People know what you are by what they see, not what they hear.
When Wycliffe translator Doug Meland and his wife moved into a village of Brazil’s Fulnio Indians, he was referred to simply as “the white man.” The term was by no means complimentary, since other white men had exploited them of their lands.
But after the Melands learned the Fulnio language and began to help the people with medicine and in other ways, they began calling Doug “the respectable white man.”
When the Melands began adapting the customs of the people, the Fulnio gave them greater acceptance and spoke of Doug “the white Indian.”
Then one day, as Doug was washing the dirty blood-caked foot of an injured Fulnio boy, he overheard a by-stander say to another: “Whoever heard of a white man washing an Indian’s foot before? Certainly this man is from God!” From that day on, whenever Doug would go into an Indian home, it would be announced: “Here comes the man God sent us.”
St. Francis of Assisi one day said to several of his followers, “Let us go to the village over the way and preach.” As they went, they met a humble pedestrian who was greatly burdened. Francis was in no hurry and listened carefully to his tale of woe.
When the village was reached, Francis talked with the shopkeepers, spent time with the farmers at their fruit and vegetable stalls, and played with the children in the streets. On the way back they met a farmer with a load of hay, and Francis spent time with him.
The morning gone, the group reached the monastery from where they had set out in the early morning.
One of the followers, who was greatly disappointed, said to Francis, “Brother Francis, you said you were going to preach. The morning is spent and no sermon has been given.”
And the saintly Francis replied, “But we have been preaching all the way.”
– Prairie Overcomer
My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have One who speaks to the Father in our defense— Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.
Settling any matter of the heart that comes up between you and the Lord is guaranteed forgiveness.
When asked to describe what forgiveness is, a small boy replied, “it is the odor that flowers breathe when they are trampled upon.”
Today I woke up with the closeness of God’s presence surrounding me. And during the last 3 months and 3 days of the staph infection that totally blinded my sight, He has NEVER left me. And my praise is so overwhelming for our loving Father.
Since June 2, 2014, the doctors have been fighting to save my eyesight…. And because there was so much scar tissue from this raging infection the doctors had said, there may not be any vision.
But just a few days ago in the doctor’s office, with my husband and my daughter at my side, I was able to see a number 7 and the letter H with the help of some optometry equipment. Tears rolled down all of our faces for this small improvement. The doctor patted me and said… “There IS vision back there!!!”
I know in my heart of hearts, it is because of the prayers and fasting of our friends, family, and partners, this has happened. Thank you… Thank you for your faith in holding me up these past months. My left eye had surgery two weeks ago and the doctor told me yesterday it was improving, and the biopsy they had taken earlier is negative. I am a very blessed and grateful woman.
I don’t know why I was shut in the darkness for these past 3 months, but I do know my God… The Bible says to remind Him of His Word, and I have spent hours quoting scripture from memory.
The thought that has kept coming to me over and over… This went through HIM before it came to me. And knowing that truth in my spirit would calm my emotions when I felt overwhelmed and anxious.
What the devil has meant for harm… God is turning it around… little by little. Your prayers are working… And God is faithful!! Please keep me on your prayer list. With YOUR prayers, the full miracle IS coming!!!
THE BODILY RESURRECTION OF CHRIST IS THE CENTER OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH
The resurrection confirms Jesus’ authority to say,
“I am the resurrection and the life.” John 11:25
Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O grave, where is your sting? Thanks be to God who gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 15:54-55, 57
EVERYTHING WE BELIEVE FROM GENESIS TO REVELATION WAS AUTHENTICATED ON RESURRECTION DAY!
It’s in Christ that we find out who we are, and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.” Ephesians 1:11 (msg)
There is one thing we can be absolutely sure of, and that is, God has a wonderful plan and design for our lives. That plan was put into effect long before we had ever heard of Jesus Christ. This plan is packed with love and peace, jammed packed with adventure, joy and total fulfillment. This plan is glorious in its design and everything in our lives must work to accomplish God’s fixed intent.
Many will seek out God’s will, while others through their own desire will go another direction. God will allow us to seek our own will. God will even allow us to make harmful decisions that will put us on a fast track going in the wrong direction. The consequences of wrong choices can be painful and even permanent. No matter how far you run or how hard you try to have it “your way,” God is a patient God. You will never go so far that his love will not reach you.
I recall as a teenager packing my car and announcing to my parents, “I want to go live my life.” My mother said to me: “You can run as fast as you want and as far as you please, but you will never go so far that my love and prayers will not find you.” Thank God for my praying, loving mother and father… or I would not be here today.
God will not withhold any resource to fulfill his destiny for your life, but he will not violate your right to choose. “The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me.” Psalms 138:8 (NIV)
When I was a teenager, I had an opportunity to work for a missionary group in Mexico. This was a group of pilots who had small planes. They would fly into remote areas of Mexico and drop Christian literature over these small villages. Many of these villages were in mountainous areas and places where no automobiles would go. They were called “Air Mail From God.”
A wonderful man that attended my father’s church actually rebuilt a small two-seated plane. This plane as I recall, was a Stinson L5. It was a plane that was used during WWII as a reconnaissance over enemy territory. My job was to sit in the back seat and throw out the literature over the villages. It really was a sight to see. It would remind you of those big ticker tape parades you see in New York. The people in the village would run out into the streets and wave at us. They were always so excited to see us.
We would then land the plane in a field or any place where the ground looked flat. After landing, we would stay in the village for a few days and have a soul-winning crusade. Other pilots would follow and the people wee just wonderful and so grateful for us spending some time with them. I would sing the song: “How Great Thou Art.” Even though I could not speak Spanish, that song caught on very quickly. Just to re-live it now is so inspiring. The people would raise their hands and soon were singing along with me in their own beautiful Spanish language.
As a teenager, this was very thrilling to me, and it was also very dangerous. But when you are a boy, you don’t give much time thinking about the risk. It was just fun! This plane did not have a starter. I would stand in front of the plane and spin the prop. You might have to do this several times before the engine would cough and sputter and finally start. It was all part of my job.
I recall the little compass on the dash of the plane. It wasn’t very reliable. We took off out of macadam Field in Fort Worth, Texas and our destination for the first day was Laredo, Texas. Another challenge was to stay warm in that little plane. Each time we stopped, I would build a fire and throw two bricks into it. Then I would wrap them in a blanket and that kept my feet from going numb, because the temperature was so cold flying in that high of altitude.
On three or four occasions, the carburetor would freeze over and the engine would stop. While that was exciting to me, it wasn’t to the pilot. I recall him praying loudly and yelling to me to look for a place that was flat so that we could set the plane down. On one such emergency landing, we took some branches out of the top of a tree.
How many of us even now as look back and recall many “close calls” in our lives. We walked away from that near disaster and wonder why we survived. There is no doubt that these “close calls” are more than “luck” as the unbeliever might conclude. Nor can we be so flippant that it just “wasn’t our day to die. God’s purpose for our lives must never be taken lightly. Every “tap on the shoulder,” every “close call,” every “wake up call,” that you have “dismissed” so easily, was very likely God’s attempt to get you back on course.
“Behold I stand at the door and knock. If any many will open the door, I will come in.” Revelations ??? Each time we neglect his appeal, each time we ignore his knock at the door of our hearts, we will continue on the path of our own choosing, not his.
Back to my story… On my preparation for my second missionary journey to Mexico, I recall vividly my mother’s concern. While I was putting my duffle bag into my car, my mother put her arms around me and was praying for my safety. She abruptly stopped in the middle of her prayer and said to me: “Dwight, I don’t have peace in my spirit about this trip.” She continued her prayer with these words: “Lord, protect Dwight and block anything that might prevent your will for his life being fulfilled.” I kissed my mother goodbye and she stood there waving at me and blowing me a kiss. Oh, how I thank God, for my precious praying mother and father! Without their love, patience and prayers, this story would have a much different ending.
I stowed my duffle bag in the plane. Just as we were making final flight checks, a pastor walked over to me along with the pilot and explained to me something that would alter the course of my life. He said to me that the Lord instructed him to go on this trip and would I mind if he could take my place. I respected his request and went back home. A few days later, their plane crashed and both of them were killed.
I’ve thought about that tragedy many times. Why did God spare my life? Both of those men loved God and were committed to his will for their lives. Other events that were “close calls” have happened in my life, and yet, because God’s purpose for my life, is to be fulfilled. “… With your own powerful arm you keep me safe.” Psalms 138:7 (CEV)
I am deeply humbled and most unworthy for our God’s mercy. Let me repeat it again, God has a plan for your life. His design, his purposes and his will must become the top priority for each of us. Anything that is hindering his purpose must be dealt with and removed with all speed. Seek the Lord, ask the Holy Sprit to go into the secret places of our hearts and cleanse us. Only God’s destiny for your life will allow you to really enjoy the journey.
“I say this because I know what I am planning for you,” says the LORD. “I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NCV
Along this “Journey of Life” as you have stood with me in reaching the lost, I want to stand with YOU that everything God has planned for YOU will be fulfilled: your health, your home, your family, your finances, your dreams, and your God-ordained purpose.
“I say this because I know what I am planning for you,” says the LORD. “I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NCV
In this letter of encouragement to you, I feel compelled by the Holy Spirit to focus on you, my precious and loyal partners and friends of this ministry.
First of all, REST IN THIS PROMISE: “I have carried you since you were born. I have taken care of you from your birth. Even when you are old, I will be the same. Even when your hair has tuned gray, I will take care of you. I made you and will take care of you.” Isaiah 46:3-4 NCV
There is one thing you can count on as an absolute truth: GOD’S PLAN AND PURSPOSE FOR YOUR LIFE WAS SET IN MOTION EVEN BEFORE YOU WERE BORN…..long before your parents were born….long before your grandparents were born…God’s plan for you was already set in motion. WOW!!! Let that thought sink in! HALLELUJAH!
When I was a teenager, I had an opportunity to work for a missionary group in Mexico. This was a group of pilots who had small planes. They would fly into remote areas of Mexico and drop Christian literature over these small villages. Many of these villages were in mountainous areas and places where no automobiles could go. They were called: Airmail from God.
My job was to sit in the back seat and throw out the literature over the villages. The people in the villages would run out into the streets and wave at us. They were always so excited to see us. After landing, we would stay in villages for a few days and have a soul-winning crusade.
As a teenager, this missionary opportunity was very thrilling to me….and it was also dangerous! But when you are a boy, you don’t give much time thinking about the risk. It was just fun. Since this place did not have a starter, I would stand in front of the plane and spin the prop. Sometimes, I would have to do this several times before the engine would cough and the sputter would finally start. It was all part of the Job.
On three or four occasions, when we were flying, the carburetor would freeze over and the engine would stop. While that was exciting to me, it wasn’t to the pilot. I recall him praying loudly and yelling at me to look for a place that was flat so we could set this plane down. On one such emergency landing we took some branches out of the top of a tree.
On my preparation for my second missionary journey to Mexico, I recall vividly my mother’s concern. While I was putting my duffle back into the car, my mother put her arms around me and was praying for my safety. She abruptly stopped in the middle of her prayer and said to me, “Dwight, I don’t have peace in my spirit about this trip.” She continued her prayer with these words, “Lord, protect Dwight and block anything that might prevent your will for his life from being fulfilled.” I kissed my mother goodbye and she stood there waving at me and blowing me a kiss. Oh how I thank God for my precious praying mother and father. Without their love, patience and prayers this story would have a much different ending.
I stowed my duffle bad into the plane. Just as we were making the final flight checks, a pastor walked over to me along with the pilot and explained to me something that would alter the course of my life. He said to me that the Lord instructed him to go on this trip and would I mind if he took my place. I respected his request and went back home. A few days later, their plan crashed and both were killed.
I’ve thought about that tragedy many times. Both of these men loved God and were committed to His will for their lives. Why did God spare MY life?
How many of you even now can look back and recall many “close calls” in your lives? You walk away from that near disaster and wonder why you survived. Many people have told me of the escapes from serious accidents that could have certainly been fatal, yet look back on it now and realize it was truly a miracle.
There is no doubt that these close calls are more than “luck” as the unbeliever might conclude. Nor can we be so flippant to say, “It wasn’t our day to die.” It is very important that we step back and take these “close calls” as “wake-up calls.” God’s purpose for our lives must never be taken lightly.
“Behold I stand at the door and knock. If any man will open the door, I will come in….” Each time we neglect His appeal…each time we ignore His knock at the door of our hearts….we continue on the path of our own choosing…not His.
There will always be events that happen that we can’t completely understand, and there have been other events in my life that were “close calls”, but God’s purpose for my life is yet to be fulfilled. “With your own powerful arm you keep me safe.” Psalm 138:7 CEV
As of this writing I am in my 50th year of preaching the glorious Gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am deeply humbled and most unworthy of our God’s mercy. Let me repeat it again: GOD HAS A PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE….His design, His purpose and His will must become the top priority of each of us. Anything that is hindering His purpose must be dealt with and removed with all speed.
Seek the Lord. Ask the Holy Spirit to go into the secret places of our hearts and cleanse us. Even things in our lives that we are blinded to…ask Him to show you and then remove it.
“Though I am surrounded by troubled, you will bring me safely through them….” Psalm 138:7
ONLY GODS DESTINY FOR YOUR LIFE WILL ALLOW YOU TO REALLY ENJOY THE JOURNEY.
Let me pray for you right now: Father, in Jesus’ Holy name, I pray for your divine and perfect will to be done in my precious partners of this ministry. Anything that prevents the fulfillment of your plan for their lives, remove it in Jesus name, I pray. Amen.
“Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15.
Happy Birthday to my husband of 52 years. You are an encouragement to me as I watch you choose to daily walk in peace and wisdom. You are “Enjoying The Journey,” with your funny sense of humor… your insatiable desire to study and absorb more of God’s Word… making your choices with integrity, love, and concern for others… and your time in prayer for our family. Your special God-given uniqueness has been an inspiration to me through the years; but most of all the gift of Evangelism God placed within you, and your driving desire to win “one more soul” to our Lord Jesus. I love you more than ever! Happy Birthday…. Zonelle Thompson
Papa, Happy Birthday! Thank you for standing by me in this difficult time. You are the best Papa any girl could hope for. I’m grateful for our special bond. Love you so much! -Carissa Smith
Thank you so much for always being there for me. I love you!- Maddie Smith
Dad, you are not only the worlds best preacher but you are an amazing dad! I hope you have a wonderful birthday. I love you with all my heart. -Dwinelle Smith
Happy Birthday to the greatest man on the face of the earth. Your son in-law Jeff Smith
Papa, you are my superhero. You have literally saved my life two times. How many grandsons can say that about their grandfather? Your character and committment to Jesusu our Lord and Savior has been an inspiration to many, especially me! I love you!!- Chad Smith
Papa D, When I was growing up I can remember going in my room turning on the karaoke machine, opening up my bible and I would preach to all my teddy bears. They would repent and receive Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. I can specifically recall telling my parents how Papa D is my hero. When I was growing up, I wanted to be just like my papa. Well, nothing has changed since then. You are still my hero!! Happy Birthday Papa, I love you so very much. I admire how in everything you do, you always follow the Holy Spirit. Thank you Papa for being a great example to your grandson. – Cody Boy
Happy Birthday Papa! I am so blessed to have you in my life. I am grateful for your example and encouragment in my relationship with the Lord. Thank you for scaring the hell out of me.- Corey Shane
Papa, no matter where you are, you always have a way of letting all of your grand children know how much you love us. Thank you for being a man who never settles for the things of this world and always displaying your love and commitment for the Lord for all to see. Through you and my family, I found what it truly means to love the Lord with all my heart sould and mind. I found a love and hunger to serve the Lord and to never settle for anything less. I know my calling to be in ministry stems from our family and I praise God everyday for his favor in blessing me in this specific family. You truly lead our family by example and I praise God for blessing me with such a Godly grandpa who has raised such a loving son to do the same. Your choice to serve the Lord has affected your offspring and God will forever reign in our family. I have so many wonderful memories with you and Mimi. I love and admire you both, more than you will ever know! “Do you have any idea how much I love you?” ………”Well, tell me!” ……..I love you Papa, more than you can ever understand! – Alexa Gerbrands
Papa Dwight, I truly pray that you will have a blessed birthday! You are a blessing in my life and I am thankful to have you in my life. I always enjoy the time that I get to spend with you and praise God for blessing me with such a wonderful, Christ-loving family. Have a wonderful day with Mimi. I love you!!! – Jaco Gerbrands
Dad, It is my hope and prayers that the days ahead will be filled with energy, inspiration, new ideas, fervor and fire, as you continue to reach the World with the Uncompromising Power of the Gospel, as you have been faithful to do for most of your life. We celebrate your life and love you so very much. Happy Birthday – Dwight Thompson, Jr
Have a wonderful and blessed day! I pray this is your best year ever!- Gina Thompson
Papa, you truly are unlike any other man I’ve ever been around. You speak the Word boldly not lacking anything. You love your family with great compassion and teach humility by your actions, s the kind of humility that is only found in The Lord. You are the best example and leader of our family, the men you’ve helped raise look to you with high regard and do our best to learn from you. I love you papa, I can’t thank you enough for the impact you’ve had on my life, more than you realize. teach humility by your actions, the kind of humility that is only found in The Lord. You are the best example and leader of our family, the men you’ve helped.I love you papa, I can’t thank you enough for the impact you’ve had on my life, more than you realize. – Dalton Thompson
Happy Birthday Papa Dwight! You have been such a blessing to Austin and I. Love you so much! Cheers to another great year! – Savannah Thompson
The gospel of Jesus Christ has been passionately proclaimed from generation to generation within this Thompson family and that has not been merely labeled as a job, but an honor. Keeping Christ centered in our home has been exemplified through my father which was instilled to him from his father, my Papa D.
Ever since I was a young child I always enjoyed being around my Papa. He always made me feel special and always made it a point to let me know how much Jesus loves me and has a great plan for my life. It was Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, all the time with an occasional Texas, Cowboys, Lonesome Dove, and coffee reference here and there. Because of him, I have always found a deep love in my “Texas” roots. Even though I was born and raised in Southern California, I have adapted to more of a country boy lifestyle, I learned that one needs to be proud of his heritage (there is spiritual significance in that).
I love opportunities to converse with him because he always has something wise to say. He usually is in deep thought about something most of the time, or maybe he’s frustrated in the fact that the Dallas Cowboys can’t get it together, so when he opens his mouth to share what’s on his heart, you hang on every word.
He is the same man on Sunday morning than he is every other day of the week, minus the sweat he has from preaching his heart out. Papa has always been a man of character, a firm believer in respecting our Thompson name, and especially honoring our Lord with everything we say and do. I have learned so many things from my grandpa (I could write all day long) but the another gem I can think of is how things are just things, he says, “you never see a hertz hauling a u-haul van.” So, give freely, don’t hold on the things to the point they overcome you. Be wise with your earthly possessions but pursue righteousness above all else and the Holy Spirit will lead and guide your every decision.
This year is an exciting year for Papa as he celebrates 50 years of ministry. I can’t believe it because he looks so good. He must of been two when he started in the ministry. I know it is all because of Jesus. I love that my grandpa says, “if you ever seen any good in me, it wasn’t me, it was because of Jesus.”
Well Papa, you should know that we all love you so very much and admire your devotion in serving the Lord all these years. Keep those boots on cowboy because I believe you are about to embark on the greatest journey of your life. I love you!
-Austin Rex
Thank you Papa for being such an amazing father and grandfather. “Grandchildren are the crown of old men, And the glory of sons is their fathers.” Proverbs 17:6
You will never know the impact you have had on millions of lives and also, your family. We love you!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Zonelle truly is a wondeful wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and most important, woman of God. Zonelle has a true heart for the lost and has dedicated her life to serving the Lord through her ministry of being a loving wife for 50 years, supporting Dwight in his evangilism for 52 years, starting Operation Stitches, and being a Godly example for her family. Although the Thompson family is spread through out the United States, her children, and grandchildren want to wish her a very happy birthday! Below of some loving words for Zonelle on her Birthday!
“Mimi, I will always cherish the time I’ve spent with you. Your wisdom, your honesty, your virtues are not to be forgotten. You have taught me so many lessons without using words. Watching you as I have grown up, I have seen Gods undeniable calling and anointing upon your life. I admire your obedience an passion to grow in our Lord to give up your human dreams for heavens dreams.. I thank you for being a mighty example to me an I love you more than I can describe.” –Cody Boy
“Mimi I love you so much words cannot describe how meaningful you are too me, you have made such a big impact on my life” -Corey
“Mimi I love your style you are a great grandmother happy birthday” -Maddie
“Mimi you are a amazing woman and someone I want to be like when I’m older thank you for always being there for me and giving me Godly advice. Love you!! “-Carissa
“Mom, you have been such a incredible mother, I couldn’t have handpicked a better one! I appreciate everything you have done for our family. Thank you for always being there for any of us. I love you with all my heart. Happy Birthday!” -Dwinelle
“Today in this world we have Political leaders that give empty promises, Hollywood celebrities that run crooked charities on issues that hold no baring on human life. Mimi you have traveled to the ends of the earth to hold children dying of disease and malnutrition. You have build schools in India and Africa to educate the youth. Feed and clothed the homeless, and more importantly you have stood up strong and proclaimed to the world that Jesus Christ is the one true God. The example you have been not only with the wisdom you have spoke but how you live your life from the moment you wake to the second you fall asleep. I love you with all my heart and could not imagine a greater Grandmother in my wildest dreams!!!” -Chad
“You are a beautiful mother-n –law, grandmother and now great grandmother. We are all so blessed and thank you for all your love. Happy Birthday!” -Gina
“MOM, 3 powerful letters, If you turn them upside down it spells WOW!!!
An adjective, to strongly express about her kindness,thoughtfulness,beauty and love. That is my MOM.” – Love Your Son, Dwight jr
“Happy Birthday Mimi, we are so very blessed to have you as our grandmother. You have always strengthened us with your prayers and making sure that we trust God in all things. Thank you for being a true example of a Godly woman, blessed wife, loving mother and grandmother. It is amazing that she has so many grandchildren and has made us all feel loved in our own unique way without favoring one over the other. Mimi, you rock! I love you so bad.” – Austin
“Mimi, I am so blessed to know you. You truly are a warrior for God and I am honored to be your new granddaughter!” – Savannah
“Mimi, you are a wonderful example for your family and we all look up to you greatly. You show us how to live for the glory of The Lord and I thank you for that.” – Dalton
“Happy Birthday Mimi! You are such an inspiration in my life and I praise God for your strong love for Him. You are one strong women who loves the Lord and works hard to live out the calling on your life. Thank you for your obedience to Him. Through that, you have not only touch millions of lives through ministry, but have made a eternal impact on your family tree. Thank you for being a trust prayer warrior and never ceasing to pray for your family. You are such a beautiful person on the inside and out and your joy for the Lord radiates to ALL you come in contact with. Thank you for being such a blessing to so many lives. I pray you are blessed on this wonderful day!” -Alexa
“I was never able to meet my grandparents growing up and always wished I had that opportunity. Spending time with you and Dwight, I finally know what it feels like to have the love and joy of grandparents (you both are really hip grandparents). I love you so much and wish you an extraordinary for an extraordinary lady. I look forward to your visit to North Carolina. You have shown me more love than you will ever know. Happy Birthday Mimi.” -Jaco
“Zonelle, you are more beautiful than ever. I have never known any one who loves church and God more than you do. You are even going to church on your birthday. You have a true heart for the lost. Your life is true evidence of a Godly wife and women who has great compassion for souls. You love love going to church and I am thankful for you. Happy birthday my beautiful wife!” – Your Husband, Dwight
