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n e t w o r k n e w s Spring 2004 Faith Ministries International Kingdom Living: Relationships with Eternal Purpose Discover providential purpose in your friendships Recognize the divine connections in your life Fishing with a “net”work of relationships and not a pole Harmonizing your gifts with others Heavenly equations: one can chase 1,000, two:10,000 Linking in love creates a chain that is stronger and reaches farther More exciting details on World Conference 2005 on the next page...

Faith Ministries International - fmin.org · Deborah’s explosive prophetic presence charges any atmosphere with the presence and ... grand-parenting three years ago, their Holy

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n e t w o r k n e w s Spring 2004

Faith Ministries International

Kingdom Living:Relationships withEternal Purpose• Discover providential purpose in

your friendships

• Recognize the divine connections inyour life

• Fishing with a “net”work ofrelationships and not a pole

• Harmonizing your gifts with others

• Heavenly equations: one can chase1,000, two:10,000

• Linking in love creates a chain that isstronger and reaches farther

More exciting details on WorldConference 2005 on the next page...

Morning and Evening Sessions with Dave andBonnie Duell, Dennis and Denise Capra, Andrew

Wommack and Jim Richards!

Evening Sessions Open to the PublicDave and Bonnie Duell and

Dennis and Denise Caprainvite you to DENVER,

COLORADO to attend the2004 Faith Ministries

International NetworkWorld Conference!

June 14-18, 2004Monday night

through Friday night

Guest Speakers

Jim and Brenda RichardsSenior Pastors of Impact of

Huntsville, Alabama, and foundersof Impact Ministries Bible College,

mission organization, and world-wide leadership training program.

Andrew and Jamie WommackFounders of Andrew Wommack

Ministries, based in ColoradoSprings, Colorado, and Charis Bible

Colleges worldwide.

Workshops

Relationships in the Family:“Loving Your Kids Without Losing Your Mind”by Mike and Debi Nunes·Relationships in Marriage:“Eternal View Helps in Marriage Challenges”by Clifton and Geri Coulter·Relationships in any Work Environment:“Learning How to Make the Most ofRelationships with Team Members”by Randy and Terri Kleinsasser·Relationships in the Local Church:“How to Build Harmonious Relationshipsin the Church”by Ian and Anna Stewart

ContemporaryPraise andWorship:Juli Merrelland Team

ExcellentChildren andYouthMinistries!

Make this week an investment in your destiny!Registration cost for an adult is only $80 for the week!

For Children, Youth, Gold and Silver Partners, Group Rates anddesignated host Hotels in the area:

• Call 303-777-1113• Email [email protected] OR• Go online www.fmin.org; click on Event Awareness

NEW LOCATION! Word of Life Christian Center

8700 East Park Meadows Drive,Lone Tree, Colorado, 80124

(one mile east of C-470 and Quebec)

Cover, 2World Conference 2004

Page 3Note from Dave and Bonnie

Pages 4-5Know your FMIN Partners

Pages 6-7Heart to Heart

Page 8-9Throw Yourself a Party

Page 9European Partner Gathering Report

Page 10We Still Kiss Cruise Report

Page 11Look What the Lord Has Done!

Page 14Tribute to Don Sims

Page 15, 18The Sweetspot

Pages 16-18What in the World is Happening?

Back CoverCalendar of Events

in this issue

The FMIN Newsletter is published three times a year(Spring, Fall, Winter) as a service to partners in FaithMinistries International Network and their local ministries.Article ideas, photo submissions relating to Network eventsand any newsletter correspondence should be directed to:[email protected]

Bonnie Duell, EditorEllene Meece, Newsletter Systems ManagerDiane Slemons, Bonnie Duell, Peter Tuff, Editing TeamRob Mahony, Photo CoordinatorJeff Bristol, Graphic DesignerJay Randolph, Writer

FMIN Phone: 303-777-1113P.O. Box 609 E-mail: [email protected], CO 80160 Website: www.fmin.org

AdvertisingAdvertising space is available, ranging from classifieds to full-page display ads. Rates and guidelines are available bycontacting [email protected].

From Bonnie and Dave

What is Faith Ministries International Network?We are a relational network of independent churches andministries under the spiritual guidance of Dave and BonnieDuell and Dennis and Denise Capra. Our message is thefreedom of grace and peace through faith righteousness inJesus Christ. We are expanding the Kingdom of God byestablishing local churches and translocal ministries, raisingup spiritual leaders and empowering all believers to walk inthe fullness of their callings and giftings. We connect peopleand inspire dreams and vision through conferences, camps,mission trips, and resources such as newsletters and ourwebsite.

We have grown to over ninety partners, representinghundreds of churches and ministries in twenty-six countries.

Newsletter Mission StatementIt is our intention to bring the Good News of the Gospelof Peace with heartfelt stories, images of world changers,teaching articles and reports to help transform our readers. We desire to utilize the Newsletter to not onlyeducate but also to encourage our partners and readers withthe positive message of God’s grace and love.

DaveandBonnieDuell

Easter. ResurrectionDay. Aren’t youthankful we cancelebrate Jesus’resurrection everyday of the year!

Abundant life,eternal life is ours toenjoy every momentbecause Jesus paidthe ultimate price bylaying down His lifefor us. No one took His life from Him. He gave itfreely so we would have the chance to receive whatHe accomplished in His death and resurrection.

Thank you, Jesus, for resurrection life! Father,thank you for the opportunity to have relationshipwith You! It’s all because Jesus made peace with Youfor us by the sacrifice of His life!

partners

hen I think of the Wittmier’s,two sayings come to mindimmediately:  “Still waters rundeep,” and “Dynamite comes insmall packages.”  Harvey and Debperfectly embody the blending ofthese two unique personalities! 

Harvey’s even-keel, steadydemeanor sets him apart as a pillaramong any group of elders.  Butdon’t be fooled by these “still”pastoral waters!  Deep below thesurface a Holy Spirit fire burnsbright and strong for all to see. Deborah’s explosive propheticpresence charges any atmosphere

with the presence andpower of God.  Yet,underneath all of thatHoly Ghost sparkiness,resides the heart of acompassionatecounselor.  Takentogether, this tag teamministry makes a truedynamic duo!

Deborah’s worldrenowned boldness kepther from marrying thewrong man!  Althoughthe Wittmiers were highschool sweethearts intheir small farming

community in North Dakota,Deborah dated other fellows onceHarvey joined the Army and gotshipped out to Germany. Knowing in her heart of heartsthat Harvey was the only man shecould ever marry, she madearrangements to visit him inEurope after one of these othersuitors presented her with a bonafide proposal for marriage. Harvey and Deb married sixmonths later in Germany.  Thatwas thirty-two years ago!

Growing up Catholic, a lady fromthe parish surprised Deborah in1979 when she said, “God spoke

to me to invite you to ourneighborhood Bible study.” Surprise turned to awe as Debpondered the fact that God wouldspeak today to someone else with aspecific instruction for her.  All ofthe people attending this meetingspoke of Jesus as being their bestfriend.  Craziness indeed!  Debremarked, “But when they showedme ‘you shall not see the kingdomof God, lest you be born again,’ Igave my life to Christ.  I was filledwith the Spirit at a Holy SpiritConference in Salt Lake City.  Iremember the worship teamsounding like angels to me as theysang in tongues.” 

Jesus used Sasha and Jessica, twoof their daughters, to meltHarvey’s heart a couple of yearslater.  They inquired, “Daddy, whydon’t you want to go to heavenwith us?”  This simple questiondrove him to his knees as Harveycalled on the Lord in his bedroomimmediately afterwards.  Harveyreceived the baptism in the HolySpirit two years later in anAssembly of God church meetingin Fargo, ND.

The Lord supernaturally providedfor Deb to attend a women’sretreat in Minnesota where she

Harveyand

DeborahWittmier

By JayRandolph

w

partnerspartnersknow your fmin partners

knowyour partners

experienced the Lord in a way likenever before.  While in a trance(like Peter’s on the rooftop), Hecalled her into full-time ministry. Deb faithfully served ten years invarious pastoral and administrativepositions in a large internationalDenver-based ministry.  Then Godcalled her to found DeborahMinistries in 1996.

Harvey and Deb led home groupsand ministered as children’s pastorsfor several years.  Harvey heard hiscall to pastor after a small groupmeeting in 1988.  He did notimmediately respond to that callother than to continue serving inchildren’s ministry, men’s ministry,and other ways.  While attending aFMIN men’s meeting in 2000, theLord spoke distinctly to Harveythat he was called to do more thanjust “support” Deborah in herministry.  He told Harvey to“expand his vision.”  A year laterat another FMIN men’s meeting,and through a series ofconfirmations, the Holy Spirit lethim know that it was time to moveinto a visible pastoral role.  Shortlythereafter, Harvey declared theirlocal Bible study to be a churchand named it “Crossfire.” 

Crossfire currently meets in asuburban neighborhood clubhousein Littleton, Colorado.  Going onits third year, Harvey’s visionincludes establishing a series ofneighborhood churches, ratherthan just one single church.  Amajor emphasis of this local body

He told Harvey to“expand his

vision.”  A yearlater at anotherFMIN men’smeeting, and

through a series ofconfirmations, the

Holy Spirit let himknow that it was

time to move into avisible pastoralrole.  Shortly

thereafter, Harveydeclared their localBible study to be achurch and namedit “Crossfire.” 

is discipleship and leadershipdevelopment with a strong dose ofinternational perspective.  Harveyaspires to travel and minister withhis pastoral gift.  He plans to climbMt. Kenya (Africa’s second highestpeak) this year in order to raisemoney for orphanages in bothKenya and Nepal.

Deborah enjoys ministeringinternationally through teachingand prophetic/apostolic outreach. She and her small teams work withlocal pastors and ministry leadersto develop, encourage, and mentorthem.  They have ministered inchurches, jails, and other venues inKenya (six times!), the UK,Canada, India, and Nepal (severaltimes).  Both Kenya and Nepalhave become annual outreaches forDeborah.  This year DeborahMinistries is helping a pastor toestablish a brand new orphanage inNepal in addition to the ministry’sregular support of anotherchildren’s home in Nyahururu,Kenya.

Harvey and Deborah’s threedaughters have all grown andmarried.  They live with theirspouses close to Dad and Mom inthe Denver area.  Although thisdynamic couple crossed over intogrand-parenting three years ago,their Holy Ghost fire is really justgetting stoked!

Contact Information:Harvey and Deborah [email protected]

to

As a professional dentist anddisciple of Jesus Christ, I havemerged these aspects of my life toexperience off the scaleadventures!

These adventures began escalatingfor my wife, Leslie, and I as a greatburden grew in us for the orphankids of Romania. We would cryevery time we’d see them on TV.In 1994, we responded to aninvitation from Dr. Paul Williamson TV talking about the flyinghospital trip to Romania. As he

continues on next page...

Photo:Bob

Waldenministering

with hisnew

Afghanistanfriends.

heartheart heartheartsaid, “We need more dentists togo!” Leslie and I felt like Dr.Williams reached out of the TVset and grabbed us. The only thing

stopping us from goingwas money. We hadthree weeks, so wecalled CBN and saidby faith we’d go. Wesent out a letter and athousand dollars morethan we needed camein! We promptlyplanted the extradollars in otherworthy causes and setout for Romania fora week of hard work.We were trained to

ask everyone we did dentistry forif they had asked Jesus into theirhearts to forgive their sins. If theyhadn’t, we’d help them do it rightthen.

When we came back, we felt Godcalling us to go back. We loved thepeople so much that we just had togo. While we were there we metanother missionary with aprophetic gifting. He told us Godwas going to send us East ofRomania. We thought: “East?!There’s nothing east of Romania

except ‘–stans’ (Turkmenistan,Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, etc.) andthey are all Muslim nations!”

It was the beginning of God’spreparation for my ‘Afghanistanexperience’! Completing one yearin Romania, we returned to the US.In the years that followed weattended prayer meetings with agroup of medical missionaries,developed an increasing passionfor the salvation of the Muslimnations, were encouraged from ourpastors Dave and Bonnie Duell tojust get in motion toward wherethe Lord was leading our heart andknow that He would make a way.Eventually I even traveled toKosovo for a month to offermedical and spiritual relief to therefugees in Albania in battlefieldconditions.

But in 2003, I felt called to goteach dentistry and take dentalsupplies and equipment intoKabul, Afghanistan. The timehad come for the prophetic wordwe received in Romania aboutgoing east to be fulfilled. I raisedmy finances and a dentist weworked with in Romania, Dr. RonLamb, offered to send $50,000

heart to heart

The miracle was that eventhough we came under thedanger of an automatic

death sentence if wementioned Jesus, I was able

to give them theopportunity to ask Him

into their hearts.

h2hh2h

heart to heart continued...worth of dental equipment andsupplies with me. It was anexciting moment as I boarded theplane for Kabul, Afghanistan.

When I delivered the gift ofdental equipment to the dentistsin Kabul, their eyes bugged out.They could not believe it! Then Iproceeded to teach them how touse the new composite toothcolored filling materials and toldthem the Lord Jesus sent methere because He loves them. Themiracle was that even though wecame under the danger of anautomatic death sentence if wementioned Jesus, I was able togive them the opportunity to askHim into their hearts. Myinterpreter was a wonderfulyoung man who grew up as abeliever in Jesus under Talibanpersecution. (We call him Calebto protect his identity.) When Igave the dentists a chance to askJesus into their hearts, hehesitated for just a secondbecause he knew we would bemarked men from then on. I wasleaving, but he had to stay andface the persecution! But he did itanyway and several of thedentists accepted Jesus Christinto their hearts right there!

Gratefulness for being protectedwhile I was visiting there and forGod’s continued protection forthose who live there still rings inmy heart. In fact, two days after Ileft Kabul, some men on amotorcycle flipped a grenade intothe van we used. It hit my friendin the shoulder and he fell on thefloor. One of my other friendsgrabbed it and threw it out beforeit exploded.

I can only say that falling deeplyin love with Jesus is a wonderful

adventure. He speaks to our heartsand gives us new and exitingopportunities to serve so we canshare Him with others. Dave Duellsays that God wakes him up in acold sweat with visions anddreams of the big things in storefor him. This is normalChristianity. Let’s all get more intothe big adventure and, as Davesays, “Go for it!”

Bob and Leslie Walden are partners inFaith Ministries Church International,Denver, Colorado. The Afghanadventure is available as a short book,“Caleb of Kabul.” To order, contact theWalden’s by email:[email protected]

US Men’sS e p t e m b e r 1 0 - 1 2 , 2 0 0 4

Located in the BeautifulMountains of Colorado

SpeakSpeakSpeakSpeakSpeakererererers Include:s Include:s Include:s Include:s Include: Dave Duell Ted Nelson David York

Conference

our attitude determines how highyou go in life. You can only go asfar as what you can see insideyourself. So, how do you maintaina positive attitude so that you canfulfill all your dreams and visions?

James 1:3 states that you are toconsider it all joy when varioustrials and tribulations come yourway. One version says that whenyou consider it all joy, you will“throw yourself a party.” In otherwords, no matter what is going onaround you—hard times, trials,negative situations, problems—youcan be rejoicing and having a partyon the inside of you.

Circumstances do not have todetermine your attitude, yourfeelings or whether or not youhave a good day. One of the mainthings that will cause you to alwayshave a good attitude is what youmeditate on, what you think about.Take note of the thoughts youthink on during one day. What isyour self talk? Do you think onnegative things about yourself? Is

your view of life bleak and lessthan positive?

The Bible says that “as a manthinks in his heart, so is he.” Thatmust mean we have a choice onwhat we think. And then webecome outwardly what we havemeditated on inwardly. Philippians4:8 encourages us to choose tothink on things that are true, noble,just, pure, lovely, of good report,virtuous and praiseworthy.

Determine your own thought life.Don’t let others do it for you.Cause your mind to dwell on thosethings that bring peace to you andglory to God! When negativethings happen—and they will—cast your care on the Lord andrejoice. Throw yourself a party!

I recently experienced a traumaticevent when our household goodswere taken out of our home by ateam of people representing

ByBonnieDuell

yourself

Cause yourmind to dwellon those thingsthat bring peaceto you and gloryto God! Whennegative thingshappen—andthey will—castyour care on the

Lord andrejoice. Throw

yourself aparty!

throwa partythrow

a partyyy

teaching

continues next page...

someone who had a judgmentagainst my husband in a civillawsuit. I was home alone whenthese people showed upunannounced. I was so thankfulthat I had “practiced” rejoicingduring negative circumstances,because this was one of the worst!Our daughter Juli came over with abeautifully decorated cake. “Mom,you and Dad always say that youhave to throw yourself a partywhen difficult situations comeyour way. So, let’s celebrate!”

So my daughters and I laughed alot and we cried some, but wechose to trust God in the midst of

How do you react whenthings do not go your way?

What do you do wheneverything seems to gowrong?

In this insightful book byDave Duell, you will learnbiblical principles fordealing with these types ofdifficult situations.  As youdiscover these living truthsfrom God’s Word,you will berefreshed and seton a new courseof victory overlife’s challenges!

Go ahead—throwyourself a party!

Throw Yourself a Partyby Dave Duell: $12(includes shipping andhandling). Order onlineat www.fmin.orgor call: 303-777-1113.

a severe trial. It was much betterthan a self-pity party! And the lightof Jesus was able to shine throughus to the deputy sheriffs, thelawyers, the furniture movers andeveryone else involved in theevent. The grace of God, God’sability, kicked in big time.Hallelujah!

To keep that positive attitude andsucceed in life, choose life-givingthoughts. Choose to rejoice always!Make a deliberate, intelligentappraisal of the situation fromGod’s perspective. He has the finalword! So what is there to worryabout? Throw yourself a party!

This scripture came alive to us as twenty-eightFMIN Partners gathered in Coventry, England for atime of refreshing: “Oh! May the God of greenhope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, sothat your believing lives, filled with the life-givingenergy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope!”(Romans 15:13 The Message).

Dave and Bonnie Duell and Dennis and DeniseCapra, the FMIN Apostolic Leadership Team,encouraged and strengthened the European Partnersfrom England, Scotland, France and Portugal.

Partners Tom and Wendy Hawkins, Grimsby,England, wrote to the A-Team: “Many, many thanksfor coming over. We had a fabulous time togetherwith everyone. We definitely came back changed andrenewed. You are all such great examples. Togetherwe are all making a tremendous impact and we areexceedingly happy to know you. Thank you for yourimpartation to us.”

European Partner Gathering, March 1-3European Partner Gathering, March 1-3

“WeStill

Kiss”CruiseReport

Connor, 6 years old, was prayingin his bed. As his mother passedby his room, she noticed that hewas praying in tongues. Duringa conversation the next day,Connor informed his motherthat he had an idea as to who the“poor in spirit” were in theBeatitudes (Matthew 5:3). Hehad been learning about theBeatitudes at Children’s Church,and this was one Beatitude thatthe teachers encouraged the kidsto memorize but didn’t teach

Poorin

Spirit

Out of the Mouths of our Children...

Connor Thompson is the son of Brianand Tamara, Greeley, Colorado, and thegrandson of Dave and Bonnie Duell.

Several FMIN Network Partnersenjoyed the ‘We Still Kiss Cruise’(sponsored by Jim and Brenda Richards)January 26-31, 2004, in the Caribbean!Dave and Bonnie Duell and Dennis andDenise Capra were guest speakers.

“We Still Kiss” lessons learned:

• Love is always motivated by what bringsvalue and esteem to the other person.

• Our deepest need is to be loved.

• At every change in life, the needs andexpectations of both partners change. Itis the mark of a loving person to noticethe subtle changes, communicate andadapt.

• A marriage license is not proof that youwill stay married. Reading the Bible isnot proof you will do what it says. Theonly proof a person can trust is yourtrack record.

about extensively. They thoughtit would be too “deep” for them.

Connor’s mother asked him toshare his thoughts. He simplyexplained, “The poor in spirit arethe people who haven’t askedJesus into their hearts yet. Andwhen they do, then they can haveheaven.” The teacher wasamazed and has a betterunderstanding of the scripturesthat direct us to become like littlechildren.

report

look what the lord has done!

Ted and Georgie Nelson, FMINPartners, Wausau, Wisconsin,USA, sent in this exciting reportlast fall: “The $6,100 seed that BigChurch Alive planted at the 2003FMIN World Conference isbeginning to sprout. We have beengiven forty acres of land five mileseast of Wausau that is all woodedand has the Eau Claire Riverflowing right through the middleof it. We are planning to turn itinto a campsite and retreat for thechurch. We have also beennegotiating on a five-year-old,25,000 sq. ft. building on 3.5acres...”

Well, Look What the Lord HasDone! In February we received thisreport from the Nelsons: “Weclosed on our building this pastWednesday, February 18, 2004!!Big Church Alive now owns a25,000 sq. ft., five-year-old oldbuilding with a $1.24 millionmortgage. Payments are a mere$8,021/mo. The really good newsis that we have a $7,467/monthincome from tenants who pay theirown property taxes, leaving only$554/month for us to pay! That’sless money than we have ever paidin rent for buildings and hotelconference rooms we didn’t even

own! We give GodALL the glory, andour deepest thanks!”

Ted and Georgiepointed out, “It’snot as much amiracle as it is theresult of one ofGod’s principles.We were obedientto God’s leading;we planted seed fora building ($12-13thousand) this past summer. Godput the phrase: “If it’s not enoughto meet your need, maybe it’s yourseed” in our hearts. We shared thatwith our congregation at BigChurch Alive, and over the nextmonth or so, we planted all oursavings into other ministries. Wecontinued to water our seed bybuilding faith expectation in thecongregation and by continuallygiving God honor and glory forwhat we could not see in thenatural.” And it came to pass.

FMIN rejoices with our partners inWisconsin! God is in the businessof presenting multipleopportunities to cross our paths,and when we have God’spossibility thinking, imagination,creativity and success written on

NOTE: ‘LookWhat the LordHas Done!’ is anew category inour Newsletter.If you are aFMIN Partnerand have acurrent praisereport, pleasesend [email protected].

our hearts, those opportunities canexplode into reality. Some peoplecall it a miracle.

Ted and Georgie Nelson are FMINPartners and pastors of Big ChurchAlive in Wausau, Wisconsin, USA.Since the property closing in February,they have received a new appraisal on thebuilding for $1.6 –$1.8 million dollarproperty value. They are also beginningconstruction and remodel in the building.If you would like to network with themin possibly being a part in supplying anyof their needs at this point, you cancontact them [email protected]

what thewhat thewhat thewhat thewhat thewhat thewhat thewhat thewhat thewhat thelook

hashaslordlord

done! done!

SpeakSpeakSpeakSpeakSpeakererererers Include:s Include:s Include:s Include:s Include:Dave DuellIan Stewart

Chris Wright

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Location:

Camp MeetingNavajo NationNavajo Nation

Ganado, Arizona

European Men’s ConferenceSeptember 3-5, 2004

Coventry, England

PortugalConference!

Join us forthe FMIN

Join us forthe FMIN

Aveiro, Portugal

David and Kathryn YorkDennis and Denise Capra

August 5-8, 2004August 5-8, 2004

June 1-5, 2004Date:

Speakers:Dave Duelland Mel Tari

Hosts: Norton and Raquel da Silvaa

Speakers:

First ever SouthAmerican FMIN

Conference inBrazil!

July 8-11, 2004For informationcontact FMIN:[email protected]

More Info: www.fmin.org (click on Event Awareness) • Email [email protected] • Call (303) 777-1113

ALSO:First FMINYouth Camp inthe Europe!August 2-6, 2004Wycliffe Centre nearHigh Wycombe,Buckinghamshire,England

Dave Duell, Speaker

November 9-12, 2004Guest Speakers:

Jim Richards & Dave DuellInformative WorkshopsEvening Sessions Open to the Public 

This is an easy yet very difficult tribute towrite.  It is easy because I have so manygreat memories of Don Sims and veryhard because I am so sorry about Don’suntimely exit from this earth due to avehicle accident on March 3, 2004. Wehad many unfinished plans for WorldEvangelism together.

I can remember the first time I met Donin Costa Rica. He was so easy to get to know with hisoutgoing personality and his sense of humor. His zealfor the Lord Jesus and His work was always in highgear.

A Tribute to Don Sims

byDaveDuell

Kansas City,Kansas City,Kansas City,Kansas City,Kansas City,Missouri, USAMissouri, USAMissouri, USAMissouri, USAMissouri, USA

ConferenceConference

KingdomLiving:Connections

LeadershipLeadership

I was with Don in many places in this world—CostaRica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Colombia,Philippines, and Romania.  Bonnie and I were withDon and Nora in January on the “We Still KissCruise,” and we had some great times talking aboutour past adventures and especially about our futuredreams.

Our prayers are with Nora and her children andgrandchildren for God’s grace to sustain them in thistime of loss. We thank God that Jesus has taken thesting out of death. We can see Don dancing on thestreets of gold, meeting his friends who have gone onbefore him. It is really true that we don’t have to saygoodbye. We can simply say, “See you later, Don!”

Hosted by Faith Ministries World Outreach Center

As a young boy growing up on theprairies of North Dakota, Ilearned at an early age to playbaseball.  In a simple cow pasturelocated behind our house, weplayed every day, all day, allsummer long!  The raggedbaseballs with torn covers andbroken bats with taped handles didnot slow us down one bit.  In ourminds, each game was “the biggame!”

Hitting became my favorite part ofthe sport.  My heart thrilled eachtime I connected well with theball.  Back then we used onlywooden bats.  It was beforealuminum bats became popular. Any player worth his cap could tellyou that hitting a baseball with awooden bat only felt good whenyou made contact with the ball inthe “sweet spot.”  This “sweetspot” could be found in the smallarea on the barrel of the bat fourto six inches in length.  Hittingfrom this location caused the ballto travel faster and increased yourchances of actually getting onbase.

I learned to use the “sweet spot”of the bat to drive the ball harder,thus increasing my success in thegame.  However, even though Imight have hit the ball from the“sweet spot,” a fielder could stillcatch it and prevent me fromgetting on base.  The outcome of

each “at bat” was not a guaranteedhome run…and life in that littleprairie town was, of course, morethan baseball.  There were rainydays without baseball, and disputesover who broke the neighbor’swindow.  But I knew that evenwith such trials in life, a summerof baseball was my time, myhour—it was what I felt born todo!

Looking back, I now realize howblessed I am to have played somuch of the game I loved as a boyon those long summer days.  Atthat point in my life, baseball fitlike a glove.  Playing it broughtfulfillment to my young life.  Atten years old, this was “abundantlife” to me.   I was truly living inthe “sweet spot!”

Jesus came to give us life moreabundantly (John 10:10).  Each lifein Christ has the potential to be anabundant life.  By walking in theSpirit, He empowers us to facetrials and come out stronger.  Thisis life in the “sweet spot.”  Livingin the “sweet spot” does notnecessarily guarantee a home runwith each “at bat,” but you willwalk in peace knowing that you aredoing the right thing at the righttime.

I personally know of Christians insome developing countries whoare living in some very difficult

partnerperspective

partner perspective

conditions.  Despite the oppressivepolitical situation and the ever-present physical needs, they aredoing what God has called themto do.  They know they are livingin the sweet spot!  I have read ofcertain persecuted Christians whoare repeatedly sent to jail to keepthem from pastoring, only to havethem start a vibrant church in theprison.  They know they are livingin the sweet spot!  I know ofothers who are working at regularkinds of jobs, ministering withtheir gifts, and raising childrenwho are also living in the sweetspot. 

“Each lifein Christhas thepotential tobe anabundantlife.  Bywalking inthe Spirit,Heempowers usto face trialsand comeoutstronger.”

Living in the “Sweet Spot”by Harvey Wittmier

sweet spot sweet spotthethe

continues on page 18...

worldwhat

Loloy and Dorothy Lapiz,FMIN Partners, Philippines,extend God’s love to the people inthe mountains. They bring theWord of God, as well as food,clothing and medicine.  TheLapizes write explaining thisphoto: “This is the picture takenduring our outreach or extensionin the ministry to the mountainevery Sunday afternoon. Thejeepney is too full of people, sothey just ride on top just to gethome. They are many people butonly few jeepneys…”

“Marriage seminars have been ourmain activity for the last threemonths,” write William andLenah Kilel, FMIN Partners,Meru, Kenya.  “Reports fromwhere we have taken the seminarsshow that families are now takingpositive steps. Praise the Lord! LetGod put back his original plan—companionship. Without the goodfamily-grounded homes, churchesare just competition and strife.”The grace message continues at

the Bible School. There are tenstudents currently, and they expectthe number to grow. Last fall theKilels conducted a meeting withthe alumni students and heardmany reports on the mighty thingsGod is doing in their churches.

Don and Wendy Francisco,FMIN Partners, Cedaredge,Colorado, USA, experienced anexciting fall tour in the UnitedKingdom! They wrote back: “Weare having an awesome time outhere!  One of the neatest thingsabout this tour is that we started itout by doing a concert in anEnglish prison.  The Christianwardens decided to avoid theconcert so that the non-Christianwardens would have to go.  Wehad 105 prisoners come to seeus...and Don prayed with all ofthem the sinner’s prayer.  We felt atremendous presence of the HolySpirit. As the tour progressed, wekept getting phone calls from aChristian on the prison staff aboutthe number of inmates whohad given their lives to Jesus!  Ourfirst call was three... finally, as weleft England for South Africa, weheard the number is 50 prisonersand three wardens. Praise God!”

Jay and Luz Mary Soper, FMINPartners, report marriage blissfrom Bogotá, Columbia. Jay says,“In fact, things have worked outjust as Luz Mary assured mebefore the wedding when shepromised me, ‘Your life is going tobe better.’” This has also been agreat time of forward progress intheir ministry goals.  Jay is nowcomfortably functional in Spanishand has begun to focus moreattention on studying LSC(Colombian Sign Language) and isbeginning to be able to help thedeaf teammates without aninterpreter.

They also published their firstvideo scripture portion with 11miracle stories from the Gospel ofLuke.  This is the first installmentof an abbreviated life of Christ,and what will eventually be acomplete Gospel.  A short portionfrom John, Chapter 3, Jesus’encounter with Nicodemus, isalmost ready for publication.

Dennis and Denise Capra,FMIN Partners and ApostolicLeadership Team Members,Kansas City, Missouri, USA,conducted a Giant Toy Giveawayduring the past holidays. Theyreported that 42 peopleresponded to the invitation toreceive Christ at the eveninggiveaway and 80 during the day.Waves of people lined up towait for the short gospel

Reportsfrom

aroundthe Globe

by ElleneMeece

worldwhat

in the

is happening?

What in the World is Happening?

presentation, and then they filedinto the rooms for toy pick up.Home groups helped distribute thedifferent categories of toys.  Dolls,games, model airplanes, books,bikes, beads, stuffed toys, radios,and artistic tools were carted homefamilies, two per child! The Capraswrite, “What a great way to berelevant in our hometowncommunities in meeting the needsof people and introducing them toJesus!”

Gary and Elena Meador, FMINPartners, Colorado Springs,Colorado, USA, [moving toBogotá Columbia in August],recently visited Bogotá teaching 20hours to students in RhemaColombia on “Leadership andIntegrity.” They reported, “Ourhearts are filled with the Love ofGod for the Colombian peoplewho are very polite and extremelynice. As we walked the streets andworked with the people, the Lordbrought such a desire into ourhearts to sow our lives intoreaching these people with Hislove.”

Gary and Elena and their son,David.

Lloyd and Linda Hohn, FMINPartners, Bismarck, NorthDakota, USA, reached beyondtheir home state to share theGospel of Jesus in music,attending the Mid-West QuartetAssociation Convention inRochester, Minnesota. They weregiven the opportunity to performnot only in a showcase at theconvention, but also on the mainstage at the Mayo Civic Center.Back in North Dakota they wereinvited to sing for the NorthDakota State Fair and alsoconnected with Randy and TeriKleinsasser, FMIN Partners,Buchanan, North Dakota, in a“Barn Bash” where the good newsof God’s grace and mercy wasshared in an unusual barn settingwith hay bales, boots and jeans,and lively music.

Lloyd and Linda Hohn, Mid-WestQuartet Association Convention

Karen Urbank, FMIN Partner,Plano, Texas, USA, recentlytraveled to Lahore, Pakistan, with a

teaching team that taught 50pastors and leaders three coursesmorning, afternoon, and evening.These pastors will, in turn, teachattendees of their respective Bibleschools, and 26 schools will beestablished. Karen followed thisstrategic trip with another to Cuba,again ministering to pastors!

Adam, Ed, and Tim Shirley

FMIN Partners, Clifton andGeri Coulter, Paoli, Indiana,USA, reported their third annualBull Riding Clinic for southernIndiana riders, hosted by theirgrandsons. This year their specialguest instructors were Adam andTim Shirley (sons of Ed andMona Shirley, FMIN Partners,Conifer, Colorado, USA). AndEd Shirley ministered at theGospel Outreach Church. Cliftonand Geri also report: “…theCoulter boys hold the first-placetitles for the Junior Rodeo for thethird year in a row. They are fifth-generation horsemen. Not to brag,mind you, but God is faithful tohonor the talent He places in all ofus. All we have to do is step outand use it!”NOTE: Tim Shirley ranked in thetop fifty in the world inProfessional Bareback Riders in2003. This year, so far, he isranked in the top twenty in theworld!

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The recent Kenya trip was one ofmany miracles, 39 salvations, andmultiplied baptisms in the HolySpirit. Faith Ministries WorldOutreach Center, Kansas City,Missouri, USA, sent a team ofsix led by Dennis Capra on alife-changing mission for everyoneinvolved.

Whatin the

World isHappening?Continued At a leadership conference with

the Kenya Faith Ministries churchpastors and Bible college students,the team taught on identity,finances and marriage, with eachteam member teaching two tothree times daily! Blind eyes anddeaf ears were opened, tumorscame off of people! One wholechurch received the baptism in theHoly Spirit!

At one point on the rocky roughroad they travelled, Dennis had thedriver stop the van where a groupof 40 by-standers was waiting for a

bus. The interpreter helped himpreach the gospel through story-telling. Twenty-one of the peopleat the bus stop received salvation!

They ministered in two all-girlcatholic high schools whereWilliam and Lenah Kilel’s Biblecollege students minister weekly.There were many salvations, spirit-filled experiences and miracles.One school had many Muslims init, and they heard the gospel withpower for the first time.

The Kilels have done atremendous job in starting threeBible colleges, two of them beingfacilitated in post offices. Acomplete Bible college curriculumwas delivered to SamuelKazungu, FMIN Partner, whowill begin a school in Mombasa.

Yet, there are also many other Christians around theworld who know they are missing it.  They may beexperiencing a measure of success in their career,their family, and even in their finances.  However, ifyou ask them in a quiet moment of reflection, theywill readily admit that they are not really doing whatthey were created to do.  They are not living in thesweet spot.  Outside of our sweet spot in Christ, wewill ultimately either strike out or foul out concerningthe accomplishment of our true God-given purposeon earth.

Are you really living in your sweet spot?  Are youdoing what He created you to do?  Look beyond otherpeople’s seeming approval or disapproval.  Look pastyour immediate material circumstances and trials. Everyone lives through periods of difficult situations

whether we are in our sweet spot or not.  Are youtruly living in the fullness of life?  Are you doingwhat He has designed and assigned you to do?

Can you honestly answer, “Yes”?  Then keep onkeeping on!  Does your heart say, “No!” or “I am notsure!”  Then I encourage you to take this as youropportunity to spend some quiet time drawing closeto your loving Father.  Ask Him to reveal to you anychanges that need to be made.  He will definitely letyou know.  He wants to reveal His “sweet spot” foryou!

As you live in the “sweet spot,” may the “big game”of your life be the grand slam He always meant youto be!

TheSweet SpotContinued

SPEAKERS:

Denise Capra, Bonnie Duell andTerri Wright

WORKSHOP SPEAKERS:

Mona Shirley, Pam Andersonand Denise Hatfield

U S W o m e n ’ s2005 C o n f e r e n c e

At theChateauon theLake inBranson,Missouri

F e b r u a r y 2 5 - 2 7 , 2 0 0 5F e b r u a r y 2 5 - 2 7 , 2 0 0 5F e b r u a r y 2 5 - 2 7 , 2 0 0 5F e b r u a r y 2 5 - 2 7 , 2 0 0 5F e b r u a r y 2 5 - 2 7 , 2 0 0 5

w w w . f m i n . o r g

fmin .orgFaith MinistriesInternational NetworkPO Box 609Littleton, CO 80160-0609 USA

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calendarcalendar of events

April 16-26, 2004European Women’s Conferenceand TourCoventry, England

June 14-18, 2004World ConferenceDenver, Colorado USA

July 8-10, 2004Brazil ConferenceRio de Janeiro, Brazil

July 19-23, 2004Youth CampBuena Vista, Colorado USA

August 2-6European Youth CampEngland

August 5-8, 2004Portugal ConferenceAveiro, Portugal

September 3-5, 2004European Men’s ConferenceCoventry, England

September 10-12, 2004US Men’s ConferenceWinter Park, Colorado USA

November 9-12, 2004Leadership ConferenceKansas City, Missouri USA

February 18-20, 2005Women’s ConferenceBranson, Missouri USA