Dear Friends,

I recently heard a message on relationships by my friend David Williams. He pointed out that because of technology the term “friend” doesn’t have the same meaning that it used to have and how it is evolving mainly due to the technology that we didn’t have ten years ago. He said that we have the power to do friendship on our own terms and gave examples of how addicted we’ve become to needing immediate affirmation from our friends.

As I thought about this I realized that on my Facebook account I have hundreds of “friends”. With these friends I can text, Twitter, Snapchat, Skype, Instagram, etc. I can even “unfriend” them anytime I choose. I realized that indeed some of these people that are my friends I know very little about and with many of them I’ve never sat down and had a face-to-face conversation. So, for me this brings up two questions. The first being, “What does friend mean to you?” But even more important for me is, “What does it mean to be a friend of God”?

Believe it or not I actually had friends before Facebook that were truly my friends, not just my Facebook friends. During the late 1960’s I was living up in the San Francisco Bay area. This was during the height of the hippie movement. I remember vividly walking down Haight street late one evening when a young man approached and handed me a piece of paper titled, “What is a Friend”? After a brief glance I stuffed it in my pocket and forgot about it. Many years later while rifling through some paperwork I came across it, picked it up and read it. It was one of those “Aha!” moments for me. The entire piece is quoted on page 86 in my book, “Before You Get Here.” This piece defines for me clearly what it means to be a friend. The first couple of lines read, “What does it mean to be a friend? I will tell you. It is a person with whom you dare to be yourself!” That sums it all up for me. With those I count to truly be my friends I can be open knowing they will never reject me or judge me. To me that is friendship and that’s the kind of friendship I feel like I have with God. I have nothing to hide from Him. He knows everything there is to know about me and He still loves me and watches over me.

Thank you for your continued support of Wholeness Ministries. We continue to see God do exciting things and there is much on the horizon we will share with you in the coming months.

WHOLENESS RECEIVES 5% OF YOUR AMAZON PURCHASES
AmazonSmile is a program where Amazon donates 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to Wholeness Ministries. As many of you shop on Amazon this could amount to you giving a significant amount of money to us over a year’s time. There is no cost to charitable organizations or to AmazonSmile customers. The shopping experience is identical to Amazon.com with the added benefit that the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate to the charitable organizations selected by customers. Just go to AmazonSmile, search for Wholeness Ministries, and sign up. It’s that simple.

Thank you for your prayers and donations that help keep this ministry going. The last couple of months have been tight but God is always there and each of you has been wonderfully faithful to us. Keep our needs before the throne of God.

God bless,

Mike

My newest book BEFORE YOU GET HERE: Baggage To Drop On Your Way To Heaven, is a guide to assist you in discovering freedom from the invisible burdens that oppress and defeat many Christians today. Chapters include: The Importance of Forgiveness, The Traps of Unforgiveness, A Look in the Mirror, Harmful Words and Harmful Connections, Let Yourself Be Loved By God, The Recovery of Intimacy, and more. Copies are available at Wholeness.org and at Amazon.com. Check out the entire Wholeness Ministries Catalog right HERE.

BOOK AN IN-PERSON MINISTRY SESSION
We have found these ministry sessions with people to be invaluable in healing them from wounds from their past. In some cases after two or three sessions, they experience freedom! If you need deep-level healing prayer or know someone who could benefit from this, here is how to start the process. Send an email to mevans@wholeness.org or call 661-833-2920 to schedule an appointment. On our website, simply follow the instructions under Personal Ministry.

Dear Friends,

Earlier this week I was looking over some of what I had written in my book “Before You Get Here,” and it struck me that in light of where we are in our nation there was never a time when we as believers needed to be more real than the time we are currently in. We are in the midst of a pandemic; hundreds of thousands of lives lost, massive unemployment, with fear, anxiety, and hopelessness running rampant among us. My question would be, in the midst of this, what about trust and faith in God? Do we as believers truly live what we profess or do we simply follow the herd? Do those we are in contact with daily, see us respond in fear and anxiety or faith and trust? Certainly, we need some common sense in following the guidelines to stay safe but we don’t need to live in fear.

There was a slogan some years back that Coca Cola used in its marketing campaign. It was, “Coke, It’s The Real Thing.” Whatever that means in regards to cola, we bought it and drank it knowing that it was the real thing. In regards to your faith and walk with God are you the real thing? If you are the genuine article then those around you will notice that you are different in many ways.

Francis Frangipane in his book “The Three Battlegrounds” wrote, “Our experience of Christianity must go beyond just being another interpretation of the Bible; it must expand until our faith in Jesus and our love for Him becomes a lightning rod for His presence.”

A lightning rod attracts. It says throughout the Word that we will do the works that Jesus did. When we examine what Jesus did we see clearly that He walked in holiness and power. People were attracted to Him. He did not slip into the impostor role to fit in. He was what He spoke and lived. He did not fake anything. He was the “real thing”. We, however, can easily fake “being the real thing.”

In “The Three Battlegrounds” Frangipane further wrote, “If we have been indoctrinated to believe that the Kingdom of God, and Christianity itself, does not really have to work, or if the absence of holiness and power fails to trouble us, something is seriously wrong with our concept of truth.”

If you are not drawn to holiness, if you do not see power manifested, if your prayers are not answered, then it would seem logical to ask why. Do you expect your prayers to be answered? Do you expect your Christian beliefs to work?

We like familiarity, we like routine and we don’t like to step out into unfamiliar territory. There is nothing wrong with the familiar, but the familiar is often too comfortable. Staying comfortable with those things that are normal and ordinary often keeps us from experiencing that which is extraordinary.

So, rather than move into a place of faith, expectancy, and obedience, a place where we are drawn closer to knowing and loving Jesus, we compromise and slip into being impostors. Before we realize it we are not the “real thing.”

Stop for a moment and consider this: If Christ is within us, we should be moving towards living holy, powerful lives; lives that attract others. No excuses! Christianity is not just accepting some doctrine, going to church regularly, being a part of a small group, and faithfully paying our tithe. It is living daily in the reality of Christ’s presence where we live and work.

YOU DON’T LOOK LIKE YOU’RE REDEEMED

Oral tradition from the nineteenth century tells the story of the atheist philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche who was said to have reproached a group of Christians with the words, “You make me sick!” When their spokesman asked why, Nietzsche replied, “Because you redeemed don’t look like you’re redeemed!”

Do you look redeemed? Are you the real thing?

For a copy of my book “Before You Get Here” checkout the Wholeness Ministries Catalog right here or go to Shop > Catalog.

Thank you for your continued faithfulness to this ministry. We are truly blessed.

God bless,

Mike

BOOK AN IN-PERSON MINISTRY SESSION
We have found these ministry sessions with people to be invaluable in healing them from wounds from their past. In some cases after two or three sessions, they experience freedom! If you need deep-level healing prayer or know someone who could benefit from this, here is how to start the process. Send an email to mevans@wholeness.org or call 661-833-2920 to schedule an appointment. On our website, simply follow the instructions under Personal Ministry.

Dear Friends,

Some years back, when I was writing my second book titled, “Why Not Waste Time With God,” I was sitting in a canyon next to a raging river near where I live here in Bakersfield, CA. What flowed out of the tip of my pen were the following words;

“The God who created the universe, who heals the sick, who knows you need food and shelter to survive, against whom all military might is but a puff of dust and beside whose power a swirling, raging river is but a trickle in the sand, is the God who wants to spend time with you!” Michael Dean Evans

As I read these words I realized they were God-inspired and the result of a recent conversation I had with God when He said to me; “Michael, I’m going to teach you how to be a friend, and friends just like to hang out!” For me, this was a reminder that Almighty God, the creator and sustainer of all things, who created me for fellowship, just as he created you for fellowship, looks forward with delight to our times together.

Over the years as I’ve read and studied the teachings of other religions, none of them describe a God who wants to hang out with them, who wants to be a friend. Instead, they often portray a God who instills fear and must be placated by those acts of religious duty that keep them safe and protected from his wrath. While I realize we must stand in awe of God, and respect who He is, I understand that He makes it clear in Scripture His desire to have an intimate relationship with us.

Since I wrote those words quoted above I’ve also come to realize that I can easily substitute other endings such as; ‘…is the God worthy of our worship;’ “…is the God in whom we trust.” Substitute whichever ending works for you and apply it to your life! You will be amply blessed.

ATTENTION PASTORS, CHURCHES, OR RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS!

After some serious thought and prayer, I am willing to donate my book, “Why Not Waste Time With God,” to churches here in Bakersfield, CA. If you are willing to give them out to your congregation use our contact page to get in touch with us and we will deliver to you a case of books. If you can use more than one case let us know. There are 80 books in a case. Please do not ask for less than a case.

*If you are out of state we will ship them if you will pay the shipping.

Over the years since this book was published, I’ve received a number of testimonials from people who were encouraged and blessed by this book. I’ve felt that it was a gift that God helped me write and it’s time for me to freely share it with you.

Thank you for the prayers and support you have given Wholeness Ministries over the years. You are much appreciated as we continue to spread the message of His healing and restoration to a hurting world. As we wrap up the year 2020 and head into 2021 keep us in your prayers.

God bless,

Mike

BOOK AN IN-PERSON MINISTRY SESSION
We have found these ministry sessions with people to be invaluable in healing them from wounds from their past. In some cases after two or three sessions, they experience freedom! If you need deep-level healing prayer or know someone who could benefit from this, here is how to start the process. Send an email to mevans@wholeness.org or call 661-833-2920 to schedule an appointment. On our website, simply follow the instructions under Personal Ministry.

Dear Friends,

One thing is for sure about the year 2020. I suspect that for all of us from the youngest to the oldest, we have never experienced anything like it. Though it started out reasonably normal with the arrival of the Covid19 it soon became anything but normal as we began to experience the sickness and eventual death of thousands here in the United States due to the rapid spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Not only did we begin to wear face masks and social distance, we soon saw the closure of restaurants, theatres, and others as we were forced to move to outdoor dining, limit the numbers allowed into our business and even limit contact with close friends for fear of catching or spreading this deadly virus. Our children were forced to learn from home as most schools were closed.

Politically, at least for many of us, we’ve seen and heard the President of the United States refuse to concede defeat to the President-Elect who won the Presidency by a significant number of popular votes. I’ve never in my 78 years seen this happen here in the U.S. As we near the end of this year the financial impact of all this is devastating to many of our small businesses and employees that were laid off due to the closures.

And yet I can attest to the goodness of God as He has protected me and my family and many of our friends from becoming sick with Covid 19.

Quite naturally, due to the pandemic, any invitations to speak have stopped. Interestingly there has been an increase in ministering to individuals using Zoom, FaceTime, or other media. This has allowed me to work from my home office and I have discovered it is just as effective and allows people from outside California to receive ministry. We do not know what 2021 will bring but we do know that God will continue to do what God does.

SPECIAL PRICE ON “WHY NOT WASTE TIME WITH GOD” FROM NOW UNTIL CHRISTMAS! $10

Since we have been confined to our homes due to the Coronavirus, what a great time to spend part of our day learning how to hang out with God. There has never been a better opportunity than we now have to deepen that relationship with God. I feel so strongly about this book that I want to get it into as many hands as possible.

It would make a great gift for family, friends, and work associates.

Click here to order “Why Not Waste Time With God” for Christmas!

THERE IS ALSO A SIGNIFICANT DISCOUNT AVAILABLE IF YOU WISH TO BUY “WHY NOT WASTE TIME WITH GOD” IN BULK! Just call 661-833-2920.

Thank you for your prayers and support. You are much appreciated.

God bless,

Mike

BOOK AN IN-PERSON MINISTRY SESSION
We have found these ministry sessions with people to be invaluable in healing them from wounds from their past. In some cases after two or three sessions, they experience freedom! If you need deep-level healing prayer or know someone who could benefit from this, here is how to start the process. Send an email to mevans@wholeness.org or call 661-833-2920 to schedule an appointment. On our website, simply follow the instructions under Personal Ministry.

Dear Friends,

I want to follow-up on last month’s newsletter and talk a little bit more about being a servant. Remember that early in his earthly ministry Jesus said, “The Son of Man has not come to be served but to serve.” We see throughout the Gospels the image of Jesus as a servant and know and understand that to follow Jesus means that we likewise are to be servants. But what about those times when you don’t want to serve? Let’s say you’re tired, you’re not in the mood, or you don’t feel like you have the time? How does God feel about that? Let me share with you a personal example.

I was in Budapest, HU speaking at a Catholic church. I had been teaching workshops all day and was conducting a healing service that evening. By about 11:00 pm we had prayed for everyone and I was getting tired so I said to my host, “Let’s get out of here so I can go back to the hotel and go to bed.” Just as I got to the door to leave a young girl reached out and grabbed a hold of my shirt. When I turned to see what she wanted she said, “I want you to pray for my neck and shoulder, I have a lot of pain and the doctor said they can do nothing for me, would you please pray.” I said, “No, I am exhausted and need to go lay down but I will pray for you first when we return in the morning.” She wouldn’t let go of my shirtsleeve and she said, “I want you to pray for me now, I am in a lot of pain.” Reluctantly I said, “Okay what do you want me to pray for?” After she told me what she wanted prayer for I quickly mumbled something, then turned around and left. I did not ask her how she felt, or if it was any better I just walked out, got in the car, and left. Let me assure you that is not my normal way of praying but I was tired and irritated and just wanted to go lay down and rest.

The next morning as we gathered to begin another day of meetings, she came bouncing down the aisle towards the front where I was standing. With a big smile on her face, she said, “As soon as you laid your hand on me last night to pray I was healed.” I was happy for her but admittedly surprised, as I didn’t think my prayer would be effective because of how I felt. The Lord quickly said to me, “Michael, my healing is not dependent on your feeling.” I quickly got the message, and honestly was excited to realize that God would and could heal regardless of how I felt.

If YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A GIFT FOR A FRIEND CONSIDER ONE OF MY BOOKS

My newest book BEFORE YOU GET HERE: Baggage To Drop On Your Way To Heaven, is a guide to assist you in discovering freedom from the invisible burdens that oppress and defeat many Christians today. Chapters include: The Importance of Forgiveness, The Traps of Unforgiveness, A Look in the Mirror, Harmful Words and Harmful Connections, Let Yourself Be Loved By God, The Recovery of Intimacy, and more. Copies are available at Wholeness.org and at Amazon.com. Check out the entire Wholeness Ministries Catalog right HERE.

Thank you for your continued faithfulness to this ministry. We are truly blessed.

God bless,

Mike

BOOK AN IN-PERSON MINISTRY SESSION
We have found these ministry sessions with people to be invaluable in healing them from wounds from their past. In some cases after two or three sessions, they experience freedom! If you need deep-level healing prayer or know someone who could benefit from this, here is how to start the process. Send an email to mevans@wholeness.org or call 661-833-2920 to schedule an appointment. On our website, simply follow the instructions under Personal Ministry.