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Our mission to northwestern Minnesota, North Dakota, Manitoba, and Canada during the month of February was exciting! Everywhere I went, through the bone-chilling cold, I saw the warm footprints of Jesus moving through the land igniting, healing, and touching lives. Many received Jesus Christ as Lord of their lives, many were healed emotionally and physically and others received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The mercy of God was ministered on at Agape Acres, near Lake Park, Minnesota, through the message that all God's blessings come to us based on His mercy rather than our good works. At New Life New Hope Ministries in Edgeley, North Dakota, our meeting was held during a snow storm and -50 wind-chill, but God could not be stopped. I preached the Gospel of the great exchange from Isaiah 61 (beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness) and we rejoiced in the goodness of God. One woman testified that tremor stopped operating in her hands after prayer. The only one trembling after that was the devil! As I pushed northward into Brandon, Manitoba, the second largest city in Manitoba, I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Bethel Christian Assembly to reach their city and their area for Jesus Christ. At services inside and outside church walls, the glory of God caressed lives . On Sunday morning, I spoke on "The Mission of the Church" and hindrances that keep us from fulfilling the great commission. About 50 eager people came forward to receive prayer that hindrances would be removed to make way for them to reach their world for Jesus Christ. |
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On the evening service at Bethel, I taught on "The Remedy for Sin and Sickness." The Holy Spirit directed an altar call and about eight men came forward to make Jesus the Lord of their lives. About 40 people came for prayer for emotional healing. Many testified of receiving a touch from God. The seniors from Bethel, were an on-fire, "it ain't over yet" lively group ready to hear about divine destiny and purpose. They were just as eager to be like Caleb when he took his mountain at 85. No matter where you are in life, God has a purpose and a plan for you. Many took heart through God's Word and were encouraged to reach their world. |
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Together with a ministry team from Bethel, we planted our feet and claimed the territory for Jesus Christ at the native reserve at Sioux Valley, Manitoba. The tribe at Sioux Valley is Dakota Sioux, who are relatives to some of the native people here in Minnesota. Their ancestors were part of the Minnesota massacre of 1862 which occurred in New Ulm and other locations in Minnesota and resulted in the largest mass execution in US history as 38 Dakota warriors were hung in Mankato, Minnesota. Many of the remaining Dakota people were forced to flee from the US and migrate into Canada. Yet with this past history, God's love was able to touch these precious people. One woman who had not been able to work or eat normally for three weeks was healed of a stomach ailment after prayer and was able to eat normally the next day. One of the most unique and interesting places I went was in Sidney, Manitoba. where Gospel meetings were held in a garage. At the Garage, you can receive a spiritual overhaul, a valve job or a tune up. In fact, if you want, you can receive a Holy Ghost lube job, too! The homeowners there had been praying about problems in their community, when the Lord told them that they were to start doing something about it. They began ministering to the local children and the ministry expanded to adults. Then a weekly Gospel service began in the garage next to their home. I had an outstanding time preaching in the midst of pitchforks, shovels, a snow blower, and some wonderfully hungry people. Just like days right out of the New Testament, an older couple received Jesus as Lord. Another man testified of receiving healing for arthritis in his neck and shoulders, raising his arms without pain. Before the service was over, a spirit of joy took over and a man who had received prayer for a multitude of physical problems began to dance a jig to the country Gospel music. As I headed back homeward through Gary, Minnesota, north of Moorehead, lives again were touched at a Saturday night healing service. The next morning, before the Sunday service, I ministered on a radio station which reaches much of Northwest Minnesota on the subject, "Making Jesus the Lord of Your Life." GOD IS SO GOOD! During our last service, two local churches, Good News Fellowship of Gary and the Christian Outpost of Twin Valley, united to be encouraged to reach their localities for Christ. The Holy Spirit empowered God's people as I spoke on "Power with Purpose." Power with purpose begins when we live a rich, bountiful, overflowing life in Christ. Eternal life begins now, not when we leave this earth and go to heaven. Start where you are and begin to live. Find Christ in everyday life, in your job, in your business, in your hobbies. Live and exude the life of God. God has planted you as a witness right where you are. You have purpose. You have destiny. God made you special, with unique gifts, talents, perspective and environment. As a believer in Christ, you are an active, living, devil-chasing, soul-winning, walking tabernacle of the living God. Rise up and live, in Jesus name. Many have thought that the Christian life is to be dry and boring, just maintaining and holding out until Jesus returns. Nothing could be further from the truth. Life with Jesus is exciting, full of purpose, destiny and true joy. Life begins now! Go for it! It's been tremendously encouraging to see what God has been doing through this ministry as we have stepped out in obedience to Him to focus on His great commission, taking the Gospel to the world. You are a part of it. We couldn't and wouldn't want to do it without you. Thank you for your prayers and financial support. With your help, last month Tom Shanklin Ministries was able, with your help, to send offerings for God's work in Mexico, Africa and India. WE ARE reaching North America and the world. Thank you for your part in this mission! Onward, Tom Shanklin |
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Lives were touched. |
Man testifies of healing in should and neck. |
Garage Guitarists. |
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Native pastor shares a word of encouragement. |
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Bethel Pastor Mike Davis. |
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