What a whirlwind week it has been! The weekend of March 18th we ministered in Picayune, MS. Then we drove our coach and towed our 10,000 pound suburban heading for Thomasville, GA where we were scheduled for a service on Thursday night. We were only a few miles down the road when we heard a "clunk" and it felt like we hit a wall. Thank the Lord there was a place to pull off, which is not always the case in this country. We had just crossed over a long bridge and were thankful that it didn't happen while we were crossing that. Larry...my husband, preacher, provider, and mechanic...hastily exited the coach and ran back to see what had happened. The cross pin that holds the hitch into the receiver of the coach either broke off or fell out. That is very easy to understand as everything and every road in Katrina country is under construction. It may have broken off due to all the bumps in the road. Larry slid under the back-end of the rig and worked furiously for about an hour trying to repair it. What he didn't know was that he wasn't under there alone. Larry was lying on a hill of fire ants! He was so intent in his repairs that he was oblivious to them crawling on him.
He finally got the hitch repaired, slid out from under the coach, washed his hands and started driving again. Soon he started to scratch and scratch. In a few moments both arms were covered with welts...then sores. Then he scratched. Then they bled. Poor Larry! It has been 9 days since it happened and it still looks like he has a severe case of chicken pox. Since the weather is so hot here it only makes sense that he is wearing short-sleeved shirts. When we pulled into Thomasville, GA Pastor Bob Smith's wife, Mona met us at Applebee's for lunch. She looked across the table at Larry and his arms. Her pupils were as big as silver dollars as she squealed, "Larry, what is that?!" I quickly assured her that is wasn't chicken pox and that it wasn't contagious. After I told her about the fire ants she said in her southern accent, "Fire ants are awful. They crawl on you and then they all bite you at the same time." I guess so! The funny thing about this is that waitresses, strangers and people in the restaurants definitely kept a safe distance from him. Now I know how to get some private, uninterrupted time...place Larry in a fire ant pile! HA! Sorry...I know that's really not funny...but...it is!
That Thursday night we ministered in Thomasville, GA at the Holiday Inn. I'll tell you more about that exciting rally next week. From Thomasville, GA we packed up our sound system and everything we needed into our suburban and headed off for Miami, FL. It was nearly an 800 mile run. Needless to say, that trip required several coffee stops...and restroom stops. Sunday we ministered at both of the morning services and also the evening service at Central Bible Church in Miami. What a wonderful group of people, pastors and staff! The 
Senior Pastor, David Stocker was away at his son's college graduation into the ministry. The pastoral care pastor and his wife, Bill and Cecilia Thornton graciously hosted us for the weekend. What a precious couple. Their enthusiasm and dedication for Jesus shines forth. Last August, Larry and I had the opportunity to visit Central Bible Church and were so blessed by the worship and were fed the word so richly by Pastor David Stocker. After the good service that morning Larry and I commented, "I'd love to go back there and minister someday." We felt an instant bond with the pastor and church. Well, long story short...Pastor Stocker called us a few months ago and invited us to minister there last Sunday.
was the first time Larry and Gloria Lundstrom ministered at our church, and I must say they have an excellent ministry. Their music and songs are anointed by His Holy Spirit. Larry's preaching is anointed by His Holy Spirit, and his message is all about Salvation. We had several people saved and many rededicated their lives to our Lord. God has blessed them with many testimonies during their life. It was a pleasure as well as a blessing to have them at our church. And the people loved Larry's wit and humor. We continue praying for their ministry." His wife, Cecelia also shared,
"We were able to visit with Larry and Gloria after the services and found them to be as warm and dedicated as they were on the platform. Their ministry was a blessing to us. Larry and Gloria don't seem to meet any strangers outside the church, they were a blessing even as we enjoyed lunch together." They were such a blessing to Larry and I too. Another blessing was a man named Martin Pino, who headed up the counseling. What an energetic and enthusiastic worker for God! He commented, "It was awesome seeing how powerful the Lord moved through Larry and Gloria's ministry. I thank God for allowing me to be a part of the counseling team. Most of all I thank God for the 
many that got saved, restored and encouraged through their ministry. Thank you, Larry and Gloria. Please come back and minister to us
again." We loved seeing couples and families making decisions for Christ. This was just one of the couples who made a commitment to follow Christ. I'm so thankful I had the opportunity to pray with many hurting people. 
Another brother in Christ we got to meet was Jeff Jennings. He is the Student Ministries pastor and was doing group counseling in the counseling room. All in all it was an awesome weekend of ministry and we are anxious to go back to Miami to minister with Pastor David and Mrs. Stocker.I was reliving the above story and was readily reminded how the devil entices us with something or some things that sound so tempting or inviting. Unfortunately, often behind the temptation is the unseen and unknown that pull us into spiritual complacency, addictions to alcohol, drugs, adultery, gambling, excessive spending, etc...and like those alligators, seemingly resting in the sun, looking so docile and harmless, the devil will be waiting for us to give into temptation and will come after us as his prey to consume us. But I love what the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." (NIV) God promises that whatever temptation comes our way, if we will call on the Lord, He is able to deliver us or to help us bear it. Isn't God good! Well it's time to run. Until next time, have a great week!
Gloria
After she had explained all this she asked, "Now why do you suppose Elijah had all that water poured over the bull on the altar?"
"I know, I know," called a girl in the back of the room, "to make the gravy!"
"Your capacity to say "no" determines your capacity to say "yes" to greater things."
- E. Stanley Jones
Isn't she precious!
Place the frozen ribs in a crock-pot with about 8 oz. of water. Add 3 or 4 chicken bouillon cubes with some salt and pepper. Cook on high for 8 hours. Dump off the liquid and add one bottle of Hickory flavored KC Masterpiece barbeque sauce or your favorite kind. Cook on low for about 2 hours. (If you start with thawed ribs you may want to turn the crock-pot down to low after an hour or so.) Enjoy!
Speaking of gravy...if grease floats on top of your gravy, add a pinch of baking powder and the grease will disappear.
set up at Christian Life Assembly of God on Saturday. It was great seeing Pastor Darrell Worley, his wife Sharon, and their daughter Lindsey. We've been ministering here every 2 years since the early 90's. A lot has happened since we were here in February 2005. Katrina failed to forget them. Although it wasn't as bad as New Orleans it definitely poured out it's wrath and destruction there. With the hurricane was tornadoes that uprooted 100 year old oak trees and made them fall on houses leaving unbelievable damage. Everywhere you look you see FEMA trailers where people are still waiting for help. On Saturday night Pastor Worley took us for a drive and showed us some of the country. The destruction along the Gulf Coast is undescribable. Pastor Darrell Worley's church had minimal damage. After Katrina they built a new sanctuary and were 2 weeks from moving in when 
they had an electrical fire which totally gutted out the new building. So they have had to start over. All these people are truly survivors. Pastor Darrell is a terrific pastor and is running over with optimism, energy and determination to keep moving on. We had 2 wonderful Sunday morning services with several rededications. Christian Life Assembly has supported our ministry monthly for 12 -14 years, so they truly are family to us. 
was standing on. He fell 12 feet causing the ladder to act like and axe, thus nearly severing my right foot. We drove back over to Kiln, MS where the accident happened. Pastor Darrel Worley's mother and father, Ken and Faye Worley were pastoring that church when it happened. I stood in 
the parking lot reliving the event. I remember lying on the asphalt holding onto my injured right foot that was being held on by only a small portion of skin so it wouldn't totally fall off, while waiting for the ambulance to come. Thank God I was in shock or I probably would have freaked out of my mind. After surgery and several days in the Slidell hospital, Pastor Kenneth and Faye Worley so graciously brought us into their home. They gave up their bedroom and king size bed so I could begin the healing process. The Picayune and Kiln churches brought in delicious southern cooked meals during that time and Faye pampered and nursed me for over 2 weeks. I remember the day I came to Worley's from the hospital. Being a 
stubborn Norwegian, I was determined to be independent and inch my way into the house with a walker, hopping on one foot. I figured if I'm going to walk again I better toughen up and learn now! Larry helped me out of the car. I hung onto my walker and hopped about 20 feet over to the door of the house. The door jamb was about 3 inches high. I thought, "That looks simple enough." But I was soon to realize it would become my 3 inch mountain. I tried to figure out how to hop up there without falling again. I tried every which way, and that 3 inches still looked like a mountain. Larry finally said, "Now will you let me carry you through the door?" Which he did. Poor Larry. 
reminisce and think back on how impossible that 3 inch incline seemed to me. Then I began to relive the 10 month battle in and out of clinics, hospitals, emergency rooms, learning how to maneuver the walker, wheelchair, crutches, .... as the Norwegians would say, "Uff-da!" It was a huge mountain experience. Five months after the accident I was in my livingroom at home trying to put a little weight on the foot to try to begin to learn to walk again. It hurt so badly I fell back in my chair and wept, "God I can't do it the pain is too excruciating!" After sitting there for several moments, thank God I finally came to my senses and thought, "If I don't handle the pain now and face it I'll never walk again and I'll remain in this wheelchair the rest of my life." That didn't sound very encouraging either so audibly I said, "C'mon Gloria, toughen up! Don't be a wimp! You can do it! Get up and get going!" Of course the rest is history. I'm up and going. Yes, I still have a lot of pain but everyone deals with discomfort in some way. Every time I tried to put weight on that nearly amputated foot I would recite the verse, "And He will uphold you with the right hand of His righteousness."
visiting family for a few days. Frank and his family lived in Browns Valley, MN, which is just 12 miles away from Sisseton, where I grew up. I must confess...I had an enormous crush on my own cousin. (Yeah, I know-that's not good--but I did.) Frank was tall, good-looking, had a great personality and stole the hearts of the girls in that county. His character and integrity matched his good looks. After graduating, he went into the Navy and was a pilot. He married, Fran, who is a real gem, and in time, they felt God calling them into some type of ministry. God opened doors for them to travel to China where Frank taught in a university and Fran taught in a grade school. With the ability to use the Bible as a textbook, they had the privilege of leading countless numbers to Christ. We sat spellbound as we listened to their testimonies and stories. It is always a joy to rub shoulders with coworkers for the kingdom. Thanks, Frank and Fran, for being dedicated servants all these years. 
stretch Hummer limo parked right in front of the church. We thought, "Wow! There must be something really special going on. They must have a real celebrity visiting." The next thing I knew, we were walking into the church and were greeted by a wonderful group of loving parishioners. They ushered us in just as they were starting worship. It was such a rich and precious time of worship. Trying not to be obvious, I would sneak a peak each direction to see who looked like they came in that limo. I really didn't see anyone who fit the identity of a celebrity. God must have known that this Norwegian was more than curious because just then, a man took the microphone. His name was Bob and he began "I just want to tell our church body something. As you all know, I have a full time limo service. I keep really busy. Then, God began to talk to me about using that limo for Him. Within days, God gave me a plan. I began to use it on Sundays to go pick up children and visitors who wanted to attend church and activities. Someone said to me, 'You mean you use that expensive Hummer and all that gas to bring visitors to church?' I readily affirmed, 'Yes!' You see, everyone is special to God. Everyone is a 
celebrity in His sight so why not make it a special experience. I pick them up, give them gifts, bring them to church, feed them lunch and take them home again. A few weeks into the limo outreach, however, I was really feeling the financial crunch of making 2-3 trips around the area to get everyone to church. I prayed, 'God, now what? You didn't direct me to do this to go under. How can I afford to keep the fuel going in?' " Bob continued on, "The next Sunday, someone came up to me and said, ' I believe in what you are doing and we are seeing great results. I would like to pay for the fuel every other Sunday.'" 
for a small gathering of snowbirds from all over the Midwest. Blake Hubert, a partner and friend of the ministry, asked if we would be willing to come to sing and minister to a small group. Of course, we responded, "We'd love to!" Blake's husband, Bob, a tall stately man, came to Christ under our ministry in the early 80's in the state of Wisconsin. We were scheduled to minister in Holcombe, WI. Blake knew the Lord, but she had been praying her husband would come to know Him as well. She invited him to come with her that night. I remember Bob telling us that he really didn't want to go but felt he had to in order to please his wife. As he was driving towards the church, he said it felt like someone literally grabbed the steering wheel and parked him directly in front of the little church. Larry and I were singing when this ultrasharp couple, Bob and Blake, sauntered in and sat near the back of the sanctuary. I remember Bob intensely watching every move we made. I observed him move from the suspicious state to the interested stage as the night progressed. The Holy Spirit was drawing him. When Larry gave the altar call, Blake reached over and invited him to go forward. He responded positively.
From the moment he received Christ, he was a changed man. He and Blake spent their lives in serving others through various missions trips and outreaches. Bob and Blake were both involved with MissionAir as Bob was a pilot. They flew into disaster areas to help in whatever way they could. Sadly, Bob passed away last year from cancer, but his wife, Blake, continues the missions trips and is quick to go wherever there is a need. It is always thrilling to meet people that are sold out for God. 
At the campground that evening, we were also reunited with Gerrald and Della Antilla who live in Wyoming, MN, but were in Florida to escape some of the cold weather. They are the parents of Gary Antilla who traveled with us years ago driving coach and doing everything that needed to be done.
Gary had a servant's heart and still does. Today, Gary and his wife, Hope, are partners with our ministry and continue to be a blessing to us. Also at the campground, these children definitely grabbed our attention and our hearts. They are the children of Sean and Vani Mahon, caretakers of the camp. They are so sweet just like their mom and dad.
It's nestled between Clearwater and Tarpon Springs. What a beautiful place, and right on the water. We were at the Palm Harbor Assembly of God church two years ago and it was a delight to return again to be with Pastor Joe Peterson and his wife, Cathy. They were well known evangelists who cris-crossed the U.S. years ago. They have been pastoring in Palm Harbor for the past several years. It is a great church with warm and friendly people. We had a wonderful service and altar call response. Pastor Joe said, "It was a delight having Larry and Gloria back with us in Palm Harbor, FL. We enjoyed 
their music and so appreciated their anointed ministry and God's touch on their lives. As always, souls came to the altar and that's why we love having them come. We've known the Lundstrom's since way back in the sixties, so it was fun going down memory lane with them while they were visiting."
and how God literally raised her up from her death bed. Carl and Betty have not only been wonderful friends but godly mentors to us. We are always able to glean something from them, and it was such a joy to see them again. Carl said, " What a joy to be with Larry and Gloria again. We share so many fond memories of our ministry together while we were all part of the Lowell Lundstrom Ministry team. I told Larry and Gloria, 'You get better every time I hear you.' Larry's message was great and we enjoyed hearing Gloria's testimony of how God healed her from her ladder accident. The fire of the Holy Spirit burns in them more brightly than ever." We were also 
honored to have Rev. and Mrs. Vic Unruh, formally of Kansas, with us. We've ministered many times in their churches through the years. They always have smiles on their faces and a great attitude. Everyone who meets them, including us, are always encouraged and ministered unto by the love and warmth that flows out of them.
like a puzzle when you are traveling coast to coast. I understand what he has to do to make it work, but it was just one of those days. I was living hour by hour. I looked at him, smiled and said, "Not today, try landing tomorrow." HA! We had a pleasant surprise last Saturday. Our son, Donovan was working a job at Sea World running sound for a concert in Orlando. He was only an hour from where we are so we drove over and he got us in free. It was so much fun to see 
him even though he was so very busy working. At least we got to see him in action. We miss him so much. It's hard to have your children grow up and leave home, especially when they live so far away. He's based out of Nashville, TN but is gone most of the time on the road so we don't get to see him as often as we'd like to. It was 28 degrees that morning so the concert that afternoon was cold and windy. Once again, it was comical to see these Floridians wrapped up in coats and blankets like mummies, ha! 
only six miles from Cocoa Beach. By the way, Larry calls the town "Hot Cocoa, FL". We had a wonderful Sunday morning service. It was a joy to be back with Pastor Leslie Ray and his family at Cocoa First Assembly of God. On their church van the words "The Church That Loves" are written; and how true that is. When we walked in the doors they greeted us as if we were lost cousins that they hadn't seen in years. We had a sweet morning service and a good altar call response. One couple who had driven by the church on Sunday morning looked at the marquee, saw our names on it, (they didn't know 
who we were) and felt drawn to pull into the church parking lot and come into the service. When the altar call was given they responded along with several others and gave their hearts to Christ for the first time. I'm always thrilled to see how God draws people to Himself. This time He used the church sign. Never underestimate the value of advertising. 
great lady who has a loving heart for the lost and hurting. June said, "I enjoyed Larry and Gloria's ministry through music and preaching of the word.
Most of all I appreciated the altar call and response. I was so blessed by those who made decisions for Christ." It was also a joy to meet John Harden. His love for God just spilled out all over. John said, "I loved your ministry, brother. Boy, you brought some spirit into that service. I was blessed by your music and message."
them the nice orange color. Of course, I didn't know that they spray them with something to make the orange color come out of them. They continued, "The ones that look kind of brownish and ugly are the sweetest tasting ones." Being Norwegian, I just had to challenge that. I walked down into the grove and found a beautiful big, orange-colored, orange. My taste buds were 
dancing anxiously waiting to try the first segment of the orange. I quickly peeled it, put the segment of orange in my mouth and ugh, it was so tough, tart and bitter. I puckered up and spit it out. What a disappointment! It looked so perfect and delicious. Then I went back to my cousins orange tree and took off a navel orange. It looked kind of scrungy and brownish in some spots. As soon as I began to peel it, the juice was oozing out. I put it in my mouth. It was so sweet and juicy; I just stood there and delighted in each bite.
& Janet Stubenrauch, by Cypress Gardens Lake in Winter Haven, FL. They have graciously opened up their home offices to allow us to work out of and we've been able to drive out for weekend ministry. Amidst our busy schedule we have been able to visit and get caught up on years past. Last Thursday, Dorothy Burleson, who is my dad's sister and my cousin's mother, flew in from California to visit. Dorothy just turned 90 last week. What a delight to see her again! She is so vivacious and such a godly woman and prayer warrior. All of my family is precious to us, but I have a special place in my heart for aunt Dorothy. She is greatly responsible for getting our family to go to church. That was back in the early 50's (Hmm...that's over a half century ago). Dorothy, her husband Frank, and their family lived 12 miles from us, just over the Minnesota border in the little 
community of Browns Valley. They were loving and persistent and kept inviting us to go to church. We always had an excuse, "too busy, not now or another time". Finally they came and insisted that we go with them. All it took was once! We all went into this little Gospel Tabernacle in Sisseton, South Dakota. We loved the happy, foot-stomping, hand-clapping music. The message was powerful and anointed, and we experienced and found something we had never felt before. Most of the people were like us...they appeared not to have much as far as earthly goods, but they were all so happy because they had Jesus! Their joy just bubbled out of them. Their true happiness made us thirst after "whatever they had".
We wanted it! Soon our family received Christ and WOW what a joy and peace that came into our lives and family. You talk about a life-style change - it really happens! From that point on we wrapped our lives in the Word, church and ministry to others. Life had new meaning. As Paul Harvey says, "the rest of the story is"...we have served God ever since. Would you believe...for over 54 years. Each day gets sweeter. God is so good! So anyway, it was a special thrill and opportunity to be able to thank Dorothy face to face for her part in bringing us to Christ. My cousins, Gary and Janet Stubenrauch are so dear to us and have been such a blessing to us each time we've come to Florida to minister.
thought that was okay, but I think those two beautiful cats thought, "Good the bosses are gone, we'll outwit Larry and Gloria in no time." We'd be gone a few hours and come back to see the folding door open and there in the "off-limits" room sat the two cats staring at us with their dancing blue eyes and waving their tails up in the air as if to say, "Aha!...just try to catch us!" The challenge was on. Larry and I would try to herd those cats out of the livingroom and, needless to say, they gave us our daily exercise program. I got so tickled watching Larry go on the cat hunt. Larry finally won and carried them out one by one and locking the door behind him. This little game went on for 3 days, so 
on the fourth day we decided enough of this game. I took their heavy antique grand piano stool and braced it up against the side of the door so they couldn't get through. To our surprise...we came back a few minutes later to find out that they must have both given it a body slam hard enough that it pushed the piano stool and door open just enough to sneak through again! What a week of cat games! Actually, Larry enjoyed the challenge. When my cousins came back home I asked them, "What do you feed those cats?" She said, "Good, healthy cat food." I readily agreed and told her, "I think I need to start eating that cat food. Whatever they are eating to make them that strong...I need it!" She just chuckled. 
your breath away. It is so sweet and inviting. By the way, Larry has picked his favorite navel orange tree and has literally stripped it since he's been here. Speaking of fragrance, it reminds me of the scripture in 2 Corinthians 2:14-16, "Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things?" It is my prayer that my life will carry such a sweet fragrance of Christ that whomever I come in contact with will be drawn to Him. 
Powell. Upon arrival he said, "My wife, Joy, and I remember you from way-y-y-y- back." I questioned, "And just-t-t-how far back?" He smiled and said, "In the late 60's and early 70's in Panama City, FL." I gulped, "Well, the good news is we are still alive and going." He just chuckled. On Sunday morning we were greeted by an exuberant and loving congregation. They were action packed, enthusiastic and ready to "have church". And that we did! When I asked how many had ever been in one of our services in the past about 40 raised their hands. There were several snow birds from all over the mid-west who had attended our family rallies somewhere, at sometime. 
traveled in. They had called us earlier and asked for directions and where they could park their rig. Larry assured them, "Hey don't worry about that. There's a huge parking area as you turn into the church parking lot. Pull into the empty lot, it's not paved, but you'll have lots of room to park." They took our "good advice" and drove into the vacant lot and were surprised as the duals were sinking into the sand. We did not know it was soft sand. Good thing they were really blessed by the morning service before they went out to tackle getting it out! The harder Jim tried the deeper it sank into the sand. Larry and another man from the church chained our suburban and another big pick-up to the motor-home and pulled at the same time. With God's favor and mercy they got it out. I was so shook and felt so badly that I 
went into the church and prayed. I was afraid the rigs would pull the back bumper off their beautiful motor-home. I heard a big roar of engines as they huffed and puffed, and pulled and tugged and thank the Lord, they got it out without any damage. I can't help but think that God was looking down at us and saying, "You dummies...I got you out of this one...just don't let it happen again!" Liz and Jim were so relieved, as we all were, and they were so kind through the whole ordeal. 
year warning people of spiritual destruction and then give them hope through a simple gospel message. As you can see, and as we've seen in the altar calls at our services...people will respond if given the opportunity. Well, I gotta run. Have a great week!
We had a wonderful weekend of ministry in Winter Haven, FL. Winter Haven is about 30 miles south of Orlando. We ministered at New Hope Church two years ago with Pastor and Mrs. Dennis Gipson. It was so good to be back and to see that their church continues to grow. When Pastor Gipson introduced us he said, "This is Larry & Gloria's fourth trip here and every time they come people get saved. That's what I like about their ministry and that's what this church is all about...people coming to Christ." Later he added, "Larry and Gloria's ministry gets better
each time they come." That comment touched our hearts. Speaking of touching our hearts, there were several precious decisions for Christ. Among them was a sharp looking, young married couple who I would guess to be in their late 20's. They made first time decisions for Christ. The church congregation was thrilled!
sther said, "It was so good being able to see our friends, Larry and Gloria again. The service was wonderful. We really enjoyed the music, time of ministry, and Gloria's personal testimony. We were especially thrilled with the altar call." Duane and Grace Hoven from Ada, MN were also in attendance. They have been 
friends and partners of our ministry for over 20 years. Their daughter, Jennie traveled with us on the road and tutored our son, Donovan. Jennie was a great teacher and worker and was such a blessing to us and our ministry. Grace Hoven commented, "It was so good to see Larry and Gloria at New Hope Church in Winter Haven. We love their music and ministry. Larry and Gloria are like family to us." It's always great seeing friends and partners in our services as we criss-cross the United States and Canada. 
"Be still and know that I am God."
rigs - which would include motor homes, fifth wheels, campers and coaches - and to my total amazement there were not hundreds there, but near 3,000 literally crowded into the Florida fairgrounds.
Coming back from the RV Expo we spotted a fresh fruit and vegetable stand.
of course, Florida's infamous, huge, red juicy strawberries.