Sunday, June 29, 2008

Seeking Christ in you...

So many people are still hurting each and everyday. I know I might have written about this in the past, but it never ceases to amaze me at the amount of people, Church Folk, Catholics, who are hurting. So many people in need of love, healing, mercy, people just needing to be loved.


Mother Teresa said it best, "You can save someones soul, with just a smile." How many of us really understand this? Could it really be that easy? Try it sometime. While I was walking in New York last week, I was surrounded by the hustle and bustle of one of the worlds busiest cities. People walking the streets with cell phones attached to their ears or ear plugs for ipods and MP3 players. People "in their own zone" walking, and when you take time out to actually acknowledge someone, e.g. giving another guy the head nod "wassup nod", they are shocked and amazed that someone made contact with them.


We lock ourselves away in our own little virtual worlds, addicted to the Internet, where we can be someone else who we fantasize of being, living a lie, we leave the Internet and enter the MP3/iPod world, until we reach our next destination and log in. Do we ever take time to stop and smell the roses? Do we ever take time to stop and acknowledge Christ when He is trying to make contact with us, or are we locked away in a virtual world, on a call, "Jesus, hit me back in a few minutes when I am done with this call..."


We must see the face of Christ in everyone we meet. We must strive to seek out the Least, Lost and Most abandoned of the world. When we do this, we might be surprised to see some of the least, lost and most hurting, right in our own parishes and/or Church communities.


Let us strive to stop, smell the roses, seek the face of Christ in others and allow the Holy Spirit to bless us for doing God's Will, in our daily lives. Remember, "YOU can save someones life...with just a smile!" Peace 2 U!


Qorban Ministries - "KEEP ON KEEPIN ON!"

Friday, June 27, 2008

Losing a Great Shepherd…


Since becoming serious with my Faith over four years ago, I have never faced a day such as this. One of losing a Shepherd. As you might well know, Raymond L. Burke will no longer be (effective immediately June 27, 2008) the Archbishop of the St. Louis Archdiocese and will become the Prefect for The Apostolic Signatura at the request of Pope Benedict XVI, effective immediately.

So many have had different opinions of Archbishop Burke, and after hearing him speak in person, for the very first time in 2006, I approached him and immediately apologized for my previous thoughts of him. He is such a wonderful and strong man of God. A deep man of Faith, steeped in his commitment to our Church and the People of God. With this great man of God, there is no middle area, no gray area; it is Black and White, Right or Wrong. He is not concerned with Dem or Rep, Left or Right, he is committed to ministering to people about Up or Down, North or South – Heaven or Hell, and his prayer is for all to return from whence we came.

My feelings are mixed as I first heard the news, my heart was torn. It was as if someone stabbed me in the chest with a knife as I found out the man I love, our beloved Shepherd is leaving us, but we pray that “God’s Will be done, despite our own will.” God knows what is best for us as He and ONLY He knows what the future holds for this Archdiocese and for His Church here on earth as well, so be it God’s Will, through the guidance of the Vicar of Christ on earth, that this change take place. The loss for St. Louis, Missouri will be the great gain of the Catholic Church as a whole.

As we approach his upcoming birthday, Big Papa, as my wife and I affectionately refer to His Excellency Burke, we love you with all of our heart and will miss you so very much. We will continue to keep you in our daily prayers and we also pray that God will continue to work through you for the greater good of His Church. Don’t forget…Cardinal is coming to you soon, and we pray that God will bless us to be able to be in Rome for that GREAT DAY! Happy early birthday Big Papa and we will always love you and never forget… KEEP ON KEEPIN’ ON!

Peace 2 U!
Qorban Ministries
Catholic Evangelist Richard Lane (Donna)

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Anointing fall upon me…

"God is good ALL THE TIME…and ALL the time…GOD IS GOD!"

I felt as if I was still at home when I said these words here in Howell, New Jersey. As I completed my final night of a three day tent revival, it never ceases to amaze me at the Healing Power of our Lord. He is TRULY GOOD! The first night was so powerful with people coming together to be revived in the Spirit of the LIVING God. The first speaker was an amazing testimony of a New York Detective who was shot on the job and paralyzed from the waist down and uses a breathing tube for assistance. He forgave the man that shot him and actually befriended him and witnessed to him about his Faith in Jesus Christ.

The second speaker was… yours truly. I shared my conversion story along with my struggle with my biological father as well as my Heavenly Father's calling in my life, and how through the Grace of God I was able to forgive my father and learn more about how he truly had sought Christ for so many years, but found Him prior to his death. We were able to reconcile and God has blessed me for that tremendously.

The third speaker was a Holy Ghost anointed Priest from Newark, New Jersey, who ROCKED the house! What a blessing.

The second night it was yours truly, followed by the same Priest. After the conclusion of his talk, he led a healing service… a "Catholic Holy Ghost Healing Service"…yes you heard me, a "Catholic – Holy Ghost – Healing!" I asked if he needed my assistance in praying for people and he said yes. Little did I know what I was in store for. For the next hour and a half, I prayed over countless people, for healing of various ailments and illnesses. The Holy Ghost was present and powerful and people were "slain in the Spirit" and fell out. The Holy Ghost was working overtime in His Healing.

The final night, tonight, yours truly was the only speaker, prior to Mass, which was celebrated by a phenomenal Bishop, Bishop John Smith. I spoke of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) and re-commissioned everyone to "Go, and make disciples." I talked about the power of telling your story and invited several people to testify to the goodness of God in their own lives. Several people stood and testified to their healing, through prayer and the laying on of hands the previous night by myself and Fr. Bill. People were healed and still in the process of being healed. We talked about the importance of "Fire" in our lives…the Fire of the Holy Spirit and how through allowing God to take over our lives, through filling us with His Son, Jesus, we then allow our paths to be directed by the Holy Spirit. Through a "Daily Pentecost", we allow that Fire of the Holy Spirit to inhabit our beings and that Fire will spread throughout the World, setting the whole world a blaze for Christ Jesus!

So many people came to me and said thank you, for prayer, thank you for laying hands on me, thank you for speaking directly to me. All I can say is, "Thank you Howell, New Jersey for allowing me to serve. Thank you for showing me your love, thank you Howell for showing me the Fruit that the Holy Spirit has so graciously anointed me with…but most importantly… THANK YOU LORD GOD for allowing this humble and unworthy servant to do Your Will and to do Your work. Thank you, Spirit of the Living God for inhabiting me, not for my glory, but to Glorify the Father and to be a blessing to others. Thank you Jesus for strengthening me and allowing me to Keep on Keepin' on!"

God bless you and God be with you, Howell, New Jersey. Keep us in your prayers as we will continue to keep you in ours!

Peace 2 U!

Richard L. Lane, Catholic Evangelist – (Sent on the day we celebrate the Birth of the GREAT EVANGELIST – St. John the Baptist – PRAY FOR US!)

Qorban Ministries

HYPERLINK "http://www.QorbanMinistries.net" www.QorbanMinistries.net

Sunday, June 22, 2008

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

If I said, celebrating Mass at this Historical Place of God was a blessing, would be the understatement of the century.

I Googled the location last night and saw on Google Earth the Facility was shaped as a Cross. The interior is immaculate and the Worship was phenomenal.

I got the chance to not only hear a Homily from Cardinal Egan, but also was blessed to make his acquaintance.

God is good…all the time! All the time…God is GOOD!

Peace be with you.

Qorban Ministries

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Jesus…locked in the box.

While strolling around Manhattan today, I caught the Sky lift over to Roosevelt Island. This whole trip was inspired by the Holy Spirit…this I truly know. As I walked down the edge of the Hudson I passed several large buildings obviously where upper middle to wealthy people resided with a breathtaking view of Manhattan. I walked about ½ - ¾ of a mile further and then turned right and walked a block over, and it was obvious this is where the middle to lower income residences were, with a breathtaking (sarcastically stated) view of ship yards.

I walked along the path I came, but only on the opposite (1 block over) side and then came across this BEAUTIFUL, quaint Catholic Parish…right in the middle of both sides. I walked in for the 5pm Mass and there were only about 20 people there for Mass. At the end of Mass, the Priest, while he is human and gets upset, was somewhat disturbed at the lack of responses he had received over important scheduling things he needed. He admonished the Parishioners and stated that the Parish was not getting very many people at the Saturday Mass and he was rightly concerned about it.

I would venture to guess there were more people, (kids included) playing DIRECTLY outside the Church, than were actually inside for Mass. Matter of fact prior to my going in, I saw a family playing stick ball, using the side of the Church as a Catcher for the ball.

I left wondering, why we (Catholic's) keep Jesus in the box? This beautiful Parish is in PRIME location and PRIME position to minister to the least, lost and most abandoned, DIRECTLY OUTSIDE THE PARISH…and also minister to the NON-abandoned, and the Wealthy. What I saw was Jesus was placed DIRECTLY in the middle, surrounded on all four sides by buildings (within 50 yards of the Parish) and no one was taking Jesus to these people. It was painfully obvious to me that Jesus wanted to go out and reach the people. As I walked toward the Church, I literally saw the modern day "Man at the Pool", in a wheel chair hurting, I saw modern day Leapers, people walking with no hope, just yards from Jesus…who was locked in the box. Wow…what an opportunity to take Him OUT of the box and take Him to the people. I saw and see so much potential for Evangelization, but no one else see's it at the Parish. The Priest spoke about the desperate need for young men for the Vocation of the Priesthood and yet, when I went out after Church was over, there were 8 young teenage boys, playing right outside the Church, none of them had gone to Mass, and the Priest was just talking about it, but yet, why were these young people not in Church, why did no one reach out to them?

Let us take Jesus out of the box. Let us remember that when we are filled with Jesus, lets take our blinders off and SEE what is right outside of our own Parishes. They are RIPE for a harvest…if we only remember to take Jesus out of the box!

Friday, June 20, 2008

Hello New York…

In early 2005 when I began to give out Bibles on the Streets of St. Louis and preaching on street corners, I never knew it would lead me to so many new places I have never been. I have been blessed enough to travel the world and it was only due to the Grace of God that I am here in Manhattan, New York.

As we were landing at LaGuardia Airport, I could not help but continue to say "Thank you Lord for leading me here." I was in New York for the first and only time of my life when I was about 10 or 11 years old, when my late father was inducted into the Black Sports Hall of Fame. That would be my first and last time here in this area until now. How beautiful this area was from the sky. How beautiful the sky line is from the coast.

It never ceases to amaze me as to where God has lead us in this ministry which is Qorban – "Dedicated to God", from just saying "Yes, Lord…I will do your will." Oklahoma, Houma, Louisiana, Des Moines, Iowa and now Manhattan, New York! You are truly an AWESOME God and I thank you for leading me here…to do Your Will.

Check back Sunday and see how things go in Howell, New Jersey. Another first for Qorban Ministries! Thank you Lord!

Keep us in your prayers, we will continue to keep you in ours and ALWAYS remember… "Keep on KEEPIN ON!"

Peace 2 U!

Qorban Ministries

Check out our website at www.QorbanMinistries.net

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Catholic Evangelist

"You are a WHAT?!?!?" I wish I had a nickel for every time I have heard this question asked when people ask me what I do. Some would say, "Isn't that an Oxymoron? Catholic and Evangelist?" Why should it be an oxymoron? Are we not all called to spread the Gospel?

Matthew 28:19 clearly states that we must "Go…make disciples of all nations…" I don't think Jesus, suggested it, asked us to fit it in between meetings, football and/or other athletic practices. He did not say, only on Sunday's, or just every now and then. This was a Commandment by our Lord, for ALL of us to go and make disciples, but so many of us have no clue how to begin.

First we must know who we are as Children of God. We must first understand our own Faith and why we are placed on this earth and that is to Know, Love and Serve our Lord. We must love each other as Christ has loves each of us.

We "proclaim" the Gospel in our everyday lives when we truly LIVE the Gospel every day, in our marriages, celibate life, as young people, older/retired people, we live the Gospel when we help people and love them unconditionally. We live the Gospel each day when we protect Life; the lives of both the unborn and those who are born. We live the Gospel when we serve our fellow man and woman without asking for anything in return.

This is our challenge daily, as St. Paul exhorted us to "Die to our flesh." We must die to the desires of this world and live in the Spirit which will show us the Way…the Way of Christ who is our Mediator. Let us die to ourselves each day, so that we may Live Eternally with our Father in Heaven.

Keep us in your prayers, we will keep you in ours and never forget… "KEEP ON KEEPIN ON!"

In Christ,

Qorban Ministries


 

Check out our website at www.QorbanMinistries.net

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Is God’s favor upon you?

Look at the first instance of God's Favor in the Old Testament; it was said "The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering." Able brought to the Lord as an offering, fat portion of the first born of his flock. These were his "first fruits" that he offered up to the Lord for thanksgiving.

"But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord" Gen 6:8. Noah was a righteous man and he walked with the Lord and did as the Lord commanded him. He found favor with God. Why did these "ordinary" people find favor with God? They were ordinary people who did extraordinary things. They lived God's word daily. They were not without sin, but they still found favor with God. Are we without sin? Are we without blemish and stain? No we are not, but we are made clean by the blood of the Lamb. We are washed clean through our baptism. Christ suffered and died so we would not have to suffer in our own sinfulness. You might ask; "why does God not show me favor?" Oh, but He does. He shows us all His favor, but do we follow it? Do we listen? Do we go right when He whispers "left"? Do we try to take the short cut or the easy way when He wants us to take the "road less traveled?"

He shows us His favor each and every day of our lives when He blesses us to have one more day. He shows us His favor when we are lead out of danger. He shows us favor when we say "man one more minute and I would have been in that accident…One more second and I would have been killed by that stray bullet…If I had been in that spot when I said I was I would have suffered a similar fate as the other person did…" That is God's favor shining through on us all. God's favor is walking in His light when we could have chosen the darker path. God's favor is being blessed when we feel we should not have been. God's favor is in His Mercy when we feel we do not deserve it.

God's favor is shown to us in our daily lives one way or another…are you blessing someone with the goodness He has provided you with His favor? Let us all encourage each other to not only walk with God, but to walk with His favor because it shines through to us every day. Let us walk with the confidence and love of Jesus Christ who is TRUTH and He gives us the strength to walk with the favor of His Father when we are at our weakest. It is at exactly this point, when we are truly at our weakest, when Christ is our strength. Let us embrace the favor of Him given to us through His Father, and let the fruits of the Holy Spirit shine forth to all.

In Christ,

Evangelist Richard L. Lane – Qorban Ministries

Monday, June 16, 2008

If God be for us…

If someone were to ask you what is the pillar and foundation of truth", what would you say? Most would say "the bible". Can you point to a specific scripture in the bible that says that? I Timothy 3:15 tells us; "but if I should be delayed you should know how to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth. Undeniably great is the mystery of devotion." Ask yourself what is the definition of "church"? Church = Community. We the community of faith are the church and we are the pillars and foundation of truth.

Ephesians 2: 19-22 tells us. "so then you are no longer stranger and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophet, with Christ Jesus himself as the Capstone. Through him the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord; in him you are also being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit."

Our Parish faith communities ARE the pillars and foundation of truth! We are the ones that God has chosen to build His church upon the "Rock" that he left which was St. Peter. Our Parish Communities are held together in faith and truth by Christ Jesus, who IS the Capstone as we have read in the book of Ephesians. The Capstone is placed on the top of the pillars of the church structure to bring the entire house of God TOGETHER, in the Spirit, SOLID AS A ROCK, upon the foundation in which Christ Jesus entrusted to St. Peter.

We must know that we the faith community ARE the foundation of truth, in Christ Jesus, because Jesus dwells within each of us. We must continue to grow God's church which lives, breathes and burns within each one of us.

I leave you with this final passage from the book of Hebrews 10:23-25; "let us hold unwaveringly to our confession that gives us hope, for he who made the promise is trustworthy. We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works. We should not stray away from our assembly, as in the custom of some, but encourage one another and this all the more as you see the day drawing near."

We as Catholic's MUST stand together in faith. "If God be for us….who will be against us?"

Keep us in your prayers; we will keep you in ours, and always, KEEP ON KEEPIN ON!

Peace 2 U
Qorban Ministries


 

Check out our website at www.QorbanMinistries.net

Fathers Day...


Last night my wife and I happened to catch one of my all time favorite movies. "Rudy". For those of you that have not had the chance to see this wonderful and powerful movie about perseverance, it is a MUST SEE!


The character (based on a true story) Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger, was a young man that had to work twice as hard as the average person, to succeed educationally. This young man had a dream. A dream of playing football for Notre Dame. He was a small man with not much athletic ability, but had the heart of a lion. He persevered over many obstacles in his life to achieve his goal.


One of the best scenes in this movie was when Rudy FINALLY got a chance to get in and play in the last game of his final season of College, he got in with less than 10 seconds to go. He did the unlikely and got his first and only sack of the quarterback. They showed the reaction of his father and there was so much love and pride on his fathers face and he said with tears in his eyes, "Way to go Rudy, way to go!" He was so proud of his son, seeing him succeed on this big stage.


How proud is our Heavenly Father of us when we succeed in His Will for our lives? Not when we score a touchdown, grand slam or make a sack, but when we forgive someone who has sinned against us? When we love someone who we might consider un-loveable. How proud do you think our Heavenly Father is of us when we receive absolution of our sins in the Sacrament of Reconciliation? I can picture all the Angels & Saints, our Heavenly Mother, Along with our Father, joining in cheering us on and saying too us, "Way to go...way to go!"


As we celebrate Father's Day and thank our earthly fathers both present with us and also those that have gone on to be with Jesus, let us give thanks to "The Father" for all He has done for us and the greatest Gift we could have ever received and that is, His Son, Jesus Christ.


Happy Father's Day to you and also keep on keepin' on in this World, keep on lovin, keep on livin and keep on prayin'!


God bless you! Keep us in your prayers, we will continue to keep you in ours!


Peace 2U!


Qorban Ministries


PS....check out our website at http://www.qorbanministries.net/

Friday, June 13, 2008

Do you know the Way Home?

MapQuest, Google, GPS. We have so many ways to tell us how to go from one place to another and when we are finally lost, we just punch in, our home address and it tells us the way home. Do we know how to get back to our Father's Home though? Do we know the directions? Can we put "Heaven" in the GPS and find the correct directions? I am intent on, (when the Automobile company's finally invent it) purchasing a auto-install, passengers side steering column for my lovely wife to be able to navigate our directions home when I am driving. (Most of the time she is right…but just don't tell her that I admitted it)!

From the numbers of women and men in our Catholic Parishes, it certainly seems to me that the women TRULY have the directions Home much better than the men, in their regular attendance. One thing I have always preached, B.I.B.L.E. = Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. The Bible is our "Roadmap" Home to our Father. They Holy Bible tells us EVERYTHING we need to know down to the exact instructions. This cannot be found in the missalette, Catechism, or any other self help books. The writings of the Bible were given to us by "Divine Inspiration" and this is the true Sword, the TRUE Word of God.

Jesus told His disciples that He was going to a place, to be with His Father… He was going to prepare a place for us. Thomas had no clue; he had been with Christ for several years and still did not know "the Way". Disappointed with him, Jesus reminded him again, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life…" (John 14:6). From the beginning of Original Sin, God has provided a Way Home to Him…even beyond "The Promised Land". The promise of the NEW Promised Land can ONLY be received, through Christ Jesus the Mediator between us and the Father.

John 14:6 is the "secret pass code" to know the Way Home. Won't YOU go out and tell someone this GREAT secret? Tell someone today, tomorrow and everyday thereafter! Peace be with you.

Keep us in your prayers, we will keep you in ours and always remember… "Keep on KEEPIN ON!"

Peace 2 U!

Qorban Ministries

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Rest in Peace, Haller Edward “Ed” Nutt…

"We must bury the dead in our lives…not just the people…but the BAGGAGE and ISSUES…we must bury them."

This was the theme of the Homily preached by the Late H. Edward Nutt's brother, Fr. Maurice J. Nutt. I was so very inspired to see the courage of this young, dynamic Priest, but mortal man who, while grieving the loss of his big brother, Preached his brothers "Home-going" Celebration today. What an inspiration to me that was.

Fr. Nutt chose the story of the death and rising of Lazarus as the point of his Homily. We all know the story as Lazarus had been dead for four days, before Jesus called Lazarus by name, to "come out". How many of us have dead issues in our lives that "we" do not bury and continue to resurrect in our lives? We ask God for His healing and guidance and He Graciously gives it to us when we ask. Yet in our own human nature, we continue to resurrect the dead issues, trials, tribulations, bad relationships, so many things that are harmful for our "Eternal Lives".

Why did Jesus wait, 4 days to resurrect Lazarus from the grave? The Bible tells us that he had been dead long enough for his body to be "stinking", meaning he was VERY DEAD and there was no doubt in anyone's mind. Jesus resurrected His beloved friend, so that the Miracle would prove…yet again, that Christ was truly doing the work and Will of the Father…the One who sent Him. Christ called Lazarus from the dead (so many OTHER dead among the body of Lazarus) by NAME! Had Christ just said "Come out" all of the DEAD would have come running to the Divine voice of the Son of Man, yet Christ called Lazarus by NAME.

God calls each of us by name, "I formed you, you are mine…you are precious in my eyes…" the Prophet Isaiah tells us. Yes, He has called EACH AND EVERYONE OF US BY NAME! Can we, like Lazarus, be obedient to the "Spoken Word of God" in our lives, to heed His command, to hear the voice of His Spirit which dwells within us all?

This is our challenge; to hear the Voice of the Spirit when He calls us. To act on that Voice as Lazarus did. We must bury our dead issues and live a new in Chirst; as St. Paul reminds us to Die to our Flesh.

Ed Nutt lived a short, but full life of giving of himself to his family, friends and to others. He is an example of, in death, teaching others to live. To LIVE in the Spirit of the LIVING GOD! To Love, Live and Serve others. Thank you Ed for your life; thank you Ed for your love; and thank you Ed for teaching me and others to Live…Live in the LIGHT of the World! May God be with you always my brother.

Keep us in your prayers, we will keep you in ours, and always… "Keep on Keepin' On!"

Peace 2 U!

Qorban Ministries

Please check out our website at www.Qorban.net

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Black Catholic Opposes Stem Cell Amendment…

This is a "reprint" of an article originally published and written by Catholic Evangelist Richard Lane. Published 10/29/06 on the Catholic PRWire.

Does the "Truth" Hurt?

When a lie is exposed the "evil one" will stop at nothing to continue his untruth and deception(s), despite the fact that it will separate, torment and especially destroy people and lives. Evil will stop at nothing to continue to corrupt the very essence of humanity and its soul.

The great State of Missouri continues to be front and center in this battle of epic proportions over one key thing; Life. Those that wish to profit from the destruction of human life continue to pummel voters with deceptions and outright LIES.

LIE number 1; Proposition number 2, an amendment to the Missouri State Constitution says it "ensures the right to Missourians access to Stem Cell cures and therapies to its residents", as this proposition is currently written that statement is a LIE. If this proposition does not pass why would Missourians not have access to the same therapies and cures the other 49 states in this Union currently have? Any and every federally approved medical treatment is already legal in Missouri. Why do we need a Constitutional Amendment to ensure access to anything?

LIE number 2; it speaks of "Stem Cell Research" but it does not plainly articulate the distinct difference in research they are conducting; Adult Stem Cell research and Embryonic Stem Cell Research. The EVIL ONES are playing on emotions and continuing to spread FALSEHOODS and LIES to the Voters of this great State and not informing them of the TRUTH which is the "destruction of human life" at its earliest stage. Some would call a Human Embryo a "potential life". If you are reading this article YOU were once an Embryo which is "A LIFE WITH POTENTIAL"! There are well over 65 promising clinical trials with "Adult Stem Cells". How many Embryonic Stem Cell Therapies are their currently? ZERO, none, nothing!

LIE number 3; they say this is about cures for the future and that might be correct in "Adult Stem Cell" therapies but Embryonic research involves the "destruction of human life that has potential."

Recently there have been several outstanding efforts to thwart the distortions, lies, and deceptions surrounding this issue. The TRUTH has been given to the voters by several courageous individuals who continue to walk by Faith and do the right thing in this world filled with evil. Just as the EVIL ONE has always done when his falsehoods are exposed he strikes and hits us where it hurts the most, in our hearts and in our souls. He will stop at nothing to destroy us. He will use any and everything he can to hit us where it hurts especially in our families. He will out flank us and come around where we least expect it. He will separate our churches, schools and the very core of our existence. Yes the truth hurts, but we have to expose the truth for the greater good of mankind.

In 1932 the United States Public Health Service LIED to 399 men. The same federal government we are speaking of now manipulated, deceived and conducted "research" on 399 black men. This "research" (now exposed as a LIE) continued for 40 years when this LIE was exposed. This LIE "research" destroyed the lives of more than just the 399 victims of this experiment, as it affected the wives and children who also became unknowing and unwilling victims of an experiment again, sanctioned by the SAME government who continues to conduct "research" aimed at the destruction of life. The United States Public Health Service knew what disease these men were suffering from and had no intention on curing these 399 black men of syphilis at all. One of the doctors involved in the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment was quoted in saying, "As I see it, we have no further interest in these patients until they die."

The TRUTH of the matter is clear; Embryonic Stem Cell research destroys "life with potential". The heart of this is we need to continue to find alternative ways and means to obtain cures. Do we sacrifice human life for only a HOPE to find a cure?

Jesus Christ said, "I am the Way, the TRUTH and the Life…" You ask what is truth? I believe the very essence of TRUTH is the way Jesus Christ lived His life. He IS Truth…and you know what else? Jesus Christ was once an embryo. Jesus Christ was once a "life WITH potential."

Peace to you and yours.

Keep us in your prayers, we will keep you in ours, and ALWAYS… "Keep on Keepin' On!"

Qorban Ministries

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Is He calling you...





In today's Gospel we heard about the calling of Levi also known as Matthew. During the time of Christ, as a tax collector, it would have been like Jesus walking up to a Modern Day Dope Dealer and saying to him, "Follow Me."


Matthew was needing someone to "call him into service" for a better relationship with God the Father. We as Christians know the Way to God the Father and that is through Christ, but do we truly hear Christ calling us into service? Do we listen to the Holy Spirit when directed to help a homeless person, help someone in dire need, do we listen to the Holy Spirit when He directs us to do something that is "out of our comfort zone?"

I recall when I was lead to begin proclaiming the Gospel on the inner city streets of St. Louis, Missouri some three years ago. Doing this, as a "Catholic Evangelist" was unheard of at the time. (It is still somewhat unheard of in most American Metropolitan Cities) Going onto the street corners and proclaiming the Majesty of Christ, proclaiming His Glory, proclaiming His HOPE to the hopeless, helpless and homeless. In stepping "outside my comfort zone" the Lord revealed to me His blessings in the form of people that would approach me on the street, not only for prayer, but some coming and offering me support as well as a blessing for me. It was "getting outside of my comfort zone" that I realized the "Ministry" that God had ordained for my life...my calling as a "Catholic Evangelist" to be able to inspire, help and give to others the blessings that God has given me.

God is calling each and every one of us to a higher calling. Millions of Dollars, that is NOTHING in the grand scheme of God's plan. Jesus told us "In my Father's House there are many mansions...I am going to prepare a place for you." Would you give up EVERYTHING in Eternal Life for something so little as all the money on earth and spending eternity in damnation? God IS calling you to something else, something bigger than yourself. God is calling us all to "Follow Him" and serve others, love others as Christ loved us.

I challenge you to listen to the calling God has for your life. He will take you to higher places you never ever dreamed you could go. Through Christ you will achieve so much more happiness through earthly things. Say YES to the Lord's calling in your life and know that He will continue to make a Way out of no way in your life! Let it begin TODAY!

Keep us in your prayers, we will keep you in ours.

Peace 2 U and "Keep on keepin on!"

Qorban Ministries
Check out our website at www.QorbanMinistries.net

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Man Vs. Wild...


This is a show that my wife and I watch from time to time. A man challenging nature in a quest for survival. Yes this is television and more than likely staged with emergency crews readily available, but this struggle goes so much deeper.


Today I feel that we are in a fight with the worst "Wild" that we could ever face. Relativism is fast approaching as one of, if not THE greatest evil we face. Conforming to this horrible society we have sunken too of non caring, non loving and one of "Man" can conquer all. Man will cure all the worlds Ill's, Man will cure Global Warming; Man will wind up conquering man. We are our own worst enemy with this feel good, fast paced world we have created, where we don't take time to ask the Holy Spirit for help, guidance. We don't take time to let God be God and we want to fix things on our own. Reminds me of Adam and Eve wanting to fix things on their own as well. Look where that got them.


Man Vs. Wild, I think it's Man Vs. Man and both will loose, unless we realize that there is ONLY ONE WAY. One Way to peace, One Way to cures, One Way to Life...Life Eternal and that is through Jesus.


"I am the Way, the Truth and the Life..." (John 14:6) which is our sign for Hope, our "Road Map" if you will back HOME. Home to our Creator who created us in His own Divine Image and Likeness.


When the struggle of Man Vs. Wild comes in your life today and tomorrow, step back and think, "Is this the Way God wants for me...is this truly what His Spirit wishes of me at this moment and at this time?"


Remember, God will ALWAYS make a Way out of no way in our lives. He continues to show us His Truth in His Son Jesus. Once we understand that our struggle is nothing and that "All things are possible for those that love the Lord..." (Romans 8:28), then and only then, through the Grace of God, will we continue to have Hope in the Divine Promise of Eternal LIFE with Him.


God bless you and always... "Keep on KEEPIN ON!"


Keep us in your prayers, we will continue to keep you in ours!


Peace 2 U!


Qorban Ministries


Friday, June 6, 2008

Moving in God's Anointing...

I have heard so much about, "In God's Time...". We live in a Microwave, fast paced, fast moving society and we want things instantaneously. We want our blessings and we want them NOW and are not willing to wait for God to move in our lives.

We move, move, move and hustle and bustle each day, getting kids off to school, getting ready for hectic day at work, laden with meetings and more meetings. I remember a few years ago, the company I worked for, I LIVED in meetings. It was so crazy, we had gotten to the point where we were "meeting" to schedule out future meetings!

God knows us, He knows the hairs on our heads, (and the lack thereof) and He knows our needs, but do we allow God to be God in our lives or do we tell Him, "I need this and I need it NOW!". Then we get mad at God when we don't get our way. Sounding like spoiled children, whining and throwing a fit when we don't get what we want. Well, God tells us, like any good parent would, "you need to SLOW DOWN and let ME take care of things."

The bible tells us, "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God. Do not rely on human wisdom." We have to realize that God's Ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts. We could NEVER imagine the glorious and wonderful things that God wants for us, because we are too busy moving in OUR OWN THOUGHTS.

We have to take time to slow down; listen to what the Spirit is speaking to our hearts; discern, pray and then MOVE in the Spirit. St. Paul warns us "Do NOT Grieve the Spirit", we must MOVE when the Spirit says MOVE in our lives. Remember, everything happens for a reason and it is always an opportunity for God to speak to us in our current condition. The Father wants the BEST for His Children. We have to realize that He is not a Fast Food, Drive Thru God. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last the Omnipotent, Omnipresent creator of ALL living and breathing things.

Brothers and Sister, stop, smell the roses, give thanks to the Lord and let His Spirit speak to you... and then "do not grieve the Holy Spirit's" calling in your life. Move in the Spirit of God as He directs!

God be with you now and forever; May the Peace of Jesus Christ continue to envelop you; May the Power of the Holy Spirit continue to move within and through you, for the Glory of God!

Keep us in your prayers; we will continue to keep you in ours!

PEACE!

Qorban Ministries

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

For God so loved the world...

John 3:16 is such a powerful verse, but I focus today on the 17th verse, "...For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world."

God did not send His Son to condemn the world, but why do we condemn each other. We judge someone by the color of their skin, working class, religious beliefs or the lack thereof, gender and so many others. We also condemn those who do not believe as we do and force our beliefs upon others and if they do not conform, we then condemn them.

Who does God's Mercy and Grace apply, only to believers, and no one else? Romans 3:23 tells us that we ALL fall short of Gods Mercy, but yet it is only through His Goodness, Grace and Mercy are we saved. Can we even fathom a love such as this? A truly unconditional love? Do we have that type of love for one another?

I recall seeing an article on the Internet today about someone who is currently building a "home" (I use that term LOOSELY) that is going to cost over 1.5 billion dollars at it's completion. No that was not a typo, "B" billion dollars. Once I read about this I was immediately saddened and thought of how much money that MIGHT even be and how many MILLIONS of people that much money could help. So many people in many other countries and nations, starving and impoverished, but yet someone is going to build a "billion" dollar home. People in our own country suffering; the middle class are now fast approaching becoming the "working poor", while the rich continue to profit off the backs of the suffering.

My first reaction was obviously a negative one toward these people, but then I said, "you know what, instead of 'condemning' them...you need to pray for them, because they will REALLY need it." Now I do not knock or have a problem with those that have 'means'. More power too you, but the next time you purchase that quarter of a million dollar car, think about those who are starving; when you purchase that million dollar diamond, think about the kids in the inner cities that have no hope; when you have your next $4,000.00 shoe shopping spree; think about the babies that have never been given a chance at life, the children that will never see life because their parents are suffering and have no means.

Christ came to save the world from 'itself'. Christ came for all of us, believers, unbelievers, wealthy and poor. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son..."

Keep us in your prayers; we will keep you in ours! God bless you!

Qorban Ministries - www.Qorban.net

Monday, June 2, 2008

A Call to Oneness March







"A Call to Oneness" was what 20,000 men we called too on Sunday June 1, 2008. I have lived in St. Louis, Missouri for over 10 years and I have never seen that many black men gathered together for one purpose.



The Call to Oneness was initatied as a call for Black Men in and around the St. Louis Metropolitan Area to "take back our streets" for our young black men. The City of St. Louis has had the highest murder rate (per capita) in the United States. It has been stated that 1 out of every 3 black men in the State of Missouri is destined for incarceration. This is an atrocity as it costs the state of Missouri more to incarcerate someone that it would to provide them one full year tuition in a State University, but where is the "Hope"? Our youth (black youth) do not see much hope in the City of St. Louis; homeless rate increasing, jobs decreasing, cost of living rising out of control and not enough suitable role models to choose from. Where are the youth to turn to for help, hope and happiness? Can they turn to their parents?

The working class has become the "working poor". Where do these young people turn for help; they turn to the streets; they turn to each other, kids raising themselves and relying on the role models of other "youth" who are the drug dealers, gang bangers, etc. They see those kids with money in their pockets and strive to be like them. They have "pipe dreams" of becoming rappers, singers, sports stars, movie stars, but do not have the goal of striving for an education. We will not begin to talk about "Education" or the lack there of in the St. Louis Public School district or the Hazelwood, Normandy School district for that matter. "Kids" see the only way out as a life of crime and violence and one of the main reasons is the lack of a "Black Male Role Model" in their lives.

On Sunday afternoon at 2:00pm over 20,000 Black Men began a March in the City of St. Louis to reclaim the streets of St. Louis. To let the youth and the community know that we (Black Men) do care and are trying to proactively do something about it.

While marching down the streets of St. Louis we all roared out "ONE...ONE...ONE..." to signify that we are ONE people in solidarity to be ONE for our youth, united against violence but most of all UNITED IN HOPE for our youth.

As I marched down the streets I was overcome with joy and love for these brothers. Men from all walks of life, wealthy, middle class, and unemployed; the Blue Collar, White Collar and the "NO COLLAR" black man was represneted. Baptist, Protestant, Catholic, Muslim and more, were all united together for one purpose; to reclaim the streets of St. Louis!






Women lined the sidewalks encouraging and cheering us on throughout the mile and a half route, shouting "Thank you beautiful Black Men...WE LOVE YOU....THANK YOU... WE ARE PROUD OF YOU!" There were women on the sidewalks in total tears of joy at this overwhelming site of unity.




My hope and prayer for this day was and continues to be, Hope, Peace and Joy to this community that has gone through so much. That people will unite in the spirit of Oneness. We must stand up and fight for our young people because they are our future and we must be willing to continue to sacrafice for them to have a chance at life. I do this so my child will not have to suffer and will have the chance at a better life than I. That she might experience the FULLNESS of the American Dream, while knowing that as a Child of God she will always have the Spirit of Christ within her...a Spirit of Truth, Love and Joy, to be givin to others and not kept inside.


Peace be with you....