Hi all,

Anyone who really knows me knows I'm not the smartest guy on the block but I have never received lower than an A- for effort.

My effort at church this past Sunday has caused me some problems. I had met a very large body builder a few months ago named Mr. Marluke. He was Mr. Haiti and has won competitions on the world stage so this past Sunday I asked if he would come to church with us and..............show off.

When it came our time in the service, I introduced this very huge man. As he stood next to me he flexed his chest and muscles (all preplanned) and I flexed mine. Then he ripped his shirt off and stood there bare chested, and wow, he was huge. The people gasped and clapped and most were standing to get a better look.

Not to be outdone, I ripped my shirt off but still had on my t-shirt. The crowd went wild. I then walked out into the congregation and picked up a 20 pound boy and held him with both hands, above my head.

Mr. Marluke, as planned, then picked me up, and hoisted me above his head to the amazement and cheering of the crowd. After he put me down, I interviewed him about body building and winning competitions. I also asked him about how to become strong and how long it took and the advantages. I gave a short challenge on how that compares to the Christian life, and being strong in Christ. It went really well...................until.....

I realized he cracked or bruised one or more of my ribs. Since Sunday noon, I have been down and I mean down.

I can't stand up or sit down or lie down or move or turn or lift anything or do anything. Some of you will say "what a dummy" and I will accept that. However, if you know me, I am the type who will do anything to reach people for Christ. I often have described my time here as having one foot just inside hell, trying to pull people to safety.

Guess what, miles from that line, in the safety of your church or house, you will probably never get burned or hurt but once you cross that line, once you are that close, things do happen.

You might say, "do you really think one person will come to Christ because you got tossed in the air?" I don't know. What if someone says "wow, this is a neat place to come" and they come back and they hear the Gospel and receive Christ and............they are in heaven with you and I. THEN YES IT IS WORTH IT. And to tell you the truth as I type this in more pain than a body should be allowed, I WOULD DO IT ALL OVER, IF IT HELPED THE CAUSE OF CHRIST.

Some of you will think maybe it was just God saying "hey bubba (he calls me bubba sometimes) time to take a couple week break on your back before you go to the states."

We did have one of our biggest crowds of almost 1000 people and had a great service. This coming weekend, we are having a Friday night movie, the Passion of Christ, followed by my preaching Saturday night, big Easter morning baptism and service followed by Sunday night service concluding Easter weekend. We might have 5000 people in our tent this weekend. Please pray for the logistics, travel safety and that people will respond to the Gospel.

Also if you can pray for this rib situation to get better before April 12th, I would appreciate it. I have 3 grandkids that like to use grandpa for a human jungle gym so.....................

The family is doing well. Last night I told 17 year old Matthew that his Lakers were playing, did he want to watch them? He said "no, since the earthquake basketball doesn't matter anymore." This is a boy that lived, breathed and ate LA Laker basketball. Today as I write this, he is with the boys holding a mentoring club for younger boys. I think Matthew gets it.

Many of you sent money for us to help rebuild homes. Here is where we are at with this. The government told the people over the radio NOT to rebuild until the aftershocks stop. A month ago I talked to our Esther girls asking if they were ready to have their homes built, every one said "no, wait, wait." And they made a motion with their hands showing they wanted the shaking to stop.

So we wait, your funds have not gone anywhere. We continue to invest in earthquake related problems and I have been very thankful for the resources to do it. The building of approximately 250 homes is coming very quickly and you will be the first to know, and see pictures.

Thanks for all your prayers, you guys are the best and don't forget, our prequake budget still needs a monthly boost as our ministry has exploded since January 12th and costs have gone up here. May God bless you, tominhaiti

p.s. Eve, where is that rib?