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Alan Buterworth Family Update
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Newsletters - click "Get Resource" to see complete PDF version with photos and more
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Entries from
May 2004
May 2004 Newsletter
THE WORDS GET STUCK IN MY THROAT...
By Steve Cohen
On behalf of all the missionaries and staff at The Apple of his Eye, we want to thank you so very much of the interest shown, prayers given and support offered. Now in our 8th year, because of a growing base of support from caring Christians, we are indeed able to follow through with our mission: Boldly bringing the Gospel to Jewish people, urgently equipping Christians to do the same!
During this 2004 Lenten season, our missionaries had opportunities to be in 66 churches and schools all over the mid-west and east coast. At each setting we found much the same as we usually do – most Christians have Jewish friends – precious few are sharing the Gospel with them. How come?
Alan Butterworth was at one church were a member approached him cautiously. “My next door neighbor is Jewish. After listening to you today, I have been reminded of the need to bring him the message of Messiah. But the words always seem to get stuck in my throat and are not spoken.”
Countless books have been written to spur us on in faith and personal witness. Numerous campaigns, seminars, workshops and sermons have been delivered. Slogans crop up like “Every congregation a mission” or “You are now entering the mission field”. These are great sentiments, yet in North America they dearly are lacking in reality!
One congregation I visited had a marvelous strategic plan for outreach, but in looking at the listed church activities and budget, not one item was focused on reaching the lost. All posted activities were concentrated on the work of maintaining the status quo – good worship and sensitive cradle to grave caring for the members. These are not bad things to be sure. Have you ever wondered why should we tolerate such negligible interaction and efforts in reaching the lost?
It is time to get on with it! We have been given “all authority in heaven and on earth” from our Lord and he has clearly issued marching orders. When I was in the U. S. Air Force in the 1970’s, orders were to be taken seriously! There were serious consequences for neglect or willful failure to follow them. Today many are living as if there were no consequences at all. But indeed there are – severe ones.
LET’S BE BOLD AND
BREAK THE SOUNDS OF SILENCE IN 2004
He is Not Ashamed of the Gospel!
By Steve Cohen
Our friend, volunteer, supporter, former treasurer, and current Apple of his Eye Board Member, Mr. John Kindschi is living his last days in his New Jersey home. Word came to us that John now has cancer in various locations of his body which, the doctors say, will limit his life to months, not years. I recently spoke with John.The joy of the Lord is still in his voice, his faith in Y’shua ever present! He knows where he is going and is ready – still each day is precious to him, his dear wife, Suzanne, and the rest of the family. I asked him if it was OK to share this with our supporters that they might pray.
John was one of the very first volunteers with our ministry when we began in 1996. We met at a St. Louis church presentation and he shared a personal interest in getting involved while hop-scotching around the globe working as an international lawyer with Mallencrodt. But when he was around, he made himself available to help with the evangelism here. John is one of the oldest participants in one of our Apple of his Eye outreaches.John showed that he was not ashamed of the Gospel as he went to the streets even while his knees ached with pain. John pressed on because he knows how important it is for others to hear the Gospel! John has also been a generous financial supporter of our ministry. John he gave more than money, he gave of himself! For a couple of challenging years, he faithfully served as treasurer.
One Breath Away From Eternity... by Alan Butterworth
The next time your alarm goes off, give thanks to God for another precious day of life. And give thanks for wake up calls. Have you had something shake up your world recently?
Let us know. We would like to pray for you. 9/11 was huge. The other day, God shook my world again.
On Wednesday evening, March 17, I gave a Christ Is the Passover presentation at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Janesville, WI. About 50 people gathered to hear more about how to share the Gospel with Jewish friends. Pastor David Ramel invited me to stay in his home that evening. He shared how his congregation was seeking a missionary to support. He asked if I would be willing to maintain contact with them and receive their support. What an honor!
Pastor Ramel is passionate about evangelism. We talked about a return visit so I could lead a Jewish Evangelism Seminar. Late into the night, we talked about how we might partner to reach lost people in Janesville.
When I got up, Pastor Ramel was already on his way out the door. I had a wonderful breakfast with his lovely wife Deanna, his oldest daughter, Brittany, his daughter Megan and his son Ryan. Brittany and Megan couldn’t pay enough attention to Ryan. His family had constant love for each other and the Lord.
When I got back to St. Louis, one of the first things I intended to do was call Pastor Ramel. Before I could call, just four days after I left his home, I was told that Pastor Ramel died! He was in good health and a mere 41 years old. What a shock! Please keep his family and his congregation in your prayers.
We are all just one breath, one heart beat away from eternity. Pastor Roeglin, another Pastor I met on this trip, ends each worship service by saying, “Jesus is coming again. Are you ready?” After celebrating that He is Risen, I pray that you are ready. He conquered death for us so that we can all look forward to meeting Pastor Ramel in heaven!
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