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May 17, 2009
We’re back!
As I write this, Jay and I have just returned from
our trip to Massachusetts. The trip was tiring but very productive.
God is doing a mighty work
up there.
We both made new friends as well as caught up with old friends and family, and took
many opportunities to shine the glory of Christ into their lives and others. I also conducted several interviews and took
many pictures. We were able to gain a great deal of information and inspiration for the book. -Mr. Dave
May 3, 2009
Forgiven Again? is the life story of Jay Johnstone.
Please be in prayer for us over the next couple of weeks. Jay and I have the opportunity to return to our home state of Massachusetts
to do some research for the book.
We are both very excited about the trip.
Not only will I be able to see many of the places where Jay’s life unfolded but I will be able to meet and talk to several
of the people who are involved.
However, we don’t want this trip to merely be about the
book. We want it to be about Christ and His glory and love.
We will be leaving 5/6/09 right
after I get out of work and traveling through the night.
Fortunately I wll be able to see most
of my circle of friends in one day. This will allow me to devote my time to Jay's world.
We will be returning the 14th or 15th
-Mr. Dave
April 5, 2009
The book is coming along well, and every day Jay and I find our passion and excitement for it increasing. We both know God
will use the book to reach people for Christ and to heal relationships, and the sooner the better.
However, writing a man’s life is a long process and my ’normal’ job has been picking up for the summer.
Opportunities to write (both the newsletter and the book) are becoming fewer.
I do not wish to give up this newsletter. Please join me in prayer as I endeavor to be faithful in producing both. -Mr. Dave
March 22, 2009
Our second excerpt
The young alter boy walked down the aisle of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. He
led the procession, holding high the cross, almost feeling its power surging through him. He loved carrying that cross. It
made him feel strong, special, proud, and close to God.
Father Scott began the
mass.
Bo-oring.
He spoke of God and Jesus and read passages from the Bible that meant nothing to
the young boy. His God wasn’t about moldy old words and putting people to sleep. His God liked action. His God watched
him perform his duties: the cross, bringing out the host and the wine, but when the priest spoke, God turned His attention
to far more interesting things.
The boy’s favorite part of mass was after it was over. He would go into
the sacristy to change out of his robes. Father Scott would be out mingling with his flock. There was just enough time to
slip into the supply closet where they kept the sacramental wine. He opened the bottle and held it to his lips. It was his
payment from God for being such a good altar boy, and since he had done a much better job, he drank twice as much as Father
Scott had.
-From Forgiven Again? by Jay Johnstone and David Patterson
March 8th, 2009
Our First Excerpt
On Depression:
“We can get away from the body of Christ, from our accountability to one another and to other believers, and slip right
into Satan’s grasp, or not Satan per se, but the demonic realm and draw us away from our purpose in Christ.
All these years, all the obstacles in the way have been to keep me from being Christ in me, the hope of glory that God wants
me to be, and to have that freedom in Christ, that joy in Christ.” -from Forgiven Again?
by Jay Johnstone
and David Patterson
February 15, 2009
ANNOUNCING THE GREAT BOOK RACE OF 2009
A close friend was recently sharing the struggle he was having with a major event from his past and how it kept him from truly
knowing God. I suggested that, since I was not currently able to write his story, that he should write his own. Much to my
delight, he told me that, years ago, he already had started one.
So now the race is on. A little
healthy competition to reach people for God, as soon as possible.
Have you thought about telling
your own story?
-Mr. Dave
February 8, 2009
The writing of the book has been slow going. I have time to write, but working unusual hours at
a normal job cuts it into bite-sized peices. Just as we get rolling, it's time to pack up and move elsewhere. It
has been frustrating. I have not yet hit my stride, but I know I will.
But God provides miracles
in the smallest forms.
This past Wednsday we had a rare event in Myrtle Beach.
It snowed!
As soon as the sun came out it all disappeared, but until then it stuck. Being from
Massachusetts, I have had my fill of snow, but that morning was special. My morning devotional in 'Our Daily Bread'
was titled, The Great Storyteller. It spoke of how Jesus used stories to teach His disciples, and how He allows
us to reach others by telling our stories.
That little confirmation was enough to put a spring
in my step, and had me singing Christmas carols on the way to our daily writing session.
Isn't
God great!
-Mr. Dave
February 1, 2009
This past week Jay was reading 1 Peter in the NIV Study Bible.
He got to verse 4:8 "Above all, love each other
deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." He happened to look down at the study commentary at the bottom
of the page.
The commentary said, "Love forgives again, and again..."
-Mr. Dave
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