June 14, 2006
It's a beautiful day! What a great day to be alive and to be at home in South Dakota. It has been fun to sit at my office table and watch the robins teach their young how to fly. Just a week ago they were still in their nest being served 
a dinner of worms by their mother. Larry and I left for two days due to services and when we came back, the nest was empty! The momma bird had already kicked them out teaching them how to fend for themselves. It is so cute as they are now flying low and hunting for their own food. I'm amazed how God created the instinct within animals to care for their own…and how quickly they learn. They say that humans are the most helpless creatures on earth. Maybe we, parents, could pick up a few tips from these birds and other animals! Ha! Back to the birds…we have a black cat roaming the neighborhood looking for fresh birds in the nest. The mother robin knows that unless she gets them flying, they will be eaten by the cat.
We, as parents, encounter the same parenting journey-only it's a longer process. The minute our children are born, the scripture in John 10:10 takes effect. It says "The thief cometh not but for to steal, kill and destroy." Satan is out to grab our children out of our homes and lives as soon as he can. He uses peer pressure, drugs, pornography, sex, alcohol, and whatever else he thinks will put our children into bondage. Especially in this day and age, we have to be even more alert and on guard instilling God's Word and righteousness in our lives in order to help them fight the fiery darts of the enemy. 1 Peter 5:8 says, "Be self controlled and alert, your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." God help us to take parenting seriously. I know we are concerned about our two grandchildren who are 13 and almost 8 years old growing up in this day and age.
Speaking of grandchildren, LaDawn drove home last Thursday night with Dante' and Myanna. Myanna is going to stay with us for most of the summer. Dante' is now 13 and has other events going on so he will come and go as he can. Dante' has been with us every summer since he was 6 months old.
As soon as they walked in the house, they were waiting for an invitation to have a root beer float with Grandpa. They know Grandpa Larry always has ice cream on hand! We spent all day Friday having fun with them. It
just went by too quickly. LaDawn helped me remove photos off our 40th anniversary photo boards. It is a good thing she did or else they would still be on there for our 75th anniversary if the Lord should tarry! Ha! On Saturday morning, LaDawn and Dante' drove back to Minneapolis. As we hugged and kissed goodbye, Myanna whimpered, "Dante', I'll miss you," And he responded, "Me, too!" It's always fun having
the grandkids around.
On Saturday we drove to Watertown, SD, which is only 60 miles away and set 
up at Christian Life Assembly. Myanna was a big help setting up. We were then invited out to Brad and Diane Gr
iepp's farm for a home cooked meal and visit. Wow…Myanna ate like there was no tomorrow! Diane took her out to see the horses, chickens, and newborn kittens. She loved that! She came back in the house cuddling Brad and Diane's dog. Her eyes were dancing with glee.
Sunday morning we had a precious service with our pastor friends, Cliff and Mary Sheldon. They, along with their youth pastor, Jeremiah and his darling wife,
h
ave such bubbly winning personalities. We had a fun time of ministry and once again, several rededicated their lives to Christ along with
a few that made first time decisions for Christ. Where the Spirit of the Lord is …there is liberty….and where there is spirit and liberty, people respond to the invitation to come to Christ.
Pastor Cliff and Mary shared the following with us regarding the service:
"Thank you once again, Larry and Gloria, for ministering in our church. We so appreciate the way God uses you both to minister to the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of those in the audience. Your ministry reaches out to all walks and ages and for that we are blessed, as well as those in attendance. We enjoy having you and look forward to having you back again."
This Sunday is Father's Day. My father has been home in heaven for 6 years now and I still miss him. There isn't a day that goes by that he doesn't come to mind. I'm thankful that when my father passed away I had no regrets. We had a great relationship and every time we talked I told him that I loved him. If you still have your father, take the opportunity to visit, call or write to him. Tell him that you love him. If you've been estranged from him, make amends and forgive each other. Life is too short to harbor ill feelings. You'll be glad you did!
Have a wonderful Father's Day! God bless!
Gloria
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
A man is rich according to what he is, not according to what he has.
STORY OF THE WEEK
What Is A Father?
A father is a creature who is forced to endure childbirth without an anesthetic. A father growls when he feels good and laughs loud when scared half to death.
A father never feels worthy of the worship in a child's eyes. He is never quite the hero his daughter thinks, never quite the man his son believes his to be, and this worries him-sometimes. So he works too hard to try to smooth the rough places in the road for those of his own who will follow him.
A father gets very angry when the school grades are not as good as he thinks they should be. So he scolds his son-though he knows it is the teacher's fault. A father gives his daughter away to another man who is not nearly good enough-so he can have grandchildren who are smarter than anybody's. A father makes bets with insurance companies about who will live the longest. One day, he loses-and the bet is paid off to those he leaves behind.
I do not know where a father goes when he dies; but I have an idea that after a good rest, he will not just sit on a cloud and wait for the girl he loved and the children she bore. He will be busy there, too-repairing the stairs, oiling the gates, improving the streets, smoothing the way.
-Author Unknown
beautiful Minnewaska Assembly of God church. We were greeted by another 
"Gloria, thank you for sharing the story of your injury to your foot. How encouraging to hear once again of God's care of each of us. It really was a miracle and it gave me reassurance of God's going before me too." 
to see them grow up, marry a good Christian, and serve the Lord. Dawn shared with us, "The rally in Glenwood was awesome! So many people went forward, including family members. It was such a great day! I still cry tears of joy when I think about it."
Just then I was convicted and challenged and I prayed, "God please help me to hate sin as much as I hate these weeds." Our lives are like a garden. Sin starts small and gets rooted in our lives, growing up almost unnoticed, then the roots grow deeper and deeper. Soon one sin leads to two, then three... if we don't take care of them they will take over our lives! It takes work-24 hours a day to keep the weeds of sin-- hatred, jealousy, unforgiveness, complacency, coldness, etc., out of our spiritual lives. We cannot do it on our own-we have to ask God to help us. My daily prayer is David's that he wrote in Psalms 51:10, "Create in me a clean heart, O God." and the one in Psalm 19:14, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." It's my prayer Lord, let me hate sin and love you more everyday. 
Greetings from Sisseton, SD! This photo pretty much describes how I look at the end of this many month tour. I kidded Larry that he worked me to the bone....literally! HA! 
and Donna Mitchell from Glendive, MT, attend. They also brought their 96 year old mother, Beulah Basta, out to see us. She is such a sweetheart. She sat down in the front of the church and beamed through the entire service. At the ripe age of 62 that I am, I wondered if I would have driven an hour to see someone at her age. She really touched our hearts! We have had the privilege to have known her for over 30 years.
Pastor Warren and Bev Maxted were thrilled at the altar response in Wibaux. They shared the following with us: "It was such a blessing to have you come to our small community and minister to our people. The presence of the Holy Spirit 
was so wonderful as we saw people give their hearts and lives to Jesus for the first time. Others were so encouraged by your music and message. Only eternity will reveal all that was accomplished by your ministry to us. Thank you for coming and may God's strength and blessing be upon you and your ministry in the days ahead."
What a gem! After the service, I was greeting people in the foyer, and I noticed a couple standing by the doors smiling from ear to ear. I walked over to them and Ivy and her husband, Marvin Duke, bubbled, "You and Larry were here 22 years ago at the Elks Club and ministered. My husband and I both gave our hearts to Christ for the first time at that rally. Our whole lives changed. We have six children so we needed this big step in our lives. It was so fun seeing you once again tonight. We enjoying hearing you sing and minister after all these years."
reflect God's passion for the Lost. We praised God for the two people who made first time commitments to Christ plus the others who confirmed their faith in Him. Your ministry of song and humor, challenge and encouragement was a great blessing. We are trusting that the message that was spoken will continue to bear fruit in the lives of people as they develop a renewed passion for the Lost. Blessings on you as you continue to travel and win souls for the Kingdom."
While in Estevan, we also had a Larry Lundstrom Ministries Canadian board meeting. God has blessed us with a great board who share the burden and mission, along with Larry and I, to reach the Lost. We are very privileged and honored to have Ed Komarnacki, his wife, Sally, Ken Sholter and his wife, Deb, and Ken Raine as a part of this ministry and its outreach into Canada. 
Nathan and Mary Johnson at Minot First Assembly. We had great crowds and God was faithful to draw the Lost to Himself. The ages of those that responded were teens to a lady who was 85 years old who made a first time commitment to Christ. What a great Memorial Day weekend memory! 
Pastor Nathan and Mary had this to say about our ministry in Minot.... "Thank you so much for coming to Minot. Wow! We certainly had a great time. Thank you for being faithful to your call throughout the years. We appreciate your heart for the Lord and your love for souls. It was wonderful to see people of all ages respond to the altar calls you gave while you were here. It is obvious that changed hearts and lives are what drives your ministry. Your love for people is refreshing to see. Thank you for the time and interest you gave to our children as well. You have blessed our family and our entire church family. Keep winning them for Jesus!" 
through the years so it was fun coming back and seeing many friends that we have made through the years. We had a joint service with Pastor Fox and Pastor Rockstad of Billings. While conversing with Pastor Fox the day after the rally, he commented, "I really enjoyed your service and time of encouragement and ministry." He continued, "I believe young couples and teenagers respond to your altar calls because of the love and respect you show to each other while you minister. They feel and see stability and know how this is needed in this world of broken homes and relationships." That was a sweet observation and it is our prayer to help strengthen families and relationships wherever we go.
faces of new converts. Larry preached on the importance of reaching the Lost. When he gave the altar call, Jared's daughter stepped forward along with her mother to recommit their lives to Christ. It was precious! Jared exclaimed, "Wow! I loved your music and service. You all were so much fun! God has been speaking to my heart about witnessing and your message confirmed it. Now I have to be obedient to hit the road and reach out to others with the Good News about Christ. Thanks...I needed that push!" 
Larry and I have been blessed to meet the sweetest group of pastors on this tour, and Pastor Curtis was no exception. He was so pleased we came to minister, and we were happy to be there. Here is a note he shared with us, "Thank you, Larry and Gloria, for coming to Glendive and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ in a simple, yet profound way! Sinners were saved, backsliders recommitted, and saints were urged to become aware of the plight of the Lost. You challenged us to do something about it! The music was great, the presentation was humorous and light at times, yet 'serious as a heart attack' at other times. Please drop by again to minister." 
Sidney. For weeks my friend kept inviting me to church and I kept turning her down. I guess as a last ditch attempt, she gave me one more invitation to your service. I just couldn't turn her down again so I consented to go. I brought my two daughters with me and we loved all of it. When you gave the invitation for the altar call, I stepped forward to receive Christ for the very first time. Soon after that, my daughters gave their hearts to Christ. Even when I was unsaved, I always thought I was a believer of something, but that night I became a follower of Jesus Christ. My entire life turned around as well as my marriage and family. We are now all active in the Sidney Assembly of God church and our daughters are involved in Campus Missions Ministry. I am ever so grateful you came to Sidney to share Christ."
ed immediately. 
"Once again, we were truly blessed by your ministry, and it was good to see you both again. As always, you come with a wonderful spirit and in a supportive role of the local church. I especially appreciate your emphasis upon winning the lost - a true evangelist's heart. We are pleased to report three first-time conversions and 9 rededications. 
Montesano is just a few miles from the Washington Coast. When Larry gave the altar call, a couple whose marriage was on the rocks came forward and rededicated their lives to Christ. What a thrill it was to see true peace and forgiveness written all over their faces. It was worth the long run down the Coast even if only for that one couple. God is good! 
Mother's Day was special. I had the privilege of ministering at the Hamilton Assembly of God in Hamiton, MT, with Pastor Steve and Ann Trimble. There was good attendance and the sanctuary was abundant with 
moms. After I shared, I invited all of the mothers to come around the altar and then form a circle which stretched around the entire sanctuary. What a moving sight! Once that was completed, I asked the children to stand with their mothers. I proceeded to pray a prayer of blessing over the mothers and the children. It was pretty emotional! There were a lot of hugs and tears throughout the sanctuary! 
After the service, Justin Goss approached me and said, "Wow! What a Mother's Day service! I've been to a lot of Mother's Day services through the years, but none like this. You were so transparent! You shared your joys, fun, and laughter of motherhood, and then you opened your heart pouring out your personal struggles, disappointments and pains of parenting. You gave us victory reports and good advice! You had us laughing and crying. You ministered right where the rubber meets the road. Thank you for being so honest and open to help encourage the mothers...fathers....and me!"
Donovan called from Portland, OR. LaShawn called from Lexington, KY. LaDawn and the grandkids called from Minneapolis, MN. I was just aching for a physical hug from each one. A couple of weeks ago when LaDawn called, she said, "Mom, it's time for you to get back home! You've been gone for five months on this tour and that is way too long to be gone from your kids and grandkids....now get home! HA!" She continued on, "Mom, we miss you so much!" I assured her that we are starting our turn towards home and should be back to South Dakota by May 29th. 
miles west of Seattle. We were privileged to minister at Christian Life Center with Pastor Ray and Sandy Jennings. What a powerful ministry couple they are! They exhibit gentle spirits along with a zest and passion for the Lost. Pastor Ray informed us he and his wife were in one of our services in Springfield, MO, way back in 1967 when we were traveling with Larry's brother, Lowell, and his wife, Connie. We were known as the Lundstrom Team at that time. It was fun to reconnect and reminisce about the old days! HA! 
red in two morning services and an evening service. The presence of God was so precious and dozens flowed up to the altar to make commitments for Christ. The pastor was thrilled to see families, couples, singles and teens that they had been praying for respond to the invitation for salvation. What a joy it was to see what God did in their lives! 
Once again, we were blessed to have many friends attend our services at Christian Life Center who have been at our rallies somewhere someplace through the years. It was thrilling to see friends and relatives attend that we haven't seen for years. From the platform I made the comment, "You just came to see if we are still really alive!" HA! It reminded me of the couple who approached Larry and I awhile back. They marched right up to us, stared us right in the face and announced, "Boy, you two are getting to be old dogs." We gulped. I thought to myself, "They surely hadn't read the book entitled, How to Win Friends and Influence People." Larry spoke up, "We may be old dogs, but we can still hunt!" Praise God we are still on the trail of lost souls after these 40 plus years on the road. 
We then drove through Kemp, WA, on our way to Port Orchard, and we were thrilled to see my brother, Larry, and his precious wife, Terry. They are such a joy to be around. On our open day, they took us by ferry from the Seattle Central Waterfront on an hour ride to Tillicum Village located on Blake Island. Thousands of visitors, including us, enjoyed the warmth of Tillicum's Native Village Long House styled in the fashion of the ancient dwellings of the Northwest Coast Native Americans. We experienced eating fresh clams in the shell out of 
a boiling pot and a delicious Indian-style salmon bake with all of the trimmings. Yummy! The salmon was fresh, originating from that area. You sure can't beat that! Following the buffet was a stage show interpreting the culture of the Northwest Coast Native Americans. It was very interesting, especially since we come from the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Indian Reservation in South Dakota. We have a special love and appreciation for Native Americans. As a teenager, which was way, way, way back (HA!), I helped with ministry in our hometown Dakotah Mission. It was a great experience!
honor them. I have been blessed to have had my mother for 62 years. What a gift! She has made the single greatest impact on my life, next to Christ and my husband. She has taught us how to pray in times of need, how to trust God when all else fails, how to laugh when life gives us lemons, how to love the unlovable and how to live by God's Word, the atlas and survival kit of our lives. Mom has modeled strength and perseverance when the storms of life were raging. I could continue on and on. I am so honored, not only on Mother's Day, but every day of the year, to appreciate and cherish her. She is a dear friend, and I thank God for her. 
staying at Frank and LaVonne Wallace's (Larry's cousins) home in Washougal. On Friday, they had a family gathering where we were able to renew acquaintances with several relatives we haven't seen for nearly 20 years. There was a lot of laughter and humor in the room. Now I know where Larry's sense of humor came from! HA! There is nothing more pleasurable than being around happy people! 
soulwinning tools with those who want to win their loved ones to Christ. 
We had a wonderful Sunday morning service with Pastor Mark and Michelle Geer. What a young dynamic couple! Their love for God and ministry just oozes out of them! When Larry gave the invitation to receive Christ, many rededicated their lives to 
Christ. There were also three people that made first time commitments to the Lord. God is always faithful! The Bible says if we lift Him up, He will draw all men unto Himself. I like what one pastor said lately, "Not only does He draw...sometimes He will drag!" That's true! When we are faithful to lift Christ up, the Holy Spirit drags them in. That's what I call fishing for souls.
State Park on Oregon's coast. Larry and I, along with his cousins, Frank and LaVonne, ventured over to the North Head Lighthouse, which is often called, A Light On the Pacific. It stand 190 feet above sea level. We found its story very interesting.. Many ships and vessels (over 2,000 in fact) and thousands of lives have perished due to the high waves and 
shifting sand bars in this area now known as the Graveyard of the Pacific. The Cape Disappointment Lighthouse was constructed, but shipwrecks continued because ships traveling from the north couldn't see Cape Disappointment's light. To remedy this problem, the North Head Lighthouse was built two miles north going into operation on May 16, 1898. Wow! What a story! 
rocks because we have failed to let our light shine to a lost and dying world. We are tempted to lives our lives being selfish and keeping to ourselves. Just think of how many more people would come to Christ if we would do as the little songs says, "This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine." In Matthew 5:16, Jesus commands us, "To let your light shine before men." When we come to Christ, we are commissioned to "Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel". That lighthouse challenged me, once again, to let my light shine in a dark world so we might reach the lost!
everywhere I look. The fruit trees are showing off their blossoms and are so fragrant. I recall the first time I was in Oregon- it was April in the late '60's-oh, that makes me feel old! Our daugthers, LaShawn and LaDawn, were four and one years old. I dressed them in matching light blue dresses with white puffy lace sleeves that our dear friend, Lois, had sewed for them. That was 34 years ago! Well, I can at least compliment myself on remembering that much from that far back! HA! 
Last Sunday, we ministered at Calvary Temple in Salem, OR, with Pastor Gary & Joyce Fournier. They were thrilled at the altar response. They told us, "Thank you for being you- transparent and obedient to the Lord. Larry, you made the altar call so clear and slick!" HA...that tickled me! They continued, " I loved the way you held their feet over the fires over hell but you didn't condemn them and they responded. We don't see altar response like this very often. It was good!"
youth leader. He shared with us that he rededicated his life to Christ in the 70's in Missoula, MT, at a Lundstrom Crusade. Now he is in ministry doing a great job along with his wife Rhonda who is the Christian Education Pastor. Pastor Gary and Joyce Fournier are Kevin's father and mother-in-law. 
Missoula. Because of the Easter weekend, the traffic was bumper to bumper for miles. We were thankful to finally nest the coach in the pines behind the Light of the Valley Church. We had a hard time keeping the fuel tank full during the 1300 mile drive, especially with the price of fuel. Larry pointed out the price of diesel which was $2.89 a gallon. We both groaned....enough of that subject! 
for the Easter egg hunt to be held after church. I chuckled, "Wouldn't it be fun if we went out with our own big basket and picked all the eggs before the hunt since we know where they were all placed?!" Larry just grinned at me, and then I was convicted and said, "That sure would be mean, but wouldn't it be fun!!" As you can see by the photo, the church didn't have an Easter bunny, it was an Easter dog. 
After Larry's message entitled, "So What's the Big Deal About Easter?" he gave the invitation to those who wanted to receive Christ for the first time or wanted to rededicate their lives to the Savior. Dozens flowed to the altar to pray a prayer of salvation. It was precious to see entire families go up to the altar together. After the service, I 
walked into the counseling area and what a glorious sight-there were many tearful and cheerful reunions! Among those that responded were several teenagers making first time commitments to Christ. That is what Easter is all about; people coming to know Christ as their personal Savior! What a privilege to have a small part in bringing them to Christ. 
Pastor and Mrs. Art Huwe of Light of the Valley Church took us out for Easter dinner. They were so kind to let us be a part of their family gathering. We have known Pastor Art and Gloria for many years, and it is always a pleasure to come back and minister with them. They are so gracious. 
On Sunday, we had the privilege of ministering at Harvestime Church in Peoria, AZ, with Pastor Ron and Sue Rockwell. Pastor Ron and Sue were the youth ministers in our home church in Sisseton, SD, about 20 years ago. They left a great impact on the lives of the youth they ministered to. Pastor Ron and Sue started a new church in Peoria about five years ago. It is growing quickly and is filled with loving people of all ages. Oftentimes, a church assumes the personality of the pastor. It is really true in this case. Larry and I know why people are flocking in; it is because there is so much love there which is a direct reflection of Pastor Ron and Sue.
recommitments of their lives to Christ. It was thrilling to see a large group of teenagers come forward to pound another nail into their commitment to Christ. 
complimented him and commented on how beautiful the picture was. I taped it on the window of our bus so the sun could shine through the picture. I then looked at my son, and I could see he was in deep thought. Finally, he spoke up, "Mom, why do they call it a good Friday when they nailed Jesus on the cross? I don't think that's so good!" Wow! I was slightly taken aback. I took the time to explain that Jesus loved us so much that He wanted us to go to heaven with Him. I continued to state that the only way we could go was if Jesus died on the cross for our sins. Donovan's eyes brightened, he grinned and said, "Oh now I know why it was a good Friday."