Life Unlimited! Have you ever wanted more out of life? This seminar can help! Discover how Seventh-Day Adventist teachings can help folks from our community experience emotional healing, health and fitness, spiritual fulfillment, mental development, and financial freedom! Life Unlimited is a seventeen-presentation, ten-day seminar that begins with the importance of having a correct picture of God. This new, long-awaited, 9-DVD, 17-presentation series is available online at: www.renewedheartministries.com Order your set today at the special introductory price: Normal Retail price:  $99.99 Special Introductory price: $84.99 The Revealing! A new summary series of the book of Revelation is now available online for a free download! Take advantage of this exciting new free series that penetrates a very puzzling book that proves to be a beautiful window into the heart of a God the scriptures define as Love. Watch the dramatic unveiling of His character unfold as the climactic end of an age-long universal conflict regarding the truth about what type of a being God truly is—The Revealing!   (Not available on CD.  Free online download only at www.renewedheartministris.com.) Review and Herald Publishing Association Hagerstown, MD Each fall the Review and Herald Publishing Association holds a week of spiritual emphasis for its employees. This year I had the privilege of being asked to be their speaker. Each morning, we penetrated deeper and deeper into the heart of God, and our time was well rewarded. Many hearts encountered new and fresh awakenings toward Him as they felt His love more deeply than ever before. I am also happy to announce the Renewed Heart Ministries is working hand in hand now with the Review and Herald and we are on track to release in printed form the concepts regarding God’s character of love that have enriched so many of you who have been blessed by God through our ministry. The goal is to have this released by early 2010 in time for the next General Conference session. Please keep this project in your prayers. El Dorado Hills Adventist School Each year, my last series of the year holds special meaning. This year I was given the gift of being able to do my last set of meetings with a group I love to present to—today’s generation. I will admit that kindergarten through eighth grade was fun! But the healing that the message of God’s love did among the high school students was truly amazing to behold. Each day I watched as students began to see God as He really is. I watched as God’s love undid the work of the enemy, corrected so many misunderstandings, and truly changed some very wrong pictures of God held in the hearts of very special young people. I could not have asked for 2008 to have ended with any better experience. I was blessed to be a part of this week, as much if not more than they were. I walked away truly in awe of how stunning our God really is if we can just see His heart. Durant SDA Church Durant, OK If you read this newsletter regularly, you will recognize this little church. This time we spent four sessions together looking at the victorious climax revealed in the pages of the book of Revelation concerning the conflict that has ensued over the ages about God’s character and His love. Never have I felt a stronger burden when presenting the message of the book of Revelation as I have during this time in our world’s climate. Not because Revelation lines out what this world is about to do, but rather what God is about to do is to reveal who and what He is, through us! These are exciting times to be alive, and God’s glory is once again about to “lighten the earth” in human flesh. (Revelation 18:1) The Awakening Grand Prairie, TX I love Brazilian Adventists! (Well, I love all people, but I really love Brazilian Adventists.) This weekend too was not only filled with amazing food, but what a feast was had by all as we looked at the character of God as revealed in the life of Christ. In each presentation we compared what Jesus taught about who and what God is with what is commonly believed about God both within and outside of the church. God’s spirit was present in a manifest way; hearts were transformed, and lives were changed. Keep an eye out for a much larger series in the future in this church as we take some of the concepts presented this weekend and endeavor to reach out to the community around this little church with the heart of God as revealed “in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6) The Awakening Mississauga, OT Oh, Canada!!!  This was billed as a family life retreat weekend for this little church in Mississauga, but we encountered a whole lot more. With each presentation, we moved further and further into the heart of God, and what we encountered in these four presentations was beyond description. Truly by love is love awakened, and many walked away from this experience forever changed by their new perceptions of God’s character as well as their fresh encounter with His love for them. Praise Him for His boundless mercy! Life Unlimited Lewisburg, WV This was also an amazing series of meetings, which held many firsts. This series was the first I have ever given in the town where I grew up. (That’s both good and bad, by the way.) But God’s blessings were witnessed nonetheless. Many, who had been “prayed for” for a number of years attended our little church here for the first time. In addition, my father was able to attend one of my presentations for the very first time, and I was so happy to have him there. And my eldest daughter made a decision for Jesus, a decision to accept God’s choice of her and give her life to Him in baptism. This series, by far, was the most precious to me in 2008. The Revealing Summersville, WV I was so excited to be giving this series of presentations. A few years ago I gave this series twice and both times the recordings did not turn out. Words cannot express how happy we are to be able to offer these ten presentations on the book of Revelation. And although these ten are summary thoughts on the purpose of this book, I believe that it will be the beginning of a heartfelt approach to Bible prophecy rather than the intellectual approach we have grown accustomed to that has very little long-lasting effects on a person’s relationship with God. Summersville reported the largest turnout to a series of meetings ever in the history of the church. We were so thankful to see God moving in the hearts and lives of those who attended. Good News Tour: Loma Linda University Loma Linda, CA “ . . . Love is the very flame of the Lord.” -Song of Solomon 8:6, 7 “If God is love, then why is He going to torch us if we don’t love Him back?”  That, my friend, is a good question, and one that many are asking today.  I was recently asked to address this question, as well as the common teaching of eternal torment, at a convention held in Loma Linda, CA for the purpose of pursuing a better understanding of God’s character of love.  I would encourage you to watch this presentation for yourself on our website at http://www.renewedheartministries.com/videos.asp entitled Love’s Eternal Flame.   Next to the questions surrounding human suffering, the questions surrounding the topic of Hell have kept, and continue to keep, many at bay. Most hearts will not turn toward the type of God described by most presentations of Hell.  God is not trying to scare people into following Him.  Neither compulsion, manipulation, nor control are His agents. He is ever drawing humanity to see His love in hope that this might awaken love in them.  Whether someone follows Him or not, God is ever bestowing life and light upon a persons darkened path, hoping to win them in their heart.  May God truly give you understanding into who He is, especially in relation to the subject of the final fate of the lost, as you take advantage of this free video presentation. Life Unlimited on DVD! Long Awaited Series Now Available Purchase this exciting new series on DVD through our online store now. Life Unlimited at Campion Loveland, CO “Why have I never been told what God is truly like?” This was the most frequently asked question during this ten-day series held in Loveland, CO.  God blessed this series with so many special opportunities.  This series, although hosted by the local Adventist church, was held in the auditorium of Group publishing.  Group is a Christian publishing house that makes many of today’s inter-denominational youth ministry resources.   Your church might have used their resources last summer for your vacation Bible school program entitled Power Lab, discovering Jesus’ miraculous power.   We had a good turn out and many lives were changed for both time and eternity. Many expressed that they were encountering God and His love for man as they had never experienced before.  I still must confess, I have yet to find a system of beliefs that paints a more beautiful picture of our God than ours does.  If you have never listened to this series I would also like to strongly encourage you to take advantage of this series as well.  You can download the Life Unlimited  mp3’s or simply listen online, both absolutely free at: http://www.renewedheartministries.com/sermons.asp This series has literally helped thousands see God’s character more clearly.  Additionally, it has truly created a powerful paradigm shift in understanding who we are as a people, and the prophetic purpose of our message as the final proclamation of God’s character of love.  May God’s love truly enrich every aspect of your life as you experience His love for you as revealed through our teachings anew. Monterey Bay Academy La Selva Beach, CA What could be a better boarding academy to go to than one which is on the beach?   I truly enjoyed my time here at this school.  Each day we tackled today’s generations touch questions regarding, “If God is so good then why . . ?”  There are so many ways today’s youth are finishing that question. Those questions have never deserved more careful and well-thought-out answers than they do now. The pat answers don’t and won’t work anymore.  Today’s youth don’t want to play religion, they want to experience something real or they’re not interested.  That is why I have a passion for them.  They have a brutal honesty that far exceeds any transparency I find in any other audience.  They are asking the right questions about God and they are open to the answers. The youth at Monterey Bay Academy are no exception. With each presentation we unraveled a little bit more of the internal quandaries of today’s generations. Frustrations and doubts are mixed with a sincere desire to understand and know. Above all, we all want to know that we are loved.  I watched God do what He does best this week, and many lives were changed as a result.  Many came forward on that final presentation in response to Calvary with surrender and an openness to allow God to continue showing them who He really is.  Praise God!!!  (And, I also learned how to surf that week . . .thanks Bryan.)  I truly look forward to seeing what God is going to do through the generation we find developing around us today. Rio Lindo Academy Healdsburg, CA What I love most about working with today’s generation is the questions they ask!  Theirs are the questions that resonate with my headspace and have fueled my quest for understanding God’s love for as long as I can remember.  They aren’t easy questions by any means, but they are real questions.  These are the kinds of questions the young people of Rio Lindo Academy are asking as well. I was privileged last month to be able to spend a full week with the students there in Healdsburg, CA.  What an enriching experience it was.  Each morning we spent about thirty minutes together, but then in the evenings we were given more time to really delve into the tough questions surrounding the character of our God. What we all discovered was that God is not anything like we’ve been taught.  The religious conditioning of this world has left us ill prepared to encounter Him the way He would have us experience Him according to the scriptures.  His love is broader, wider, deeper, and higher than anything we have yet conceived. In the nine sessions we had together that week, the memories that are the most meaningful are those of watching the light turn on in the hearts of today’s generation and witnessing their excitement as their questions finally find satisfactory answers.  Though they sense that God’s love is far beyond their full comprehension it makes sense to them, nonetheless! At the end of the week we closed with the clearest picture of God’s other-centeredness that I believe has ever been given to our world—the cross!  Almost the entire school, as well as some faculty, came forward and made decisions to surrender all.  They allowed God to lead them from that experience away from all the lies that surround what He is like and into the glorious light of His truth. Recently, I was told, “It’s really good to know God love’s us, but we need the meat too.” That way of thinking always brings a crooked smile to my face.  This is exactly where we miss the point!  Young people get the Sabbath!  They get the state of the dead!  They get the doctrines! Those subjects are easy.  What they want to know is how God’s love harmonizes with all of the suffering of today’s world!  How God’s love harmonizes with many of the stories of the Old Testament!  How God’s love harmonizes with what they have suffered in their own lives! They ask questions like “If God loves me, why is it so hard to understand? Why don’t I feel like it? Why aren’t my prayers answered, if God is so good?”  I would like to suggest that if we are going to be studying God’s love throughout eternity, maybe it’s not as “milky” as we have thought.  We might just have it backwards!  Milk is where we start, but understanding the many facetted puzzlements of God’s love is what feeds us and enables us to grow into mature “Godlike” Christians.   This type of food is for thought and feeling, and at Rio Lindo Academy last month, those thoughts and feelings  became life changing realities and set an incredible stage for an exciting school year.  I look forward to seeing what God does on that campus in the ensuing months. Soquel Campmeeting Soquel, CA Let me simply say that this was an incredible experience!  If you have never experienced Soquel Campmeeting,  let me tell you that it is a Campmeeting like no other. This summer, I was given the privilege of presenting what I consider to be the best news in all the scriptures to two groups during the week.   With the collegiate group, we penetrated more deeply with each presentation into the infinite love that abounds toward us in the heart of our God. This culminated in an incredible encounter with the cross.  Many who had been following God out of duty, felt as if they were “seeing” Him truly for the very first time.  Hearts were not simply touched, lives were forever changed.   One special experience was that of a young man who was a student at an academy where I had delivered a week of presentations years ago. This young man stated that something took place in his heart that week and that he had been pursuing a correct picture of his heavenly Father ever since.  It was truly a blessing to cross paths with this young man as an adult now.   Another experience was that of a young girl who has had a very unfortunate past.  With tears in her eyes, she shared that she was feeling, for the first time, that she could truly trust God again.  She was so thankful for the healing God was doing in her heart through the presentations.  Truth was contrasted with error.  The right picture was contrasted with the lies.  The shadows were dispelled, and the dawning of His love took place in many collegiate hearts. Then, there were the adults in the main pavilion.  At the end of each presentation I literally felt mobbed as folks clamored to the front to share.  One dear sister who had just been in an accident shared of the healing that took place in her heart toward God as she “saw” Him in the presentation on the “why” of human suffering.  Another dear gentleman shared how he felt like He was falling in love with God for the first time although he had been a Christian for  many years.  In addition, there was a dear saint (she was in her 70’s) who came up to me, threw her arms around me and shared that she was a fifth generation Adventist and was truly feeling that the God of this universe sincerely loved her for the very first time.  Wow!!  I had the pleasure of meeting precious hearts who have been listening online from all over the globe. (Received some very encouraging news from our Australia listeners.) I witnessed one changed life after another, as the gospel found its way into the hearts of those who had truly never seen Him as He really is.  But one experience that will last in my memory for a long time is that of an elderly gentleman.  As he was talking with me, someone else interrupted and asked him when He found God?  I’ll never forget the look on his face when he turned and said, “That’s a curious thing to ask.  I never knew He was lost.  I rather prefer to think that He found me.”  What a precious brother in Christ.  He got it!   In the middle of the week I was given opportunity to give a presentation on the Cross for the main evening meeting.  Christ was lifted up.  Truth won the hearts of many.  Nearly all who attended came forward to make a decision for our God!  Praise Him for His matchless love.  I’m sure He felt over-loved and overjoyed as many realized that not only is He in their hearts, but they are in the heart of their God! Weaverville Experiences Life Unlimited Weaverville, CA Weaverville, CA “Have you ever been to Weaverville?” This was the question everyone was asking when they learned that I was teaching a series aimed at reaching the community in this small town in Northern California.  It just so happens that Weaverville could be rightly named the country’s capital for “every green herb” (Genesis 1:30), if you know what I mean. Yet the folks in this community are truly precious.  They have a desire to know God more fully and share Him with their community.  Many seeds were planted during those ten days.  One weeknight, we had over 40 folks from one of the local community churches attend.  I am looking forward to the long-term results from that series.   Unfortunately, in the midst of this series, tragedy struck friends of mine who lived far away. During this series I made a last minute trip to Oklahoma to conduct a funeral for some very dear friends who had just lost their ten-year-old son.   Some of you may remember the weekly e-sight released that week.  Thank you for your prayers.  The family sincerely appreciated your support and prayers. Over and over, they have shared with me how truly thankful they are for all who, through the network of God’s family, connected with them through this ministry.  Your continued to prayer are helping them to get through each day right now. For that, I too am thankful to you.  If you were not able to read that week’s e-sight devotional, I would like to recommend it to you. You can read it for yourself at: http://www.renewedheartministries.com/resources.asp?t=insights&s=550 The trip to Weaverville ended well.  It was a small town, but a large effort was made by their church to touch the surrounding community with the message of God’s love that had deeply touched their hearts. Iowa-Missouri Campmeeting Centralia, MO My first thought, when invited to Iowa-Missouri last summer, was, “I need to wake up at 6:00 a.m.?  Really?  Do they not know how much of a morning person I am not! Well, God will provide.”  And so He did. Through the presentations, I met many beautiful people and heard many precious testimonies of what God was doing in their hearts.  We experienced God’s love deeply this week, and there was no shortage of humor. (Those who were there will know exactly what I am referring to.  Don’t make me put it in the newsletter.)   God opened many doors for Renewed Heart Ministries this week, including the possibility of the Review and Herald printing our upcoming book The Awakening by Herb Montgomery. This year’s theme for the Iowa-Missouri’s Camp Meeting was “Now Is The Time.”  I am reminded of God’s words in Ezekiel 16. “ ‘. . . I saw that the time had come for you to fall in love. ... Yes, I made a marriage covenant with you, and you became Mine.’  This is what the Sovereign Lord says.” (Ezekiel 16:8, TEV) Now is the time!  Too much time has passed.  God is calling all people from far and wide to encounter His heart and proclaim the last message of His mercy to the world!  God is moving within the shadows of misrepresentation, and soon He will break forth. The earth will once again be “lightened” with the “revelation of His character of love.”  (Revelation 18:1, Christ Object Lessons, p. 415)  There is coming a day when we will no longer call Him “Master,” but rather call Him “Husband.” (Hosea 2:16)  I look forward to this day.  God will have a people who are passionate about Him! Their chief concern (2 Corinthians 5:15) will be for God to feel over-loved and overjoyed as they look beyond concern over their own salvation (Luke 17:33) to the “salvation” of their God from the lies that have been perpetrated in His name. (Revelation 19:1) Certainly we saw this work begin in the hearts of those who saw Him afresh this summer in Iowa-Missouri.  Daily testimonies continue to pour into the ministry from the richness of God’s grace that we experienced together, even if it was at 6:00 a.m. Christian Men's Retreat Leoni Meadows, CA What an amazing event.  Over 450 men in Northern California, attended this years annual conference wide men’s retreat.  Each session lead us closer into the heart of our Father God. The greatest moment was the morning of the last session. We took time to look to Calvary. What an incredible experience it was as we allowed God to unfold His love for us revealed through the cross.  Almost every person came forward at the end in surrender to the great Lover of our souls.  It was truly an amazing four days. Durant SDA Church Durant, OK Those who have followed the ministry’s activity over time have seen this location mentioned before.  This time was no different.  Durant has a passion for its community.  This was, once again, made evident as folks from, not only the local Adventist church, but other churches in the area as well, attended the four presentations over the weekend. Doors are opening in this small Oklahoma town.  Hearts were touched by God’s love.  Lives were changed. Class of 2008 Well, graduation season has once again come and gone.  Part of Renewed Heart Ministries’ passion is that not only Adults, but Young People would be able to encounter the truth about our Heavenly Father and His love, as well.  It was my privilege to return to two campuses this spring where we had conducted weeks of prayer in the last couple school years to deliver the class of 2008’s commencement address. I believe God is calling today’s generation to choose ministries, not simply occupations.  God is calling today’s generation to understand the love of a God who risked even heaven itself to save us. And to, “With both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.”  (Ephesians 3:14-19, The Message) Marlinton SDA Fellowship Marlinton, WV I can say this because I’m from West Virginia. There are few places in this great nation that provide such unique challenges to evangelism as my home state.  I am so encouraged to see what God’s grace is accomplishing in the little town of Marlinton, WV.  Renewed Heart Ministries intentionally does not charge seminar fees, even for our evangelistic series, because we have a burden for all to hear,  regardless of the size or financial ability of a church.  Marlinton is no exception.  If you were to come down the valley into this small town, at it’s heart you would find a small Episcopal church being rented by 10 to 15 “Sevies” every Saturday morning.  It's referred to as a “fellowship”,  which is small, but has a large passion to reach the world around them.  RHM spent ten days working in cooperation with this little group to put on the Life Unlimited  series for the community that surrounds them.  We saw lives changed as we worked together.  Souls advanced in their journey of being drawn deep within the veil, deep within the heart of the One who defines Himself as love.  Thank you for the opportunity to do evangelism along side you.  Please don’t hesitate to call on us if we can be of any further help to you in the work you are doing in this small West Virginian town. Armona Adventist Academy Armona, CA Last month I was given the privilege of speaking to some of the most remarkable young people I have ever encountered.   We took four days to look at three topics.  First, our desperate need to see God as He truly is. Next, if God is so loving,  why is there so much pain and suffering on a planet which He claims to be overseeing?  Finally, the greatest subject mortals can contemplate—the Cross.  I watched as the hearts of these young people opened as a flower turns to the warmth of the sun. “As a flower turns to the sun, that the bright rays may touch it with tints of beauty, so will the soul turn to the Sun of Righteousness, that heaven's light may beautify the character with the graces of the character of Christ.”  (E.G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 468) The memory which will haunt me the longest is an encounter with a precious heart who has suffered so much.  (Please don’t worry.  I won't mention who you are. Your secrets are safe with Jesus dear one.)  I watched as this student’s heart, which had been so severely damaged by the pain this world can dish out, opened before the love of her Savior.  For the very first time things began to make sense.  For the very first time she felt “loved.”  God became real and His heart began to be understood.  Dear sister, in the precious love of our Savior, if you happen to be reading this, I am so happy for what you experienced this week.  He loves you more than you could possibly ever fathom.  Remember, nothing would make Him happier than for you to spend eternity with Him allowing Him to unfold His endless love to you.  Keep your eyes on Him.  You are the apple of His eye. No grief touches your heart that does not also pierce His.  I look forward to witnessing you and Him there, together, forever. Sounds of Rain . . . Sunset Oaks SDA Church Give ear, O heavens, and let me speak; and let the earth hear the words of my mouth. Let my teaching drop as the rain, My speech distill as the dew, as the droplets on the fresh grass, and as the showers on the herb.—Deuteronomy 32:1-2, NASB Twelve months of planning, over three hundred decisions for Jesus, one weekend in March.   In the scriptures, God’s extravagant love and grace is again and again represented as showers of rain that God desperately desires to pour over the thirsty ground of our hearts. And this is exactly what took place this past March at the annual youth revival hosted by Sunset Oaks Seventh-day Adventist Church and conducted in partnership with Renewed Heart Ministries. It is truly amazing to watch the adult congregation “give up” the use of their entire facility for one whole weekend, once a year, to be used entirely by and for the purpose of reaching our young people. It’s a weekend during which young people can feel safe. They’re not going to be judged on their differences. The burden is simply that they experience a deeper encounter with Jesus over the course of the weekend than prior to their arrival. There’s lots of energy, and a power-packed combination of prayer, worship, and Bible study. It is truly electrifying to witness. This year, each session seemed to usher the young people into a fuller encounter with God’s character of love and a commitment to letting His grace become the compelling agent in their lives. The weekend culminated with a very personal and powerful presentation on the love of God revealed through the cross of Christ. The result? Over three hundred young people got out of their seats and came forward to answer the call for full surrender to Jesus.   The greatest impact, though, was observing the leadership of the church—who had invested their time, energies, and talents—and seeing tears well up in their eyes as they realized that, for these three hundred plus young people, it was all worth it! There was rejoicing at that moment in heaven for sure, but the visual of seeing everyone who had put so much effort into this event witnessing the fruits of their labor was a memory that will not quickly fade.   God has promised through Isaiah, “I will pour out water on the thirsty land And streams on the dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring And My blessing on your descendants; and they [your offspring] will spring up among the grass like poplars by streams of water” (Isaiah 44:3,4). Through Zechariah, He says, “Ask from Me rain at the time of the spring rain, and I, the Lord, who makes the storm clouds will give them showers of rain” (Zechariah 10:1). Certainly, these promises found a fulfillment through the Divinely blessed efforts of Sunset Oaks this March. In the greater Sacramento area, and in the hearts of the young people who attended, there was heard . . . sounds of rain. Life Unlimited — NOW ON DVD! Woodside SDA; Sacramento, CA Or at least it will in be an about two more months. The filming is complete, and now the editing has commenced. It is an evangelistic series like none other! And, soon, it will be available to either order through our website or simply watch online. I would like to extend a special thank you to White Horse Media, as well as to the Woodside SDA Church, for partnering with Renewed Heart Ministries in the filming of these seventeen revolutionary, life-changing, one-hour presentations. Many expressed that they had never experienced God and His character like they had during these ten days. One dear sister expressed that she was a fifth generation Adventist, had been in the church all her life, and, yet, only over the course of these last ten days had she gained the assurance that Jesus’ death was for her and that she will be in the Kingdom. Praise God! Thank you, thank you, thank you for your help in making the visual recording of this series a reality. Manchester Korean SDA Church Long Island City, NY Manchester Korean SDA Church Long Island City, NY In early March, I was privileged to share with one of my favorite cultures within the Adventist Church—the Koreans. Each of the area churches came together for worship, Bible study, and good food (Sorry, I had to throw that last part in—I love Korean food!).  What I will take with me is the look in the eyes of so many as we encountered the cross on Sabbath morning. Many had never pondered the things discussed. The wheels were turning, lights were coming on, hearts were being touched, and lives were being changed.  Surely, we experienced the deep movings of the Holy Spirit as we encountered the light that ever streams from the cross of Calvary to and upon all A Statement of Faith! The best way I know to counter circulating rumors is to communicate.  Be open, honest, and transparent.  We are a new ministry, and with that newness comes the need to reassure those who have questions about our beliefs. Renewed Heart Ministries and I, Herb Montgomery believe in the substitutionary blood atonement of the Cross. Last year a ministry that is viewed by many to question the necessity of blood atonement invited me to speak at one of their convocations.  I understood the risk of association when I accepted that invitation, but I also made a promise to my Savior years ago, that if at all possible, I would answer every call I could, regardless of whom the invitation was by, to share the Gospel of His character of Love.  I am passionate about sharing God’s love for this world as seen through the lens of our Adventist teachings.   I am not a moral influence theorist.  I do believe that Calvary does exert a moral influence but I believe that influence is through the truth of the substitutionary death of Christ’s Cross.  That said, we at Renewed Heart Ministries do not believe in a three-party substitution. We do believe in a two-party substitutionary blood atonement. (For more on this, please listen to The Sufferings of a God on our Web site at http://www.renewedheartministries.com/resources.asp?t=sermons). I do not hold the belief that God never takes an active role in the taking of life. I do believe that sin has harmful, intrinsic and destructive results that the sinners bring upon themselves.  We need to understand this subject more clearly. Yet, I do not hold that God never imposes, as a parent, disciplinary consequences out of love, to save his children, those same consequences, involving, at times, the act of ending the temporal life of those who are in willful, stubborn, open, unrepentant rebellion. I believe the Scriptures hold many examples of God acting in this fashion. It is my prayer that this statement of faith will calm rumors that have been circulating by those who have questions.  I hope all will understand that, I may go and speak at conventions of which I will not hold in common the beliefs of those I may speaking along side.  For example, I may speak at a convention of Baptists, even though I am not a Baptist.  I would simply be a guest at a Baptist convention. Yet, I would be sharing the truth as I believe God has shown us as a church.   In regards to the invitation I accepted last year, will I accept an invitation to go again?  I don’t know.  I have been invited.  What I can say is that my willingness to preach to anyone and alongside anyone, has raised some serious questions from those who are sincere but unfamiliar with our ministry.  It has become a matter of deep prayer between me and my Savior.  If I should turn them down this year, it will be the first time I have said no for a reason other than a scheduling conflict, in ten years of ministry. Pray that I will have wisdom.  Thank you for listening. Videos Now on the Web site! I am happy to announce that after much trial and error, we now have videos up on the Web site for your viewing pleasure.  Now that all the bugs have been worked out, we will be adding even more videos. Currently we are filming our 17 presentations of the Life Unlimited evangelistic series and hope to have all 17 videos posted to the site soon! Penn Valley SDA Church Penn Valley, CA “Thank you!  Just thank you!” was her response.   In January, the pastor of the Penn Valley SDA Church and I decided to try something a little different.   I arrived for a weekend seminar where our only focus was to have those who attended encounter the Gospel through our Adventist message.  The goal was to invite as many members of the community as we could, get them excited, and then come back in three weeks to hold a longer evangelistic seminar where the people who had attended the previous weekend seminar could invite their friends.  I don’t know if that worked, but what I do know is that I had the privilege of meeting two very special people.  They are not members of the Adventist church, but they are part of the body of Christ.  Each night I watched as the wheels began to turn inside.  I watch lights turn on, and new ideas dawn as my dear new friends encountered truth after truth.   Then we come to the presentation where we cover the Gospel as revealed through the truth of God’s seventh day Sabbath.  I always approach this subject with great delicacy and prayer as I am fully aware how contrary it is to modern traditional Christianity.  Yet when we were three-quarters of the way through the presentation, the more vocal of the two of my new friends exclaimed, “Thank you, thank you.  Just thank you!  I have wrestled with this for over a year now and I could not find a satisfactory answer, and to see its relation to the Gospel is even more amazing!”   At the end of the series, we had four folks interested in following up the truths they had encountered in that series.  I know very well that there are many well-meaning folks who are used to hearing large numbers who would say, “Four?  Only four as a result of a ten-day series?”  I would answer yes.  When trying innovative methods of marketing you have to try new things even when those methods may not produce the desired outcome.  In order to find “something better” than the current model you have to be willing to risk trying something that may turn out to be worse.  You learn as you go, on the run so to speak.  You pick up things that work, you leave behind things that don’t, but at least you try to reach  the masses that our current approach grossly neglects.   But let me add, I would not say “only” four attendees.  Having spent time with each attendee, and gotten to know each of them personally, was well worth it.  I have rarely met such sincerity, honesty, and openness as I encountered in these four precious souls.  In my book, this series was my most successful effort in the last ten years of ministry. I so look forward to seeing God’s leading in my new friends’ lives over the next few months.   If you happen to be reading this, my dear friends, prove all things, don’t stop searching, God is daily “ordaining” certain events in your life, drawing you, in hopes that you “might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us” (Acts 17:27). Our meeting was not chance. God is calling you to join His last movements in this age.  He is about to return, but before He does, “the mystery of God will be finished” (Revelation 10:7). Campion SDA Church Loveland, CO In September we will be conducting our Life Unlimited series for the Campion SDA church community.  In preparation for this event, last month I spent Friday evening and all day Sabbath presenting the themes of God’s paternal tenderness and His abundant grace for the sinner.  The response was astounding.  I met so many precious people that weekend.  Many who had experienced loss found answers for the first time as we looked at the delicate balance God holds between control and freedom, love and risk.  But by far the greatest encounter took place when we came to the cross.  I resolved long ago never to do a series of meetings without devoting some portion of that series to the contemplation of Calvary and God’s great love therein revealed.  But rarely have I experienced such clarity of thought and speech on that subject as what we experienced together in Campion.  Truly God came close and our lives will never be the same.  Blessings to you, Campion; I look forward to what God is going to do as we reach out to your community next fall. The Dawning of a New Day Lewisburg, WV About six months ago, I had the privilege of delivering the Sabbath morning sermon at my home church (which doesn’t happen often, since I’m away from home almost every weekend).  That morning, I was blessed to look out into my audience and see a visitor.  I would later be introduced to her by name.  But at that point, I was struck by how deeply attentive she was to the presentation.  I was speaking about a very meaningful topic currently in my life and that is the encounter Mary Magdalene had with Jesus.   After church, I was introduced to our visitor.  Her name was Crystal, and the person she was with asked if I could spare a moment to talk. Crystal’s background was in Wicca, and she had never before heard the things concerning God’s love, Mary, and the awakening of heart-level faith in the way she had experienced in that morning’s presentation.  She expressed that she felt like she was Mary, and for the first time, she felt as if God’s love for Mary was exactly what God felt toward her.  She wanted more.  She didn’t want to run anymore.  She had lots of questions, as well as lots of tears.  I assured her that it would all become clear in time, just be patient, and don’t stop believing in what she was beginning to understand in regards to God’s unfathomable love for her. She began studying with a couple in our local church as well as our local pastor and his wife.  And I am happy to announce that last month, in January of ‘08, Crystal was baptized in our local church here in West Virginia.  Congratulations Crystal!! And even more so, now after your baptism, in regards to God’s great love for you, don’t stop believing! Charleston SDA Church Charleston, WV Wow, wow, wow!  I was truly amazed to see what the Charleston SDA church is doing these days.  My first introduction to the great things our God is up to in this church was Friday night when I arrived.  I was immediately met by a lovely young lady whose introduction was, “Hi, my name is . . . . I’m now off the streets, and I’ve been clean of drugs for seven months!”  I thought, “That’s great.”  Then, the next morning as I was listening to their praise and testimony time, another lady stood up and thanked God for the changes God was making in her life and stated she would soon be getting her daughter back.  My ears perked up.  I thought, “Who is this church reaching out to?” Then it became obvious.  In between church and my afternoon meetings, the church packed up the leftovers from the “potluck” (which was quite a lot of food, nonetheless), and we headed downtown to feed the hungry.  Man, they came out of the woodwork. Then I met Isaiah.  He was slobberingly (is that a word?) drunk, and then our eyes met.  There was something different about him, and I think he noticed something different about me as well.  He reached out to me and began to cry.  He said, “I don’t know why I’m telling you this, but I’ve tried so long to give up the bottle.  I need help.  I’m tired of my life.  I’m tired of all this.  I want to be free.  Please, can you help me?”  I reassured him that I could not set him free, but I knew someone who could.  I looked into his eyes and said slowly and firmly, “My friend can help you.  And the best part is He doesn’t care where you’ve been.  He just cares where you are going.” Isaiah hopped in the car with us as we headed back to the church and stayed through my last two presentations.  He encountered Calvary that day as he had never heard it before.  I know he was inebriated, and some may scoff at this, but he did make a decision that day.  He accepted Jesus that day as His Lord and Savior and stated he wanted to go to heaven to live with Jesus. He wanted to be free from his alcohol and have Jesus instead. I wonder sometimes if we really mean it when we say, “Come to Jesus, just as you are.”  Certainly Isaiah did just this.  He’s in the hands of that local church now, and I can’t wait to be met at the door next time with, “Hi, my name is Isaiah.  I’m off the streets now, and I’ve been sober for seven months.”  May the gospel continue to change lives in real and practical ways.  Praise God! The Awakening Pullman, Washingtion Four days in January, Nine sermons, Sixty souls, Sixteen visitors.  The Community Worship Center of Pullman, WA, feels a deep desire to reach the university community surrounding their church.  This past January, I had the privilege of conducting an abbreviated evangelistic series (nine topics), entitled The Awakening, in a neutral venue.  The concept was simple.  In her encounter with Jesus, Mary Magdalene had experienced in her heart the awakening of something that would change the rest of her life.  Whatever it was she saw, we set our hearts to encounter that same.  We looked at such topics as the Sabbath, Death, The Final Fate of the Wicked, and the question of Why Do Evil Things Happen if God is Good? We contrasted what the Christian church of the Middle Ages taught concerning these topics with what Jesus taught concerning them during His ministry here on Earth.  The comparison was striking.  The four days culminated in an encounter with Calvary that moved us all. One story stands out above the rest.  Sabbath morning, a dear sister we had met in a restaurant that week showed up to the meetings.  The subject was Why Do Evil Things Happen if God is Good?  Without mentioning the details, at the close of the service, she had a meltdown.  We discovered that she herself had been abused as a 12-year-old girl and had been harboring it since (50+ years).  That morning was the first time someone from a church had ever addressed what happened to her in a way that made sense.  She began to cry uncontrollably, and I along with three of the other leaders of the church quickly began to pray.  We lifted this dear sister up before Jesus, praying that He would work a miracle, that she could be freed, and that, in the light of God’s great forgiveness for her sins, she might have forgiveness awakened in her heart toward those who had sinned against her.  The result:  Our dear sister walked away that day a new creature in Christ Jesus.  For the first time in her life, she was free.  With tears streaming down her cheeks, she was free. She came to the remaining meetings in the series, and before I left, she had already been warmly drawn into one of the church’s weekly Bible studies.  Truly, a miracle had taken place before our eyes.  One of God’s children had come home.  She had been brought out of darkness into His marvelous light. New releases for 2008! The new year has commenced and activity abounds.  This year, as funding permits, it is our hope to release many more heavily requested resources. The following is a short description of the projects we are currently working on and hope to release in 2008. Bible Studies! It is our goal to release the first ten lessons of a new series of Bible studies built for busy people.  The aim of these lessons is to reach our current postmodern culture with the message of God’s love as seen through the lens of our Adventists beliefs in a current and culturally relevant way. A New Book! The long awaited, much requested manuscript by Herb Montgomery is almost finished and will be going through editing and design this spring. The title is still to be announced. Morning Devotional for Sharing! Have you ever wanted to share the insights you’ve gained from Renewed Heart Ministries?  It is our hope to aid you in this by releasing a small book of morning devotionals that is small enough to share with your family and friends.  This concise booklet will be a compilation of the weekly E-sights many have enjoyed via their e-mail throughout 2007. Life Unlimited on DVD! Many have requested the Life Unlimited series on DVD, but as yet we have not been able to supply this request with a professionally recorded set.  As funding permits we will be filming and editing the truly life changing Life Unlimited series for DVD release in 2008.   Updates to the Website! We will also be introducing a weekly podcast subscription as well as streaming video presentations in the resource section of our Website. Promotional DVDs! These will be short three-minute promotional DVD you can share with your church, family, and friends to introduce them to the life changing free resources offered by Renewed Heart Ministries. Four-Day Training Program on How to Share the Gospel! Last summer it was requested that we begin holding seminars that help train church members to share their faith in a Gospel-centered way.  This four-day intensive class will have limited registration, which will be announced on our Website. It is our hope to use the new Bible study series in conjunction with this training series.  Registration will be a first-come, first-served basis; and the location and dates will be announced.  Sorry, no pre-registration. Once again, these are our visions for 2008 as funding permits.  Please feel free to request more information if you would like to give toward any of the projects listed above. We at Renewed Heart Ministries wish you God’s richest blessings this new year.  May work Jesus began of “lightening the Earth with His glory,” soon be finished through the revealing of His love through us. Announcing Our New Addition! Christian Journey Montgomery In response to much demand, we are announcing (with pictures) the birth of our new son. Crystal and I would like to express our deep gratitude to all of you who have held our family and our new addition in your prayers.  On November 19, 2007, Christian Journey Montgomery was born into our family.  He was 7 pounds 5.6 ounces, and truly adorable. We have so much to be thankful for this holiday season. I’m sure we all have a lot to be thankful for.  Needs met, friends, family, both new and old, but most of all, Jesus.  This Christmas, let us take time to allow God’s love to awaken in our hearts deeper streams of appreciation and gratitude for the gift of His beloved Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, than we have heretofore experienced.   Thank you all so much for your prayers and your continued support of Renewed Heart Ministries.  We have seen so many lives changed in this ministry’s first year as a result of God’s work through our efforts. Testimonies continue to come in daily: of hearts won, brought back, or reestablished in God’s great love for them. Just today, I received this email: “These messages are changing my life.  Thank you for this web site.  I'm sharing with everyone I know that seems willing to listen or learn.” Thank you, thank you, thank you for your support. It is my hope that, through our partnership together, the work of “lightening this earth with His glory” (Revelation 18:1), which began with that Tiny Babe in a manger in Bethlehem, will soon find its grand culmination as we not only meditate on the nature of His love for us, but we allow that same love to be revealed through us, as well.   God’s richest blessings to all of you this Holiday Season. Sincerely, Herb Montgomery Director | Speaker Renewed Heart Ministries Life Unlimited in Bakersfield, CA Pacific Health Center / Bakersfield SDA Church – Last month, I was privileged to share our Life Unlimited series in Bakersfield, CA. We had over 80 non-Adventists from the community attend, with many of those making decisions for Jesus for the very first time. Over 20 of those made decisions to follow Jesus in relation to the greatest Gospel teaching device ever given to humanity—the Sabbath. After attending both Sabbath presentations as well as hearing the good news concerning Hell, one dear lady came to me excitedly that evening with tears of joy in her eyes. She said, “Thank you so much for sharing all this with us. I’ve never seen God like this before! My life will never be the same!” A number of Bible studies were started during this ten day series, with folks from the community surrounding the church. I look forward to watching what God will do in the lives of these dear souls as they come to see God and His love for them, many for the first time. Keep up the good work, Bakersfield! Canadian College University Lacombe, Alberta This September, I had the pleasure of sharing with our Canadian students for Canadian College University’s (our Adventist university in the Canadian Union) fall week of prayer. What made this experience truly amazing is that attendance to the University’s week of prayer is strictly “voluntary.” The students are not required to come to the presentations, but once the word got out about what other students were experiencing through the presentations of the gospel each morning and evening, students began attending in droves. This fall week of prayer was reported as being the largest attended week of prayer in the history of the university, with over 90 percent of the student body coming forward and making a decision for Jesus on the closing Sabbath. I wish you could have been there to see the truly heart-stirring response of those young adults to the Gospel as many of them encountered God’s life-changing love for them for the very first time. You can listen to the presentations given during this week for yourself on our website on our Sermons/Downloads page under Resources. Adventist Christian Fellowship / Central Las Cruces SDA Church Las Cruces, NM Light once again dawned on our darkened perceptions of God and His character of love, but this time it was in New Mexico! We had a wonderful weekend experience as two churches came together in one town to spend a weekend focusing on God’s self-sacrificing and self-abandoning love for each of us. Many plans are being laid to share this good news with the community surrounding these churches. I so look forward to seeing what God is going to do in Las Cruces as we lift high the cross for all to see the truth about our God! Glendale SDA Church & Glenview Academy Glendale, AZ “One week in October” is how it all began three years ago. I’ve been in Glendale for the last three Octobers now, and this year we spent one whole week taking time to focus specifically on Calvary and what God was accomplishing for us there. I’ve rarely felt the clarity that we achieved during this week as we studied together the greatest single revelation of God’s love for this lost word—the Cross. These presentations will be available soon for free download for any who are interested in understanding more clearly what Calvary was all about.   Also this year, while in Glendale, I was asked to share with the Academy there in the morning the precious good news of our Father’s love. Morning after morning, we addressed the young peoples’ perceptions of what they felt God was like, while being open to letting God show us the truth concerning Himself. Each morning, the light became brighter and brighter, finally climaxing on Friday, with almost the entire student body making a surrender to God to allow His great love to be the controlling influence in their lives. If any of the students from Glendale happen to be reading, I look forward to being with you again for graduation next May. Til then, keep your eyes on the Cross! It is there and there alone that we see the truth most clearly. May the light of the bright beams of Calvary shine on you all! An Oasis for the Underground By Diane Johnston We were blessed to have Herb join us in Cove, Oregon, for our first Underground Oasis Retreat.  It is a very long trip from West Virginia to eastern Oregon, but the Oasis family will always be grateful to Herb for making the exhausting trip and agreeing  to be our keynote speaker. The Underground Oasis is a God-based recovery program that believes that only God has the power to completely heal our destructive habits and dependencies.  Our Oasis family will never be the same as a result of this life-changing weekend.  We say that “at the Underground Oasis, we don’t care about where you’ve been, we just care about where you’re going.” Herb gave the Oasis Family a new vision of God this weekend. A God who truly cares about where we’re going and freely forgives where we’ve been. Herb’s message for the Underground Oasis was a message of hope—something that has eluded most of us as a result of our choices earlier in life.  We were shown a new picture of God’s character, a God who desperately  loves even those who have made poor decisions and left a trail of wreckage in their path.  This was brought home in a powerful way when Herb told of the last three hours of Jesus on the cross. The fact that Jesus felt separated from His father, but was still willing to die that second death so that we might experience eternity, was a powerful picture of God’s character of love.  Of all the people who can identify with feelings of rejection, betrayal, separation, and hopelessness, the Underground Oasis Family stands out.  Many had never heard the true story of the cross, and for the first time it brought hope to those hearts.   The weekend was about healing and forgiveness. Forgiveness is an issue that consumes most of us in the Oasis Family. The track record for most of us has not been stellar.  We learned the key to forgiveness was not held by us—that key is held by God.  Herb encouraged us to let go and stop begging God to do something He has already done for us. He has already forgiven us in His heart. We need forgiveness to cleanse our hearts and minds of the guilt and remorse we have been packing around for a lifetime. Herb asked us to concentrate only on how much God has forgiven us. When we start to comprehend that truth, the ability to  forgive ourselves and others who have hurt us will automatically flow out of a grateful heart.  —Dale, aka “The Deacon” “I never realized how we can tie God’s hands by our choices.  That explained so much to me why my 911 prayers never seemed to reach the ceiling.  Even though God is all powerful, in His love for us, he still gives us free choice.”  —Steve, aka “Mad Max.” “I am a 3rd-generation Adventist.  I have spent my whole life in a backslidden, hopeless condition.  I have found recovery through  Jesus Christ at the Underground Oasis, a Christ Centered 12 Step recovery family.  Herb was invited to speak at our retreat this summer and WOW! I’m convinced that this is God’s last great message to the whole world.  Let the rain fall!”  —Steve F. “Thank you so much for the awesome weekend.  I learned so much and was relaxed at the same time.” —Ricia   “I’ve been in and out of church all of my life. I’ve been in and out of prison, too. I viewed Christianity as a band-aid for weak people.  After this weekend I saw a real Jesus Christ and my view of Christianity and religion is more of a wholesome, one-on-one relationship and friendship with Jesus.  The weekend should have lasted longer.  Herb redefined my definition of who God is.  The marks, scars, tattoos and bruises on my body were the decisions of a teenager who knew everything and who became an adult who knew nothing.  I was once a hopeless dope addict—now I’m a dopeless hope addict!  I love you, Herb!”  —Mike, aka “Biggin”      “I know things now that will keep me from running away from God.  I couldn’t get enough, I need more.”  —Vicki “The first night stands out in my mind, where Herb defined who it was we are seeing when we think of God. We have been concentrating on our behavior instead of Jesus.  Who I see determines how I think.  How I think determines how I feel. How I feel determines my behavior. I believe the eyes are the avenue to the soul. As a result of this weekend, I am more dedicated to beholding Christ and then letting the behavior fall in order.”  —Jim, aka “Recovering Pharisee” Mary-like Faith in Summersville, WV. Summersville SDA Church As we shared in last month’s newsletter, God desire is that, through the revelation of His love, He might awaken in us the same quality of faith the was inspired in the heart of Mary toward Jesus as her Savior.  This month, I was able to visit the Adventist Church in Summersville, WV, and watch the presentation of God’s character do just that in the lives of those who attended.  Afterwards, one of the elders of the church came to me, and said, “I am convinced that this is what the western world needs!  Adventism in the light of God’s love, or rather, as you say, God’s love through the lens of our Adventist teachings is the only thing that will win the hearts of secular North America.”  I could not agree more, brother.  This is what we are to be about!  To North America and the entire globe, may the cry be heard, “Behold your God!” “O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!” (Isaiah 40:9) Adventists, Baptists, and Lutherans! Durant, OK Three years ago, I had the immense privilege of conducting an evangelistic series in a small farming town known as Durant, OK.  Last month, I returned for a weekend.  I was truly encouraged to see how the church is still growing.  But, before I share with you what took place during that weekend, I would like to give you the backdrop for what I wrote shortly after the first time I was in Durant. Brothers in Christ—Herb Montgomery The sacrifice of Christ as an atonement for sin is the great truth around which all other truths cluster. In order to be rightly understood and appreciated, every truth in the Word of God, from Genesis to Revelation, must be studied in the light that streams from the cross of Calvary. I present before you the great, grand monument of mercy and regeneration, salvation and redemption—the Son of God uplifted on the cross. This is to be the foundation of every discourse given by our ministers. —E. G. White, Gospel Workers, p. 315. (1915) Last October, I had the immense privilege of conducting three weeks of meetings in the small town of Durant, Ok. I had decided to base the entire series for an audience from any background, churched or un-churched, and to follow the advice of the statement you read at the onset of this article.  Years ago, I became convinced  that what people need the most is the gospel of Jesus Christ, and all of the other amazing things they can discover from the Bible need to follow and be based upon their primary encounter with the love that continuously surges in God’s heart for them.   The meetings started off with a wonderful surprise.  One of the elders of the church had grown up with one of the local Baptist pastors in the area who also does music ministry.  The elder invited his pastor friend to come and do the musical specials for the first two nights. Little did I know at the beginning how the Lord would work. Although the meetings were being held in the Adventist church, this Baptist pastor agreed, and, boy, were we in for a blessing. But the greatest blessing was what the Lord would teach me through our encounter. The pastor did the music for the first two nights.  We discussed the fundamental need for everyone from every walk of life having a true understanding and encounter with the character of God and His extravagant love for them . . . That Sunday, I was graciously invited to attend my new Baptist friend’s church where he pastors.  It was packed, and I could see why.  I was so welcomed and loved from the moment I walked in the door that it was refreshing.  The service was comfortable, culturally relevant, and yet Biblically pure.  The sermon was outstanding. It has been so long since I have attended any church service outside my own denomination, and I was honestly and pleasantly surprised.  The passage that morning was Titus 2:11-13, and the main point of the sermon was that the same grace that saves us also teaches us to obey.  Then the pastor surprised me again.   He announced to his congregation that he had been attending the series of meetings that were being held at the local Seventh-day Adventist church.  He made me stand, and he introduced me to everyone, and then he spoke the very words that I was longing to say.   He said, “I know we have some differences with the Adventists, but I think there is plenty enough that we agree on too.  I think we would get a lot further if we focused on the things we agree with the Adventists on rather than always fighting over the things we differ in.” He went on to testify of the tremendous blessing he had been receiving through the meetings, and then he looked at his congregation, as said something I never thought I would hear a Baptist pastor say.  “I’m going to be attending these meetings, and I want to see every one of you there too.”   That next week, we had lunch together, and what a blessing it was.  We both shared, back and forth, of our love for Jesus and His people. And I was amazed to see the bridges that God could build between His children.  The pastor attended as many of the rest of the series as he could.  He sat through presentations that were distinctly Adventist.  We covered things that I know did not harmonize with some of the Baptist teachings, and, yet, he was incredibly gracious and open.  He truly is a brother in Christ. On the last night, he asked if he could just have thirty seconds before I began to talk. I readily agreed, and the words he shared that last night are still etched in my memory: “I have been a pastor for over thirty years, but what I haven’t done for the last twenty years is to go to meetings because I just got burned out on all the garbage that’s out there. And yet, I have found myself attending most every night of these meetings.  Tonight, I just want to say I am thankful for three things.  Number one, good friends (and he pointed to his friend who was our elder) who reached out and invited me to these meetings. Second, I’m thankful for a group of people who meet under a different name and on a different day, but whom I’ve learned are my brothers and sisters in Christ. And, thirdly, I want to thank God, that, somehow, in His infinite wisdom and love, He could see fit to look down and use this young kid from West Virginia to teach this Baptist pastor who’s been ministering for thirty years new insights into His love and give me some things to think about. I love you like a brother, man.” I have never been so blessed by anyone’s response to my meetings as I was listening to his heartfelt response that night. Roger, if you’re out there, and you happen to be reading this, I truly consider you to be a brother in Jesus.  You were a tremendous blessing to me, as well. And when all else fails, remember, “Give ‘em heaven brother, give ‘em heaven.” I’ll see you in the kingdom. Last month was the second time I have been able to go back to Durant since the above-mentioned series.  This time, we covered topics from God’s Faith Awakening Love to the Sabbath, The Final Fate of the Lost, Death, the Latter Rain and, finally, Calvary. Each topic took us deeper into an encounter with the heart of God and the Love He has for each one of us.  As always in Durant, we had a mixture of different denominations who attended.  Of course, there were the local Adventists, but we also were blessed by having Baptists and Lutherans, as well, fellowshipping with us that weekend.  It is always exciting to me when someone of another faith visits, and the first thing they hear from an Adventist pulpit is a presentation on the Gospel that, according to them, is unlike anything they have ever heard before.  Praise God!  For too long, we have left the wrong impression on our fellow Christians outside our faith.  It’s encouraging to me to see that being reversed.  I’m reminded of that famous statement: “Of all professing Christians, Seventh-day Adventists should be foremost in uplifting Christ before the world. The proclamation of the third angel's message calls for the presentation of the Sabbath truth. This truth, with others included in the message, is to be proclaimed; but the great center of attraction, Christ Jesus, must not be left out. It is at the cross of Christ that mercy and truth meet together, and righteousness and peace kiss each other. The sinner must be led to look to Calvary; with the simple faith of a little child, he must trust in the merits of the Saviour, accepting His righteousness, believing in His mercy. (Ellen White, Gospel Workers p.156) I will be returning to Durant next April, and then again in November. We are going to be looking into a neutral location where we will be able to reach more of the small farming community.  I solicit your prayers as this little church in the plains of Oklahoma seeks to profoundly lift up Christ for the blessing of those around them.   Redwood Campmeeting Northern California Conference When men and women can more fully comprehend the magnitude of the great sacrifice which was made by the Majesty of heaven in dying in man's stead, then will the plan of salvation be magnified, and reflections of Calvary will awaken tender, sacred, and lively emotions in the Christian's heart. Praises to God and the Lamb will be in their hearts and upon their lips . . . Who can measure the love Christ felt for a lost world as He hung upon the cross, suffering for the sins of guilty men? This love was immeasurable, infinite.  (Ellen White, Testimonies to the Church, vol. 2, p. 212) Truly, we experienced a taste of this love in last month’s experience at Redwood Campmeeting in the Northern California Conference.  Each night, we were brought amazingly close once again to the heart of the Father as revealed through the life, ministry, and death of Jesus Christ. One dear sister approached me one evening after the presentation and stated, “I’ve been in the church all my life and it’s as though I’ve never heard the gospel before!  It’s like I’m hearing it all for the first time.  Jesus died for me, it was all for me.  Even though I was raised in the church I feel like I want to be re-baptized.” Each night, hearts were moved and lives were changed.   Here are a few testimonies: “Thank you for being Jesus with skin on.  You have changed my heart and mind with your ministry. Praise God!” “I am 32 and the only sibling still in the church, out of nine kids.  I only wish that they had a chance to know the Lord like you have shown us.  You have changed my walk with God.” “Thank you for opening our eyes and hearts to new ideas of God’s love—He is using you in a powerful way.  We pray for you . . .” “God is using you in a mighty way!  We’ve greatly appreciated your message last year.  This year God has used you to help heal our marriage that was falling apart!  We praise God for bringing us the most powerful message of His great love for us.  May God continue to guide you and your family.” “Thank you for showing clearly the love God has for me.  His love has changed my life.” At the beginning of the week, a dear friend came to me after the first presentation on Mary Magdalene’s faith, believing and yet struggling to believe.  She was sincerely doubting if God’s love could do for her what it did for Mary.  She asked, “Can it really do that, or are you just preaching?  Please, I can’t allow my hopes to be disappointed.  I don’t think I can handle being let down one more time.”  I promised her that if she would just believe the revelation that God was going to share this week, not one soul has ever been disappointed when they truly encountered His love for them. Toward the end of the week, in the middle of one presentation, she came to my mind.  I began scanning the crowd for her face.  And there she was with tears in her eyes.  She came up to me afterward and all she could say was, “Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. Truly by love is love awakened!”  God’s richest blessing to you, dear sister.  May the rain soon fall! If any of you from Redwood last month are out there reading this, may the earth soon be “Lightened with His glory.” (Revelation 18:1)  Don’t stop believing! New Online Store! This month marks the opening of Renewed Heart Ministries’ Online Resource Center Store.  Through this avenue, you can purchase recordings of your favorite sermons from our downloads section. These presentations will still be available for free download.  But for those who prefer to simply have all the presentations on CD, we are now taking orders online.  Currently, we are offering our four most popular series: Extravagant Love, Life Unlimited, Light in the Darkness, and Glowing in the Dark, with more being added each month. Enjoy! An Open Letter Recently we received a letter inquiring about how RHM operates and is funded.  We thought we would respond to this letter openly. Dear Friend, Thank you so much for your recent inquiry concerning Renewed Heart Ministries. We believe that Jesus’ ministry was for the salvation of humanity.  This salvation is deeply rooted and grounded in mankind rightly encountering, understanding, and believing the truth concerning the character of God.  We believe that the chur