Pastoral Care Ministry BLOG

August 2010                                                                                       

Dear Partners,

I have been studying the story of the scouts Moses sent into the land to see what it was like and what the Israelites would face when they went up to take the land G-d had promised to give them. It is interesting that in so many situations we face today this same scenario is played out. We have a tendency to look at the situation and forget the promise. The purpose of that scouting trip was to help form strategies on how to fight in a way that would bring victory. Instead ten of the twelve scouts, even after seeing that the promise was good, looked at the impossibilities. They saw all of the hard work and sacrifice that would be required and they said “no”. They looked at the situation through their flesh and not G-d’s promise.

We all tend to think everyone else sees us the way we see ourselves. So when we face trials we don’t see anything except defeat. I was taking to a friend the other day and she shared how surprised her husband was at the outpouring of love he recently received during a serious illness. You see he saw himself as insignificant and with little value. Through those eyes he expected others not to care that he was going through a difficult time.

How often have we all missed out on what G-d had for us because we looked at the situation and not the solution. G-d calls us to faith. It may be difficult at times and we may have to sacrifice in order to reach the goal, but if G-d has said it he will be faithful to complete it.

Good News

Remember a few months ago when I was in Germany and I asked you to pray for a lady named Leni? She was suffering from cancer and we prayed through some longstanding issues in her life. The first doctors report was that things were worse.  Well, I recently received word from Nadja that her most recent tests showed that there is significant improvement. Thank you for standing in prayer with me for this precious lady. He is the G-d that heals us… physically and emotionally.

New News

Currently I am scheduled to be in Africa (Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya) from September 15 through December 15. During that time I have nine conferences running anywhere from three days to ten days each. There are also several speaking engagements, teaching a Bible College class and another possible Pastors Conference during this time.

This is from the pastors in Rwanda. “….your coming is prophetic! We found out that God had already spoken to a group of pastors in a Dove church Kanombe in Rwanda about your coming! As we started telling them about your visit, they looked at one another laughing and told us that God had told them about this man whom they did not know and had never met,coming to their church to bring healing! ‘We are privileged to let you know that he is more than welcome to Rwanda’ said, one of the Pastors.” We have been praying for this opportunity for over a year now and it is so good to see the dream becoming reality.

I have also received emails from others in Uganda and Kenya who attended conferences last year. They are really looking forward to my coming again. There is an anticipation of G-d doing something special once again in these areas.

To do everything I have been asked to do during this time will require a budget of approximately $17,000. Again this year as I look at that figure I know that without G-d this would be impossible. Every time I look at it my flesh says “no way”, but by faith I hear “yes way!” I know that nothing is impossible with G-d. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills and he can send a few to market to meet this need.

As we get closer to this year’s Africa outreach here are some events taking place to help raise the necessary funds:

August 7 – Rummage Sale and Bake Sale

8 am – 5 p.m.

Northlake Baptist Church field

September 11 – Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction

6 p.m.

Fathers House Church

Some of you have asked how you can help. One way is to write a check, but you might want to hold a garage sale and give the proceeds to the Africa trip. Some of you might have something you are willing to sell and give the proceeds. Ask G-d what you might do to make his healing word available to the pastors and people of Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya.

Please come and support this years Out of Africa trip. We plan to reach several hundred pastors and leaders, walking them through healing and then training them to become healers in their local congregations.

If you would like to contribute to this effort you can do so by going to http:// pcmnw.net and click the donate button. Or you can make your check payable to PCM and send it to: Pastoral Care Ministry; 1105 D 15th #264; Longview, WA 98632. On the memo line please remember to write Africa.

August 20 – 22 in Longview I will be conducting a “Leading Others To Freedom” training class. The location is 124 Adams; Kelso, WA. Cost is $75 and includes lunch Saturday and all materials. You can register on line at http://pcmnw.net on the events page or email me at jim@pcmnw.net. There are still a few spaces left for this training class so register soon.

Shalom–Jim

Thank you for your faithful support! If you would like to contribute to this ministry you can make your checks payable to the Pastoral Care Ministry and mail them to: Jim Bass; 1105 D 15th #264; Longview, WA 98632 or just go online at http://pcmnw.net and click the Donate button.

New News

Things have been busy since returning from Germany and Israel. As always there were several calls waiting for me when I reached the States followed by several appointments. We also just finished our Fireworks Stand for the 4th of July celebration. I am happy to report that it was the most successful year we have ever had. Gary and I looked at each other several times and were amazed at how smooth this year went especially with the increase in sales. With the economy being what it is we were also surprised at the increase in sales this year. Thank you all for your prayers and support during this time.

July is full and should include a lot of fun times as well as some work. I am really looking forward to the change of pace in Spokane.

As we get closer to this year’s Africa outreach there are several events taking place to help raise the funds necessary for this year. Here is a really encouraging report from the advance team of Pastors Martin and Moses, who just returned from Rwanda… This is from the pastors in Rwanda. “….your coming is prophetic! We found out that God had already spoken to a group of pastors in a Dove church Kanombe in Rwanda about your coming! As we started telling them about your visit, they looked at one another laughing and told us that God had told them about this man whom they did not know and had never met,coming to their church to bring healing! ‘We are privileged to let you know that he is more than welcome to Rwanda’ said, one of the Pastors.” We have been praying for this opportunity for over a year now and it is so good to see the dream becoming reality.

The upcoming fundraising events are:

July 15 – Baked Potato Bar

6 pm

Northlake Baptist Church

We will be showing the film “Faith Like Potatoes”

RSVP to Diana Jones 360.957.5347

August 7 – Rummage Sale and Bake Sale

8 am – 5 pm

Northlake Baptist Church field

September 11 – Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction

6 pm

Fathers House Church

Please come and support this years Out of Africa trip. We plan to reach several hundred pastors and leaders, walking them through healing and then training them to become healers in their local congregations.

August 20 – 22 in Longview I will be conducting a “How To Minister Deep Level Healing To Others” training class. The location is 124 Adams; Kelso, WA. Cost is $75 and includes lunch Saturday and all materials. You can register on line at http://pcmnw.net on the events page or email me at jim@pcmnw.net. There are still a few spaces left for this training class so register soon.

We Need Your Help

Currently I am scheduled to be in Africa (Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya) from September 15 through December 15. During that time I have nine conferences running anywhere from three days to ten days each. There are also several speaking engagements, teaching a Bible College class and another possible Pastors Conference during this time.

To do everything I have been asked to do during this time will require a budget of approximately $17,000. Again this year as I look at that figure I know that without G-d this would be impossible.

Over the next three months we will be conducting several fund raisers and inviting folks like you to prayerfully consider investing into what G-d is doing in these areas of Africa bringing wholeness and healing to his people.

If you would like to contribute to this effort you can do so by going to http:// pcmnw.net and click the donate button. Or you can make your check payable to PCM and send it to: Pastoral Care Ministry; 1105 D 15th #264; Longview, WA 98632. On the memo line please remember to write Africa.

You Are Invited

If you are interested in spending some time in Africa this fall I invite you to join me in working with Pastor Caleb and the “child soldiers” he has been able to develop an outreach to.

There are two opportunities in this trip. First you can spend ten (10) days working with the “child soldiers” (September 26 – October 5) or you can come for three weeks (September 26 – October 19) and attend the Pastors and Leaders Conference in Gulu and then be a part of ministering deep level healing in the village camps. Costs are $2250 for the “child soldier” ministry and $3000 for the longer trip. This would include everything except you personal spending money.

If you are interested please let me know as soon as possible so we can make sure to have all of the proper arrangements for food, lodging, and transportation.

Shalom–Jim

Thank you for your faithful support! If you would like to contribute to this ministry you can make your checks payable to the Pastoral Care Ministry and mail them to: Jim Bass; 1105 D 15th #264; Longview, WA 98632 or just go online at http://pcmnw.net and click the Donate button.

This fall I have been invited back to Africa to teach at youth camps, pastor’s conferences, and leader meetings. This is an exciting opportunity and I feel that G-d has some very amazing things in store for those who will be attending these meetings.

Last year I would not have ever thought that I would be so excited to go someplace, especially Africa. As a teen ager I remember saying “G-d I’ll go where ever you want me to, but please don’t ask me to go to Africa.” My picture of Africa was that this was a place steeped in witchcraft full of people who were not interested in the Gospel. The land itself was a jungle full of wild animals and snakes.

How wrong I was! Almost immediately I fell in love with the people. They are full of life, friendly, and so open to the things of G-d. They accepted me right away. And the land! It is beautiful and fertile. (I did not even see one snake) What I thought would be a very limited opportunity has turned into an open door to nations. This year I was invited to five different nations. Unfortunately I was only be able to accept invitations from three of them.

In order to be able to do all the conferences and camps once again we need to raise finances. The poverty of the African nations is overwhelming and they can not afford to bring ministries in to train and help them. To do all the conferences and camps we need to raise a total of approximately $17,000 (USD). Every time I look at that figure I am overwhelmed. However I know that G-d is able to provide. Last year we saw him meet every need and beyond.

This is where I am asking for your help. If each one of us could do just a little it would add up and meet the whole need. Each pastors conference costs approximately $3900.

Last year we planned for 50 pastors and leaders to attend the Gulu conference. We ended up with over 100 attending. This year I expect that number to grow. I am believing G-d for 100 plus pastors/leaders at each of the four conferences Uganda and Rwanda.

You can make a donation on line through PayPal at: http://pcmnw.net and click on the donation icon. Please indicate that this is for Africa. Thank you in advance for anything you can do to help us walk through this door G-d has opened to us at this time.

Here is the tentative schedule for this years trip:

September 17 – 19 Ministering Deep Level Healing to youth. Kampala church.

September 20 meeting with west Kampala pastors fellowship for an hour.

September 21 – 26 Deep Level Healing with Dove and neighboring pastors.

September 27 resting

September 28 – 3 October Pastor Caleb and child soldiers he is working with

October 4 travel to Gulu

October 5 – 10 October Deep Level Healing ministry in Gulu town. Hear testimonies from pastors for 2009 meeting.

October 11 – 17 Deep Level Healing ministry in village camps

October 18 – 19 travel back to Kampala rest.

October 20 travel to Rwanda

October 21 – 31 Deep Level Healing ministry to pastors in Rwanda.

November 1 – 14 teach and preach in the Bungoma area.

November 15 travel to Nairobi area.

November 17 – 20 pastors conference to open the Flamers Conference

November 21 – 27 Flamers Annual Conference in Tala, Kenya

November 28 – December 4 Kakuyuni Youth Camp

December 15  return to Longview

As you can see this is a full schedule and I have had to turn down several other opportunities. Will you please prayerfully consider being a part of this year’s African Outreach? We have the potential to reach literally thousands directly and indirectly through this years trip. What exciting days we are living in! And you can be a huge part of it.

Shalom–Jim

donations can be made at http://pcmnw.net through my PayPal account.

THE TRUTH ABOUT GAZA.

This last week the outcry against Israel has been one sided and as usual totally inaccurate. There are several questions that the world media have conveniently failed to ask. First, why did Egypt and Cyprus refuse this ship permission to dock in their ports? Because there were known terrorists on board! Second, if this was a peaceful gesture to bring aid to Gaza, why didn’t they dock in Ashkelon like the five other ships before them… who were by the way greeted and allowed to move their cargo to its intended destination? Instead they defied the law and tried to go directly to Gaza without permission. Again, if they were on a peaceful mission, why break the law??? Third, why has the world, including the USA, called for a “thorough investigation” of Israel and are not asking for the same of this ship and its mission and crew? The truth is that the Israeli’s boarded the ship to search for anything that could have been illegal. They were well within their rights to do this.

The people on the boat grabbed one of the soldiers… stabbing him and then throwing him down three decks. He was in a coma for a few days, but praise G-d he is recovering. How do we know this is true? The terrorists video taped the whole thing. It has been shown on Arab news stations and yet there is no outcry for justice for Israel!!!

Please be praying for the Israeli troops. We talked to several soldiers over the past couple of days and they are very discouraged by the way they are being portrayed in the international news media. It is almost like psychological warfare against Israel. When you see the truth with your own eyes and the lie is still pushed as truth it is very disheartening. I believe it was Hitler who said: “if you tell the people a lie often enough they will believe it to be the truth.” The media has lied and lied and the world has bought the lie believing it to be true. Please tell your friends the truth! Israel is not the aggressor here! as they are being portrayed to be. Thank you for taking time to read this. Now I am asking you to take the time to pray for Israel and G-d’s perfect plan. Shalom–Jim

So much to tell you all but so little time to write it all down. Each day has been filled with so much. G-d has kissed us with divine appointment after divine appointment. While in Jerusalem we were invited to dinner with a very well known German journalist. It was a very interesting evening to say the least. The German girls with me left very upset because of the religious views of Urlick. I just saw an open door to continue to build relationship with him.

On our way to Tiberias for dinner we stopped at Caesaria and were absolutely mobbed by young people. We spent over a half hour with them talking about just about everything young people like to talk about. In all the years I’ve been coming here I’ve never seen the openness in the youth that I have seen this time. It has been very special to say the least.

Currently we in Haifa. Yesterday was a free day for everyone except me. I taught a Deep Healing seminar at Harvest of Asher. It went very well and I believe it will bear much fruit. About half of the congregation was there all day and each one was very responsive as we worked our way through areas of offense, anger, pride and unforgiveness.

Today it’s back to seeing what amazing divine appointments G-d has set for us.

Blessings and thanks for joining us.

Shalom–Jim

Hello! Sorry for the delay in updating you. Several things have delayed this update. First is the same problem in some areas with sending emails, second is that we have been so late in getting home each day and then fatigue has crept in on us.

These past ten days have been full of many divine appointments making this another incredible journeys. The first week was spent in Haifa and the North. Although we had only planned to be in Haifa/Akko for four days we ended up there for seven.

The first Saturday… Shabbat… we spent at Mt. Carmel Assembly. It was really good to get to see so many friends and spend a little time with them. Following the meeting Caroline, the girls, Terri and I headed for the beach where we spent the afternoon and evening enjoying the sun, sand, water, and fellowship. For Terri it was a good way to make the transition from Longview time to Israel time.

Sunday and Monday we were in Akko with dear friends Tina and Moshe. They have been in a transition period for the past five and a half years following the “Disengagement” in which they had to watch their house be bulldozed to the ground. Just now they are seeing their new home going up step by step, but it has been a long and hard process. We were able to help by painting a couple of critical areas in preparation for the last steps of the paint process. Moshe said to me as we stood and looked at our completed task… “this is all just things. Stones and iron. Only stuff, but when you touch it it comes to life. Thank you.” It is good to see life breathed into their dream. Not only of their home, but a ministry of helping people.

Monday evening Terri and I ministered to the worship team and what an amazing time we had. The presence of G-d was so strong throughout our two plus hours with them. I walked away thinking that surely the L-rd is in this place.

Tuesday we got to spend time with some other friends from the Mt. Carmel Assembly congregation. After spending a couple hours interceding over the ministries of the congregation and the area on Mt Carmel we went to lunch and had a wonderful time with them. We then drove to Tiberias to meet other friends and attend a Shavuot (Pentecost) Party with the group of Tents of Mercy. It was a party of food, worship, special speakers and fireworks. Wish you could have all experienced it.

Wednesday and Thursday we got to spend some special time with Yaron and Caroline. On Friday morning, before leaving for Jerusalem, Yaron and I ran some errands and went to check out one more car… which we bought. They had been without their work vehicle since January so this was a big blessing.

Friday on our way to Jerusalem we dropped Yaron off at the airport to pick up a new group. He will be with them until the 29th. I think we are going to try to connect with them sometime after my little group from Germany arrives.

Saturday and today Terri and I have been walking the Old City praying and have been surprised by some divine appointments. At breakfast this morning a lady called out to me and said aren’t you Jim? It was a lady that I had spent time with their group last October. They are from the UK. We had a lovely talk and I met her friend Tammy, a Jewish Believer lady from England. We enjoyed a great visit before heading off for a very interesting day in the Old City. In the Old City we wanted to accomplish two things: First, we wanted to spend time at the Wall (Kotel) praying and seeing what G-d would bring our way. Terri found herself surrounded by little children. She was busy praying for Deborah’s, Ruth’s, Naomi’s and Anna’s to come forth from this young girls. Meanwhile I was surrounded by soldiers. I was calling out for the mighty men of David to come forth and protect Israel in these tense times. That they would be full of courage and would rely on the power of the G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to direct they. Then we began to walk the Arab area of the City. What incredible darkness and heaviness over this area. It was as if someone had put 500 pounds on our backs. Eventually we finished on the Temple Mount then walked back to the Jaffa Gate where we are staying.

Fun, intense, fruitful, amazing!!! G-d is so good. I hope this gives you just a taste of what our time has been like so far. The German group arrives Tuesday morning at 1:05 AM. I will go to the airport and bring them back to Jerusalem. Please pray for our time that we would not just get caught up in looking at old stones, but that we would be able to touch living stones and be built up together in the L-rd.

Shalom–Jim

First of all, I’m sorry that I have been so slow in getting updates posted here in Israel. It is always a challenge with time. Several days I have not slept well and others we just have not finished until late into the night.

We have been here now for four days and so much has happened already. Friday was Shabbat and I spent the day running to and from Tel Aviv to the airport. I was up and down highway 2 three times. Seems like I was on the road all day long, but it was only half a day. Anyway, we had a nice Shabbat dinner with Caroline and the girls. Saturday we were off to the Congregation. It was good to get to see so many of my friends and chat with them for a little. Afterward we went to the beach for a relaxing afternoon.

Sunday we were able to meet with Yaron and some friends from Singapore. That was a nice little surprise. After spending a little time with them we were off to Akko to help some other friends with their new home. We primed some walls to prepare them for painting. At the end of the day we met again with Janet and her husband from Singapore for dinner. We finally got home about midnight exhausted and ready to collapse into bed. Unfortunately it was a short night with little sleep.

Monday morning we were back in Akko to finish our project. We worked and ministered all day long and in the evening went to worship practice and ministered to the worship team at Harvest of Asher congregation. Again we got home late and fell into bed. At least last night I got some sleep. Didn’t wake up until 5:30 o’clock.

Today I am hoping to catch some friends up on Mt. Carmel for lunch and spend some time praying with the refugee shelter there. This evening we are supposed to be in Tiberias for a Shavuot party with the Hyde’s.  Another long day, but filled with a kinds of possibilities. Let the adventure begin!!

Shalom–Jim

The countdown begins. Only four more days before we move on to Israel. These last few days here in Germany are full of good byes and last minute appointments. It has been a really challenging but wonderful six weeks. On one hand the time has gone bye so fast. It seems almost like just yesterday that I arrived. So much has happened these past six weeks. Now the planning for next year begins. There are already several requests for time.

Sunday at Geislingen was wonderful. What a great morning of worship and teaching. The Spirit of the L-rd was surely in the house! The worship team did an amazing job of leading us into the presence of G-d. I taught from Exodus 33… “Developing a lifestyle for the glory of G-d to come.” During the teaching time I got several words for individuals in the congregation. Afterward several said that the words were right on and a great encouragement to those who received them as well as for the congregation as a whole.

As usual, there were several new friendships started. I love being a part of the family of G-d! One family invited us, Claudia and me, to eat at their house. The food was great and they insisted that I eat way more than I should have. Even though the language is sometimes a barrier, it did not seem to bother any of us. There was enough understanding on all of our parts to really enjoy our time. It is amazing how fast time goes by when you are in a setting like this. Finally about 4 PM we had to leave as the drive back to Bondorf takes about an hour and a half and we had an invitation to dinner at 7:30 PM.

In all what a sweet day in the presence of G-d. It was Mother’s Day here in Germany as well so there was a lot of celebration.

Please be praying that these last few days here I will finish well. As much as I am looking forward to what G-d has for us in Israel, it is hard to say good bye here in Germany. Especially when friends keep asking for you to stay just a little bit longer. I’m afraid their “little bit longer” means to move here.

It has been good to have you with me on this trip. I invite you to continue now to Israel.

Shalom–Jim

“We say, “Just confess the Lord and you are in!”

Just some of the sights from Germany. This has been a great time and we have seen G-d do some really amazing things. There are still ten more days before moving on to Israel. Most of the days are full with appointments and a couple more speaking engagements.

While here things have been moving on many other fronts as well. When I return to the USA we will be holding a training seminar August 20-22, Africa is beginning to take form. It looks like there are nine conferences scheduled along with several opportunities to speak to different leader and pastor groups and I will be teaching each Sunday.

The cost for the Africa trip is $17,000. This will be a challenge to raise. If you would like to sow into this ministry  you can go to http://pcmnw.net and hit the donate button. Mark your gift Africa so we will know where to direct your contribution.

Blessings for your support.