A few weeks ago, millions sat spellbound, including Gloria and I, as we viewed the Republican and Democratic Conventions on television. Nervously and yet with anticipation, we held our breath praying that we would hear the right answers and solutions for a world that has clearly "gone wrong" As the cameras panned over the masses of people, zooming in randomly to different faces amongst the crowds, it exposed fear and anxiety etched on people's faces and yet hope that someone "the right person" can veer this country off its current path and back to its roots.

Question: "Are we still ONE NATION UNDER GOD?" If not, "What are we then?" Please make no mistake, America was founded on the bedrock of biblical principles. Dwight D. Eisenhower said, "The purpose of a devout and united people was set forth in the pages of the Bible...(1) to live in freedom, (2) to work in a prosperous land...and (3) to obey the commandments of God...This biblical story of the Promised Land inspired the Founders of America. It continues to inspire us.

Christian statesman who gave shape to the Republic had great confidence in citizens like you and me when they proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence, "Governments are instituted among men deriving their just power from the consent of the governed." Our brilliant constitution created a government that was severely limited in its power, and was ordained for only one purpose: to serve the people.

Is it just me or does is seem Congress and certain government agencies are continuing to pass laws and bills that are actually working against our freedoms and interests? Look at the billions of dollars spent on unnecessary and intrusive programs that are literally choking our precious freedoms to death.

It appears our government believes that "We, the people” will continue to accept weak explanations for their deplorable behavior and that we are too fearful and ignorant to speak out. Don't forget, our government was created "by the people, and for the people” and WE, THE PEOPLE intend to take it back! If you share this frustration and don't fully identify with the political parties and what they are saying, you can still be heard. Make those calls to your senators and state representatives. Bow your knee..."If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land, 2 Chronicles 7:14. Help take control of this trolley that is running out of control. You ask, "Isn't it too late?" It is never too late if we pray, seek God and His wisdom and make a stand for our constitutional rights. James 5:16 says, "The prayers of a righteous man availeth much." We may not receive all the answers we pray for in the way we want them and in the timing we want them,

but we will get more results and see more changes than if we just sit, give up and do nothing.

It is in our hands. Please vote! It is your privilege and responsibility. Your vote makes a difference. Do it!

We join in prayer with you and citizens all across this great Nation - that we would turn to God, the only True Source for our hope and change, and let Him move us forward.

Gloria

 

America To Your Knees

America to your knees! Your only hope is prayer;

The world is filled with strife, confusion and despair,

But God is still in Heaven, His power is over all;

America to your knees in supplication call.

America to your knees! Night shadows lengthen fast

Soon judgment will descend, the day of mercy passed;

Our only hope is God on Him we must rely;

America to your knees! He will hear our cry.

America to your knees! Your forefathers of old, loved God

And served Him faithfully for righteousness were bold;

They read and lived God's Word, honored the Sabbath day;

America to your knees! Confess your sins and pray.

America to your knees! Now is no time for pride;

In humble pleading call on God that He be on our side.

We've sinned and disobeyed, we've wandered far astray;

America to your knees! Return to Christ today.

- Esther Kerr Rusthoi

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{Pic of the Week }

Need a pumpkin, anyone?

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{Recipe}

 

Marshmallow Squares

½ cup peanut butter

2 (6 oz.) pkg. or 1 (12 oz.) pkg. chocolate chips

½ cup butter

1 pkg. miniature marshmallows

Melt peanut butter, chocolate chips and butter together. Mix well and cool slightly. Add marshmallows. Pour into 9x13 inch pan. Let set then cut into squares.

 

 

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{Household Hint}

 

 

 

To remove the "wild game taste" from deer, elk and bear, pioneers had several methods: soak the meat overnight in salt and water; for toughest cuts, soak in a mixture of vinegar, water and spices for several days; soak in milk.

 

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Wow...this wind is crazy! South Dakota right now reminds me of Cheyenne, Wyoming where the wind always blows. I woke up a couple mornings ago to a light sprinkling of snow on the deck and I whined, "Ugh, this is too early for winter." Well, it melted. And I hope the snow stays away for a while yet.

 

Larry and I have been busy in our home office preparing for our upcoming tour to Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, and Pennsylvania. We are leaving next week so Larry is busy working on the motorhome and I'm working on getting the ministry stock, office items, and supplies for "on the road living" gathered and packed, as the motorhome won't be back here in South Dakota until next May! At my age, that kind of packing messes up my mind...but at this stage it doesn't take much - ha!

 

 

We had an awesome rally at Paynesville, Minnesota on September 23^rd, at the Paynesville High School. We had many people attendance and enjoyed a memorable time in God's presence. In the midst of the ministry time, we didn't get the pictures taken like we usually do (sorry!). Gene and his wife, Bev (Trosen) Beaver, were instrumental in bringing us in. We really felt there were a lot of hurting people and families that needed encouragement so we zeroed in on that. The comments and testimonies after the rally confirmed the direction that God had wanted us to go.

 

 

 

On October 1^st, we were invited by Pastor Randy and Chris Tabor to minister at the Olivet United Methodist Church in Robinsdale, MN (suburb of Minneapolis). When Pastor Randy called us months ago he pleaded, "Larry, we need a bump in salvation here."

 

Well, God heard his prayer request. Looking at this altar call, God did what He set out to doâ€Â¦"to draw all men unto Himself." It was so touching to see tears of joy on the many faces of those who invited Jesus to be Lord of their life for the first time. There were several young families among them. That was so precious.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"The service at the Olivet United Methodist Church was great. I invited my mom, I have been praying for her for so long. She loved the music, the singing and all the joy. She made the comment, 'If church was as happy as this all the time, I'd never miss it.' When Larry gave the altar call, my mother invited Jesus into her life. I am so happy!"

- Mary Brooks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gloria's cousins' daughter, Mary, invited Christ into her life a few years ago and what a testimony she is to whoever she meets and wherever she goes - even on her Harley!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last week, I encouraged Larry to take three days off of work to go fishing with five of his brother-in-laws to Walker, MN. Larry hadn't been fishing for three years and he and his brother-in-laws had a great time of fishing and laughing and eating.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Those six big guys caught all those little perch and had a fresh perch dinner that night. Yummy...sounds good!

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next week, on October 16^th, Larry and I will celebrate out 47^th wedding anniversary. I can hardly believe it's been that long. God has been so good to us to allow us the privilege of ministering on the road for 47 years. We left in ministry together three days after we were married. A million miles later, it's been worth every mile.

 

Speaking of ministry, October is Pastor Appreciation Month. I encourage you to remember your pastor, wife and staff. Send them a card, or phone call, or a small gift to show that you appreciate them and let them know you are praying for them.

 

 

 

We pray that you'll have a blessed week and that you'll feel the presence of God and pray for the upcoming election. We desperately need God's favor and leading in this.

Gloria

 

Pumpkin Mallow Dessert

32 marshmallows

1 cup pumpkin

½ tsp. cinnamon

½ tsp. pumpkin pie spice

1 cup whipping cream, whipped

Melt marshmallows, pumpkin and spices in double boiler and let cool. Add the whipped cream. Crush 14 graham crackers and add a little melted butter. Sprinkle in bottom of a 9x9 inch pan. Pour pumpkin mixture and sprinkle crumbs on top. Chill several hours. Dot whipped cream on top to serve.

Whew...let me catch my breath! We've just returned from our action-packed Fun & Fellowship tour to the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. Thirty-four friends joined us on this exciting journey in a beautiful motorcoach - what fun! Some say seniors are quiet and boring...not this group...they were amped and energized from the moment we boarded the motorcoach.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was a "family affair" for this group! Here is Ellen (mother), and Eileen Berg (daughter) with Jim & Janet (son and daughter-in-law) who joined us on the tour.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We left last Monday, the 10^th and on Tuesday we stopped in Kalona, Iowa for a quick tour through the Amish community and also a tour of the cheese factory. Yum, yum, the samples were delicious.

We scurried on to Arcola, Illinois to our Amish friends' home for an unbelievable home cooked meal consisting of: Southern fried chicken, unforgettable meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy, garden fresh green beans, two salads, homemade chicken and noodles, fresh out of the oven baked bread with their fresh strawberry jam and a choice of dessert from their delicious peanut butter pie, fresh strawberry pie or lemon pie. Everything came from their garden and farm.

Needless to say, we left over-filled and over-joyed. Before leaving, our group gathered up at their house and sang Amazing Grace until we meet again to our hosts. That precious Amish family stood there on the porch with tears of joy. (a sidenote: they said they have many, many groups come there, but we are their favorite group because we talk and laugh and they commented how much they enjoyed Larry's crazy jokes.) We would've loved to have a photo of their family, but as you know, photos are taboo for the Amish.

On Wednesday we arrived in Louisville, Kentucky at the Derby Diner dinner theatre and enjoyed another huge delicious Southern buffet. That was followed by a hilarious theatre production by the Church Basement Ladies. We laughed until our sides hurt. What great medicine to the head, body and soul.

Wednesday evening began the big event of the Quartet Convention with groups such as Bill Gaither and friends, Gaither vocal band, Booth Brothers, The Isaacs, and dozens of other solos, duets, quartets, choirs, and instrumentals. Doctor Jeremiah was one of the special speakers, along with many others. We arrived at the Expo Center every morning at 10 am and were there until midnight! I was intimidated by the energy of these seniors. We were all spellbound for 10-12 hours. I felt like a wimp trying to keep up with them.

On Friday, Larry took the group over to the world-known Churchill Downs in Louisville, for breakfast in the Spires so they could watch the horses and their jockeys working out on the track. What a great experience.

Saturday was packed with every event and music group possible; from 8 am until after midnight.

It was a joy for me and Larry to sit, take in and be ministered to through such wonderful music, testimonies and inspiration.

Oh...it wasn't over yet...on Sunday we journeyed to St. Louis, Missouri, ate dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory, followed by a carriage ride taking us through the Riverfront to view the Gateway Arch and historical sites. The weather was perfect and it truly was an experience we will treasure.

We spent that night in Liberty, Missouri and Monday was a marvelous day in the motorcoach as we sang, shared our testimonies and shared the treasured memories of our unforgettable Fun & Fellowship Tour.

 

Two years from now, the Quartet Convention will be held in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee - plan now to join us!

We just got home, but we're packing up to go to Paynesville, MN for a service this coming weekend. We'd love to have you join us for the morning celebration at 10 am:

Paynesville High School Auditorium: 795 West Hywy 23, Paynesville, MN 56362.

For more information, please call Rev. Jack Trosen at: 218-639-9065.

We'll I can see since we've gotten home that the season is changing, the leaves are turning and temps are beginning to drop. So savor every Fall day that you can...as you know what follows this - brrr!

Gloria

 

Our Amish friends gave us a package of egg noodles and as soon as I got home I made Chicken and Noodle soup - yummy! Here's one of their Amish recipes.

 

 Country Chicken Casserole

Say hi! We're back from an exciting Labor Day weekend at Twin Lakes Christian Center with Pastor Percy and Debbie Kallevig in Elk River, MN. Since it was a holiday weekend, we were so pleased that several partners from the surrounding Minneapolis area were able to join us for the morning service.

It may have been Labor Day by name - but it was Freedom Day for those who responded to the altar call. It's wonderful to see all ages looking for peace and joy in a troubled world.

We've been privileged to be with Pastor Percy several times, and his church continues to grow. We appreciated his and Debbie's love for people and how they compassionately go the extra mile to help and encourage each one they come in contact with (we are proud to have Pastor Percy Kallevig on our board for Larry Lundstrom Ministries).

"Do you want a day when people thank you for having Larry Lundstrom Ministries come to your church? Do you want to see young people come to Christ? Do you want to see people's lives touched by God? Then you should invite Larry and Gloria to come and minister because that is exactly what happened when they came to minister at Twin Lakes Christian Center. Over the years, their message remains to share the Gospel and God continues to use them to bring people to Christ."

Pastor Percy Kallevig

Twin Lakes Christian Center

Elk River, MN

 

 

 

 

 Pastors Carter and Paula Teply have been on staff at Twin Lakes Christian Center for eight years. As you can see by the photo of their beautiful children, you know they serve greatly in the children's ministry.

"Larry and Gloria have been with us several times and we appreciate their down home ministry that spans all ages."

 Pastors Carter & Paula Teply

Youth & Children's Pastors

Twin Lakes Christian Center

Elk River, MN

"I gave my heart to Christ when I was 13 years old in Duluth, MN, and I will never forget it. It is still good! My wife Lori gave her heart to Christ when she was 13 years old at a Lundstrom Family Crusade in Alexandria, MN. We are products of your faithfulness to God. We are so thrilled you are still out, reaching the lost."

Tim & Lori Huffer

Ramsey, MN

 

It was a joy to meet Isaac Gross, who is 21 years old, and interned at Twin Lakes Christian Center working with the youth and children. He is attending North Central University in Minneapolis, MN.

"Larry and Gloria's ministry was very motivating and captivating. I love the joy and happiness they show. The message was simple, not sugar-coated, inspiring and challenging to a generation that is lost."

Isaac Gross

North Central University Student/Intern

"Marian and I are married to brothers. We were so thrilled to hear you were coming to Elk River at Twin Lakes Christian. We absolutely loved your singing, sharing and message. We also love your monthly newsletter, family stories, news and messages - and oh yes - the recipes! We have been partners with you for years - and we will never stop!!! We love you and your ministry!"

Vangie Knudson

Andover, MN

"Thanks for your ministry in song and the powerful salvation message.  It was great to see you again.  We truly enjoy your ministry and continue to see the results when people come to the Lord.  Thanks for the many wonderful times we have had together over the years.  We hope to see you again real soon."

It was special having Larry's brother, Leon, his wife, Ronda, Jeanette Rust (Ronda's mother) and daughter, Larissa, in our Sunday morning service in Elk River. We traveled with Leon and Ronda in ministry years ago. Larissa is a songwriter/singer and has written inspirational songs about her love for God. Her songs are moving up the inspirational music charts quickly. We are proud of you, Larissa!

 

As you know, we are "in the heat" of the upcoming presidential election. Larry and I encourage and challenge you to pray, study the issues of both candidates, and pray that God will give you His mind and will in this election. Follow the biblical principles of how God wants us to live, the future of America, our children, our health system, our finances/economy, the lives of the born and the unborn, and most of all, the spiritual climate of our country. We encourage you to stand up, make your voice heard, and speak for those who cannot. We as America, as you know, are at the cross-roads and the election in November will define our future and destiny in every way.

Larry and I leave next Monday, September 10^th, and we'll be hosting our Fun & Fellowship tour to the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, KY. This is a great time of ministry to, and with, our friends and ministry partners who join us. Please pray for us as we travel. We appreciate your prayers for our safety and health.

Gloria

 

{ August 22, 2012 }

Ahh... let me catch my breath - the last month has felt like the infamous Indy 500 race - so much going on at a neck-breaking pace!

Larry and I decided to make a quick trip to Nashville, Tennessee to be with our daughters LaDawn, LaShawn and granddaughter, Myanna for a few days. LaShawn had to have eye surgery and we wanted to be there for her and to be able to drive her back and forth for doctor appointments, etc. LaDawn had a business trip to South Carolina for a couple days, so we were able to be with our granddaughter, Myanna, while her mom was gone. We get to see them so seldom - that it has been so wonderful to be able to help them a bit and enjoy them. We took these two weeks to minister to our own family, and it has been so good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Every minute spent with family is such a joy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was a twelve hundred mile trip by car to Nashville. When we left Sisseton the crops looked wonderful. We drove about 60 miles south and every mile for the next thousand miles the sites of the corn and bean fields, that had literally been scorched by 100 plus temperatures, broke our hearts. The state of Missouri is total disaster. The rivers are down, water is scarce and nothing is green. When we got beyond Louisville, Kentucky and closer to Nashville we were pleased to have the 100 degree temperatures drop to the mid 90s. Nashville has been blessed with some rain in the last few weeks and so we were so fortunate to see the absolutely gorgeous green grass that looked like carpet on the rolling hills, the beautiful flowering bushes, and all the flowers and plants that are breathtaking.

Larry was going to book a couple services on our way to Nashville, coming down and going back, and me being the tough Norwegian that I am, stated, "Larry I always say 'sure honey let's do it'...but this time, I need a mental and physical getaway." I requested, "I - and you - need a break and we...or at least I need to get my battery recharged." He could hear the hint of desperation and tone of my voice and agreed to leave all the equipment at home and take a two week leave. We've not only been able to enjoy and help our granddaughter and daughters, but have had the privilege to visit a great church for two weeks and be ministered to as we sat and were fed spiritually. What an enriching time...and so timely.

This experience reminds me of our car! Hold on...let me explain. We have this nice 2003 car, and it rides beautifully. While preparing to leave on this trip, Larry was packing the suitcase in the trunk, and he chirps, "You know what? It's a long trip; I'm going to throw the portable battery charger in the trunk, just in case we have any problems on the road." He also threw in a few tools. Well, the first 900 miles went smoothly. Then, we came out from the motel and the car wouldn't start. It was 103 degrees out. I groaned, "Oh no..." Larry smiles, showing the dimple in his cheek, "No problem, I threw the portable battery charger in the trunk." Within 5 minutes he had the charger out, hooked it to the battery, got the car started, put the charger back in the trunk and we were on our way. Relieved I laughed, "Wow, you'd think we'd lived on the road a day or two. As always, you are prepared just in case we have a problem, to get us up and going again."

 

 

Needless to say, that was not the only time. It happened time and time again for the next two days, until we could get the battery changed.

Due to life...endless challenges, up and downs, our spiritual batteries often lose charge. Thank goodness Larry had a little portable auto charger to get us up and going again while we were traveling. God has also provided us with his portable spiritual charger...the Bible, that we can carry with us wherever we go, whenever we feel down or don't know whether we can get started and make it through the day, we can plug into God's Word and soak in it - which is life to our spirits and it gives us strength, wisdom and knowledge to forge on. "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint"(Isaiah 40:31). I am so thankful for God's faithfulness, mercy, forgiveness and His love that keeps me going.

Well...anyway, that's my story, and as they say, "I'm sticking to it!"

Larry and my batteries have been charging now for 10 days and we are packing, ready to drive back to South Dakota, repack and head off to Elk River, MN the following weekend for services. We have an exciting full month of ministry in September and we are anxious to go and share the wonderful gospel message.

We appreciate you and your continued prayers for us - have a great week!

  

Gloria

 

Sunday, July 22^nd in Valley City, ND:

"It was great to have you with us in Valley City for a weekend of evangelistic emphasis. It was great to see many come out from different backgrounds and to see young and old alike respond to the Gospel invitation. Next time you are with us we plan to put forth an even greater effort to team up with believers of every background to reach out to our area."

"We had prayed and invited, and prayed and invited some more - in preparation for your rally here with us recently at Elevation North! We were in total expectancy of what God would do on Sunday morning! And because of your faithfulness to share the message of salvation straight from God's Word, hearts and lives were changed for eternity. In our small, but growing church family - plus the visitors who came, two came forward to accept Christ for the first time ever, and another four individuals rededicated their lives to the Lord! That's what you call "priceless"! And your encouragement through your music and message touched hearts and brought hope for each of us who, like you, live in this real world with all of its challenges and opportunities! Thank you for coming to Elevation North and blessing us all with your anointed, powerful, pertinent message for this time we are living in. Our prayers will continue to encircle both of you as youkeep on -reaching out to the lost, offering them the pure and simple, yet powerful call to become God's child! You are welcome ANYTIME!"

Also, we are preparing and finalizing details for our annual Fun & Fellowship tour on September 10-17^th. By popular demand, we are returning to the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, KY! There are a few spots open if you'd like to join us. Please contact the office at 605-698-7007 for more details or to make arrangements to come along - we'd love to have you with!

Gloria

Tuesday, July 31^st was his farewell and celebration in Sisseton, SD. We stood by his coffin to say our final goodbyes as the funeral director gently closed the lid on the pine box coffin Lowell requested. It was that moment when reality hit home...we will never see him again on his earth! That moment is where our hope in Christ was again defined. The grave is not the end! Lowell is rejoicing in heaven with his wife Connie and enjoying the presence of God.

How many times have you and I been at the gravesite of a friend or family member? This is where the passage in John 14 comes alive, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.  My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going."

Thank God for the hope beyond the grave! It's exciting to know that Lowell had passed own the soul winning baton in Celebration Church in Lakeville, MN to his daughter Londa two years ago. She carries the same anointing as her father did for soul winning.

LaShawn, LaDawn, Donovan, Dante and Myanna were home for uncle Lowell's funeral. What joy and comfort they were to us and Lowell's family.

With the funeral and everything that entails, I didn't have time to share the reports of our rallies in South Dakota and Minnesota. The following are some photos and testimonies that highlight the stories, and next week we'll have a couple more:

Sunday, July 15^th in Watertown, SD:

Ministering at Christian Life Assembly of God with Rev. Cliff Sheldon and his congregation was a joy - as always!

 

 

 

"It was wonderful to have Larry and Gloria in Watertown again. They are a couple whose marriage visibly has one heartbeat -souls. There is always an anointing on them that draws people to Jesus!"

Amanda Harris

"The Lundstroms were a joy to have in our church. They really know how to minister to the young and the old. Many people were touched when they performed."

Savanna Schneider

 

"When you are at a service with Larry & Gloria, it is immediately evident how much they love the Lord and how that love flows through their music and message to those around them. They have a deep desire that all come to that saving knowledge of Jesus as Lord and Savior. They are a beautiful instrument in the Lord's hands."

Shari Jacobson

"Once again we truly enjoyed the ministry of the Lundstroms. They are an authentic couple moving in their gifts to be used by God for the work of the Kingdom of God. Jesus has been faithful to them in their many years together and it shows to everyone around them."

Mary Sheldon

Tuesday, July 17^th in Cokato, MN:

Larry and I were privileged to be a part of a Senior's Luncheon through the First Baptist Church as well as minister at an evening service. There were over 240 that attended and several made decisions for Christ.

We want to say a special thanks to our friends, Orville and Laverne Peterson, who helped to bring us in for the Luncheon and evening service in Cokato.

We want to say thank you to all of you for your concern, love and prayers for our family as we start the transition into life on this earth without Lowell. As always, your support keeps us lifted up and encouraged. Thank you.

It's hard to believe that it's August already. Enjoy these last few weeks of summer and we'll chat again in a couple weeks!

Gloria

It is with deep sadness that we share with you that Larry's brother and my brother-in-law, Lowell Lundstrom, passed away last Friday, July 20^th. However, it is also with great joy and celebration that we know he is in heaven with his sweetheart and wife, Connie, who passed away just last December. Lowell had suffered with Parkinson's for years, had been through heart bypass surgery and had several small strokes. He fought until his last breath staying as active as he could. He never lost his sense of humor and his deep concern to keep everyone focusing on reaching the Lost. There is now no more pain...for Lowell or Connie. I would have loved to have been there to see the sparkle in their eyes for the beautiful reunion as Connie greeted him home...together once again! Lowell missed Connie so much as she truly was his other half.

Five days before he passed away, we talked to him on the phone, "Lowell! What are you up to today? " Without hesitation he said, "Waiting for tomorrow." I chided, "Keep breathing, Lowell, it will come." How wonderful that God gave him his "tomorrow" that he so longed for to go home to heaven.

 

   

He Really Cares About You

Who is Who?

"Who are you..." an immediate puzzled response, "Who are you"? We stared each other down like two cats meeting in an alley, "Gloria Brooks-Lundstrom". I almost chuckled at the look of disbelief and shock painted across his face, "I haven't seen you since high school graduation in 1962." I gave him that certain stare, "Ya, and you are who?" He told me and I gave him the same response...shock!

This uncomfortable, embarrassing moment happened over and over and over. You see, it was my 50^thclass reunion. There were 77 in my graduating class and over 40 of us attended. To my surprise there were no name tags...as was at the 40^th class reunion that I attended...I guess those in charge thought this would be a good mixer to force each one of us to use the three-step method...maybe I should say four step method. One: look, two: guess, three: ask, and four: gasp! Rather than a mixer it was a messer to our minds. Whatever...it worked! Ha! It's amazing what 50 years of absence will hold: college graduation, marriage, new career, new home, grandchildren, advances in career, new toys (boats, motorcycles, classic cars, etc.), great grandchildren, new ventures in traveling...for some it was divorce, death of a mate and retirement. Of course, between all of this, broken bones, arthritis, heart problems, diabetes, cancer, etc. Yes, now some were limping, white hair, no hair, expanding waists, sagging muscles, menopause, false teeth...you name it, it is all a part of the game of life.

It was so fun to catch up with my former classmates and hear them tell us their past fifty years, their present life and what their future plans are.

Here I am with James Pickthorn who was the M.C. at the class reunion. We sat next to each other in 7^thgrade, he has an insurance business right next door to our ministry office and here we are side by side at the 50^th class reunion.

At this time we've lost seventeen classmates...which tells you at the next class reunion (55^th or 60^th), we'll definitely be decreased in number.

Larry and I came back to the house and I sat for a long time and tried to assimilate all I had heard and seen in the short three hours. Wow!

I began thinking about each of us, as far as our past, our present and what our futures would hold. Which made me think about the spiritual picture...the class reunion was great, but what about the future - a heavenly reunion. How many of us will be reunited then? The Bible addresses the past: "Because all people have sinned, they have fallen short of God's glory (Romans 3:23)," the present: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9)," and the future: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love Him (1 Corinthians 2:9)". With all this in mind, it's my prayer that we will all meet again in Heaven - wow, what a class reunion that will be.

Thomastown, Minnesota - ever heard of it? I hadn't until we were there. It's about twenty miles out of Wadena, MN. Nestled in central Minnesota among thousands of breathtaking pine trees is a beautiful country church, Thomastown Covenant Church. It is so picturesque it looks like it came from a scenic magazine. The stained glass windows, the meticulously kept cemetery and the beautiful sunset as we arrived was a gift of God created for us to behold.

But that was nothing compared to the wonderful people who quickly filled the church. There was a camp meeting feeling in the air. We were honored to work with Pastor David Harlow and Jack Trosen, who was instrumental in bringing us in. Jack was the coordinator with Lundstrom Ministries for several years.

"What a privilege to work with you again. Many of the Thomastown people have been familiar with the Lundstrom Ministry over the many years you have faithfully carried on the work the Lord has called you to. It was great to see how the Lord continues to use you and the special gifts He has given from ministry in song to sharing the Word of Truth. There were several first time commitments and several rededications, all of which we so very much thank the Lord. It was also very special for Grayce and me to be able to sit down and recall old times of ministry together over the past many years. Praise God for His faithfulness. We look forward to our time with you again at Paynesville, MN in September. May God's strength and blessing continue to rest upon you both."

Jack and Grayce Trosen

Thomastown Covenant Church

After the service, a woman walked up to me sobbing...my first thought was that she was desperate and hurting and needed prayer. I compassionately put my arm around her to console her and she blurted out, "I am so happy; I cannot stop crying...I gave my heart to God in 1973 at a Lundstrom crusade and I have prayed earnestly every day for my husband since then. We both were very young at the time. Then tonight, when Larry preached the simple salvation message and presented the altar call, giving people an opportunity to come into a relationship with God...he shot out of the pew and went forward to pray the sinner's prayer. God answered my prayers...finally." I teared up, hugged her and said, "I would've traveled all these years over again, just to see this joy on your face because your prayers were answered."

Friends, if you have unsaved loved ones: keep praying - never, never, never give up.

Also, if you are in the area, please be sure to attend our upcoming services:

July 15th - Watertown, SD at 10:30 AM - Christian Life Assembly of God, 201 S Broadway

July 17th - Cokato, MN at 11:30 AM & 7:00 PM - First Baptist Church, 395 Broadway Ave N

July 22nd - Valley City, ND at 10 AM & 6:30 PM - New Life Assembly of God, 520 Wintershow Rd SW

We'd love to see you!

Gloria

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{ Pic of the Week }

 

 

The beauty of the South Dakota prairie land that we see as we travel...

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{ Recipe }

Pistachio Salad

1 pkg. pistachio instant pudding

1 (10 oz.) can crushed pineapple (drained)

1 (4 ½ oz.) container Cool Whip

1 to 2 cups mini marshmallows

¼ to ½ cup slivered almonds or pistachio nuts

Mix pudding according to package directions. Add Cool Whip, pineapple, marshmallows and nuts. Mix together well and decorate with slivered almonds on top. Refrigerate.

Gloria