I just noted it’s been six weeks or so since I’ve made an entry.     Sorry about that.    Darlene and I went to Springfield, Missouri, about three weeks ago for both business and vacation.    I had an Assemblies of God board meeting (called the Executive Presbytery) and then I flew to Chico, California for a couple days for a missions night.    Upon arriving back in Springfield, Darlene and I rented a car and headed for our favorite spot, Branson, Missouri.    There is a vacation resort, owned by Johnny Morris, the owner also of all the Bass Pro stores, called Big Cedar Lodge.   That’s our Shangri-La!!     We rented a little cabin on Lake Tablerock.    Nice place, too, complete with real fireplace, a jacuzzi, and a hot tub.   Now how can you ask for more than that?    The weather was cold at night, in fact, got down to 18 degrees one evening, but I burned lots and lots of that marvelous oak and maple in the fireplace – complete with the crackling and popping and the delightful aroma of a burning fire.     I preached the first Sunday morning away at a new little Assembly of God church in Springfield, Grace Assembly of God.   It was started a year or so ago by Pastor Owen Carr, who is in his EIGHTIES!    The church is flourishing, due to the marvelous ministry of Pastor Carr, whom I consider a prince of preachers.   And the power of the Holy Ghost is there.     A week ago today (this is Thanksgiving night, by the way) I spent the day with my dear friend Jim Bakker.    I was a guest on his television program from his new studio (Morningside).     Jim has been my friend for decades, and I am thrilled at the way God is using him once again.

Next Monday, Lord willing, I head for Cuba for four days, finishing a film there for our Peninsular Florida District Council.    The name of this short piece of work is CUBANO FUEGO – or Cuban Fire!     A sovereign move of God is sweeping Cuba.   Our Assemblies of God churches have exploded with growth, going from 12,000 in 1990 to over a half million today!    Praise the Lord!     The goal of our 330 district churches is to raise $3 million in our annual district council to be held in Orlando next May.      I was in Cuba two months ago and was astonished at the work God is doing there.

This year, a tough one in ministry to be frank, has been a busy one.    But God is faithful.    This year I have preached in America, India, Israel, Greece, Turkey, Mexico and Cuba.     Next year I plan to slow down.      But as long as God gives me strength, I won’t stop.

Please keep praying for Darlene.   Her spinal surgery was six weeks ago, but she still has much, much pain.     God bless you, good friend!   I hope to see you in person at our 18th annual Christmas Keyboard Festival at First Assembly starting a week from tomorrow night (Friday).   It will run Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and the following Sunday at 3: p.m. and 7 p.m.     Admission is free and the concert featuring four Steinway grand pianos, the band, the choir and special guest Paul Todd will be fantastic.

Blessings!

Pastor Dan