Cindy and I just returned from two weeks in Colorado Springs where I had the privilege of marrying our Grandson, Hunter to his lovely bride Kulia on June 1st. Hunter is the first-born son of Mark & Kristen McWilliams, and the second grandson I have been honored to marry.
A couple of years ago Kim and Jason’s first-born, Parker Butchko married Randi Johnson, and we now have our very first great grandson, Deacon—what a joy. What makes this last wedding even more special is it also marks a significant event that happened 60 years ago almost to the month.
It was July 3rd, 1965, when skinny Vinny married his childhood sweetheart Cindy Heiden. What an incredible journey this has been for Cindy and me. We have been through so much and are both feeling so very blessed in this season of our journey together.
On June 29th our kids are planning a family get together here in Temecula to celebrate this wonderful milestone. I must admit that these sixty years have gone by so fast. As we reflect upon all that our Lord has done in and through our journey we stand in awe of His wonderful provision, grace and mercy.
It all began when a beautiful, innocent and sweet young lady married a rough young man in need of a lot of work. Little did either know how much we needed God to be our redeemer and guide. If you have heard my testimony, you know that I tell everyone that if it were not for Cindy and her leading the way to my spiritual conversion and ultimate submission to our Lord, I am not sure where I would be. I am so blessed and grateful for her.
Over that last 60 years It seems like our lives have had two significant seasons. As we started out Cindy and I came to know and love Jesus, raise two beautiful daughters who married and started their own families, and I enjoyed a successful business career. Then, in 1989 the Lord called us out to serve in ministry for the first time with Every Home For Christ. Our current ministry assignment began in 1994 when On Target Ministries was founded. Since then, we have been serving Him in ministry to men, couples and leaders throughout the world.
Hardly a week goes by where we do not hear from someone or couple whose lives were impacted by something God brought through our ministry. The last 15 years have been particularly special as we have grown together and sensed an increased level of anointing following Cindy’s miraculous recovery from what was diagnosed as certain death. If you have not heard that story you can find it in the video area of otm.co titled, Armed…Ready For Battle.
As a special friend and contributor to our ministry you are receiving this letter, written with hearts full of love and gratitude for you and your willingness to journey with us in our battle for the souls of men. Please know that the battle has not been won yet, however. In fact, it is just heating up. Cindy and I are persuaded that this is not the time for complacency. It is time to double down on our relationship with our great Commander.
People today, especially younger ones, are hungrier for truth than I have seen in my lifetime. We must remain steadfast and poised to discern every opportunity to help them find Jesus. As I close let me share a prayer I have recently brought to our Lord and encourage you to consider it for you and where you find yourself in your journey.
Lord, please help me to understand and discern all the incredible things I have experienced in my journey and the lessons you have taught me. Show me how You have uniquely prepared me for where I am today. And then reveal to me Your special plan for where you want me to minister in this next season of my journey here. Lord, shine a bright light on that ONE-THING you want me to see right now! AMEN