Last week, a great man of my acquaintance went to Heaven. The earth is diminished by his loss and enriched by his legacy. His name was Alan Dunning. He lived in a small house near Blanchard, Oklahoma with his wife of 50 years, Betty, and dogs the numbers of which I could never keep track. He was a father, a grandfather and a great grandfather, and he was my friend. He gets in my newsletter because he believed in us and has been a supporter of our efforts ever since we met him and Betty in 1980.
We spent time working together in ministry early on, as he and Betty had a heart for the lost that moved them to spend hours in prayer and to put feet to their faith. They were always willing to go into the highways and the byways to tell people about Jesus, pray for the sick, and cast out devils. And boy, did they ever. Many of my best preaching stories happened on jaunts into darkness with Alan and Betty.
I had the privilege of speaking via video to the folks at his service. If you want to hear it, you can find it here.
On Wednesday morning, the same day Alan went home, I experienced an odd coincidence. I glanced at the monthly email from the church bookkeeper with a list of folks who have given into our work. Sure enough, there was Alan’s name. That means that while he was battling heart failure during December, he managed to sow some seed. That doesn’t surprise me, but it certainly humbles me. He was a humble man who loved Jesus and touched a lot of lives. He was not a wealthy man, but he was sure rich.
Several years ago now, I needed to buy a vehicle in Mexico for my use when I’m there and to be available for some of our co-workers when I’m not. I got one nice donation from a friend in California, but was still quite a bit short when I got a message from Alan. It just read, “how much you need for that car?” I responded quickly, and he answered, “Where do I send it?” There will be people saved and healed in Mexico this month because of his generous heart.
For some reason, his passing has stuck to me. I’m carrying his presence in my heart somehow. As I read my Bible this morning, I got stuck on this favorite passage:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.
Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT
My old friend and co-laborer is now part of the cloud of witnesses cheering me on. It got me thinking about how important it is to realize we have an audience to our race. Maybe you’ve got someone who’s gone on to glory who loved you and was instrumental in getting you on track with the Lord. If so, I want to encourage you to run well. Strip away everything that slows you down. Run with endurance: Stay steady and don’t quit. Keep your gaze fixed on Jesus. He’s your Savior, your source, and your example.
People are watching. Let’s give ‘em something to cheer about.
Mexico: After a summer and fall without being in Mexico, I was very pleased to be able to fly down for a Thanksgiving visit to Hermosillo. I had the privilege of performing the wedding of the children of 2 of our pastor friends. It was a blessing. With much fear and trembling, I did the service in Spanish. Thank God for His grace, we made it just fine. I was so blessed by members of our team who jumped in to help. Congratulations to Teodoro y Fernanda Belmonte Leal.
I had the privilege of speaking on Wednesday evening at Iglesia Cristiana Orabes. We had a good crowd, about 100 on a Wednesday when they didn’t know I was coming until the day before. The hunger in the people was palpable, these folks are ready for revival. I believe that is what we are going to see this month at the 7th annual Congreso of Ministerio de Fe Cristiana.
Our team will be in Hermosillo January 30 through-February 2 for Congreso and to visit churches. These meetings are always powerful, and we are expecting this to be the best yet. The team from Tucson will include Pastor John Smith, Pastor Randy Winkles, Rev. Gabe Rascon, and me. The theme is “Signs of the Last Days.” I will be teaching the morning sessions from our FMTI material with the subject, “La restauración del ministerio quíntuple a la iglesia para el avivamiento del fin de los tiempos.”
By way of a little advertisement, nearly all the speakers and many of the worship leaders will be either graduates or current students of Faith Ministry Training Institute. Another group of grads will be recognized during Congreso.
Keep us in your prayers as we travel and minister. It’s good ground, and fruit is abounding.
Victory over Addictions: Gospel Rescue Mission of Tucson
In November, we finished up the course on “Ministry to the Tormented” for staff at the Gospel Rescue Mission here in Tucson. This month we began teaching them our “Victory or Addiction” class. The staff members who attend get continuing education credit. They interact on a daily basis with clients in desperate circumstances. It is a privilege to be able to give them information that helps them be more effective in what they do. As in the previous class, I will be joined by Pastor John Smith of Faith Christian Fellowship of Tucson, and Rev. Joyce Hughes, Pastoral Care Manager for the Gospel Rescue Mission. Both John and Joyce are graduates of Faith Ministry Training Institute.
Thank You! Together, we are changing lives. Please keep us in your prayers.
Financial support can be sent to Faith Christian Fellowship of Tucson at the address below or given online at www.fcftucson.org. Make checks payable to FCFT and designate missions or pastorvirgil and it will get where it needs to go.
Here are some things you can do to help:
- Please follow us at www.pastorvirgil.com. Share it with your friends.
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- Whenever you see a post, share it. This will help us reach more people. (We also maintain a Facebook page in Spanish @IEMFeonline.)
Keep doing your part, I’ll keep doing mine, and together we will get a lot done.
Virgil and Judy Stokes
3141 W. Ironwood Hill Dr.
Tucson AZ, 85745
520-792-3238
pastorvirgil.com 