April 2007

Dear Friends,

It is tempting to use the usual superlatives in an effort to describe the last several weeks of our South Korean speaking tour. We crisscrossed the country by air, bullet train, bus, taxi, cars... and met wonderful new friends with a passion for worship, obedience, and a willingness to step in to our spiritual inheritance in this current season. The Holy Spirit was faithful in each event, and Carlene and I ministered side-by-side every meeting. I was so proud of her as she preached and prayed for many. (see collection of pics)

We are home now and attempting to recover from a whirlwind of travel and time changes, but wanted to thank you for covering us with your prayers. Both of us look forward to sharing a report this Sunday, April 8, at 6 p.m. at our regular Worship at the River gathering in Troutdale.

Last month during our Worship at the River meeting, the Holy Spirit brought forth a word which I summarized this way:

It is time to March forward. As in C. S. Lewis's parable The
Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the season of "always winter but
never Christmas" is over. Your winter of discontent is over. When
Aslan (the Christ figure in the story) makes an appearance, He brings
an ever so slight change in the atmosphere... the temperature has
shifted .... springtime and new life has began. We must step into this
season with confidence because Lord is birthing beautiful NEW LIFE.

I believe we are living in a season where many believers are increasingly sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit. When you hear an encouraging prophetic word, the Holy Spirit often uses the same language to convey it through outside voices. We received many such replies to this word. I received this encouraging confirmation a few days later in a Internet column written by Lee Grady, the editor of Charisma magazine:

".. Many of us are oblivious to God's seasonal changes. He even releases His new song over us to bring us into a new level of joy and purpose. He wants to move us forward. God is the one who made the seasons (see Gen. 8:22), and He created springtime to remind us that He has renewing power. No matter how much death winter brings or how bleak the landscape becomes, there comes a time when buds peak out of the snow, animals venture out of their hibernation, and birds return to nest and sing.....it is our choice to embrace this spiritual springtime.....the devil, like the White Witch in The Chronicles of Narnia, tells us that life must forever remain a frozen wasteland of unanswered prayers and dashed hopes. God loves to shout over us, "The winter is past" (Song 2:11).

But even more importantly, we heard from many of you. Following are some of your edited comments and replies:

It does resonate w/ me; not sure if it's for me or if I just want it to be. My winter has been the better part of 10 years, and it was an awfully cold fall before that. Not that the Lord hasn't seen us all the way thru it w/ grace, provision, kindness, faithfulness, etc.; He totally has, and I am so grateful.

March 11 was a very strategic shift and ending of an 11 year battle for our ministry. The LION of JUDAH is roaring. Trusting the LORD to open the gates of the cities, the portals of heaven and the doors of salvation.
Much love in YESHUA,
J...

Yes that word resonates with me too even though I no
longer live in the NW. Spring time is here and the
flowers are blooming. Let the ice melt from our hearts
and a new season of joy begin!
W...

A winter's spell cast
by robin's bright breast
As soggy earth moves
for crocus bright bloom
Earth and sky now speak
in whispered voice sweet
"Spring is near"

As I was walking, the Lord was speaking to me about the shedding of winter and the coming of Spring. A season of new growth and new life. Animals shed their winter coats as the weather warms. It is uncomfortable for them. It itches and they rub their bodies against anything available in an attempt to speed the process along. Eventually the last of the old dull winter coat is gone, and in it's place is a bright new clean coat. The new garment. I also find myself anxious to be rid of this dull coat and dressed in my new garments! Bring on the season of redressing!
Blessings,
S...
Jan/Feb were HARD for me this year...rain, rain, rain...and serotonin dips in my brain chemistry...
The turning point for me was the week-end of our church council retreat Mar. 4th of our retreat... "March Forth"

We look forward to seeing many of you this Sunday evening!


Darrell and Carlene