Compel them (Or are you frustrated?)

9-26-10 Moving back

2010-09-26T10:19:00.000-07:00

Dear friends-

I told you in my last note that it "could not go on forever." It
can't.We either renege on our agreement with the bank and get an
apartment or move back. So, Tina and I have spent the last few days
packing and getting ready to move back up the hill. We do not know
how it will turn out, but ask you to pray with us.

Here is the video I posted this morning.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2rKHkCIXjY

Thanks for your prayers.

Look forward to hearing from you. May you be blessed!

Blessings,
Lee
http://www.facebook.com/lee.johndrow

Catching up

2010-09-11T04:49:00.000-07:00

Dear friends-

It has been a long time since I last wrote. I feel that on many
levels the Lord has had us sidelined, which is weird in many regards.
Sidelined has never meant "unbusy" in God's Kingdom. Many things have
been going on this year.

Much of our lives have been dedicated to our children and our grand
children. Our son Matt, had his wedding on August 14th to Alexis, and
Tyler his wedding to Emily on Sept.4th. Certainly both of those
events signify more than the event itself for those who have known us
all. Since we had to move to this apartment as the result of the mold
issues a lot has gone on. As I said, children and grandchildren have
been a lot of our lives. The mold triggered the merge of my paper
last year and yet in May I ended up with it back. (You can follow it
at Compasspaper.com.) It has been a long summer with regard to
business and all that it entails to run a newspaper that is
growing(2.5 times since 5/28.).

We thought our home would be restored by the end of summer but
contractors, issues, etc..indicate that will not be happening. The
landlord here called one night, drunk, and told us we needed to move
out. (He has a daughter with two kids who "needs" the place. So Tina
and I have been packing for the move. We know not where and have
rested it in God's hands. Paying mortgage, taxes, insurance AND rent
can not go on anymore, so one or the other will have to go.

We have once again come to the place of "your will" with no options.
I think we are both OK on it. We know that it will have to be the
hand of God to get us anywhere.

On other levels we are on year 2 with Mark and Village Church. We
will be starting a new school with him shortly and we shall see where
that heads.

Back to the sidelines for a moment. I think a lot of us have felt
that way. What are the next steps, what is going on, etc..And I think
just like sidelines in the real deal provide for rest, observation
and even feelings of frustration, it is also a time to "listen" to the coach.

Look forward to hearing from you. May you be blessed!

Blessings,
Lee
http://www.facebook.com/lee.johndrow

Catching up

2009-07-30T05:12:00.000-07:00

Dear friends-

Thanks for the kind comments and emails we have received. Many things
are going on in the lives of Lee and Tina.

So, we will start with some family updates.

Cass is finishing up one counselor position, coming home on Saturday
and going to work again in another camp, where the children have
parents who are incarcerated.
Alyssa is finishing up a bout of chicken pox with Jacob, and hoping
to find a job and get further with some schooling.
Tyler and Matt are working 12 hour, 7 day a week jobs, clearing power
lines, etc. and enjoying the work and the people they work with.
Amy comes down to the wire as she heads to Colombia, to work in an
orphanage outside Cali, in Palermo. She has been working hard at
raising funds for her trip.
Tina's job has continued to get more difficult as more and more
foreclosure counseling is on her plate.

We are stilling trying to resolve the issues of the water damage we
had last year. We are getting the final quotes on the repairs but it
will be in excess of $60,000. A breakdown for those of you
interested. $30,000 to repair the downstairs. $10,000 for the
interior system. $20,000 for the exterior to reroute wires, replace
broken drains, etc. There is still the issue of the furnace, etc..
Add to whether we are even supposed to "be here" and who knows...We
still continue to believe God is moving us.

With the recent closing of four area papers, I felt I was to step up
to the plate with a weekly in addition, to what I am doing. Huge
money, huge responsibility requiring much grace. And lots of right
pieces. It is going to be a do or die deal.

We have got some pretty good rides in on the motorcycle. So that is
good. And many of those rides are with other bikers so we are having some fun.

And so, what is God putting on my heart? The Lord tells me that as a
nation we have a breath with in us to change things. We have to use
that "breath." How we use that breath determines years of bondage or
continued freedom. Christianity is not a parlor game or a sit in your
chair game. It is the very breath we breathe. The areas I had not
walked in "faith" before are upon me. The things I never "worked" out
well are upon me, forcing me to work them to perfection. There is a
shout beneath that wants to come forth. A breath that can steer us.
It is not found in complacency or apathy, but in works accompanied
with faith. I sense there is an uprising much like the 60's taking
shape. I have yet to see the "doomsday scenario" play out as
predicted, but I sense the balance is exactly that...balance. The
winds from the breath of the people. Sept. 11 will have much
significance I believe, even this year. The month of August is going
to be a "hold your breath" month for many, I encourage you to
"breathe." Breathe loudly. Breathe with grace. The word is that
"nations are in balance. There is a breath within us to tip the
scales. If we do not breath, others will."

Look forward to hearing from you. May you be blessed!

Blessings,
Lee
http://www.facebook.com/lee.johndrow

Where are Lee & Tina?

2009-06-25T04:54:00.000-07:00

Dear friends-

A lot of you have wondered if we have forgotten you, and perhaps
something has happened to us. Forgive me.

We have been super busy and it has taken a toll in some areas. We
have been taking care of grandchildren quite a bit. It is a love of
ours and we spend a lot of time with them even though they no longer
live here. Tina's work has been super busy, but we have her on
vacation next week. Our business has been busy, though the economy
has had an effect. I have been busy with ministry and teaching the
school of the prophets in Swanzey. Physically, we have both had our
battles. My shoulder issue are still an issue despite doctors and PT.
Tina has passed one hurdle, though she has had some things going on.
God will prevail.

The economy has caused an increase in our ministry and busyness in
workplaces. We are still battling for the resolution of our flood
damage of last year. We also have people that owe us considerable
sums of money who we pray will pay!

So, outside of running a business and a half, any spare computer time
is spent on Facebook for correspondence. We are going to sneak away
with some pre-Christians for a day on Saturday, weather permitting
and get over to Lake George for a few hours. And of course we have my
annual birthday party on July 4th next week. Come and join us. (Talk
to Tina about details. You know me and details! "What's a detail?")

Please forgive the length between now and last letter.

Blessings,
Lee
http://www.facebook.com/lee.johndrow

Something in the air...
Yesterday at 6:18am
Woke up to early thinking something is in the air. Even the birds are
quiet today. Interesting effect. Tina opened the drapes and the
coolness is there. That something feels like we have entered into
something deeper.

In my wakening time I felt that we had "missed" something in the
church. I always want to say "basics." Is it possible deeper could be
basic? So many are seeking experience at places with people, when it
appears that deeper is the one anothers of the scriptures. Loving one
another, being submitted to one another, sharing with one another. We
are in a moment where God is allowing for us to see the needs. I have
watched Iran and thought that could be here shortly. People are
angry, frightened, discouraged. Myself, I have found myself devoting
so much time to preparation and what is going on that I am often
missing the realities of family and friends. There is a moment for
restoration and refueling through our recognition of some of the basics.

I love a lot of the revelation and response to God, but I am seeing
the day to day existence of people not lining up with those times.
Yesterday, my friend Dave was sharing a selling technique called
mirroring. This is when you are having a conversation with someone
and you match their posture to make them feel comfortable with you. I
thought are we "mirroring" the culture of people we come in contact
with? Are we getting close to them? Or have we set ourselves in
unreachable places determined to be more "spiritual" than others. The
other day a friend and I talked about the increase in many
"evangelical" churches. We also spoke of the new buildings that many
religions were building and why were we not seeing that in the
charismatic church. According to the charismatic church these people
were not as spiritual. Many would say "seeker sensitive" or something
to indicate they are getting them by some "default."

I come back to the basics. The one anothers. People are needing
people, not pithy remarks and sayings. They are needing people to
reach out. I see cults and "milk toast" churches reaching out while
many charismatics sit and wait for it all to be over in some sense.

Love must return to the church. Test yourself. Do you speak down to
others? Respond harshly? Avoid people? I found my self so agitated on
Saturday(A lot from the pain I was in.) that I sent out missiles
lacking love to representatives and legislators saying "enough is enough."

Basics are deep. Revelation without response is religion.

I think something is about to happen...

Leviticus 19:11 "'Do not steal. "'Do not lie. "'Do not deceive one another.
John 13:14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet,
you also should wash one another's feet.
John 13:34 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have
loved you, so you must love one another.
John 13:35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if
you love one another."
Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one
another above yourselves.
Romans 12:16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but
be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Romans 13:8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing
debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.
Romans 14:13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another.
Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle
in your brother's way.
Romans 15:7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in
order to bring praise to God.
Romans 15:14 I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves
are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct
one another.
Romans 16:16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of
Christ send greetings.
1 Corinthians 1:10 I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there
may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in
mind and thought.
Galatians 5:13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not
use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one
another in love.
Ephesians 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing
with one another in love.
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving
each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 5:19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual
songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,
Ephesians 5:21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Colossians 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances
you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you
teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing
psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each
other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called
Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.
Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on
toward love and good deeds.
Hebrews 10:25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the
habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-- and all the more
as you see the Day approaching.
James 4:11 Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks
against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges
it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in
judgment on it.
1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be
sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.
1 Peter 4:9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
1 Peter 5:5 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are
older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another
, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we
have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son,
purifies us from all sin.
1 John 3:11 This is the message you heard from the beginning: We
should love one another.
1 John 3:23 And this is his command: to believe in the name of his
Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.
1 John 4:7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from
God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
1 John 4:11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to
love one another.
1 John 4:12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God
lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers
over a multitude of sins.
James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for
each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man
is powerful and effective.
James 5:9 Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be
judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
Hebrews 13:1 Keep on loving each other as brothers.
2 Thessalonians 1:3 We ought always to thank God for you, brothers,
and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the
love every one of you has for each other is increasing.
1 Thessalonians 5:15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong,
but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
1 Thessalonians 5:13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because
of their work. Live in peace with each other.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each
other up, just as in fact you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 4:18 Therefore encourage each other with these words.
1 Thessalonians 4:9 Now about brotherly love we do not need to write
to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.
1 Thessalonians 3:12 May the Lord make your love increase and
overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.
Colossians 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances
you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off
your old self with its practices
Philippians 4:2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to
agree with each other in the Lord.
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving
each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Galatians 5:26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Galatians 6:2 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will
fulfill the law of Christ.
Corinthians 12:25 so that there should be no division in the body,
but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.
Galatians 5:15 If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch
out or you will be destroyed by each other.
1 Corinthians 11:33 So then, my brothers, when you come together to
eat, wait for each other.
Romans 1:12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by
each other's faith.
Ephesians 4:16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by
every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as
each part does its work.
Philippians 2:3-5 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit,
but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you
should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests
of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Ar

Touching base

2009-05-13T11:34:00.000-07:00

Dear friends-

Today I reconnected with a friend of long ago. He had connected to me
via Facebook and we were able to grab coffee today. After talking to
him, it seems like many of my friends are in transition of one kind
or another. It was really good to see Kevin. About 5 months ago I
had given a word that this was to be the year of restoration of
relationships. Many have told me they have seen this come to pass.
And I hope you are seeing this as well.

Much of this is really an update of what Tina and I are doing and
considering. I promise a real letter to let you know more shortly.

Currently the Lord has been speaking to Tina and I about moving. Over
the last few weeks we have received numerous words about a move. So,
what does that look like? We are not sure. We have begun to take
steps. These steps include readying our house. (This is a big chore
and hopefully we will receive some help in the days ahead. We are
still dealing with the water damage and the related issues, though we
have some words regarding the supernatural resolution of God here.)
We will probably begin to work on the packing and the like in the
very near future. What it means is a lot of faith related decisions.

What would we do? We do not know. We have even begun to look at other
thoughts here. We have many opportunities before us. Many have asked
us to consider moves "closer" to them. Our ministry is named Pillars
Of Clouds & Fire Ministries and it appears both are moving in our lives.

I am still running the paper and wonder what this looks like. (As
well as the other 5-6 things I have my hands on...Just got another
one while we were out riding :) ) Tina has her job.

So, we are not sure.

This weekend we have Mike Smith and his band joining us in West
Swanzey NH. This is a part of what our regional piece is and we are
excited to have them come in. They will be with us over there Friday
and Saturday nights, with 2 meetings during the day on Saturday and
they will be there on Sunday AM. Join us if you can. The worship will
be over the top. Got worship leaders in your body. Send them for CATALYST.

Cass is coming home tomorrow from college.
Matt is flying in from Albuqueque on Friday and spending the weekend
with Amy. Amy is in mode for a missions trip to South America. Tyler
is pursuing his business. Alyssa is looking at furthering her
education and being mom to the three grandchildren.

Things are busy. And of course we have my annual birthday party on
July 4th. Come and join us. (Talk to Tina about details. You know me
and details! "What's a detail?")

Blessings,
Lee

Easter

2009-04-10T04:24:00.000-07:00

Dear friends-

Happy Easter!

As a child Easter meant many different things to me. Sunday morning
my brothers and sister would run out to find Easter baskets filled
with jelly beans, gold foil colored eggs and coins and these
beautiful eggs that held all sorts of treasures. The smell of hot
crossed buns, eggs, Canadian bacon and coffee came out of the
kitchen. At some point we had jelly bean hunt, running through the
house finding jelly beans on mantles, window sashes and behind
pictures. At some point we all sat down for breakfast and then it was
time to get ready for church. There were the occasional years where
we would go up the hill behind the elementary school at 6AM, climbing
up to greet the sun, while singing hymns and thinking of Jesus

Then there was that period of time in my life where Easter did not
really mean much. But then my daughter was born and I remember
punching holes in the ends of eggs and blowing out the insides to
provide for the Easter eggs she was going to dye. And that was it for
a while. Make it fun for my children.

And then one day I found out the meaning of Easter. A man named
Jesus. Died and rose for me. Hmmm. Suddenly the eggs and the candy
took on a new meaning. A celebration of life AND death. Certainly
Easter is different now than it was. I recently heard this story and
in the spirit of the season would like to share it.

The mother of a nine-year-old boy named Mark received a phone call in
the middle of the afternoon. It was the teacher from her son's school.

"Mrs. Smith, something unusual happened today in your son's third
grade class. Your son did something that surprised me so much that I
thought you should know about it immediately." The mother began to
grow worried.

The teacher continued, "Nothing like this has happened in all my
years of teaching. This morning I was teaching a lesson on creative
writing. And as I always do, I tell the story of the ant and the grasshopper:

"The ant works hard all summer and stores up plenty of food. But the
grasshopper plays all summer and does no work.

"Then winter comes. the grasshopper begins to starve because he has
no food. So he begins to beg, 'Please Mr. Ant, you have much food.
Please let me eat, too.'" then I said, "Boys and girls, your job is
to write the ending to the story."

"Your son, Mark, raised his hand. 'Teacher, may I draw a picture?'

"'Well, yes, Mark, if you like, you may draw a picture. But first you
must write the ending to the story.'

"As in all the years past, most of the students said the ant shared
his food through the winter, and both the ant and the grasshopper
lived. A few children wrote, 'No, Mr. Grasshopper. You should have
worked in the summer. Now, I have just enough food for myself.' So
the ant lived and the grasshopper died.

"But your son ended the story in a way different from any other
child, ever. He wrote, 'So the ant gave all of his food to the
grasshopper; the grasshopper lived through the winter. But the ant died.'

"And the picture? At the bottom of the page, Mark had drawn three crosses."

Easter is fun for me. I have three grandchildren. They get candy and
eggs and all the fixings. But they get the story, as well. This year
all but my son Matthew(Albuquerque) will be home. Because of college
schedules, etc., we will be having dinner tomorrow. It will be a busy
and fun time.

Many things are going on here.
We are still trying to make a decision about the issues we had with the water.
We just went through the same sex debacle here in Vermont.
We complete our ten weeks of our "School" we have been teaching at
Village Church.
And we are trying to figure out next steps. Will it be move? Stay?
Join something?

We are not sure. We do know that the Lord's hand is on the wheel.

To you and your family have a blessed time this weekend.

For the Lord is our strength.

Blessings,
Lee

Over the last few months

2009-03-10T06:02:00.000-07:00

Dear friends-

It has been a few months since my last letter. The Lord has been dealing with me over loss.

I have come to the conclusion that you can not have loss if you do not have gain, You must have something to lose.
Ouch!

When I was very young, my grandmother died. She was the love of my young life. Always kind, patient and interested in me. She was taken to the hospital for a stroke. Because I was so young, I was not allowed in. She died while I was in the car with my father. It haunted me for many years. I remember my fear of death as a young child as my mom tried to explain that we "all die." I remember crying and screaming at it. I could not see it. For many years I had bad dreams about death. Not too many months later, my grandfather died. In the middle of the night I heard "his death." I got up and walked out to tell my parents of his death. And he was. Now my perception of him was very different than that of my grandmother. And yet it was still painful.

In my life I work hard to make sure people know the truth about Jesus as the result of that conversation. Overtime, some might say. And as time speeds up, there are more and more "frights" that people are faced with. I have seen many deal with real issues of the heart. Just as the scriptures have indicated. Letting fear grip our hearts is not unusual with economies and the news of today, and yet as believers we are called to a place of trust. Only yesterday, I spoke with a believer who was struggling with trust in Him.

Most of you know that I have a grandson, who is in many regards, the apple of my eye. He has recently taken to jumping off the coffee table. He only does it with me. He climbs on the table and falls into my arms. Partial trust, for him, I do not think is an option. He does not waver, but comes off the table with purpose. I think he is my example of trust.

Do I trust like that? "Well, it depends" is an answer that circulates the church. But as the economy shakes and the world rolls, that answer may need to be countered. Only this morning, I saw that depression can cause heart attacks in a test of women. It brings to our minds "why depression?" I think the answer may be lack of trust.

Depression is something as an unbeliever that I experienced. Dreams of death and destruction plagued my dreams for many years. I drank and drugged my way to "oblivion" that never came. Oh, there were a few visits to the hospital for overdoses and the like, but oblivion never came. I pursued religion with all my heart. I carried worry stones and drank teas and I did everything I could find to visit peace. I built stores that were to supply people with peace.

And so, taking more meds for depression and anxiety than should be given, I came to the cross. And within a few years I was given to a place of peace and withdrew from my meds.

Now my walk with Lord has not always been a fun one. And yet on the other hand I trust. Last week, I saw jubilee in the form of a wrongful attachment to our home forgiven. That wrong the Lord righted. I have not carried bitterness and I have worked to BLESS my enemies. Did it ever occur to you to bless your enemies? This is God�s way of protecting yourself from curses spoken by others against you. If, on the other hand, you have bitterness, unforgiveness, hatred, and anger in your heart against your antagonist, YOU ARE MAKING A LANDING STRIP FOR THE CURSE TO ALIGHT!

And so my life has been full. I saw my mom and dad come to the Lord before their deaths. I learned to cry over real deals. (I joke that I never cried until I took on ministry.) I cried so hard when my pets died I could not believe it. And so imagine my surprise when yesterday, I watched my daughter and three grandchildren move out, pain gripped my heart. They are not moving out of town, but I will sure miss Jacob coming up the stairs to "read" to me each morning from a book on ducklings. Or Jordan coming up early Saturday morning to hang out. Or Mariah cuddling up when no one else is around. I hurt! What is this? I moped all day even as people called for help. I lost my energy. Today is a little better, but there is no little one running to me. So, tears are here as I write.

Tina told me that she saw Alyssa in the store and the kids and Jacob was looking for me. It is hard.

So, do I trust? Yes! Will I allow the devil to get the upper hand? No!

We are in weird times. As the scriptures say, "some may trust in horses, some may trust in chariots, but we will trust in the name of the Lord." We can not depend on government to do what we will not do for ourselves. We can not walk around with our hands out and our heads down. We must trust. I do not think there is a middle of the road trust with God. I think it is all or nothing to reach peace. You may differ, but at least consider this. Has partial trust in those areas you are "learning to trust" in getting any better? Mine did not. It was hand over and trust.

Each one has a battle today. The results are "can we overcome?" I think so, even if we move at one minute at a time. We need to slow down to hear God. And He wants to give us step by step instructions to protect us from destruction.

Please consider it as you walk through this day.

Blessings,
Lee

Jumping in...to a time of rejoicing

2009-01-30T03:33:00.000-08:00

Dear friends-

When I was young I was on a camping trip and we had gone a very long way into the wilderness. And as we approached the lake I could see their was still ice in the distance. I thought, the last place I want to be is in that water. On the other hand, I had sweated my self up to the place where not being clean was high on my agenda. So, as we circled everything up and got things prepared for dinner, I decided I was going to take a swim. I went over to a little bank, perhaps 4-5 above the water and looked in and decided a shallow dive and a quick swim over to the small "beach." Now, I will tell you, my brothers and I played hockey on marginally frozen ponds and going through the ice had not been "that bad." Probably because I had neglected to remember that it had probably not included total immersion. In I went. And as soon as I hit tat water with the tips of my fingers, I knew that life was going to be exciting. As I plunged in I felt what could only be described as heart stopping. My swim was as short as I could make it. And let me tell you it was a rush. I was giddy, trying to think through. I got out of the water and more cold took over. Now, that was cold weather camping or winter camping.

And when I got baptized there was still ice on the pond in the far reaches. The men baptizing came out purple.

Why recount this? The last few days have been a trial. In some ways I feel like a parachutist (Though never figuring out why someone would jump out of a perfectly good airplane.). Committed to the process, trying to absorb the beauty and wondering about the landing. I guess most of my life has been calculated, but I recognize to others it appears to be a plunge.

A few days ago my furnace stopped working. (You know, during the snowstorm that attacked the northeast?) And I called my friendly plumber. He came over, and told me I was out of fuel. OK...I was surprised, but went and got about 15 gallons of fuel, loaded it in, bled the system and it ran...all night. I thought it was fixed. While he was here, he declared my furnace an antique and recommended euthanasia. So, yesterday it was pretty warm out, I bought another 100 gallons (Robbing Peter to pay Paul.) and thought we were all set. About 6 last night I realized the furnace was not running, let alone walking. Called my friendly plumber. He made some suggestions with the caveat that if that did not work, call him back. Well, the fix did not work, and 2.5 hours of calling did not work. So, my wife gathered up extra blankets, etc., and we prepared for a cold night.

I am a creature of habit. When I type into a word program I can not stand to see red underscores indicating misspelled words or green lines indicating bad grammar. I always go back to fix them. (The only problem as most of my readers can attest, is spell checkers do not fix correctly spelled words.) So this morning, I woke up (Actually, I was awake a lot as 100 pounds of blankets is well, a hundred pounds.) and being the creature of habit, I was going to take a shower. The floor was cold, the air was cold. We were below 50 degrees and falling. But, I jumped in. And when I got out, I realized how cold it was. Cold. My fingers are freezing, but the alternative is to do nothing.

And in the midst of it, I was reminded of a scripture that when I was first saved, I read. But, when I was in a church, I was appalled. For it is not a word of faith statement, my alma mater. The song is based on Habbakkuk 3.

THO'THE FIG TREE DOES NOT BLOSSOM AND THERE BE NO FRUIT ON THE VINE THE PRODUCE OF THE OLIVE FAIL AND THE FIELDS YIELD NO FOOD THO' THE FLOCK BE CUT OFF FROM THE FOLD AND THERE BE NO HERD IN THE STALLS YET WILL I REJOICE IN THE LORD YET WILL I REJOICE IN THE LORD I WILL JOY IN THE GOD OF MY SALVATION GOD THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH

When I first heard it, I about fell over. My feelings were deliverance is to administered, and spiritual warfare is to be employed. It took me a few trials in the beginning to learn not to speak about the problem, a few more to war against the problem, and yet a few more to come to a place of rejoicing. But, I heard that song this morning. So, my day will be spent rejoicing. Despite the cold, for at some point I know I will enter into his fruited plain. And unlike Miriam, I want to be rejoicing before the "Red Sea" splits.

My difficulties are less than the light afflictions of Paul. My house warmer than those of many nations. (Though a little cooler than the White House.) My water more plentiful than the deserts of barren nations. My roof while it leaked is still in place. And there is no water in the basement. I am not suggesting we accept attacks from the enemy and take them in stride, or accept sickness as part of life. I am suggesting we rejoice.

For the Lord is our strength.

Blessings,
Lee

The Downside of Short Term Thinking

2009-01-25T04:17:00.000-08:00

Dear friends-

Last night I was awakened with the feeling of "panic." Even 12 hours later the thoughts have been going through my mind. I awoke to thinking my life time had run out. I surveyed the landscape of my life and saw unfinished projects, books and the like. I began to give thought to friends who were no longer with me here on earth. Those that were on the brink and to a group who does not seem to know. But, me, I thought I was under control. So, the thought process of last night was disturbing. I am a planner. (Not always planning well, but a planner.) I realize that I have so many things going on at any one time, that whenever I leave here, I will have a project or two uncompleted. So, I really began to give credence to what I have going on and where will it be in 5 years. I live my life along these standards...

�There are 3 kinds of people. Those who MAKE things happen. Those who WATCH what happens. Those who WONDER what happened.�

I never want to be in the third category, but I was feeling like I was last night. It got to me. How many decisions do I make that are short term decisions for the now, leaving me holding the bag later? I have told my children for a long time, that when you have children and you make a short term decision for the now, without looking to the results of the future, things may not go the way you planned. One of my examples is in parenting, that many parents will make a short term decision to not discipline a child(making the child AND the parent feel better), only to travel a few years down the road and face heartbreak because the child is out of control. There is no time like today.

The other day I had a sit down with a friend of mine who is preparing for a run for Congress. He has asked me to help. Like me, he is an activist, a pot stirrer. And like me, he is a strategist. A planner. (He also like me, appreciates the "fight" more than the win, so to speak.) And so, we sat over our coffees and developed beginning strategy.

And then I have many friends who make lots of decisions with out thought process to the future. (Now, some would say that is the issue of "not counting the cost," but what if we truly are lead by the Spirit and allow for the flowing of Him in our lives? Must we worry? Probably not. On the other hand, most of our prone to our flesh from time to time, and decisions become colored.)

For instance, long term relationships, take, well, a long time...A friend of mine and I have been meeting in the same place for coffee for over 10 years each week. Others have come and joined us, but, it has ended up being him and I for the most part. Many people look for what they can get out of a relationship (A sure fire "cure" to alleviate long term relationships.) rather than what they can give.

The decisions we make today affect tomorrow. Time is my friend and time is my enemy. Time heals most hurts and time is always working against me. The argument of today can be lost in the pleasure of tomorrow. Yet, I am one day down in the "pleasure" zone.

I have 4 major projects sitting on my plate and decisions to make about ministry. Decisions to make about family. I can say this year I made a lot more good decisions than I did bad decisions. Our decisions to get rid of credit cards and pay off debt were good decisions. The issues of the house were clearly out of my hands. I did not make any "majors" and I say that only with the knowledge that only "time will tell" how good the decisions made were in some categories.

A lot of my life has been on hold with the arrival of two children and three grandchildren nearly 2 years ago. I had to weigh what I call the legacy thought process. When God gives us something bigger than us, it must be God when it is seen that A) We probably can not carry it out in our self or by our self and B)It must travel past our life span. Legacy being what is left and continues on. There are many other things I could be doing, but am not. Each day I pray for the children and the grand children. Each day I lay hands on them. Each day I speak their future.

No one knows the last day of their life for the most part.

With my "altar" project I have been in the old testament a lot. Some of the scripture I'm feeding on right now I share below. Verse 12(BOLD is my emphasis) spoke to my heart. The other night friends were here and I said there is something "cool" about sitting on the edge of something and knowing it is either God or you, and "you" stopped being able to produce miracles a long time ago! I realized I "missed" the excitement of being on the brink and needing God to show up.

There is a part of me that likes comfort, but waking up in the middle of the night "dependent" on the Lord is not so bad either some times. (Except for the house issue...it has caused a lot of stress, cost us all our money, required nearly $20,000 in repairs and we still are not complete. So, yes, I really need God to show up.)

When we make decisions out our soul(Our emotions, our will, our intellect.), we will not always be right. In fact, we may be more wrong with our actions in this process. Short term pleasures often cause long term difficulties. And especially when you throw people into it!

Many years ago we had an internet company. We made lots of right decisions and few bad ones. The results were that the good decisions outweighed the few bad ones. (BTW-most of my bad decisions happen when I want to "help" people. I am a relational person. I am not "cold hearted" enough to see some times. I think I have helped people when God said don't!) A few years later I started a coffee company that took off like wildfire. The growth was not calculated. Over 5,000 orders in 3 plus days. (I had to set my computer to turn on at 3 AM to begin to process the orders of the day!) Quite honestly, it was stupid. It caused a lot of stress.

And so now I sit here with projects in the fire. One of those projects is the altar project. A friend said "what happens if you get an order for 5,000 pieces?" So, I did the math...Back to the drawing board. 10 years ago I would not have thought twice. We await the seed money for this. Another project is in the area of health and environmental. Seed money is on the horizon. Meanwhile, we live our lives frugally. I get up every day and ask the Lord to carry the check book.

Admittedly, I did a lot of things backwards. I was a child of the "instant gratification" world. I am coming out of the desert. I truly feel the Lord saying things about crossing "Jordan."

For each one of you my prayer is that you God's will for you is clarified ore and more with each day. Those dealing with sickness and family members unsaved, I think we have truly moved in the threshing floor of the Lord. It is in that place that we ave stirred the heart of the Lord.

Blessings,
Lee

Don't Forget the LORD
Moses said to Israel:

10 When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you.
11 Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day.
12 Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down,
13 and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied,
14 then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

2009

2009-01-08T16:31:00.000-08:00

Dear friends-

This morning I was meditating on the "joy of the Lord." Over the years I have heard many definitions of it.

This morning I got up early. And I spent some time with the Lord. It was not too long before the grandchildren started trudging up the stairs. Lately my grandson Jacob and I have developed a "routine" of sorts. While Tina is getting ready for work Jacob and I go in my room and we sit on the bed and read. He goes and gets books and then he climbs up on the bed. He sits there and imitates lions and ducks and kittens and dogs. This morning we were reading Little Ducklings. And he just sat there as we counted the 8 ducklings and imitated the ducks. And then it was time for him to go. Each morning he goes to his day care after we visit. And he does not want to go. He will let me put on his shoes and his jacket, but then he realizes we are going to be apart. And each night when he gets hoe, he runs to spend time with me.

The Lord told me that what I feel for Jacob (And the others.), is "the joy of the Lord." Or more precisely, the feeling I have for spending time with him. And he told me that the change for believers for the year 2009 would not be the laughter, (though that is one description) or the feeling of freedom(though that is another) but understanding the TREMENDOUS love the Father has for each of us. And he told me for many it would begin in the head. Just as we have to "mouth" the words of forgiveness to prime the pump, I felt that this would be much like that. We would need to prime the pump. What may begin in the natural will end up in the supernatural. And like the prodigal's father awaiting his return so is the Lord's desire for you to come into His presence.

So, number one for 2009. YOU ARE THE JOY OF THE LORD!

And prodigals. Each year we hear this word. Well as 2008 begin to climb it's final steps, I felt an overwhelming sense of the "salvation of the Lord." And in the last few days I have witnessed salvations coming to the lost AND a return of the PRODIGAL. Here is what the Lord is saying. The seed of the righteous SHALL NOT PERISH! Do not worry(Be anxious for nothing!); but honor God with your faith in Him. Worry is a product of fear-based faith; rather than exercising your faith in God's ability to turn things around. What you need to be doing is putting your faith in what God's word says about you and your children, and if you don't know, then do a little research on what He does say about you so that you can believe God for the right answer, rather than focusing on the problem.

Even if it seems your children are as far as they can get away from the Lord, base your faith on scripture, for example: Proverbs 11:21, states with confidence that "the seed of the righteous shall be delivered". Believe that His promises will come to pass, pray for their protection and believe that He is protecting them, and speak them whenever your children come to mind, rather than worrying about any particular circumstance, because nothing is too difficult for God.

My personal confession has been that my children are SAVED. Not prodigals.

Number two is that the prodigals are saved and are coming home.
Number three is that the salvation of the Lord is here in a large way.

Peace...
Number four is peace. I have seen so many anxious and the like. A few weeks ago, I felt the Lord say that He is going to bring peace. How many have cried out for peace and not "felt" it? Be anxious for nothing. That is your part. Establish your faith in that word. Be anxious for nothing and pray "like crazy" for everything. As we do our part, the scriptures tell us that
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7) We worry not, we pray and God comes along and blesses us with a supernatural peace.

And the Lord is reaching out to us in a super way. This year has all the fixings in the natural to be a real doozy. But the Lord has provided well for his people. I have heard we are at the end, in the middle and even clueless. I have been meditating on what the Lord has been saying about a "move of God." I clearly heard Him say "you are a move of God." His people are the move of God. Oh you can pray for a move of God, but this is the year that the answer is in you. The completed work of the cross. The supernatural workings of the Lord are in you. Like the famous spaghetti sauce commercial. "It's in there!" Well, He is in you. Jesus gave us great and precious promises for us to fulfill His work.

Number five-YOU ARE THE NEXT MOVE OF THE LORD!

As I have meditated on things, I know that the world and it's economy is in total fail mode. We are looking at trillions like our bedroom piggie bank. There is speculation here in the US as to "can we make it." Hypoinflation is happening and currency is stopping. Fortunately the currency of heaven is faith and grace. The allowance of these to operate bring response.

And I sit there as I view things I say the door is open for outbursts of technology to reverberate. But inventions without plans and financing are just numbers on a shelf. Technology has reached an all time high and we are still in trouble. Integrity in business appears to be at an all time low. Ironically, just as the gifts are without repentance, nothing can stop the appearance of ideas, but without integrity the finances evaporate and the motion is stopped. We will see people who do not know the Lord operating with a new found understanding of integrity and "righteousness." Watch as the vacuum left by large vehicle manufacturers and the like are quickly filled by smaller companies. There will be a struggle against the global thinking. The idea of "buy American" will begin to manifest here. There is a beginning of an overpowering of the wrongness of the working of the government. A type of anarchy (because it is against the government.) is being manifested. While Kissinger can talk about a "new world order" and Obama being at the head of it, the people are becoming full. A breaking poit is in the making. The deafness is being corrected. The vision being cleared. In our own country we have gone from a fagricultural mentality to an industrial mentality to a technology mentality. There will be attempts to return to the first two, but technology will win out. And we will see a shift in gas prices beginning in February imposed by "governments" and this will soon move tech people to the forefront. Because people will "not" buy into the taxation issues. There will be a new realm of "teachers" in the workplace and people of distinction will be born out of this. While few will "win" gold medals, many gifts will be released to the forefront.

And the body of Christ. We will see many turn towards us as we move down from the "pulpit" and into the pews. The church that abides will be the church that recognizes it's position in the community as a piece and a peace. The church will leave it's services for people in need. The gatherings will be more socially oriented as people allow the release of the Lord through themselves. This is not reducing the sovereignty of the Lord but establishing the church as sons. Carrying the burdens of the Lord to the people. And the burdens of the people to the Lord. There will be shifts of many as "holes" are filled and the "nets" are secured.

That's it for the moment.

Blessings,
Lee

Lee Johndrow
Pillars Of Clouds& Fire Ministries
88 WCFR Drive
Springfield, Vermont 05156
802-384-3993
Building relationships for the goodness of our region.
www.pocafministries.org

Happy New Years

2008-12-31T12:15:00.000-08:00

Dear friends-

I want to wish all my friends and family a very Happy New Years.

A couple of thoughts washed over me in the space of seconds.
-They were that while we do wish each person a Happy New Years, it is
interesting that His blessings and mercies are new each and every morning.
-The second thought was that a wise man once said to me when I
responded with "I am trying," to a particular situation, that it
would be better if I would simply "be" and to stop trying. Many will
make "resolutions" when perhaps it would be better just to "be."

May each one of you have a prosperous New Year.

Blessings,
Lee

Lee Johndrow
Pillars Of Clouds& Fire Ministries
88 WCFR Drive
Springfield, Vermont 05156
802-384-3993
Building relationships for the goodness of our region.
www.pocafministries.org

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T03:05:00.000-08:00

Dear friends-

It is 5:30 AM and my grandson Jordan has been up with me since 5AM.
(So much for getting up early and having time to myself!) He is
excited about the presents that have mysteriously appeared while he
was sleeping. Interesting that I have often thought about how excited
I was as a child for the "magic" of the holiday. I would get up early
and crawl around the presents that were under, over and behind
things. Our traditions included getting up and being able to open our
stockings. I realize now this was to give my parents time to wake up
from staying up late as they got their coffee. We would pull out the
gold coins, the walnuts and tangerines. Each stocking usually
contained a few small presents and then it was breakfast time. My
mom's homemade coffee cake and eggs was usually the fare. Then it was
back to opening presents. And when that was done it was out to enjoy
new skates, sleds and clothing.

There is a part of me that misses that. And unlike my grandchildren,
my dad and mom and were part of the day. My grandchildren do not have
their dad around. So, when I got up at 3:30 yesterday, I found myself
praying for their fathers to enter their lives. This is not a thought
out thought, I assure you, but it was an overwhelming "this is what
you shall pray." (Interestingly enough, it led me to this video
yesterday.http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=5486ae62fd502645138e)
Go ahead, I double dawg dare you to watch it without tears.)

This has been a journey for sure. The water that invaded my house has
subsided, but the financial, physical and emotional damage it has
wrought has taken a toll.) Yesterday I had coffee with a friend of
mine. Wednesday mornings for 11 years. Same time and for the most
part, same place. Despite sleet and freezing rain, (I think there is
only 1 time we might have missed over weather.) we gathered. Our
gathering is part of "our tradition," our bond of friendship. And
unless it is a holiday, or a death or one of us is out of town, we do
not miss it.

And it is that kind of friendship the world is seeking. Only this
week, I realized there are few who will take time from there busy
schedule to walk with others. It is hard enough to walk as a parent,
I guess. Parenting and being a parent requires proactive, hands on,
walking through all of it. But, I have a lot of friends who are my
age, who need someone to walk with them, Their marriages are topsy
turvy, their kids having difficulties and their jobs a retreat in
many cases(For those who still have jobs.). When do we get real? How
do we get real? Can we get real?

Our world is out of control and yet we know God is in control. If
that is not a dichotomy of thought, I do not know what is. Christmas
can restore us if we let it. Not the presents(Though certainly it
helps to know someone cares.) and the hoopla, but the knowledge of
Him. Many say He is the reason for the season. That "reason" brings
whole new meaning to the season. It begins to slowly deal with self
centered attitudes and the like, freeing people up to be more like
the one who created them.

Jordan is trying to figure out if "Santa Claus is real. He has been
talking to me all the to me I have been writing this. I left him to
percolate it a little. He came home yesterday to find lights on my
outside tree and more lights on the inside one. He has watched more
Christmas light videos than I can count. Thousands and thousands of
lights and I simply tell him, heaven will have more lights and better music.

This week, I met with my friend who has cancer. Another friend who
struggles with depression and economic troubles. Another who has been
battling cancer for a long time. A meeting with another who has just
become a friend and like a son. In two meetings! He is not a
Christian, but a 23 old who is just a great kid. Funny, smart, wise.
Hasn't seen his dad since he was 3. He and I had a 2 hour
conversation over the biggest turkey club sandwich I have ever seen!
People needing people. Perhaps that is the reason for the season. And
even those who say they "can do without" others, when their heart is
unwrapped, need people.

You may encounter ornery people today or even be prone to being one.
Perhaps God is readying for a Christmas miracle in your life. Just maybe.

And I leave you with Merry Christmas to each and every one of you.
And one more clip to prepare you to see HIM!
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=905620397b19c9d24978

Blessings,
Lee

Lee Johndrow
Pillars Of Clouds& Fire Ministries
88 WCFR Drive
Springfield, Vermont 05156
802-384-3993
Building relationships for the goodness of our region.
www.pocafministries.org

The end to rock and roll

2008-12-20T03:39:00.000-08:00

Dear friends-

I have been mulling many of the words I gave and wrote over the last year or so. Interesting ones had to do with outpourings and oil prices dropping. Like to take credit for them, but it was the Lord. And so now, I am feeling the prodding of the Lord again.

Over the last few months our home was devastated by a contractor error. Flooding our our basement area delayed all our projects and cost us a lot of money. Fortunately, last week a man came and began the repair stemming the supply of water to our basement living areas. And so I have had time to think. To slow up a little. The results are many unbelievers are talking to me about their lives and their next steps. Questions about God and what is He doing are becoming more frequent. That is exciting. Nothing is more awesome than God pulling back the veil and giving you a glimmer of His love for someone who does not know Him. The results range from tears to frustrated anger. "Why did my child have to die?" "Why do I have cancer?" Only yesterday a woman I had been praying for showed up across the aisle at the Peebles store. A few months ago she was very distraught and I said I would pray for her. Initially, I took it for anger on her part. Yesterday, I found out her husband and had been diagnosed with cancer. He was now home for the holidays. She thanked me. Simple.

So, why is it the end of "rock and roll?" Because the Lord is going to bring a stability to His people. No more rockin' and no more rollin'. The Lord's truth will prevail. He begins it with this.
In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
It begins with us controlling our thoughts. No more runaway thoughts. "Do not be anxious." And soon His peace prevails. How? I do not know. I guess that is why it is "passing all understanding."

I felt the Lord prodding that anxiety pushes against trust. When anxiety is "removed" there is room for peace. A lot of people I know are having a difficult time. Believers are losing their jobs, but here is something to consider. The unemployment numbers came in "lower" than expected. And the stock market reacted. It is tough, but with every closed door, there is one that opens. How we egress determines the quality of our ingress. Global economy? Only if you want it. The fact of the matter it is proven buying "locally" benefits you in a greater realm. (Read some of my articles.) I would submit Japan would not encourage people to buy "American" in a tanking economy.

So, I believe if we will dispell anxiety we will open the door to a peace that is hard to resist. A peace that opens the door for harmony and health. Not a peace as the world gives where "nothing" moves but a peace that is able to withstand the fluctuations of a world in turmoil. We will see the beginning of the end of "political correctness" as believers and unbelievers stand up for rightness(Not just righteousness.) The market will level off for the next few weeks, but we have not seen the end of things. New businesses will come in to provide guards to existing problems. Believers can and will rise up in their communities.

Christmas is nearly here. And my remedy to stress is buy a bigger Christmas tree. (To see a picture of the 12 foot tree in my living room, send me a note.)

Blessings,
Lee

Lee Johndrow
Pillars Of Clouds& Fire Ministries
88 WCFR Drive
Springfield, Vermont 05156
802-384-3993
Building relationships for the goodness of our region.
www.pocafministries.org

Legacy

2008-11-16T04:15:00.000-08:00

Dear friends-

I am in the middle of working on a "book"of sorts dealing with revival of Springfield in 1834. (I am tying together the writings of Daniel Morton from 1834 and the current state of affairs. I am hoping to add some additional perspectives from a few of my younger ministerial friends. I read Pastor Morton's opening lines this morning.

The history of the Christian church presents a diversified scene. Light and shade, prosperity and adversity, joy and sorrow, revivals, defections and apostacies, follow each other in quick succession. In the apostolic age, a season of "refreshing from the presence of the Lord" was frequently followed by a terrible persecution; sometimes by alarming instances of apostacy; and generally by declensions more or less gradual. What is true of the great community of Christians; is so, in some degree, of individual churches. Unusual prosperity in a church seems to me now like "a handwriting upon the wall," or a signal held out from heaven, "prepare for trials." It is therefore with fear and trembling, that I proceed to give some account of the recent dealings of God with the church and people under my pastoral care.

I have read those lines before but not in the same context. Wish I had. I might have been more prepared for the last few months of siege against my home.

I am a legacy person. (Even more so, I just realized only this morning, which should tell you where my head has been. That my $800 car is a Legacy...Now I just need to get the brakes fixed!) That means that I believe we need to leave something behind and it needs to be helpful to the generations to come. Our ceiling must be their floor. The irony of it is, that as I read his first lines, it sounds familiar to what we are seeing and saying.

Many saw the election as a "mistake." Now whether that is your belief or not is not really the question, but what is really upon us is, that as a nation we have enjoyed great prosperity and now we are seeing the difficulties that are following. Is is not so different from Biblical Israel, who would enjoy seasons of prosperity and seasons of the apparent hand of hell being raised against them?

The community I live in once was an extremely prosperous community, witnessed to by the elite sections of the town. Now we have embraced yet another dollar store. The pendulum swings. Thousands have lost their jobs.

I have devoted 13 years to this community and seeing the pendulum swing to the place of prosperity. The toll has been great. As I told a friend, I have followed every rule I know for the seeing of God's hand to move. The recent siege of water and related issues has been difficult, the other day I just snapped. Kneeling in water, with work to do, just telling God(OK-I was yelling it!) "I can not do this anymore."

But... I am determined to leave a legacy of goodness and mercy behind me one day. I will not and can not be one who falls away. Many have suggested curses and judgement(just as they have for those who have lost family and health), but if I believed that I would have left years and years ago. We have a case for leaving a legacy of righteousness as opposed to that of unrighteousness. Had I not become a Christian my children would have suffered. (Certainly more than they have thought.) And while I may not have had control over their "bad decisions" I was able to be available for the returns that each has made. My grandchildren would not have a place to stay...though it is a little wet today! Nor I, the friends I do. My wife and I have housed ex-cons who have raped and killed and stolen and we never had one violation against us.

So many have made decisions that have brought unrighteousness into both their spiritual and physical lineages. Perhaps you have seen this about the life of Jonathan Edwards.

Jonathan and Sarah's Luminous Lineage
In 1900, A. E. Winship studied what happened to 1,400 descendants of Jonathan and Sarah by the year 1900. He found they included 13 college presidents, 65 professors, 100 lawyers and a dean of a law school, 30 judges, 66 physicians and a dean of a medical school, and 80 holders of public office, including three US Senators, mayors of three large cities, governors of three states, a Vice-President of the United States, and a controller of the United States Treasury. They had written over 135 books and edited eighteen journals and periodicals. Many had entered the ministry. Over 100 were missionaries and others were on mission boards. Winship wrote:

"Many large banks, banking houses, and insurance companies have been directed by them. They have been owners or superintendents of large coal mines of large iron plants and vast oil interests and silver mines. There is scarcely any great American industry that has not had one of this family among its chief promoters."

Don't ever be deceived by what you see today. As I have counseled so many, "the seed of the righteous shall not perish." You are important. Your spiritual DNA is as important if not more to the things to come in this country than you would ever imagine. There is no need for remaining "stuck on stupid." We can so change this. You can affect a nation.

And for me, I am trying to embrace the 1941 words of Winston Churchill.

Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never--in nothing, great or small, large or petty--never give in, except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.

Blessings,
Lee

Lee Johndrow
Pillars Of Clouds& Fire Ministries
88 WCFR Drive
Springfield, Vermont 05156
802-384-3993
Building relationships for the goodness of our region.
www.pocafministries.org

No more shock and awe

2008-10-31T03:28:00.001-07:00

Dear friends-

Last night I was awakened at about 2:30. The presence of "darkness" was all about me. I clearly heard "you are going to die." Needless to say I began to pray. I prayed on and off for about 2 plus hours. For friend, family, situations and the like. I was not frightened by this darkness, just surprised. Hmmm. A Christian who is surprised. I thought God revealed all things to His prophets. On the other hand the stress related to more flooding brought me to a place of chest pains and saying, "why God, I think I am processing this correctly." I will admit I feel helpless. I am a list person and I like the idea of removing things from that list. I have developed habits of keeping the list small, just so my life is relatively stress free. Only yesterday as I was vaccing water for day 5, I was confronted with the fact that the escrow lawyer was now playing games. So much so, I am headed to my bank to have a serious sit down.

But, as I prayed I processed things about how people see things in this day and age. The other day a ministry friend had sent me a letter about the 10 commandments and the reason people are who they are. Last night I watched the revelation come forth about Obama's relationship with a man who wrote a book dedicated to many in prison including Sirhan Sirhan. Sirhan Sirhan? That's the guy who killed Robert Kennedy. So, not to get political but I would think it would bother the Kennedy's but apparently not.

I remember exactly where I was when I heard about Robert Kennedy. I remember thinking about the heartbreak that family was going through. I was shocked. I was in awe that it could happen again and I was only in 8th grade. We used to care about such things. Murder and assassinations bothered us. No it appears we compartmentalize things by "oh well, that will not happen to me." Folks, I have friends dying from cancer, others attacked by cancer, broken marriages and the like and it affects me. I still stand in shock at those things . I still am awed by the blessings of God.

My life is a mess right now. I no longer really know who I am or where I am going or what I am doing. What is the next step? But I hope I never get to the place that I can not feel or have hope.

And here is a final thought. Perhaps this is the answer to my questions about why we do not feel shock or awe. Only this morning, I received this. http://www.homelandsecurityus.com/20081012YB

Blessings,
Lee

Lee Johndrow
Pillars Of Clouds& Fire Ministries
88 WCFR Drive
Springfield, Vermont 05156
802-384-3993
Building relationships for the goodness of our region.
www.pocafministries.org

1 Corinthians 10:13

2008-10-25T02:23:00.000-07:00

Dear friends-

1Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

I joked last week that we were going to change our name to the Millers, because we had gone through the mill. Friends have thought I was relieving the ordeals of Job. I preached this message last weekend. Despite all the stuff, I am still there with God. I will tell you there never was a point where I wasn't with God. (On the other hand I did think He lost my address a time or two.). We had a great time in that church and believe God blessed not only the people, but ourselves.

Our house is not complete but it is further along than it was. We still have a roof to place over our deck and new oil tank area, but the cement is poured, etc.. We have a quote for $3,800 to deal with the mold and we still need to go over after the contractors. Yes, unfortunately that is plural. 4 separate contractors developed the "stuck on stupid" mode and we paid the price. What should have been a 2 week deal has taken over 3 months and is still not complete. We spent a lot of money, but I will say this. Not one dime went on credit. We are tighter than I want to be, but hey, unlike many of our neighbors, we did not end up paying $5 per gallon for fuel. Sometimes procrastination pays off!

Maybe that is part of the escape of 1 Cor. 10:13. Cheap fuel. Maybe it is that the removal of our central air was FREE because the contractor removed our furnace and water pump wiring. Honestly, I am not sure.

Today I will be taking my grandchildren to the area's pumpkin festival. 70,000 people all in one place and the opportunity for God to do something. Looking forward to it.

One of my escapes has been the paper. It has allowed for the creativity to flow and opened doors for other things. Check out the article on "No whining!" It is opening the door for a conservative paper and has allowed for ministry in the streets. And honestly, that is where I am most comfortable. I "like" being in church, but I love being out there and bringing the word to people. I recently had the opportunity to begin praying for a young man with 3 children and cancer at 30. Another man with a bone eating disease. I have seen the marriage of a friend begin to restore. Church is "good" and I will go anywhere, but when God moves amongst unbelievers and the like, it is precious.

Blessings,
Lee

Lee Johndrow
Pillars Of Clouds& Fire Ministries
88 WCFR Drive
Springfield, Vermont 05156
802-384-3993
Building relationships for the goodness of our region.
www.pocafministries.org

What does the word say?

2008-09-04T17:01:00.000-07:00

Dear friends-

The last few months have been the most trying times of my life. Health, spirit, finance, etc.. All under fire. Many have said did you read the book of Job. Oh, yeah. And I by no means compare myself to Job and his troubles nor do I consider myself on par with Paul and his light afflictions. On the other hand I was in a meeting a few years ago where an apostolic father said, "Lee & Tina; never met people go through so many trials." I would submit that this summer has broken that previous "record" with plenty of room to spare.

So, both Tina and I appreciate your prayers. Your words. And tonight, even your food!

So, what does the word say about trials?
1 Peter 1:7
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
1 Peter 4:12
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

Great, I am thinking. As one who was brought as a new Christian in the word of faith I have watched my faith challenged time and time again. I have watched the restoration of my children to me in a way I would not have selected. I weathered a fire that nearly destroyed my family. I watched my stepson Tyler make a tremendous recovery from an accident and 6 weeks of coma. And I will tell you it is not what preaches, but what reaches. What is it that becomes part of your soul? What is it that guides your emotions and remains in reserve. it is not talking the talk, but walking the talk. Now, when I was hit by a taxi and put in a body brace, or even the time I fell off a roof, I thought that was a big deal. And it was at the time.

One of my friends who has walked with me for over 10 years called me the other day. He said the Lord had shown him that we were under siege. A part of me wants to say "no, really" and the other part is excited the Lord is speaking to others about me. So, he shared verses from 2 Kings 6 where the city is under siege from the Assyrians. People did weird things under that siege. I understand the feeling. I have hardened my heart not to the Lord but to the place of being vulnerable again. Those who have experienced broken relationships know what I mean. Nothing "ever" gets to come in. No body, no how, no way.

And another friend of perhaps 12 years reminded me of the need to be a servant and trust the Lord.

Friends, I am struggling. Today I had a plan to get all my newspapers out because of all the "minor" difficulties earlier in the week with holiday, getting bumped at the printer and losing my driver. So, I am ready, except the contractor who did my oil tank has his insurance company's adjuster wants to show up. For 5 hours!!! You have got to be kidding me. And the results were not good.(I recognize it is their adjuster.) So, I struggled to bless him with cold water in the heat, to bless him as he spoke words of discouragement. And when he left, I could feel "self destruct buttons" appearing before my eyes. So, I must cancel my time I set up tomorrow to be with a friend and the Lord.

Funny, how all that time I spent with God this morning got tried. So, I am coming to the place where maybe I should just give up my home. This guy made me sound like the bad guy. Like what was I thinking bringing my children and grandchildren into this home. Did I hire an engineer before I had work done? Etc., etc., etc..
Romans 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
It is one thing not to curse, but it is another thing not to cave in.
Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

So where is Lee? So tired it is not funny. So worn down I can not think clearly. Were it not for my word of faith roots, I can not imagine where I would be. So ready to give up and let the devil take this place. Funny this was to be an "eagle's nest." Heard it time and time again. A place of prayer and declaration. One prophet said it would be "prayer mountain." The list goes on. Could we have missed it? I feel like I am to fight, but am I the only one who got to the place where the idea of one more battle is two too many?

I am not dead or maimed. My health has suffered "sayeth the doctor" last week. "You need a vacation, a respite, time away. Your blood pressure is climbing over the last few months." "Yeah, I know..." Do you know today I felt like calling it quits, and just crying? My friend shared that the Lord would give me wisdom as to go under the "pummeling wave" or over it. I don't feel like I am hearing Him. And what happens if you quit? I have watched carefully the results of those who quit. Whatever the situation is. I see you have to take the class again, so to speak.

I know the word of God and I know His grace is sufficient for me. And yet I "feel" like I am letting Him down somehow. I don't blame Him for my troubles. What does the word say? I guess it comes down to recounting of blessings as Job did. Recount the times of "butter on the steps." I want a testimony in the midst of this all. A testimony where I can point and say "look what the Lord has done."

I share this word from a dear friend though we see each other infrequently.

"Reading your letter, I got the craziest picture -- so crazy that I am not going to dignify it by alluding in any way that it might be from God.

We are all individual chunks of raw meat, being pressed into the meat-grinder. When we come out, we will be ground up hamburger, one lump indiscernible from the rest. Who knows, perhaps God is planning a wonderful backyard BBQ, to which He is inviting all who seek Him. . . . I suppose the applicable Scripture is John 12:24: "Unless a grain of wheat. . . ." While grains of wheat are a bit tidier than raw meat, they, too, must undergo a grinding. The resulting flour, however, is baked into the most aromatic loaves. . . . (or hamburger buns, if you want to make a complete mess of the metaphor.)"

Now what is interesting, is the Lord had spoken the scripture he mentioned to me. I did not know why. Now I do.

A friend asked me why I thought this was all going on. I had many thoughts in the beginning of this "siege." I went through all of the "it must be my fault" stuff. And part of the conclusion is I have been sharing a message of an apostolic age church. One that is governed by those who are equipped for the job. And the equipping is from the Lord and not the "desire" to participate in church. I also know the Lord allows us to be the "first fruits" so to speak of what is happening. If you share about patience, you most likely will have the opportunity to see it needed. As I said, it is not about the "preach" but about the reach into one's own heart.

I shared with a friend that this kind of thing could make one become the unpleasing , ornery "men of God" who I just avoid. So, I have to figure this all out. I have a friend who has offered help with strategy. Another his place to fast and pray. Another words of "crazy pictures." But the thing that is so need is fellowship. Not for the sake of fellowship, but as I have always said a "problem shared is a problem" halved.

We may lose our home. We certainly can not heat it right now, not being able to hook up the furnace. We may have to move. We have no real "solutions." But in the middle of it I have to find my "peace" because peace is to be my referee. Peace has to be found. For without peace we can give testimony to the power and the presence of God.

Yes, I want to cry. Sometimes even scream. The frustration is seeing "my best efforts" thwarted by the unseen. Every time I think a blessing is around the corner, it feels like a funhouse and it is not real. My friend David left me with this word.

"Hang in there; hope is not optional. "

Blessings,
Lee

Lee Johndrow
Pillars Of Clouds& Fire Ministries
88 WCFR Drive
Springfield, Vermont 05156
802-384-3993
Building relationships for the goodness of our region.
www.pocafministries.org

Integrity under fire...

2008-08-23T02:29:00.000-07:00

Dear friends-

Many people in a smaller circle of friends have been praying for us. On the other hand, many have written me out of the clear blue sky. Why the title "Integrity under fire?" Over the last three weeks, we have been battling. Everything has been under fire. Three weeks ago, we enlisted the services of a specialist in the removal of oil tanks. Because we own an old radio station there was a 2,200 gallon tank that needed to be removed. He did it and the next day a building that has never had water in it, had water in it. Days and nights of trying to save our home. Children and grandchildren displaced(Still sleeping in the living room.) Over $10,000 damage and climbing. I have been working in the basement this day and the smell of mold has increased. I can "feel" it. I had been "sick" since June. No respite. My business under fire because of my inability to get there. (There is $100,000 in radio equipment that needed to be protected. Sump pumps and regular pumps, contractors in and out and an insurance adjuster who can not "figure" it out, so that there was no help there. A $7,000 note we could not make because we have a $20,000 septic system ready to go in. And projects can not be completed because of the water. Because of the water the new oil tank can not be installed and so life, except for bailing water is on hold. Our Grand Prix did not pass inspection, so we are a one car family. And so the other night I could not take one more thing. Blew up for a few minutes. All it took was hearing a lawyer had not done his job...again. And ended up taking a walk. Talked to God "loudly." Hated myself. Nearly 19 years a Christian and I am "losing it." Nothing should be a surprise for a Christian and peace ought to be our referee. Sure, I can say it is sleep deprivation (Having to get up every few hours to vac water will tire you out.) Blame it on lawyers and bad contractors. We even found knife blade in a tire. And why did I not see "that" I asked.

Integrity is not developed in the fire, but it is seen in the fire. Not quite perfected.

Over the last few weeks I watched the scenario break out of a minister separating from his wife. I received all the reasons why and all the reasons why not. Then drinking appeared as part of it. And an unhealthy relationship. I watched the White's divorce scandal. Bynum's. I see it too much. But what about the profanity in the body? I hear more profanity from believers than I do from unbelievers. I recognize that profanity is not considered a sin by many, yet I see no reason for it. And I am on the streets and with people every day. (I have a new office down town. As my insurance man said, it is because "you are running away.")

Where is the integrity? Covenant appears to men nothing to many. We make and break like nobody's business. There is a price to pay. Usually it is children and young believers. Integrity is under fire. We must come to a new understanding of what it means to be a believer and part of the body. Believers divorcing. How can that be God? Body leaving body behind?

My own integrity disappeared under fire this week. Could not take one more thing. I found a flaw in my fabric. Wanted to send the bank "jingle mail." ("Here are the keys to this house.") Let them replace the septic, the oil tank remove the damaged carpeting, sheet rock and doors. Let them repair what the contractor destroyed. Oh, it was only for a few minutes. But what is a fling? A few minutes that ruins lives.

Why this flaw? I think because we do not understand the working of the body and the five fold. Pastors ought to be instilling integrity and relationship into the body. Prophets holding the banner of hope high and bringing correcting words to shape course. A willingness to confess our faults one to another. We need an overhaul on many levels. I certainly do. Ironically, as I began to share this "message" of church change, I came under attack verbally by many. I began to find myself not feeling well. A call to be the body and many rejected it.

Integrity is revealed in stressful situations, not shaped or thrown out the window. Trust me when I say, I am preaching this message to myself. The stress level in our house is over the top with all the situations on fire.

What is it that God is shaping in you?

Family news
Amy is still in CT and loving it.
Matt is in NM and loving it. He works at a place that has high end massage chairs for it's phone reps and all sorts of perks like that.
Cass is back at school and back in it.
Alyssa is job searching. Jordan and Mariah go to school this week. Jacob is doing well.
Tyler began a new job working with his newly gotten CDL.
Tina heads to Virginia this week for work. New director, a little stress.

Blessings,
Lee

Lee Johndrow
Publisher
The New England Flame
88 WCFR Drive
Springfield, VT 05156
www.NewEnglandFlame.com

"Please don't let me be misunderstood"

2008-07-03T05:01:00.000-07:00

Dear friends-

"Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood." That is a line from the Animals' hit song. (For the lyrics.) I remember the first time I heard it around 1966. I was a beginning drummer with some friends and I used to listen to it over and over on my BSR turntable, with my Realistic 20W set up. Headphones on banging away. For me it became something I did not understand. Why was I not understood? (Some might say it became self-fulfilling prophecy.) Others did that song like Joe Cocker and the Moody Blues, but no one did it like the The Animals. So, now that I stirred up some memories for some of you.. And for others, you may be asking "What is a turntable?" In other places in those lyrics, the singer declares, that his "intentions are good." Before coming to Christ, I would have said that is fully me. With Christ, I quickly understood that it is not about trying, but about being.

Over the years I have somehow felt like I was going through an identity crisis. Who am I? It began as a child and it has never stopped. I was raised (Can't say "grew up" because we are waiting on that!) in an alcoholic family. I was misunderstood. My father drank and my mom coped. I always tried to be the "best" and when not successful, I resorted to not doing it. Easier to pretend it did not matter, rather than you could not do it, or in some cases even understand it. My relationships often reflected "best efforts" with feelings of not being understood. (I know that I am not the only leader who has felt "misunderstood.") And I assure you that all my thoughts were towards making things gel and be right. (I am not saying I have no "problems," but I am saying the difficulties I have encountered have often been the results of misunderstandings.)

And so, as I began the walk of a Christian, I soon ran into similar thoughts and feelings. "Why do I not fit?" I began thinking all I wanted to do was follow Jesus. I was a drill instructor's son. I understood the "army" approach. I told everyone I knew about Jesus. Turned my stores and business over to Jesus. Encountered a lot of "you have to do it this ways." Tried. People did not understand my thinking process. Misread my words(For years I said I needed a translator.) and to be honest, I just felt like a misfit. A lonely person who saw why the "mystics" of the faith were who they were. (And the prophetic words continued coming towards me. "Seer, prophet, visions, dreams, etc." and I would try to lean into them. I have hundreds of prophetic words. Ironically, they all pretty much say the same thing.

It has been many years of thinking before I came to a conclusion. The conclusion was and is, that being a pastor has not been my call. Now, anyone who has been around me any length of time understands what I am saying. And most likely are saying "duh." I have "lost" so many friends who I poured my life blood into because they could not see my heart's cry. Why? They needed a pastoral gift. Not a prophetic gift. (Will muddy the waters with that one later.) It was not crystallized until a few weeks ago. A woman had asked me to pray for her. I wanted to pray for her. I felt the Lord slide into gear with me. She had asked for direction. The words of the Lord flowed smoothly. I detected pain and difficult circumstance around her. The Lord dialed in on her. And then the words stopped. I gave her a hug and blessed her. That was not going to be enough. The situation involved the abuse of a young child, her granddaughter. I tried to talk with her, but I could not make the connection. Thank God for one of my associates being there. He has a lot more of "pastoral" running in his blood than I do. And he took over where I could not. I left that meeting feeling a little discouraged. Why? Because I could not meet the need she needed. It is not because I am not articulate or don't care. My heart was breaking for her. (Before she told me.) She needed more of the pastoral than the prophetic. And one concern was that I would be misread and thought of not to care.

Misunderstood. It has brought me to a new place in my walk with Him. (People who need to be saved, need an evangelist. People who need a direction, need a prophet. People who need to change, need a teacher. People who need comfort, need a pastor. And people of the church, need the apostle. Church leading-administrative and governments.) There's a part of me, that feels I may be getting "born again, again." (So, maybe that is what my birthday(Actual today, party Saturday.) is all about!) Scary to think that the reason for my being misunderstood, might have to do with my personal programming. The fact of the matter is that I feel like I am finally growing into my "shoes." I love the streets. I love the people. I love the excitement of taking God to the streets. I like being in worship and the like, but let me be the first to say, I am "out of my element" after that. Just the other day, I had a dream. In that dream, a ministry friend, took what I had been given and replicated. It was a picture. When I said it needed "more blue," he flipped out. He told me he was "sick and tired of me lying to him about the picture." (Even though I was holding the original in my hand.) He had me pushed back over a chair, telling me how could I say that to him. He had "just lost a friend" that morning. I tried to explain to him, that he was out of his gift. His "plagiarism" was not helping him or others. He began to calm down and weep. He had "tried" so hard to be someone he was not. His loss of a friend was because he had operated out of his gift. I woke up feeling pretty anxious. He had tried to kill me.

It has been an ongoing process, describing what I have seen. I will be writing more about it in the coming days.

Family news
Alyssa was recently gifted with a small van and is enjoying "her freedom." The children are doing well, though we are working through a recent medical test that indicated Mariah has lead in her system. Jordan is involved in summer camp. Jacob is walking, etc.
Tyler has nearly completed his CDL course and is being tested for the "big rigs" on Monday.
Amy and I attended a Yankees game in NYC on Monday. A little adventure as Mapquest had an error and we spent 45 minutes or so driving around the "city."
Matt is about 4 weeks from his move to New Mexico.
Cass is working in Burlington at a camp on Lake Champlain and enjoying it.
Tina was recently offered a new post in her company and is seeking God about it.

And while today is my actual birthday, I hope to see some of you at my birthday party on July 5th at Stoughton Pond. It will be at the gazebo. There is swimming, hiking, etc.. Contact my wife, Tina, for details.

Blessings,
Lee

The $64 dollar question.

Do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same
tune?

Why did you just try singing the two songs above?

Lee Johndrow
Publisher
The New England Flame
88 WCFR Drive
Springfield, VT 05156
www.NewEnglandFlame.com

Birthday thoughts

2008-06-26T06:36:00.001-07:00

Dear friends-

First, if you did not know that next week was my birthday, then know you are welcome. You just have to let the keeper of the food (Tina) know that you are coming. The party is on the 5th of July. My actual birthday is July 3rd. Funny, I just saw that George W. Bush and I were born in the same town and the same hospital. Interesting.

The last few weeks have been pretty interesting. Many things on the plate. (Hey, summer is short in Vermont!) I have been talking to many people with new business interests getting me out and about. Prayed for a pre-Christian with cancer. Was with a couple from Atlanta (She is originally from Springfield), who have an outreach to prostitutes, strippers and porn stars and they were here for the last few days. Meetings in other churches and fellowships.

Observation-there is a large group in the church and outside the church who do not know how to fit in anywhere. How can that be when we are made in the image of the Lord? I must fit in. Paul said we were the body. The body connected. Some of my friends have called them disenfranchised. Others the wanderers. But what ever the name the fact is that they do not feel that they fit.

In recent days I have met many who are disconnected with no direction, no feel for destiny, no understanding of the future with hope. Perhaps I feel that way because of the gifts that God has placed in my life. The ability to see pain and see the destiny of an individual all at the same time. In recent days I have had a number of people call seeking a word. We all want to know where we are going.

I ministered on Sunday morning in a church that is seeking change. Change for the future. Change that must be implemented today for tomorrow. As I prayed and prophesied over people the Lord revealed something "fresh" to me. The fresh was that people are "crying" out for a future and a knowledge of that. Scripture tells us that "believe the prophets and prosper." There has been a shift in recent days to do that. As I laid hands on people and the Lord released pictures of destiny, you could feel the change of the atmosphere. I did another meeting there a few days later. Some of the people came and asked for clarification of words and applications. (Could this mean we have left the days of "I need a word. Now I need another word. And another." As I said to a couple yesterday, I am a "one trick pony." I simply know what I know and it does not change.) This could mean that there is the opportunity for the prophetic word to not only be heard, but that people will allow it to be "shepherded" in their lives. It would signal a change from words gathering dust on the shelves and a willingness to walk in it. Ultimately, that would invite relationship and the removal of the "outcast" syndrome so many experience. It beacons the future of a five fold team of operatives, working together, going place to place and doing the "stuff."

Our friends(The ministry they work with is Victoria's Friends. We had a lot in common like the XXX Church-Porn and Pancakes, JC's Girls, etc.) from Atlanta go into strip joints and the like. (Well, the girls do!) They bring the "outcast" face to face with the love of the Father. They have a home complete with house mom's that takes care of these broken vessels. We had a glorious time with them. We have already talked about reaching out together in cities about New England, bringing teams, sharing with churches about porn and prostitution, etc., and how we can help these caught in it. We are looking towards Boston, Springfield, Hartford and New Haven.

Little wonder the Lord had no time that could not show up for the meal, but sent them to gather from the highways and byways.

There is a lot shaking going on. It is getting harder and harder to be a "loner." But, that does not mean they are not out there. It is our reasonable service to find them.

So, if you are feeling "lonely on July 5th, join us.

Blessings,
Lee

Lee Johndrow
Publisher
The New England Flame
88 WCFR Drive
Springfield, VT 05156
www.NewEnglandFlame.com

Catching up

2008-06-18T07:32:00.000-07:00

Dear friends-

I had a reality check today. How many have been like me? Doing things
the way we always have and all of a sudden, it ain't happening anymore?

This morning I went out to my fully loaded van. Got in like I always
do. Put the key in, like I always do. Turned the key(Like I always
do.). And the next thing I know lights are going off. And horns. And
sirens. My son( a fire fighter, just laughed.) It sounded like the
fire truck toy my grandson has. We are not talking "beep, beep,
beep." We are talking neighbors thinking my house burned down or the
cops were here. (Thank God this was not in downtown.)

I always wondered what that light was that was the dash. Now I know!
When all was said and done, I now await a specialist.

But, I began to think about it. How many people are like me, with a
theology that this is the "way it works?" My friends say I am crazy
about my approach to God. There are things I know work. And there are
things I trust to the sovereignty of God. But, maybe I am in a rut
about some things. (A rut is a coffin with both ends kicked out.) On
the van, when the alarm went off, all my thinking about what I knew,
did not help. There is something deeper here than I know about. (Come
on. You disconnect a horn and it is supposed to STOP!)

So, what if who we are in Christ has us to be a specialist. (I am not
talking about the Great Commission, as I believe we are all called to
that.) What about the things we excel in? And the things we don't?

A wake up call? An alarm that the way we have always done things, may
be subject to change? Definitely something to think about.

My life has been good as of late. The weekend brought all our kids to
the house. I have many things to celebrate. This week is the
anniversary of my daughter, Alyssa's 1 year of being clean and sober.
They had a special dinner for her. And on top of that, she got a new
vehicle on Friday. A 2001 Mazda van. For only $68. So, I took her and
my daughter Cass to Burlington to get the car and Cass to the summer
job she had prayed for. (And she got her license last week.) Only
when I got there, I realized this summer camp had rooms as nice as
any hotel I have been in! So, God has answered their prayers! Last
weekend was Father's Day and my daughter Amy was here. Tyler is doing
great as he is nearing the end of his Class A CDL license. He has
passed the written and the physical. Who would have thought after
being in a coma for 6 weeks? And Matt is getting ready to move to New
Mexico where he is looking at just exploring the Southwest. And Amy
had a recent promotion and is doing great as she gets ready for
classes to further her in her job.

How much better could Father's Day get? Well, I guess if they had a
Grandfather's Day and it fell this weekend, that would be cool, too!
Because the three of them are doing great.
Blessings,
Lee

Lee Johndrow
Publisher
The New England Flame
88 WCFR Drive
Springfield, VT 05156
www.NewEnglandFlame.com

Fire

2008-04-27T07:45:00.001-07:00

Dear friends-

The other day I was checking the weather here in Vermont. "Severe weather" warnings. Huh? Not a cloud in the sky. As I checked the warning it had to do with flooding (If it did rain.) and the high possibility of fires, because of the dryness. High possibility of fire. Well, I thought that was pretty wild. And a sign to go to Lakeland and bring it back. Just looking for "Severe weather."

So, this is simply an ask for prayer.

What can happen-check out some of these links including Morningstar.

http://www.god.tv/ .

Other sites:

http://www.freshfire.ca/

http://www.runwithfire.com/

http://www.morningstarministries.org/

Blessings,
Lee

Lee Johndrow
Publisher
The New England Flame
88 WCFR Drive
Springfield, VT 05156
www.NewEnglandFlame.com

A birthday

2008-04-20T12:22:00.000-07:00

Hi folks-

My grandson Jacob is a year old today. According to everyone, I should never have seen him. My daughter put him up for adoption and he was instantly swept away after his birth. But I had prayed, "God, restore all things." People kept coming to me and telling me they were "sorry." I told them she had 28 days and he would be here. A year later, my daughter and 3 grandchildren, including Jacob live here. He is a great little boy. My daughter always tells people, "he loves his grandfather better than me." Only this morning I walked into the living room and he went to dive off the couch to get to me. He will race down the hall to come and see me.

There were many who were disappointed back then, in my unwillingness to accept the "inevitable." I felt from the day I knew she was pregnant that he was coming here. The lawyer worked over time to get my daughter to stick to her "agreement." But God truly does work all things together for the good...

But he is here. And every day I pray and prophesy over him and the others. And I am thankful to God.

So, why write about that here? Because a lot of what I do has to do with the future of generations to come, should the Lord tarry.

Many of you await an answer to a prayer. I ask the Lord to meet you with His answer to your prayers.

Blessings
Lee

Lee Johndrow
Publisher
The New England Flame
88 WCFR Drive
Springfield, VT 05156
www.NewEnglandFlame.com
Promoting Unity & Hope For New England.

How will they hear?

2008-04-02T11:55:00.001-07:00

Dear friends-

"How do we get there if we do not know we need to get there?" I was asked that question a number of years ago by a man at my table as we talked about the need for allowing Jesus into our lives. I lead him to the Lord later that day.

This morning I awoke thinking today had something "hanging" over it. My wife brought my laptop in and unlike what I normally do which is check the state of the world, I checked my bank account. Needless to say, when I saw the overdrawn condition of my account, a sick feeling began to overtake me. One of the problems was that it did not say where the money was "gone to." And here I was with 2 plus hours before the bank opened to deal with it. My initial thought were that I had an annual bill or something I had neglected to account for. The unfortunate part was that it was nearly $500 that had "disappeared." After doing all the running around I had to do and visiting with friends it was time to get to the business of banking. As I talked to the bank, it was clear that someone had stolen my name. (Again...5 years ago this had happened to me.) They had utilized a smaller amount(Most like to "verify" the account) and the second they hit for a very large sum. Well, at least I knew it had not been an oversight. So, I went down to the bank. They tried to tell me that it was "not processed" and to call back tomorrow. As I went out to the car, I called my identity theft protection company and they went into gear. Flagging my credit files, etc., all with in five minutes. At this point there is not much I can do with the bank until tomorrow.

I consider myself fortunate for many reasons, the least of all that unlike the last time, I do not have to "chase down" information, etc. (The average person spends 600 hours and loses over $3,000 with identity theft. My protector will take care of all that.) But what about the person who does not have protection for their identity? What do they do? Or the person who does not have knowledge of how to resolve this type of issue. Only last week 2 major companies in Vermont announced the theft of identities, one a grocery store and the other a ski area. If I had not gone through all this, I would not know. I was fortunate that a sheriff in Los Angeles walked me through this. And that was my beginning in the Identity Theft Risk Management field.

Paul said "and how shall they hear without a preacher?" Just as the man asked me at my table years ago, there is a group of people who have not heard. Where would we be without Christ? I am not sure we think about that before we come to Him. Most people either deny the existence of God, or believe in God, thinking that is the free pass, or chase after something that does not bring life. God is our protector. Our advocate. And there is a people waiting to hear about Him. To see His existence portrayed not only by the life of believers, but by the very presence of Him.

My losing money and going through "pain" is nothing compared to the life without Him. Just like that LA sheriff, I want to be the person who introduces people to Him.

Blessings,
Lee

Lee Johndrow
Publisher
The New England Flame
88 WCFR Drive
Springfield, VT 05156
www.NewEnglandFlame.com

F8

2008-03-28T05:38:00.000-07:00

Today the weather was terrible. When I say terrible, I mean snow at
near freezing temperatures, on semi cold roads. The mixture is one of
slush and rain. The tires of your vehicle go where it wants you to
go. I slid most of the way down our 1 mile road. It was evident how
many other vehicles had not made it, by the tracks into ditches,
etc.. I would estimate it took nearly 15 minutes to get to the
bottom. Then up a hill to deliver the children, back down for Alyssa
and Tina. It took me 45 minutes to get home the back way. Only about
3 miles or so. But it was the return into town that caught my eye. I
was doing 30 in a 35 due to the slushy conditions when a school bus
sailed by me. The amount of slush churned up the speeding bus
overwhelmed my windshield wipers. When my windshield finally cleared,
I was only inches from going over the curb. Ticked me off, needless
to say. So, I caught up with the bus. The bus number...F8. "Fate."
Gave me a lot to think about on the way home for the next 45 minutes.
Fate. Do I believe it? Only this morning I sat here wondering why it
seems I am being drawn into the place of things I do not "want" so to
speak. On the other hand, I have changed things over the years and I
am sure "fate" is different as the result of this.

So, just a little thought. Most of us could argue both sides from the
scriptures, but when it comes right down to it, the thing we can bank
on is the love of the Lord.

Reading Between The Lines

2008-03-27T05:18:00.000-07:00

Dear friends-

The last few days have encouraged me to "read between the lines." I have been giving thought to what life is unfolding.

Many have prayed for "acceleration." With the prayer for acceleration, life comes at a rate that many comprehend. On one hand, most of us "feel" or agree with the concept that life is much faster than it was. One of my friends has a CD out and in the middle of one of the songs the lyrics "pulling the seasons into now..." ring out. Ask my granddaughter, she is always singing the line. So, it is little wonder we have acceleration AND the feeling life is moving way too fast. What is the purpose of acceleration? Probably to get us "up to speed" or to pull us into our destiny. But with every increased "MPH" (KPH to those outside the US!), we increase the risk and if foundations aren't solid, well the "car of the future" is now in the bank some where. And if I am painfully honest, sometimes the desire to go "1,2 skip a few" to get to my "destiny" is to avoid some of the "stuff." (On the other hand "waiting on God" is not always "pretty" either.)

I have watched my kids get older (I did not say "grow up.") and maturity is creeping in. Now I watch my grandchildren and I feel like I am starting all over. It is weird. It has been a stretch, having 4 more people in our home. And yet kids keep you young.

I have reminded myself of the heart of worship as I have gone through this time. I remember the first time I heard that song. And then I heard the story of how that song came to be. If you have not read the story of how "Matt Redman was fired," it might be cool to read. It certainly grabbed my attention. What happens when we grade worship and do not worship? And what is the "heart of worship?"

For me the Lord is returning me to my roots. When I first got saved, I did not care about a lot of the things that have entered my life. I cared about my neighbors. (I have begun to pray for them again.) I cared about the lost. (I have begun to care about them and gone back out there.) I cared about rightness in relationships. (Only yesterday I watched a friend of mine hurt by another believer.) I cared about bring the change of the atmosphere to see His Kingdom come.

I will not lie. It is difficult. It is about trusting Him all over. About receiving grace.

The things I got caught up in, I am trying to let go. I am looking forward to the gatherings on the street, in the parking lots and behind warehouses. Perhaps the heart of worship is exactly this.

It was like Easter this past weekend. I suppose as a child, I gave very little thought to Easter. My family always colored eggs, and baskets always miraculously appeared and a jelly bean hunt ensued. The eggs were always dipped in vinegary smelling colors that only occur for Easter where you would use waxy "crayons" to allow the colors to shade appropriately. At some point they came out with decals and the like. And they were hard boiled eggs. (Later in life I learned you could put a couple of small holes in them and blow your brains out.) Jelly beans were hidden and would be found for months behind storm window latches as it got warmer, tucked in behind mantle decorations and well, you just never knew. My mom would prepare a breakfast of hot crossed buns and eggs. The spiritual side of Easter has little remembrance. We dressed up to go to church and I remember a few sunrise services, climbing the hill behind the old grammar school, where we sang some hymns and raced down the hill to breakfast. But other than that, until I started "seeing" a neighborhood girl who went to a Ukrainian Orthodox church and then in high school, one of my dates was very religious and dragged me off to church on a Friday night. I probably could have told you the reason for Easter, but not much more. And that based on the fact that in those days, we were not allowed anything but fish or pizza in school lunches anyhow, which is why I knew about Lent and the like.

And yet, it has only been in recent days that I see the real mission God has given us, as the one to destroy the works of darkness. The very things that hold us back, down and depressed. Watchman Nee described an effective prayer as one that spoiled again, the enemy, gave glory to God and then, provided for our needs. Bill Johnson said that "before there can be a commission, there must be submission to the mission. I do not think I did not recognize it, just never heard it put that way.

And so the transition. the "shift" is on. I am in "regroup" mode at a time when others have probably figured it all out. Back to the streets. Back to the place where I felt alive. Where I could sense the very presence of God. Where a word spoken of healing was amplified. A word of destiny shaping days, weeks and years. It is hard in some respects. And Tina and I are praying about a lot of it. But I am gaining a sense of excitement.

I simply want to see life come forth.

Blessings,
Lee

Lee Johndrow
88 WCFR Drive
Springfield, VT 05156
802-885-2885

A prayer for Vermont

2008-03-03T05:57:00.000-08:00

A Prayer For Vermont

Tomorrow 4 states will go the polls in the US to select a nominee for
President. Realistically, there are two people for the Republican
party (Though really only one seems to have a chance.) and two for
the Democratic party and the knife could slice either way. (And
because of that you might be surprised where my vote goes.) In
Vermont, we will also be haggling over the high cost of education,
roads and where to buy salt, if buying it at all is an option. In our
community we will be selecting 2 new selectmen. And in the very near
future, we will be replacing a town manager, a town clerk and
assistant town clerk, and possibly a police chief. As one of my
friends said, "...before I met you I was a liberal, but now I am a
conservative." We will miss this person in government.

I am pretty sure that while many of my friends think "God is a
conservative," there is much more at stake about who gets in office.
On the hand I am pretty sure there are some God is not "anxious" to
have in office.

So, I would simply ask that you say a prayer for Vermont. Funny, I am
not sure I have asked for a corporate prayer for Vermont from my
friends since the year we battled against "civil unions." Seems to
me, tomorrow might be on the Lord's mind

Blessings,
Lee

Lee Johndrow
88 WCFR Drive
Springfield, VT 05156
802-885-2885

The hand of the Lord

2008-02-23T05:23:00.000-08:00

For whatever reason the Lord has always kept me from destruction.
This week was no different.

I live on a mountain top. At the bottom of our road there are
terrible potholes (A relative to Potholites.) and their cousins, the
frost heaves(From the Heavites.). Potholes seek to remove the
undercarriages of more modern cars, taking away the proper alignments
we have strived for. The Heavites have the ability to toss a small
tractor trailer to the side of the road with little effort. Our
community has allowed itself to be overtaken by these creatures.
Earlier this year our town took on the project of restoring 100 year
old waterlines. This left 2 of our roads as breeding grounds for
these dangerous denizens. The two streets (Park-more now than ever in
some cases, and Union, or more appropriately, "Dis" Union, as wheels,
tires and axles are ceremoniously removed from vehicles.) are at the
bottom of my road. From my house, there is no other way out, save the
"Valley of Death, " a usually unplowed section of road.

I mention that because it might be relevant to the rest of this
little saga. The irony of it all, is that the other day on the 25 MPH
road, I was doing 15 MPH in an attempt to not be captured and a Yaris
"blew" by me. His car could easily be captured by the Potholites
never to be seen again. So, what if he gets 30MPG. (BTW-my Grand Prix
averages 31.66 MPG and has never had a tune up! As opposed to my van
which can not pass a chance to visit the "enemy" and get gas.)

So, in the last few years, I have taken care of my vehicles. My third
car since I have moved here is approaching the 200,000 mile mark.
Previous vehicles included an '86 Mercedes Diesel that my wife
thought was "falling apart" from the noise and an '89 Ford Probe
traded in with 260K. I have had little difficulties with the Grand
Prix. But a few weeks ago on a road trip, I noticed a "lane shift"
that I had not intended. Attributing it to invisible "ice" I carried
on, completing the 500 mile trip. Upon return I arranged for new
brakes (2nd set since I owned it-the hill is murder on my brakes.)
and mentioned the lane change to the mechanic. Showed him the noise.
He spent the day on it and told me it was the bushing at the top of
the strut and not to worry about it. So, I adopted my Alfred E.
Newman stance and agreed, "what, me worry?" A few weeks go by. I hear
the noise a little more, and began to find after a right hand turn
the noise is a clunk accompanied by an attempt at a lane change. So,
I set up another appointment after I noticed my ABS light on while
taking Tina to the hospital at 5 in the morning.

I dropped my car off, explaining the action of wanting to greet "left
lane" offenders. Got in my van and went about my day. About 3PM, I
thought I would check in. There was my car. Up on jacks. I saw the
infamous "donut" spare on the area where the noise was coming from. I
walked up and noticed the absence of parts. Quite a few in fact. I
went in to talk to the mechanic. "What did the test reveal," I asked.
His answer took me by surprise. "I made it 3 feet and the front end
fell off." The car had moved 3 feet before the ball joint exited,
allowing the wheel to splay out, removing the axle and blowing a 3"
hole through my alloy wheel. His subsequent statement of "you are a
lucky man" translated to the "Lord has watched over me once again. I
don't think about what could have happened. I leave that for others.
I choose to believe that while my car is a present casualty of the
Heavites and the Pothlites, I and my family are survivors. The car
has been there a few days and I have not heard the status.

So, we are down to a van that will not drive on ice or snow, but it
is up to God the next step,as to what direction we can go. I would
ask that we all take more seriously praying for one another. It is
clear that the "some-ite" would like to remove us. Whatever God
decides for us, He is the One we can count on.

Thanks to all of you who have prayed while Tina has recuperated from
surgery last week. She is doing a lot better. Cass is home from
vacation. Matt is getting ready to go to school in the fall. Amy has
gone through some good changes. Tyler is being mentored by a fellow
pastor. Alyssa is doing well and over all life is good. My partner
and I are working on a new business structure, have begun hiring
people and are believing God to watch us over as He has.

Blessings,
Lee

Lee Johndrow
88 WCFR Drive
Springfield, VT 05156
802-885-2885

Learning about rest

2008-02-11T06:27:00.001-08:00

Right now I have a huge fire going and it is starting to warm up. So, I am sitting in front of it with a computer in hand and a cup of YOGI tea. (Hey, hey, Booboo...) Ok, so it probably means Yogi Berra...It says on the label to "experience the warmth and love of your soul." That is a mouthful.

So, as I mentioned earlier, my meditations led me here.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

I felt the Lord saying...

Learn the discipline of rest

One of the most important subjects in the bible is the subject of rest.

It is found in every book of the bible. God takes rest very seriously. He commanded the Jews to rest every 7th day, every 7th year and every 49th year to take a year off. The year of Jubilee. God took this so seriously that when the children of ignored those 7th year celebrations, for 490 years, he required that they go into captivity for 70 years in Babylon.

OK What's the big deal about this?

When Jesus was baptized, in water and the Spirit, he was tempted of the devil, overcame him with the Word and then came back into Nazareth preaching what? The year of Jubilee (Luke 4) He stood up and said that the Jubilee, the Sabbath was a person and I have arrived. (I have said this for years, that Jesus is the Sabbath and when we see ourselves crucified and risen in Him, we are in the Sabbath.)

We must learn the discipline of living from a place of rest. Sounds like a paradox? Christianity is not striving to become more like Christ, rather it is in resting in him and beholding him that we are transformed. That sound both wonderful and familiar but most Christians rarely seem to make it past the idea to enjoy the reality.

Let me take a few lines to break this down to where we are and outline how this can become our normal.

We have to learn to stop trying to produce in our experience what Jesus accomplished on the Cross. In John 19:30 Jesus cried out "It is finished". At that moment everything "pertaining to life and Godliness was bought and paid for. As evangelicals we have been taught that Jesus paid for our salvation and have understood that to be our ticket to heaven but in reality Jesus gave up everything that he had in his relationship with God that he might have it back in your experience.

We are constantly asking God to do what he has already done instead of resting by faith in the provision that he has already made available.

There's a great test to see if you are at rest. Are you enjoying your Christian walk?

That folks was a big question for me and the beginning of my pursuit to get things back.

Is it a joy? The word says that Jesus faced the cross for the joy that was set before him.

Is 28 :11 For with stammering lips and another tongue He will speak to this people, 12 To whom He said, "This is the rest with which You may cause the weary to rest," And, "This is the refreshing"; Yet they would not hear. 13 But the word of the LORD was to them, " Precept upon precept, precept upon precept, Line upon line, line upon line, Here a little, there a little," (Or as another translation says, because they would not embrace this rest...
So then, the word of the LORD to them will become: Do and do, do and do, rule on rule, rule on rule; a little here, a little there so that they will go and fall backward, be injured and snared and captured.

Holy Spirit has been sent to lead you into a place of rest and wonder from which to walk with Jesus. There is such a joy available to the believer that it will offend the religious.

Think about that!

A request for prayer

2008-02-11T05:56:00.001-08:00

Dear Friends:

This is a quick request for prayer. As many of you may know Tina was in the hospital 3 times in the last few months. On Thursday, she will be headed off for surgery. And while they say it is not "major" she will be under for a while and will miss quite a bit of work. She spent a lot of time finding the right doctor, the right hospital, etc..I guess you think when you fill out a living will, huh? She has lost quite a bit of work and will be giving up the rest of her sick leave(Until Sept.) and a good chunk of her vacation time. It means we will only have a week of vacation(And not the 4 of last year.) this year and it is not until Sept. This has drastically affected our finances, etc.

So, please cover the these areas if you think of it.

1-Surgery will be successful and she will not have adverse effects.
2-Her recovery will be quick.
3-We will be able to handle things around the house.
4-She will not miss more time than necessary.
5-God will provide the necessary finances.
6-Her return to work will be pecaeful.

On other levels, the grandchildren and Alyssa are still living here so I get my jump start every day with Jacob(9 months-WOW!).

Blessings,
Lee

SPOILS-Strategic Placement Of Influence, Leadership & Service
Out of the spoils won in battles did they dedicate to maintain the house of the LORD.
www.pocafministries.org/spoils
Lee Johndrow
88 WCFR Drive
Springfield, VT 05156
802-885-2885
SHAPING THE CULTURE!!!!!
www.net2church.org Leaders-visit here.
www.newenglandflame.com back on line.

The Door Is Open!

2008-01-20T15:02:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends:
(Feel free to pass this on.)

To day was an awesome day. We had our friends Darryl & Martha with us and that is always a wonderful time. And then this afternoon, we ordained Mike. What a day!

And so when we went to gather this morning, we were not sure if they would lock the kitchen. So, what a surprise when we walked through the door and the kitchen door was open. And as I told you last week, my grandson, Jordan, had prayed that the door would be open. So, while I was not really thinking about it, I guess he was. "Grandpa! Look! I prayed and the door is open!" No one could have been more excited than him that the door was open. No concern that it was a week later. That it had not "worked" last week. He just knew God had opened the door.

Interesting. How often do we not see something occur and figure God has "forgot" about us? Probably more often than we want to think. Maybe not.

I think I see more clearly that it really is true...approach Him like a little child.

Blessings,
Lee

Open the door!

2008-01-15T05:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends:
(Feel free to pass this on.)

Many things are shifting here in our community. We are walking out many things and the Lord is gracious. This weekend our friends, Darryl & Martha will be with us both in our Sunday morning celebration and in our afternoon ordination. (Please feel free to attend either. Let me know if you need directions,etc.)

Most of you know we hold our Sunday morning celebration in a bank conference room. And most of you know our oldest daughter lives with us, with 3 children and now that she is working full time and overtime, we are bringing all the grandchildren with us on Sunday morning.

We arrived at the bank, opening the doors, turning off alarms, etc.. My wife then noticed that someone had locked the kitchen door. We get there early, make coffee, put things in the fridge for our meal together, etc. Now the children know that grandma makes coffee, hot water, etc., and gives them a snack. So, they were disturbed when the door was locked and their life schedule was going another way(Can anyone relate?), and they began to question it. And then Jordan went over to the door and began to pray. "Dear God, please open this door." Not once or twice, but for about 20 minutes. Tina and I spoke later. We honestly thought the door would open, because of the fervor of his praying. He finally sat down, wondering why God had not answered his prayer. We talked about what God wanted and hearing what He wanted and applying it to the situation, etc.

Twenty minutes for a door to open. I said to my church, I often find that people will not pray 20 minutes for a cancer victim. I will be honest. It shamed me. Not the spirit of shame, but the "oh my gosh, what have I been thinking" kind of response. A child. A door. A prayer. When Tina and I first were married, it was nothing to pound heaven for hours at a time.

God is saying to me, and perhaps others "will you allow your mind to be transformed?"

Not all of life requires twenty minute prayers. I know that. You know that. But isn't it about a visitation from the Lord? Fresh manna from heaven? How desperate are we?

We had a great time as we opened the book of Titus and people plugged in. We had people up to our home after to eat. So, we were cool.

But, what if that door had opened?

Blessings,
Lee

2007-12-24T06:21:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends:This is the time of year where I take time to reflect on what the Lord is saying to me, to my family, friends and church. And so, many of you might get bored before you get through this. But, others, will get that little glimpse into our lives. I am often encouraged by other's transformations and I hope some of these changes with us, will encourage you. You can by pass parts that do not interest you, by following the headings.

FAMILY
TINA & I
MINISTRY
DAY TO DAY
WORDS IN RECENT DAYS

FAMILY
The biggest change in my life this year was the entrance of my grandson, Jacob, along with his 2 siblings. For months I pounded heaven as my daughter Alyssa, contemplated giving him up. After his birth, I still would not back down from this position that I believed the Lord had given me. And so, a month after his birth, he came "home." Hardly a day goes by that I do not sit here and look at him laughing or smiling or sleeping and think that God is good. As I pray over him and the other children living in my home, I realize that the reason I do what I do and endure the trials is for them. This is the generation to come. For many my age, the last generation they will get their "hands on." The kids have reminded me of all I forgot as a parent, and some of what I really did not want to know! Being with children who moved from hotel to motel, and a minimum of certain kinds of stability have sometimes been challenging. Jordan loves school, though and that is a blessing. It is easy to see that there is an artistic side of him. Mariah is the not so quiet one, and she loves to dance and "rock out" to music. (One day we had her in our gathering, with a fairly bassy song, and she was sitting at the table, banging it like a drum.) Cass(21) is in her first year of school at Johnson, being involved in acting and music. She is currently home for 4 weeks. Matt(20) lives in Greenfield, MA., and is working at a large food supplier. Tyler(25) is working 2 jobs, one on a farm and the other with a pasta manufacturer, and is in contemplation mode of tech school. Amy(26) is living in Middletown, CT, and continues to love her job at a large software company. She is becoming an HR Specialist. Alyssa(26) has just trained for 3 days for a new franchise opening here in town, where she will be working 40 hours and getting ready for her apartment.Obviously, we are very proud of them all!To see pictures...http://www.pocafministries.org/Thanksgiving2007/index.html

TINA & I
Tina and I spend a lot of time with the grandchildren. Tina is still working with the Land Trust as a home buyer counselor. The Lord has definitely shifted some things in recent days. Our ministry here in Springfield, is going through a transition. In January, we will be ordaining Mike, and he will be working more and more with the small groups and the day to day.It was clear a few days ago, that God had really removed a type of grace for certain things and added to other areas. We are not sure "what" the Lord is doing, but do suspect it to be a significant change. Moving me from pastoral ministry is clearly His intention. We certainly see be helpful to other ministries as part of it.We still live up on the mountain(The Eagle's Nest) where we have a lot of snow right now. An 8 passenger van to cart children and waiting for the first signs of bare pavement to move the bike on out.

MINISTRY
One of the most significant changes for us, is in the business ministry arena. A few months ago the Lord gave me a word about SPOILS. IN the middle of a shared prayer time, I received this. SPOILS-Strategic Placement Of Influence, Leadership & Service Out of the spoils won in battles did they dedicate to maintain the house of the LORD. We had our first meeting a few weeks ago, and it was great. We see this ministry moving to from Vermont to Maine in February, and by the end of the year we will have 6 states of business ministry. It has received a lot of favor. (Feel free to visit the website listed at the bottom of this letter.) I will not bore you with details, other than to simply say, I have already had additional meetings with people about this and there is a momentum growing.We are certain of more and more upcoming travel. The Lord has been touching both Tina and I about the changes and how we can party up with them.

DAY TO DAY
For the last 6 months, I have spent a great deal of time helping Alyssa with the children. Doctors, dentists, meetings, etc.. While that has been going on I have continued in the Pre-Paid Legal business. I have also worked a as CITRIMS. Weekly meetings helping people offset the threat of identity theft. Some of that is about to change. My friend and partner, Al, and his wife and Tina spent a few days discussing a business concept that we believe will not only take care of the day to day needs, but will be able to change the economy and help others. (Please keep us in prayer, as this project involves others and is very involved.) It is in keeping with my "Capture the culture. Change the culture."

WORDS
While I am sure this is not all of it, the last few days have revealed some important things to me. So, I will make every effort to articulate them. Over the days I have had many, many dreams, that I consider to be significant.

Last night one of my dreams was that a dear young man and I were talking about helping people. I talked about how it would be cool to arrange for dentistry for people and in the next scene, he had already scheduled 19 people for help with their teeth. Apparently the dentist was going to devote himself to their care. I mentioned that we needed to find a doctor. We were in my boat traveling upstream to a doctor's home who lived on the water to see if he would be interested in helping with the "medical mission" of Springfield. This was very much in keeping with 2 words the Lord had given us about 12 years ago. God wanting to use his people.When the furniture of the church is the table of the Lord and the rightful discerning of the body of Christ.Only yesterday during our gathering was I struck with the fact that there was a shaking God wanted to do amongst His people in the area of overtaking the government and many of the NPO's that give to our communities and bring their requirements. It is the people of God who are to be the "care givers" and not the government or quasi government organizations. For the church to take it's rightful place, it must agree to the conditions of pure religion that God has designated in James. That is a culture change.

As I "awoke" the Lord began to stir me to pray for others. Not silently, but openly, because His word would not return void. And then there was a vision of grass growing. That first little tint of green on fresh soil. I was hearing, "if you will pray for the seeds of my words to grow, they will. All of those who say "O, my God," or "Holy God," when they are surprised about something have seeds of my word planted in their being. They do not realize it, but if you will begin to command those seed to rise up and grow they will. They are like a virus that has lived beneath the radar screen. They will change the being. He gave me these two scriptures. Is. 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper [in the thing] whereto I sent it. Mk. 4:28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. I sensed the Lord saying if people will begin to sow to those "fallen" seeds, that they will begin to rise up as the blade in the scripture above. That while these things have been dormant, there is life inside. To look at a seed reveals nothing, for it is the hidden code of life that is responsible for it coming forth. So, I would encourage you to begin to speak to the seeds of righteousness that have been sown. If God is responsible for the increase, then His word being spoken will bring that increase. I believe God is saying that it is time for an awakening of "paga" in the church, the time of violent intercession and calling upon God.

There was another thing that happened as Tina and I were talking about 2008 and what it would bring. I was saying that I thought God was calling His people to be ready emotionally, spiritually and physically, because the need for stamina in each of those areas would be required. As I was saying it, I heard Nantucket Sleigh Ride. Now for us New Englanders, this was when a harpoon was thrown into a whale, and the whale towed the boat and it's crew for a "Nantucket Sleigh Ride." When the whale tired out the captain came along side stabbing it until it was dead. So, why this phrase. I was reminded that a band called Mountain did a song called Nantucket Sleigh Ride.to read about a whale ride...http://www.salariya.com/web_books/whaling/index.html) The lyrics, I do not feel are particularly relevant, but the name of the band could be. As I heard the other day on a video clip, "mountains are not smooth or you could not get to the top." So, I believe that the Lord has said "the ride is almost over." I believe we are approaching the death stages of many struggles. That we are nearly to the top. I think that this is the time to get a second wind. That the "blubbering" is over. Can we be ready for a good time? For a celebration? Not everyone will be with us. Discouragement and a giving up, have been part of the battle. Some have fallen along the way. But for those of us who have made it, there is a sweet joy.

What will 2008 bring?

The Lord is still working on me about it, but I believe it will be the season of the virgins from MT. 25. Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five [were] foolish. They that [were] foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, [Not so]; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

That there will be a great upsurge of light and a great loss of light for many. That this is a season of decision. People will make many choices. Some of the separation will be of God and some will not be. Some will be deceived by fables and stories and lack of depth. Their growth stunted by lack of water, their light dimmed by an oil shortage. Even as the price of real oil becomes dear, so its the presence of the Holy Spirit and His oil. Many will try to stop "production" of this oil as they are in the Middle East. I believe I hear the $100 barrel of oil is coming and will signal a release of His Spirit. I do not believe the natural price will stay here and 2008 , these prices will decline.

And I sense January will have a lot to do with the foundations of His Spirit coming.I am sure the Lord is bringing me more in the coming days.

Tina and I bless you this holiday season. Remember...it is OK to say Merry Christmas to me!And a little touch of the season.
http://www.tackylighttour.com

Coming out of the cave update

2007-11-02T05:10:00.000-07:00

Hi folks:

The last few months have been pretty unusual. About 6 months to be
exact. With my daughter and three grandchildren living here, life is
"different." Living with young children can be youth giving. On the
other hand it requires lots of running around and time invested. Each
day I am given the opportunity to draw God's blessings into their
lives in a physical way and the changes have been dramatic. But, as I
have said we have been so busy, that there is little time for many of
the opportunities I once had right now. Letters are frequently
interrupted by the smiling face of one of the children.

And it some cases I get a type of forgetfulness. The other day I was
connecting the boat to the van to take down for service. In the
middle of connecting, my granddaughter came over with a question
about something. "What are you doing? Where are you going?" 4 year
old questions. My friend showed up and we took off. Up hills and down
hills, over dirt roads, etc.. I chalked the occasional clunk up to
never had it hooked to this vehicle before. We got to the marina,
many miles away, and I pulled up front and went in to make the
arrangements. My friend came in and said "did you know that you had
not locked the hitch?" Obviously, I did not know and we were very
fortunate that the boat did not beat us down one of those steep hills
we live on. Life with children...

Many things have changed with us. In May I sold our store and spent a
lot of summer building our PPL business and doing ebay again. In late
August I sold the remainder of our 45' container and the rest of a
warehouse. So, that phase of my life is pretty much set aside. When
you are trucking people all over creation in an effort for them to
get healthy, go to school and appointments, you do not have time for
the day to day business.

The last three days the Lord woke me up at 3:16. The first morning I
received a word for the church and shared it on Sunday. The second
morning I was drawn to prayer for 2 hours. Yesterday, I received what
I would consider the third most life changing dream I have ever had.
The dream is not so important to others as it is to me. A few weeks
ago, I began to build a leadership team. With the help of some
friends coming in on Sunday morning, I have taken their words, along
with what I have seen and begun to revamp. I will be pulling back
from the position I have carried and will in January be ordaining my
friend Mike. (We will have to find a place large enough to do this
and will let you know.)He will be carrying the gathering to a
different place than I. The week to week operations will change for
Tina and I. Even today, we are working with a friend to develop both
a business model and a business ministry. The changes in the church
will be significant. A group of people who have better shepherding
skills than me. Tina and I moving into our gift sets.

Why the big changes? Well, I guess you would say, it is time to
embrace what the Lord has for me. I believe the results will be
excellent. I am always more comfortable in the business realm. I am
always more comfortable using the prophetic gifts the Lord has given
me to reach the lost. Nothing gets one's attention than coming up and
telling them their name and their past to get an inroad. I will
minister once a month in our Sunday gathering. Others will take the
Sunday morning times. Even the Tuesday times will change.

I see reaching people that are not reached. People who work their
lives away without happiness when heaven is at hand. Children who
need Jesus. I confess, I have been hard on the church. I see church
often as Christian ghettos, all huddled up, not reaching the masses.
We have often soaked while others have fried. I look into the face of
Jacob. The child who had been given up for adoption. As he sits here
with me, I can not imagine life with out hi. What can the Creator of
the universe feel, as people head to hell? I am not sure exactly.
But, I do know that i have an opportunity to shape culture and change
lives. And that position I can envision.

So, hopefully my communication will be more regular.

Blessings to you!
Lee

Lee Johndrow
88 WCFR Drive
Springfield, VT 05156
802-885-2885

Are you a Missionary or a Mission Field

2007-10-06T04:22:00.001-07:00

Dear friends:

Are you a missionary or a mission field? That was the question the Lord was stirring my heart about. As I discussed it with a few friends, one of them added "or are you a mine field."

Recently, I have found myself dealing with that question on one venue or another as I walk through life. Are you the giver or the getter? Each day I walk out into my community, I am reminded of Jesus touching those about Him. He was a giver. His "getting" came from God. Each day I experience waves of His grace as I watch others change, from the words of life they receive.

I have recently been working with an unbeliever. He is on disability. Three days after I prayed for him, he won a $40,000 Kubota tractor. He came to tell me he had never won anything in his life. Within a few days, the state agreed to rent it from him for a considerable amount of money per week. Since then he has been drawn closer to God. He has started to talk about the Lord. Even ask questions...(Man, if I won a 40K, I would want to meet my benefactor!)

I am very much about the unchurched. Most of you know my heart for the unchurched. And many of you may recall my coining of the word "unchurchables." http://compelthem.blogspot.com/ I have felt for a long time that there is a growing discontent in the church. The babes(see below) know there is more. The "carnivores" of the spirit are chomping at the bit. (Can the lion live with the lamb?). So much do I believe there is an uprising, I paid an artist friend of mine to create this image. http://www.pocafministries.org/unchurchables.htm (I am planning on releasing this in a limited edition. It will be professionally framed, matted and numbered.)

But, what about those who have not changed? The Lord has been questioning me about the changes I have been able to make through His grace, and the others that He would like to see changed. God loves us too much, to quit on us, or even to leave us where we are. When I become self reliant, I have walked out of the realm of being a missionary and into the realm of being a mission field(Or possibly a mine field). For God is looking for dependence on Him, and not my own dependence on me? When I pray, I am trying to find His will. Because if I find His will, I will find answered prayer.

God is truly trying to get us from the milk realm to the meat realm. To His realm.

It is written,OF WHOM WE HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY, AND HARD TO BE UTTERED, SEEING YE ARE DULL OF HEARING. FOR WHEN FOR THE TIME YE OUGHT TO BE TEACHERS, YE HAVE NEED THAT ONE TEACH YOU AGAIN WHICH BE THE FIRST PRINCIPLES OF THE ORACLES OF GOD; AND ARE BECOME SUCH AS HAVE NEED OF MILK, AND NOT OF STRONG MEAT. FOR EVERY ONE THAT USETH MILK IS UNSKILLFUL IN THE WORD OF RIGHTEOUSNESS: FOR HE IS A BABE. BUT STRONG MEAT BELONGETH TO THEM THAT ARE OF FULL AGE, EVEN THOSE WHO BY REASON OF USE HAVE THEIR SENSES EXERCISED TO DISCERN BOTH GOOD AND EVIL-Hebrews 5:11-14.
THEREFORE LEAVING THE PRINCIPLES OF THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST, LET US GO ON UNTO PERFECTION; (Meat) NOT LAYING AGAIN THE FOUNDATION OF
1. REPENTANCE FROM DEAD WORKS,
2. AND OF FAITH TOWARD GOD,
3. OF THE DOCTRINE OF BAPTISMS,
4. AND OF LAYING ON OF HANDS,
5. AND OF RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD,
6. AND OF ETERNAL JUDGMENT.
AND THIS WILL WE DO, IF GOD PERMIT-Heb 6:1-3.

Each one of these 6 principles is in the "milk" realm. God is desirous of us to leave the nursery and move out into the classroom.

Biblical doctrines, therefore, can be catalogued under these six categories. These are considered as milk. These are considered to be the first principles a person should learn. A person that is learning basic doctrines is: not skillful in God's Word. He is a babe. His spiritual senses are not exercised. He is not able to rightly understand or discern good and evil. He is carnal, not spiritual.
1 Cor 3:3, 4-FOR YE ARE YET CARNAL: FOR WHEREAS THERE IS AMONG YOU ENVYING, AND STRIFE, AND DIVISIONS(This is critical), ARE YE NOT CARNAL, AND WALK AS MEN? FOR WHILE ONE SAITH, I AM OF PAUL; AND ANOTHER, I AM OF APOLLOS; ARE YE NOT CARNAL?

Too many pastors have given up because of the lack of truth being carried out in the lives of believers. Too many believers have been involved in violent wrecks of faith, as they have not embraced the truth of His word. Religion is rampant and faith has faltered among people. It is not and can not be about "my church" for it is all His church.

Are you walking around as a mission field? Or have you decided to not only to practice the principles of faith and truth and not only keep what you have been given in grace, but to give it away. As the image depicts, people from every walk of life will be established as the church. The church mentality is probably not the kingdom mentality. The kingdom mentality is moving life outward and gaining ground. So much of the church is trying to contain. The Lord advised me not to contain, but obtain. To occupy.

I hope that you will be challenged in your faith, creating the opportunity for a great understanding of HIM. That you would be a blessing to your family, your friends and your community.

Blessings,
Lee

Prayer requests.
-Our new business ministry would bear fruit

Lee Johndrow
88 WCFR Drive
Springfield, VT 05156
802-885-2885

Prayer and Repentance

2007-09-29T04:22:00.000-07:00

Dear friends:

I have been studying out of 2 books. Isaiah and Mark. Let me share some scripture.

30:15 For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.
30:16 But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift.
30:17 One thousand [shall flee] at the rebuke of one; at the rebuke of five shall ye flee: till ye be left as a beacon upon the top of a mountain, and as an ensign on an hill.
30:18 And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD [is] a God of judgment: blessed [are] all they that wait for him.
30:19 For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee.
30:20 And [though] the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers:
30:21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This [is] the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.
30:22 Ye shall defile also the covering of thy graven images of silver, and the ornament of thy molten images of gold: thou shalt cast them away as a menstruous cloth; thou shalt say unto it, Get thee hence.
30:23 Then shall he give the rain of thy seed, that thou shalt sow the ground withal; and bread of the increase of the earth, and it shall be fat and plenteous: in that day shall thy cattle feed in large pastures.
30:24 The oxen likewise and the young asses that ear the ground shall eat clean provender, which hath been winnowed with the shovel and with the fan.
30:25 And there shall be upon every high mountain, and upon every high hill, rivers [and] streams of waters in the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall.
30:26 Moreover the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the LORD bindeth up the breach of his people, and healeth the stroke of their wound.
30:27 Behold, the name of the LORD cometh from far, burning [with] his anger, and the burden [thereof is] heavy: his lips are full of indignation, and his tongue as a devouring fire:
30:28 And his breath, as an overflowing stream, shall reach to the midst of the neck, to sift the nations with the sieve of vanity: and [there shall be] a bridle in the jaws of the people, causing [them] to err.
30:29 Ye shall have a song, as in the night [when] a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe to come into the mountain of the LORD, to the mighty One of Israel.
30:30 And the LORD shall cause his glorious voice to be heard, and shall shew the lighting down of his arm, with the indignation of [his] anger, and [with] the flame of a devouring fire, [with] scattering, and tempest, and hailstones.
30:31 For through the voice of the LORD shall the Assyrian be beaten down, [which] smote with a rod.
30:32 And [in] every place where the grounded staff shall pass, which the LORD shall lay upon him, [it] shall be with tabrets and harps: and in battles of shaking will he fight with it.
30:33 For Tophet [is] ordained of old; yea, for the king it is prepared; he hath made [it] deep [and] large: the pile thereof [is] fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it.
Isaiah 31

31:1 Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because [they are] many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!
Mark
7:18 And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, [it] cannot defile him;
7:19 Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?
7:20 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.
7:21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
7:22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
7:23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

As I read the list in 7:21-22 I think about what I have been dealing with in my own life and the lives of others I have worked with recently:
Evil thoughts-thoughts that do not agree with God
Adulteries-the looking upon another with lust can be just as cutting.
Fornication-talks of sex outside of marriage, but also the worship of idols, as in the case of money or things.
Murders-words said that can not be taken back. Angry words. In many cases, many remain unspoken, tearing away at life.
Thefts-what times with the Lord have I stolen?
Covetousness-the recent cleaning out of a 40' container showed me what I have held on to, for the sake of making money.
Wickedness-whatever is not Godly in it's reach.
Deceit-How many times has a word of agreement, even to the Lord been broken? Or even words said, believed to be truth?
Lasciviousness-speaks of wantoness or filthiness. It is defined in scripture as a sin so reckless, that one has given caring. It can be something that has become an addiction.
An evil eye-an eye that seeks evil not only for self but for others.
Blasphemy-to slander God or another's good name(Example-gossip).
Pride-the character of one who, with a swollen estimate of his own powers or merits, looks down on others and even treats them with insolence and contempt.
Foolishness-foolishness, folly, senselessness, thoughtlessness, recklessness

I am reminded of a trip as a child to Indian Lake. On that lake was a beautiful island we camped on for weeks, every year. And one day while my parents were on the other side of that island, my brothers and I dug a large hole. As we got deeper and deeper, the hole began to fill with water. We convinced our sister that the island was sinking. She ran, crying to the boat and got in, fearing the imminent deaths of family. Even now, I waver between laughter and shame for the pain I caused her. (I would like to tell you that was the only time we mean, but alas, I would add to my list of things to repent of.)

And yet, so often we come to God on our own merits, only to learn, it is Him. We have dug holes of despair and discouragement, believing that something would come of it. Our very nature, forcing others to retreat from us, while the Lord operates a full court press, against the darkness of our lives. We know the "island" really won't sink, but others see it differently. Some running in fear. Others backing away from the silliness of it.

I believe the Lord is calling for a season of repentance upon His people. We do not like that word very much. Many think it too religious. Others repent to God, but not to the hurt party or parties. I noticed something when I awoke. Something was in the air, that spoke of times of hurting that God wanted to heal. Failings that God wanted victory in for people. And yet, even as I was on my roof the other day, I felt the Lord declare 3 things-two I feel led to share. One that the least shall be first. And the second that, prosperity will come when we reach the lost.

So many friends are under attack, and yet I see the Lord saying, much of this could be changed, as it is in their hands to change. I have seen waves of gossip and murderous words going forth. The very words that we will be judged by, hanging in the air. The Lord showed me words of hurt hanging in the air as if suspended by wires. Words of judgement hanging over lives because of the anger of some.

"In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength" is telling us that Lord is quick to resolve the very issues of darkness and discouragement, if only we will turn back. No one would allow their child to continually beat on a sibling. Or allow for the child to curse his sibling. Or allow for stories to be told that were not true. So, what is it in us, that causes us to think that the Lord is accepting this? So many, cut off from the blessings of the Lord by their words over others.

The Lord reveals to us, that a turning away will provide for people's lives and needs.

I went through a very trying time last week among brothers and sisters. While I was on the roof, I saw a flock of turkeys, wandering through my meadows. There was sound that was perhaps a dog or coydog, and the turkeys took a few steps and headed to the skies. All in the same direction, they flew to the safety of the trees. They did not argue about who was causing the problem, or who had attracted the predator, but they were single minded in their retreat to the arms of trees of safety.

I believe the Lord calls for a similar plan.

For years we have talked about being "hung by the tongue" and the words we speak over our own lives. I think we are being confronted by the force of the Lord to change our speech, for the Lord says it is not what we eat, but what we speak(Or spew.) that convicts us of uncleanness.

Only this morning, certain keys would not function on my laptop. As I began to shake it little pieces of crumbs, began to fall out. It doesn't take much to not get what you want when a key will not depress. The littlest "sin" has the ability to ruin our functions.

I sense the Lord is calling for a major change in our lives in these areas. Why? Because He wants us to enjoy fresh waters, healthy "food" and the fullness of His love. What is we will have to give over? Even the littlest of things will stand in the way of His fullness of grace and mercy.

I have seen things move into my life that I do not care for. Only times with Him, will change us. When I was working on the roof, every day I looked a roof shingles. I could close my eyes and I would see patterns of shingles. It is time that I put something, the Lord, before my eyes.

I pray you will be challenged as I was and called back to the threshing floor of His kingdom. That the evil words that have hung over lives will be cut down and new words of grace and mercy will abound. That, the very prosperity we have asked for , will come as the church adopts a regime, of allowing Him, o wash us with the water of His words, that we might be a spotless bride.

Blessings,
Lee

Prayer requests.
-Our new businessministry would bear fruit

Lee Johndrow
88 WCFR Drive
Springfield, VT 05156
802-885-2885

The "unchurchables"

2007-09-11T06:37:00.000-07:00

Dear friends:

Last week Tina and I took a mini-vacation to Lake George. I went with
the purpose to seek the Lord regarding our next ministry step. Along
the way, I got in some motorcycling, hiking, canoeing and swimming as
well as a heart pumping trip to the Lake George car show "cruise"
night. And a man, who had come to Lake George to cheat on his wife.
He came over to my motorcycle and began to pour his heart out to me
about coming to meet an old girlfriend, sending his daughter off to
college, etc.. You get the picture. In the end he did not cheat. God
found him and my heart ached for the man. We talked and we prayed. I
hope God allowed me to serve His need. Why do people come to me? I
have to believe that it is God using me. And He is trying to reach
the unchurched.

Only the night before we left I had felt the Lord as we were praying
describe a group of people called the "unchurchables." I was not sure
where the Lord was taking me that night. I think He is telling me
many things, some of which I am not sure about. What if a group of
people who do not fit anywhere else, break out of the box? What if it
speaks of people who are not willing to be churched as we understand
it? I asked a friend to develop a logo from it. Right now it is a
cross rising up out of a church that has exploded. Exploits that only
the unchurchables can do. Years ago I was taken to task for
developing a website called "Messiah's Misfits." Probably happen
again. Men and women and children laying down their life to serve Him
as He served.

What is an unchurchable?
Someone not confined by the walls of a church.
Not held in bondage by stale teaching or outdated religion.
Caring first about Him and only then self.
A life not defined by culture but a life, defining culture.
A willingness to reach the unchurched.

I am sure more will come to me as time carries on. And to others.
Things like "rogue...not God...illegitimate...(BTW-I have heard all these.)"

My wife, she throws things out. Anything that does not appear to have
a purpose or a place is history. Me, I am a collector. I always end
up with a few items every time I go to clean up. One time she threw
out my plaid bell bottoms, my Aztec Indian shirt and my purple
paisley shirt, all carry overs from a past life. She did not see the
value. We did not talk for a long time. Yet, when it comes to old
church, I can instantly tell if it is in need of being trashed. I am
not talking about old music or those kind of things, but what I speak
of is things that do not add value to one's outlook on life. Some
look at as rebellion. I thank God for rebels like David and John the
Baptist. I was throwaway in some respects.

I do not want my life to be defined by the church but that it would
be examined and defined by my following of Christ. If that makes me
unchurchable, then I want to buy into it.

While I was away I met a lot of people who had lives in
non-charismatic circles. UCC, Presbyterian, Lutheran, etc. It is
always kind of interesting to me where I end up. (I often think of
having a church in downtown Lake George that operates how I do, as
there is not one single pentecostal or charismatic church that I can
find. And I know it would be tough. Lakes, mountains, trees, big
skies. Kind of like earth's little version of heaven. Add in the
bikers and hot rodders, the shops and glitter...Lake George Village
is a little like a small Las Vegas. Oh yeah-I found a great seafood
restaurant, so I am all set.) Lives that are so different than mine.
And I sit at meals with them and love them to pieces. And where else
can you hear them talk about vespers.(For my charismatic friends, it
is not an Italian scooter...but a night time prayer.) I love their
liturgy. Their dedication to peace and tranquility. I could easily
see myself sitting on the lake just writing away in between
volleyball and boating. To them I seem a little unchurchable. They
find it hard to believe sometimes. But we all embrace community. (I
think they struggled that Tina and I would leave tranquility and
quiet, until 200 au pairs showed up, and drive into town; to listen
to the thundering of race cars, being awed by wheelie popping
vehicles and walk among thousands of people all just trying to have
fun. And the tattoos and colorful shirts and all that are pretty
cool, too.) We love each other and we help each other. And in the
midst, I think about an outdoor meeting with thousands of people who
do not know the church. That my friends, will unlikely happen in a
church nearby.

An explosion of God's presence in coming. We all know it. We all
place our "bets" on it. I think the rawness of God is about to be
displayed. Comfort zones will explode, repentance will come and the
lives of those who are here will be forever altered. I admit, I am
taking a chance not just in saying it, but embracing it.

As we memorialize the lives of many who gave freely here in this
country only 6 short years ago, it is clear that something is getting
ready to shift. What it will be , no one knows. Many will say
afterwards, that is what I saw, but what if we begin to walk out what
we have been trained for and we see now. Many died tragically in NYC.
I was on my way to see my dying mother, driving just a little north
of the city. Life changed for us, for this nation. I think we are
sitting on one of those times right now, even today. Something, that
is not just shifting in the spiritual, but is taking place in the
earth today. Maybe it is the breaking out of the church or the box.
God certainly knows. And it records He tells His prophets first.

For those in the US, let us remember bravery is not always defined by
a win, but an attitude.

Blessings,
Lee

Prayer requests.
-Our new businessministry would bear fruit

Lee Johndrow
88 WCFR Drive
Springfield, VT 05156
802-885-2885

A gathering

2007-09-01T03:35:00.000-07:00

Dear friends:

When I was a child, I dreamed of the freedom being 18 would give me.
Most of it being the ability to go to a bar. I am sure other things
were in my mind, but the draft and being an "adult" stand out. I
thought my life would change. I had moved to Vermont to get away from
it all, and yet the move did not meet my expectations. I returned for
a short period to work in Connecticut, but the "freedom" offered in
Vermont was greater. 18 was a good year, I think.I did not even drink
when I on it. But with 18 came greater expectations. Great responsibility.

18 years ago yesterday, I gave my life over to the hand of the Lord.
18 years ago, my life was rocky. That morning I gave my life over to
the Lord that was bigger than the lord I served. Cash register aisle
2 of a grocery store with 2 of my friends. Little did I know it would
set things in motion for some pretty crazy things. Many thought it
was just a temporary thing. You know, a passing phase.

The idea of a witch becoming a Christian did not fit so well for
those whose circle I had been in. I guess I never thought much about
it or how it would affect my life, until I returned from my first
church service only to be put in the hospital by the woman I was
married to because of my salvation. Or coming to work to see one of
my stores destroyed. Or being arrested. Or closing 5 stores. Or
having to fight for my kids. Or spending my first and only day in
jail. All after salvation. I credit my entrance to sanity to the two
friends who walked with me for 2 years before I gave my life to Him.
They led me, He met me.

As recently as yesterday afternoon as I was trying to celebrate the
goodness of the Lord, the attacks increased. People. Wow. Thank God
we do not battle against flesh and blood. My head handed to me on a
platter. It is clear someone somewhere was not happy about my conversion.

Only yesterday someone was telling me about Wiccans. Most in the
world think they are OK. Christians think they are evil Well, I would
just like to say that it takes a tremendous amount of energy and
fortitude to get out of what witchcraft is. All the lines about
"suffer not a witch to live," were not funny to someone like me. Why
does it take so much? Because your life often becomes at risk.
Someone leaving the circle of witchcraft where I was , did not often
live "well." Someone asked me if these people still cared that I
left. I am pretty sure. An old "friend" recently told people that he
could not believe I crossed over to the other side. To tell that to
customers is a little over the top. So, I can not imagine what is
really going on. A few months an email "stalker" began on me. Wanting
to expose the "past." I was not a Wiccan. I went beyond that. I faced
controversy from the day I gave my hand and my heart to Him. I
suffered at the hand of the enemy and I suffered at the hand of the church.

This week has not been a "fun" week. On the other hand it is better
than what it used to be, and there is always the "end" of being in
glory. But, what has helped me make decisions this week has to do
with what has gone on. I experienced such a major transformation at
the time of my salvation; one voice versus many, discipline versus
lack of discipline, love versus hatred, freedom versus fear, that I
always wanted to share it. I have my issues. My bluntness has never
been judged as compassion. My passion judged as unwieldy. ("Tone it
down, please.")

But, it has shaped the foundation of the next season of my life. This
week I have meditated on the "tax collector's church." Yesterday I
was sharing it with someone. I think they thought we would collect
money at the door. (Hmmm...) I spend most of my time with people who
do not know what a church is like, or have previously not liked what
church is like. I am looking for that rag tag group of people. I like
music in church (Such irony, that we are back to CD's again.) and
that is considered a universal language(though recently I heard
laughter is the truly universal language.). But after that it often
does not get any better. Yesterday, a former stripper who is working
with me called me to support her. I missed her call(I was having a
bad time and went for a ride.) and later called her. She told me what
had happened. She had made a major accomplishment. I missed it and
felt like the parent who missed his child's first step. I am so proud
of her. She is not in the church, but she is one of those people who
just need a little encouragement.

And the Lord has spoken it over me so many times that business and
it's people is my reach that this week I began to "cave." (Maybe a
cave is not such a bad place.) And began a lot of new thoughts.

18-perhaps it is the freedom I have sought. A time to spread one's
wings and fly. To embrace the responsibilities of Christianity and to
further my education with Him. I see this coming year as a year of
new challenges that do not use the methods and ways of before. Paul
said that we were to give up childish ways. 18 represented a time to
fight and I believe that is true as well. Many of my friends approach
that 60 mark this year. (Can it be?) Marking change.

The Rolling Stones said "
No, you can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
And if you try sometime you find
You get what you need"

What you need? I thought I got what I wanted. That was a change right there.

But at 18 years old I am pretty blessed. My son has come sober and is
in a good place. He is a compassionate young man. Sure, there are
things I would change(Aren't there always?) but really, he reminds me
of me. My daughter, Amy is loving her job, enjoyed her summer and
seems to have a handle on most things. Cass, is in school and
enjoying it. Alyssa and the kids are going through things but this
stage of the process is only beginning. Tyler is working and I have
to believe God has him in the palm of his hands.

So, where would they be without Jesus? I do not even go there in my
mind. And me...I am young enough to "vote" or make a difference.
Young enough to "drink" or enjoy and get wisdom. Young enough to enjoy life.

Blessings,
Lee

Prayer requests.
-Our new ministry would bear fruit

Lee Johndrow
Independent Manager
Group & Small Business Specialist
88 WCFR Drive Springfield, VT 05156
802-885-2885 Office 802-384-3993 Cell

A gathering

2007-08-26T04:37:00.000-07:00

Dear friends:

During the last week I was asked if I would join playing worship in the area town of Keene. It turned out that the gathering would be an outside venue in the center of town on Main Street. Cool! (Not as cool as we hopped. It was 93 degrees...), but as we gathered for the Jesus Is Lord Tour, it was pretty interesting. The setup was fun and we met new and old people alike, as we set up next to a bar and a restaurant. We were the first group up, and this team is blessed by some incredible musicians and talent. The purpose was to bless the returning college students, their families and the town of Keene.

There was some pretty cool stuff going on as well as some pretty weird stuff. A few of the area churches had gathered offering literature, free water and lemonade and their faith. The three teams had their different styles and people gathered in the name of Jesus. One of my friends related that someone wanted to "punch" him out because the music was messing him up. Another Christian said "they had never heard music like this" and basically it could not be God. To me Jesus without a division would not really be Jesus. The group I was with took Pink Floyd's The Wall and converted it with declarations about not needing "religion" and "Devil, leave our kids alone." (Wonder what would happen if we practiced?

But as I thought about it on the way home, I realized that Jesus can and will come to a town near you. Tour or not. It rekindled my own personal dedication to praying for where I live and blessing it. Only this morning I read about the inundation of bugs to Vermont because of "global warming," and I thought if we pray we don't have to have bugs. We can have a community where people flourish. A city of refuge.

Yesterday as we returned to Springfield we were able to witness an incredible firestorm if lighting in the sky. While talking to a friend my words were interrupted by "that's amazing!" And it was. Lighting bolts lasting for more than a second and bolts every 2-3 seconds. So cool.

God wants to be outside. He wants to be where we are, but He wants to be where the sinner is, as well. He is looking for a people, unashamed of Him. It is always easy to be free in a church building, but it takes the grace of God to be that free outside. One of my friends says he is in the church to get the church out of the building. Me, I love being outside the confines of a building. And yesterday indicated the battle that is mounting. Occupy. Take ground. Years ago I preached on that. We must occupy. To see laws changed is not about writing your congressman, so much as it is, about affecting the community where one lives. And we do that by being like Jesus in the sense that we may have to go to the taxpayer's house.

Our music yesterday was to reach the young. But it is more than that. It is people. We had 3 flavors of music yesterday. Three styles of Jesus being represented. Jesus can not be confined to one type of music or another, but the biggest thing is that we, the people of God unite and support one another whether it is music or the type of church we attend. Jesus is looking to be the center of our attentions. And while He is being that, He desires for His children to be in harmony.

My hope and heart is that you would be a blessing to yourself, your family and friends and your community.

Blessings,
Lee

Prayer requests.
-Our new ministry would bear fruit

Lee Johndrow
Independent Manager
Group & Small Business Specialist
88 WCFR Drive Springfield, VT 05156
802-885-2885 Office 802-384-3993 Cell
Pre-Paid Legal & Identity Theft Shield
Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist (CITRMS)
Servant Communications

Coincidence?

2007-08-07T05:04:00.000-07:00

Dear friends:

Most of us are not believers in Coincidence. With that said, what would you do if your state was on the fourth reported lightning strike of churches. A burn down of a friend's church in Southeastern Vermont. A steeple removed in an early morning storm's lightning in mid-Vermont. Another church in Southern Vermont hit removing most of the steeple.

I would be naive to think God is not allowing something to occur that we might hear. A week ago while in Maine, I gave a word involving this group of scriptures. I shared the verses of Revelation 4 and how God's lightning was coming to earth. The pastor, shared the same verses on the "sound" of heaven. "And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and [there were] seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God."

I believe we are hearing the sound of heaven here in Vermont. I do not think God "picked" churches. But it is interesting. "Green Mountain," "Congregational," "All Souls" and "Old Brick." There has been a great attempt to get "the church out" rather than "bring it in" that has been met with a lot of resistance. Jesus spoke of expanding the Kingdom. I know. I know. My personal life is outside the bounds of "church" per se. And not everyone "lives" here...or do they? What happens if the "picks" indicate that "everyone" is invited to be the "congregation" here in "Vermont" shored up by the "basics?"

And the lightning? Nearly every day I watch it strike the tower at my home. I hear the "sound" of heaven often. Perhaps the throne is "Speaking."

Buildings? Steeples? We meet in a bank. Others in an elephant barn. Some in homes. Sure, we might like a "big" building. (Though I prefer a tent.) But I seriously believe God is less concerned with the building and more concerned with the building of people. Maybe that is what "apostolic" really means. A builder of people. Forming the Kingdom in each one.

A few weeks ago when the Simpsons appeared many wrote me suggesting we were "under judgement." I received letters from other Springfields and their believers. Suggesting things like "separation of church and state," etc.. (Maybe I am the lightning rod!) And in the middle of town there is a statue where people gather to "idolize" the pink donut. And I "struggle" with it, until I review my own "altars" and the things I have placed first and before the Lord. And yet there is a fresh line of people coming to see the hand holding the donut.

God gave us dominion over this earth. It is our responsibility to declare His rule and His reign. I am not thinking God has fallen off His throne over "Homer." And coincidence. Steeples falling. Perhaps it means the end of a religious age and tradition. Perhaps it means nothing. I am obviously inclined to believe it does. Just as others have "embraced" the bridge collapsing.

Blessings,
Lee

Prayer requests.
-Our Pre-Paid Legal and Identity Theft business would move ahead.
-The house needs would be met.
-My motorcycle painting series would be moving ahead. Pray for the artist, Julie, on this one.
-While we were in Maine, I came up with an idea that to the best of my research has not been done. I need divine contacts for a designer and a maker.
-I need a software designer to help me with my software concept.

What? Me listen!!!

2007-08-04T10:45:00.000-07:00

Dear friends:

This morning I awoke, feeling a frustration of sorts. Part of it. I have way too much to do. Not enough time. And too little money. I have friends and family I want to spend time with. Places I want to go and people I want to see.

Two weeks ago we had to replace our pump for our well. Great...I got fantastic revelation, but a note from the Lord would have been sufficient. This week we were denied our home equity loan because of a few things, but mostly the type of property we have. (That has affected our insurance as well, as our radio tower is a considered an "attractive nuisance.") So, what happens to a septic, tank, roof and windows? Not really sure. Let me walk you through a scenario in my mind. Before we bought our home. I had a 3 bedroom place, a 2 car garage, trash, heat, and came and went when I desired. Now I have a lawn that needs mowing, a driveway to shovel, supply my own heat, etc., that costs me 4 times what the other place cost. I am doing an emotional struggle with this thought process. Then I opened my email to find once again I was the "victim" of some monkey business. Not the kind you can not clear up, but just the constant wearing down kind of thing that consumes time. So while Tina and Alyssa are shopping, both my boat and my motorcycle are sitting out there feeling as "lonely" as I am. And me...I have just spent 3 hours washing 2 loads of clothes(Oh yeah-dryer went this week.) and putting them outside, cleaning my office, watering plants, doing some dishes, boiling eggs and watching 2 children.

But in the process of the last week or so, I have had to face facts. Not everyone wants to be where I want to be. (Sometimes I am not sure I want to be where I want to be. :-) ) I am not even sure if I am hearing the Lord clearly right now. I am sure God speaks. Last weekend proved I hear from the Lord...for other people. But what about me? I have spent a lot of time with people who ask for help and never stop to see what needs to be changed. I am a "solutions" kind of person. I want to see it fixed and fixed quickly. No messing around. It was one of the reasons I found it easier to be a lone ranger than a frustrated team person. But 12 years of ministry and a couple of businesses where I saw the value of teamwork and I am heading my ship that way.

Our ministry is headed more and more to the streets. For instance, I will be speaking at a biker convention coming up. Not a Christian one. That ought to be a trip. Yesterday a biker had a conversation with me and asked me if I would go riding with him and his friends. Last week we had a talk about going to the campuses of New England again as we did last year with "A Quest for Spirituality." Me? I am just trying to make sure my reasons are good and Godly. Because part of the reason I am "outside" the church is because for the most part with few exceptions, the most exciting services I have ever been to, has paled in comparison to the street and what can and does occur there. I think Tina and I have come to the conclusion that our happiest days in ministry were spent in a nearby downtown with a team of 25 plus seeing God heal and deliver. The people that want to be there are the ones who listen. There is a grace to be out of the church and there is a grace to be in the church. Everyone has a different place to be. Yesterday, I heard a former heroin addict who died and went to HELL, say that he thought if Jesus was here today that He would not be in the church but in the bars. Wow! Now get this, my initial thought was "you are crazy." And then I thought about it.

My ministry is my business. Meaning my business is my ministry, my out pouring. I think I have nearly resolved that after no less than 20 serious words about it. With few exceptions, my closest friends are not in the church. I believe God is laughing that I finally am getting it. I love the streets. I love the people. And maybe just maybe...that is where the blessing will be. Maybe that will be the time of "coasting" I have sought. And that is tough. Because ALL I wanted to do was be IN the church. Just the other night we gathered with a few friends to pray for our loved ones and each other. And it was great.

I will say business people are easier to deal with. "Yes. I want it." or "No. I don't." Successful businesses make money. Unsuccessful ones don't. Much easier to read. And they pay for advice. They hire coaches and consultants. Why? Because they want to be successful. I have often thought "what people pay for ...they value." As I put together training from a biblical perspective for those in my business, I feel "fresh." I also feel tested. It is like climbing to the top of the high dive. It is a rush. At camp I would see if I could belly flop just to see what people's reactions would be. Anything for a rush. I remember jumping off a cliff on an island one time. 88 feet. You had to jump out to avoid the edge. I thought I would show off and "swan dive." Far cooler than my friends' cannonballs and can openers. Till I hit. My head snapped back. My chest exploded. End result? I looked like a piece of raw liver for 2 weeks.

So, am I listening? I sure hope so. The training center we envisioned is probably even different than I originally thought. But, I guess at this juncture I would rather fail for trying than wonder.

Blessings,
Lee

Prayer requests.
-Our Pre-Paid Legal and Identity Theft business would move ahead.
-The house needs would be met.
-My motorcycle painting series would be moving ahead. Pray for the artist, Julie, on this one.
-While we were in Maine, I came up with an idea that to the best of my research has not been done. I need divine contacts for a designer and a maker.
-I need a software designer to help me with my software concept.

Understand your WHY

2007-08-03T05:12:00.000-07:00

In a lot of respects this could apply to all areas of life. And
instead of sending it to my business blog only, I have included

I have been studying. To be quite open...what does the Bible have to
say about business. I am putting together a class of study, to begin
to travel with. And since we discussed goal setting and accomplishing
things together, I came upon this.

In the process of various studies, I came across a woman who is
making over $250,000 in our business. She has personally sold over
5,000 memberships. Her name is Christa Aufdemberg.

How about Liz Foo, single woman, another 250K earner.

Well, I began to dive in to their success. And Christa said this...

If your WHY doesn't make you Cry it isn't strong enough. Part of your
1st Step Training is "WHY" are you doing this business. What is your
mission statement.
"I got started what seems like a few short years ago to make
$500-$1000 a month to stay home with my three boys, and now I earned
over a 250K part-time working around my three boys schedule.
"If you love what you do and do what you love you'll never work a Day
in your life.

And that in business ought to be part of our "first step" training,
but what about the other areas of our life? And yet, since work takes
about 33% of our day, we need to figure this out I think.

Anyways---food for thought.

Lee

Lee Johndrow
88 WCFR Drive
Springfield, VT 05156
802-885-2885

The World Out There

2007-07-16T04:35:00.000-07:00

Dear friends:

Yesterday morning I awoke from a dream. There was not much to guess about the dream or to figure out. In the dream I was working around the home and all I heard over and over was "work like an evangelist." The music played over and over in my head. It was like "walk Like An Egyptian" by the Bangles. Even after I woke up the music was pulsing. Like I said, there wasn't much to think about.

My heart is in the world out there. Since the day I gave my life to Him, I just saw it as "pass it on." I thought my life would be different in many respects. I thought I would minister in churches and help others. But after 15 years or so of this, it appears God has a different plan. If something is not happening I am feeling like I missed it. On Saturday the Lord allowed me to speak into a couple's life with words that only He could have known. Evangelist-share the GOOD NEWS. So, I am running into a point of thought process I have not considered. The idea of being under a tent or out in a field appeals much more to me than being in a building where people have already heard the good news.

My walk is not so much among the saved as the sinning. I love the church. I love the people. But, honestly I am bored more than not. I just don't fit. A square peg in a round hall. I have tried to walk the "middle" road. But my unsaved friends do not often fit in the confines of church. They are coarse and not sanctified. And frankly I get embarrassed. Not over the friends in the world, but the attitudes that come towards many of them. The other day, while a few of my friends were here, a collection of friends from being on Main Street came by at different times. An old man wanting to talk, a contractor who I helped through a bout of cancer and a near divorce, a man and his father in law who I worked with as he got sober. Constant "revelation" does not help them. Friendship and a constant pointing towards the cross. That's all I have.

It makes things interesting and difficult at the same time. There are things in my life that I am clearly gifted at and others I just fall by the way side with.

I have been recently invited to work with some ex-porn stars and prostitutes on a few projects. These people minister in the clubs, in the bars and on the streets. Another motorcycle group(not Christian) has asked me to minister on Sunday morning for them, because there is a feeling that they need God. Another biker group(Blues & Brews) in LA has asked me to come to their biker's gathering. (A few of the "girls" have asked if they can come to minister to the biker "chicks" at these meetings.)

I am not sure what that looks like. Last year it was the ministry of God loves the witches" up in Maine with friends. It is a tearing inside of me. I want to fit in many respects in the church, but that doesn't look like me. And being "out there" is hard too. The dream was difficult. Even now I hear the words. It is an inner conflict for me.Only yesterday I told Tina how much easier it would be if we had a "church" that we were not over seeing. That someone else would prepare the word, make the coffee, etc. A stepping out from place.

As Springfield Vermont moves towards it's 15 minutes of fame, with the premier of the Simpson's new movie, it is clear that some things are happening. Many friends have called or written to describe a prophetic time here in Springfield. What that is to look like no one knows. It is apparent that thousands of people will be here. I have a business meeting that afternoon, but perhaps we can get in some PsALM Reading during the day. (Open invite to brothers and sisters who want to come to the "tax collector's" party!)

Blessings,
Lee

And still another answer to prayer

2007-07-13T04:47:00.000-07:00

Dear friends:

Only yesterday I drove by the most dilapidated building on Main Street and thought when will they get that cleaned up? So, imagine my surprise to read this article in the paper today.
http://rutlandherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070713/NEWS04/707130340/1003/NEWS02

For years we have prayed for the return of prosperity and creativity to the Springfield area. OK. In my mind, the Simpson's are not very creative. On the other hand prosperity will be here, if not for only a day or so. Many Christians have taken me to task over my apparent lackadaisical approach to this. My attitude is that Jesus went t to the tax collector's home and now the tax collector is coming here.

Yesterday a friend and I took the boat out in the river. It was awesome. It runs great and I got a great sunburn. And as I looked over the mountains and the river and all that it had for me, I knew that something was changing in this community. Fox and the Simpson's will drop a pretty good chunk of change in the community. Other video companies are looking at Springfield. Other companies are moving in. Even as I sold my store, another was right there to fill it. Something very dynamic is taking place.

The Simpson's? God is bigger than the Simpson's and all they represent. Sinners sin and God is bigger than their sin. We get the town getting a fresh coat of "paint," which will be attractive to others. Me? I will give the help in the cleanup if they desire. And go to the tax collector's party.

Blessings,
Lee

070707

2007-07-07T05:00:00.001-07:00

Dear friends:

Today is 070707. There is much to be said about this date as marriages, "green" missions, the Call, etc. (And my birthday party.) I have a friend born on this date. A biker who belongs to a church called "Jesus Finally Found Us." But what is it meaning to God.

I recollect the CALLS of former years. One in Washington, one in NYC and another following 911 with the help of the Brazilians in Boston. All cities touched by 911.So, who knows what the Call in TN will bring?

For years I have spoken of the moves of players by the hand of God on His chess table and suggested that there was no stand off , or checkmate, but a sweeping of the players from the board. Many have felt the hand of the Lord upon their lives. Some have grown bitter and some have grown better.

In our community we celebrate the River. (Comtu Falls on the Black River. It means loud noise.). We celebrate an agricultural fair. My birthday. And a flyover by local aircraft.

I thought about it.

My conclusions, are that there is a new birth(Interesting that my age is 52. Numbers mean something in scripture. TWO-means Union; Division; Witnessing FIVE means Grace; God's goodness; Pentatuech (first five books) .SEVEN - Denotes spiritual perfection. It is the hall-mark of the Holy Spirit's work. He is the Author of God's Word, and seven is stamped on it as the water mark is seen in the manufacture of paper. He is the Author and Giver of life; and seven is the number which regulates every period of Incubation and Gestation, in insects, birds, animals, and man.

What does that birth connote? The dichotomies of scripture almost always leave us hanging on an "either-or" scenario.

Our Agricultural Fair is commonly called the AG Fair. This speaks of silver. Silver was used frequently with regard to money. (View this link for our own "money." http://blackriveractionteam.org/brat_coin_top.html) Perhaps the Lord is talking about money once again.

The Black River has had many prophetic words given that it would be a river of light. Comtu Falls is simply gorgeous.

And the flyover by local pilots to commemorate this day. I would submit that there is something in the heavens about to become visible here on earth. And that it will be quick. I have suspected that something tremendous would occur by the end of this weekend.

So in the midst of this I will be looking for a signature of God. A changing of the guard. A clearing away of things. A time of glory to come, and the dichotomy of terror. The appearance of angelic being. The conversion of evil to good. A change in economy.

070707

Blessings,
Lee

Lee Johndrow
88 WCFR Drive
Springfield, VT 05156
802-885-2885

Big Surprise/Party Tomorrow

2007-07-06T18:17:00.000-07:00

Dear friends:

Tomorrow's Party at Stoughton Pond for my annual birthday party is at
11AM (Not 2 as might have been conveyed) and will go to 8. There is a
electricity for crock pots. Grills, etc. If you need
instructions...please call. My cell is 802-384-3993

A big surprise. Some might think this has to be for my birthday this
week. But, with my actual birthday being Tuesday and my party on
Saturday, the surprise was different.

I used to tell this joke about a man who said "I wear a 30" waist,
but a 32" feels so good I wear a 34"." I slowed up on exercise when
I started the store. I knew I was overweight, by about 20 pounds. So
imagine my surprise when I brought in a news scale and it showed
another 15 pounds. So..the answer.

Party Tomorrow/

Blessings,
Lee

Looking for a software designer. Any thoughts?

Lee Johndrow
88 WCFR Drive
Springfield, VT 05156
802-885-2885

Interruptions

2007-06-30T05:46:00.000-07:00

Dear friends:

The last few weeks have been a challenge to me. 8 people living under
one roof. 3 generations-all with different priorities.

First let me share a story from my childhood. While I was in school,
I took a psychology class. The teacher of that class, recognized that
I was pretty outspoken about things early on. Even though I was a
"liberal" in my thinking at that age, I was very opinionated about
the daffiness of a lot of the psych books. While I took great
pleasure in the unraveling of someone's psychosis, the concept of
"playing chess" in one's mind to get a drink, often seemed ludicrous.
Despite that I had my mind set on gong to school to be a
psychiatrist. And Miss A always saw me as a challenge.

One day we were doing one of our comparative studies. One group would
do things one way and another group another way and compare the
results. So, this day, myself and one of the more competitive girls
in the class were asked to step outside the door. She was called in
first. And a short while later, I was as well. It was explained to me
that I was to perform a set of tasks. I was seated at a desk and Miss
A dropped a bunch of pencils on the desk and told "put them all the
same way." I began and in moments she yelled "STOP!" She cleared the
surface and put rubber bands on the desk. "Count them." I began.
"STOP!" A little puzzle was placed before me. As I began to put the
pieces together, "STOP!" A piece of paper. "Write the alphabet."
Scribbling. "STOP!" I could not take it. I jumped out of the chair
sending it flying across the room, shouting "Are you ___ crazy?" And
stormed out of the room to cool out. Now granted, in those days I had
my share of difficulties. I went to school high. My parents were in
pre-divorce mode. I had left a prestigious prep school for here.

But the exercise was the story of my life. So often as a child, I
faced interruptions. I am a task person. I like crossing off the
duties or tasks on my list each day. Nothing frustrates me much more,
than feeling incomplete. Why do I tell you all this? (Because I need
a really good task planning software! See below!*) Because the last
few weeks has been like that. I will be spending time on a project
and encounter and interruption. I haven't kicked over the desk yet,
but have considered it. :-D When one of my grand children comes to
me, I want to be there for them. Same with the children. My wife.
But...I am not getting anything done. Add in the average 50-100
emails I send a day. The 30 plus calls daily. And I feel like I have no time.

Yesterday, I put together stuff for an event coming up. Press
releases, contacts, etc. I see that I got 90% of my daily goals done.
BUT! I didn't get to start a fresh page for today. (Add a result
meter to that software ;-))

So, I began to think if interruptions were Godly or demonic.
Initially, I felt they were all works of the devil. As I pondered as
I was cleaning out a 40' trailer, planning for a yard sale, prepping
for my birthday, planning a move of my friends, selling a bike,
freighting a bike, getting another bike, trucking family around, I
concluded...it wasn't. So, now I had to deal with the fact that a few
of the interruptions might have some basis in God. 2 Kings has an
interruption in it. Kings are killing each other. Killing their own
children, even. And in the middle of death...life. A Shunammite woman
appears with her son. I recognize as the world propagates, death, we
must bring life.

I begin practical preparations for the interruptions and how to avoid
some of them. On the other hand I must prepare myself for the life
giving situations the Lord metes out. In some respects, I feel like
David speaking to his warrior and friend, saying, "No. Don't kill
him. He may have a message for me."

And if I have interrupted your day...

Blessings,
Lee

*You know. One with a calendar, a task list, a to do list and I want
to combine my personal life with my business life and my spiritual
life. A holistic software. And I would spend $200 for it. Nothing out
there meets those criteria. They are all subject to Western thinking.
Software for business. Another software for spiritual planning.
Another for personal. Can't stand it I figured out that because my
concept of organization is more Eastern, I am dysfunctional in our
Western culture.

Conviction of sin

2007-05-25T05:43:00.000-07:00

Dear friends:

2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

That scripture has floated around in my mind for many a year. Where is the Lord? Only in the last 12 hours or so, have I seen this to be a PROMISE of the Lord. If we do as He has asked, then we receive the promise of the Lord. That HE will HEAL our land.

Last night as I spoke to a fellow minister we discussed some of the "crazy" stuff that has been going on in our individual communities. Where he lives it has been violence and suicide. Here we have had drug related deaths. As we have "called down heaven" we have left little place for the denizens of the second heaven to manifest. Surely, they can not be in the third heaven, but here on earth. And yet, we as people of prayer must seek the face of the Lord. My own prayers often have been self centered, aimed at my current situation, my personal comfort or something I have felt I needed.

This morning I knelt beside my bed and confessed my sins to the Lord and cried out to the Lord for my community and the lives headed to hell. As I read my daily reading (Nehemiah1-6, Romans 1) I saw the thread the Lord was weaving in my heart. Revival. And yet I "felt" nothing as I cried for people's salvation. No emotion. No feeling. Where was the burden? Where was the weeping and travail of a former day? I know God hears me and responds to me. And yet I sensed a fallowness in my own heart. No bright lights. I felt alone in my prayer. The song was in the background, "come and take control," and part of me wanted that. But the Lord was waiting for me, I think. Not to become emotional, though that often happens to me in His presence, but to see Him and what He has said for what it is.

"Humble themselves..." Over the recent weeks I have wondered what this word "humble" means. And as I spent time with Him, I saw that humility for us, is not the breaking down of our spirit and soul, but the ability to do as He did here on earth. Honoring Him, my Lord and King. How do I do that? By walking as He did here on earth. Walking in love. Walking in wisdom. Walking with purpose and direction. Walking with my eyes on heaven and the Father and my heart on earth and it's people. Bringing the word that saves. The hope that delivers.

Personally, I have felt humility has always eluded me.(You know they took away my award for humility, because I wore it.) I am not a quiet person. I am not always sensitive to people. And I have been prone to bouts of pride. The Lord has removed a lot of that, but here comes a verse that tells us to humble ourselves, not be "humbled." I have never been convinced that walking around with my head bent low was sign of humility. How do I humble myself? At this stage of the game I submit to you that it is by simply walking as He did. And as people, we confess our sin and move on. What is humble about making mistake and then not letting it go? All the attention is on you! And it does not release Him to do what He does so well. Cleanse us of all unrighteousness.

My wicked ways? I am sure there are more than a few. What dwells in my head from time to time could cause me a lot of trouble. What lurks beneath my calmness is not always God. And yet I rely on this scripture, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: So the wicked ways I turn from must therefore be active and able to turn away from, for surely temptation is not sin, but only when it is entertained and allowed in.

The last few weeks has shown me that God is a God who does not lie; who answers prayer and is faithful. And if that is true, then surely His promise to us to heal our land is very real. If He has given us the opportunity to covenant with Him in this realm, then what has not happened is not a result of His doing, but ours. As I shared with my friend last night, as Abraham prayed for the saving of a city, there was no "moral majority," but simply the cries of a single man concerned about people and their end(Genesis 18). If a small group of people came together and humbled their selves, and modeled 2 Chronicles 7:14, then God would be required to honor His side of the deal.

I am the least likely to even begin. And yet I know that it is God's desire to heal our land. Oh, it means the end of myself, relinquishing fear and anxiety and stress as sin. Humbling myself to the place where I trust God in every area. Overcoming my dislike and even hatred for myself in areas I have failed in. Only the other day I encountered a "stalker" in my life. A person who is set to humiliate me and quite possibly at all costs. It began to rock my foundation. And then I sensed the word of the Lord saying, "what is past is past." And I realized that I could never change things of 20 years ago. And that my life was really in His hands.

Maybe this journey has touched something in your heart. Reminded you of the fever you embraced Him with at some point. I know that I can never recover some of those times and yet I believe the times to come will be better.

Perhaps our celebration of "memorial day" is more than a holiday.

Blessings,
Lee

Lonely

2007-05-22T05:16:00.000-07:00

So often I hear about 'loneliness" in the body of Christ. I often find myself lonely. I often find myself thinking about how few friends I have. I find myself thinking "is this ever going to end?"

As the internet progresses and it's easier to find a "friend" but never have an encounter, I think the human need to be connected is either going to go cold or get stronger.

And the Lord has dealt with this in me to some extent. There are now 8 people living in my home.

Some of you will not remember that program of 25 years or so ago. Eight's Enough. One of the stars was a man named Grant Goodeve. His father in real life was our bookkeeper. The basis of the show was 8 children in one home.

As I was showering this morning, (My present retreat.) I was reminded of that show. In my case, it is now myself and Tina, Cass, Matt, Alyssa and 3 grandchildren. the two bedroom house is full. Alyssa and her children occupy the living room and we might have room for one more child in our kitchen. Yesterday, they left for a few hours to go to the library and I turned up the worship and spent that two hours with pounding drums and bass lines and songs of revival and deliverance. I am a rejoicer. But I still need my "quiet" times.

So, is eight enough? For this little house on the mountaintop, I would say it is. Ironically, the Lord gave Tina a word about getting a big house, because the children would return. I do not think she saw it like this. Loads of laundry, dishes and food. Constant activity. I am waiting for the Beatles song, "Here Comes The Sun," so that I can take off here and there! My grandchildren love to rough house, so one must accommodate them.

Eight is often seen as the number for new beginnings. With the selling of the store this week, I feel I have a new beginning. I have received a flurry of prophetic words describing this time to come. All of them run the same thought process. But the reality of it is we all have a new beginning, each and every day. His blessings and mercies are new every day. That is what HE says. The question is whether we will go with God or with what our feelings are. I choose God on this one.

My house is full with children, grandchildren and my wife.

Lonely. Not right at this minute. But, being lonely happens for a couple of reasons. One is that we have not sown into other's lives. We are always expecting others to come to us. In my life, this was self centered approach to get me to feel better. But what if I sowed? What if I made the calls or the visits? Just this morning I sent out a bunch of letters and got a bunch back. A friend of mine is starting a company. It is called ME. Why? Because he said "it is about me," and he meant it. He is in pre-Christian mode, so I indulge him.

Sunday, a friend I have ministered to for over 10 months showed up in church. He needed a friend...and prayer.

So, we can fix loneliness by sowing into other's lives. And we can always change loneliness by developing a perspective of "how does the other person feel?" When I treat others as I want to be treated, I will develop something called humility. Humility is not "what I have been through and all the horrible things," but living my life as the Lord intended it. Doing His will. Serving others for Him. Saying to the Lord "NO" tells the Lord I am not His. He is not my Lord. It is when I come under His yoke that change comes.

And with serving others, anxiety disappears as well, for what is anxiety but a case of "me" and "what if the Lord does not do things my way. So many I meet are anxious, because they think the One who will get them to heaven "cares so little" as to make them complete. I know over 50 Christians popping anti-anxiety meds. I think it is about trust. The Lord commands or addresses the issue of anxiety when He says "be anxious for nothing."

I am still in the process of getting me out of the way. Doing all that He asks of me. I need to invest more in other's lives. I know that. I have the ability to bless others. To help. To change the atmosphere. And in that relm I have no anxiety, fear, shame or loneliness.

Blessings,

Lee

An afternoon on the river(Long)

2007-05-08T11:43:00.000-07:00

I am going to share my afternoon excursion into the prophetic. It has a lot of meaning to my friend. It has a lot to do with changes coming locally and regionally. And it really opened my eyes.

It was a beautiful afternoon. A friend and I had planned to go last week, but the wind was going to be too much. So, when I was not able to make it yesterday morning, we agreed to go out on the river at 3:30. I met him at the boat launch. I looked at my watch 3:31. Because it was the 7th day of the month I felt led to view the scripture in the book of Judges. (And after him was Shamgar the son of Anath, which slew of the Philistines six hundred men with an ox goad: and he also delivered Israel. One of my all time favorites. Right Paul?) He had brought his daughter. We unloaded the boat. It started(For the first time this year.) and as the smoke from setting all winter drifted across the water, I thought this is going to be a prophetic afternoon. My friend later shared that He felt the Lord told him that I had to go; no excuses. So, we headed down the river for a little while, letting the boat warm up. (It is a 350CI, appx. 250 HP, inboard outboard.) Turning around we headed up the river. As we passed the bridge, I felt like we just crossed over. Like the river Jordan. There was a change. We cruised along, admiring all that was around us. And as he adjusted the trim, (Trimming provides increased speed and better visibility, just as trimming our "wicks" or hearts would in the spirit realm.) we leveled out and cruised.

Now, I will tell you, that I spent all my young summer life on lakes and water. We always had a boat. We went water skiing, fishing and camping in our boat. And I love the water. I have asked God for years to release me to Burlington or Lake George or something. Please. So going out on the boat was "heaven" to me.

As we went up the river, everything was going fine. As we neared a friend's property on the river, I was explaining to my friend about why he had left the area, etc. We began to turn around and were just heading down river, when the river went into high revs with no forward motion. Shutting down the motor, we went to the back of the boat. Our first thought was that the prop had come off. But as I crawled over the motor, I could see that was not the case. But the motor was not connecting to the prop. That was for sure. And we were shipwrecked.

We began to drift. Slowly but surely the current was bringing us back to our point of entry. It would take forever but we would get there.

Now, I have meditated on this a lot.

My friend who had left the area, had strongly felt he had been called to the area. Appointed. But he left. (Those of you who read my story about Jeremy will recognize the reference to "appointed.") And as we drifted, I could see the cars and houses up on the road. Route 5. {Five biblically means THE NUMBER OF GRACE. Redemption. Israel came out of Egypt 5 in rank (Ex 13:18). David picked up 5 smooth stone to fight Goliath (1 Sam. 17:40). The Holy Anointing Oil was pure and composed of 5 parts (Ex. 30:23-25).

The ancients represented the world by the number 5, the explanation being that in 5 are represented the four elements earth, water, fire and air, plus the fifth essence, ether or spirit. Five became the number of humanity with the five developed senses. It is the great senses, after which the sixth sense intuition develops.

The five wounds of Christ symbolize the suffering endured while in the flesh, which leads us to turn to God. In the parable of the five wise and the five foolish virgins (Matthew 25:3), "They that were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them. But the wise took oil in Testament their vessels with their lamps." The oil relates to the anointed, or those who had light. Human beings can choose the light or reject it by their actions.}

As we drifted I was seeing the world that I knew (From the road.) from a different perspective. Things were different. There was a lot more "trash" behind these homes. A friend of mine who is an aerial photographer was telling me the same thing, only yesterday. That from the air, a lot of things were trashed. And there was also the sense that you mere moving in a direction. You had no choice. You went where the current took you. Now there are two thoughts on that. One is if you relax you go where the Spirit will take you. The other is that without power you go down the river. Life was different out here on the river. And like the river, the river of God reveals a different thought process. Our life does not always look as pretty as we thought it to be. It reveals what we have been hiding from the world. It also goes where it wants and not where we want. I have always said any "dead fish" can go down river, but it takes the strength and perseverance of a salmon to go up river. Yesterday, showed me the helplessness of no power. I also was reminded that while prayer is the engine that moves thing(When combined with faith.), without a proper channel or used appropriately, all you have is a loud noise accomplishing nothing. That is not the way of the Lord. His word goes forth to accomplish it's purpose. Another fact gripped me. I felt like that motor. All revved up and not going anywhere. Just spinning in place. The motor required a "team" connection to the transmission and ultimately to the prop to accomplish it's will. I am sure I am not the only one who has felt like they were all revved up and nothing was happening.

We called our wives and I called a friend. As we drifted we talked. And then we were just getting ready to get the police involved. When this boat appeared. My friend had come through. He had gone to the boat landing and connected with this fisherman, who agreed to come rescue us. As he hooked up to us, he told us his name. He began to tow us down the river and to the landing. We talked more, all the while my prophetic sense was on fire. As we neared the bridge something happened that clearly indicated witchcraft to me. The young girl began to meditate in yoga style. "Om." She was kidding, but I sensed it was "real" in the prophetic realm. Something that was to come. It had to do with the spirit of new age. There is something about that bridge and it's connection to Springfield. Years ago there was a prophetic word that said the toll booth would remain until the people were not concerned with the money and willing to pay the price for the Lord to come. Many of you know that this city was the place for the Revival of Religion 1834.

I am thinking there is something else about this fisherman. Do I have it? Not yet. There is definitely something about fishing. The fisherman. His name was Terry. The name means "Power of the tribe." As I read that I realized the power of the tribe was the rescuing power. And he did rescue us. Without jeering or sarcasm, he humbly brought us to safety.

For my friend the indicators are the power of a team in a new adventure. I sensed that the Lord was describing the type of attack (isolation and witchcraft) that would come with this call. That there will be assembled a team of humble people with the heart of a shepherd. They will get this ministry to the goal. That the friend who had left the area represented a call not won. That the turning back would not be won without a battle, meaning the restoration of basics in the body. Ironically I originally thought the fisherman's name was Perry and my friend thought it was Harry. So, the Lord guided me to the correct name when I saw his truck below my home this morning. He will see the river of God flow, and it will reveal things in himself and others the Lord will be changing. Some of the irony was that as I was telling him of the prophetic he received an email about being shipwrecked from one of his intercessors.

The church will see a similar line brought about in the regional and local church. Shepherds of humility and fisherman who will go for the lost. Willing to come to the aid of the traveler. Many who have felt trapped and revving their engines will see the repair coming that will connect the to the "power of the tribe." Connections of importance are being made. All parts will be working together. "Every joint supplying..." No more turning around or aborted calls. Overcoming the spirit of witchcraft which has seduced our young. Recovering the power of the Lord that He might be glorified. Taking back that which was stolen. Allowing the river of light to reveal everything that is not God and adapting a willing ness to change it. Observing people and the community from a different perspective. Seeing people from God's point of view and not our own.

There is much more I am receiving moment by moment. My friend who got the rescuer. His last name is Godfrey or "God free," in this case. This was an experience. Even today as person after person came in to the store needing help, a listening ear, a shoulder, I am a witness to the awesomeness of the Lord.

May God bless you.
Lee
http://pcfministries.blogspot.com/

This is it! (LONG)

2007-05-01T05:06:00.000-07:00

THIS IS IT!

The month of May. Many prophets have spoken as to what this will mean to His people. A time of abundance and prosperity.

I want that to be in the back of our mind as we look at what is happening. For Tina and I, it means working hard to see the store sold and get our business of PPL(isn't it interesting that it means "PEOPLE?") moving nationally. I have many projects on the burners simmering, so to speak. It is a time of harvest. We will see many salvations coming.

Yesterday we met with Darryl and Martha Rodman. Two things came out of that meeting. One was a testimony about the 1,000 member Bible club in a school where gangs ruled and it was a lockdown school. All because of the faith of one 17 year old young lady. The other helped me clarify my thoughts about something that had been bothering me. We have 2 positions we hold. One is blessing people and the other is building with people. I had been wrestling with this. Over "obligation." I feel obligated to "bless" people, but not all of them will we build with or partner with. My thoughts have been on the scripture about fruit that remains. Darryl articulated what I had been thinking.

And that leads me to the next point. Nothing is more disturbing to me than "lack of passion." Be a passionate "sinner" and I hold hope for you. God can steer a moving ship. Be dead in the water, and nothing happens. Except the sharks of the enemy begin to circle. I am beginning a quest for passion and passionate people. I am talking about the person who will stay up till 3AM with me and break open the bread of life. The person who says I have not seen enough of God, I want more. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for they will be filed."

Time waits for no one. God gave us passion. It is up to us to use it. I have recently contemplated some thoughts from the "Jesus Revival." And one of the results I came away from is the computer acronym. GIGO. Garbage in. Garbage out. The contemplations have to do with this. "Inward, Upward, Outward, Forward." What is going on inside? That is part of the reason for Deeper Relationships. To help one another sort of things. Upward-what is our relationship with Him looking like. Outward is how is the previous 2 thoughts shaping your actions towards others? Is it loving? And Forward is contemplating what is to come? What will my future look like as I take on these previous 3 actions. What are my feelings? How do I do this?

My teaching will reflect this passion. My life will reflect this passion. It changes our thoughts about our home here. We have been told it is a place of worship and prayer. It changes what we think about what we are going to do here. We will be looking for passionate people to work with. In the process we will bless those that are along the way, but a recent study of John 6 left me thinking a lot about this. Many witnessed the miracle" of no lack that fed thousands of people. He met them with miracles and food. And when asked how they might do these same glorious works. He said "believe." (6:29) An easy thing many have said. Obviously not, because in a few short minutes, many left him behind.

It leaves me thinking about taking our church to the internet level. Much is happening in that realm. We have people all over saying, "Hey. Let's do this." Imagine the church 24/7 with pastors available and teachers, etc. (My 3 David's-please read this. I need help here.)

I will be returning to my training and teaching schedules. We are going to embrace the words constantly spoken about a training center. We do not know what is will look like. We are not sure what will happen. We just know God is to be trusted.

These are exciting times folks. May is IT! What you have sowed, so shall you reap. The hearts of the fathers turned towards the children and the hearts of the children turned to the fathers. Wild things can be counted on to happen.

So many accomplish the first 2-3 moves but when it comes to FORWARD it seems like the transmission fell out. WE must see this through. Do we want to see 1,000 NEW CONVERTS in a Bible Study? I DO. I do not care what it takes. Do we want to see a Coliseum filled by a church of 500? Oh, they did a special meeting for EASTER and 14,000 people showed up. 800 got baptized and were encouraged to wear their wet clothes to Easter dinner and explain what happened.

I am glad when people seek a change inwardly. I am glad when they expose themselves to God for His care. I am excited about the outward changes that manifest. But the most exciting realm is when passion takes over and the train moves ahead. What does the future hold? Where can we go? When can we go? LET'S GO. My friend Jack Taylor did an incredible teaching one time on "can't stay here. Can't go on. Might as well go ahead. Got to tell somebody." It was about the lepers who were caught in famine. They would die if they stayed. There was nothing back in the city for them. So they decided to go ahead and see if they could grab some food from the enemy. When they got there the enemy was gone. So they ran back and told everyone.

An interesting couple of weeks

2007-04-29T14:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Brothers & Sisters:

Many of you have not heard form me for a while. There are many reasons. Most are pretty good(Though many know I believe GOOD is often the enemy of GOD.). I have been very devoted to some new church things, some travel, family and business. So, feel free to write me if you want more details. We definitely are in the middle of transition.

Here are some highlights.

A week ago Friday, our daughter Alyssa gave birth to her third child. baby boy. The difficulty...she did not think she could handle it, so the baby is with pre-adoptive parents. Hope you will pray:-) She is very torn up about this. She has 21 days from Friday to resolve this. God is definitely speaking to her and we are confident in the Lord for His care of her. Personally, I believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that she will keep this child. As I told her. God trusted you enough to have this baby, so He must have trusted you to take care of him.

Our store-we are certainly in the middle of transition as we decide how to move into our new business while selling or giving this store away. Feel free to check it out on ebay. Our other business is picking up quickly. Feel free to visit our website. I just added some cool stuff about the revelation, following a vision that I had had 5-6 years ago. This is on our blog listed below.

Deeper Relationships. This is our new group, both online and together. We are seeing lots of cool things happen in this group and it is exciting.

Yesterday I met with a Christian philosopher. While he was there a woman named Therese came in. She and her "partner" (Spelled Civil Union) are here to look at taking over the UU church in town. Despite her leanings we got to introduce her to some of the things of the Lord. I will tell you that her "I beleive anything" statement really took a toll on my thought process. I wanted to jump in, but decided that I want another chance to talk to her:-)

Earlier this week I was a a conference. I got to do my favorite thing in the world. Worship the Lord. Drums...and lots of them. Lots of new friends and new connections. Lots of worship and lots of Him. What else could one ask for. It was a lot of fun and I am thankful for the time away. I had originally planned to be with Alyssa, but she had her baby a week early.

Lately, the Bible has been explosive for me. When I first got saved the Bible would have words turn into fire lit thoughts. I literally would see lights around the wors that the Lord would "highlight" for me. Other things like that are happening. (Feel free to visit my blog at the bottom of the page.) And the result of that is increased faith, believing God to be all that He is in my life. I am not sure "why" it is happening, but it is happening. We are seeing people prophesied over and healed who are not even saved. As much as I have seen really cool with the pre-Christian set, I also see a lot of despair among the brethren. Like where was God when all this was happening. A lot of this is with parents. I think you are going to see a wave of repentance come across America among Christian parents who have placed their church and the related activity above the lives of their children. "Where is the beef" was the old commercial. Christians morphed it to "where is the love?" And I think the next wave will be "where is the real?" I was in a meeting the other day where a young man prophesied that "creativity" was going to come into Christian music and it would not all sound the same. I think it is going to affect all of the church. The application of Biblical principles(Or the lack of.) is what we are dealing with. Not politics or misplaced loyalties. Politics mean so very little, unless we operate without the power of the Lord. In which case we must "legislate" morality. For years I have watched the church. From within and without. What is it that separates the church from the world? It ought to be love. But it ought to be allowing the Lord to move in our lives and the world seeing it. We are going to need it. I sense that there is a big change moving in America. The division between those believing and those not in the church is growing greater. Them versus us. WOW! Where has that come from? Did you know there is a church in Scotland called the "Church of the Holy Rude?" Listen to this..."If James VI's coronation was the highlight of Holy Rude's history, perhaps its lowest ebb was during the long period from 1656 to 1936 when a wall divided the nave from the choir, and the church served two divided congregations. This was originally the result of an argument between the minister of Stirling, Rev James Guthrie and a colleague. The Rev Guthrie had a knack of making enemies and he was eventually executed for treason in Edinburgh on 1 June 1661, his head subsequently being displayed on a spike in the city as an example to others. " Crazy, huh? Is it? we see it a lot in America. One of the reasons we "lose" so often is because our theology is in the way. I have better relationships with many New Agers who "accept" my beliefs. Talk about tongues and we have a problem. Manifestations of the Spirit. Whoops!

We battle not against flesh and blood. Our job is to wield a sword in the heavenlies and wear a towel and serve here on earth. It is the only way we win.

God bless you!

Lee

http://pcfministries.blogspot.com/

http://www.myspace.com/vermontwildfire

The Calvary is Coming...or Not

2007-01-26T04:03:00.000-08:00

Dear Brothers & Sisters:

Last night I could not sleep. At 4:43 I went into vision, not dream but
vision. And I saw the wagons circled. And the people behind the wagons
were frightened. Flaming arrows were igniting many of the billowing
Conestoga wagons. Women and children were cowering as close to the
center of things as they possibly could. I t appeared ammo and time
were running out. The smoke was thickening, the attackers bolder
swooping in on speeding horses releasing arrows of fire. And then I
heard this bugle. Not loud, but piercing. Some of the children heard it
and their faces perked up. Then more and more heard it. Despite the
invisibility of this bugle and it's player, the people in the circle
began to change in their demeanor. There seemed to be a hope spreading
slowly. You could hear it in their voices. There was no one showing up,
but the fight seemed to be shifting, somehow, some way. The bugle was
not any louder. There was no column of dust rising in the distance. The
attackers saw something different and began to "back" away. The fires
still burned by the appearance of fear began to diminish. Water was
being brought to sweating brows and parched lips by women and older
children. The situation with the ammo had not changed much but shots
began to count. And finally, as if an arm of wind came across the
desert, the enemy was gone.

As I reviewed the vision, I saw that we had somehow received the
message from our leaders to "circle the wagons" and prepare for an
attack. Right then a "greater is he who dwells in the world" thought
process began to develop rather that one of "greater is he who dwells
in me." Conspiracy thoughts, "them against us." began to rise. We
somehow saw the church "dumbed" down. And now it is shown with each
passing year of a Christian's life their circle of friends in the world
diminishes. (I would like to believe they all got saved, but if that
was the case where is the new circe of the world.?) Do not
misunderstand me. I comprehend the evil in the world. I see the
handwriting on the wall and the visions of Ezekiel, Daniel and John
coming closer. On the other hand I see the world needing a Savior.

The other day, a young black man entered our store. I immediately had
a vision and words for him. I gave them. He was shaken. But he took my
phone numbers and agreed to call. Day in and day out this happens. The
"frightening" skateboarders give me more help with my store than anyone
else.

So, let me say that the invisible bugler is here to dispel fear and
fright. The wail of that bugle can bring hope. Some are hearing it.
Tell others. Some are not. Please listen. The enemy will be swept away
by our confidence in Him. Our hope can and will be restored. No more
chicken littles.

And a few prayer requests. Last week my stepdaughter told her mom that
she was having her third child. She was in fact, 6 months pregnant and
had successfully hidden it from everyone. We have offered help and she
has resisted though no one else is helping her. She is unmarried and
has 2 other children and has told Tina she is giving the child up for
adoption. Neither Tina and I can see this through. And yesterday we had
to put down our cat. It was painful. Tina feels like the Lord has
forsaken her. As she said, she has no more comfort.

Thanks

Blessings,
lee

http://www.pocafministries.org
http://pcfministries.blogspot.com/
http://compelthem.blogspot.com/
Lee & Tina Johndrow
www.vermontel.com/~servant/ministryopportunity
www.countryartifacts.com

2007-The Changing Of the Guards

2007-01-01T06:01:00.000-08:00

Dear Brothers & Sisters:

Greetings in the precious name of Jesus! This morning here in Vermont
it is raining. The snow came and supplied the mountains with the white
gold necessary to attract visitors. And now we are under the weather,
so to speak. Visit the site below to receive our holiday greeting from
Tina and I.

And if you want to skip the rest-feel free to travel to our card to
you! ( http://www.dayspring.com/ecards/card.asp?ID=03e1d413-srt
You can also go to DaySpring.com and enter your retrieval number
(03e1d413-srt) in the space provided on the left-hand side of the page.)

As we crossed the threshold into 2007, I sensed a tangible change. Last
night there was a loud noise that happened. Yesterday during Sunday
meeting, I prayed that we would have an outward manifestation of the
sound of heaven shifting, "even a sonic boom." Initially, nothing so
exciting or timely, other than a call telling me of the fire alarms
going off in my store (No problem.), but last night as I awaited the
end of 2006 and the entry into 2007, there was a jet flying overhead,
very loud, very low, so low in fact I started to think this could be
it. (I live on the top of a mountain.) Now, we do not have jets around
here too often and when they are around they are usually up very high.
Any ways my senses came to the forefront, " God, you are really
shifting something here." As I spoke yesterday, I had written on the
white board about the changing of the guard. I had said that with the
death of Gerald Ford (Be watching the Ford company the next 60 days.)
and the hanging of Saddam Hussein, I have felt the pressure of the Lord
talking about the church and the changes we are getting ready to go
through.

The church has been in position for a very long time. Those that think
about, think we have been ready (Tipping point.) and could do this
"thing" called revival. But revival is a spiritual thing, not just a
shift or change in a person's heart, but a change in everything that
person is composed of. It is paradigm shifts in the areas of
relationships, money and the world. It is sometimes the result of the
atmospheric change happening as we rush forward, much like a sonic
boom. It results in laughter and tears, seemingly with no reason. But
the bottom line is we could do this. There is no more "prayer" for
boldness, as we have received the fullness of Christ. It is the
appropriation of more grace as we step into what we are designed and
purposed for. Can we receive more grace? I believe that as Paul prayed
for "grace to be multiplied" the answer is yes. I still agree some
things "need to change" but the reality of it is according to Peter, we
have received "everything we need for life and godliness" not through
our own efforts but by His divine power.

So, what has held us back? I suspect there are many things, but as the
deaths of 2 world leaders occurred I felt the Lord saying "there is a
changing of the guard." I do not think that means that every leader is
about to "die" or be removed, but I do believe that for some reason
there is a major shift . For some leaders this will pull or push them
aside, for others they will escalate to new ventures and callings, and
for some they may "die." The reason is that there is something happen
in the generation coming forth, and there is a birthing of "children"
and people with gifts and callings that we do not understand or
possibly can not conceive. Every day I watch the young people parade
into the skateboard shop. Crazy hair, outrageous dress and...PASSION.
For years I have said "our ceilings must be their floors." It is not
just radical ministry with things I do not understand but
outlandish(Meaning heavenly.) passions.

I read about Joshua moving in where Moses could not. I believe that one
of the reasons for change is relevance. Many leaders often believe that
relevance is "looking like us." My world is filled with homosexuals and
adulterers, abused and abusers, and different and way more different!
The idea of them confirming to my thoughts or thinking about Christ
will not happen. I need a transformational mindset to cope. I need an
overhaul of what I have come to believe myself. The vibrant church will
celebrate diversity and not just diversify. We will be single minded in
going after the lost, but our methods will need to be varied.

The death of Gerald Ford, I believe represented an end to the era of
statesmanship. The old guard gone. An era of change and a man who
brought healing despite what many thought or still think. There is a
new breed of healers and healing ministries that are coming forth. I
was in a meeting not too long ago and was shut down when I asked a
friend about a particular healing ministry. A conversation later
indicated that some others did not "take kindly" to this man and his
ministry. It was not about ethics or style, but it was about a biblical
nuance that some forget. Me? I am on the team where anything that
brings healing through Him, I will accept. Your gift is not necessarily
my gift, but " my house is your house." And so the dynamics will shift
and a new generation will come forth. Like Moses, there will be some
not allowed to carry on without recognizing diversity.

The death of Saddam Hussein made me see that in a day and age of
needles and gas, a hanging is a pretty primitive method. Many have
thought the Bible to be primitive in it's teachings as well. But the
hanging represented in my thoughts the breaking of the stiff necked
and religious spirits from man and woman. Pride must go. That is a
"primitive" premise that has not changed. The very religious spirit
that confronted Jesus, is confronting the church today. And I believe
the Lord is saying enough is enough. Idolatry has sprung up about the
church in the idolatry of ministers and ministry. And the Lord is
coming to remove many from "exalted" positions.

As a leader, I do not point fingers as I am painfully aware of my own
issues at hand. I simply point to the clock and say it is "past
midnight." The days of heavy handedness and authoritative abuse is
over. It is no longer the arguments about sexual sin and money(Not that
they are not happening.) but religion, politics and pride. God is
desirous that healing come. That healing can only come to a humble
church. It was said that "if my people who are called by my name, will
humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their own
wicked ways, then I God will hear from heaven and heal their land."

There is a rumbling that is getting louder. Many have said that it is
the sound of heaven. There is not a lot of room for earth and it's ways
in heaven. I believe that rumbling is getting closer. I believe that
there are many "great things" about to erupt in the earth, but along
with that I believe that we must be prepared for what accompanies that.
We have called it a spiritual tsunami and a spiritual earthquake that
is to come. If that is true it will leave many "unclothed and hurt" in
their brand of spirituality.

As I played with my grandchildren, I realized my response to things
with them was different than I might have thought. Everything was not
"all good" in my thinking (Nor all of their behavior.) but it was
evident that it was a process that the Lord was preparing me for and
had me in. I have sought the Lord to keep me "flexible" to Him and
rigid to the ways of the enemy. I personally am going through a shift.
Here in Springfield, I am beginning the transition of the "keys to the
church." The transition may take longer than I think, but it is a
changing of the guard in itself. The changing of the guard is not all
bad nor resulting in death. It is a necessary process for healthy
spiritual life. I said to a friend of mine the other day that one of
the signs I was counting as healthy was that the people of our
gathering were not just getting together to gather on Sundays and
Tuesdays because it was there, but were taking the time to develop
relationships with others in the body. That was one of my signs for
healthiness. Years ago I wanted to produce a badge that said "Church is
not just for Sunday." And now I am seeing it.

As we see the changes that come, I think it is wise to ask the Lord are
we 2007 compliant? Do we have your latest operating system? Are we able
to handle the "work load" to come? Have we prepared ourselves mentally,
physically and emotionally for what is to change? Are we needing to
upgrade in our lives anywhere? Are we listening to you or are we trying
to live our lives as we did last year? Are there windows that are open
that we need to close? Are there relationships that are hindering us
and not helping us? Is there software we need to invest in? Are there
things we need to study and embrace to move ahead? And finally am I
trying to run Windows 98 in a 2007 world? Maybe I need to go through
the kenosis or the emptying of one's self that the Lord did , even if
that means I start over some places.

Many of my closest friends know that I have been "struggling" in the
area of business, finance and my understanding of it due to some
increased study and education. (You know...paradigm shifts.) Even last
night as I was reading, my mind was just getting shoved around the
board with the reality of there were a lot of things "I did not know I
did not know." And as I study my mind is being opened up to challenging
truths. When I talk about the changing of the guard and preparedness
and will "I make it," it is not being said lightly or trivialized by
me. This is as much a struggle for me to take inventory of myself and
where I stand as it may be for you. And yet I believe it is the truth
of things to come.

And so as we enter into 2007 and the winds pick up and fill our sails
as we leave the safe harbor of 2006 behind, I ask that the Lord give
you much grace and a peace that truly passes all understanding. May
God bless you and yours this year.

Blessings,
lee

http://www.pocafministries.org
http://pcfministries.blogspot.com/
http://compelthem.blogspot.com/
Lee & Tina Johndrow
www.vermontel.com/~servant/ministryopportunity
www.countryartifacts.com

Merry Christmas Thoughts

2006-12-25T04:38:00.000-08:00

Dear Brothers & Sisters:

Greetings in the precious name of Jesus! I hope this Christmas season
is all that you had hoped for. The fact that we can still call it
Christmas...Many of us have watched the battles over trees and advent
scenes and heard it all. Only yesterday I read that a growing number of
people in Vermont were not celebrating Christmas. Many were Muslims and
Wiccans, but many were "Christians" who saw no reason. As I read the
articles, I realized that prayer alone was not going to change the
culture. Yesterday morning as we gathered some related the "negative
response" to saying "Merry Christmas." AS I thought about it, the Lord
guided me to verse 4 in the passage below.

And if you want to skip the rest-feel free to travel to our card to
you! ( http://www.dayspring.com/ecards/card.asp?ID=03d58f20-srt You can
also go to DaySpring.com and enter your retrieval number (03d58f20-srt)
in the space provided on the left-hand side of the page.)

1 Jesus, therefore, six days before the Passover, came to Bethany where
Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.
2 So they made Him a supper there, and Martha was serving; but Lazarus
was one of those reclining at the table with Him.
3 Mary then took a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard, and
anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the
house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
4 But Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples, who was intending to betray
Him, said,
5 "Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and given to
poor people?"
6 Now he said this, not because he was concerned about the poor, but
because he was a thief, and as he had the money box, he used to pilfer
what was put into it.

Hmmm. Verse 4. A message for me. And then I saw the Lord preparing to
do surgery on the blackened areas of my heart. It was my thoughts of
betrayal that He had paid for. MY thoughts and thinking that He gave up
his God position to become flesh for me. So may diss Judas, but "Judas"
dwells in each of us to some extent. And for that I am thankful to
Jesus for the life He gave.

The year has been a wild ride. Many changes. World happenings and
regional happenings. In Vermont, only yesterday my friend Aaron, drove
up on his motorcycle while the game in Denver still had snow coming
down. This is a change from our normal weather here, but my oil tank is
loving it!

Today, our family gathers here to celebrate the birth of the Lord. Our
children and grandchildren will come and eat and hangout. The last week
I have been in the store almost constantly and have watched people
trying to adjust to the idea of Christmas with no snow, and all the
other stresses that come with the territory of shopping. The glazed
looks alone indicated the stresses that people were carrying. Tina and
I went to 3 Christmas parties this week. I can tell you that the most
fun one was the one that was held at our home. (Some pics-
http://pocafministries.org/christmas2006 ) While we had fun and were
out of control we felt love for one another.

As I read the passages above, I see that there are many messages that
can be brought out of it, but I think the thing that I want to share
for a moment is the love for one another that Jesus was trying to
convey was necessary. With love we reach greater heights in Him. With
love our service is pure and without agenda. With love we touch the
multitudes. Many who meet with us here on Tuesdays and Sundays have
been seeing the changes in themselves, one another and the people they
come in contact with. The practice of extravagant grace causes love to
rise to the top. I received one of my greatest gift this holiday season
from a man who I have been helping. A 1900 Bible in amazing shape. I am
not sure "what the next step is" as we continue on in the practice of
love, but it seems like things are changing. "Love covers a multitude
of sins" says John, so that is good enough for me. If a man like John
who is carried in on a "stretcher" and talks about love in the last
years of his life, sin can apparently be covered by love. As to whether
this "cancels" it out or not is not the issue, but the fact that it is
hidden from my eyes, seems to be the idea.

My Wiccan friends celebrate solstice. My JW friends celebrate nothing
except family days. I celebrate Christmas. I overlook their ideas and
leanings with the idea that my God s the great God ad has the ability
to change them. My job is to love them without reservation. And to
reconcile them to Him. To introduce them to Him. And that is my job and
my plan. I do not stand on my merit, but on His. In Ephesians it says
this...
Of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of
God given to me by the effectual working of his power.

I became who I am not because of me, but because of Him and the gift of
His son. Ministry is not our gift to Him, but His ministry to us. And
so it is with God in my heart that I do not betray Him.

A few weeks ago, I received a word from a prophet named Phil Zaldatte.
It said 3 key things. One was that the area I was in, I was being
released from. And moving into a new area. That area being a visiting
places and people I had worked with in the past and bringing
reconciliation to the region. The third part had to do with a business
anointing and bringing new ventures into play and people partnering
with me. This lines up with previous words from Dennis Cramer, Tim
Trafford and many others within the past few months.

My heart is for reconciliation and the region. The last few years have
changed me. Many challenges overcome and opportunities met. And so in
January Tina and I make ourselves available to the region nd to the
world. We have had many things to overcome and to work through. We
believe we are leaving Springfield in capable hands as we help young
men and women carry on the work here. Beginning in January we are
dedicating ourselves to 1 weekend out from here as we make the
transition. The gathering will continue for this season in the bank
building we have been meeting in on Sundays. Our Tuesdays for the next
few months will meet here. Who knows how that will change. Whether we
are in churches or in shopping malls as we travel, is irrelevant. One
of our businesses is providing for our ministry travel. We will be
taking young men and women with us when we go. It is our time to take
the "spikenard" and pour it out upon the one who gave us life.

It is our desire that you have a wonderful celebration. It is easy to
act more like the culture sometimes than it is to act like Him, but we
wanted to take these few minutes and let you know of our love for you
and yours and our prayers that have hung in the air like incense before
the father on your behalf. We love you and bless you!

Blessings,
lee

http://www.pocafministries.org
http://pcfministries.blogspot.com/
http://compelthem.blogspot.com/
Lee & Tina Johndrow
www.vermontel.com/~servant/ministryopportunity
www.countryartifacts.com

Being Forged in Fire

2006-12-14T17:24:00.000-08:00

Dear Brothers & Sisters:

Many of you know that one of the recent undertakings of ours has been a
store front in the Springfield area. This "business" has turned into
full time ministry. People donate. Things are given away. And a lot of
people are coming in that need ministry and the love of the
Lord(Hopefully the same thing.). (You can see pics at
countryartifacts.com)

Last week a man called me. He explained that his father had passed away
here in Springfield and would I be interested in purchasing the
contents of the home. I said I would be interested. I met with him and
his wife at the home on Tuesday. He explained that they were both
disabled(His caused by coughing so hard 40 years ago that he broke
three rib and moved his spine into crushing contact with his spinal
cord.) and so I began to talk about God in a non-threatening way. As we
walked around the home I began to see pictures of the past. Finally, I
could not take it. I asked him, "does the word orphan mean anything."
He looked shocked as he and his wife's eyes connected. He said " I was
adopted." I began to speak what the Lord showed me over his life and
hers and for a half hour they wept and sobbed, as I hugged both of
them. Neither had been in a church. his adopted mom had his brother and
became depressed following the birth. They gave her 19 sessions of
electroshock there[ay and turned her into an 8 year old mentally where
she stayed til the day she die. His father died while he was recovering
from surgery and his brother never told him. The funeral happened while
he was in bed. I began to command the bitterness and junk to be
removed. Did they get saved? No...not yet. His wife just looked at me
and said I have never seen anything like that. The man had never cried
and he had never been held. As I left the house later on my body
shuddered at the power of the Lord. I know I "spoke" the words of the
prophetic, but it was Him who touched their hearts.

This has become a regular thing here in Springfield and in the store.
It seems like everywhere I go the Lord wants to " do" something. to
someone.

And I tell you this, because I believe the Lord is looking to you and I
to do something big. If I never spoke in another church, the world
would be my parish. Somehow, I see that what we have been doing is
gaining favor and momentum and I know He is doing this elsewhere.
Personally, I have come to the place where for the right arrangement, I
would let the store go to someone, so that we could start another
place. Why? Because I believe the Lord wants to return to the highways
and the byways. In the last few weeks I have encountered 3
co-habitating couples and in each one the woman has cancer. I think
this is a setup.

Our meetings are getting very warm and friendly and laughter prevails
over tears. Things are happening.

The other day I saw the picture of an anvil and felt the Lord saying, "
be forged." I sense there is a solidifying of the things that had not
come together and "tool" being readied for it's final purposes. I think
of going to a local museum and watching the blacksmith forge tools.
Brilliant, heated pieces being formed, hardened by the quenching in
cold water, shaped by the clanging of the hammer. Out of the fires
blown upon by bellows comes tools ready for work and for battle. I
think we are fast approaching a shaking.

When I was a child I formed a band called Cataclysmic Zoe. The
definition for cataclysmic-cataclysmal: severely destructive;
"cataclysmic nuclear war"; "a cataclysmic earthquake" Zoe meant life.
It almost seems like an oxymoron, but hey, I was young, but as I sat
here at the keyboard, I remembered this band. Our music was Iron
Butterfly and Cream. My ears hurt just remembering that band. I sense
this is the life of one who takes on the kingdom of darkness bringing
destruction to it by bringing life. In that we will do great things
because it is the great one who indwells.

This morning I awoke at 5:30 and as I rolled over the room began to
spin. I began to feel very ill(Oh no-the taco pizza of yesterday-it
must be the lettuce!). And for 2 hours I fought against waves of
nauseousness, dizziness, etc. But as I went for a walk to clear my head
I realized that we can win and will if we let Him.

If we would just go and do we would see Him show up. I am going back to
minister to that couple next week. I am believing God is going to
remove the Harris rods in her vertebrae and heal this man. I want to
once again be that cataclysmic zoe that does not bow to another. I have
battled fear and anxiety the last few months. I have come to a place
where all I have is Him. And all I can do is more for what He asks. I
want to be that forged instrument and come out of the heat and the
noise into the cooling of the waters. To fully understand all that He
died for. To totally understand the heart beats of the Father.

Blessings,
lee

http://www.pocafministries.org
http://pcfministries.blogspot.com/
http://compelthem.blogspot.com/
Lee & Tina Johndrow
www.vermontel.com/~servant/ministryopportunity
www.countryartifacts.com

Behind Door #3

2006-12-01T04:34:00.000-08:00

Dear Brothers & Sisters:

The other day I bought a bible. The date on this bible is 1856. The
inscription by the owner is 1859. It is a "pulpit" bible, meaning it is
about 14x16" by about 5" thick. This is truly the epitome of the weight
of the word! As I looked through the many plates that are included and
viewed the verses, I realized the "history" this bible has. How many
people's lives were possibly changed by this particular book. The
covers are wood with a white stone in most of the corners. There is
something to draw your attention to God. I can not explain. It has even
opened a conversation with a Mormon amongst the many discussions
already. But, unless you desire to have your eyes opened or are
seeking, to anyone else this probably no more than a really cool old
book.

Yesterday I replaced my cell phone. It took almost an hour. Why?
Because while many consider me to have an edge on technology when it
comes to hands on, I am better with the stuff I grew up with. (I most
likely could rebuild a 1965 Mustang and never refer to a manual. Yet
as I read the "book" and I do mean book on this new phone, I gave up.
What is all this? My only reason for the phone change at all was to
significantly reduce my bill by upgrading to a new plan and the phone
provides better reception than my older model.

New. Old. The battle for my my mind is always teetering on what is new.
To be honest there are very few things out there that show up in the
ads that I say "I have to have that." (Though the new Mustangs are
pretty sweet.). And in my store there is a lot of old stuff and I am
glad that we can say "goodbye" to some of those things. (There is a 50"
TV in there that weighs less than my 25" at home.) Hollywood and
Manhattan are working overtime to make sure I have the latest razor and
my kids the latest toys. The part of me that likes familiar battles to
keep what I have.

And that old bible? It has the same words that my "new" King James
does. And the amazing thing is that the words are just as relevant
today as the day they were penned or appeared in that particular bible
in 1856. And while it would be kind of cool to keep this bible I will
probably sell it. But the words...they are etched and carved into my
heart. The relevance of God is forever. When we come to the end of our
rope and face the truth, that we have tried all the ways we know how to
be successful and still encounter our sin or have walked around the
mountain one more time, we have the opportunity to embrace the grace of
God and allow Him to change us.

Every day people come in the store and they either do not like the old
stuff or they "ooh" and "aah" about it. But with the word of God, it s
not whether we like it or not, but whether we allow ourselves to be
changed by it. To be in a position of receiving His grace. Some of my
friends would consider me to a grace grower, meaning I "do" things that
cause them to cry out for grace or they might kill me. On the other
hand I often find myself in the position of needing more grace, having
come to the end of my rope and realizing the knot is probably not going
to hold either. We come to the place of appreciating the value of the
word of God, it's correction and then dying to the law so that grace
might come.

Each of us, you and I have the opportunity to embrace the values of
history and apply them to our present so that we might have a tomorrow
worth living. If you have come to the end of the rope in your life,
here is an opportunity, not to get out of it, but to embrace it and cry
out for His grace to invade your life. With His grace we can overcome
the things that have stacked up against us. It is today we have a
choice. We can choose to do it the way we have always done, and get the
same old results. We can choose to add something new to our lives in
the hope that newer is better. Or we come to door three, which will
call for us to confront the issue of our life, let it die, allow grace
to flood us.

My prayer is that each of us today might open door three.

Blessings,
lee

http://www.pocafministries.org
http://pcfministries.blogspot.com/
http://compelthem.blogspot.com/
Lee & Tina Johndrow
www.vermontel.com/~servant/ministryopportunity
www.countryartifacts.com

Happy Thanksgiving

2006-11-23T13:14:00.000-08:00

Dear Brothers & Sisters:

Happy Thanksgiving!

As I awoke to prepare a 25 pound turkey(What was Tina thinking?) and
wandered around the house just thinking, I realized how much different
this year was from last. So many things have changed. Even the things I
might not have thought to have made progress...have.

This week as I "recovered" from a trip to Lake George with friends,
moving our store downtown, etc.., I ran into many who are seeking what
most of us already have. A peace that truly passes understanding. How
do you know when you have this peace? Things don't rattle you. How will
you know when this peace is operative? Circumstances that caused
anxiety and stress...don't.

A few days ago a believing elderly sister came in to say she was glad
that I was there. Yesterday, I shared the gospel with a 50 year old
many who had recently got sober after 30 plus years of parties. A woman
who "pulled" a stunt in my store a few weeks ago, called me yesterday,
wanting to get back into my good graces.

As we preach, teach and heal, I have come to believe in the process of
it all. The words I speak today may not bear heavenly attitudes for a
while. A process.

Happy thanksgiving. What does it mean? Perhaps it is more than being
just grateful. Perhaps it is being happy in the act of giving thanks.
Not just the act. And when we get that part, perhaps we can move on to
the reduction of stress and anxiety and fear. Happy in giving thanks.
Last week I was privileged to spend time with some very precious
people..and all we really did was laugh. Pretty hard to be anxious when
you are laughing so hard.

Is it easy to be happy? Not always. Death, sickness, loss, financial
shifts...been there, done that, bought the T shirt and won't go back.

I am happy to give thanks for each one of you. Some of you I have never
met, but we have been in contact for years and years. Others I
know...and still give thanks! (Jes' kiddin') As we preapre to sit down
with our family, know that we have prayed and care about you!

We thank you for your prayers and your love!

Blessings,
lee

http://www.pocafministries.org
http://pcfministries.blogspot.com/
http://compelthem.blogspot.com/
Lee & Tina Johndrow
www.vermontel.com/~servant/ministryopportunity
www.countryartifacts.com

Keeping The Oppressor At Bay

2006-11-17T04:34:00.000-08:00

Dear Brothers & Sisters:

When I became a Christian in the middle of a grocery store, I was a
very angry person. I was in the middle of a divorce. All that I owned
was sitting in the back of a pickup truck. The very help I had embraced
for 9 years had turned on me. All my supports and underpinnings
evaporated overnight. The only thing I knew to do was go to work and
get a coffee to start the day. That morning I met with the Lord. In one
fell swoop, angers and resentments had washed away. I knew that anger
and resentment had not helped me.

And one day I came across a Jewish maxim somewhere. Uplift the
oppressor without destroying the oppressor. I soon realized it was
easier said than done. How do I serve people without killing the ones
who put them here? Hmmm.

This week I watched another man face the same realities. What will he
do I wonder? What will He do I meditate on? The person is my son,
Tyler. As many in this group of friends know, he received a brain
injury 5 years ago this coming month. While he has made many strides,
judgment is not one of them. (It is always hard to tell the difference
between youthful flights of fancy and what did not click. Lack of
judgment put him behind bars over the weekend. The reasons are
irrelevant. The realities mounting.

Once again there are a group of us who face that Jewish maxim.

And so the other night in our training, we dealt with challenges to our
faith. The most "popular" one was the inability to confront or to
confront well. Usually, the majority of Christians I meet, are passive
(And frustrated and angry and resentful!) leaving people without an
understanding of where they are at, only to lead to the more
recognizable style of aggressive anger. You know...when a number 1
indiscretion, finds you walking around with your head rolling along the
floor beside you. The "aggressive" person coming at you with a number
10 "billy club" of anger.

What is the middle ground? It is a placed that has the title
"assertive." This is the place of dialog and conveyance of feelings
without the John the Baptist head on the platter syndrome. The place
where both parties walk away feeling refreshed and at peace with one
another. And it is certainly the place of Jesus. The place of peace and
harmony and unity. So much so, with us we plan on working on this more
here. You and I can not have deeper relationships when we are unable to
resolve disagreements. And everyone has the capability to be the
oppressor. And we must work overtimes to keep that part of us at bay
through the loving and caring gentle work of Him.

God's desires are that our relationships open and bloom, not shrivel up
and die. We must convey that in all of our relationships. When we come
to a place of unity and forgiveness, we walk as Jesus did. Level one
disputes deal with level one response. Part of that is our quickness to
judge or misread a circumstance.

The other day a woman came to my store and wanted to sell some things.
OK. I made her an offer. She did not think it was enough and removed
some of the pieces to make it fair in here mind. She did this 3 or 4
times. It was "uncomfortable" for me. I would rather not have her or
the pieces in the store under the circumstances. A man who was
wandering around the store was watching. When we finally came to an
agreement she took her check and left the store. The man came up to me
and said this. "Man, your heart must be as big as a mountain. I could
never have done that. I would have kicked her out." Bing! Opportunity
to talk about Jesus.

Another woman came in who was mentally challenged. She wanted to talk
to me about getting married because she saw my wedding band. As the
result of our conversation, her caregiver spent over $100. One of my
friends and I discussed "being in ministry." I suggested coming to the
store once a week!

We are all in the same boat. We can be oppressed. Or be the oppressing
one. Or we can strive for that place of harmony with others. As a
Christian I do not think "I do not want to" is a category. My greatest
struggle is often with Christian who is an oppressor or does not want
to work on relationships because they are "hard." (Sounds like that
Barbie doll that was all the rage when it said "Math is hard.") It
takes all my strength not to move to oppressor level myself in those
circumstances. (Even this morning I had the opportunity to write a
diatribe about closet Christianity and the "rules" it has.) Last week I
received a word about bringing reconciliation to the region.
Reconciliation? Well-golly gee, it begins with me. And it definitely
works against my sin nature to get even.

Relationships are hard. That is how we achieve overcoming status. Our
life is not measured by the great sermon we gave or the support we gave
to the mission fields but by us overcoming life on a daily basis. It
often irritates(Still trying to get it in check!) me as Christianity
looks for "excitement." The excitement is being in love with GOD and
Him loving me. All else is bells and whistles. "I want to do the
stuff!" So do I. It happens in daily encounters and opportunities to
walk away from people or to stay.

We can do this. We can overturn the facts that have caused Christianity
in some cases to become a four letter word. Are you happy? Tell it your
face. Smile. Change the world. We can gather in unity and harmony
because we mean it. And we can see life changing results.

We thank you for your prayers and your love!

Blessings,
lee

http://www.pocafministries.org
http://pcfministries.blogspot.com/
http://compelthem.blogspot.com/
Lee & Tina Johndrow
www.vermontel.com/~servant/ministryopportunity
www.countryartifacts.com

A today person in a manana world

2006-10-22T04:35:00.000-07:00

Dear Brothers & Sisters:

I struggle. My greatest source of stress is not seeing tomorrow today.
I took a test one time and it showed I "fear" losing time. Each day
that ticks by in my life shortens my stay here. That is not what I am
speaking about though. What I am referring to is the "wasting" of time.
The other night I just could not kick into gear. So, I reviewed my day
a little. My last 3 hours were spent somewhere between consciousness
and unconsciousness while lying on the couch. I spent a lot of my day
being a friend to people, but much of my day was sitting in the store
and praying for the city I live in and revival to come. "Lord-can I
have my future now?" was one of my cries. "Lord, help me get into
gear," was another. I came home in the middle of a gusting rainstorm
only to find a project I had not completed in tatters. "What am I doing
with my time?" I wondered.

This morning I awoke from a dream that spoke volumes to my heart about
the incomplete state that myself and so many others are in. Maybe it is
just the October thing for me. I really never thought about it until I
awoke from the dream. There is a lethargy that has come upon so many.
For the last two weeks I realize I have been explaining time and time
again, the need for seeing one's future, one's destiny. Without seeing
one's destiny, a struggle for what to do today begins.

I have found myself doing many of the things I know to be right and
practical(Even logical!), and yet time evades me. So may I have shared
with seem to think we can get by with a manana attitude. When I do not
think about tomorrow it is easy to it in front of a TV screen. I want
to be a today person , though. I want to enjoy today to it's fullest. I
do not want to wait until tomorrow to begin working on things. I have
so many projects "floating" in the air. And so often, my checkbook
dictates my actions. My need for income dictates my actions.

And while my struggle has been "increasing" my sense of urgency is
increasing as well. I want to cry out "this is it! This is all we have
today. Let us make the most of it!" Who wants to be likened to the
sluggard and the and story. The story where one does not plan for
tomorrow. A person I admired over the last 14 years died this past
week. Cancer snuffed out his life. A Godly man. In his 50's. And as I
read and pondered knowing he did not get his "3 score and 10" I
wondered what are the changes. I am not advocating rush through life
and miss out on children and family. I am not saying do not spend time
with a sunset. I am not saying get caught up in "works." I am simply
saying that tomorrow just might show up...

And if it does will you be ready? Will your "house" be in order?

God has given us a plan and a purpose on how to face life. I recently
began a business where I work with people. I often find myself thinking
about what manana brings. At 51, with the knowledge I have now, had I
lived my life differently I could have been retired. So many go day by
day with no clue that their actions are leading them to a tomorrow that
is a struggle. The preparations of today are the foundations of
tomorrow. I have a friend well into his 70's who when he saw us would
ask us "what are you doing?" A very wealthy man with a heart of gold
and a heart towards God, he wondered what people did if they slept 56
hours a week and worked 40. What did they do with the remaining 72
hours of their week.

Yesterday I rode my motorcycle a little. It was 41 when I left the
house and 46 when I returned. It was enjoyable, refreshing to be alive.
and my mind was filled with a thought process on how to help others in
the art world. By the time I was home, I had conceived a plan. And
today I am giving it over to the Lord. Perhaps in giving it to Him
someone else comes along and does it.

But I am frustrated. I want it all today. Not tomorrow. And with that
thought it mind, I wonder about the men with the talents. Were they
reliant on tomorrow or totally content with today? Obviously, when the
master came back it was clear he was desirous of those who took action
today believing for tomorrow. Manana was not a good answer. Preparation
today for tomorrow was the better answer. As I have prayed for others I
have prayed for their destiny to be clear that they might not wither
away with no direction or feeling of destiny.

Today my brothers and sister descend on our home with all the kids,
grandkids, etc. I could easily look back and say no one ever thought it
would like what it does now. The generations to come will hopefully
listen to the voices of experience. Not that they are not given free
reign to shape the world, but that they might hear voices of reason
from people who have been there AND done that. That voices of counsel
would come with compassion and not control. That voices of vision would
be allowed to shape the worlds we live in. That people who think like
the ant and not like the sluggard would rise up and lead. That people
with an investing mind would teach others how to shape their destiny
and their future.

The last few months I have found 3 projects to invest in. These are
people that are viable in their fields. Tina and I have invested in one
with our time and our friendship. Both of these will require money and
time and love. But, if we put things off until tomorrow there may be
nothing. We had to start with what we had to offer. And because today
is all we have, what the "master" has given us is what we have to
"invest."

We recently put a store in town, mostly for my daughter Cass to make
money, learn business and begin her lines of natural soaps, etc..
Yesterday while she was in NYC I was there. What a crazy day. Person
after person. And I thought, as I ministered to some, no one knows what
the result of the "investment" may be. Just yesterday we were offered a
new location that is over 2 times as big for just a few dollars more.
But now we have this other space and I wonder if an artists"workshop"
and gallery is a reality. Because I see Springfield embracing revival
and having an overflow. Now, to do that would require some investors
with vision. (But my track record has provided investors in the last
year with 25% returns.)

It is not enough to say "read your bible." God has designated many to
teach others and release the very truths that they may have just read.
So much of what I learn is at the feet of those who have "made it" in
some respect or regard. And I can tell you that even in the eyes of the
detail people the common thread is finding the destiny pathway and
adhering to it.

I hope and pray for us to embrace the day (Or carpe diem as others
would say.)

We thank you for your prayers and your love!

Blessings,
lee

Deeper Relationships meeting on Tuesday night at 6.

http://pcfministries.blogspot.com/
http://compelthem.blogspot.com/
Lee & Tina Johndrow
www.vermontel.com/~servant/ministryopportunity

Back In The Battle

2006-10-17T05:51:00.000-07:00

Dear Brothers & Sisters:

Over the last few weeks, I have met many new people. A new company I am
working with has brought me into close contact with them. It reminded
me of looking at someone's hands to tell what they do for a living. In
my case, I think my hands were not "dirty" enough. Not calloused
enough. I could not compare to what they were going through. My new
work has put me in close proximity with many people. And most are not
believers. Only last week while at a friends, I met a middle aged,
Jewish , liberal atheist who works for a prominent show on CBS. How do
conservative, Christian people respond to a man like this? We embraced
him. We had a pleasurable time. My friend has developed a strong
friendship with him over the years. And it is working.

And for me. I realized I was going back into the battle.

And it has caused me some deep thinking. So many are saying that the
church needs to go outside the walls of the church. In many cases the
walls seem to be coming down anyways. And anyone who has known me knows
I have always said "go outside." Jesus came that He might die that
forgiveness of sin would be played out into everyone's hands who would
embrace Him. But here is an interesting concept. Why did Jesus approach
the fishermen? Where were the shepherds? Why did He approach the tax
collector? Where was the likes of David, Abraham, etc.? He said to be
"fishers of men." He didn't even say be "cleaners of fish." Now before
someone thinks I have disowned "shepherds" that is not true. (If you
were here on Tuesday nights, and followed my weekly schedule, you would
see that is not true.) As I meet with younger people and sow seeds of
life, I believe there is a place for shepherds. But WHY did Jesus call
for fishers of men?

As I review the world news and see the fallout from broken
relationships, violated agreements and angry people, I know that we
only win this "war" by embracing Him and giving Him away. How did we
get here? Is it possible that we have not reached out? Is that why
Jesus used fishermen and business people? Because they had a knowing of
the world and the need for relationships? Is that why we today feel
such a frustration with things?

Last week my brakes began to "fail" on my car. I knew it was coming,
but I pushed the brake pads to the limit. A long trip announced the end
of my procrastination. And I had to buy brake pads and put them on. (An
exercise that left me feeling pretty stupid at one point.) But it had
to be done. I think we are approaching that place in our world. A place
where the "brakes" have failed. We do not seem to be stopping. For a
while I just downshifted a lot in my car trying to avoid the
inevitable. I live on a pretty steep mountain road so even that can be
exciting. And let's be real, the transmission costs more than a set of
brakes.

I think the church has approached that place. What was designated by
Jesus, that we become fishers of men, is akin to the brakes. It can be
the stopping power of sin. The revival we seek is a lot like stopping
the car. By choosing fishermen and business people, He chose to have
things changed. By relying on the "transmission," it is a lot like
relying on shepherds (Now called pastors.) It will not totally stop.
And for many reasons this is not working. I know that Paul said to
Timothy, "do the work of evangelist." We have overloaded people with
expectations and the "brakes" are not working. I believe it is time to
reinforce the reaching out principles of the church. This means
becoming a fisher of men. Do I believe pastors need to go talk to
people outside the church? Yes! But, I also believe that each one of
us is called to be a fisher of men. Do I believe in the fivefold
ministry-yes! But I also see a people locked in on comfort. Would you
sacrifice some of your comfort to see future generations changed for
the Lord? What is the comfort worth?

You and I will not reach the world that needs to change without going
"outside." We probably won't even be really happy. And maybe that is
God trying to get us to be changing course. How do we come together to
change the course of history? Do you think it will happen in the
elections? I think not. We have prayed for a rooting out of immorality
in politics and now it is happening. So, in the midst of fall out are
we going to change things around us? Will you reach out to one today?
That is the cry of the Father. We can change history. We do not have to
do things the way we learned or the way we always have. We can be
trendsetters. We can be a re-inactment of the book of Acts.

God, I believe wants us involved in the community. Conversion and
transformation come from a transferring of ideas. And He is looking for
us to reach out. He spoke it so many times. So many say, "what do I
do?" There is so much scripture on what we can do. But, a lot of it is
irrelevant until we reach out.

I tell people, imagine a community where there is harmony. Imagine a
church that is accepted not because of a watered down gospel, but
because of doing good things. Giving to the poor, feeding them,
clothing them. Imagine a community where the youth come together in
peace. Imagine a place where business flourishes because of the
manifest presence of Him.

What does that take? Certainly it takes prayer. But most likely it will
take you and I becoming fishers of men, discipling people into the
goodness of Him...one at a time. It will take a willingness on our
parts to get back in the battle again.

We thank you for your prayers and your love!

Blessings,
lee

Deeper Relationships meeting on Tuesday night at 6.

http://pcfministries.blogspot.com/
http://compelthem.blogspot.com/
Lee & Tina Johndrow
www.vermontel.com/~servant/ministryopportunity

What a weekend!

2006-09-30T09:10:00.000-07:00

Dear Brothers & Sisters:

Last week Tina was on vacation. And we had decided to take a well
needed retreat to a place we both love, Lake George. We left on
Friday morning looking forward to time together. We arrived in the
early afternoon. The director of where we were staying said the
campus was pretty full. Well that was somewhat of an understatement.
We found out at dinner that the people here belonged to a Buddhist
spin off called Gangaji. And they were in the middle of a "silent"
retreat meaning they could only speak twice that week, both times to
Gangaji. I thought it was all pretty funny after an attempt at
praying for healing for one for "deafness."

Our first night we were joined by a gay couple from the ministerial
buildings. These two women were getting their heads together after
the death of a friend. A Quaker couple also joined us. And for the
rest of the weekend we all sat together for meals, perhaps to make
sure the "spirit of silence" did not overtake us. (Little chance for
that!) My wife would tell you that I "messed" with their beliefs and
their doctrines for the whole 3 days. And they were just wonderful. I
talked about Paul ("Paul said a lot of things" one of the women
said.) and marriage (His statement of marriage being a difficult
thing though I think the Lee translation I gave was a "pain in the
neck.".) and how a marriage was a lot like a funeral because 2 must
become 1 and that means someone has to die. Needless to say that
sparked laughter and the silent ones nearby figured we were the
rebellious Gangaji. We loved these people. (They even invited us to
"sneak out" for some illegal ice cream!) They were sweet. We all
hugged when we left with plans to get together. All we did was eat
and go for long walks on the beach. My wireless internet did not work
according to the manager of the ice cream store because of the
spiritual energy. Our ride home dealt with our future and business
and church plans.

Recently we have opened our home to meetings we call Deeper
Relationships. We have been overstuffed with people(And food!) and
the meetings have been working well. As I look at the people we spent
the weekend with, I see that this is the kind of people we attract.
People seeking God and His experiences. (We are planning a retreat
for a group of people in November at the same place and only God
knows what that will bring!) They may not believe like we do, but as
they say in the commercials-"imagine the possibilities!" We are
praying for the "stickiness" of God to keep people from wanting to be
anywhere else. Meetings you do not want to miss because people love
you and you, them.

Our return to the real world has be hampered by health issues with
Tina so we covet your prayers. And I still battle for the complete
restoration of a pain free life after the month of August. And yet we
are excited by what the future holds. Our living room gets smaller as
the people come in. We are seeing a real building of relationships
between people. We are in the considerations of our next phase. Part
of my weekend is dedicated to the clarification of our NEST ministry
and what it holds. Since we opened the storefront I have seen more
and more involvement of people. It has got my hands on the pulse
again. We are simply going back to what we know best. And so changes
are probably coming faster than I think. We have been praying our
future into now and we think this is God's response.

We recently had some powerful words about Springfield and the changes
to come. Many know that Springfield has been a place of revival in
the past and that we believe it is coming again. We look over the
region and we see a lot of words that have been leveled at the region
called New England. We must be close to what is so often called
critical mass. In business, critical mass is believed to have
happened when 2% of a population is hit. That is what the books would
call the tipping point. So in a community like Springfield where
8,000 live the tipping point would be 160. The population of New
England was 13,922,517-you do the math. (In my business when I obtain
160 people in Springfield I need to move on because the momentum will
take care of itself.) What does that 160 people represent? It
represents a place where the tipping of the scales becomes apparent.
In a spiritual region it will be when you see the police logs
reflecting lesser amounts of crime. You will see school scores going
up. (Recently NCLB told of the poorness encountered in Vermont
schools. It is a statistic reflective of the spiritual climate. We
ned to see that go down.)You will see divorce rates going down and
incomes going up. We ought to look at the raw stats (And not the
media spins of both sides.) and determine how close we are to
critical mass. In a state like Vermont we would need 9,000 sold out
prayers to reach critical mass. And then jump on the scale!

Because we personally meet the wildest people-the skateboarders,
bikers, Buddhists and gays to name a few, we need to find a place to
put them. For years I said I was a fisher of men and not a cleaner of
fish. And I believed I was theologically right that the Holy Spirit
was the cleaner. And I believe the truth of that. But I also see
there is a need for the careful nurturing of believers that some
might call making disciples. Many know that not a day goes by in my
home with some helpful instruction to a young man or woman. I watch
so many marriages upside down and so many screwed up people. I
recently had to repent to the Lord for walking away from people. Now
it feels like we are seeing a shift here in Springfield. Ministries
are coming alongside and saying "call me-I will help." For a while my
response has been "there is nothing going on." We were fried. Burnt
out. And now it seems like there is a shift over here. I remember how
incensed some people were when I had invited friend with different
beliefs. I did not tell them he was not a believer, in fact he was
very eastern in his beliefs. He came to a prayer session and
meditated. Ironically the people who were there were cool with it but
not those outside. Wow! What are we thinking?

My son brings home what many might consider "interesting" people. But
we just love them. And that is all God is calling us to. LOVE! I am
not sure why gay women think we are fun to be around. I haven't
changed my beliefs about homosexuality. I am not sure why we have had
people have brought beer into our meetings. I haven't changed my
belief about being drunk. I am not sure why people feel OK smoking
around me. I haven't changed my beliefs about health. I am not sure
why people swear around me from time to time. I still think profanity
is-well...profane. I am not sure why people of different beliefs
spend so much time with me. I haven't changed anything about the
cross, the shed blood or the resurrection.

Last week the older women accused me of being a "proselytizer."
Interesting. When she said it, it sound like a 4 letter word, though
as I spell it I see it is 3-4 letter words!. I think it is because we
have not learned to do it without building a relationship, a bridge.
So, I told her "yes, I guess I am. " See people want to have their
beliefs and i respect that. It does not mean I do not think there is
higher or greater truths. But the one great truth that is often
violated is the one about loving one another. And that is my main
deal in life. I can understand that Jesus might say I gave a second
chance where He had already said "no," but I am not sure I would ever
be in trouble with Him for giving too much love.

We keep saying the church must go outside. I think the church is
outside. I think the religious structure is inside, not the church. I
think what we have perhaps been doing is stuffing our "church" into
their way of thinking and expecting a different result. Love works.
When I say they are looking for the real deal I mean it. When you
prophesy into a skateboarders life and he looks into your eyes he
will know whether love is real. Love is not necessarily home baked
cookies on a Saturday morning but it can be. Or a meal dropped off to
the parents of a sick child but it can be. I believe the power will
come when the love is released. And he love of the Lord is there and
available to those who receive it and give it away. There is
something healthy about loving one's self that you might love one
another. So many are sick and dying because they can not love
themselves or others. And that is a great place to begin...loving
one's self...and for me to end.

We thank you for your prayers and your love!

Blessings,
lee

Deeper Relationships meeting on Tuesday night at 6.

http://pcfministries.blogspot.com/
http://compelthem.blogspot.com/

We have recently encountered a ministry opportunity that can bring
great blessing to both individuals and ministries. As a pastor fro 10
years I have seen many things come and go, but I feel this
opportunity shows great promise. For individuals or ministries that
need a financial boost this may be for you.

Beer drinking, cussing and promiscuity

2006-09-16T04:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Brothers & Sisters:

As I sat there, the people all around me with beer in their hands, I
wondered what I had done to be able to fit in with this group. Earlier,
I had already witnessed the frustration of a police officer as he
talked to the owner of a truck that was "blocking" traffic while it
unloaded materials for a building site. The ongoing conversation of
somebody obviously "under the influence." The woman was just trying to
achieve some peace. A girl trying to find love by promiscuous acts. The
workers that had just been cited by the government for some illegal
"activity." And here I was right smack in the middle of it, just trying
to be a friend.

I wrote yesterday about the heathen being our inheritance.
Yeah-sometimes they take advantage of it, but the fact of it is, they
is what they is. It is why I am no longer surprised when they sin. When
I realized my life was not my own, I realized I could spend time with
them. In many respects it is a parish on the street. I have spent much
time on evangelism programs and study, but the reality of it for me is
that people just want to "hang out." These people wanted to tell me
about their successes and cry about their failures. One of them was a
bit surprised when a guy was introduced to me as a minister(His
guardian angel) and he saw the beers in everyone's hands. Why? Probably
because I was just enjoying being their friend. I was not drinking or
cussing, but I did not Lord it over them. Occasionally they apologized
for some swearing, but not because I asked them to. (It's harder when
it is the people of God with the profanity but that still is not my
problem.) They were just chilling out after a rough day. The TGIF crowd.

When I first gathered with these folks, it was to say "hi." Hours later
it was to be their friend. I watched emotion after emotion bubble to
the surface. I listened about the pet that had passed away. I heard
about the legal troubles that had come. One of the people asked me if I
would begin to network businesses again as I had in the past. God was
important to them in this group though they may not have understood it.
A young woman came up and began to tell me about her child who lay in a
hospital in Connecticut and the doctors could not figure out what was
wrong. "I will pray for her" is all I could say. (And did.) I endured
the jokes about God and satan from one man. Because I sense a tipping
point here for him.

The world is looking for an answer. I mentioned yesterday that they
were looking for a pointer. They are looking for a solution to their
lack of peace. If we do not do it, it appears that no one else will. We
have a wonderful opportunity to be a friend to the people seeking Him.
More people will be converted by friendship and love than they will by
crusades and programs. Am I the only one who remembers being in a
church when I did not love God and wanting to get out? Am I the only
one who felt embarrassment? Am I the only one who felt angry? I am not
sure worship services are for the unbeliever (Otherwise would they not
be full of them?). We love worship and we want everyone to embrace it,
but remember that the unsanctified mind is enmity, at war with the
worship of God. How much is a hand upon the soldier of a grieving pet
owner?

I think we could do more good by investing in people differently than
we do. Do we not see how many people we have in our churches who are
out in the world day in and day out. They live there. I think we have
almost got by the shock of hanging out with the drinkers, but what
about the druggers? What about the mentally ill? Or the prostitute I
occasionally talk to? Are we partied up with them? What about the
youth?(What is their sin-youthfulness?) Are we going to where they are?
When was the last time you had a skateboarder(Board in hand and wasn't
your child.) sitting in the chair next to you? Did he bring his
friends? How about the homosexual trying to find peace? Do you know I
live in a community with a greater population than most large churches.
We all watch them gather on Sundays at yardsales, auctions, beaches,
picnic areas and the like. Could it be that this is where we are to be,
to see this harvest? I am not sure about you, but I already have people
who are in the world. Would it not make more sense to "educate" them
and throw our money behind them? Why would I take a business person and
ask him to something he may not be gifted for? Why not throw money into
his workplace? What about the employee who works with 20 co-workers?
Wouldn't it be cool to put a together a dinner for them because our
brother said these people are a fantastic bunch but will not go to
church?

We have all gone through stages of desert in our life. There is great
blessing and miracle in this place, but while we are there we often
become disappointed before this happened.And part of that is real in
the sense that God is trying to get us to change. He loves us so much
He can not and will not leave us here. (Or there!) How many of us
really know about the plight of an unwed mother? Or the parent of a
handicapped child? Are we there? If just going to church could win the
war, I think we would have already won. WE have all felt rejection at
the hand of a brother. We have all felt apart from God at one point or
another. We have all felt like we could have done more in some area of
our life. Most of us have lost a family member and remember the
feelings. It is sometimes tough to look around and realize we are all
we have. But it is truth. Our highest "horizontal" relationship(with
others) dictates the level of our "vertical" relationship (with the
Lord). How little we love one is how how we get with Him.

God speaks to us in terms of loving one another (There are an awful lot
of "one anothers" in the Bible.) and being friends to one another. (I
used to have a button I made-it said "Church is not for Sundays")
Relationship is the heart cry of the church I see. I run into person
after person who is looking for relationship...and this is the church!
God tells me to esteem you higher than myself. (Whoa!) To believe the
best about you. (Hold on here.) To love you when you are unlovable.
(This can't be true.) In service that he who is least will be amongst
the most. (You have gone too far.) Or when we have legal entanglements
to choose one least thought of to arbitrate. (Not the leaders?)

We must look to God to love like that. How does this reach you? Where
is God in your love life with others? What happens when we love like
God does? I believe we have seen pockets of it. Transformations of
whole businesses, communities and even nations. I want to dance like
David did, but I want to love like Jesus did. Our earth is in crisis.
We have fuel problems and war problems. People want to kill us for what
we believe. Where is the love? I believe the loving power of the
Godhead dwelling in us gives us the ability we need to love.

Imagine a church where people loved inward and outward. A church that
moves into a community or a neighborhood by relationship and love. A
church that confronts the powers of evil by undermining them in love. A
church that wears a towel of humility and servant hood here on earth
while wielding a weapon of mass destruction throughout the heavenlies.
A church empowered by the lover Himself.

We thank you for your prayers and your love!

Blessings,
lee

Deeper Relationships meeting on Tuesday night at 6.

http://pcfministries.blogspot.com/
http://compelthem.blogspot.com/

And once again...

2006-09-15T04:21:00.000-07:00

Dear Brothers & Sisters:

(I still have not got this email program down and apologize for the
"preview" copy.)

Thanks for all the really cool letters to the last letter. I appreciate
it. You are a great source of encouragement to me.

For the last few weeks it has seemed like every time I turn around I am
running into my past in the shape of a pre-Christian. Yesterday was no
different. It happened on 2 occasions. The first opportunity came as a
man was hitch hiking and I picked him up. He was a man who owed me a
lot of money from years ago. Interesting conversation developed and we
ended up talking about the Lord and His benefits. Turns out he lives
about a mile from me. He has agreed to work off what he owes me and
asked if he could stop over and continue the conversation about the
Lord.

The second was even more interesting. My daughter had an appointment,
so I was watching the store. I was talking to some one about old
records. And I was just telling him bout this friend I had had years
ago who I bought all my records from. A few seconds later a man walks
in to the store. I am still in the first conversation and just saying
"see you later" when the second guys says "Lee." I look over and he
says "Mark from R____." This was the guy I had been talking about. I
have not seen Mark in almost 20 years. After the premature birth of my
daughter and all that time in the hospital (Over a year.) We ended up
talking for about 2 hours agreeing to get together with some of the old
crew. A friend of his had died a short while ago and while he recounted
his pain at the loss of one of his few and best friends, I felt the
presence of the Lord. Mark was initially very surprised that I was a
minister and said that the crew would be very surprised(especially a
friend who was my best man in my wedding back then.) But as we talked
about the death of his friend(Also a friend of my daughter, Amy.), it
was evident that he was seeking the Lord on some level fro comfort.
Mark sold his music record business and he is an artist. He is looking
for a studio to sculpt. I am asking the Lord to help me find a place
for him. I want it to be in Springfield so I can see him. My life was
so torn up after the birth of my daughter and was so turned upside
down with moving, etc. , that life just went way too fast.

Have you ever had a friendship go by because of busyness or been in a
circumstance with someone needing the Lord and not knowing how to
communicate it? Both situations were awkward for different reasons. But
the Lord has given me some instruction. Love Him with all my heart and
love others as He has loved me. He also communicates to me to preach
the gospel to every living creature.

I did not want to open this office downtown. It subsequently turned
into a store where my daughter is working. And it is fast becoming a
"gathering" place when I am there. People who I have not seen in ages
are stopping by.

I think the lesson in all this, is as much as we would like to avoid
the world and all it's little tricks, there is a people out there
caught in it's clutches looking for the man(or woman) who will point
them on the way. What would happen if today as you prayed, you asked
him for that opportunity to be a pointer? What would happen if each
person on this list of friends did the same thing? Not only would we be
being obedient to the Lord, but we would be helping mankind become a
little better, a little more friendly.

Interestingly, when I knew my friend Mark, I was in business down the
road from him, in a place where international students were trained.
These were the creme de la creme of their society and countries, They
were trained in diplomacy and leadership. But on many occasions when
one of these wealthy foreign students went into town, they were treated
badly. Many of these students are in leadership positions today. They
are "remembering" what America looks like. I reviewed some of the
pictures from there. They did not look like terrorists or haters of
America.

I am convicted in my heart of my leaving behind the world at the
bequest of well meaning church people. Many suggested I stay away from
people who "might lead me down paths of unrighteousness."

As I spoke to Denny and Mark yesterday, I realized they were my
"inheritance." They are all I get to take to heaven. Who is it you get
to take to heaven?

We thank you for your prayers and your love!

Blessings,
lee

Deeper Relationships meeting on Tuesday night at 6.

http://pcfministries.blogspot.com/
http://compelthem.blogspot.com/

Finally-By what every joint supplies...

2006-09-15T03:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Brothers & Sisters:

Thanks for all the really cool letters to the last letter. I appreciate
it. You are a great source of encouragement to me.

We thank you for your prayers and your love!

Blessings,
lee

http://pcfministries.blogspot.com/
http://compelthem.blogspot.com/

Finally-By what every joint supplies...

2006-09-11T16:51:00.000-07:00

Dear Brothers & Sisters:

The last few weeks have been interesting to save the least. You have
not heard from me a lot because I lost my email program of 9 years and
I am having to learn all over. (Ever been through that new learning
curve?) What I have learned is what used to save as a draft sends the
letter off into cyberspace, hence many people have received parts 1,2 &
3. I also learned that what I thought I knew well, I probably didn't.
In a summer of shifts that included finance, family and friends, I had
pretty much lost my confidence. What had always worked for me wasn't.

I overlooked many things in the last year and suffered for it. I
allowed fear and anxiety to come into my life about certain things and
only a few weeks ago had difficulty walking and moving. It was
affecting my breathing. I was operating in a 6-7 pain range daily.
Tests showed I was a 50 year old person living in a 60 year old body. A
visit to the doctors "confirmed" my fears, only to receive a test a
week later saying that what had been "diagnosed" was not there, but
"Hey! if you are still in pain we have some great meds." I picked up a
book on healing and began to read it again. I found that as I dealt
with the roots of some of my stuff, I was getting better. And so keep
me in prayer as I continue to move ahead.

Only a week or so ago, did it begin to change, thanks in part to some
helpful members of the emerging NEST team. And to them Tina and I are
eternally grateful. We are still catching up, but feel encouraged in
our spirits. We have a lot on our plates but feel like the Lord is
doing some good work. The NEST team is coming along well as we plan a
retreat to Lake George in November and our opening major meeting in
January.

Last night my real brothers and sister got together for the first time
in years at an Italian restaurant. It included nephews and nieces and a
grand nephew(Wow-hope that is right) and we just had a good old time.
My sister finally announced that she is over her "fear" of being asked
if she is a Johndrow. As older brothers we did not leave her much of a
legacy. It was interesting to say the least. Everyone had a great time.

One of the byproducts of the last few weeks is spending time with the
unsaved. Not a day goes by, where I do not get to share the words of
Jesus with someone. God has blessed me with these precious people.
Yesterday was no exception. Tina and I went motorcycling with a
pre-Christian couple. And they rode Harleys! After riding through the
mountains of New Hampshire while we were parked on the side of the road
talking, the woman asked me "what does the back of the your bike mean?"
It says "...by what every joint supplies. Eph 5:16" So, I was given the
window of opportunity I needed. It has a lot to do with why we are
starting a group called Deeper Relationships. We(The church) have
placed a lot of emphasis on evangelism, but in many respects have
failed to teach people how to hang out with people. And so that is what
we are doing.

All in all, I had an awesome weekend. Put over 500 miles on the bike in
2 days. Got to see some really great friends at a meeting on Saturday
and hang out with some people I hardly see anymore. So, it was really
good.

We have made a lot of changes.

We thank you for your prayers and your love!

Blessings,
lee

http://pcfministries.blogspot.com/

Life Is Short

2006-08-06T05:25:00.000-07:00

The last few days have reminded me of the wisp of time we embrace. And
how much time we have outside of this place.

Last week I drove my bike to be repaired. The tire was down to white
cords. It was the longest 20 miles I have driven. It is one thing to be
naive and ignorant about a problem that can cause you your life, but
another to be cognizant of an issue and feel like you only have that
way. Yes-I could have hired a tow truck, but this was not the year for
extraneous expenses. And so with hands on the bars (Not my usual
style.) I headed up the highway for the repair. The repair man told me
the tire was in very "sorry" shape and that the hot smell I had
detected about the bike was the tire rubber coming off. An hour later
and i was good to go. How precious is life!

I think God is trying to impress upon us the seriousness of this time.
Event the other night I had a dream about the fall of the stock market.
As I was in the dream I said "why did you keep putting money there?"
and the answer was that it was going to happen any way! God is making
every effort to preserve His people and simply wants them to come to
Him. Why? Because He is God is one good reason. But, I would rather be
dependent on the God who knows all than me who knows very little.
Another dream had certain people wandering around naked, absolutely
knowing of it. Is this a day of the risings of prophets like Isaiah?
Is this the next season we are entering in? How long will God allow
what we see? I think not long.

The other day I was invited to meet a man. I will not lie to you, I set
my sights low for this meeting. I know his family and they are wackier
than all get out. So, I set my time accordingly. 30 minutes-no more-no
less. An hour and half later we were still in conversation. Why?
Because as I looked into His eyes, I saw something I rarely see.
Actually, I can say I only saw it once before. I was looking into the
eyes of Jesus. I told a friend it was an unusual phenomenon. As he
spoke I was confronted with the fact that he was the most humble person
I think I have ever met. Even as he described his thoughts about a
church who has back burnered (He considered this double mindedness.)
their Christianity his voice never wavered. His eyes were pools of
love. I never felt accusation or anger. If it had not been for knowing
his family, I would have thought I encountered an angel. It made me
understand fresh changes that were to come my way. Why is this man one
of many coming to Springfield as of late? He has traveled the country
for Jesus. We shall see.

For two days I have spent time some friends as we desired to meet the
bridegroom king. This was a two day meet with the King. No phones, etc.
We ate dinner on Friday and began to worship. The music was awesome and
the presence of the Lord was good. I watched one of the candle flames
dancing on the wall. It began to take on a life of it's own. There were
many candles in this setting but only one danced as this flame did. I t
reminded me first of Africa and the flames of a fire and the dance
about it and then God brought me to the 24/7 worship of David and his
tabernacle. This single flame pulsed in it's dance. It almost seemed
reflective of the notes played by the keyboard. This is the life God
wants us to have, I thought. One that moves in response to Him. As
scarves and a bridal veil moved through the room, I saw God awaiting
His responsive bride.

Yesterday we gathered for breakfast and after worship. As we sang and
danced, I felt changes coming. When my friend shared the what is normal
in a Godly marriage it was revelatory. We saw the presence of the King
once again. I thought again of the flame dancing above the candle. How
soon Lord? How soon?

We came home yesterday and we talked a little but mostly we wanted to
go for a bike ride and talk. The air was beautiful and the skies blue.
We finally geared up and headed out the drive. As we got to the top of
the drive, the sun hit me at an angle and brilliance I did not
remember. I hesitated and realized I could not enter onto the road
because I had hit the edge of the road where the edge of the road falls
off. We began to fall. Tina was able to bail off but as 900 pounds(Plus
gas and people!) of bike rolled I was caught under it. My right leg had
my toes pushed into the ground and the bike fell pinning me from on top
of my Achille's tendon. I was trapped. because of the downhill spin I
had jammed my hands into the ground. Pain was in both my legs and my
hands and I had visions of a car coming over the horizon or the gas
starting on fire.( I have already been trapped in one blazing vehicle
in my life and suffer a life long drop in my right shoulder as I forced
my body through and opening police said i could not have got out of.
Contortionists have nothing on me when a vehicle is on fire!) Finally
as I was trying to find out if Tina was ok and she if I, she began to
move and ask me what to do. Somehow between angels and Tina she was
able to move the bike enough for me to be able to get my leg out from
underneath. Five minutes later we had the bike up and out and ready to
roll. Today I am feeling the effects of it all, but over all we had an
enjoyable ride.

But it has brought me to a place of the seriousness of our lives here
on earth and the call and the futures each one of us has. We were
fortunate. But had it not been so, what would we have said to the Lord?
Had a car or truck come and hit us would we be dancing on streets of
gold or bemoaning the fact that we left so much unfinished? As people
prayed yesterday for us and they mentioned the trauma we had
experienced and how the Lord wanted to bring restoration in our
marriage and our lives with Him, I had t go out and get sense of the
frailty of our lives.

Tina and I have been planning the next 25 years of our lives. We are
looking at the pieces and the people we need about us. As I draw it out
as i see it now I realize some things will change but many will not. We
have been in the fires of the Lord the last year or so. The Lord has
made a trust request of us. Tina recently had one of the most detailed
dreams I have ever heard. She has realized the awesomeness of what God
gave her. Recent days of planning and dialog have left both of us with
anxieties we had not felt before.

We know God brought us to a land that experienced revival in the past
and gave us people who want prayer and worship. (Even Tuesday night we
will gather as a friend of mine leads worship here in Springfield.) We
have hopefully learned from our mistakes but like getting back on the
bike we must fulfill not just the calls but the mandate of God in our
lives.

Life is too precious to squander away. A calling and a future to
precious to waste away just because others have chosen that path. Our
lives as Christians are called to be different.

Blessings,
Lee

Gathering for HIM

2006-07-30T09:17:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends:

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus!

This is an unusual time in our history. As we look across the nations
of the world, we see the injustices of religiosity and the methods that
are carried out by it. We feel the pain of war torn countries and their
people. Even now as we sit on the brink of World War III, the question
is "who will go?"

Without getting into detail in this letter (Though feel to write me for
the details!) , I have dragged my feet hard the last year. Not wanting
to be part of anything that does not give life or sustains people. I
have always told people God will meet you when you step forward, but He
has no reason to meet us with out placing that foot forward.

The last year brought me heartbreak with the death of one of my unsaved
friends. Yesterday, as I read a letter about the seriousness of a
brother's illness, I was quickened in my heart about the seriousness of
our calls, our destinies and our hearts.

Many of you are familiar with a dream I had many years ago, about
bringing teams to New England and pushing out darkness and establishing
the Kingdom. For many reason, only attributable to man, that dream died
a senseless death. It was aborted. But it is also clear in the
scriptures that unless a kernel of wheat fall to the ground and die, it
can not bring forth life and life abundant. Dreams need to die, that
they might become alive by the power of Him.

Here's the deal...If you are receiving this, it is a special invite. It
is for you and your spouse(where applicable.). It is not for your
friends. It is because you are my friend and you add value to my life
and your place in the Kingdom being established is important. You are
from NY, CT, MA, SC, WA, VT & NH. Some are presently leaders and some
in the workplace. The reality of it is you have been part of a
conversation with me over the years that lead me to this.

This is because I think you might have a desire to see His Kingdom come
here in New England and that the flames of revival would rise high and
move into all the nations. Because you do not want to play church, but
you want to be the church. Because while meetings are good, you want
the meeting in the street, the mall or your workplace, to dwarf what
happened in "church." You care about your inheritance, both in this
world(The pre-Christian) and in the next. You want relationships that
will last til we all get to see His face. You want to be with like
minded people.

So, I am planning a meeting(God-I hate that word.), a gathering of
brothers and sisters to come together to pray and to worship. To love
on one another and to be encouraged. Out of this will come a place of
training for the unsaved. A team to go about New England and to the
world. We will be having concentrated weekends throughout the year.
Places of food, fun and fellowship. Not another strategy-but a going
forth. Many of you are gifted with gifts that I can not fathom but they
are important to what is coming and getting ready to shake. Worship and
prayer, dance and devotion. We want it all.

For a lot of you, you may come from a place of previous revivals. When
you come to Vermont, there is only one documented revival here in
Vermont and it was here in Springfield. (If you care to read about it
visit, www.pocafministries.org)

Please write me back if you are interested. Please write me back if you
are not. But get in touch with me! Out off this group we will form
teams to travel to places needing and requiring prayer. And I have
organizational people invited. That should help you! Me-I throw a party
with purpose.

The dates will be.....8/18 Dinner 8/19 Meeting All Day
There are motels in the area. We will work out the food. But let me
know if this is for you!

We love you!

Sunday morning

2006-07-02T04:50:00.000-07:00

Dear Brothers & Sisters:

As I meditate upon the plays of God, I recognize "something is afoot."

Today, with family and friends we celebrate my birthday. Actually, my
birthday is at 11:52 PM on July 3rd, in which case my name was to
have been Samuel. But, because of the weekend, we are having friends
over today. Friends from around New England are traveling here in
some cases. I know a lot of Christians do not celebrate their actual
birthdays, but there is something about having entered the combat
zone, about God saying He knew you in the womb that makes it special.

When I was a child there was a birthday celebration that took place
in our home where my mom made a drum cake. Cherries and licorice
whips made this beautiful drum. As I occasionally see one of those
pictures I remember my friends. Later my parents whisked us away to a
pond where paddle boats and swimming was the agenda. Paddling around
a pond looking at frogs, snakes and turtles. What better enjoyment
for a young boy. Most of my birthdays were spent on the lakes of the
Adirondacks. year after year, camping trips or living at a family
home on Schroon Lake. My summers were spent on lakes, in mountains
and very rarely at home.

Today, friends Christian and pre-Christian will be here. Just
yesterday, I was cleaning up my desk area and I found a box that had
old notes, sermons and the like. I cried. It appeared in 1996-1998 I
knew more about today than I do now. So many of the things that are
happening I was speaking about. But, the worst part of yesterday
morning was seeing a card of a friend who died in the last year.
Without Jesus, without a savior. It opened a wound in my heart
afresh. To die without Him. It opened a very deep struggle in my
heart. Today I am reflecting on my birth and my life, while so many
are never to find peace again.

All over the church people are being shifted. Not pawns being moved
one space or two, but queens, bishops, castles and knights shifting
continentally. People sometimes wondering what God is up to. Finances
shifting. Families shifting. Deep-deep-deep feeling hearts.

We are in the middle of something. And in 1996 one of my notes said
we must concentrate on a few things. One of those is family and
friends. The other is on being the solution. We can no longer devote
days weeks and months to strategy, but we must turn to the
implementation of that which we already. I think one of the reasons
God has given so much encouragement over the years is we are going to
need it. And I believe the time is now.

Conversations lead me to believe that most of the body knows their
call and their marching orders. Far different that 5-10 yeas ago.
Now, the body is needed to move into place. I believe this is the
season of loss of self. And with the knowledge of gifting, we have
obligations. Just as there will not be a present unopened today in my
home, neither should there be in the body.

Just in the last days I have heard numerous(more than 5! people say
they prefer being with unbelievers (pre-Christians) rather than the
body. I can look at the problems: The church depends on one people
and not the Lord, we have too much wasted time on our hands, the body
doesn't understand love, etc. All those and many more may be true.
But, what is the solution? One does not hate their eyes or their feet
and cut it off. So, we can not accept it in the body of Christ. I
love the church. I relish times with my friends. I drove nearly 1.5
hours each way to visit a friend who recently had a stroke. I love my
friends. But I also, love my inheritance, the unbelieving
population. And I spend time there. Stop whining about looking for a
well. Be the well. Stop looking for the perfect church. Be the
church. Sow what you don't have. OK. That's my word of faith side. I
have been there.

Maybe it is time we examined our own hearts and agendas. Very few can
be busier than me at many times, but I have determined a new agenda.
Family and friends and the world. We must be the solution. We are all
sick of the dried of way we have done church in so many instances We
have had great worship. Great teaching But here is something to think
about. There is a form of religion called gnosticism. It is religion
by event or experience or feeling. It is based on intellectual
pursuit of the Lord and what we know. We need to examine our lives.
What constitutes our salvation. Unfortunately we have inoculated many
with enough Jesus by a show of religion to cause them to be resistant
to the real deal.

We need to stop directing friends and family to experience and the
church, meaning no more going to church. Rather that we recognize and
accept the scriptures that WE IS THE CHURCH.

Let the chase begin...

Enjoy this day as much as I will.

Blessings,
lee

--
Lee & Tina Johndrow
Pillars Of Clouds & Fire Ministries
88 WCFR Drive
Springfield, VT 05156
802-885-2885

http://www.pocafministries.org

Building relationships to build our community for the glory of God.
Partnering with people for the glory of God!

http://www.compelthem.blogspot.com

Prayer

2006-06-24T06:59:00.000-07:00

To my friends of prayer:

No one is more appreciative of the prayers you have lifted up on our behalf than I am.

The last week or so has been really rough with many changes. I had been entertaining the return to ministry on some level. We had begun to sow anew and afresh financially. And then all types of things began to happen. One of my dear friends suggested we were going through the purifying fires of God. I don't know about the rest of you but I feel that has been the last 15 years of my life. This is a very painful letter and very open about some not so good things.

And so two things have emerged. I feel like I have given my all to God. And I watch others who disregard the love of God, give no mercy, get angry at people and even swear(That is a biggie to me.) at people calling themselves Christians. Oh, I know those things are under the blood, but it gets under my skin revealing a deeper problem in my life...jealousy. In the last few weeks I have prayed for situations in others a, watching them get better with miracle responses(Not just from my prayers, I assure you.) as mine get worse on so many levels.

Just yesterday, after the whole well thing, nonpaying friend, septic, etc. I drove home and when i went to leave the car would not move. Investigation revealed a broken coil spring laying on the tire. Further investigation revealed this would be a pretty hefty repair, not in the budget. And the Lord shared some response with me as to it's meaning, but that is all in thought and prayer right now.

I need 3 things today(Hopefully there will not be more!).

I am battling jealousy. I know that my thoughts are along the lines of the elder brother. I would never say it or act it, but it is real to me. I was always the prodigal in so many things, just wanting to be in Daddy's house. Just hearing it last night after reading these scriptures all week nailed it. It is a place I hate that it is there in my heart. It is a place that is about self and not about god.

Discernment-I need to make many decisions in the next few days, some that many will not approve of. Others for my health and my emotional state. I can give people words that change their lives(That was one of the good things this week-letters and calls telling me how my words had come to pass.) but I can not seem to see for myself. Guess that is what the body is about.

Finances-I hate this, as well. Last year I lost everything. It seems like the ball is rolling again. With the car, it is not a good thing. The things i want to do are not happening.

I used to think I was called to the ministry. (I know it-it just seems unattainable these days.) For 6 months I have done little or nothing with few ill effects. As the Lord changed situations and people I thought maybe there is one more time in the body. And all hell broke loose. The last 6 months have beat my body pretty badly. My fingers do not respond well, I have sleepless, painful nights often, my knees are damaged badly. I thought physical would take care of things. I am not one to go around and complain about pain, but I am even considering taking pain meds to stop the pain and that is not my style.

Ont the other hand I have so many areas of joy, I feel like a jerk asking for prayer.

Last night we were asked to ask the Lord what He liked about us. I felt Him say my creativity and my love for worship. Neither is jelling these days. And we were then asked to ask Him what gifts we were not using that he had given us. I heard writing. Not doing that either.

This letter goes to a small group of friends who have said they would pray. If you have any words, good or bad, I am open.

Blessings,
lee

--

Lee & Tina Johndrow
Pillars Of Clouds & Fire Ministries
88 WCFR Drive
Springfield, VT 05156
802-885-2885

http://www.pocafministries.org

Building relationships to build our community for the glory of God.
Partnering with people for the glory of God!

For our new blogs visit our site at www.compelthem.blogspot.com

Catching up...

2006-06-24T06:24:00.000-07:00

Dear Brothers & Sisters:

Many have inquired as to "where has Lee has gone?" So this letter
will probably be long. There is some prophetic, some news and some
prayer requests.

A few weeks ago a decision to leave the situation I was in began to
percolate. Seems like you can not have 2 visions in the same place.
In January I began to bite the bullet and I was content to work away
the rest of my life and just forget abut all the things related to
the ministry and such. I never turned my heart on the Lord, just felt
all the "prophetic words" were for someone else, so to speak. Through
a series of events that working relationship ended. It still owes me
a great deal of money, and cost me physically, emotionally and at
this point financially, but it is over. Hopefully the other person is
going to do the responsible thing with me. And I am in the midst of
trying to figure God's next step. Seems like God has different plans
than what I think.

I feel as I have stepped out of a black hole. Not one of depression
but of being uninvolved. It has been one year since I closed the
church doors on Main Street. As I review the reasons for closing, I
see that I operated and responded out of pain and fear that I did not
recognize last year. But as I always say , "it is what it is." As I
spent my first hour on Main Street in over a year, I realized how
much of a cocoon it had been.

One of the dilemmas is I love being in business, letting creativity
flow and the like.

Over the last few weeks my son Matt returned from Europe and is
living here while he straightens some things out and goes on to the
next step. Cass is still living with us as she determines fall plans
for college having finished up some classes at CCV. I was able to get
Tyler a job working with some friends and I believe he is doing well
there. Alyssa is working on taking care of her two children and
getting things worked out with school and work. Amy is still in CT
and has a great job working in human relations.

Tina returned from Idaho after spending a week out there with her
dad, flying out there with her sister. They went to Yellowstone ,
Montana and Wyoming. Father's Day -I heard from all of my children in
one form or fashion. Amy and I rode to Lake George on the motorcycle,
had a lakeside lunch and got some sunburn. What a great day! 250 mile
to join some new friends for dinner as his children did not make it
up for the holiday.

The last few weeks have been flooded with dreams and visions. Many
are coming to pass with in days, even hours. Yesterday I spent time
with a young couple who have gone through the mill. They are trying
to figure out spirituality in their life on many levels,
investigating Buddhist and Muslim teachings as well as trying to see
the fit of Jesus. The irony was they had called me, after I had a
dream about them. They are a very successful couple on financial
levels, taking on a a major project. They talk to spirits within the
home. As they walked me through their place and their lives, I am not
sure how this all plays out, but God continues to put people "on the
path" in my path.

I have wondered how I would deal with these friends I find. (Like
where do I send them?)But the last few weeks has brought some
interesting things to pass. I received a call one day from a man who
said the Lord had been telling him to call me for 6 months or so. My
name kept "popping" up. Finally he called and we began to get
together. Times of prayer and hanging out. he and his wife are the
gift of pastor and hospitality. Wow! In Springfield, no less. So, we
have begun to pray. I want to just have a place to send the broken,
in need of repair and discipling. (And to clarify-I have no pastoral
gifting. I just love people. But the day to day efforts of dealing
with that is more than I handle well. I am content to walk the
streets and talk to people and help them choose a path. ) So, we will
see how this plays out.

Some interesting things...
Last week while Tina was away. I came home to find that the water was
not working. I called a company I had used in the past. They showed
up, spent 15 minutes and handed me a bill for $96 saying the well was
going to need a new pump. Cost-$2000. After the last year this was a
stretch. I asked people for prayer and spent the weekend in the
showers of friends. On Monday the company called to tell me they were
ordering the pump, so that I could prepare to pay for it. I agreed to
it, but even as i agreed to it, I felt like God had another answer.
One of the weird things over the years has been the number of words
we have received regarding digging new wells and uncovering the old.
Well-now it was staring me in the face. No water-no life. God,
couldn't I just hand the keys to Springfield back? I had a very
stressful weekend. You forget how many times you use water in a day..
So, I prayed and prayed. And the Lord gave me the word Vita, Latin
for life. Great...I en the phone book and there are the Latin words
under plumber. I call the number. "Sure Lee-I can be there in 15
minutes." He arrived there and asked me for the area where the switch
was . A few minutes later the lies of the first plumber are uncovered
and the switch is found, hit by lighting and exploded out of it's
case. 1/2 hour later the water is running. I deal with the lies of
the first company and am happy there is water. I sense the Lord
telling me that it is His people with the waters of life coming out
of them that bring change in the world. Without water people die, And
I feel the hand of the Lord pressing down.

Last week I went to lunch with a friend. I rode my bike. After lunch
I go out to find my cycle close to the ground as it's 900 plus pounds
pushed the kickstand through the pavement. Again I sense the Lord
showing me something. Weight plus heat providing breakthrough. If we
allowed the proximity of the Lord to bring His weightiness to a
situation, we would see the heating up of His all consuming fire
providing for breakthrough.

A few weeks ago I began to feel a sense of something major happening
in New England and it brought me to my knees beside my bed. It was a
devastating circumstance that released champions and many who had
succeeded in the comforts of their work and ministries fell by the
wayside. In this dream I began to see buildings toppling an lives
lost. I have prayed for weeks about this. The people side of me
wants to believe it is "spiritual" in nature and not something real
and yet I can not shake the feelings surrounding this. As I have
prayed if it is only spiritual the church in many respects is about
to be turned upside down in our understanding. If it is natural,
preparations of heart must come. We must do things differently. As
Dr. Phil would say, "you have done these things for a while, how's it
working?"

While the world changes we must not just be relevant, but revelatory.
It is revelation and not knowledge that pries people out of
circumstances that pull them down. I run into person after person who
just needs a shoulder to cry on.

I lost my dad and mom a few years ago. I never cried. Now a dear
friend of mine suffered a stroke. (right after he heard he was
returning to his church.) I cried. I feel the weight of the Lord and
His allowing of the fires of affliction to change us. It is
brokenness that attracts the Lord. Pride needs nor knows the Lord.
Broken people attract His mercy and His grace. Over the years I have
known two men until my friend's stroke that had similar situations
and during their health trial, the Lord changed their ministry. There
is something to learn from brokenness. I would rather learn it by
observation and humbling myself than trial by fire(Or loss of water.)

As we come into this summer season, I sense some extraordinary things
to happen. And I think they will occur outside the realm of the
church. Let's watch together.

Blessings,
lee

Worship

2006-05-28T07:08:00.000-07:00

Dear Brothers & Sisters:

Many said they did not receive the "Paper Trail" so I sent it again.
My computer was going through some type of blitz on email.

As I reflected on the email and looked for the hand for the hand of
the Lord I sought the conclusion of things. I ended a relationship, a
partnership that had beaten the tar out of me and left me dying on
the vine. In two weeks I am back to working on my own. This will
provide me with the time for the things I counted important. See, my
life was that single page of paper with no room to move. And when
the Lord revealed there was more, I shuddered. I had chosen to never
do anything but what I was doing for the rest of my life.

And a few weeks ago a man with worship on his heart and 24 hours of
prayer called me and asked me to join him. I began to think maybe
there is another path.

Last night we gathered for worship. A young worship team from NY, NJ
and PA. I was able to release worship through drumming as the sound
of the violin and the keyboard and guitars swept through this home.
The talk of a "tabernacle" of worship here in Springfield is once
again gripping my heart. Of intercession and impartation. And the
good news is all I have to do is show up. Worship went well over 2
hours as the 9 of us sang and prayed and sought Him.

So many things are changing so fast. I am not sure of the results
but i am sure of the Lord.

Those who knew me closest knew I had given up on many things but
continued to push Him to a place of meeting with me. For the first
time in months and months and months I feel as if there is a spark
back.

Thank you for your prayers!

Blessings,
Lee

The paper trail

2006-05-28T06:29:00.000-07:00

Dear Brothers & Sisters:

To those of you who have prayed and offered words of encouragement-thank you.

Many have asked about the rain and the flooding this region has
endured. They have seen the pictures of people fishing on main
streets in large cities and bridges that have broken and twisted
away. 3 friends called this week to ask me "wasn't I glad i lived on
a mountain peak." I joked I was waiting for the ark. Last week as the
rivers crested near our warehouse, the waters rose 18 inches,
entering one of our containers and coming to within 75 feet of our
building. We are in what they call a 100 year flood zone, meaning
that every 100 years we stand to be under water. We were close this
time. As debris floated up near the buildings it was awesome the
power of the waters. At this juncture we are ok and our town is ok.

For weeks I have been in the business of questioning everything and
anything. I am in the middle of a voracious Bible reading curve. I
want answers. Why? I think because I feel like I "missed" it. Missed
everything. Those that have been close to me have seen the
devastation and tribulation that has been gone through. Recently I
implored with the Lord to give me answers about what was going on. 2
dreams indicated my closest friends turning against me and my life
being upturned. Last week I faced an accusation/persecution of the
highest degree. Only the Lord's intervention after 8 hours of
conversation showed the truth. And my side stood true. (Hard to
remember that when you are in the middle of a "war", truth must come
forth with grace.) But it cost me more strength. More energy. A
friend reminded me of something, that when we call down heaven there
is no room for the second heaven and into our lives they venture.
People thought I had once again stepped into witchcraft and the
occult. (NOT!) Some saw battles in this area happening over me. Each
day I meet with addicts and alcoholics and those caught in the
occult. A recent addict is a Jewish man who left the country,
joining the Israeli army where he spent two years. Returning to the
US he started and lost a business and a wife, ending up on skid row
and ultimately prison on a drug charge. And now I meet with him many
times a week. He desires a personal encounter with this Jesus, but is
approaching it very s-l-o-w-l-y. Why is it that our reaching out on
this level so often faces the disapproval of those who follow Him?
(That probably is a rhetorical question.)

My wife has watched the physical and emotional energy levels drain
with every passing day. After those two dreams I told her I felt it
was time to say my good-byes and check my life insurance. And she has
watched everything I held dear on fire.

And with every passing day I have found others with similar things
happening. Where is the Lord God of Elijah has been my cry. A
prophetic word was given to me that a badge would be on my chest an
that i would see the miracles I had cried out for. But nothing has
happened as I press on. Another shared that the lord was trying to
"impress" something in me. Something of good.

This is the week of major decisions. And so yesterday I was outside
with a sheaf of that older style tractor feed computer paper. Working
away on business. Meditating on the things that have happened and the
word of God. And as I wrote a large gust of wind caught the paper
sending it out like a kite. Pages just flying out until it was across
the driveway. I sensed the Lord saying this is what I have before you
and so many others. the blank pages to be filled. That there is much
to be written.

Years ago we said the best is yet to come. Here's to believing it.

Blessings,
Lee

Compel them (Or are you frustrated?)

9-26-10 Moving back

Catching up

Catching up

Where are Lee & Tina?

Touching base

Easter

Over the last few months

Jumping in...to a time of rejoicing

The Downside of Short Term Thinking

Don't Forget the LORD Moses said to Israel:

2009

Happy New Years

Merry Christmas

The end to rock and roll

Legacy

No more shock and awe

1 Corinthians 10:13

What does the word say?

Integrity under fire...

"Please don't let me be misunderstood"

Birthday thoughts

Catching up

Fire

A birthday

How will they hear?

F8

Reading Between The Lines

A prayer for Vermont

The hand of the Lord

Learning about rest

A request for prayer

The Door Is Open!

Open the door!

Coming out of the cave update

Are you a Missionary or a Mission Field

Prayer and Repentance

The "unchurchables"

A gathering

A gathering

Coincidence?

What? Me listen!!!

Understand your WHY

The World Out There

And still another answer to prayer

070707

Big Surprise/Party Tomorrow

Interruptions

Conviction of sin

Lonely

An afternoon on the river(Long)

This is it! (LONG)

An interesting couple of weeks

The Calvary is Coming...or Not

2007-The Changing Of the Guards

Merry Christmas Thoughts

Being Forged in Fire

Behind Door #3

Happy Thanksgiving

Keeping The Oppressor At Bay

A today person in a manana world

Back In The Battle

What a weekend!

Beer drinking, cussing and promiscuity

And once again...

Finally-By what every joint supplies...

Finally-By what every joint supplies...

Life Is Short

Gathering for HIM

Sunday morning

Prayer

Catching up...

Worship

The paper trail

Don't Forget the LORD
Moses said to Israel:

Understand your WHY