“Dennis Hall’s Monthly Newsletter”
October 2010
Greetings Friends: With all
my heart I would like to thank everyone who made the “Christian Jubilee Celebration 2010” a huge success. The Duncan Banner wrote a wonderful story and it appeared like I made things happen after being disappointedly rained out. The truth is I had already canceled it, but Debbie, my fiancée, along with several brothers and sisters, rose to the occasion. Then dozens and dozens of wonderful folks went to work, and by the power of God pulled it off; “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generation forever and ever. Amen” (Eph.3:20-21).
I believe God was honored in a very special way Saturday, October 23rd, as we all joined together honoring our local authorities, allowing His children, to express in their own special ways, their love and gratitude for Him. The musicians and speakers were phenomenal and I have received nothing but praise for this event, which, God willing, we will do again next year, only inside! Mayor Gene Brown said he was encouraged to see so many young people in one place excited about Jesus.
A special notice to those of you who support this ministry, I am no longer at Gatlin Baptist Church, we have moved “Steps of Christ Recovery”, and began “The Recovery Church”, located at 3001 N HWY 81, in the “Deer Creek Mall” (North of Sears and Golden Corral). The new mailing address is Dennis Hall Ministries, P.O. Box 2117, Duncan, OK. 73534, it’s on the enclosed return envelope. To best describe “The Recovery Church”, I have taken some wise words from one of my favorite Pastor/authors, Charles (Chuck) Swindoll, making reference to Joshua 20, Cities of Refuge:
Finding a Refuge:The law of supply-and-demand is something we face every day. Because there are those who need, there must also be those who provide. There are employers and employees. There are counselors and counselees. There are teachers and teachees (I couldn’t resist).But it breaks down when it comes to refugees. There aren’t enough “refugers” to meet the demand.Back in the days when the Hebrews settled in Canaan, they set up cities of refuge. People who were in danger–even those guilty of wrongdoing–could escape to one of these six cities and find personal relief and refreshment.Don’t misunderstand. These weren’t sleazy dumping grounds for hardened criminals. These were territories dedicated to the restoration of those who had made mistakes. People who had blown it could flee to one of these places of refuge and not have those inside throw rocks at them.Today, we have lots of places to meet and sing, to pray, to hear talks from big wooden pulpits, to watch fine things happen, and yes, even to participate occasionally in the action. But where is the place of refuge for those whose lives have gotten soiled in the streets?More often than we want to admit, we’re bad Samaritans. We’re notorious for not knowing what to do with our wounded. Getting in there and cleaning up those ugly wounds and changing bloody bandages and taking the time to listen and encourage, well . . . let’s be practical, we’re not running a hospital around here.That makes good sense until you or I need emergency care. Like when you discover your husband is a practicing homosexual. Or your unmarried daughter is pregnant and isn’t listening to you. Or your parent is an alcoholic. Or you get dumped in jail for something. Or you blew it financially. Or you lost your job and it’s your own fault. Or your wife is having an affair. Or your dad or mom or mate or child is dying of cancer.Thankfully, in the church today, there are a few lights to help the hurting find their way back. There are dozens and dozens of small groups in churches across our land comprised of caring, authentic, but very human Christians who are committed to growing friendships and deepening relationships. Good Samaritans who have compassion. May their tribe increase!These are our modern-day cities of refuge.
Genuine, New Testament Christianity doesn’t hang out at headquarters;
it gets into the trenches with the wounded and weary.
The Recovery Church has taken the traditional Wednesday night church service and combined it with our Tuesday night open share recovery meeting. This has been very successful allowing our church members and recovery group to get acquainted. We get into small groups and discuss questions pertaining to the night’s lessons which are taken from the “Commands of Christ”. It allows closeness, oneness, and the opportunity to communicate the love I believe Jesus wants from us when He said, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go there and make disciples of all nations….teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:18-20). As we journey together and take the time to teach and make disciples we are giving a valuable part of ourselves, our time, to one another. The most precious way to demonstrate our love for others is by giving ourselves. That is the purpose of “The Recovery Church”, if you do not have a church family, come join us every Tuesday at 7pm, and Sundays 10:30am and 6pm. I promise you will be refreshed, encouraged, and leave with a desire to deepen your relationship with Jesus. Everyone in life is recovering, or has recovered from something, and seeking the life and freedom we have in Christ Jesus. Roy Don Green has blessed our praise and worship time with his God given musical talents. We have great child care also!
Steps of Christ Recovery: Upcoming Testimonies are Don Howe Nov. 13th, my fiancé, Debbie Stocking, Dec. 4th,Jody Price will be announced soon. God has touched so many lives through our meetings that I sometimes ask Him why? What is the reason you have chosen us to do this work, I am so unworthy and make so many bad choices, do so many stupid things, and fail so often, but then I realized it isn’t anything I am doing, it is all Him, (not by power nor by might, but by My Spirit, says the Lord). It is the Holy Spirit moving powerfully in these last days. Space will not allow me to share with you the many miracles taking place weekly in answer to our prayers, healings, jobs, deliverance from years of drug and alcohol abuse, sexual addictions, gambling, and yes, religion. Our new location, the old “Sports Grill Restaurant” provides the laid back atmosphere we were looking for. It is located in Duncan making it so much easier to pick up everyone who needs rides. I never realized how many didn’t come because of our old location being out of town until we moved, and many new faces begin to show up. We already need a bigger van. Come join our growing family and experience the lasting love of Jesus. You will leave refreshed and encouraged, knowing you do not have to face life’s difficulties along. We have excellent child care and meet every Tuesday and Saturday 7 to 9 pm
Stephens County Jailwork is still moving forward and God is doing an awesome work there. I’ve been receiving letters from brothers in prison all over the state, brothers who I did time with. Their telling me the guys from Stephens County are so well prepared that they will make something out of their prison experience. The Recovery Church and Steps of Christ Recovery provides a welcome home for these men and women and many are now getting out and becoming a part of our family. Most have little, but God has big pockets, and we are seeing Him do great things with few resources. The Sheriff Dept, F.L. Estes, Dave Horn and the entire jail staff are to be thanked tremendously for allowing God to work so mightily. Please pray for these wonderful folks.
The Web Sites newest video testimonies are Jeana (Gambill) Meadows and Barbara (Pack) Maphet. It has many new features such as the “Audio Sermons”, Video and Audio Testimonies with immediate download streaming, (no waiting). Some of the encouraging words God used to bring me out of the storms and safely home. Check it out.
In closing I am reminded of the last words the Duncan Banner quoted me saying, “There is too much religion, it’s about a relationship with Jesus Christ. I am so glad he printed those words. God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. “Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord; Lord hear my voice…If You, Lord, should mark iniquities; O Lord who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared’ (reverenced)…O people, hope in the Lord; for with Him is abundant redemption (Psalms 130). I have run out of ways to say thank you for all your love, encouragement, prayers, and support. I love each of you!
Web: www.deliveredfrommeth.com E-mail:dennis@deliveredfrommeth.com
Phone: 580.606.3784
If you would like to become a partner in this ministry, please fill out the form below, clip it off and mail it to my home church. Please make out support checks in the name of Dennis Hall Ministries, P.O. Box 2117, Duncan, OK 73534in order for them to be tax-deductible.
—————————————————————————————- Ministry of Dennis Hall Partnership Form (12/2009)
Name ____________________________________ E-mail ____________________________________
Address __________________________________ Phone____________________________________City, State, Zip _____________________________ Web _____________________________________
( ) I will be in earnest prayer for this ministry. ( ) I commit $_______as a one-time offering.
( ) I will commit $________monthly (as the Lord allows) Please remove me from this mailing list