Bob & Charlyne's Blog - from the heart of a restored marriage

The building where Rejoice Pompano meets also houses offices for several Christian organizations, including a Christian counselor. On any evening, there can be several events taking place. People are directed to meetings by a directory in the lobby.

Last night two new men walked into our Bible Study. Both seemed uneasy. In appearance, they appeared more like prodigals, wise in the ways of the world, than men standing for marriage restoration. Nevertheless, the men took seats at a back table and began to complete the registration forms they had been given. While we were singing, I went over to meet them. When asked how they had heard about Rejoice Pompano, one pulled a crumpled newsletter from his pocket. The two men were supposed to be in an anger management class, taking place elsewhere in the building, and were in the wrong room.

By that point, something (we know it was Someone; Holy Spirit) had captured their attention and they decided to stay. The men were given Bibles and listened intently as Charlyne taught about trust. My wife had been tipped off about the situation was great in her teaching, even hitting several times on God's solution to anger issue. As we went to the prayer circle, she carefully explained how no one had to pray, unless they desired to do so. One of the two men even prayed aloud.

After we dismissed, the other men from Rejoice Pompano had an opportunity to pray with the two visitors, witnessing to them, and ministering to their needs. Both men left two hours after they arrived, with material in their hands and God's truths in their hearts, all because they wandered into the wrong meeting room.

I had shared with the online people in the Prayer Room what was taking place. People all over the world were praying for these two men, as our men gathered around them and prayed for them. One of the online people said it best, "Lord touch them because they are the prodigals that families are praying for." May this incident encourage you that when God needs to have your prodigal hear His message, He does have his ways.

God Bless,

Bob Steinkamp

I recently read an email from a person who reported, "I never have any victories." On one hand, I can understand what she meant, but on the other, she is missing the mark. Granted, the circumstances may not be rapidly changing, but the protection of Jesus and His blessings, are all around us, if we would only look for them.

Let me give you a simple example. Our grandchildren are on Easter break, so today we met them and their Moms for lunch at a favorite chili place. God got us there and back, in heavy traffic, without an accident. I did not fall. No one suffered food poisoning. The kids had fun. We laughed and talked together. I did not lose my wallet. Charlyne's van was still there when we went outside. Our home did not burn. No one burglarized the office. After our lunch hour, the computers, the phones, and all ministry tools God has loaned us, are still working.

"Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:4-5

Jesus died on the cross to take away our sin. He also died to take away our suffering, our sickness, and our sorrow. Regardless of what you are going through today, may you never forget that Jesus is right there with you. Call out to Him today, and while you wait for your miracle, do not forget to always look for God's hand at work, for your good, all around you.

God Bless,

Bob Steinkamp

Wednesday afternoon the Lord prompted two female standers to make online Ministry contributions within the same minute. Both donations were for the same amount. Both standers were even from the same state. Beyond that, both were even from the same city. In seventeen years we have never experienced anything like that before. I asked Charlyne what it meant. Her reply; "It means you better be figuring out what the Lord is trying to tell you." Even though we have a Ministry policy against sharing stander information, due to confidentiality issues, this time I had to break the rule and ask each woman for permission to give her name to another same-sex stander in her home town. When God is using "coincidences" like that to have two standing near-neighbors meet each other, I am going to listen.

God Bless,

Bob Steinkamp