Update from Lud, August, ‘23
I got to see my 12th great grandchild, Ezekiel, the other day! What an amazing gift from God.
Let me share another amazing gift from God in this month’s Serendipitous Encounter:
We drove to Chicago and flew to Colorado a few years ago. I wondered whether driving to Chicago and flying from there was the best plan for this trip. But on our drive home from Chicago, at a truck stop, a truck driver was having lunch in Arby’s, a few tables from where we were having a snack. He asked a question about the impeachment hearings showing on the TV. After a few comments back and forth, he asked, “What can we do?” Mur suggested prayer. He said he was praying, a..n..d…the conversation continued. Before long I went over and sat by him to go deeper in the conversation. To make a longer story short, I shared the Gospel, and he prayed with me, asking Jesus to be his personal Savior and ever present companion!! Was it a good decision to drive to Chicago? I think God answered that question by touching a lonely truck driver’s heart and Jesus became his Savior and friend who will stick closer to him than a brother! (Proverbs 18:24). Because of this serendipitous encounter he won’t be driving that truck alone anymore!
Another opportunity opened up for me when I received a phone call from Randy Heckman, a guy who was a student of mine at Wheaton Academy High School about 60 years ago. He is leading a prayer movement for revival in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also has a podcast ministry, and asked if I would be willing to be interviewed for the podcast. To get a link to view the podcast email lud.
Update from Lud, July ’23
July 25th, 2023
After my recent trips I’m again settling in to my new normal. It was great to see family and friends in Chicago, and then the full schedule of meeting with as many as I could while in the Chagrin Falls area. Then over the 4th weekend I got to see all of Tammi’s family – they now are half of our family. And in a few days I’m expecting another great grandchild, a boy! My, my! How God has blessed, and continues to bless (Psalm 127). Because of your prayers, rejoice with me.
God also answered prayer in the ministry I continue to have. The other day I had the privilege of teaching the Bible at a weekly class they have here at Wayside Village. I’ve also had a good number of the residents read some of my books. I’m just “carrying seed to sow,” or as one commentator puts it, “carrying a leaky seed bag” (Psalm 126:6). And, thanks to your prayers, work continues on the probability of having my program produced in Portuguese, for release in Brazil, and on the internet.
Here are a couple of emails received from radio listeners:
“Dear Lud, I was so happy to find you posted all of your “Getting Gods Message” on your web site and kept them there all these years. I so enjoy listening to them and reading them at the same time. I do a little Bible study with them. I just finished Revelation. There aren’t many studies on Revelation, so I especially love that, and learned some new things. I just wanted to thank you! What a blessing!
In God’s Love, Judy.”
“Thank you, Pastor Lud Golz for the book I received from you, A Call to Responsible Freedom. Thanks again for your sound Bible teaching nuggets of wisdom from Getting Gods Message on BBN internet. It brings good memories of the past and great things to look forward to walking in Jesus Grace in the present and future when we are glorified with new bodies when Jesus comes back and ushers in a new heaven and new earth.
Serving Christ with you. Missionary Pastor Ken
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Here is another serendipitous encounter:
Sixty years ago my first book was published, “Walking as He Walked.” Thirty years later a couple in our church arranged to have Stephen Lungu, a native evangelist from Malawi, Africa, speak to a small group. We were not able to attend, but the next day the couple persuaded us to have lunch with him and another couple. Before lunch was served, we got acquainted and during that time I gave the couple and Stephen a copy of one of my books. As we were finishing lunch, Stephen asked me, “Have you written any other books?” I answered, “A few.” “What was the first book?” “The title was, ‘Walking as He Walked.’” I saw his face light up, so I continued, “It had footprints on a yellow cover.” “Yes! Yes! That’s it!” he said excitedly.
Then he explained his sad, but ultimately exciting life story. At the age of 8 his mother abandoned him. As a street kid he slept under a bridge and ate and dressed with what he found in garbage cans. He joined a gang and became its leader. Eventually he became a terrorist freedom fighter. His group thought of bombing an evangelistic tent meeting, but while going in to investigate it, God captured his heart and he was miraculously saved. He was so transformed he told everyone he encountered. A missionary watched him and soon invited him to become the first student in a Bible School he was starting. Stephen had not gone to school so he couldn’t read or write. But patiently and persistently the missionary discipled him.
Stephen became so effective as an evangelist, the missionary decided to teach him English so he could reach a larger audience. At this point in his testimony to us he said, “As I was learning to read English the missionary gave me your book, the first English book I ever read. God used it to help me grow. I have it all underlined and have used the material in my counseling and preaching ministry.”
Since we met twenty-five years ago his ministry grew to the point he became known as the Billy Graham of Africa. He eventually became the President of the Mission he served under, The African Enterprise. Recently he died and went to heaven to embrace and worship His Savior, Jesus Christ, and receive his reward. In this serendipitous encounter we learn again, LITTLE IS MUCH WHEN GOD IS IN IT!
God also answered prayer in the ministry I continue to have. The other day I had the privilege of teaching the Bible at a weekly class they have here at Wayside Village. I’ve also had a good number of the residents read some of my books. I’m just “carrying seed to sow,” or as one commentator puts it, “carrying a leaky seed bag” (Psalm 126:6). And, thanks to your prayers, work continues on the probability of having my program produced in Portuguese, for release in Brazil, and on the internet.
Here are a couple of emails received from radio listeners:
“Dear Lud, I was so happy to find you posted all of your “Getting Gods Message” on your web site and kept them there all these years. I so enjoy listening to them and reading them at the same time. I do a little Bible study with them. I just finished Revelation. There aren’t many studies on Revelation, so I especially love that, and learned some new things. I just wanted to thank you! What a blessing!
In God’s Love, Judy.”
“Thank you, Pastor Lud Golz for the book I received from you, A Call to Responsible Freedom. Thanks again for your sound Bible teaching nuggets of wisdom from Getting Gods Message on BBN internet. It brings good memories of the past and great things to look forward to walking in Jesus Grace in the present and future when we are glorified with new bodies when Jesus comes back and ushers in a new heaven and new earth.
Serving Christ with you. Missionary Pastor Ken
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Here is another serendipitous encounter:
Sixty years ago my first book was published, “Walking as He Walked.” Thirty years later a couple in our church arranged to have Stephen Lungu, a native evangelist from Malawi, Africa, speak to a small group. We were not able to attend, but the next day the couple persuaded us to have lunch with him and another couple. Before lunch was served, we got acquainted and during that time I gave the couple and Stephen a copy of one of my books. As we were finishing lunch, Stephen asked me, “Have you written any other books?” I answered, “A few.” “What was the first book?” “The title was, ‘Walking as He Walked.’” I saw his face light up, so I continued, “It had footprints on a yellow cover.” “Yes! Yes! That’s it!” he said excitedly.
Then he explained his sad, but ultimately exciting life story. At the age of 8 his mother abandoned him. As a street kid he slept under a bridge and ate and dressed with what he found in garbage cans. He joined a gang and became its leader. Eventually he became a terrorist freedom fighter. His group thought of bombing an evangelistic tent meeting, but while going in to investigate it, God captured his heart and he was miraculously saved. He was so transformed he told everyone he encountered. A missionary watched him and soon invited him to become the first student in a Bible School he was starting. Stephen had not gone to school so he couldn’t read or write. But patiently and persistently the missionary discipled him.
Stephen became so effective as an evangelist, the missionary decided to teach him English so he could reach a larger audience. At this point in his testimony to us he said, “As I was learning to read English the missionary gave me your book, the first English book I ever read. God used it to help me grow. I have it all underlined and have used the material in my counseling and preaching ministry.”
Since we met twenty-five years ago his ministry grew to the point he became known as the Billy Graham of Africa. He eventually became the President of the Mission he served under, The African Enterprise. Recently he died and went to heaven to embrace and worship His Savior, Jesus Christ, and receive his reward. In this serendipitous encounter we learn again, LITTLE IS MUCH WHEN GOD IS IN IT!
June 4th, 2023
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As I bring you an update on what is happening in my life, I want you to know that I thank God for your faithful prayer support, and I pray that “our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ” (2nd Thessalonians 1:11-12)
In answer to your prayers my message in the chapel at the Radio Network I’m on in Charlotte went well. After chapel I met with some of the leaders and it looks like they are interested in producing my program in Portuguese, for broadcast in Brazil. They also showed interest in doing a series of programs based on a book I wrote that has been published in English, Spanish and Portuguese. Please pray for God’s guidance in this.
I had a great time visiting my sons, Greg and Jeff and their families May 24 – 31.
I’m looking forward to be back in Chagrin Falls, June 10 – 19, and will be sharing briefly in both services at Fellowship on Sunday June 11, and at Cornerstone and Chardon Christian Fellowship, the following Sunday, June 18.
During the week I plan to be in my “Panera Office” in Bainbridge. Hopefully I’ll be able to meet some of you when I’m there!
As I’ve mentioned in recent updates, going through my file folders I’ve come across some amazing “Serendipitous Encounters” I’ve had over the years. I hope you will find this one encouraging.
Some years ago, Mur and I were on an extended trip to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and specifically Israel. Because of difficulties in Egypt our time in Israel had been cut to three days. It was half a year after the six-day war, and there were almost no tourists there. We rented a car and were able to visit many of the Biblical sites you would normally see on tours of one to two weeks. Mur returned home and I continued my trip for another two months to visit missionaries and teach at a Bible College in Sri Lanka.
It was Valentine’s Day when I took Mur to the airport in Israel. After praying together, hugging, and kissing she went through customs and to her gate and plane. I hung around, went to a lookout area, and watched her plane take off and fly toward Europe. Then, back at the hotel I got ready for my long flight to India and Sri Lanka. Returning to the airport early, I sat in a public lounge area and passed the time reading my Bible as I waited for my flight.
Suddenly a teen-age girl approached me and asked if I was reading a Bible. When I said, “Yes,” she asked if she could talk with me. She was an exchange student from Thailand who was on her way home. During her year in the United States she lived with a Christian family and went with them to church. Recently she had prayed to receive Jesus Christ as her Savior. Now, returning home to her family, who were of a different religion, she was anxious about explaining to them her decision. I listened to her concerns and questions and shared from the Bible.
After checking the time, I realized it was almost time to check in. I asked her when her flight was leaving. It was the same time as mine. We checked the flight number and found out we were on the same flight! At the counter we asked the clerk if we could have our seats changed to be together.
The long flight didn’t seem so uncomfortable because for most of the flight our discussion on the Bible and Christian faith was inspiring. When we landed in Sri Lanka, I got her phone number in Bangkok, Thailand, before I embarked. She remained on the plane for her next leg to Bangkok. A month later, as I proceeded to visit missionaries, I had a brief stop at the airport in Bangkok and tried calling her, but the one who answered the phone could only speak in the Thai language.
I don’t know the outcome of this Serendipitous Encounter, BUT GOD DOES, and that’s enough for me.
Update from Lud, June ’23
June 4th, 2023
As I bring you an update on what is happening in my life, I want you to know that I thank God for your faithful prayer support, and I pray that “our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ” (2nd Thessalonians 1:11-12)
In answer to your prayers my message in the chapel at the Radio Network I’m on in Charlotte went well. After chapel I met with some of the leaders and it looks like they are interested in producing my program in Portuguese, for broadcast in Brazil. They also showed interest in doing a series of programs based on a book I wrote that has been published in English, Spanish and Portuguese. Please pray for God’s guidance in this.
I had a great time visiting my sons, Greg and Jeff and their families May 24 – 31.
I’m looking forward to be back in Chagrin Falls, June 10 – 19, and will be sharing briefly in both services at Fellowship on Sunday June 11, and at Cornerstone and Chardon Christian Fellowship, the following Sunday, June 18.
During the week I plan to be in my “Panera Office” in Bainbridge. Hopefully I’ll be able to meet some of you when I’m there!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX As I’ve mentioned in recent updates, going through my file folders I’ve come across some amazing “Serendipitous Encounters” I’ve had over the years. I hope you will find this one encouraging.
Some years ago, Mur and I were on an extended trip to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and specifically Israel. Because of difficulties in Egypt our time in Israel had been cut to three days. It was half a year after the six-day war, and there were almost no tourists there. We rented a car and were able to visit many of the Biblical sites you would normally see on tours of one to two weeks. Mur returned home and I continued my trip for another two months to visit missionaries and teach at a Bible College in Sri Lanka.
It was Valentine’s Day when I took Mur to the airport in Israel. After praying together, hugging, and kissing she went through customs and to her gate and plane. I hung around, went to a lookout area, and watched her plane take off and fly toward Europe. Then, back at the hotel I got ready for my long flight to India and Sri Lanka. Returning to the airport early, I sat in a public lounge area and passed the time reading my Bible as I waited for my flight.
Suddenly a teen-age girl approached me and asked if I was reading a Bible. When I said, “Yes,” she asked if she could talk with me. She was an exchange student from Thailand who was on her way home. During her year in the United States she lived with a Christian family and went with them to church. Recently she had prayed to receive Jesus Christ as her Savior. Now, returning home to her family, who were of a different religion, she was anxious about explaining to them her decision. I listened to her concerns and questions and shared from the Bible.
After checking the time, I realized it was almost time to check in. I asked her when her flight was leaving. It was the same time as mine. We checked the flight number and found out we were on the same flight! At the counter we asked the clerk if we could have our seats changed to be together.
The long flight didn’t seem so uncomfortable because for most of the flight our discussion on the Bible and Christian faith was inspiring. When we landed in Sri Lanka, I got her phone number in Bangkok, Thailand, before I embarked. She remained on the plane for her next leg to Bangkok. A month later, as I proceeded to visit missionaries, I had a brief stop at the airport in Bangkok and tried calling her, but the one who answered the phone could only speak in the Thai language.
I don’t know the outcome of this Serendipitous Encounter, BUT GOD DOES, and that’s enough for me.
In answer to your prayers my message in the chapel at the Radio Network I’m on in Charlotte went well. After chapel I met with some of the leaders and it looks like they are interested in producing my program in Portuguese, for broadcast in Brazil. They also showed interest in doing a series of programs based on a book I wrote that has been published in English, Spanish and Portuguese. Please pray for God’s guidance in this.
I had a great time visiting my sons, Greg and Jeff and their families May 24 – 31.
I’m looking forward to be back in Chagrin Falls, June 10 – 19, and will be sharing briefly in both services at Fellowship on Sunday June 11, and at Cornerstone and Chardon Christian Fellowship, the following Sunday, June 18.
During the week I plan to be in my “Panera Office” in Bainbridge. Hopefully I’ll be able to meet some of you when I’m there!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX As I’ve mentioned in recent updates, going through my file folders I’ve come across some amazing “Serendipitous Encounters” I’ve had over the years. I hope you will find this one encouraging.
Some years ago, Mur and I were on an extended trip to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and specifically Israel. Because of difficulties in Egypt our time in Israel had been cut to three days. It was half a year after the six-day war, and there were almost no tourists there. We rented a car and were able to visit many of the Biblical sites you would normally see on tours of one to two weeks. Mur returned home and I continued my trip for another two months to visit missionaries and teach at a Bible College in Sri Lanka.
It was Valentine’s Day when I took Mur to the airport in Israel. After praying together, hugging, and kissing she went through customs and to her gate and plane. I hung around, went to a lookout area, and watched her plane take off and fly toward Europe. Then, back at the hotel I got ready for my long flight to India and Sri Lanka. Returning to the airport early, I sat in a public lounge area and passed the time reading my Bible as I waited for my flight.
Suddenly a teen-age girl approached me and asked if I was reading a Bible. When I said, “Yes,” she asked if she could talk with me. She was an exchange student from Thailand who was on her way home. During her year in the United States she lived with a Christian family and went with them to church. Recently she had prayed to receive Jesus Christ as her Savior. Now, returning home to her family, who were of a different religion, she was anxious about explaining to them her decision. I listened to her concerns and questions and shared from the Bible.
After checking the time, I realized it was almost time to check in. I asked her when her flight was leaving. It was the same time as mine. We checked the flight number and found out we were on the same flight! At the counter we asked the clerk if we could have our seats changed to be together.
The long flight didn’t seem so uncomfortable because for most of the flight our discussion on the Bible and Christian faith was inspiring. When we landed in Sri Lanka, I got her phone number in Bangkok, Thailand, before I embarked. She remained on the plane for her next leg to Bangkok. A month later, as I proceeded to visit missionaries, I had a brief stop at the airport in Bangkok and tried calling her, but the one who answered the phone could only speak in the Thai language.
I don’t know the outcome of this Serendipitous Encounter, BUT GOD DOES, and that’s enough for me.
Update from Lud, mid May, 23
May 18th, 2023
Folks keep asking me how I’m doing. Better! I’m not all I’d like to be, but I’m doing better. I’m still coughing, but much improved. I’ve done some traveling, most recently to Cumming, GA for my granddaughter’s graduation from university. Emotionally I’m feeling stable. I’m finding it challenging to remember new names of the people I’m living with in a Senior community. Physically I’m back into my exercise routine, but I don’t have much energy reserve. Mentally I’m having to work at concentration, maintaining focus. But I keep working at getting things done. I’ve been able to press on spiritually. But I do miss Mur in the mix of things. Especially when alone, sitting on my patio, even though I know I’m never alone!! I keep reminding myself of the call to Responsible Freedom. OK, that is kind of where I am.
Here are some things you can pray for me:
1. We always have people around us who have needs. Pray that I’ll make the most of the opportunities that come my way.
2. I will be speaking at the chapel at the Radio Network I’m on in Charlotte, Monday, May 22.
3. I will be visiting my sons, Greg and Jeff in Chicago area, and their families May 24 – 31.
4. I’m having a few follow up tests and Dr. visits.
5. I’m planning a trip back to Chagrin Falls, June 10 – 19, and plan to share briefly at Fellowship on Sunday June 11, and hopefully at Cornerstone and Chardon Christian Fellowship, the following Sunday, June 18.
6. I miss my Panera Office in Bainbridge. Hopefully I’ll be able to meet some of you in my office when I’m there!
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My Serendipitous Encounter for this update goes back over 50 years, but I still remember it vividly:
An Elder in my church at the time messed up my plans for the next day. Let me explain:
We had a “second marriage” couple in our church. Actually, the husband didn’t attend the church. He claimed to be an agnostic. Each had a teen-age son. The wife’s son was a rebel. The father’s son was a great student. The rebel son persuaded his mother to let him get a motorcycle. The dad was not happy, to say the least. You guessed it, the rebel had an accident and broke his leg and was in the hospital for an operation. I visited him the day before he was to be operated on, chatted briefly, and prayed with him. I didn’t think he, being macho, would want me to come and visit him the next morning.
That night the Elder, who worked with the teens at the church, visited him in the hospital, and as he was leaving promised him that I would visit him the next morning before the operation. He called me and told me what he had done. I was not very happy, but kept my cool, and later rearranged my plans for the next day.
In the morning, I got up early because I knew they did operations early, and they would be anesthetizing him before the operation. I was not in the best mood as I parked my car close to the entrance. When I got out of my car, I noticed the boy’s stepfather was approaching from the parking lot. He greeted me, “I knew you would be here!” I was surprised at his greeting, smiled and started for the entrance with him following me. We made our way to the boy’s room and found him already zoned out, so I asked the father, “Are you planning to stay till after the operation?” When he said, “Yes,” I began sensing, in spite of my attitude up to this point, maybe God was in all of this. So, I suggested, “Why don’t we go to the cafeteria and get some breakfast.” As we were eating, he shared with me how that morning he woke up, startled by a bright white light at the foot of his bed. As he sat up, he heard a voice behind him saying, “Go to the hospital. The pastor will be there!” Without questioning (remember he was an agnostic), he got up, shaved, got dressed, got in his car and drove to the hospital, somewhat bewildered by what was happening. By this time, I was focused, and before breakfast was over, he had prayed to receive Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord! You might say God used me, but it was God doing it, in spite of me. Clearly God used the Elder who messed up my calendar to get me there for this Serendipitous Encounter! Years later I got a letter from his son, expressing gratitude for the change God had made in his dad’s life.
Here are some things you can pray for me:
1. We always have people around us who have needs. Pray that I’ll make the most of the opportunities that come my way.
2. I will be speaking at the chapel at the Radio Network I’m on in Charlotte, Monday, May 22.
3. I will be visiting my sons, Greg and Jeff in Chicago area, and their families May 24 – 31.
4. I’m having a few follow up tests and Dr. visits.
5. I’m planning a trip back to Chagrin Falls, June 10 – 19, and plan to share briefly at Fellowship on Sunday June 11, and hopefully at Cornerstone and Chardon Christian Fellowship, the following Sunday, June 18.
6. I miss my Panera Office in Bainbridge. Hopefully I’ll be able to meet some of you in my office when I’m there!
*****************************************
My Serendipitous Encounter for this update goes back over 50 years, but I still remember it vividly:
An Elder in my church at the time messed up my plans for the next day. Let me explain:
We had a “second marriage” couple in our church. Actually, the husband didn’t attend the church. He claimed to be an agnostic. Each had a teen-age son. The wife’s son was a rebel. The father’s son was a great student. The rebel son persuaded his mother to let him get a motorcycle. The dad was not happy, to say the least. You guessed it, the rebel had an accident and broke his leg and was in the hospital for an operation. I visited him the day before he was to be operated on, chatted briefly, and prayed with him. I didn’t think he, being macho, would want me to come and visit him the next morning.
That night the Elder, who worked with the teens at the church, visited him in the hospital, and as he was leaving promised him that I would visit him the next morning before the operation. He called me and told me what he had done. I was not very happy, but kept my cool, and later rearranged my plans for the next day.
In the morning, I got up early because I knew they did operations early, and they would be anesthetizing him before the operation. I was not in the best mood as I parked my car close to the entrance. When I got out of my car, I noticed the boy’s stepfather was approaching from the parking lot. He greeted me, “I knew you would be here!” I was surprised at his greeting, smiled and started for the entrance with him following me. We made our way to the boy’s room and found him already zoned out, so I asked the father, “Are you planning to stay till after the operation?” When he said, “Yes,” I began sensing, in spite of my attitude up to this point, maybe God was in all of this. So, I suggested, “Why don’t we go to the cafeteria and get some breakfast.” As we were eating, he shared with me how that morning he woke up, startled by a bright white light at the foot of his bed. As he sat up, he heard a voice behind him saying, “Go to the hospital. The pastor will be there!” Without questioning (remember he was an agnostic), he got up, shaved, got dressed, got in his car and drove to the hospital, somewhat bewildered by what was happening. By this time, I was focused, and before breakfast was over, he had prayed to receive Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord! You might say God used me, but it was God doing it, in spite of me. Clearly God used the Elder who messed up my calendar to get me there for this Serendipitous Encounter! Years later I got a letter from his son, expressing gratitude for the change God had made in his dad’s life.
