In November 2008, we met Jose and his family in Odessa, Texas. He came to the Lord in July of that same year, after a brief period of incarceration in the county jail.  Although the repercussions of that particular violation would follow him until his court date in January 2009, Jose was determined to give his entire life to Jesus Christ! During this revival, Jose was confident that he would be awarded probation for this offense, and he would let us know as soon as his court hearing took place.

The court date came, and Jose appeared before the judge, believing that he would be sentenced to a few years of probation, and he could get on with his life. However, when the judgment was read, Jose found himself being sentenced to 2 1/2 years in the Federal Prison system.

Rather than being upset, Jose shook hands with the FBI agent involved in the case, and explained that had he not been arrested, he might not have turned his life over to the Lord. Convinced that God was going to use him in the prison system, Jose began to thank God for his sentence!

Just as he promised, Jose called that evening to tell us the news.  Even though we were shocked at the stiff sentencing, we were even more shocked by Jose's response! He said he felt like God was sending him on a mission to the federal prison system!

Now, hears the really cool part:  When Jose called us, we were enroute to Mesquite, Texas, to the New Life Tabernacle. We were scheduled to begin a revival with these wonderful folks on the very next morning.

After explaining the process, and how that he would be turning himself into the actual prison facility on the following week, Jose made it clear that he was fully persuaded that God was involved in this event.

At some point in the conversation, I questioned Jose about the specific location of the federal prison unit (where he would serve out his time).  And I will never forget what he said, "Seagoville, Texas."

At the precise moment when Jose said, "Seagoville, Texas," I glanced to my right, and Julie and I were directly in front of that unit! We pray over that unit, and thank God for confirming to us, and to Jose that He had it all under control.

After this amazing phone call, I contacted Pastor Stanley and learned that New Life Tabernacle (the church we were heading to) holds services in that same prison twice a week! Bro Stanley told me that I would be able to meet their prison minster, Bro. Roy Singh, on the following day.

Just a quick side note: Bro. Roy Singh has been involved n prison work for over 15 years.   He has baptized over 500 inmates in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of their sins, in that same prison!  (He has such a passion for people/souls).

We knew the Lord was directing all of our paths, and that it would be important to have Jose and his family come to Dallas, prior to his incarceration.  The family agreed, and came to the Tuesday night service. (Jose would be turning himself in the very next day). The church prayed over them, and Jose got to connect with Bro. Roy Singh. What a wonderful time we had encouraging one another in the Lord!

At the time of this post, Jose is doing very well. He has begun several bible studies in the prison, and has already been active in the church services! The brethren have welcomed him with open arms, and Jose is still on fire for God!

Click here to see a video clip of this incredible story.

Please take the time to connect with those people that God places in your path. Even after they experience the life-changing power of Jesus Christ, we must stay involved in their lives!  It's time to become a "Lifeline for a Lifetime!"

Jose is a member of Life Challenge, Odessa, Texas.  "A special shout out to all our friends in Odessa!!!!"

Over the next few days, we will be placing several videos on our website from recent events! Some of them are so incredible…. you don't want to miss them!

We love and appreciate each of you. Remember, Jesus Christ called us to make disciples of all men. Become a Lifeline for a Lifetime!  

We enjoyed a great week at Temple Christian Center, pastored by Kerry Sharp. The church family went out of their way to make us feel welcomed and a part of the team!

The first Sunday morning, two men were baptized in Jesus' name and one of them received the Holy Ghost in the water! To God be the glory!!

We were privileged to spend time with Bro. Solomon and his amazing family. Raised in Kenya, Bro. Solomon has a powerful testimony and a vast knowledge of the Word of God. He and his wife have three incredible children, who obviously have been raised with a love for the things of God. We count it an honor to call them friends.

Sunday evening, Thursday and Friday, we taught on Lifestyle Evangelism and encouraged the church to personalize everyone they came in contact with. By Saturday, we were hearing reports of church members taking time to listen to others and God was opening doors for them to minister to hungry people.

Saturday evening, the church hosted a special time of fellowship. We enjoyed a great time of food and fellowship. (Watch out for Grandma Lois and the Skipbo cards!) Several guests came to this relaxed time and were able to interact with the Pastor and the church leadership.

During our final Sunday service, God ministered directly to the needs of the local church. It was a powerful time as Pastor Sharp confirmed that God was speaking directly to them. 

We are excited about what God is doing in Temple and believe greater things are just around the corner for this church!

First UPC in Odessa, Texas is a special place. Lead by one of the finest men in our movement, we have quickly grown to love and appreciate Pastor and Sis. Terry Pugh and their incredible family. Their love for people and the work of God is second to none. We enjoyed so many wonderful times while gathered around a dinner table, talking, laughing, and simply enjoying being in their company. They treated us with such kindness.

Bro. and Sis. Pugh have done an extraordinary job in raising their children, yet they never lost that love and appreciation for one another. It was so refreshing to watch them as they gazed into one another's eyes, and held hands. It was apparent that they were still in courtship, and never intend to stop!  We enjoyed watching them walk through the mall, or sit next to one another at the restaurants. They look forward to spending their time together, and really know how to make each other feel loved. 

We were honored to meet Bro. and Sis. J.T. Pugh. Having heard many stories of them from our Pastor, we were excited to finally meet them. What incredible pillars of faith! Even when health issues have made it difficult, they rarely miss an opportunity to be in the house of God. Their leadership and Christ-like example serve as an essential pattern for us to follow today!

Prior to each service, we gathered in one of the meeting rooms for insightful sessions on Personalization and Lifestyle Evangelism.  What a tremendous crowd we had each night. The classes were full, and several people sat in the hallway, listening intently as each concept was taught.  The Lord ministered in each class, and confirmed His Word.

The services were very powerful, as the Lord was so kind to visit us. Several were baptized, and received the Holy Ghost. To God be the glory! Many of these sweet people said that their vision, and passion for soul winning was re-ignited, and they were ready to put into action many of the concepts that were covered.

This church has some of the most dynamic and anointed singles! Not only are they passionate about the things of God, but they are actively pursing their future careers. God is using them to minister in many different avenues. Keep staying open to the leading of the Spirit! God's hand is upon you and He will use you mightily!

If you are a single male, in your twenties, and absolutely sold out unto the Lord, then we suggest asking the Lord to bless you with a job in Odessa!  The young ladies are so beautiful, inside and out. They have a heart for the things of God. Just in case you really become interested, we are refusing to indicate which females are single in our photo section.  "You will have to take that up with Bro. Pugh!" LOL!

The wonderful people at First UPC of Odessa, Texas, are poised, prepared, and passionate about breaking out into a larger and more significant future! I believe this church refuses to settle for what "has been." Rather, they are determined to fight for what "can be!" They are stepping up, and stepping into the position that God is calling them into.