Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ!
My heart is full of praise to our God for an amazing month of ministry. We are truly blessed to have been called to serve Jesus Christ vocationally. I’ll try to give you a glimpse of what the Lord did this past month. We completed 6 MAD Live Events in 4 states, equipping 358 people to begin sharing their faith as a lifestyle. I also had the opportunity to preach one Sunday morning and share a gospel presentation for a Teen Outreach event in North Central Pennsylvania on Super Bowl Sunday. Besides equipping of the saints to do the work of ministry, we saw the Holy Spirit move in hearts and rescue 67 more souls for eternity! Praise God! Praise God! Praise God!
Here’s an incredible testimony to bless your heart: “I am the woman who told you that I am a court-appointed criminal defense attorney. I wanted to ask that you would keep me in your prayers. I have to admit that for the past few months I have not enjoyed my job as a criminal defense attorney, but I am realizing that I am where I am for a reason, just like you say. Today I visited a client in jail who is very down and depressed. He is on the brink of losing his children in a nasty custody battle, all while being unemployed, having no license, and sitting in jail for a probation violation that could send him to jail for a while. He expressed all these concerns to me and looked as if he was going to cry. Something told me to open my mouth for the Lord, and I did. I asked him if I could mail him one of the gospels of John and I explained to him what it was. He perked up and told me that he would love it if I would send him one. I just finished writing him a letter and enclosed the booklet. I am going to say a prayer over it before I even put it in the mail. Not only would I like for you to pray for me, but also pray for this young guy, his name is Heath. I also wanted to thank you for waking me up with your presentation and making me realize that it is my absolute duty as a follower of Christ to open my mouth and share with others. Your presentation was simple and eye-opening. It impacted a lot of people at our church as well. I hope you can continue to speak to people like our church group who have benefited so much from Jesus' sacrifice but have forgotten somehow that we need to share it daily.”
A testimony from a MAD Grad in Canada: “I have been handing out the Gospels of John for a year now, and have shared my stories of people I have been able to impact with the pastors from my church. God has led and equipped me to do this ministry, which has had a lot of positive results…several people have renewed their faith and some have accepted Jesus! Praise the Lord! Cool, eh!!!! (Canadian)”
We have open dates in April and beyond that we would like to fill. If it has been a long time since we ministered in your church, why not consider bringing us back? We can do the latest version of the MAD Live Event or I can teach the Walk thru the Bible Old Testament seminar. Short videos on each of these seminars are on our website. Check them out and get back to me if you have interest.
An update on our ULTIMATE ADVENTURE TRIP TO UTAH – we now have 12 people going with us on the trip of a lifetime. So far we have people coming from Florida, Colorado, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. We still have room, so if you have interest in coming, please let me know ASAP. No experience is necessary and you don’t have to be in any special physical condition to participate. Details are on our website and there’s a PowerPoint presentation that you can watch to see what we’ll be doing and where we’ll be staying. Fee l free to ask questions too.
If you know of anyone who likes motorcycle riding, we are doing our 5th SMOKY MOUNTAINS MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURE to TN from May 20-24. We’ll be riding some of the top rated motorcycle roads in the country and staying in a luxurious log home on a river just outside of the park. Details are on our website. Don’t wait to register!
We are thankful to those of you who provided funds for us to purchase a computer for the ministry. We have been able to order a system and expect it to arrive shortly. Cathy and I praise God for His provision. There’s still time to help with this need if you’d like to contribute.
God is using this ministry to change lives and eternities. Our support raising continues to stand at 55%. Would you prayerfully consider if the Lord would have you help with our regular monthly support? Any regular amount would bless us as we continue to serve our Savior… and remember! NO AMOUNT IS TOO SMALL. We just need it to be regular, and we will praise God for providing it. We appreciate your prayerful consideration.
MARCH SCHEDULE
• Sat, Mar 3 - MAD Live Event - Harrison Valley Christian and Missionary Alliance, Harrison Valley, PA
• Sun, Mar 4 - Walk thru the Bible Old Testament Seminar - Valley View Chapel, Long Valley, NJ
• Sat, Mar 10 - MAD Live Event - Calvary Church, Jupiter, FL
• Sun, Mar 11 - Sat, Mar 17 - minister to the bikers at Daytona Bike Week - 3 brothers are going with me
• Sun, Mar 18 - Walk thru the Bible Old Testament seminar - Highway to Heaven Biker Church, Jacksonville, FL
• Sat, Mar 24 - MAD Live Event – Pike Grace Brethren Church, Johnstown, PA
• Sun, Mar 25 - Preach and MAD Live Event - Crosspoint Church, Whitesboro, NY
• Tues, Mar 27 - Speak at chapel service - Berks Christian School, Exeter, PA
• Wed, Mar 28 - MAD Live Event - Salem County Christian Academy, Pennsville, NJ
• Fri, Mar 30 - Speak at Teen outreach - Solid Rock Bible Church, Genesee, PA
• Sat, Mar 31 - MAD Live Event - Solid Rock Bible Church, Genesee, PA
PRAYER REQUESTS
• For safety as we travel many miles on motorcycles to minister this month
• For God to prepare hearts to hear the gospel message and for the equipping of larger groups of believers
• For us to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading and that we will be bold witnesses for Christ
• For our support to increase to 100%
• That our phone would begin to ring as pastors seek us out to minister to their flock (we currently have to call and call, and call, and email to try to get into churches. It is very difficult)
• For continued good health and stamina to do what he has called us to do
• That we will grow in our faith and be more submitted and obedient to Christ each day
Love in Christ,
Don and Cathy
----------------
Dear Friend,
I call you “friend” because we connected by our appreciation for Don and Cathy Sunshine and the ministry to which the Lord has called them.
For several years I worked alongside Don at Family Life, and not only enjoyed his friendship, his passion for Christ, and his work ethic; but also I learned much in those early days of his “Rescue” seminars.
I’ve been in “vocational ministry” for over thirty years, and I seldom meet people with the zeal combined with knowledge and passion evident in Don.
For all those years I’ve been “on support,” just as Don is. Don and Cathy ask the Lord to raise up folks to stand with them as co-laborers in the gospel by investing the powerful combination of finance and prayer.
As you are probably aware, thus far the incoming funds are not matching the needs. I asked Don if I could write you to simply encourage you to prayerfully consider a couple things:
1) In this age of “it’s all about me” “Christianity,” is it valuable…even critical…to have someone like Don training teens and adults in effective, Christ-honoring evangelism?
2) In fact, is there any other investment more valued?
3) Will you pray and think about standing with the Sunshine’s in order to ensure the continuance of their ministry?
If you are already giving, could you increase your giving at least a bit? If you are giving occasionally, could you contemplate giving monthly that the Sunshines might better budget?
And, if you’ve not given to this point; would you allow for the possibility that the Lord has prompted me to write in order that you might sense His leading to be a vital link in the chain of effectiveness that is Don’s ministry?
I encourage you to call Don should you have questions, and if the Lord leads you to action as you pray, let him know of your decision,
Literally thousands have heard Don’s training…and those thousands have impacted countless others with the gospel…Let’s keep this unique, effective, and on-the-heart-of-God ministry going!
Thank you for your time…
Serving in His grace,
(Rev) John R. (Jack) Hager
Ministry Liaison
Midland Ministries
www.midlandjack.blogspot.com
jack.hager@gmail.com
Monday, February 27, 2012
Sunday, February 19, 2012
God's moving in SC
We just finished an incredible weekend of ministry in SC. We equipped over 100 people to share their faith as a lifestyle and we were blessed to see 5 more souls added to the Kingdom. And the weather was incredible - 69 degrees yesterday, only to arrive in Richmond, VA today to 4 inches of heavy wet snow.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Great rejoicing!
God blessed me with an incredible day at Open Door Christian Academy on Friday. We had about 70 students attend the MAD Live Event and 17 of those students indicated on their evaluation forms that they had surrendered their lives to Christ! "Great rejoicing in the presence of angels over one sinner who repents" Party time in Heaven!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
January Ministry Report
Dear Partners in Ministry:
Thank you for your prayers and financial support. Please know that our God is answering your prayers! After the long annual dry spell beginning before Thanksgiving through the beginning of this year, we were thrilled to again be doing what the work that the Lord has called us to do.
We had an amazing month of ministry. We completed a total of 6 MAD Live Events in NY, PA, NC, and SC, equipping 461 people to begin living a lifestyle of personal evangelism. God used these events to draw 16 people to a decision to repent and follow Christ by faith! All praise and glory to our God! We just began collecting video testimonies at the MAD Live Events from people who have been impacted by it. We have seen many people have come up front after the Live Event and share a testimony as to how the Lord used it to impact their lives. However, people are a little nervous about being recorded on video giving the testimony. But we have several so far on our website and will be looking for more as we continue to minister. Check them out. They are under the MAD Live Event tab at www.donsunshine.org . In January I also preached in 3 churches and spoke at a community outreach event in SC. God is good!
An incredible testimony to bless your heart: “Thank you so much for touching my heart with your event at Carolina Memorial. I have always been a typical "Christian"; one who claimed to know Christ but in reality, I didn't have a clue. God blessed my life with a strong, supportive man about 4 months ago and he has helped me to open my heart to God. I didn't know what is was suppose to feel like to be saved or if I would be aware of the moment. However, while I was listening to your words and watching the short video clip, my heart dropped. I can't describe the feeling but I knew at that moment that it was God. He recognized I was ready and He took over. Thank you so much. You don't know how much you impacted my life. I can finally breathe again. Thank you.”
I received this testimony from a teenager who attended the MAD Live Event at a Christian School in York, PA – “Hey Don, so u really inspired the York gang!! Trevor has been handing out Gospels of John. Bryan handed his first one out. As for me, I wasn’t expecting to get into a convo with a girl so there I was today reaching into my pocket. All I had was sports ones and snowboarding . So I’ll just have to find that girl again on the street and talk again. It should go smoother a second time. Till next time!”
Remember! Your prayers and financial support are what make these testimonies happen. THANK YOU!
We have received several checks towards the purchase of a computer for the ministry. The system will be used by Cathy to do all of the accounting, payroll, taxes, donor management, communications and page layout that is done on a regular basis. We’re getting closer to being able to make a purchase, so if you’d like to contribute towards this specific need, we would welcome your donation.
Speaking of donations, we are now just over 54% of our ministry needs being met through our regular financial supporters. There are a total of 48 individuals and churches that currently regularly support us on a monthly basis. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! If you’d like to be a part of our regular support team, we’d love to have you! Any regular amount would be a blessing to us.
An excerpt from Ron Hutchcraft’s “A Word with You”, speaking about Jesus and His disciples: “How could they totally devote themselves to kingdom building? They had to be available, but they had to live somehow. Well, some women it tells us here, went to work, got a pay check and gave it to Jesus and His disciples. Or some had a source of income and said, "Well, part of this will go to keep Jesus and His disciples ministering."
They're pretty invisible in the Bible, but the ministry couldn't have continued without them. Jesus and the disciples would have had to do what they could... squeeze in as much ministry as they could when they weren't working in their off hours. Now, 2,000 years later, some "called" people are still working around the clock to build God's kingdom, just like Jesus and His disciples did. But they're held up - they're supported - by the support beams of people who sacrifice part of what they earned to keep the army on the front lines.
I hope you're in that category of God's unsung heroes. Oh, men may not know your name or the sacrifices you're making. Oh, but be sure God does. You may not feel like your role is important, but believe me like those women who supported Jesus' ministry, you're the foundation...you're the support beams. And it's more important than ever that you check out what you're supporting. Don't give just to charisma, or emotional appeals, or slick packaging. Check it out! Make sure they're proclaiming God's kingdom, not their own. That they make you think about Jesus, not about them. There's nothing more exciting in personal finances than to write a sacrificial check to support the work of Jesus. Not an organization, not a personality, but the work of Jesus. Send it to Jesus!
I think what had motivated those women was that Jesus had so transformed their lives, and they didn't want anybody to miss that opportunity. They wanted others to have the chance they had to experience what only Jesus could do for them. That's the motivation for giving; I want others to get touched by Jesus like I did. And I want to give what I have to help them have the chance I got. It's so rewarding to know that the pay you're earning by today's work gives you resources to invest in the continuing work of Jesus on earth; the greatest cause on the planet! You own a piece of His action.”
ULTIMATE ADVENTURE TRIP UPDATE - We have 12 people who have sent in deposits for this year’s Ultimate Adventure trip to Utah. We are in need of several more people to come. If you know of someone who would be interested, please have them contact me ASAP. No experience is necessary and you don’t have to be in any special physical condition to be able to come and enjoy the experience. It is truly the trip of a lifetime! Please let us know ASAP if you have interest.
FEBRUARY SCHEDULE
• Sat, Feb 4 - MAD Live Event - Richfield Mennonite Church, Richfield, PA (in conjunction with WGRC radio)
• Sun, Feb 5 - Give a gospel presentation to several hundred teens at the annual ROCC Super Bowl Event at the NE Bradford High School in Rome, PA
• Fri, Feb 10 - MAD Live Event at the Open Door Christian Academy, Fort Washington, PA
• Sat, Feb 11 - MAD Live Event - Grace Evangelical Free Church, Oak Ridge, NJ
• Sun, Feb 12 - Preach at Calvary Baptist Church, Reading, PA
• Fri, Feb 17 - MAD Live Event (part 1) - Mt. Elon Baptist Church, Hartsville, SC
• Sat. Feb 17 - MAD Live Event - Mechanicsville Baptist Church, Darlington, SC (tentative)
• Sat, Feb 18 - MAD Live Event (part 2) - Mt. Elon Baptist Church, Hartsville, SC
• Sun, Feb 19 - MAD Live Event (part 3) - Mt. Elon Baptist Church, Hartsville, SC
• Sat, Feb 25 - MAD Live Event - Valley Bible Fellowship Church, Lagrangeville, NY
PRAYER REQUESTS
• That we will be outfitted daily in the full armor of God to be able to withstand the devil’s fiery darts
• For God’s Spirit to move powerfully wherever we minister – saving souls and equipping the saints
• For continued good health and strength
• For a full schedule and our regular support base to increase
• That those who have attended the Live Event will begin a lifestyle of evangelism
• For our upcoming adventure trips to fill
Love in Christ,
Don and Cathy
Thank you for your prayers and financial support. Please know that our God is answering your prayers! After the long annual dry spell beginning before Thanksgiving through the beginning of this year, we were thrilled to again be doing what the work that the Lord has called us to do.
We had an amazing month of ministry. We completed a total of 6 MAD Live Events in NY, PA, NC, and SC, equipping 461 people to begin living a lifestyle of personal evangelism. God used these events to draw 16 people to a decision to repent and follow Christ by faith! All praise and glory to our God! We just began collecting video testimonies at the MAD Live Events from people who have been impacted by it. We have seen many people have come up front after the Live Event and share a testimony as to how the Lord used it to impact their lives. However, people are a little nervous about being recorded on video giving the testimony. But we have several so far on our website and will be looking for more as we continue to minister. Check them out. They are under the MAD Live Event tab at www.donsunshine.org . In January I also preached in 3 churches and spoke at a community outreach event in SC. God is good!
An incredible testimony to bless your heart: “Thank you so much for touching my heart with your event at Carolina Memorial. I have always been a typical "Christian"; one who claimed to know Christ but in reality, I didn't have a clue. God blessed my life with a strong, supportive man about 4 months ago and he has helped me to open my heart to God. I didn't know what is was suppose to feel like to be saved or if I would be aware of the moment. However, while I was listening to your words and watching the short video clip, my heart dropped. I can't describe the feeling but I knew at that moment that it was God. He recognized I was ready and He took over. Thank you so much. You don't know how much you impacted my life. I can finally breathe again. Thank you.”
I received this testimony from a teenager who attended the MAD Live Event at a Christian School in York, PA – “Hey Don, so u really inspired the York gang!! Trevor has been handing out Gospels of John. Bryan handed his first one out. As for me, I wasn’t expecting to get into a convo with a girl so there I was today reaching into my pocket. All I had was sports ones and snowboarding . So I’ll just have to find that girl again on the street and talk again. It should go smoother a second time. Till next time!”
Remember! Your prayers and financial support are what make these testimonies happen. THANK YOU!
We have received several checks towards the purchase of a computer for the ministry. The system will be used by Cathy to do all of the accounting, payroll, taxes, donor management, communications and page layout that is done on a regular basis. We’re getting closer to being able to make a purchase, so if you’d like to contribute towards this specific need, we would welcome your donation.
Speaking of donations, we are now just over 54% of our ministry needs being met through our regular financial supporters. There are a total of 48 individuals and churches that currently regularly support us on a monthly basis. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! If you’d like to be a part of our regular support team, we’d love to have you! Any regular amount would be a blessing to us.
An excerpt from Ron Hutchcraft’s “A Word with You”, speaking about Jesus and His disciples: “How could they totally devote themselves to kingdom building? They had to be available, but they had to live somehow. Well, some women it tells us here, went to work, got a pay check and gave it to Jesus and His disciples. Or some had a source of income and said, "Well, part of this will go to keep Jesus and His disciples ministering."
They're pretty invisible in the Bible, but the ministry couldn't have continued without them. Jesus and the disciples would have had to do what they could... squeeze in as much ministry as they could when they weren't working in their off hours. Now, 2,000 years later, some "called" people are still working around the clock to build God's kingdom, just like Jesus and His disciples did. But they're held up - they're supported - by the support beams of people who sacrifice part of what they earned to keep the army on the front lines.
I hope you're in that category of God's unsung heroes. Oh, men may not know your name or the sacrifices you're making. Oh, but be sure God does. You may not feel like your role is important, but believe me like those women who supported Jesus' ministry, you're the foundation...you're the support beams. And it's more important than ever that you check out what you're supporting. Don't give just to charisma, or emotional appeals, or slick packaging. Check it out! Make sure they're proclaiming God's kingdom, not their own. That they make you think about Jesus, not about them. There's nothing more exciting in personal finances than to write a sacrificial check to support the work of Jesus. Not an organization, not a personality, but the work of Jesus. Send it to Jesus!
I think what had motivated those women was that Jesus had so transformed their lives, and they didn't want anybody to miss that opportunity. They wanted others to have the chance they had to experience what only Jesus could do for them. That's the motivation for giving; I want others to get touched by Jesus like I did. And I want to give what I have to help them have the chance I got. It's so rewarding to know that the pay you're earning by today's work gives you resources to invest in the continuing work of Jesus on earth; the greatest cause on the planet! You own a piece of His action.”
ULTIMATE ADVENTURE TRIP UPDATE - We have 12 people who have sent in deposits for this year’s Ultimate Adventure trip to Utah. We are in need of several more people to come. If you know of someone who would be interested, please have them contact me ASAP. No experience is necessary and you don’t have to be in any special physical condition to be able to come and enjoy the experience. It is truly the trip of a lifetime! Please let us know ASAP if you have interest.
FEBRUARY SCHEDULE
• Sat, Feb 4 - MAD Live Event - Richfield Mennonite Church, Richfield, PA (in conjunction with WGRC radio)
• Sun, Feb 5 - Give a gospel presentation to several hundred teens at the annual ROCC Super Bowl Event at the NE Bradford High School in Rome, PA
• Fri, Feb 10 - MAD Live Event at the Open Door Christian Academy, Fort Washington, PA
• Sat, Feb 11 - MAD Live Event - Grace Evangelical Free Church, Oak Ridge, NJ
• Sun, Feb 12 - Preach at Calvary Baptist Church, Reading, PA
• Fri, Feb 17 - MAD Live Event (part 1) - Mt. Elon Baptist Church, Hartsville, SC
• Sat. Feb 17 - MAD Live Event - Mechanicsville Baptist Church, Darlington, SC (tentative)
• Sat, Feb 18 - MAD Live Event (part 2) - Mt. Elon Baptist Church, Hartsville, SC
• Sun, Feb 19 - MAD Live Event (part 3) - Mt. Elon Baptist Church, Hartsville, SC
• Sat, Feb 25 - MAD Live Event - Valley Bible Fellowship Church, Lagrangeville, NY
PRAYER REQUESTS
• That we will be outfitted daily in the full armor of God to be able to withstand the devil’s fiery darts
• For God’s Spirit to move powerfully wherever we minister – saving souls and equipping the saints
• For continued good health and strength
• For a full schedule and our regular support base to increase
• That those who have attended the Live Event will begin a lifestyle of evangelism
• For our upcoming adventure trips to fill
Love in Christ,
Don and Cathy
December Ministry Report
Dear Partners in Ministry:
Merry Christmas! Our prayers are that you will enjoy an especially blessed Christmas Season, and a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year! As we close out this calendar year and reflect on what the Lord allowed us to be a part of, we are blessed and our hearts are full of thankfulness. God granted us another fruitful year of ministry, with 157 first time decisions for Christ, and countless people impacted by the MAD Live Events and the speaking opportunities that He has given us. Below is a summary of what the Lord did through us in 2011. Rejoice with us!
M.A.D. LIVE EVENTS
In 2011, we completed 41 MAD Live Events in 7 states and Canada, equipping an additional 2,073 people to share their faith as a lifestyle. At these Live Events, we praise the Lord for 111 first time decisions to repent and trust Christ! Overall, we have now completed 275 Live Events in 18 states and Canada, equipping 13,034 people to begin living a lifestyle of evangelism. One quick testimony from a friend in NC: “While I was visiting Ann who received Christ, a Vietnam vet who used to come to the church was having a kidney removed at the VA hospital, but Jim did not make it; he died en route to another hospital. I look back and I'm grateful God gave me the opportunity to lead him to Christ on 10-17-95. Keep training folks to share the good news. IT MATTERS!”
POCKET TESTAMENT LEAGUE
We have now recruited 3,036 members for the PTL. These members have ordered 43,609 gospels of John to be shared with people. Who knows what the eternal impact of this will be? Praise the Lord!
OTHER MINISTRY
God opened doors for a number of outreach speaking events, and I spoke at 5 Iron Sharpens Iron Men’s Conferences in 4 different states. Many, many men were impacted at these events and there were a number of first time commitments to Christ. I was asked to speak at 2 men’s retreats, 2 other events, and I filled the pulpit in 3 churches. We completed 2 Walk thru the Bible Old Testament seminars this year as well. I had the opportunity to minister to bikers at Daytona Bike Week in Florida in March, and we completed one motorcycle adventure trip to Tennessee in May.
2012 ULTIMATE ADVENTURE TRIP TO UTAH
We have begun receiving deposits for our trip to UT. The dates are June 28 – July 7, 2012. This has been the trip of a lifetime for everyone who has come along. Anyone can go, male or female, alone or with friends or family. Please don’t wait until the last minute to register. We need to know ASAP if you have interest. Again, the flyer and registration materials are on our website.
FINANCIAL NEEDS
Our regular support is now at 54%. We are thankful for this, but it has been a long, hard haul to get here. As about half of our income must come from love offerings, we must have a full schedule. We had a very difficult summer with nothing scheduled and this time of year (Thanksgiving to New Years) is nearly as bad. We have been praying and will continue to pray that God would bring our regular monthly support to 100%. If you are not a regular supporter, would you prayerfully consider regularly supporting us with ANY AMOUNT? Can you afford $5/month? You may feel like $5 or $10 a month is not much, so why send it? You may feel embarrassed because it seems like such a small amount. DON’T BE! I’ll tell you why…because if everyone who believes in what we are doing for the Kingdom committed to just $5 a month, we’d be at 100% easily. Every dollar is important to us as we continue to do the work God has called us to do. Please pray about what God might have you do, listen to what He says and be obedient. You’ll bless us abundantly with whatever He tells you to do to regularly support us! We are thankful that people are responding to this request.
COMPUTER NEED
Cathy has been using a refurbished computer to run the ministry (donor management and communication, accounting, correspondence, payroll and taxes, and other uses) for the past several years. It’s on its last legs and weird things have been happening with it. We are in need of a new system for her to use to do the ministry administration work. We don’t have the funds to purchase one and this is a real need. So we are putting out a plea for any one time gifts to be used to acquire this tool. If you can donate anything, we would appreciate it!
END OF YEAR GIVING
As we near the end of another calendar year, many people find themselves in a position to donate some extra money to charitable organizations for tax purposes. Would you prayerfully consider our ministry? We are in the middle of 2 months with no Live Events, and therefore, no love offerings to live on. We could really use your help!
JANUARY SCHEDULE
• Jan 3 – MAD Live Event – Tidings of Peace Christian School, York, PA
• Jan 7 - MAD Live Event - Campbell Alliance Church, Campbell, NY
• Jan 14 - MAD Live Event with WMHK Radio and St. Andrew’s Evangelical Church, Columbia, SC
• Jan 15 - Preach morning message at St. Andrew’s Evangelical Church, Columbia, SC
• Jan 15 - Speak at Community Outreach Event - St. Andrew’s Evangelical Church, Columbia, SC
• Jan 21 – Tentative MAD Live Event – Thomasville, NC
• Jan 28 - MAD Live Event – First Baptist Church, Bethlehem, PA
PRAYER REQUESTS
• That God will use the 3 ISI Conferences to open at least 10 new doors of ministry in each of the 3 locations, and that God would grant us the exposure that we need to fill our schedule. It is a constant battle to get churches to commit to bring us in. We need your prayers!
• For God’s Spirit to move powerfully in hearts as we minister, savings souls, and equipping the church to be full time Ambassadors for Christ.
• For God to provide financially through the current slow time
• For many more regular financial supporters – large and small – it all adds up! Pray we reach 100%
Thank you again for all of your prayers and sacrificial giving.
Merry Christmas!
Don and Cathy
Merry Christmas! Our prayers are that you will enjoy an especially blessed Christmas Season, and a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year! As we close out this calendar year and reflect on what the Lord allowed us to be a part of, we are blessed and our hearts are full of thankfulness. God granted us another fruitful year of ministry, with 157 first time decisions for Christ, and countless people impacted by the MAD Live Events and the speaking opportunities that He has given us. Below is a summary of what the Lord did through us in 2011. Rejoice with us!
M.A.D. LIVE EVENTS
In 2011, we completed 41 MAD Live Events in 7 states and Canada, equipping an additional 2,073 people to share their faith as a lifestyle. At these Live Events, we praise the Lord for 111 first time decisions to repent and trust Christ! Overall, we have now completed 275 Live Events in 18 states and Canada, equipping 13,034 people to begin living a lifestyle of evangelism. One quick testimony from a friend in NC: “While I was visiting Ann who received Christ, a Vietnam vet who used to come to the church was having a kidney removed at the VA hospital, but Jim did not make it; he died en route to another hospital. I look back and I'm grateful God gave me the opportunity to lead him to Christ on 10-17-95. Keep training folks to share the good news. IT MATTERS!”
POCKET TESTAMENT LEAGUE
We have now recruited 3,036 members for the PTL. These members have ordered 43,609 gospels of John to be shared with people. Who knows what the eternal impact of this will be? Praise the Lord!
OTHER MINISTRY
God opened doors for a number of outreach speaking events, and I spoke at 5 Iron Sharpens Iron Men’s Conferences in 4 different states. Many, many men were impacted at these events and there were a number of first time commitments to Christ. I was asked to speak at 2 men’s retreats, 2 other events, and I filled the pulpit in 3 churches. We completed 2 Walk thru the Bible Old Testament seminars this year as well. I had the opportunity to minister to bikers at Daytona Bike Week in Florida in March, and we completed one motorcycle adventure trip to Tennessee in May.
2012 ULTIMATE ADVENTURE TRIP TO UTAH
We have begun receiving deposits for our trip to UT. The dates are June 28 – July 7, 2012. This has been the trip of a lifetime for everyone who has come along. Anyone can go, male or female, alone or with friends or family. Please don’t wait until the last minute to register. We need to know ASAP if you have interest. Again, the flyer and registration materials are on our website.
FINANCIAL NEEDS
Our regular support is now at 54%. We are thankful for this, but it has been a long, hard haul to get here. As about half of our income must come from love offerings, we must have a full schedule. We had a very difficult summer with nothing scheduled and this time of year (Thanksgiving to New Years) is nearly as bad. We have been praying and will continue to pray that God would bring our regular monthly support to 100%. If you are not a regular supporter, would you prayerfully consider regularly supporting us with ANY AMOUNT? Can you afford $5/month? You may feel like $5 or $10 a month is not much, so why send it? You may feel embarrassed because it seems like such a small amount. DON’T BE! I’ll tell you why…because if everyone who believes in what we are doing for the Kingdom committed to just $5 a month, we’d be at 100% easily. Every dollar is important to us as we continue to do the work God has called us to do. Please pray about what God might have you do, listen to what He says and be obedient. You’ll bless us abundantly with whatever He tells you to do to regularly support us! We are thankful that people are responding to this request.
COMPUTER NEED
Cathy has been using a refurbished computer to run the ministry (donor management and communication, accounting, correspondence, payroll and taxes, and other uses) for the past several years. It’s on its last legs and weird things have been happening with it. We are in need of a new system for her to use to do the ministry administration work. We don’t have the funds to purchase one and this is a real need. So we are putting out a plea for any one time gifts to be used to acquire this tool. If you can donate anything, we would appreciate it!
END OF YEAR GIVING
As we near the end of another calendar year, many people find themselves in a position to donate some extra money to charitable organizations for tax purposes. Would you prayerfully consider our ministry? We are in the middle of 2 months with no Live Events, and therefore, no love offerings to live on. We could really use your help!
JANUARY SCHEDULE
• Jan 3 – MAD Live Event – Tidings of Peace Christian School, York, PA
• Jan 7 - MAD Live Event - Campbell Alliance Church, Campbell, NY
• Jan 14 - MAD Live Event with WMHK Radio and St. Andrew’s Evangelical Church, Columbia, SC
• Jan 15 - Preach morning message at St. Andrew’s Evangelical Church, Columbia, SC
• Jan 15 - Speak at Community Outreach Event - St. Andrew’s Evangelical Church, Columbia, SC
• Jan 21 – Tentative MAD Live Event – Thomasville, NC
• Jan 28 - MAD Live Event – First Baptist Church, Bethlehem, PA
PRAYER REQUESTS
• That God will use the 3 ISI Conferences to open at least 10 new doors of ministry in each of the 3 locations, and that God would grant us the exposure that we need to fill our schedule. It is a constant battle to get churches to commit to bring us in. We need your prayers!
• For God’s Spirit to move powerfully in hearts as we minister, savings souls, and equipping the church to be full time Ambassadors for Christ.
• For God to provide financially through the current slow time
• For many more regular financial supporters – large and small – it all adds up! Pray we reach 100%
Thank you again for all of your prayers and sacrificial giving.
Merry Christmas!
Don and Cathy
Monday, November 28, 2011
November's Praise and Prayer Report
Share your faith every day as a way of life!
NOVEMBER, 2011
Dear Ministry Partners,
We certainly have a lot to be thankful for! I trust you had a blessed Thanksgiving holiday with loved ones and that the food was incredible. We are so blessed….warm, dry homes, possessions, good health and food to eat every day. What if you awoke this morning and only had what you had thanked God for yesterday? Hmmmm. On the Spiritual side, God loved us enough to send His Son to pay our ransom in full, giving those of us who turn from our sins and trust Christ the amazing, undeserved gift of eternal life in Heaven with our Creator. Wow! Cathy and I have the privilege of serving our risen Savior vocationally and impacting people’s eternities. We thank God for this privilege and we thank you for your continued faithful prayers and sacrificial giving of your finances to make a Kingdom investment with eternal rewards.
We had a 3 MAD Live Events on the calendar for this month and unfortunately one was cancelled 5 days before it was to happen. So we completed the other 2 Live Events and were blessed to see 3 more souls added to the Kingdom. I also spoke at the first Iron Sharpens Iron Men’s Conference in Syracuse. I don’t get paid to speak at these conferences, but they provide much needed exposure of who we are and what we do. About 800 men attended and I had over 120 attend my seminar. Many, many men came up to me afterwards and shared how our Lord used the presentation to impact and change lives. Praise God! One man waited until everyone had left and came up to me with tears in his eyes and told me he was scared about his eternity. He confided he wasn’t a true believer, but what I call a “make believer”. We talked at length and I believe he truly surrendered his life to Christ. What a day! I am praying that the Lord will grant us at least 10 MAD Live Events from each of the 3 Iron Sharpens Iron Conferences that I spoke at in the past 2 months. Will you add this to your prayer list too? I was asked to speak at a “Celebrate Recovery” event in Pottstown on the 26th. There were over a hundred people present and I shared a gospel presentation. God’s Spirit moved in hearts and there were many commitments and re-commitments to follow Christ. I got to pray with one man after it was over as well.
A M.A.D. testimony to share with you this month:
“I work in our church office with the Admin Secretary. We had a woman come to the office to see if she could get some groceries from our food pantry. While I was putting some groceries together I was praying about how the Lord would open the door to speak to her about the Lord. When I went back into the office the other secretary was talking to her about the Lord. I stood aside listening to the conversation. She said she used to go to church but was ambiguous about having a personal relationship with Christ. I remembered what Don Sunshine said when someone did that. I asked her if she would share with us how that happened and how it took place. She didn't have an answer, so we told her that it sounded like she believed in Jesus and that He died on the cross for our sin and about our need for repentance. She said yes she did. We told her then that she needs to take one more step and receive Him. We told her that we didn't think it was a coincidence that she was there and that a decision to receive Christ was in no way a commitment to us or to our church but to Christ alone. She immediately understood and wanted to ask Jesus into her life - we all stood and we prayed with her and she came to faith in Christ! I was bumming because I didn't have any more pocket testaments, but we gave her another piece of literature. She said she had Bibles at home and we encouraged her to read the Book of John. I believe we'll see her come to church!”
MINISTRY MILESTONE REACHED - In November, we reached another milestone. In 275 Live Events, we have now equipped over 13,000 people to share their faith as a lifestyle! All glory and honor and praise to our Lord!
COMPUTER NEED - We are in need of a new computer to run the ministry (donor management and communication, accounting, correspondence, payroll and taxes, graphics design, and other uses). As we are still not fully supported yet, we don’t have the funds to purchase one. So we are putting out a plea for one time gifts to be used to acquire this needed tool. If you can donate towards this need, we would appreciate it!
2012 ULTIMATE ADVENTURE TRIP TO UTAH - The dates are set for June 28 – July 7, 2012. This has been the trip of a lifetime for everyone who has come along. We have had lots of interest in this trip, particularly with several fathers and sons. However, anyone can go, male or female, alone or with friends or family. Please don’t wait until the last minute to register. Contact us as soon as you can if you have interest. The flyer and registration materials are on our website.
END OF YEAR GIVING - As we near the end of another calendar year, many people find themselves in a position to donate some extra money to charitable organizations for tax purposes. Would you prayerfully consider our ministry? We are in the middle of 2 months with no Live Events, and therefore, no love offerings to live on. We could really use your help!
*** REGULAR MONTHLY SUPPORTERS NEEDED! *** - We have been praying that God would bring our regular monthly support to 100%. We are not there yet so we continue to pray and trust. If you are not a regular supporter, would you prayerfully consider regularly supporting us with ANY AMOUNT? Can you afford $5/month? You may feel like $5 or $10 a month is not much, so why send it? You may feel embarrassed because it seems like such a small amount. DON’T BE! I’ll tell you why…because if everyone who believes in what we are doing for the Kingdom committed to just $5 a month, we’d be at 100% easily. Every dollar is important to us as we continue to do the work God has called us to do. Please pray about what God might have you do, listen to what He says and be obedient. You’ll bless us abundantly with whatever He tells you to do to regularly support us! We are thankful that people are responding to this request. We’ve received a number of new regular supporters this month and our percentage has now risen to ~54%!
DECEMBER SCHEDULE
• Dec 6 – present a shortened version of the MAD Live Event to a group of (35-75) Christian School Administrators at Lancaster Bible College
• Dec 10 – Don Sunshine Ministries Annual Board Meeting, Williamsport, PA
PRAYER REQUESTS
• That God will use the 3 ISI Conferences to open at least 10 new doors of ministry in each of the 3 locations.
• That He continues to open doors for a full schedule. It is a constant battle to get churches to commit to bring us in. We need your prayers!
• For God’s Spirit to move powerfully in hearts as we minister, savings souls, and equipping the church to be full time Ambassadors for Christ.
• For God to provide financially through the upcoming slow time – Thanksgiving – New Year’s
• For many more regular financial supporters – large and small – it all adds up! Pray we reach 100%
Thank you again for all of your prayers and sacrificial giving. We are grateful that God continues to use us to impact lives for eternity. YOU have a huge part in this for sending us. So rejoice and praise God with us!
Have a blessed, Merry Christmas!
Don and Cathy
NOVEMBER, 2011
Dear Ministry Partners,
We certainly have a lot to be thankful for! I trust you had a blessed Thanksgiving holiday with loved ones and that the food was incredible. We are so blessed….warm, dry homes, possessions, good health and food to eat every day. What if you awoke this morning and only had what you had thanked God for yesterday? Hmmmm. On the Spiritual side, God loved us enough to send His Son to pay our ransom in full, giving those of us who turn from our sins and trust Christ the amazing, undeserved gift of eternal life in Heaven with our Creator. Wow! Cathy and I have the privilege of serving our risen Savior vocationally and impacting people’s eternities. We thank God for this privilege and we thank you for your continued faithful prayers and sacrificial giving of your finances to make a Kingdom investment with eternal rewards.
We had a 3 MAD Live Events on the calendar for this month and unfortunately one was cancelled 5 days before it was to happen. So we completed the other 2 Live Events and were blessed to see 3 more souls added to the Kingdom. I also spoke at the first Iron Sharpens Iron Men’s Conference in Syracuse. I don’t get paid to speak at these conferences, but they provide much needed exposure of who we are and what we do. About 800 men attended and I had over 120 attend my seminar. Many, many men came up to me afterwards and shared how our Lord used the presentation to impact and change lives. Praise God! One man waited until everyone had left and came up to me with tears in his eyes and told me he was scared about his eternity. He confided he wasn’t a true believer, but what I call a “make believer”. We talked at length and I believe he truly surrendered his life to Christ. What a day! I am praying that the Lord will grant us at least 10 MAD Live Events from each of the 3 Iron Sharpens Iron Conferences that I spoke at in the past 2 months. Will you add this to your prayer list too? I was asked to speak at a “Celebrate Recovery” event in Pottstown on the 26th. There were over a hundred people present and I shared a gospel presentation. God’s Spirit moved in hearts and there were many commitments and re-commitments to follow Christ. I got to pray with one man after it was over as well.
A M.A.D. testimony to share with you this month:
“I work in our church office with the Admin Secretary. We had a woman come to the office to see if she could get some groceries from our food pantry. While I was putting some groceries together I was praying about how the Lord would open the door to speak to her about the Lord. When I went back into the office the other secretary was talking to her about the Lord. I stood aside listening to the conversation. She said she used to go to church but was ambiguous about having a personal relationship with Christ. I remembered what Don Sunshine said when someone did that. I asked her if she would share with us how that happened and how it took place. She didn't have an answer, so we told her that it sounded like she believed in Jesus and that He died on the cross for our sin and about our need for repentance. She said yes she did. We told her then that she needs to take one more step and receive Him. We told her that we didn't think it was a coincidence that she was there and that a decision to receive Christ was in no way a commitment to us or to our church but to Christ alone. She immediately understood and wanted to ask Jesus into her life - we all stood and we prayed with her and she came to faith in Christ! I was bumming because I didn't have any more pocket testaments, but we gave her another piece of literature. She said she had Bibles at home and we encouraged her to read the Book of John. I believe we'll see her come to church!”
MINISTRY MILESTONE REACHED - In November, we reached another milestone. In 275 Live Events, we have now equipped over 13,000 people to share their faith as a lifestyle! All glory and honor and praise to our Lord!
COMPUTER NEED - We are in need of a new computer to run the ministry (donor management and communication, accounting, correspondence, payroll and taxes, graphics design, and other uses). As we are still not fully supported yet, we don’t have the funds to purchase one. So we are putting out a plea for one time gifts to be used to acquire this needed tool. If you can donate towards this need, we would appreciate it!
2012 ULTIMATE ADVENTURE TRIP TO UTAH - The dates are set for June 28 – July 7, 2012. This has been the trip of a lifetime for everyone who has come along. We have had lots of interest in this trip, particularly with several fathers and sons. However, anyone can go, male or female, alone or with friends or family. Please don’t wait until the last minute to register. Contact us as soon as you can if you have interest. The flyer and registration materials are on our website.
END OF YEAR GIVING - As we near the end of another calendar year, many people find themselves in a position to donate some extra money to charitable organizations for tax purposes. Would you prayerfully consider our ministry? We are in the middle of 2 months with no Live Events, and therefore, no love offerings to live on. We could really use your help!
*** REGULAR MONTHLY SUPPORTERS NEEDED! *** - We have been praying that God would bring our regular monthly support to 100%. We are not there yet so we continue to pray and trust. If you are not a regular supporter, would you prayerfully consider regularly supporting us with ANY AMOUNT? Can you afford $5/month? You may feel like $5 or $10 a month is not much, so why send it? You may feel embarrassed because it seems like such a small amount. DON’T BE! I’ll tell you why…because if everyone who believes in what we are doing for the Kingdom committed to just $5 a month, we’d be at 100% easily. Every dollar is important to us as we continue to do the work God has called us to do. Please pray about what God might have you do, listen to what He says and be obedient. You’ll bless us abundantly with whatever He tells you to do to regularly support us! We are thankful that people are responding to this request. We’ve received a number of new regular supporters this month and our percentage has now risen to ~54%!
DECEMBER SCHEDULE
• Dec 6 – present a shortened version of the MAD Live Event to a group of (35-75) Christian School Administrators at Lancaster Bible College
• Dec 10 – Don Sunshine Ministries Annual Board Meeting, Williamsport, PA
PRAYER REQUESTS
• That God will use the 3 ISI Conferences to open at least 10 new doors of ministry in each of the 3 locations.
• That He continues to open doors for a full schedule. It is a constant battle to get churches to commit to bring us in. We need your prayers!
• For God’s Spirit to move powerfully in hearts as we minister, savings souls, and equipping the church to be full time Ambassadors for Christ.
• For God to provide financially through the upcoming slow time – Thanksgiving – New Year’s
• For many more regular financial supporters – large and small – it all adds up! Pray we reach 100%
Thank you again for all of your prayers and sacrificial giving. We are grateful that God continues to use us to impact lives for eternity. YOU have a huge part in this for sending us. So rejoice and praise God with us!
Have a blessed, Merry Christmas!
Don and Cathy
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
A love letter from God
My child,
You may not know Me but I know everything about you- Psalm 139:1-3
I know when you sit down and when you rise up- Psalm 139:1-3
I am familiar with all your ways- Psalm 139:1-3
Even the hairs of your head are numbered- Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in My image- Genesis 1:27
In Me, you live and move and have your being, for you are My offspring-Acts 17:27-28
I know you even before you were conceived- Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation- Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake for all your days are written in My Book-Psalm 139:15-16
I determine the exact time of your birth, and where you would live- Acts 17:26
You were fearfully and wonderfully made- Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother’s womb- Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born- Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know Me- John 8:41,42,44
I am not distant and angry, but Am the complete expression of love- 1 John 4:16
It is my desire to lavish My love on You- 1 John 3:1
Simply because you are My child and I am your Father- 1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could- Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect Father- Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from My hand- James 1:17
I am your provider and I meet all your needs- Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope- Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love- Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts towards you are countless as the sand on the seashore-Psalm 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing- Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you- Jeremiah 32:40
For you are My treasured possession- Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you with all My heart, and with all My soul- Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things- Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek Me with all your heart, you will find me- Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in Me and I will give you the desires of your heart- Psalm 37:4
For it is I, who gave you those desires- Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine-Ephesians 2:20-21
For I am your greatest encourager- 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the father who comforts you in all your troubles- 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are broken-hearted, I am close to you- Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart-Isaiah 40:11
One day, I will wipe away every tear from your eyes and I will take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth- Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my Son Jesus- John 17:23
For in Jesus, My love for you is revealed- John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being- Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you- Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins- 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled- 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of My love for you- 1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I love that I might gain your love- Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of My Son Jesus, you receive Me- 1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from My love again- Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I will throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen-Luke 15:17
I have always been Father, and will always be Father- Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is...will you be My child?- John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you
Love Your Father in Heaven. God
-Luke 15:11-14
You may not know Me but I know everything about you- Psalm 139:1-3
I know when you sit down and when you rise up- Psalm 139:1-3
I am familiar with all your ways- Psalm 139:1-3
Even the hairs of your head are numbered- Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in My image- Genesis 1:27
In Me, you live and move and have your being, for you are My offspring-Acts 17:27-28
I know you even before you were conceived- Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation- Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake for all your days are written in My Book-Psalm 139:15-16
I determine the exact time of your birth, and where you would live- Acts 17:26
You were fearfully and wonderfully made- Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother’s womb- Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born- Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know Me- John 8:41,42,44
I am not distant and angry, but Am the complete expression of love- 1 John 4:16
It is my desire to lavish My love on You- 1 John 3:1
Simply because you are My child and I am your Father- 1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could- Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect Father- Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from My hand- James 1:17
I am your provider and I meet all your needs- Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope- Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love- Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts towards you are countless as the sand on the seashore-Psalm 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing- Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you- Jeremiah 32:40
For you are My treasured possession- Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you with all My heart, and with all My soul- Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things- Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek Me with all your heart, you will find me- Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in Me and I will give you the desires of your heart- Psalm 37:4
For it is I, who gave you those desires- Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine-Ephesians 2:20-21
For I am your greatest encourager- 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the father who comforts you in all your troubles- 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are broken-hearted, I am close to you- Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart-Isaiah 40:11
One day, I will wipe away every tear from your eyes and I will take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth- Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my Son Jesus- John 17:23
For in Jesus, My love for you is revealed- John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being- Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you- Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins- 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled- 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of My love for you- 1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I love that I might gain your love- Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of My Son Jesus, you receive Me- 1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from My love again- Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I will throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen-Luke 15:17
I have always been Father, and will always be Father- Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is...will you be My child?- John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you
Love Your Father in Heaven. God
-Luke 15:11-14
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)