Winter Newsletter – February 2012

Dear Friends in Christ

Over Christmas I spent in Washington State and returned here to homebase in Sacramento for about a week before going on a 19-day preaching trip to the Los Angeles area. This was a very productive trip. I preached so much I had to buy batteries for my amp twice while there. Below are some highlighted stories. As always you can get the full report by clicking the following: Los Angeles Report and Hollywood / Burbank Report also Photos From Outreaches

Most of the preaching was done in downtown Los Angeles; however I made it to Hollywood and Burbank twice and once to North Hollywood. Some new stops were Venice Beach, Redondo Beach, and Huntington Beach.

VENICE THE MENACE

Friday, January 13, 2012. It was around 11:30 am when Jeff met me at the baggage claim in Burbank. We left for Santa Monica and before arriving we decided to go just south to Venice Beach. Jeff mentioned his past experiences there which made me think, so what, I preached in San Francisco for three years; how crazy could it be?

On the Venice Beach Boardwalk it is hard to get a designated spot to preach but the Lord opened one up and we settled there. I started preaching and it caused John, a few spots down, to go nuts. You can get an idea of the spiritual resistance to the Gospel. Even the vendors on the other side of us, who were not enthused that we were there, told John to shut up and go back to his space. Prayer is the only thing that would stop this man.

We met a few Christians coming through but most people passed by uninterested until a young woman named Rachel who I saw listening from a distance came closer. Jeff talked to her one-on-one while I continued to preach. I stopped preaching and Jeff asked Rachel if she would like to cry out to God for forgiveness. Neither Jeff nor I like to lead someone in a prayer, but rather have the person from their own heart and by their own words come to Christ. Rachel prayed and repented on her own accord and about that time one of the Christians came back by and we all prayed for her then she was given the Gospel of John.

After getting her something to eat Jeff made some calls to locate a ministry in the area that would come pick her up and take her off the streets, or in this case, the beach. Finally the Salvation Army said they would come and meet her at a certain location in about an hour and a half. In the meantime I told one of the vendors I would watch his stuff while he went and got something to eat. So we agreed that I would stay until he returned and then grab our stuff and meet Jeff and the girl.

While waiting I continued to preach the Gospel and in less than two minutes here comes Jeff back alone with blood gushing from his head. He was sort of in shock and told me to call police. I dialed 911 and then hung up when Jeff said, “no, let’s just get out of here”. He had a gash over his eye and he took his shirt off and wrapped it around his head to stop the bleeding. What had happened was Rachel’s boyfriend (or more like pimp) came up and blindsided Jeff from behind hitting him hard on the side of the head. He took her and ran. Jeff left dazed wandered back to where I was. The man who hit Jeff said something like, “so you want my girlfriend”. We thought maybe he was jealous or something but later learned he was looking from afar and knew we were Christians trying to help. I am sure she was his meal ticket.

We hiked back to our vehicle and went to the drug store and I ran in and got some first aid items. We first decided to head back to Jeff’s and go to his doctor. The bleeding stopped and so Jeff said, “no let’s go to Burbank to witness as planned”. I took over driving and we witnessed late that night and over the next couple of days. By this time Jeff’s eye was swollen shut. Please pray for Rachel and the other man as we believe God had us there for a reason that day.

LADY IN BLUE

Went downtown today to 6th and Broadway where there was much resistance being in a bad area and received some heckling. A city ambassador came by and told me I couldn’t use the amp. I discussed it briefly and continued. About 45 minutes later a woman sergeant from the LAPD asked if she could talk to me. I stopped and she held out her hand and said, “first of all I am a Christian and I like the Word being preached on the street”. She asked me some specifics about the ministry and we talked for about ten minutes. She asked if I wouldn’t mind turning it down since someone complained. I agreed to that but said I was going to go to a different corner anyway. I left her with a ministry card and went to another corner.

This game of “cat and mouse” had started the week before. The city of Los Angeles has, like most cities, city ambassadors. These are men and women, usually younger, which act as patrols in the city. They help tourists and help police as well. This particular day it started I was at the corner of 7th and Hope street.

As is my custom I got there early and prayed over the area. I felt this was a good corner but a lot of warfare. I started preaching and shortly a demonized man came across the street yelling and the same time another woman fell down. This started a great commotion and drew attention from the City Ambassadors. A Christian man was there, and an unbeliever as well, to shield me from several of these purple-shirted city ambassadors. On of them asked if I could stop using the amp. I asked what law I was breaking and she quoted some municipal code. I respectively disagreed about the code since I told her they would need a sound meter to see if I was above the allowed decibel level to account for the street noise. I suggested they get the LAPD.

People started to gather and listen as I preached intensely and fast. I looked and behind me were around 10 of these purple guys and gals. Some were on bikes and some on foot. I figured the police would show up at any time. Over the next half hour the purple-shirted ambassadors started to leave a few at a time until all were gone. I preached to large crowds that day for about two hours. Praise the Lord! The rest of my time there in downtown Los Angeles I was given a free pass to preach wherever I wanted using the amp. What favor with the Lord, whew!

FELLOWSHIP ON THE ROAD

I love to travel preaching the Gospel. One of the downsides is that I miss going to my home Church, Calvary Chapel of Roseville. While on the road I find some place to go and have a blessed time and make some relationships as well.

Loon Lake Assembly of God –
Located in a small town outside of Spokane,WashingtonI attended here a couple of times with my friends that go here. It has every bit of an out in the country feel that one would expect along with some unique characters which love the Lord. Let it be noted that there are some strange birds in Loon Lake. In all seriousness, it is a great part of the family of God.

Grace Community Church –
This was my second visit here in as many years. John MacArthur, who some refer to as the “Pope of the Valley” has been Pastor here for over 40 years. The service was spectacular with full choir and orchestra and MacArthur in true form, the great expositor sharing from Romans chapter eight. We joined the evangelism team that goes out Sunday afternoon to North Hollywood.

Calvary Chapel of Inglewood –
Part of my stay was with Frank Baldus who I witnessed with before in San Francisco. Frank attends a fairly new Church plant from Calvary Chapel of Downey located in Inglewood,California. Frank is also a full-time evangelist with Open Air Campaigners. Besides going to several Church meetings I went with Frank and OAC evangelizing at Huntington Beach and a shopping mall. Frank and his mother Liz were so gracious to host me while there.

Southland Christian Church –
My friend from high school, Dan Allen, the children’s pastor at Southland gave me a hearty welcome as I stayed with him and his roommate Christian. Besides preaching in downtown Los Angeles while here, I observed Dan and his staff work with the many neighborhood kids with afterschool clubs and Wednesday night service. Pastor Jeff the senior pastor let me share a short time during service on Sunday morning. It felt like homecoming returning here again from a year ago.

Fall Newsletter – November 2011

Dear Friends in Christ

 This fall certainly has been an exciting and productive time ministering the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I arrived back to home base in Sacramentoin mid September after a twelve-week road trip. I spent a little time recuperating with reflection on the summer trip and some Bible study days. I also worked with my nephew Pat to earn my keep before traveling off to the Bay Area for the last week in September, preaching there.

I spent the first few weeks in October doing some admin work and extra time in prayer and study. After that I went back to the Bay Area and was there for 3 weeks or so. Besides San Francisco, I preached in Oakland, something I had not done in four years. It was a fabulous trip. I then came back here to Sacramento and I have been preaching downtown. If you haven’t already done so you can always check out what goes on in each city by going to: http://www.lawrencedubois.com/cities/index.html

Looking down the pike, the Lord willing, I am going to Spokane,Washingtonin December and then Los Angelesin January 2012. I have also been invited to preach in Kenya, Africain 2012. Not sure, but if the Lord wants me to go, I will. Click the Itinerary tab at the top of the page for more info on where I will be and what cities you may want to pray for. Thanks!

 FRUIT OF THE MONTH
“The harvest is past, The summer is ended, And we are not saved!” Jer 8:20, This scripture in Jeremiah seems to be the condition of the fields I have been working in for the last five years. As one who sows seeds moving from field to field you never see much harvest. This is why I am so excited the Lord allowed us to see a young man, Chris come to Christ.

I met Chris as he came up to me one day when preaching on 4^th and Market streets inSan Francisco. He asked a few questions and about a Church in town. I gave him directions to Calvary Road and mentioned for him to come that Sunday as I would be there. He showed up and talked to Pastor Eric and received a Bible. We prayed for him after he left. The next week he didn’t show up, however he did the following week in which he received Christ. Pastor Eric and Sergio took him to lunch and answered his many questions. Chris continues to come on their Wednesday night meetings as well.

PRAYER NEEDS
I do have a prayer request for my sister Louise; she has been diagnosed with lung cancer and she is not saved as of yet. Thank you all for the prayers and especially the ones for my health. I had a doctors appointment back in September and one this week (November). I feel a lot better than I have the beginning of summer. I have had real good energy. Praise the Lord.

HOW WAS THE TOMB OF JESUS SECURED?
The tomb of Jesus of Nazareth was secured by three distinct ways. The first security feature was the huge stone in front of the tomb. Archeologists and historians figure these stones weighed a couple of tons. They were put in place by gravitational pull as it sloped down hill to be in front of the tomb. It took several men who had to use a lever to roll it up to access the tomb; as in the case of Lazarus.

The second was the guard, which most including myself, believe to be roman guards. There are differing opinions on how many were guarding the tomb. Let’s just say there were four. The disciples or anyone else would hardly try to overpower the roman soldiers. Had they fallen asleep it would be unlikely they would have all fallen asleep at once, and besides sleeping on duty and allowing the prisoner to escape was death. In this case they were guarding a dead body.

Thirdly we have the official Roman seal that would be like our modern day police tape that says, “keep out crime scene.” To break or to encroach upon the Roman seal was much more serious than what we have today. Anyone breaking a Roman seal would be put to death. They didn’t play around back then.

I would encourage you to read the four Gospel accounts regularly. It certainly has been a blessing for me to do so.

Larry DuBois

Fellow Slave of Jesus Christ

Summer Newsletter – August 2011

Dear Friends in Christ

Hope your summer has gone well. As most of you know I left on the road last June. I spent a week in the Bay Area before going to Seattle and New York. It has been a great adventure and the Gospel is going forth not only by me, but by many evangelists across the country. Thank you for your continuing support and prayers.

I went through a health trial recently. It was after having a tooth pulled I developed what they call, “dry socket”, which is a very painful condition. I was extremely depressed for several days and not quite myself. Thank God that is over. He delivered me from a terrible situation.

I was on the radio twice since being here in Seattle. The program is “There is Hope Radio”, a talk show on addiction broadcasted on KGNW a local Christian station. We discussed many aspects to addiction and recovery. Well you know me, my only advice is Christ. If you want to listen to the podcasts here is the link: There is Hope Radio Podcasts

NURSING HOME MINISTRY
Amongst my busy schedule while in the Seattle area, I was wondering how I would get to visit some friends of mine who just recently moved into a retirement home. As it turned out another friend of mine Larry Stevens was in town. Larry Stevens travels around the United States singing songs and sharing the Gospel in nursing homes. He does this full time and has been doing so for seven years. Like me, Larry Stevens lives by faith. We both went up to visit Bev and Jerry Ross at their new place. Larry asked to be able to play some Gospels songs and the staff was thrilled. He played for the first half hour in the Alzheimer’s section while I visited with Bev and Jerry. Shortly Larry came upstairs and they gathered a group for another session. Bev and Jerry, like the others, really enjoyed this special impromptu treat. Larry shared a brief Gospel message at the end before shaking hands with each individual who attended. We stayed a couple more hours and had lunch with the Ross’. Although hearing Larry play before, this was the first time I witness him in minister to the senior folks. He really has a gift as God has equipped him for this forgotten group of people. Here is the link if you would like to learn more about Larry Stevens Nursing Home Ministry

COMPEL THEM TO COME IN
The Parable of the Great Supper – Luke 14:16-24

In this parable Jesus mentions three groups and three different phases of ministry. The first group is “those who were invited”. This is no doubt the Jews, however; it could also mean those who are suppose to be closest to the Lord Jesus – the Church. This would not be the true Church but those who are in “Christendom”.

Those who were invited were too busy so the master tells His servants to go and invite the poor and afflicted. This ministry of Jesus was prevalent as He spent time with the poor, the tax collectors, sinful women, the demon possessed, the blind, the lame, and so forth. We are carrying this on today. The Christians build the hospitals, have the missions, feed the hungry, and provide counseling to the poor, the pregnant, and the uneducated. And yes we still help the widows and have orphanages.

There is still room so the third command is to go into the highways and hedges and compel them to come in so His house would be full. Because this is a parable, I think the house being filled is the kingdom, not the physical building of the Church. We are to invite people to Christ first and foremost. This phase seems to indicate it is a last ditch effort to bring them in. This could be because of the second coming or the urgency since death is imminent for all. This command describes the work that the Lord has me to do. On any given day downtown are people from all walks of life; from the very poor, to the rich. It includes all cultures and races. By preaching the Gospel we are compelling them to come in.

FRUIT OF THE MONTH
Even though a lot has been happening over the last several months, I want to share just one detailed story. It was in Seattle that I was preaching one day on the corner of sixth & Pine. This was my first time on this particular corner. Before going out preaching I always ask in my prayers for discernment and wisdom on who to talk to and who to ignore when people come right up real close to me. A man, who was clearly homosexual, approached me from my left. He asked me if I thought God would want me to preach on the corner of a street. My experience told me that he has an objection and an agenda, therefore not really interested in an answer. I repeated his question over the mic and then answered with a long discourse on why I preach the Gospel in public. My objective was to answer his question fairly and avoid any rabbit trails off of the Gospel. He waited and listened patiently as I went on. I paused at one point and he said that I answered him satisfactory as to “the why” and that I answered some other questions he had too. He thanked me and I said God bless you as he left. I felt I made a friend. Perhaps he will come to Christ. At the very least he left not angry or agitated, but I believe touched by the Lord. To be loving and kind to a sinner without compromising the truth is something only the Holy Spirit can pull off. I had no idea what I said to answer his other questions, but God does. I didn’t get his name but would you pray for him. I cannot do justice to this story but just to say, “man it’s exciting out there!”

Larry DuBois
Fellow Slave of Jesus Christ

Seattle Report   Seattle Photos   ~   New York Report   New York Photos

Spring Newsletter – May 2011

Dear Friends in Christ
Hope this newsletter finds you well. It has been about eight months since I began on the road fulltime. It has been very exciting and fulfilling. Sometimes it has been a real challenge too. With the exception of a small side trip toSan Francisco I have been back here in Sacramento for about a month now. I make it downtown Sacramento to preach about 3-4 times a week. To get a report city by city please click on the links at the top of the page. Also I placed some new articles on the right navigation menu. Check out LA-Hollywood-Burbank Photo Collage and Phoenix Trip Photo Collage

As of now it looks like the remainder of the spring will be spent here in Northern California. Travel up north to Portland and Seattle is in the works and I will probably not get there before July. In August I have an opportunity to travel to New York.   

 …UNTIL THE FULLNESS OF THE GENTILES HAS COME IN 
It has been said that America has been inoculated with the Gospel. Something I noticed on the streets about 3 years ago is a subtle change of the reception to the Gospel. Here is what I mean; In the past I was met with much more hostility than today. You say, that is a good thing. I’m not so sure. The way I describe the majority of people now is that they are indifferent and unmoved by the message of Jesus Christ. It in no way particularly offends them, yet they are not interested in the Lord at all either. My recent trip to Phoenix was characterized by this. My observations are indeed subjective; however, I notice that these conditions are what the Bible explains in two areas. Outside of Christ we are dead in our sins. Eph 2:1 I believe these spiritually dead people have to be quickened by the Holy Spirit and made alive. John 3:7-8 The other is that they are blinded. 2 Cor 4:3-4

There is also much evidence of an apostasy, or falling away from all known truth. You could also define it as a defection, from the faith, or a forsaking of the faith. 2 Thess 2:3 What I and others may be seeing is the “first fruits” of this. There is much more scripture on the subject. I believe that there is still a remnant out there of Gentiles who still will come to Christ before the “fullness of the Gentiles has come in”, thus completing the purpose for Israel being blinded. Rom 11:11 After the Gentile’s fullness has taken place (once every Gentile that will be saved is saved) then all Israel will be saved. Rom 11:25-26 All Israel according to Zech 13:8-9 is one third of the Jews. Also Rom 9:27 Joel 2:32 These passages give me goose bumps on my goose bumps and I will tell you why. I believe we are living on borrowed time as it were.

May 14^th 1948 was the establishment of the State of Israel. Israel was scattered abroad after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70AD and is now back in the land. On June 5, 1967 began the six-day war in whichIsrael gained control of the West Bank and East Jerusalem, among other areas. Jerusalem has been under Israeli control since then. In Luke 21:26 there is an objective reason to believe we are near the fulfillment when the time of the Gentiles are fulfilled. Then the attention will be on Israel when their blindness is taken away.  I do not believe in replacement theology. That is the doctrine that the Church has replacedIsrael and that God is done with them. I believe God’s promise to Israel is sure and binding. Rom 11:26-27 Furthermore, If God can break His promise toIsrael, then what hope do we have? Remember on May 14^th – The Rebirth of the Nation of Israel.

Regardless your view on this, you would agree that the Gospel must go forth. Please pray that I, in the will of God, may find those who would believe unto eternal life and that repentance would take place. 2 Peter 3:9

FRUIT OF THE MONTH
Recently I was preaching in San Francisco at United Nations Plaza with SOS Ministries. This was their usual outreach on Saturday afternoon. Because of having a permit we have a larger sound system. Well, I can be rather loud anyway, but while giving the Gospel a man in an apartment building across the way heard me. He said he thought it was the neighbors, but went out on his deck to find out. He realized it was coming across the street where we were. He came over and talked with Amanda and Kylan. They introduced me to him, Raymond I think his name was. He explained how he knew he needed to be right with God so he came over to find out more. Kylan gave him a Bible and exchanged phone numbers. He was going to meet me at Church the next day but it didn’t work out. Like mentioned in the above article most people ignore the message, at least seemingly. So it is a great encouragement when someone hears and approaches you on the matter. There seems to be a few that are on the fringes that listen. Most do not come that close however. I have had many Christians who have stopped to listen mention that they perceive many people to be listening as well.

GOSPEL OF JOHN RESOURCE
Since almost all of my preaching is on Christ, I have an ongoing daily study of the Gospels. The Gospel of John is my favorite. It is the easiest book to organize in your mind for recall. For example: the account of the man born blind that Jesus heals. That would be chapter nine. Most of the chapters in John have one major event or theme so it makes it easy to outline. I have taken the time to outline the Gospel of John, plus a few extra features, on my website if you care to take a look. Here is the link: Gospel of John Outline There is also a free download to the mp3 Gospel of John (NKJV) you can download by clicking here: Gospel of John Audio Download

Thanks for all the prayers & support
Sincerely,

Lawrence DuBois
Fellow Slave of Jesus Christ

Winter Newsletter – January 2011

Dear Friends in Christ
I want to take this time to say thank you for being a partner with me in the great commission. I truly could not do it without the help and support of the saints. I just arrived this week in Tecate, Mexico. I will be preaching in San Diego four days a week for the next several weeks. Check the web for updates.

THE HOLLYWOOD LONELY
I arrived in Hollywood January 11th and preached there on two different occasions for the week-long stay in the Los Angeles area. It was great both times with Chris Yarzab and Jeff Baron. At Hollywood Blvd. from Highland Ave. there are masses of people who pass this area. I call this the Hollywood Lonely people because of how lost they are even though they have a lot going on according to the world. Collectively we preached for about 4-5 hours on this corner. Many tracts were handed too!

I believe we should use all kinds of methods to reach the lost, however; as you look at this picture I want to emphasize that most of these people will never step foot in a Church. They will never attend a Christian concert or  a Harvest Crusade. Thus they will never hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ unless we preach to them right where they’re at. Thank you for your partnership in this endeavor. Hollywood Photos

 

FRUIT OF THE MONTH
I have to tell ya, there is nothing short of revival happening at my home Church, Calvary Chapel of Roseville. Something has sparked Pastor Ken Robillard and the entire congregation to really be mindful of the evangelization of the lost, particularly in our home area. About a month ago there was an announcement about an outreach the Church was doing. Someone asked me if I was in charge of this. I said, “no, I won’t be here.” This is the beauty of the Body of Christ; everyone having a part in the whole. God is at work! But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.” John 5:17

 

ANGELS UNAWARE
I arrived downtown San Francisco around 11:00 am as my usual custom. I went to a corner on Market, a very busy section during the lunch hour. Although I come prepared by praying before hand I pray over the area before I start as well. I prayed something to the effect that God would send his angels to do battle in the heavenly places against the powers of darkness. I mentioned that although we do not pray to, or worship angels. That you Lord use your servants to aid us here on earth. I prayed along these lines and some other things and then concluded. Before I began preaching I was standing there a few moments later and man walking by caught my attention. I asked him if he would like a Gospel of John. He replied, “no I have the Word of God in me”. I said, “ok”. He then said, “I have a scripture for you. Hebrews 13:1, Let brotherly love continue and Heb 13:2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.” At that he left and walked down the street. Now maybe this was not an angel but I certainly felt like God heard my prayer. Strangely enough it was a noticeable spiritual battle that day. I just say, “Praise the Lord”!

 

DROP WHAT YOU’RE DOING
In San Francisco at Powell & Market streets there were many people at Christmas time shopping. This particular Friday night I stood near the top of the escalators that come up from the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit). A man loaded down with both hands full of packages passed me and I turned and offered him a tract before I saw that his hands were full. I usually don’t offer in these cases although sometimes people will motion for me to drop it into their bag. This man made the usual gesture to me that his hands were full. As he walked by I said, “If you knew how important the message was, you would drop your packages and take one”. At that he turned and took a few steps back toward me and put his bags down and took the tract. I was amazed as I looked over at Larry Rosenbaum standing across from me. I said, “well God bless you sir”. I wonder if he was a Christian, in either case he took one, Praise the Lord!

 

YOU KNOW THE DRILL
Underneath these buildings is Pershing Square in downtown Los Angeles. On my first day of preaching here I was given a rare opportunity. One of the buildings across from me was having a fire drill. As I realized this I scurried to get set up and began sharing the Gospel. The building was about 30 stories tall. People kept coming and huddling on the corner I was at. There were several hundred people who now were a captive audience. I was able to preach to this crowd for about ten minutes before they returned. There were several Christians in the crowd and a few amens. The Lord is in control, is He not? This was a great encouragement I stayed for another hour or so for the lunch rush. 

 

GOOD NEWS WILL TRAVEL
Recently I looked at my first newsletter issued in the fall of 2006. I had just got back from my first visit to California in over 30 years. Here is the comment that caught my eye:

The Lord willing, in January, I want to go back to San Francisco and get as much preaching experience as I can, then take it to the other cities on the West Coast like Seattle, Portland, Salem, Eugene, and Los Angeles.

Well, I guess the Lord was willing. I was in SF 3 years before leaving on a journey last summer that has turned into a full-time traveling ministry. Praise the LORD!

Please continue to pray that I would meet the right people and to connect with them. I struggle with confusion & doubt, if you wouldn’t mind praying for that. Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, 2 Thess. 3:1

Sincerely,

Larry DuBois
Fellow Slave of Jesus Christ

Fall Newsletter – November 2010

Dear Friends in Christ

This has been the most splendid last several months. As you know I have been on the road since last September with brief stops back here at home base in Sacramento, California. You can see what the Lord did city by city by clicking one of the tabs on the top of this page.

Health & Praise

The Lord has given me the strength I need to preach the Gospel in the cities I have been to. I have had some success now in weight loss by changing my diet towards a healthier one. The Lord has given me this desire and helped me with self control. My recent lab results showed my cholesterol to be down to very excellent levels. I had an A1C (a test that shows blood glucose levels over the duration of several months) and it showed a 5.7 which is very good, especially when my last test was a 9.3. The doctor said he never saw such a drastic reduction. I really think the breakthrough is the Lord’s doing. I had several people come up to me on the streets and want to pray for my health. This came unprompted by me. Those prayers are being answered.

The Virgin Birth

As it approaches the Christmas season and we think of the birth of Jesus Christ, it is an excellent time to reflect on one of the many important doctrines of the faith – The virgin birth. This miracle is fascinating. There are so many aspects to this subject; it deserves much more time than I can give in this newsletter. What I will do is bring up a few points for you to consider and then you can look into it for further study. Personally I will also study the virgin birth so I can give a better discourse on the street regarding the person of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

The Seed of the Woman – Back in Genesis after Adam & Eve sinned resulting in God’s curse and what we call the “fall of man” we see in Gen. 3:15 the remedy. God’s promise to conquer the serpent through the Seed of the woman, this was speaking of the coming Messiah. Any good biology student knows that the man has the seed and the woman the egg. Looking in the new testament we see that Christ was born without sin. Jesus in order to become a human being had to be born, yet without sin. Because Jesus had no earthly father He did not inherit the sinful nature found in Adam. The Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary and she conceived without having sexual relations with a man. Jesus was born from God because He was God. This is very deep when you ponder it. If it were possible, and it’s not, that through genetic engineering one could come up with an egg that produced offspring without the sperm. It would always produce a female because of the chromosome makeup. Yes the virgin birth was a miracle or sign, and God’s Word tells us that it is.

This Will be a Sign – Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 Some critics say that the word virgin here could mean just a young maiden. This would not make sense however because what great sign would that be if just another young maiden had a baby. Women have babies everyday. No, on the contrary this is a sign or miracle. The Lord came to this planet in a unique, miraculous, and fabulous way. Just as you would expect God to do, and yet He came humbly and virtually quietly as well. He came through the birth canal like me and you and lived under the curse; He hungered, got weary, grieved, and cried at the loss of a friend. On the cross He cried out, “I thirst”. He died our death and became a curse for us. Won’t you live for Him today?

Fruit of the Month (or Season)

On my recent trip to San Francisco; Eric the Pastor of Calvary Road Christian Fellowship, Sergio, and me were preaching at Fisherman’s Wharf after Church. It was a beautiful day and there were lots of people as usual. Toward the end of our time out there a young woman came up and was visiting with Eric and Sergio. I was just finishing my preaching session and only heard that she was from Seattle. Her name is Devon and as it turns out she is from Kent, Washington and attended Victory Life Center where a good friend of mine is one of the pastors. Devon is attending the Urban School of Missions in Oakland. She has been down here about one year and is involved in many evangelistic events. Eric asked her if she wanted to share her testimony on the microphone and she agreed. She did very well and was encouraged that we were out sharing the faith. There was another young man with her and we all had a great prayer together before going our separate ways. It is good to see others out witnessing and especially the younger generation. The Lord seems to qualify those He calls. Devon mentioned that her parents were not too thrilled about her moving to Oakland, but agreed in the end that it is the Lord’s will. My friend up in Kent, Rich Dover, had a great impact on her and helped equip her for this time in her life. I told him about the encounter and he said that he figured we would eventually run into each other. Well San Francisco is a big city, however when it comes to the Lord’s work, well like brother Andrew says, “I’ll see you out there!”

Summer Newsletter – September 2010

Dear Friends in Christ

My Section
This past week I had an echocardiogram that revealed I have congestive heart failure. (CHF) I have already been taking a beta blocker and some other meds for my heart which beats irregular. This was discovered last December when I went to the hospital with chest pains. Since that time I have had some other symptoms of CHF such as persistent cough, weight gain, swelling in ankles, shortness of breath and fatigue. The echocardiogram tells a person what their ejection fraction (EF) is. The ejection fraction is a measurement of how well the heart is pumping. People with a healthy heart have an EF of about 60 percent, while people with heart failure have an EF of 40 percent or less. Mine is 40% which is better than 20-30% being worst of course. There are many factors on how someone contracts CHF. The doctors consider my past drug use as the main contributing factor.

 “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace,
Who bring glad tidings of good things!”

My condition is not that bad as of yet, although CHF is a progressive disease. Therefore the Lord willing, I would like to accomplish preaching to the 25 or so major metropolitan areas of the United States over the next five years. I will shortly be leaving here for a couple of months to preach the Gospel in other cities including; Seattle, Vancouver BC, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix, and Tecate, Mexico. Would you pray for me concerning this endeavor? Thanks to everyone for your prayers.

Sacramento Summer Report — Summer has gone by fast here in Sacramento. The highest temperature reached 108° here last week. Most days it is in the 90’s. These past few summer months I have preached the Gospel in downtown Sacramento at various corners. Most often this has been around the state capitol when the legislature has been in session. Many state employees and business people frequent those streets during the lunch hour. Also there are many who use the park outlining the capitol as a walking path for exercise.

Uptown around city hall and a popular park is a great place to preach as well. I have had little opposition, such as a few hecklers, which is to be expected. Overall it has been a great experience here in Sacramento. I have had extreme favor with the police. Praise the Lord!

On the weekends I have gone with others to a piece of ground between Ole’ Town Sacramento and the “K” street mall. There is a path that goes between the two areas, as well as, parking garages that provide the area with a lot of people. During the Jazz Jubilee on Memorial Day weekend there were many. It was a great outreach as I worked with other believers passing out many tracts and preaching.

In July some of us from church (CC of Rosevile) went door-to-door, something I haven’t done in quite sometime. It was an effort to share the Gospel and to invite the kids to VBS. It was over 100° that day, but it was fun and rewarding working with the other folks at church. We had about 15 of us spilt up and go out for the afternoon. There were many divine appointments reported and VBS went well the first week in August.

New Church in San Francisco — Last June the Calvary Chapel in San Francisco closed its doors and now has basically two churches from the one. Calvary Chapel North Bay has started a new work in the Marina area of San Francisco. My friend, Eric Martinez is starting a new work as well. Calvary Road Christian Fellowship which will start this month is meeting in the California Club, where the old Calvary met. It is supported by the large Calvary in San Jose, California. Please pray for these churches. San Francisco is not exactly the Bible belt.

 Did Jesus Actually Die on the Cross? Recorded in all four Gospels is the account of Jesus dying on the cross and rising from the dead. Among the eyewitnesses to the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ of Nazareth are; the centurion, and his soldiers, The Apostle John, Mary the mother of Jesus, the other women, the crowds, the acquaintances of Jesus, the Jewish leaders. Also confirming His death after the fact are Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus, another centurion, Pontius Pilate, the angels, two men on the road to Emmaus. Besides all this you have the medical evidence, the Old Testament Prophets, Jesus Christ’s own testimony plus outside Biblical sources. Yet, the swoon theory and other attacks on the death of Jesus still circulate today. Read the full article by going to: www.lawrencedubois.com/articles/death-of-Jesus-Christ.html  

Fruit of the Month — I would like to mention two fellas who have been faithful to evangelism here with me. John Briggs & David Beal are both U.S. Military veterans and believers who love to share their faith. Although long-time resident of Sacramento, I met John in San Francisco last year. Coincidently John got a hold of me about the same time I moved up here. Last March John and I started evangelizing together. John is a very mild mannered soul who does great out there being very gentle with people. I met David through John. David was just recently married. David is very gifted in his one-on-one witness and attends a church that is very active in supporting evangelism. They have the Way of the Master training ministry by Ray Comfort & Kirk Cameron operating in their congregation. Both of these guys can preach as well and often have just read God’s Word to the people out in the public. Please pray for these guys as they continue to work for the Lord.

Yours in Christ Jesus – Larry

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Spring Newsletter – April 2010

Dear Friends in Christ

Relocated - After spending the last three years in San Francisco/Oakland I moved up here to Sacramento, California. I came up during the Christmas holiday and took about two months to rest and get my bearings. I am renting a room from my niece Kathy and her husband Pat. Pat built a small bedroom in their garage. This works quite well. I also work part-time with Pat cleaning carpets, something I have done before a long time ago. I am attending a new church of course – Calvary Chapel of Roseville. In the last month or so I have started up the street preaching ministry here. The Lord has brought me a partner. His name is John and he goes to a sister church across town. We have had a few other people join us on a few occasions.  My main purpose is to preach downtown to what I call Middle America or the cosmopolitan people. So far I have had much favor here.

Farewell SF – I was in most ways sad to leave the Bay Area. I have many friends there and I’m planning a visit back there this month, the Lord willing.  Both Calvary Chapel of San Francisco & SOS Ministries gave me a great send-off. I was blessed being with both those ministry’s and let’s face it, if you can preach in San Francisco you can preach anywhere. I hope and pray the many seeds the Lord planted through me would grow abundantly. When I got up here I was ready for some solitude and rest. This past winter proved to be a great trial for me with some depression and barrenness. I felt spiritually empty. Some confusion set in as well. But God is faithful and almost in tune with the natural change of season to spring I started to regroup and budded. I trust that season is over and I am ready to preach the Gospel here in the Sacramento area.