 9:35-10:8 where Jesus asks us to pray for laborers in His harvest because the people are harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Jesus sends us to proclaim His Kingdom and to bring healing and deliverance to those who are hurting and in need.
Ron’s Testimony ~ A middle-aged woman “Doreen” came up to me on the NE corner of the Square on a cold February day. She was visibly upset and started talking about how everything was crashing down on her and that her husband was dying of sclerosis of the liver. She talked about how her mother had recently died and that she had not been able to “go to church” but really loved Jesus and wanted to be together with other believers. It was a bit cold and she was shaking so I brought her to Karen for prayer.
Karen, Steve and I prayed with her and her whole countenance began to change as we prayed. The Holy Spirit was bringing her comfort and encouragement. Most of all she was experiencing God’s love and peace in our midst. After receiving prayer and some words of encouragement she left with a smile on her face and some encouraging literature in her hands.
Karen’s Testimony ~ A young man came up to me who had recently become unemployed and needed some encouragement and prayer. We know about these needs ourselves because we have some family members who have also lost their jobs and we have some understanding of how this affects a person in their heart as well as in their pocketbook. Unemployment can bring up emotional needs, especially if the person has worked with a group of people for many years. We are to encourage one another daily. The Lord brings to remembrance certain scriptures which I have shared with the people who have lost their jobs:
“He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season; whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he does shall prosper.” (Ps. 1:3)
“I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lends; and his seed is blessed.” (Ps. 37:25-26)
“And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” (Hebrews 6:11-12)
My prayer is that these scriptures will encourage you when you have the opportunity to meet and pray with many who are hurting, broken, homeless, or taken by fear during these times we are living in. These are days of opportunity for the church to bring some really good news to those who are in need of the wonderful love of our savior Jesus Christ.
HOPE! .. and LOVE!
In 1 Corinthians 13 we read that …
4Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8Love never fails.
Love hopes, believes, and endures all things and yes, love never fails!
Many people come to us with physical, mental, emotional, and sometimes deep spiritual problems. Because of the recession and all the uncertainty many people are caught in fear. Some have even been overtaken by fear and worry to the point they seem to have some kind of demonic presence hounding them. Perhaps it is a spirit of fear. Well we have some very good news to give away and so do you.
7For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
8Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, .. 9who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, 10but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11to which (we were) appointed preachers, ... 12For this reason (we are) not ashamed, for (we) know whom (we) have believed and (are) persuaded that He is able to keep what (we) have committed to Him until that Day. (2 Timothy 1:7-12)
Yes we have some very, very good news to give hope to everyone we meet during these stressful times. And we have His presence day-by-day as we share His Kingdom as His laborers in His wonderful harvest.
5For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. (1 Thessalonians1:5)
We ask for your prayers as we labor in His harvest during these challenging and difficult times. We speak with and pray for many people who are often greatly distressed. Many are hurting emotionally, mentally, physically, and some are broken-hearted or spiritually oppressed. We send you our prayers, love and thanksgiving for your kind support and encouragement.
He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)
~ Ron & Karen
E-mail: awakening1s@comcast.net
Home Page: awakening1s.net
church @ 24/7
Ron & Karen Rohman
PO Box 14292
PORTLAND OR 97293