Forum posts to 'Alumni'

A Message from Ardy

Admin h — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 08:59:58 -0400

Thank you so much for your continued PRAYERS for me personally and the ministries of Encounter. It means so much to know that you are remembering us before the throne of grace in prayer.
It has been such an EXCITING time of ministry this fall. The team is doing great and the ministries in the churches have been so blessed of God. We have seen God working in so many ways to change lives and bring believers back to obedience to Him. Also, in every situation, the attendance has been so encouraging and wonderful. We are not into counting people, but to see so many people attending each night when all families are pressed with a busy schedule is just a great encouragement.
As for the offerings, Wow! As you know, we are heavily involved in India, Africa, Myanmar and Jamaica, which requires large financial investments each month. It is such a joy to see God provide what is needed so we can continue to share with his wonderful servants in other countries.
Many times alumni ask which books the team is reading this year. Well, one of the books they are reading is having a significant impact on everyone. The title of the book is Fields of the Fatherless by C. Thomas Davis. In the introduction to the book, he says, "Christianity is really about giving yourself to others, being Christ to a hurting world and living for the one that comes next." Then he says, "think of this little book as a treasure map that unlocks a marvelous treasure chest of truth about what matters most to God and should matter most to us."
Ok, that's all you get. Purchase this helpful, challenging, enlightening and life-changing book. It is not hard reading, and once you start you will not be able to put it down. Happy reading.
Thanks again for your PRAYERS and FINANCIAL INVESTMENTS in the ministries of Encounter. If you are a coffee drinker, go to http://www.becahouse.com/. When you purchase the Banjara Blend coffee, the proceeds will go to India thanks to Steve Jackson in Maypearl, Texas.
Love to hear from you anytime. Drop me a line on my e-mail. You may not believe this, but I am regularly on e-mail, and I can even send text messages on my phone. Thanks to our staff, I am keeping up somewhat on technology. Oh, yes, they have even taught me to Twitter. Not too good at that yet, but keep watching.
Have a great day...
Your friend:
Ardy
P.S. Take time to read PROVERS 3 today and then read a chapter each day...

Posted to: A Message from Ardy

Bryan "Stick" DeWire

Admin h — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 11:53:34 -0400

Click on the following link to hear ERM Alumni Bryan "Stick" DeWire read the scripture text for a sermon at the church he and his family attend in Minnesota:
http://www.hopeingod.org/player?url=sermons/20101017_KStokes.mp3&nid=43046

Posted to: Bryan "Stick" DeWire

A Message from Ardy

Admin h — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 11:50:45 -0400

Thanks so much for your encouraging notes and e-mails. It is always good to hear from you and to know what is happening in your life.
As we travel, it is our great joy to see many of the ERM alumni and to share briefly with them. On each occasion, they have reminded me that it would be good to have a ministry update from time to time just to know what is happening in and through ERM.
Well, we are excited about the 19th year of ERM. Wow! It does not seem like that long. God has so greatly blessed over these years that it would take pages to share all of the joys; but I am thrilled to share the leading of the Lord and His provisions.
We are now ministering in Ohio. The team is doing wonderfully as they study, practice, and share in so many ways with multitudes of folks in the meetings. You can check our schedule on the website for all of the meetings this fall. We have been greatly encouraged by the attendance and responses at all of the meetings. The offerings have been greatly touched by God to provide the funds needed for the ongoing of ERM here in the states and around the world.
Speaking of around the world, BTM ministries in India is now caring for 2,000 children on three campuses. It is our great joy to encourage many to share in giving the funds needed for the care of the children. Speaking of children, let me encourage you to read the book entitled Fields of the Fatherless, by C.Thomas Davis. This is a powerful book to help us realize the needs of others.
In Zambia, the African Encounter team continues to minister in many avenues. Just today I received an email and pictures of the team ministering at a prison, and they even had the joy of having the inmates come and work on our farm. The ministry includes a Bible Institute, public school and local church ministries, multiple teen ministries and a special ministry to young girls.
Moving on to Myanmar, it was our great joy this summer to assist our pastor and his people in the drilling of a well. The weather was very hot, and they were out of water, and God provided the funds so they now have a well where they can pump clean, fresh water any time. It is our joy to be involved in assisting with orphan ministry, local churches, and even some farm projects to help with food and funds.
Last spring it was our joy to minister in Jamaica, where we have been supporting a national pastor for many years. This ministry is growing and reaching people with the truths of God’s Word.
All is well at the camp. We had a great summer with wonderful attendance and many responding to the work of God in their heart. The camp staff is busy now preparing for next summer, repairing facilities and helping to sustain the team as we travel.
Thanks so much for your prayers and interest in Encounter. We think of you so often and thank God for the joy of your friendship. Once again, please check the website for more information. Write when you have time and let me know how things are going. The best way to contact me is through email.
Pray for God’s richest blessings on you:
Ardy/Jean
Jude 24-25

Posted to: A Message from Ardy

Desire is Not Enough

Admin h — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:35:39 -0400

Proverbs 13:4 – The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
Many times you’ll hear people say that if you really want something, you can have it. However, this verse teaches us that desire is not enough. A definition for the word sluggard is “a lazy person,” so this verse may well be paraphrased, “The lazy person desires, but he still doesn’t have anything.” Just wanting it doesn’t get the job done. The verse goes on to tell us that the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. Now, when we see the word “fat,” we automatically think of things that we don’t want for our lives; however, this verse speaks of a diligent person being overrun with blessings (a fat soul). Sounds like a good thing, right? In other words, the diligent person not only desires something, but does what is necessary to acquire it. God rewards this diligence with an abundance of blessings.
Today we are looking at a generation of teenagers who desire many of the things of this life – cars, motorcycles, money, fancy houses, nice jobs, popularity – but they don’t really want to work for it. So remember, the lazy person desires something, but he never gets it – he has nothing. Do you want to be fat? In the soul, that is! Diligence is the key. Desire good things, be willing to work for what you want, and watch as God honors your hard work with an abundance of blessings. Matthew Henry notes in his commentary of Proverbs that “this is especially true in spiritual affairs. Those that rest in idle wishes know not what the advantages of religion are; whereas those that take pains in the service of God find both the pleasure and profit of it.” Be diligent in the service of God!
Article contributed by Ardy Parlin

Posted to: Desire is Not Enough

ERM Facebook Group

Brad Hoezee — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:28:13 -0400

Encounter Revival Ministries would like to announce the launching of our official Facebook group. Although alumni member Darren Wagner started this group, the staff of Encounter Revival Ministries will now administrate the group (many thanks to Darren for all of his work on getting the group to where it was). You can expect current announcements, pictures, videos, recent sermon Podcasts, scheduling information and more.
The staff of Encounter encourages you to inform your Facebook friends that Encounter is up and running on Facebook. This is not simply limited to alumni, but would include anyone who wants to hear regularly from Encounter.
Thanks for your participation in this endeavor as we proclaim the truths of God’s Word for revival and spiritual awakening.
Group Link: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2226248545

Posted to: ERM Facebook Group

Honest Work is Blessed of God

Brad Hoezee — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:30:58 -0500

"Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase." --Proverbs 13:11
God promises that wealth received dishonestly or unfairly will certainly be reduced. It has become accepted practice for people in our society to cheat, steal, lie and bribe in order to get what they want. Although immediate gain may be realized, that gain will be lost in the long run.
The Bible puts a high premium on work. Man is expected to work to attain his desires. Gambling, get-rich-quick schemes, manipulating people and all sorts of other tactics are used by people in order to avoid hard work. Remember what God’s Word teaches – a person not willing to work is not worthy to eat.
Don’t get caught up in the “do-nothing” craze. Being a worker does not insure immediate riches, but as you are faithful and diligent in your work, in God’s time you will see His blessings on your life.

Posted to: Honest Work is Blessed of God

Zachary Philip Drake

Brad Hoezee — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 11:01:53 -0500

Congratulations to staff members Philip and Elisabeth Drake on the birth of their son, Zachary Philip Drake. Zachary was born at 10:36 am on January 5, 2009. He weighed in at 9 lbs. 7 oz, and he was 20 in. long. Mother and baby are both doing well and resting now.

Posted to: Zachary Philip Drake

Re: God is good!

Philip Drake — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 06:05:44 -0500

Hey, Drew. Good thoughts. I just recently went to a Michael Card concert in Lancaster, PA and was thoroughly blessed by the evening. Through the concert, Michael was encouraging the audience to read through the Bible from beginning to end. I have never done that before. Sure, I've tried but always got discouraged when I "fell behind" my daily reading schedule. Then I would always get to the point that I felt like I could never catch up. So I have started doing that - no reading schedule - just picking it up when I can and plugging away. You spoke of the goodness of God. The goodness of God oozes from every page. I would encourage you to read the Scriptures from beginning to end. It is opening my eyes!

Posted to: God is good!

Missing Encounter

Erik Hendershot — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 15:46:32 -0500

Anybody else really miss encounter a lot? As of late I find myself missing the ministry and being involved in it more and more. It's been 3 going on 4 years since I have traveled, but I still feel like it was yesterday. I'd almost like to come back, that is if Ardy would have me.... =) Anyway I was just curious if anyone else felt the same way.

Posted to: Missing Encounter

God is good!

Andrew Laparra — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:47:36 -0500

Hey, I just wanted to hopefully help start a little conversation on here, but I am definitely thanking Christ for His love for me! He is so good! Especially when you're able to sit down and allow Him to talk to you through His soft, still voice. I sure is different from when you're on the team and you're given a specific time to spend with God to doing everything on your own. But the Lord is teaching me one of the real reasons that I need to spend time with Him. It is to put His armor that He gives us to make it through each day!

Posted to: God is good!