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- Written by: Don Goulding
And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by how you use worldly wealth, so that when it runs out you will be welcomed into the 
eternal homes. (Luke 16:9) NET
Stone chimneys rose three stories above a turret, verandas, and ample rooms appointed with marble fireplaces, handcrafted hardwood, and exquisite collectables, all surrounded by thirty-two acres of private forest. Construction of the mansion was the life dream of Dani’s mother. After it was finished, we moved in with her, shared her dream, and provided hospice care until she passed away. Dani and her sister inherited the grand house.
Another person also died. It was the King of the universe, Jesus. He died so we could live in his mansion. Before he left, he said we should prepare for our time with him. We should use worldly wealth for eternal purposes.
We sold the family estate and used the money to travel the mission field. We traded the the turret for baptism of thirty-four African women and children. The marble fireplaces fetched enough to bring the gospel to villages of untouchables in India. That thirty-two acres of serene forest bought time in the Fiji Islands redeeming abused women. We exchanged the house and land for ministry opportunities.
The money is gone now, but not the investment. Dividends continue to flow into our Kingdom accounts from the lives that were touched.
The decision to sell and reinvest into eternity was simple. What else could we do in response to so great a love? Jesus died for us. He ended his physical life so we could unite with him in spirit. To hang on to soil, wood, and stone would trivialize his death. We had to spend earthly wealth to reciprocate a token of the love that was poured out on us.
Prayer: Faithful God, thank you for protecting my investment.
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- Written by: Don Goulding
Dear Supporters:
You are amazing. During our time of repentance and rest you are encouraging us beyond expectations. So many of you have gone out of your way to tell us of your unwavering support and prayers. We are humbled and filled with gratitude. Many have continued financial support while we are in the US. Wow! We are blown away by your grace and generosity. Thank you a thousand times over.
As we go through a season of examination and restoration, you could have been judgmental, but that is not the case. You dear souls have expressed your willingness to walk this difficult trail with us, rather than separate. Thank you! Thank you supporters, and thank you Sequim Bible Church for receiving our brokenness rather than shunning us. You are models of the grace and compassion of Christ.
God has been especially gracious. Our needs are met, his sweet Spirit draws close, and growth is coming. This has been a vital Bible passage in the last months:
In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength... (Isa 30:15)
We don’t know what God has in store for our future, but we are content to wait on him. Our trust and confidence are in him.
Love and thanksgiving to you for standing by our side.
We love you much.
Don & Dani
- Details
- Written by: Don Goulding
And if I have prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith so that I can remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:2 NET_FL)
I ran from place to place and wired explosives. Others interrupted, but I couldn’t let on what I was really doing. I gave platitudes to keep them content. Breaking from the crowd, I sprinted to the detonation site. Then I woke from my dream, shaken and breathing hard.
“Lord, what does it mean?” I asked.
In the quiet of my prayer closet, the Holy Spirit gave his interpretation.
“Don, you are conspiring to bring explosive change to the people you shepherd. You run around wiring for a new start for your church instead of truly loving the souls that will be blown up in the process.
“Slow down and care for people, not your programs or your bigger, brighter future. Because if you build the greatest ministry in the world, lead thousands to Christ, and witness your land swept into repentance, but you don’t engage people with my love, then you are nothing.”
“Lord,” came my reply, “will I ever get out of spiritual kindergarten? Yes, with your help I will love others and leave results up to you. I’ll spend quality time with whoever will let me. I’ll learn to know them, enjoy good things with them, and find out where they hurt. I will offer your peace for their lives.
“Like you, Jesus, I will see the individual and not the crowd.”
Prayer: Patient Savior, help me to love.