The Most Heavenly Place On Earth Series

*We had 11 at the Heritage Fest, and we were expecting more at the larger festival in July, but it stormed all day, so we saw only 5 people make decisions. However, God used me to bring my first "stranger" to Christ. It happened so fast, I hardly had time to be nervous. It was absolutely awesome!

*The prison ministry has been my saddest time, but in some ways my most rewarding. The majority of them are terrified, and their fate has slammed them to their knees. Most are young, first jail term, and they have time to re-think things and how to make better choices. They know they can't do it alone.

*One precious lady hugged me after our Bible study and told me she was so sorry, but she would have to miss our study next week. She was getting out, and she was sad to miss the Bible study!"

*That's another demonstration of the power of the gospel. And we've got the same power! Let me remind you that we also have God-given platforms or opportunities to share the gospel.

*For Peter and John in Acts 3 & 4, the platform was the miraculous healing of the man who was born lame. But most of the time, our platforms are much more ordinary. For example, in Acts 19:8-10, Paul was in Ephesus trying to spread the gospel, and the Bible says:

8. . . He went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God.

9. But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus.

10. And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

*Paul started out in the synagogue, but when that didn't work out, Paul certainly didn't give up. No. He moved to the school and reached a whole lot of people for Jesus Christ. Paul found a new platform at the school, and He may already have given another platform to Clara Linda.

*Her letter was dated July 9th, and it closed with these words: "Due to my work in the prison, I have been contacted by the Pennsylvania State Convention to work with young women adjusting to the world after prison, addictions, domestic violence, etc. This work is supported by a church in Pittsburgh, which is the largest city in the Appalachian Mountains area, so I will be taking a trip this weekend, and checking it out. From the backwoods of the Smokey Mountains to the big city life, -- I don't know if I can adjust! However, it will be so nice to have Wi-Fi, and an entire phone conversation with my kids!

*Thank you all again for your extraordinary love and support. Please let the children know how much their offering is appreciated. God bless you all,

Clara Linda Wilkes"

*God gives platforms to His people to boldly share the gospel. Every day of our lives, God gives us different platforms to boldly tell people what God has done in our lives.

*Church: We've got the same power! -- But let me ask you: How long has it been since you told someone what God has done in your life? How long has it been since you invited some to church where they will hear the Good News about Jesus Christ?