BEHOLDING HIS GLORY
September 2002	Volume I Number 01

”But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. “ (2 Corinthians 3:18)

THOUGHTS FOR CONSIDERATION:

Greetings my Brethren. This is the inaugural edition of Beholding His Glory. With this first edition I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me and our church in Stuttgart and to share with you a little background to help lay a solid foundation of understanding to how and why God ordained this ministry. I use the word “ministry” with great reservation for how could I attach my given name to something established and ordained by God almighty. Those who “truly” behold His glory will not be able to attach anything of themselves to God. They have learned, they know within them, that is within their flesh, apart from God, dwelth no good thing.

God has done so much in us and out from Christliche Gemeinde Stuttgart (CGS) to many nations around the world. When I think back to all of the lives that have been changed and all of the many wonderful things that God has done through us, all I can say is, “ . . . this is the Lord’s doing and it is marvellous in our eyes.” (Matthew 21:42)

But, God spoke to me to put a name to my international teaching ministry out from Christliche Gemeinde. Thus, out from obedience to God’s desire and uncertainty on my part, Beholding His Glory was birthed. This newsletter will be an extension to what God is doing in my international teaching ministry and the church in Stuttgart. I plan to monthly distribute a newsletter that will contain the following sections: “Thoughts for Consideration” which will discuss beholding God’s glory; an article I have written from my most resent trip or one from the past; a section that will provide current news with an opportunity to receive one of my books I am currently writing; my future schedule and host contacts; and our contact information providing an opportunity for you to be a part of this ministry.

When we make our approach to God the best we can do is just behold His glory. Our “Christlikeness” walk with God is not about working for Him but becoming like Him. And, when we behold His glory our head will rock back in obedience, our hands will hang at our side in submission, and our knees will be weak and feeble. This is the very best we can do in God. We are in a place of complete and utter dependance on Him.

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ARTICLE REVIEW:

GOD’S PROVISION

In Act 3:6, when Peter said, “silver and gold have I none” I know what he was talking about. For the truth to be known my Church in Germany is not wealthy with money, but is rich with other treasures. And I do not have a lot of supporters that give me money to travel around the world and teach as I do. I travel on God’s provision. Now I will tell you that is a tough way to travel, but it is the way of His leading that confirms what I am doing is approved by Him. If He does not provide, I do not go. I am not even to take money from my household or Church to do this work. It is God’s work not mine, thus God has the responsibility to provide the resources to do that which He has called me to do. For those who under-stand God’s ways some what, this is a very safe place indeed. They do not have to worry and strive to make it happen, but just be at rest and go along for the ride. They are in a place of trust and peace easily able to receive His directions and word. Now I really like that kind of leading. Often times we can bring in things of our own ambition to what God wants to do. Ambition for a Believer is a very dangerous desire when doing the work of God. It can move us out of God so fast and we will not even know we are missing the mark in God’s plan and God will not stop us. The only ambition or desire we are to have is God and Him alone. David said, ”One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.” (Psalm 27:4) He is to be, “our all and in all.”

When I think of God’s provision to me and my family over the past six years I think of two specific ways He has showed His faithfulness to us for our sacrifice and obedience in doing His desire. The first is the way He made possible for the six in my family to travel to the States on vacation and the second is the way He continues to fund my ministry trips around the world basically from; my parents, the wonderful Middlesex Presbyterian Church in New Jersey, and two special ladies of God, all of which are not members of my Church.

We just returned from the States after two weeks of a little rest and relaxation and a time of sharing in a couple of churches along the way. Today for round trip airfare for four from Germany to the States is around $3000, during high season. Before I retired from the military I could either pay this huge cost for six people or try to use a military benefit called, “Space Available.” Military planes fly around the world 24 hours a day and if there are seats on the plane and available I could apply through a very formal process, of which I will not discuss, and compete against sometimes 100s of people for these seats. As simple as it sounds seldom does one, in the summer time, routinely achieve success. But three years in a row during July and/or August God made a way for me to move my entire family to the States and back to Germany, the cost you ask? Nothing, for a military plane and only $25 a person for a contract military flight. Each time God moved and performed a miracle for us. Now, I did my part and used the process, but God worked beyond the administrative limitation and made way for us. We usually would depart Germany from Ramstein or Rein Mein, Air Force Base (AFB) and return from Baltimore Washington International (BWI) Airport. The first time we tried Space Available I was given wrong information by an Airman that worked at the terminal in Rein Mein. His wrong information caused us not to be selected. I was really down, how could I tell my family. We had our bags packed, we were in the terminal, and we all were in the “going home” mind set. As I walked back along the counter to tell my family we were not going home an Air Force Officer asked me what was wrong. I did not know he was in-charge of the terminal. I told him an Airman at the terminal gave me wrong information and I was not selected for the flight. He asked me the Airman’s name and I told him. He then said, please come inside his office and he would try to make things right. He made a call and found out six people just canceled. Guess who got the seats? In God its never over until God says its over. All we have to do is our part and God will do His. You know God cannot be God to us if we do not allow Him. One time when we were returning I called BWI to confirm there were 172 seats on a military contract flight flying to Rein Mein. We then drove 4 hours to BWI and when we showed up there were two seats available. But we needed six seats and there were 100s of people like my self waiting to compete for the two seats. I could not believe it I was confused. I had to be back at work in two days and had no money to buy tickets for my family, I was in real trouble. I told Karen I was going for a walk in the airport to pray. When I got back I was standing there talking with Karen and this fellow walked up to me and said, “isn’t it bad about the strike?” I said, “what did you say?” He said, “you know the strike, isn’t it bad about the strike?” I said, “I do not care about any strike. I need to get to Germany and there are only two seats available.” He said, “you know the strike in Turkey.” I said, “I do not care about Turkey or any strike, I need to go to Germany.” He said, “no problem due to the strike that just happened no one can now continue on to Turkey from Germany and all 172 seats are available.” I turned to Karen and told her, I then turned back to the fellow and he was gone, he vanished with the turn of my head. We made the flight and I made it to work. God will go to great lengths to take care of obedient children, He knows how to give them good gifts. Each time either coming or going with Space Available God did a miracle for us so that we could spend time with our family in the States. God knew what we needed.

Thank God for loving parents that believe in God and their children. This is the case with mine. One source of funding for my trips come from my wonderful loving parents. Thank you Dad and Mom for seeing the call of God in my life and for investing more then prayer into what you see. Now, prayer is critical and greatly needed, but the Gospel is spread around the world out from God’s desire and commission, man’s desire in obedience to His word and will, and money.

Another source is the grand Middlesex Presbyterian Church in New Jersey. Thank you Pastor John and all at church for your generous giving. Giving is at the heart of the gospel. You have made a big difference and may never know the difference you have made as you have touched so many lives my included. And, the last two sources are two beautiful ladies of God. I stand in amazement as I see how God uses Belinda and Tina to spread His word through me around the world. You know God does not amaze me as much as some people do. We kind of expect God to be amazing after all He is God. Karen told me one day she is amazed when people do right things. I know what she is talking about. I can boldly say Belinda and Tina are two amazing ladies.

I met Belinda at the base health clinic where she worked. I really got to know her when she laid hands on my back during my physical therapy treatments. One day as she was working she said, “I would like to give you my tithes.” I said, “okay fore I am planning to go to India soon and need God’s provision.” After my treatment she said she wanted to see me next week for another treatment and for the rest of the money, but for now here is a start. She handed me a checked for $700. I could not believe my eyes. The next week I showed up as she requested. She said, “you better sit down.” I said, “okay.” You know obedience is always the right answer. I thought she was going to give me a check for $300 rounding it off to $1000. I was wrong she handed me a check for $1300 rounding it off to $2000. I needed every penny for my ticket and to bless the people along the way. Belinda continues to support me as I need more of God’s provision.

And, Tina, Tina, Tina. I first met Tina when she worked at the 6^th ASG Chaplin’s Office. We became friends and I would see her often around the base. She knew I was a Pastor and traveled to other countries sharing the Gospel and often carry in clothing and shoes if possible. One time she gave me 12 pairs of roller skates that I took to Poland. One day I ran into her in a store and she said, “if you needed some extra money for your next trip I could help you out.” I said, “okay the next time I go out I will give you a call.” My next trip was to India. This trip was very expensive. Belinda covered my airfare, but I needed money to take care of the things God wanted me to do. So I called Tina and she said, “okay no problem, how does $700 sound?” Again I could not believe it. She gave me the $700 and about one week before I left I ran into her in the bank, she asked, “do you need more money,” I responded, “yes” she gave me $220 more. Tina continues to give $500, $750, or $900 at a time to ensure God’s work in done throughout the earth. Belinda and Tina how can I ever repay your generosity, dedication, and love to God and me? Only God and God alone can and will repay you both for you selfless acts in giving. All I can say is thank you and I love you both very very much.

Paul shares these words, ”But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19) Now it says, “need” not needs. You know we really do not know what we need. We often think we need a new car or house. But, dear friends I would say our greatest need is God. God is rich in mercy and forgiveness, the weighty things. If God could ever get us over the desire for money and things He could really use us. The word “need” is translated from the Greek as “infirmity.” In other words, God supplies those things we need that will touch; our infirmities, our weaknesses, and our lack. Those things we do not have and are needed to accomplish His will and plan for our lives. Our “need” is whatever brings us to God, so He can satisfy what we lack. Written by Pastor Dave Stahl.

CURRENT NEWS:

I am in the middle of dusting off two old books I wrote six years ago. The first, “God Stills Performs Miracles” and the second, book one of a three book “Wandering in the Wilderness” series; ”Wandering in the Wilderness: The Call to Ministry.” When available these books will be either free or for cost of printing depending on monthly donations.

FUTURE SCHEDULE:

October: Opole, Poland with Pastor Piotr Cieslar

November: Hyderabad, India with Pastor S. J. Peters

December: Constanta, Romania with Pastor George

December: Silistra, Bulgaria with Pastor(s) Yanko and Niki

CONTACT INFORMATION:

American Address

CMR 480 Box 517

APO AE 09128

German Address

Pastor David Stahl

Ulmenweg -5

71706 Markgroningen, Germany

++49-7145-931152 (Voice)

++49-7145-931153 (FAX)

If you would like to contribute to this ministry please feel free to contact me with the above information. And remember, all donations are tax deductible.