From the Editor
Last week, the newspaper headlines for Lancaster, Pennsylvania reported a disturbing account of a recent grave robbery of a child. Satanic activity was the obvious motive. The local investigator reported, “It might be a cult. I found chicken heads over there, a pig head, a goat head the other day. And there are candles dug in the ground in a circle shape back in the woods near here.” Such a ghastly report really sobered me. All around, I have heard reports of churches, ministers, and faithful brethren undergoing intense trials. Even locally, here in Lancaster County, signs of the enemy’s tactics have been gravely felt. However, these satanic grave rituals only reminded me very graphically that there is a war going on, and that the enemy is not at rest. The apostle Peter reminded us, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Pe. 5:8 After reading these news events, it made me want to take these satanic rituals as a wake-up call to try to understand what the fight is all about.
Fortunately, it hasn’t all felt quite so intense for my family these last two months, as the Lord has granted us a time of refreshment. We have just recently returned from a bit of an extended vacation out West. On this trip we visited some beautiful sites. I stood amazed at the majesty of God as we visited Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, and even the Rockies in beautiful Colorado. We just praised God for His beautiful creation as we marveled at all the wildlife we were blessed to see, including moose, elk, bighorn sheep, and even grizzlies.
We were also greatly refreshed by our opportunity to visit with many of the saints along the way. On our way out West, I had the privilege of preaching at Elmendorf Christian Community. We were blessed to spend five days with them. It was the first Christian community we had ever visited. It was quite an experience for us to see how they all worked together, and how welcoming they were to us and the two other families who were visiting while we were there. There were a few highlights, such as when their youth sang for us during one of their community meals, and the evening we all sang hymns and spiritual songs around a big bonfire. Each night we shared in their prayer and devotional time before the evening meal, which was a real blessing. We even had one evening when we all pitched in after supper (men, women and children) to pick what appeared to be a bumper crop of green beans! Each of our family members enjoyed joining in with different chores while we were there, including snapping and canning all those green beans, picking fresh raspberries and cucumbers, washing dishes, babysitting, working in the metal shop, and even helping with their pig operation. And I guess the best highlight would have to be our late-night talks, sharing hearts over a hot cup of tea or coffee. Overall, I found them to be more of a blessing and challenge to me than I could have ever imagined.
Another Sunday, I was blessed with the opportunity to preach at the church in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Just walking into their worship service was such a comfort to us. We were about five minutes late to church that Sunday, but as we came in, the sights and sounds of familiar faces and hymns were such a blessing! We instantly felt at home. Unfortunately, we had to leave soon after the fellowship meal, but we felt we had connected hearts in a very short amount of time! The families there have been through a lot together. Their maturity and humility just pours out everywhere. Worshiping with them and experiencing their hospitality blessed us beyond words.
On the last leg of the journey we were blessed to find lodging with the Dave Grice family from Glory Christian Fellowship in Griswold, Iowa. We had driven nonstop from Cheyenne and, unfortunately, didn’t arrive at the Grice home until around two or three in the morning! Amazingly, we were still very graciously received and felt very refreshed by morning. But the greatest refreshment was yet to come … we were treated to a full gourmet breakfast by the Todd Pratt and Dave Grice families! They co-own a small restaurant in downtown Griswold called “Our Daily Bread.” We could hardly make ourselves leave after all the wonderful food and fellowship! We were very impressed to hear stories of the ministry opportunities they have had while working together. The whole place was covered with Gospel tracts, Bible verses, and even numerous quotes from The Remnant magazine! They have had a tremendous impact on the community, and we left refreshed and inspired by their testimonies.
After such a long trip, we were all thrilled to be back home with our own church family! We have since been on a bit of a sabbatical. So please pray for Bro. Mike as he will incur a heavier work load while I’m away. I would like to express a special thank you to Bro. Mike for all his labors for The Remnant—we could not do it without him!
I feel this issue of The Heartbeat of the Remnant is a powerful one. It addresses some issues that are sometimes left unspoken. Our desire is that as we lift up Jesus, we will do damage to that satanic kingdom! May God refresh the saints around this country (and the world) with the anointing power of the Holy Spirit! ~Bro. Dean
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