3rd QTR 2006 Newsletter

Wiconi Retreat
In April Howard and I were able to attend the first ever Wiconi Board and Staff Retreat. The time together was enriching to our lives. It was incredible to meet so many people, who are First Nations ministers that God is using to reach other First Nations people. In His infinite wisdom He is using many people who He uniquely gifted for this time. As we work together our gifts create a beautiful picture of how God is moving in this day on behalf of the host people of this land. I saw it as a beautiful picture of God’s heart.

Wow, and He gave us the honor of being a part, He totally amazes me. Imagine years ago He sent forth a couple from the little town of Apollo, Pa to connect with folks from, Winnipeg Canada, Vancouver WA, Settle WA. Camas WA. Portland Oregon, Warm Springs Oregon, and the Yakama Reservation, in Wapato WA... And to top if all off we have a real sense that these people are some of the many who are on the verge of what I believe will be looked on in history as the biggest awakening to sweep across this land.

The way God works will never cease to amaze me. He is so gracious and patient with us, as mere men we sometimes have a difficult time understanding how or why God would work in such ways. The longer I walk out this journey in life the more I realize He is a God of Wonder!

During our stay we had the opportunity to listen to the heart of each one there and what their ministry entailed. I loved that time, to hear the heart beat of God come forth from each one in a unique way. We all truly became a Tiospaye “extended family”. Our desire is to use our ministry gifts to help the others when the need arises.

On Sunday before our meeting concluded, Richard and Katherine took time to pray for and commission each of us. The time was very significant for Howard and me, as I am sure it was for the others. As they finished praying for the two of us Katherine spoke very quietly and said “we value all that you hold in your heart”. Those words continue to rise up in my spirit and encourage me. Richard said to all “we trust you to represent our ministry.” I know those words came from the heart and for us white folks they releases us spiritually in our gifts and ministry.

Many times as I write to you all I feel inadequate in expressing what I believe God is doing as we walk out our calling in obedience to Him. But I believe where I am inadequate the Holy Spirit of God takes over and gives clarification.

Whose Garments Are You Wearing?

Our last ladies tea for the spring season was May 27, 2006, at Cedar Creek Church, in Carnegie Oklahoma. The theme was “Who's Garments Are You Wearing?"  The message: "A tale of a journey." 

Once again I stand amazed at how God works. The invitation came to do a Ladies Tea at Cedar Creek months ago and we continued to pray asking God if we should host another tea there (you may recall we had one there last year around the same time). We had sought the Lord about it and really didn't sense direction from Him at that time. We went about hosting the teas that we knew we were to host and then "we" decided that the tea in April would be our last until the fall.

Within a week of making that decision Janet (Pastor's wife at Cedar Creek) called asking if we were coming to host a tea there. Howard had taken the call and when I received the message my heart sunk. I didn't want to call and tell her we were not doing anymore teas until the fall. I decided to call Liz and Deborah and see what they thought about it, all three of us believed it was a direct order of the Lord. And to confirm the date worked out for all three of us, which is a miracle in itself.

We all became very excited about the tea immediately! We prayed and then met to discuss what the Lord would have us share. The Lord began to work immediately and it came together so wonderfully.  In fact during our meeting we decided, because of the importance of recording our journey in life, that we should hand out journals to the ladies as a gift. The very same day we went into the Dollar Store and what did we find but journals with tea pots and tea cups on them. Now only God can order that!

We discussed asking Tonya (Deborah's sister) who is a psalmist, if she could write a song using the theme. Tonya lives in Mississippi, not only did she write an anointed song, but she drove at her own expense to sing it for the Carnegie ladies.

We also had Kim, who dances for the Lord, come and she ministered beautifully to Jonathan Maracle's song, "We Dance for You Alone".

To top off all the blessings, He ordained for Cathy Kable to come from PA.  Cathy spent seven years ministering on Rosebud Reservation; she had previously met some of the women at Cedar Creek a few years back when Howard and I led a short term mission team there.

Once again we see how God brings together people from all over to perform His purpose. The four of us, Cathy, Deborah, Liz and I shared verbally but Liz had the main message in her heart to share. I have asked her to share with you what she saw happen at Cedar Creek that day. So I introduce to you via the newsletter to my dear Covenant sister Liz...

The tea at Carnegie will definitely be one I shall never forget. Many changes took place in their lives on that beautiful day set aside just for them by our Dad! Lives were changed because of our obedience to Him! A Prophet was born, A vessel was put back together again - piece by piece, A dancer was set free, A heart was healed, A daughter was called by her name to come out - come forth like Lazarus, He waited patiently for one daughter to come and to another he told her he'd be her blanket. Hope was birthed in their very lives, in their very hearts!

What took place in us, as we were His extension has changed us forever! It was truly a tea like no other. To one of the ladies present that day, He set another appointment just to minister to her one on one. He showed them how much they mean to Him and allowed for me to experience the sound of His heart beat for them, which had the sound of a steady drum. It was an awesome experience to see them set free before our very eyes and embrace what the Father had for them in a longing manner.

He paid us all a very special visit that day - He walked in as our Father and loved on us like only He can do! It was an honor for the four of us to be used that day to serve His daughters!

A-Team!

Furlough Time!

We are excited to be preparing for our furlough in Sept it will be three years since we have had opportunity to share with you what we believe God is doing with Agape Lane Ministry. We look forward to sharing with as many of you as humanly possible. If you have a church group, men or ladies group, a bible study, fellowship group or any other group you would like us to share with please contact us via email or by phone. If you would like to just meet in your home privately we are open to share with you there and hear about your journey in life.

Our schedule sharing times at this point are as follows:
Sept. 3 - New Hope Assembly of God, Dayton PA
Sept. 10 - Hebron Presbyterian, Penn Hills, PA
Sept. 17 - First Presby. Church of Lewisburg, PA
Sept. 24 - Orchard Hills, Apollo, PA
Oct. 1 - Cornerstone Ministries, Export PA, both services
Oct. 8 - Pine Run Presbyterian Apollo, PA.

Please pray with us concerning our upcoming furlough it is vitally important that we can share the ministry and broaden our support base. We look forward to catching up with you all!
Blessings Howard and Char Lane