Hello Friends! 

We have returned from our mission’s trip to Hong Kong/China.  What an incredible trip!  Friend it’s exciting times we live in right now for the Kingdom of God and our world.  The kingdom of God is growing and so is the persecuted/underground church.  If you feel a burning your heart for more of  God, China may be the mission’s trip for you.  Let your heart guide you into all that God has for you.

The LORD has burdened our hearts for years for the persecuted church.  (Please read the article from VOM - ChinaAid) Gary & I and our team got to see first hand people receiving the Word of God for the first time.  I cannot describe to you the exhilarating feeling to hand a person a bible that has never had one, knowing what treasure lies within it to yet be discovered by that person!  

We also had the privilege of working with a ministry that has the sole purpose of smuggling bibles across the border from Hong Kong into communist China.  There is a myriad of people from many nations that are part of their ministry (name not mentioned for security purposes) and they appreciate our prayers and any financial contributions to the ministry. We went in teams of 4 or 5 twice daily across the border into China carrying 2 pieces of luggage packed full with the precious Word of God.   

The first time that I made it into China with my cargo in tow; I had tears in my eyes because the demand is so great and we literally crossed over into the enemy’s camp and were victorious in our mission. The first time getting caught at the border is another experience all together. LOL.

Here is a link to our pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/rozdesignz/HongKongChina?feat=directlink  please note that we are still working on the captions and making sure we have all our facts straight and so check back another time for updated descriptions. With Christmas less that a week away, to say the least it’s been a little hectic upon our return.

As a small team, 5 of us, spent a few days in China and did an outreach in a remote village.  The children had waited all morning for our arrival and were so excited when we got there. (See pics)  There was a sea of people around us of all ages and they got to hear about Jesus in their own language (Mandarin) through an interpreter friend.  They all listened intently to the message, and we are praying the seeds that were planted will grow, in Jesus name.

There is much to tell about the trip and these are just a few of the highlights.  We look forward to sharing with you more of our trip and yes, Gary has some stories to tell!

We are praying and asking the LORD to put together a team to go with us when we return in 2009.  It would be at the same time, right after Thanksgiving and for a couple of weeks.  Let us know if that is something you may be interested in, we’d be glad to speak more about the trip and pray with you. 

In His Service,

The Roz’s - Gary & Lora   

Here’s a link to our pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/rozdesignz/NiagaraFallsOntarioCanada#

We enjoyed the full color of the season and you should see the  flowering mums, they were enormous.  We took a few pictures of the mums and of course our trip to Niagra Falls from the Canadian side. (we heard it was the best view of the Falls - so true!)

How wonderful to see the changing of seasons which here in Florida is of course not as colorful as the North.  The crisp mornings were also something to experience for us and we took a 2 hour hike with Sigi & David along the waterfalls in Waterdown, Canada.  The amazing thing was that the gentlest breeze would shower us with golden leaves softly falling from the trees and the sun light peeking throught the trees made the water glisten.  God knew what He was doing when He created nature.  WOW! 

You are invited next year to come to Sigi’s Fall Gathering in October of 2009 and the city is yet to be announced.   You’ll enjoy every minute and we look forward to seeing you there, don’t miss it.

What do we do when storms come? As believers we should have a different outlook on the storms of life. You’ve heard Christians say, ‘We prayed last night and the storm hit somewhere else’. My question is…where did the storm hit and what about those people, their families, homes, pets, etc.? What if it was you? Life is full of surprises and the Word of God says that things fall on the just and the unjust the same, no elevated status, He made us all the same.

for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. –Matt. 2:24b

Looking at our circumstances and situations as God sees them gives each of us, you and I as believers, the ability to have peace in the midst of the storm. We can experience THE EYE OF THE STORM. The place where there is a calm quite, peace as the storm rages on the outside.

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.  –John 14:27

Let me encourage you, when these storms of life come (and they will); physical, natural, emotional or spiritual the peace of the living God can reside on the inside of you (THE EYE OF THE STORM). God gave us a free will and we can make our own decision to stand in the midst of the storm. Reach out and help someone else in their time of need and in turn you’ll reap His blessings and peace. You’ll experience THE EYE OF THE STORM as you press into God.  Storms and their fury have no mercy it’s up to us to stand strong in its path!

Jesus Christ said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” –John 16:33

I would like to invite you to take a look at my Online Bookstore - Roz’s Bookshelf, there are many great selections to choose from and bargains too!  Also included are some book reviews.

quotes

“The difference between a mountain and a molehill is your perspective.”
– Al Neuharth,
American publisher, Founder, USA Today

“Whatever your discipline, become a student of excellence in all things. Take every opportunity to observe people who manifest the qualities of mastery. These models of excellence will inspire you and guide you toward the fulfillment of your highest potential.”
– Tony Buzan,
British Peak Performance Expert, Trainer, Author