Signs & Wonders Blog

Yesterday while driving to Panera Bread, I noticed a man with a sign begging on a divider. I pulled into the parking lot and then walked over to the intersection and offered him a bag of Doritos. He gratefully accepted them. Then I gave him a gospel tract and asked, “Do you know that God loves you and has an awesome plan for your life?” This man claimed to be a priest and has been living in his car for a year. He then went on to complain about the Masons and other organizations. Wanting to “avoid foolish and ignorant disputes” (2 Timothy 2:23), I asked what he knew about Jesus Christ. He referred to Him as his brother but went on to say he will never take communion because the Lord said to “eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood…” (John 6:53) This self-proclaimed priest went so far as to call Jesus a vampire. I tried to explain the Bible is full of symbolism such as the Lord calling Himself “the bread of life” (John 6:35). Certainly, He doesn’t expect His disciples to...

As an evangelist, my primary objective is to save souls. Therefore, I minimize small talk during my witnessing encounters. Some individuals are inclined to engage in trivial discussions that have no relevance to their eternal destiny. Others who are already saved want to debate doctrine, which will take away time from those that need salvation. 2 Timothy 2:23 says, “But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.” Last Tuesday night, I participated in an outreach called Jesus Burgers, which aimed to primarily attract University of Minnesota students. Free hamburgers, chips, drinks, and freeze pops were available. The event was held on a corner in the Dinkytown area. I had lived there almost forty years ago during my time as a U of M student. So I spied out the land a bit while handing out invitation cards without asking people questions about eternity. The outreach leaders wanted us to spend a few minutes getting to know “pre-believers” (their term for sinn...

Since June 13th of this year, the news has been dominated by reports about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. The United States has now become more involved in the situation. Initially, the U.S. provided support to Israel by intercepting incoming Iranian missiles and drones. Yesterday, President Donald Trump issued a statement. Here’s a portion of it:  “A short time ago, the US military carried out massive precision strikes on the three key nuclear facilities in the Iranian regime: Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. Everybody heard those names for years as they built this horribly destructive enterprise. Our objective was the destruction of Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world’s number one state sponsor of terror. "Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success. Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. Iran, the bully of the Middle East, m...

This past Thursday, Israel conducted airstrikes upon Iran. The Islamic republic reportedly had enough enriched uranium to manufacture multiple nuclear bombs. They have retaliated with missile and drone strikes upon mostly Israeli civilian areas. On the other hand, Israel has aimed at Iranian military targets and warned civilians there to flee from them.  Some might question Israel specifically taking out Iranian leaders. Keep in mind that for years they have repeatedly declared “death to Israel” and “death to America.” The Iranian government also support the terrorist groups Hamas and Hezbollah. Under the New Covenant, believers are to pray for those in authority. When necessary, God will use natural and supernatural means to replace rulers  who persistently go against His will. Daniel 2:21 says, “And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise.” Here in America, leadership can be changed through the ballot box....

Just over a year ago, I started attending Vertical Life Church in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. One thing I respect about Pastor Mark Dorn is his commitment to the Great Commission. During services, you will always hear him exhort the congregation to be soul winners. His church usually goes out evangelizing on Saturday afternoons. Pastor Mark also knows how to have fun. Occasionally, the church has kickball games between the adults and the youth. We had such a game this past Wednesday night. Before it began, Pastor Mark announced that ice cream would be served by the team that didn’t win. The adults were ahead during most of the game but the youth came from behind and were declared the winners. The announced final score was 20-19. However, I have some doubts about the outcome of that game. People repeatedly asked what the score was and how many outs there were. A few older congregants didn’t play but sat off on the side and watched. Perhaps one of them could have been the official score...

During my youth, many nations were engulfed in the Cold War. It was a period of intense competition between the United States and its allies against the spread of communism. By the early 1990s, the Soviet Union, the dominant communist power, had collapsed due to financial difficulties. That marked a turning point for the former Eastern Bloc nations, as they experienced freedom for the first time in years. However, communist governments still exist in China, Cuba, Laos, Vietnam, and North Korea.  Last Sunday, I embarked on a prayer walk and evangelized in the vicinity of George Floyd Square . The first person I approached had given me a flyer promoting the Communist Party USA. I offered him a gospel tract in exchange. Matt and I went on to have a cordial conversation that lasted approximately five minutes. Instead of attempting to refute his political beliefs, I focused on explaining the importance of eternal life. Matt revealed that his son is Catholic and has been attempting to c...

Five years ago today, a tragedy happened in Minneapolis that impacted the world. A black man named George Floyd died while being in police custody. He was arrested for passing a counterfeit $20 bill at a convenience store. A video from a bystander’s cellphone that went viral showed officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck for several minutes while he complained, “I can’t breathe.” Like most people, I first assumed Chauvin caused Floyd’s death. Later, I realized this was an example of circumstantial evidence .  The 2023 documentary “ The Fall of Minneapolis ” revealed details largely withheld from the general public. George Floyd had multiple drugs in his system. Police body camera videos showed him resisting arrest and refusing to be placed in the back of a squad car while handcuffed. That’s why Floyd needed to be restrained. He uttered “I can’t breathe” even before Chauvin’s knee was on his neck. I believe drugs plus preexisting health conditions killed Floyd. The four arres...

At the time of this writing, I’m living with another missionary at his house in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Although he has a coffee maker, I still like going out for my morning cup of Joe . In recent years, I’ve mostly gone to Panera Bread because of my Sip Club membership. One can pay a low monthly subscription fee and enjoy unlimited drinks. Another place I’ve occasionally bought coffee is McDonald’s. With their app, I often got a large one for 99 cents plus tax. There’s a Golden Arches located a few blocks from the house in Saint Paul. However, I’ve rarely stopped in there because they no longer have a public dining area. More McDonald’s franchises are switching to drive-thru and carry-out only. I prefer sitting down while eating my food, plus getting refills of coffee. McDonald’s may not have the most nutritious food (which has become a bit pricey). Still, I occasionally eat there if I like other specials on their app. Often I go there when in Tampa, Florida because of no Wi-Fi acce...

Among the things I avoid looking at online are videos and articles that attempt to “expose” ministers. Some are by critics who simply disagree with a particular preacher’s theology. Then there are so-called watchdogs who believe their calling in life is to warn of clergy who have stumbled into sin. I question the motives of these watchdogs, especially when they bring up offenses committed decades ago. Are they seeking to restore or want someone they don’t like removed from the pulpit? Those who fit the latter category would benefit from reading this story I’ve seen circulating online: An old man sitting on a park bench was approached by a young man who asked, “Do you remember me?” The old man replied. “No.” “I was your student.” “What do you do now in life?” The young man answered: “Well, I became a teacher.” “Ah, like me” said the old man. “Well, yes. In fact, I became a teacher because you inspired me to be like you.” “What did I do that made you decide to become a tea...

Usually when a loved one dies, the next of kin are promptly notified . Last Monday afternoon, while browsing the Internet, I stumbled upon an unexpected revelation: one of my aunts had passed away almost three months prior . For some inexplicable reason, I wasn’t informed of this news sooner. Nevertheless, I reminisced about the wonderful times I had shared with her. Gaye Linda Hannestad (née Tweiten ) was born on June 7, 1954 in Fargo, North Dakota. Her infectious energy and lively personality made me anticipate the times she babysat my sister and me when we were young. Tanya and I called them a “Gaye Gaye Day.” My aunt introduced me to some of the popular hits of the era. I remember her playing 45s of “In the Year 2525”, “I Started a Joke”, and “Spirit in the Sky.” Another endearing aspect of Gaye was her insistence that we sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus before opening our Christmas presents. Gaye graduated from Fargo South High School in 1972 and eventually became a dental assi...