A Call To Pray For The Laurie Family

Hello All,

Most of you are aware that Pastor Greg Laurie's oldest son Christopher passed away last Thursday in an automobile accident in South County. He was on his way into work (he worked at Harvest and was responsible for the graphic design for this years Harvest Crusade promotional campaign) and passed away near a very heavily congested area of the 91 freeway. Sadly, he leaves behind a young wife, a young 2 year old daughter and a child on the way. Last Sunday, Pastor Greg addressed his congregation, which was shared on YouTube. The message, which was not a message, was very touching and I thought that I might post it here, both to demonstrate the victory of faith, and the power of God's redemption of such a tragic loss. This will encourage you, and give you another reason to hug and kiss your children, even if they are older!



Pastor Greg has had a tremendous impact upon my life personally, as he led altar calls that I responded to years ago (mid-80's) at Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside. I went down the aisle several times over several weeks, just to be sure that I was saved! Pastor Greg is truly an annointed evangelist. In addition, he is my parents' Pastor, so I know members of his church family who are grieving along with him.

While I do not know Pastor Greg personally, my heart broke for he and his family last Thursday when I was told, shortly after returning from lunch that his son had passed away. Our family grieves in our spirit and offer our most sincere condolences.

The private funeral is scheduled for Friday (tomorrow) morning. I ask that we pray for the entire Laurie family, and that the Lord would comfort and minister to them in the coming days and weeks, especially as Pastor Greg prepares for the Harvest Crusades, an event that he and his son Christopher worked together on.

Blessings...To Our Friends,
Frank Sanchez

Cool In Every Way

Hello All,

Today was just great. First of all, it's July and every morning begins with an overcast sunrise. The sun burns it off and then it's warm for a while. Then in the evening, the cool air returns as the sun goes down. I was thinking about Summer in the I.E. or in Spain. In either place, a July day began with sun, heat and loads of sweat. In fact, what I "miss" is having to go out to the parking lot to my car, remove the towel from my steering wheel and waiting to move in until the air conditioning brings down the internal temperature to just below inhumane! Another favorite summertime constant was "forearm sweat." All this to say, I am so happy to enjoy this summer in typical O.C. style!

The second piece of cool is that Vacation Bible School is in full swing at Kingsfield Church. Today, I even got in on the action, playing the part of Pastor Pablo in the skit. Yes, playing Pastor Pablo was not much of a stretch. I did feel that I could have stretched out and played a Pastor from some other race, say a Swede for example, but as I heard "Holas" rain in the hallways from all of the kids, I knew I had done my part. Perhaps next year, I'll be allowed to play Pastor Sven from Sweden. I think that I have sufficient range, I just need some people to stop casting me in the Mexican Pastor role.

On a quick side note, I have been having a lot of fun trying to convince my kids that I and Pastor Pablo are two different people. "It just so happens that he looks a lot like me." "Really, do I own a sombrero?" By the end of the day, I think I might have convinced Caleb that Pastor Pablo is an entirely different person, which is also pretty cool!

Finally, the last and best "cool" thing that I am celebrating in this post, was the conversion of a person who came into my office at the final hour of the day. It was a wonderful experience that I have been privileged to have many times before. But this is always so amazing. Each time carries with it an exceptional blessing. And it always happens the same way: Someone comes in and I have this immediate openness to them. There is an instant compassion that goes beyond the norm.

I attribute this to the humility that accompanies people in this condition. They are not sure what to say or think. They are not hampered by Christianese or silly theological theorems, so they just shoot straight, which is utterly refreshing. They are so open to the Lord and so easy to win because God has already done all of the work in softening their hearts and drawing them to Himself. All I need to do is seal the deal. I don't need to convince them or fight through all of the usual "objections." With a person like the one who came into my office, all I have to do is point them in the right direction. As I led this person to Christ, I rejoiced in my spirit and thanked the Lord for the chance to participate in this person's redemption.

Now, please don't misunderstand me. I realize that there is a place for contending for the faith, and apologetics in this world. I appreciate men and women who minister in this way and I can do this. With a person like the one who came into my office today, I'll sit and answer honest objections until I am unable to do so. I enjoy that kind of discourse. But when a person is just disingenuously distracting from the issue of personal commitment to Christ, then I lose all interest.

To this brother, I write: Thank you for responding to Jesus Christ! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share His love and grace to you!

Alright, so the final cool thing for this evening...this is the 300th post that I have written! "Gee whiz, how much more can he write about?" We'll see.

Blessings...To Our Friends,
Frank Sanchez

EXTRA! EXTRA!

For Full Story, See Post Below...

Renae Has Something To Show You

Hello All,

Some of you may be aware that Renae has had a lingering condition for quite some time: "Looses Toothes!" Yesterday, the blessed event occurred, as that pesky front tooth finally loosened, with significant help from Renae. Actually, I may have Alex Nogy, one of the best babysitters in America, to thank, as I seem to recall that she might have encouraged some special loosening movements that inspired Renae.

Of course, who needs inspiration when you still believe in the tooth fairy. As most of you are aware, the tooth fairy does not exist (sorry to disappoint you Mike and Rich!), but to Renae, the knowledge of a little profit from the tooth fairy brings great excitement. At this point, I want to say that I remember getting significantly less for my teeth and being very content. I know, I know: Inflation, bad economy, cost of living. But $1!? I'm sorry, but for that kind of cash, I might just start doing some sparring with Kimbo Slice!

Anyway, I am (please don't tell Renae...or my brother Mike or Richard!) the proverbial tooth fairy and because I was so tired yesterday evening when I got home, I forgot to put the dollar under Renae's pillow, after I had encouraged her to put her tooth under the pillow! I realized this after I got out of the shower this morning and realized that I was going to have to stealthily put the renumeration under her pillow. Unfortunately, it was now morning and it was bright.

I came in as quietly as I could and was able to fulfill my mission. In typical Hollywood fashion, I had the moment of terror when Renae sighed and moved when I got close to her bed, but thankfully "Frank The Cat" was able to get the job done.

Now, here is the great unveil:

Blessings...To Our Friends,
Frank Sanchez