Arnold Classic...

The first weekend of March always signifies the beginning of the bodybuilding and fitness season, and it also is where we at Stronghold Ministries begin the year ministering - the Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic. This is one of 2 shows during the year where literally everyone in the industry is there. This makes for a very busy but very fruitful weekend of encouraging, strengthening, and sharing the love of Jesus Christ. Our team of me, Fred Krause, and Andy & Deby Steiner spent 4 days in Columbus, OH simply following the lead of the Holy Spirit to touch lives. And as always, God moved in powerful ways. There was even a conversation I had about Jesus with one person backstage where I had been waiting a number of years to talk with him, but God never gave me the green light. But finally, the last night we were in Columbus, God opened that door and really touched this man's heart! Praise God! Thank you so much for continuing to pray for and support us in the work of the Kingdom!

Berne, IN for Thanksgiving...

Tomorrow we load up the family and head to Berne, IN for an early Thanksgiving trip. It will be very nice to not have to jump on a plane and fly all day to get to Berne. We can actually drive from Nashville!! Being in Berne is such a blessing on so many levels, and we pray that God moves in us and through us as we're there.

Make sure to thank our Mighty God for all of His blessings in our lives - not just on Thanksgiving, but every day!!

Olympia weekend once again...

Please pray for the Stronghold team as we minister at the Olympia bodybuilding and fitness weekend! We leave for Vegas tomorrow and will be gone through Sunday. Please pray for the Spirit to move in power and that people's lives will be changed by Jesus Christ. Also pray for favor with whomever we speak. Thanks for all yours prayers and support!!

Indiana and Florida trips...

I and the family had the privilege of traveling to Berne, IN to host Randy LaHaye (grandson of author Tim LaHaye), a film producer from Los Angeles. Randy came to Berne to speak at the annual Swiss Days Unity Service, where he shared about his latest movie project, "The Resurrection." As its title reveals, it is a powerful film about one of the greatest events of our Christian faith - the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Please go to the website - trpmovie.com - and ask the Lord how you can prayerfully and financially get behind a film that can bring the message of Jesus Christ to many around the world!

I also just returned from ministering at the Jacksonville Pro bodybuilding and fitness contest in Florida. I drove to the event, and the journey down there was kind of crazy to say the least. Between 2 overturned semis, to a flat tire, to my GPS routing me for 3 hours down country highways, I just had to accept that God was allowing all these things for His purposes. Once I finally got to Jacksonville, the divine appointments were powerful and I was able to both challenge and encourage quite a few people involved in the sport. It was definitely a powerful weekend!

Thank you again for your faithful and continued prayers. Many important decisions lay ahead, and we need wisdom to navigate God's will correctly. Love you all!

Great family vacation!

The last part of June into the July 4th weekend, Holly, Silas, and I went on our yearly family vacation! It was especially exciting because Holly's brother was married. Holly sang at the ceremony, Silas was the ring-bearer, and I officiated the marriage ceremony. Then a couple days later, we left with my family to go to the lakes for 5 days. It is so relaxing to have hardly any cell phone signal and no TV; just family to spend time with.

What is also exciting is that God is really moving mightily in our hometown of Berne, IN! So many people are really being stirred by the Holy Spirit to grow in their faith and testimony for Jesus Christ. They want to see the town changed!! Please pray that God's will is powerfully done in this town! Thanks!

Flying to Canton, OH...

I am leaving in a few minutes to go to Canton, OH to perform a wedding for a couple from the bodybuilding industry. This couple has been a real joy to get to know, and I am excited about what God has for their future together.

Things have been very busy, so please continue to pray for strength to do all that God has asked of us - but nothing more. We need wisdom to prioritize in the way that God desires. Holly just relayed again to me last night that we are so privileged to be able to serve the Lord in this city! Your support and prayers make this all possible! Thanks!!

California trip...

Earlier in May, I took a ministry trip to Los Angeles. One of the main reasons for the trip was to continue to assist in the UNITY work among the churches in Hollywood - a work I've been heavily involved with over the past several years. The trip was nothing short of amazing, as God continues to further the unified work of the Kingdom there, and also grow hearts together as one through the power of the Holy Spirit. Please pray for wisdom for the leadership involved in this unity process, that we will truly hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches of Hollywood (Revelation 3:6).

It was also exciting to see a couple give their lives to Jesus that weekend! It never gets old seeing people give their lives completely over to the One who died to set them free from the sin that bound them! Praise God!