Testimony

Miracles in Our Midst

December 20, 2012 Merlin Gonzales Backyard Missions, FHL Indiana, Testimony

Last week, I had lunch with one of our ministry partners at a restaurant in Castleton in Indianapolis, IN. At our table, we were greeted by a high-energy waiter; he smiled and asked for our orders. After a few minutes, he came back with our delicious food. Just before he left our table, I asked him if we can pray for him. The question caught him off guard and suddenly, he got quiet. It took him almost a minute before he look at me and with a couple of deep breath, he asked to pray for his marriage. He left immediately so my friend & I prayed for his marriage and blessed our food.

During the course of our stay in the restaurant, our waiter visited our table a few times thanking us for praying for him. Just as we were about ready to leave, he gave me a card with a note, “Thank you soo much for the prayer, you have no idea what it means to me!”

This morning, one of our ministry leaders, Bill & I visited one of our volunteers who was hospitalized 4 weeks ago. The operation restricted her to move around. At the end of our visit. We prayed for her. Nehemiah 8:10 came to mind, “for the joy in the Lord is your strength.” and I shared it with her.

Suddenly, she stood up quickly as if she was fully recovered. She walked rapidly towards her piano, cleared the bench and looked for a hymnal. I did not know what was happening. To my surprise, she played, “Joy to the World.” I was floored to hear how she played it with passion. A simple words of encouragement lifted her faith and changed the spiritual atmosphere in her residence.

These 2 stories of simple acts of kindness and encouraging words can be the miracle that people are waiting for this Christmas season. As we are getting close to Christmas Day, keep in mind that God can use you mightily in someone’s life…the best gift that you can give. The reality of the Kingdom begins within you.

A Few God stories

July 7, 2011 Merlin Gonzales Testimony

Here are a few stories how God used the FHL ministry to share the tangible expression of God’s love:
• In the past 6 weeks, we have received 5 donated vehicles; 3 were already donated to those in need.
• The largest single project (self-funded) during FHL Week is the 3 church build for Haiti (parts are gping to be bought and constructed in Noblesville FHL Area) plus 25,000 meals pack costing about $22,000+
• We are planning to have our biggest-ever Prayer Walk/Celebration on July 24th 3p at University Park. Please join us if you can, you will be blessed.
• We are planning to do foot washing and 500 shoes giveaway on July 30th 4p at HHOOT to the homeless
• We have planted a self-sustained Food Pantry at Boys & Girls Club at Troy Ave., Indianapolis. The pantry is open every 3rd Saturday from 2-4p. I would like to invite you to join us this month.
• We are now looking for creative ways to reach the hungry through a ‘village pantry’ model. We are aiming to start 2 of these pantries during FHL Week.
• 24/7 Prayer Room available at My Father’s House church in Broadripple during FHL Week.
• Our partnership with a non-profit organization for a 4-acre land Grassroots farm right in the Lafayette Sq Mall vicinity. We are expecting 7-10 different nationalities to farm.
• Check out my Podcasts to hear more how the Lord is blessing others through our ministry

God had given FHL grace to connect those in need with those who have resources. He is using us to mobilize hundreds of volunteers and to accomplish many projects and services with a small budget. Here’s what Indianapolis Mayor Ballard say about FHL.

God bless you!

Amazing God Stories From FHL Week Leaders

September 27, 2010 Merlin Gonzales Testimony

Here are some amazing God stories I gathered from the FHL Week Leaders’ de-briefing on Tuesday, Sept 21st.

Our Noblesville area reported the continued collaboration of churches, ministries and organizations
The North side area is working continuously with several ministries and churches in ministry training and evangelism
Our East side & Urban area shared about the ever growing awareness of the churches in the urban area and the continued pursuit to work together through the FHL CAN (Community Action Network)
Our West side area shared the excitement of some projects during FHL Week. Through the ‘Movie Night’ project, FHL is planning to have ‘Joshua’ movie at the Georgetown Cinema during the Halloween Week to bring Christian movie in a secular theater.
The BroadRipple/Midtown are have coordinated a multi-church Night of Worship at My Father’s House in BroadRipple on Tuesday, Sept 28th 6:30p-8:30p.
The FHL Kindness Day on Saturday, Sept 25th was joined by 150+ volunteers from the churches, businesses and educational institutions who worked on several projects across the city.

Once again, FHL Week is not just ‘a week’ of service but it encourages the continued partnerships that create a snow ball effect mobilizing the collaborative effort the communities.