September 2007
Dearly Beloved of Our Lord:
May our Lord’s wonderful and glorious presence and may His love be increased and abounding in your heart. This has been one of our most unusual summers in Pioneer Courthouse Square because of the construction on the MAX Green line between Union Station and Portland State University. Many times we have been unable to talk with people and had to move to a different location because of construction noise, dust, and sidewalk impediments. But we have had some unusually blessed experiences as well.
One day Jesus spoke to His disciples: “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth labourers into His harvest.” (Matthew 9:37, 38 KJV) And then He sent them out into the harvest. When was the last time you prayed for laborers to be sent into His harvest? Would you please join us in this prayer? We are experiencing an increasing spiritual hunger and we are praying for more laborers.
If we truly love our lost and missing brothers and sisters we will do all we can to see them come home.
Ron’s Testimony ~ Some Street Stories
One day Morris and I were at the NE corner of the Square next to a lot of construction taking place on SW 6th. Some men were working on water pipes in a large square hole near us by the curb. Things had become quiet during the lunch break and this gave me an opportunity to do some open-air preaching for about twenty minutes. Then a worker started up a generator so his co-worker could do some welding. After starting up the motor he came over and apologized to me for having to run the generator while I was preaching. I was amazed since this is the first time a construction worker ever apologized to me for interrupting the preaching.
As I talked with him I noticed that he had a full beard and was wearing a small replica of the breastplate and stones worn by the Hebrew Priest as described in the Scriptures. He told me that he is a believer in Y’shua and believed as I did, but as a Hebrew. His told me his name and that he lives near Woodburn and is part of a Messianic Fellowship. We had time to share life together in the Holy Spirit and we exchanged email information while fellowshipping together in the construction zone while the generator ran. Our fellowship together was a witness to others passing by as well as to the other construction workers.
One day a woman who has prayed a few times with Karen walked right up to me and asked to share something with me. Then she asked me to forgive her for gossiping about me to others and spreading a false rumor about me. She said that it had been on her conscience for a long time and that she had been looking for me to make things right. After I forgave her she gave me a big toothless smile and we gave one another a hug.
I usually walk from our house to the Square when the weather is good and time permits. I like to walk through various neighborhoods and pray as I go but I always have to walk on some parts of Hawthorne Blvd. where there is always a mix of pedestrians, large trucks, skateboarders, bicyclists, cars, and buses. Cities and states are promoting “share the road” bumper stickers and special license plates these days because so many different modes of transportation use the same road.
This got me to thinking about the message “share the road” and I developed a bumper sticker where the “t” is a cross. This is a message for all people, and especially for brethren. We are people of “the way” who preach and instruct concerning “the way” of salvation. (Note several places in Acts.) Jesus declared that He is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6). Jesus told us that He is the Light of the World and that we can follow Him, not stumble in the darkness, and have the Light of Life. (John 8:12) Two disciples were walking along the road to Emmaus when Jesus came alongside them along “the way” and taught them. (See Luke 24.)
Jesus asks us to pray for laborers for His harvest and He tells us to go into all the world and proclaim the way to the Kingdom of God. Jesus tells us to take up our cross daily, to deny ourselves, and follow Him. Paul instructs us that the communication of the cross is the power of God. Paul clearly defines the gospel of the Kingdom in many places such as in 1 Corinthians 15:1-8. Christ died for our sins. He was buried. He rose again on the third day. He was seen by hundreds. (This was over a period of forty days according to the Scriptures.) He then ascended but was seen by Paul after His ascension proving that He can appear to anyone He wants to whenever He wants to.
So here is my bumper sticker design.
These are the times of great challenge along with great expectations. We thank you for your continuing support and prayer. We are greatly encouraged by your friendship as you believe with us for awakening and harvest in the Pacific Northwest. Please remember us in your prayers as laborers in His Harvest and ask the Lord of the harvest that we would be joined by more laborers. We ask that you pray for us to be effective as we bring the gospel to students at PSU and on the streets of downtown Portland. Mercy, grace, and peace be yours through Jesus Christ.
~ Ron & Karen
E-mail: awakening1s@comcast.net
Home Page: awakening1s.net
church @ 24/7
Ron & Karen Rohman
PO Box 14292
PORTLAND OR 97293