Archive for the ‘A Christian CPA/Our Faith Walk’ Category

Things That Happen on a Family Mission Trip to the Navajo Indian Reservation

Friday, May 17th, 2013

Things That Happen on a Family Mission Trip to the Navajo Indian Reservation

Today I was asked to give a letter to the principal at the high school were we have been staying on the Navajo Indian Reservation who has been principal in our efforts to share the love of Christ. Read and consider what you can do to help serve others today for you may be the only Jesus someone sees today!!!

Chris,

I pray great happiness for both you and your bride as you begin your new lives together in full retirement. I pray that your latter years in wealth and health and most of all in Him are greater than you ever imagined.

From the first year when we were so much like Jesus with no place for us to rest for the night, you have worked hard with and for us to bring Jesus Christ and a bunch of Georgians to the Dine, the Navajo people in Pueblo Pintado, White Horse, Ojo Encino, Torreon and beyond.

Sometimes we have to wonder if what we did was good, but that is not the case for you and great things and love you have shown for the Navajo people. You have changed hundreds of lives there as well as hundreds of lives here. You have made a great difference in the lives of many. You have helped hundreds of Navajo students sometimes with tough love but always with great love.

We live in a world that is often without hope. But you have given us all a great reason for hope and even more for us all to enjoy the extended family of our Navajo Brothers and Sisters in Christ.

Tami stays in great contact most every day with Melarie who has become our God Daughter. Arnold like at all of us at times struggles with his faith and man’s role in this world as leaders in the home. Even this past week he picked up the phone and called seeking a welcoming hand and encouragement from me, his Navajo Brother in Christ.

We have enjoyed water days with your help watching the pure joy of children as they not only danced in the joy of moment but also with the joy of knowing who Christ is just a little bit better.

We have watched as Navajo people who were previously quiet and reserved now seek us out, on Face Book, by e-mail and most of all with their hearts. Each one of us has fallen in love with the Navajo and many many of our team stay in contact with our beloved Navajo brothers and sisters throughout the year and indeed count down the days until we can return again.

We have had mission team members from as old as 3 and as young as 69 serve God boldly. As a family mission team…it is now just a word with us…it is a lifestyle for those we have served with will always be ours!!!

We have watched courageous mission team members have served even after having a biopsy knowing all the while they would receive the results with us while on the trip. Soon learning the results were positive and they return home and soon after-wards be facing intense rounds of chemotherapy and surgeries. Upon hearing the news she could have turn and ran but she and her family regrouped and stayed and served even still adding a family vacation before returning home.

We have served with those who have lost loved ones to suicide, who have lost jobs, we have suffered great hardships just to be One of Christ there on the reservation laying down all other life’s conveniences to a trip that is hard work but one that is worth more than Gold or Rubies can buy.

We have loved Nelson who has been in wheel chair some 23 years since he was 19 years old. At his home we have installed windows to keep him warm, a covered deck to keep him cool and painted his home with the star and colors of the Dallas Cowboys.

We have found God on top of the Mesa, we have watched the night clouds part as the beauty of a full moon appeared as we were sang to in Navajo “Jesus Loves Me.” We have built bridges of love, shared tears of sorrow but in all things and at all times found the grace of a Savior calling us all out the the reservation one more time.

We have watched as our Navajo Brother and Sisters in Christ have lost loved ones. We have watched as our Navajo Sister in Christ has given birth to a beautiful child. We have watched as one in my Bible Study group this past year was killed in a fight just days after we left.

We have watched as some have fought to stop the trip both there and here. We have watched as I could not drive a truck and hit one of the High School poles. We have watched as Tom Griffin drove there time and again (and even buying a van the “Navao Express” to do it) so that we might let the Navajo how much they are loved each and every day and not just for a week in July. We have watched as old and young alike have united in the joy of great service. We have watched as one of our team members was airlifted off of the football field. We have watched ice makers being provided and even football equipment for a team that I understand is soon to take the field.

Community nights a staple on Wednesday nights has been broadened to also on Sunday night. We have watched as bands that we used to pay to play now eagerly volunteer their time. We have watched as Sports Camp, VBS, Bible Studies and activities at the Senior Center have grown and flourished as leaders have done miraculous things in the name of Jesus Christ. We have watched as those on our team time and again dropped everything they were doing to share a smile, to witness and to just with someone.

From one of the smallest mission teams of 40 to a high of a 100 we have come. We have come because of great men like you, Arnold and Mike who rallied with no expectations of self but only what you can do for the community. There is no greater love than one who will lay down his life for a friend.

Ben, to whom the VW was given away once said “the GA Mission Team is different from other teams that go out on the reservation in that you did not tell me what to do or believe that you just wanted to be my friend.” Chris, you have opened doors in the name of our great God that can and never will be closed. You have make a great difference in the lives of hundreds and hundreds.

From rebuilding VW’s, to community nights, to VBS, Sports Camp, Bible Studies, Construction Projects and work at the Senior Center we have been able to do much through your support and to let an entire community they are greatly loved not only by us but also by their Father in Heaven!

I have watched as mission team members have saved sacrificially so they might go on the trip. I have watched as mission team members have forgone needed operations and have served too soon after a surgery to answer the call on their heart. I have watched as mission team members have grown, have excelled and we continue to step our in great Faith. I have watched mission team members who cannot afford to go step out in faith saying they will…knowing God will provide a way.

I have watched as leaders from the Navajo to our Mission Team have stepped up and served boldly. I have watched Navajo parades during Navajo Culture week while picking up candy they threw giving to an angelic Navajo girl as she sat on her daddy’s car.

I have learned much about many and have most of all learned that when we stop to serve others we are most like Christ. Most like Jesus Christ as we seek to be his very hands and feet. Over the years I have served with many great warriors for Christ of which you and a few others have made all of that possible.

What you have done is indeed written in the Book of Life in the Heavens. Many have to wonder if what they did was for good. But you do not. You have given and done much!

You will be greatly missed.

Please know you can go to Ramada Inn when you are in GA but no one will love you like we do when you need a place for the night.

I pray great things for you and yours!

In the Matchless Name of Jesus Christ….the ONLY one who can truly save!!!

In Christ,

john/tami (aka…the Church Lady)

Seek Excellence in All That You Do…Taking Christianity Into the World

Monday, May 13th, 2013

Duluth/Gwinnett CPA Encourages Believers to Seek Excellence in All That You Do…Taking Christianity Into the World

Staying away from the most common pitfalls taxpayers make is critical to your personal financial success. Careful discernment and wise application of tax law is an essential and critical part of avoiding otherwise avoidable IRS notices, penalties, responsibilities, IRS audits and amendment of prepared returns.

Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.

As a Body of Believers, we are commanded to give unto Caesar what is Caesar’s. As such and based on the premise of the U.S. tax system, we as taxpayers are solely responsible for the initial filing of our returns and the fair and just filing of our lowest legal possible tax. Avoiding these top pitfalls that many fall prey to will be an integral step in the proper preparation of your return. To assist taxpayers in the process it is the predominant role of the CPA adviser to be aware of tax law, details of changes from year to year and to ensure that not only a legally prepared return is completed but also that only the lowest legal possible tax is paid. The below is a sample inquiry that might be forwarded to an client to ensure not only a smooth tax preparation process but also that you best interests and tax law are always appropriately applied and considered:

For your Personal Return:

-I did not see any cash contributions for charities whereas you had some last year.

-Did you ever pay the state income taxes on the prior amended personal income tax returns as these will be deductible on Schedule A of your personal return as an itemized expense. Per my notes you owed GA $1000 and that you are making monthly payments. Please confirm if this is what you are paying on. As the interest and penalties are not tax deductible, we need to prorate what State Tax has been paid. Please advise regarding the above and then when the payments started, monthly amount, when they will be complete and total to be paid total via state payment plan.

-Please use the below link for the valuation of your donated items to Goodwill and send to me detailed itemization reflecting these totals

http://docs.goodwill.org/alfresco/d/d/workspace/SpacesStore/36cf5260-0bd6-4eea-acfb-8a80e3e014b0/Donation_Valuation_Guide.pdf

-It initially appears as if we might be able to claim Earned Income Credit (for lower income years), which is a credit available if your children live with you full time and if you are the only one who can claim them. Please review/advise.

Tentatively it looks like that you will be due refunds from IRS of approx. $2500 and from GA $400. The larger refund from IRS is due to your lower income year and your possible qualifying for the Earned Income Credit. Please review advise.

Like our faith in God, prudent planning, wise application of the law and staying the course are always a judicious path to follow.

Hebrews 6:17-19 Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.

Serving Lawrenceville/Snellville/Norcross/Roswell as an Award Winning CPA for Decades

http://www.hiscpa.com/article3.html Gwinnett/Duluth CPA Teaches Personnel Keys to Managing Business Growth
http://www.hiscpa.com/article6.html Alpharetta/Roswell CPA Teaches the Tax Effects of Entity Choice
http://www.hiscpa.com/marketing-efforts.html Norcross/Sandy Springs CPA on Tracking Marketing Statistics for Your Georgia Business

And this is only some of the information available on our web site. You also have at our blog a host of other varied and timely tax and business management issues you can use.

John Dillard, CPA of His CPA, PC (An Atlanta Christian CPA firm) 1940 Woods River Lane, Duluth, GA 30097 Phone 770-814-9304 http://www.hiscpa.com/ To retain John Dillard CPA (An Atlanta Christian Speaker/Author) for your business group or church congregation, you can contact him today at 770.814.9304

Dare to Attempt Something so Great for the Kingdom of God that it is doomed to failure, lest Christ be in it!

We advise clients on: IRS representation, Offer in Compromise, Tax Problems, Incorporation in Georgia, Corporate and Personal Income Tax Returns, Part-time CFO, Virtual Controller, Business Planning, Offer in Compromise, Back Taxes, Business Acquisitions/Sales, Forensic Accounting, Business Valuations and Bookkeeping.

VE DAY-MAY 8, 1945

Friday, May 10th, 2013

VE DAY-MAY 8, 1945

I think most people pay little attention to this day, May 8, and what it represents to this country and most of the rest of the world. I believe that 68 years ago this date marked a magnificent victory of our Father in Heaven, Yahweh or if you prefer, God. Just to refresh all who read this, on May 8, 1945, Germany surrendered and the war in Europe ended. In my mind on that day one of Satan’s greatest demons was defeated by the grace of God.

In one the Bible study tools I receive on a daily basis a person by the name of Josh Moody had a commentary on Psalms 126 called “The Secret of Joy. As I was reading it I could not help but think of what this date should me to all of us. As he explained, the Psalm is actually in two parts the first, vs. 1-3 being compared to a dream and the second vs. 4-6 is a prayer. I am going to print it out for so you can see what I am talking about.

I am not going to write about the end of the war and how this Psalm relates to the Jews because I think it is obvious when you consider what was happening to them at this time. But there cannot be any doubt how this Psalm relates to them. But this Psalm relates also very deeply to us as a country, as individuals. Not many of us can relate personally as to how it was at the end of that war, but if you listened to the ones who would talk about it or have taken the time to see what it was like during that period of time via books or television, you would understand how fearful, angry, and depressed people would have been. Literally thousands of men and women were being wounded or killed daily. For most of us we cannot fathom how Mothers, Fathers, Brothers, Sisters, Husbands, Wives and Children withstood the possibility of getting that telegram saying your loved one was missing or killed in action. So it is no wonder how joyful people were when the news of the surrender finally came. I am sure it was like the best of dreams one could ever experience. The streets were filled with those who were laughing, crying with joy, and yes I am sure singing as loud as they could. We would not have been able to defeat the demon without the help of God Almighty. There were countless stories from those who were there who said so many battles absolutely could not have been won without some Higher Being looking over them. From the beaches of Normandy on, the Sword of God Almighty Himself was leading the charge and we were destined to defeat Satan again. I am not talking about happiness. I am talking about pure JOY of release of stress, strain, pain, and fear of now knowing your loved one is coming home. Take a deep breath and scream Hallelujah! Praise our Lord, God Almighty.(Yahweh)

The balance of the Psalm is a prayer asking the Lord to restore us to the great country we were meant to be; restore all the blessings He had in mind for us before the Great Depression. As we began to rebuild our country, we be mindful of all the tears that had been shed and we turn those tears of pain to tears of joy as He blesses us with the abilities to make this country even greater than before. Praying that we never forget not only the greatest generation of men and women, but more importantly we be ever thankful that it was and is He who is beside this great nation. We need to be shouting out to the Lord daily thanking Him for His love, always looking to Him for guidance.

Unfortunately, this great nation appears to be heading in the opposite direction. Fewer and fewer people are looking to Him. Even the ones who are, are becoming under greater attacks from within this country. Satan has got a foothold and he is gaining ground daily. Please pray for our country daily. Pray that our leaders would start to look to Him for the important decisions that need to be made. Don’t be afraid to reach out to all you know, believers and non-believers, and tell them we need to shout out to Him and ask Him to give the remnant here and now the enlightenment as to how to turn our country around. I personally look to His Sword of Truth and all His Power to lead us through the valley of the shadow that is over our country now.

Glory be to God Almighty (Yahweh), Love you all in the Name of Lord Jesus Christ,
Gary

www.HisCPA.com A Christian CPA Firm in Duluth GA Proudly Serving Suwanee, Lawrenceville, Snellville, Lilburn, Duluth, Norcross, Peachtree Corners, Atlanta, Gwinnett, Johns Creek, Roswell, Forsyth, Flowery Branch, Buford, Dunwoody, Grayson, Alpharetta, Sandy Springs & Tucker as a Faith Based CPA

World’s Best CPA Firm?

Monday, April 29th, 2013

We are called as Believers to Do Everything as if Doing it for the Very Glory of God.

Think about it. EVERYTHING you do as if doing it for God Himself.

Would this change you do life?

Would this change the way you do work?

Would this change the way you are a husband a wife? Would this change the way you serve at church, on missions, in your neighborhood?

Would this change the way you do friendships, the way you reach out to those you know, the way you reach out to those you don’t know?

World’s Best CPA Firm?

Well , probably not, but we are trying to be.

Top 10 Things the Best CPA Firm in the World Might Do

1. Keep your tax bill as low as legally possible.

2. Give you tax advice and wisdom on issues that concern you.

3. Give you tax advice and wisdom on issues you don’t even know you have.

4. Be willing to treat like you a new client every time you call.

5. Be willing to treat your data confidentially, your calls quickly and your work intently.

6. Treat you with the utmost of respect with traditional moral values.

7. An ability to see things not as they are but as they can be.

8. Quick turn around and efficient business dealings.

9. Forward thinking and insightful.

10. An understanding of how all of the pieces fit together.

The world’s best CPA would be one who could put into place all Best Practices that would enable one to serve as an Award Winning and yet humble bond servant.

Resolve today to be all God wants you to be at work, home, school and play.

Duluth CPA: Join us This July as we Go on a Family Mission Trip

Thursday, April 25th, 2013

Duluth CPA:  Join us This July as we Go on a Family Mission Trip to Navajo Indian Reservation

Thanks to everyone who was able to make the meeting on Tuesday. Hopefully we got a lot resolved and got some questions answered. Some decisions that were made were:

  • Wednesday Night: Community Night – we are not going to have a full night of bingo, we are going to split it up and have bingo at the beginning with dinner, a short musical  performance along with a prayer walk, and for those who complete the prayer walk, dessert, coffee and a raffle.
  • We will not be hiring a band for Wednesday night as in the past – Jeff and his musical crew will be playing along with some of the Navajo’s – and Leigh will be singing with John as back up :)
  • We are selling school supplies beginning this Sunday and here is the list of volunteers to work the  table- it would be best to have at least two people so one could stand at the table and one could stand outside in breezeway between the student      life and worship center. Even if you are not signed up and can work, PLEASE do so!!!!! We rely on this money to cover the cost of the school supplies and the bookbags that the Navajos HAVE to have. SIDE NOTE: People will donate a lot more when they are being approached by children rather than adults so if any of your children want to help out, I will have extra posters available.

4/28 Tami and John

5/5 Tami and John

5/12 Susan Lantz

5/19 Pam Lewis

6/2 Lilli Mimbs

6/9 Mary Heatherly

6/16 Tammy Artosky

  • We are going to have to redo the encouragement partners because the team has changed quite a bit. We will do this at our next meeting.
  • Now is the time to start thinking about donations…we need them. I will send out a list separately that list the type of donations that we need. Please don’t be afraid to ask people for donations, most of them are more than happy to help out      when you tell them what you are doing and you are blessing them as much as you are the Navajo people.
  • We also need a volunteer who would be willing to pick up donations each Sunday (or whatever day works best) and coordinate with Pam Lewis to get them to her house. PLEASE – if you have a truck and have an hour a week, we could use the help!
  • Please hold on to magazines that are gently read and appropriate to take out there with us for our ”Penny Book Fair”
  • We will be booking tickets on May 1st and I need an updated list of people that will be using group travel (group travel = I make your flight reservation, you reimburse me, and you travel with the other people on the team). Remember if you are not flying group travel, you need to be at the Albuquerque airport no later than 12:00 Albuquerque time.

That’s it for now. Have a great Thursday!

Feel  free to call John Dillard CPA at 770 814 9304 for more information on the trip and how you/your family can go with us the Week of July 6, 2013

Duluth CPA: Donations Needed for Family Mission Trip

Thursday, April 25th, 2013

Duluth CPA:  Donations Needed for Family Mission Trip to Navajo Indian Reservation

Bingo Donations:
Household items:   towels, plates, cups, dinnerware, cooking utensils, food items, sponges,   aprons, small cleaning
supplies, kitchen/bath towels, oven   mitts, blankets, wash cloths, mops/buckets,
Personal Hygiene items:   shampoo, toothpaste, hair accessories, brushes
Men’s items:   tools, shirts, hats
Women’s items:   clothing, bags, candles
Misc items:   laundry supplies, food/canned goods, Wal-Mart gift cards
Senior center
beading, crafts, yarn, fabric, glue
Community night:
Happy meal toys (new), small play   jewelry, small action figures, small flashlights,
candy (not chocolate), carnival   prizes
General:
baby supplies, hair accessories,   belts, bags, sharpies (multi-colors), books for all ages (appropriate -
no Harlequins or questionable   material), sidewalk chalk, water balloons, hot glue guns and sticks,
gift cards for cash, Home Depot gift   cards
Most Needed:
WalMart Gift Cards of any value!!!!!!

Feel  free to call John Dillard CPA at 770 814 9304 for more information on the trip and how you/your family can go with us the Week of July 6, 2013

Answering God’s Call to Ministry

Wednesday, April 24th, 2013

Answering God’s Call to Ministry

About 2 years ago I began to get this overwhelming feeling that God was telling me to develop a ministry within a nursing home. I tried for over a year and a half to ignore it as just a figment of my imagination. The biggest reason was after visiting a grand elderly person at the nursing home after she had a stroke, I swore to myself I would never go to another. It was so very depressing. So since I did not want to go there I just knew God would not tell me to do this ministry.

At about the two year mark I gave in to Him and decided to go for it. Well I thought I would be able to just jump in and visit these people, no problem. It has not been that easy. I had to fill out applications, interview, go through background checks and wait, and wait. Well in the meantime I had just about given up and decided to begin serving at my church. I have been attending this church for over 15 years and did not know anybody there.. I mean, no one. Whose fault was that? Mine. My daughter also attended, from the age 12 to 17 and everyone knew her. She was involved in everything they would allow a teenager to do. I was just Chelsea’s dad. Anyway to make a long story short, I think God wanted me to learn how to be a Christian before I tried to go out in world in His name. I started reading and studying the Bible more and being more involved with other Christian people.

Finally, after a time I had almost forgotten about the nursing home ministry, I got a call from the hospital telling me I had been accepted and could begin the process of starting my ministry. I think for me God is letting me work within His time frame not mine. So my advice to you is to first look to your Pastor for direction. They always have people within the church at different levels of ministry.

I do not know what you know about Pastor 7 and his ministry and I only know what John has told me. For me at the present time it is just too far away and there are plenty of areas I can serve the Lord here in Gainesville. You may know about his ministry and just do not feel comfortable with it, but I can tell you this, you will have to step out of your comfort zone at sometime. Some people can do in big leaps, some of us need to take baby steps. Listen to God, He will guide you. Pray, pray, pray!

God bless you,
Love in Jesus Christ,
Gary

www.HisCPA.com A Christian CPA Firm in Duluth GA Proudly Serving Suwanee, Lawrenceville, Snellville, Lilburn, Duluth, Norcross, Peachtree Corners, Atlanta, Gwinnett, Johns Creek, Roswell, Forsyth, Flowery Branch, Buford, Dunwoody, Grayson, Alpharetta, Sandy Springs & Tucker as a Faith Based CPA

 

Are You Truly a Disciple?

Thursday, April 18th, 2013

Are You Truly a Disciple?

Some time ago I wrote an article titled “A Disciple or a Christian”. I tried to convey how easy it is to be a Christian and how difficult it is to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ. Jesus said that to be a disciple you may be confronted to either denounce Him or give up you life. Of course that is paraphrased but that was His point. I have often wondered if I could truly give up my life in the name Jesus Christ. Of course we all would like to think we could, but could we?

There is right now someone who is being put to that exact test. In Iran Pastor Saeed was organizing an orphanage and was arrested for trying to start a revolution in that country. All he was really doing was trying to get the people of Iran to be compassionate enough to save children from the streets and survive. Yes he was also spreading the Gospel. Pastor Saeed, a U.S. citizen, converted from Islam to Christianity and was compelled  to risk his life in the name of Jesus Christ. After his arrest he was tried and convicted as a revolutionary and sentenced to 8 years in prison this past January. He is in the most notorious prison in Iran, noted for its brutality of the inmates. He has so far endured relentless beatings to the point he has severe internal bleeding and the medical people will not treat him because the cannot touch unclean people and as a Christian he is deemed unclean. He has been told if he would denounce his faith in Jesus Christ the beatings would stop and even possibly be released from prison at which time he could return to his family here in the U.S. He refused to do so.

My fellow believers, THIS IS A DISCIPLE! I ask that all of you put Pastor Saeed on your prayer lists. Pray diligently that our Heavenly Father will continue to give him perseverance and the Lord will see to his release immediately.

Love in the name of Jesus Christ, Gary

www.HisCPA.com  A Christian CPA Firm in Duluth GA Proudly Serving Suwanee, Lawrenceville, Snellville, Lilburn, Duluth, Norcross, Peachtree Corners, Atlanta, Gwinnett, Johns Creek, Roswell, Forsyth, Flowery Branch, Buford, Dunwoody, Grayson, Alpharetta, Sandy Springs & Tucker as an Award Winning CPA

 

Looking for a Family Mission Trip to Serve our Great God this Summer?

Saturday, April 13th, 2013

For our Family Mission Trip this year we are leaving once again on 7-6-13 for a week on the Navajo Indian reservation in New Mexico. At present we have about 35 committed but could REALLY use 15 more (50 total). If appropriate please let anyone you know who might be interested.

We continue in doing VBS (about 120 kids), a Sports Camp (about 50 kids). Senior Center (35 or so), two community nights (about 150 per evening), construction, an adult men’s and ladies Bible Study (about 45-50 total).

We take ALL ages. The youngest so far we have had is three and most senior right at 70.

I pray that God continues to bless you and your efforts and that God blesses you mightily for your service and obedience.

In Christ,

john

John Dillard, CPA of His CPA, PC, 1940 Woods River Lane, Duluth, GA 30097  Phone 770-814-9304  www.HisCPA.com  A Christian CPA Firm

Dare to Attempt Something so Great for the Kingdom of God that it is doomed to failure, lest Christ be in it!

It Can All Be Gone in the Twinkling of an Eye

Thursday, April 11th, 2013

I wanted to take a minute and invite you all to reflect. Where are you. No not where are you physically but where are you with God. One man did MUCH to encourage me to grow some ten years ago in the Lord. It was his son that was one of the firemen who was held hostage yesterday and I wanted to share the below note from his mother.

Again I invite you to reflect. It can ALL be gone in the twinkling of an eye. Who are you standing for today.

Is it for our great God or are you more of this world than of Him.

Lean not on your own understanding of truth, seek the wisdom of God in all that you do for this world is so very temporary.

As you read below your will know that Jason survived and is back safe among us. But are we really safe if we do not lay down ALL of our rights and seek to serve others.

I love you all.

In the Matchless Name of Jesus Christ,

john

—————————————————–

 

Dear friends, family and prayer warriors, thank you SO much for the outpouring of prayer and support for our son Jason. As Hans drove us to the Gwinnett fire department headquarters to be with other family members I read your texts and emails aloud and they were such a comfort to us during that long drive. We praise God with deep gratitude for the protection Jason received from Him yesterday. After the remaining firefighters were freed, they were taken to Gwinnett County Medical Center to be checked and discharged. It was incredible to see Jason standing there, healthy, unharmed and alive, and to take our turns just hugging him. I could not quit touching his shoulder, I was so thankful to see him again. We had the opportunity to meet all 5 of the men who had been held hostage and to see the incredible camaraderie between them, their commanding officers, the fire department and the police department.

That camaraderie reminds us of the incredible fellowship we have with you, our prayer partners. When we were first notified of the incident, individually, Hans and my first response was to activate prayer, to storm the gates of heaven. With a few cryptic reply / all emails to the important groups and loved ones, a literal wildfire of prayer began sweeping up to the heavens. Apparently the incident was broadcast via CNN all over the world. In the same fashion, prayer petitions were raised to God from all over the world. We know for a fact that not only friends and family across the country, but people in India, Thailand and Germany prayed for Jason and all involved. What an incredible testimony of the church in action!

Hans and I are thankful that we are blessed to have so many prayer warriors in our fellowship circle. The Bible says in Hebrews 12:1, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” In this particular case we are choosing to believe that the cloud of witnesses are you, the many that we know and that we do not even know, who were praying for Jason, who stood firm in your faith on his behalf.

Thank you again for your love and support. We are thankful for you and for God’s protection for our beloved Jason. Blessings, Martha, for the both of us.

Martha