Happy Birthday In Five Cities

I made it to India! I actually got to celebrate my birthday in five different cities: Dubai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi and Lucknow (no parties, just airports). Apples and pretzels rather than cake and ice cream.

Today is Sunday, and I spoke at a church here in Lucknow. Afterwards during the altar call time I was able to lead two people to Christ and see God do some healing. One was an older lady who had just received Christ! Thank you Lord!

After the service I hopped on to the back of a motorcycle and was driven through the streets of Lucknow to catch the tail end of another worship service. (The "biker pastor" is back!)

Later today we leave for the Pastor's Conference which begins tomorrow. It will be a busy week, ministering at the Conference and also meeting with the special "appointments" that are scheduled for me.

More to come!

Return To India... Round Three!

I will be traveling on a mission trip to India, leaving on Thursday, October 23rd and returning on Wednesday, November 5th. (I celebrate my 52nd birthday in India this year!)

I will again be preaching in evangelistic crusades and ministering among the poor and sick, especially at a home for crippled children. Plus, I have the privilege of speaking at a Pastor's Conference, with over 3,000 Indian pastors in attendance.

An opportunity has also opened up for me to have an audience with one of the richest and most powerful businessmen in India. He is the largest landowner in India, and upon hearing of my previous trips and the work that I have been involved in, has asked me to meet with him.

Although he is a Hindu, he has a heart for the poor and needy. I am praying that during our conversation, I will be able to share the Gospel with him. I am believing that he will be the first of many in his circle of influence to follow after Christ.

Please check my Blog regluarly. The first half of my trip may provide me with limited internet access, but I will post as often as I can. And let me hear your comments (click below)!

Job Survival Or Job Satisfaction

Perhaps I chose the wrong economic conditions to raise this question in, but I feel compelled. Are you working in your job or profession because you truly feel you are making a difference, or you simply trying to stay afloat financially?

Do you truly feel that what you do, what is defining your work/career function is purposeful and meaningful, in terms of the good of others and the heart of God?

In their book "Live Your Calling: A Practical Guide to Finding and Fulfilling Your Mission in Life" authors Kevin & Marie Brennfleck state: We need to ask ourselves a question such as: At this time in my life, how can I best use my gifts, abilities and other resources to further God’s purposes in this world?



As I stated at the beginning of this post, perhaps now is not the time to be evaluating job satisfaction and looking to change careers. But what if our economic conditions never improve in your lifetime (or before you reach retirement - a very Western concept)? If this is as good as it gets and your job is one merely of survival, what are you doing to make a difference for good in your workplace or around the world (related to what you do professionally)?

Will you be satisfied by simply making a paycheck so you can keep your bills paid and just get older? Can you further God's purposes in this world... by doing what you are doing now?

Just something to think about.

Question: Are you satisfied, or just surviving in your job? Please respond below.


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A No-Win Retirement Plan

The New York times reports that of the 42 states with lotteries, at least 29 reported increased sales in their most recent fiscal year. Of those 29, at least 22 set sales records. (NYTIMES.COM 9.12.08)

I thought this was an interesting fact. The economy is having problems, the stock market is going lower, and people are spending more money on lotto tickets. I guess the dream of get rich quick is still alive and well.

What does that tell you about people? What does it tell you about what they trust in? Even people of faith pray over choosing the right numbers on their power-ball ticket. Hmmm...

Sure, I'd love to win the lottery. But I'm told that to win I have to play first. I guess I'll have to invest in a different retirement plan