News From The Ranch

First, we're moving to Clover Ranch! From the beginning of our ministry, we've envisioned having a place in the country where we could invite people for times of worship, prayer and personal ministry. Four years ago, our ministry purchased the farmhouse where I grew up in Central Illinois to use for such a purpose, renovating it as time and money allowed and giving it the name Clover Ranch.

We've now fixed it up enough to the point where we can move in and finish up the final pieces while living there! So we're going to start moving over the next few weeks, and we're hoping to be completely moved in by May. Here's a picture of our family piled into one of the bedrooms at Clover Ranch, taking a break after painting walls and plastering ceilings in the other rooms to get them ready.

Second, I wanted to let you know that I'll be starting a new series of weekly devotionals on Easter Sunday called "Israel: Lessons from the Holy Land." I'll be sending you these messages each week by email as a way to take you on a "devotional tour" of the land where Jesus walked. I'm praying that these messages will help bring the Bible to life, not only giving you an idea for the land where so many of the famous stories in the Bible took place, but also giving you a boost in your faith wherever you might live in the world today.

Along with this new series, we're also going to start our live Internet broadcasts again. You'll be able to join me online for some live worship, an encouraging word, and a personal prayer if you'd like one. The first live broadcast will be this coming Sunday night, Easter Sunday, at 8 p.m. Central Time (5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time). Here's the link if you'd like to join me for the live broadcast on Sunday night at 8 p.m.:
http://livestream.com/theranch

Third, as excited as we are about moving to Clover Ranch, we're also entering into it with a certain amount of uncertainty! There are still a number of projects that need to be completed before, and soon after, we move in, and both time and money are short. But I take comfort from the words that David wrote in Psalm 86, that the God who provided for David will provide for us, too, just as I trust He will provide for you. Here's what David said at the beginning of his prayer:

"Incline Your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and distressed, needy and desiring. Preserve my life, for I am godly and dedicated; O my God, save Your servant, for I trust in You, leaning and believing on You, committing all and confidently looking to You, without fear or doubt" (Psalm 86:1-2, Amplified Bible).

Although David was going through some uncertain times, he trusted in God. He continued to come to God with his needs and desires, committing everything to the One who gave him life. David even used the phrase, "O My God!" which many today translate as "OMG!" (While it may seem like a new phrase, it's been around for over 3,000 years!) May we all be like David, saying "OMG!" and calling out to God when we're feeling poor and distressed, needy and desiring. And in the end may we see a sign from Him of His goodwill and favor, His help, and His comfort.

One more thing...it's small, but important. As we enter into this new season of ministry, we've also adopted a new name for our ministry, calling it "The Ranch Fellowship." We'll still use the name "Eric Elder Ministries" from time to time for some of our ministry activities, but know that both "Eric Elder Ministries" and "The Ranch Fellowship" still refer to the same "non-profit, 501(c)(3) religious organization." (All donations given in either name are still fully tax-deductible. If you'd like to make a donation towards our move or to the continuing renovation of Clover Ranch, please use the links at the end of this email.) The thing I love most about the new name is that it reflects the very real fellowship aspect of this ministry that involves so many of you from all around the world. Just this month, new subscribers have signed up to be a part of our ministry from places like Kentucky, Ohio, Texas and Florida to as far away as Indonesia, Myanmar, Ghana, and Papua New Guinea.

So welcome to all of you to The Ranch Fellowship! As always, we appreciate so much your notes, your prayers and your financial contributions to our ministry. They really keep us going! We pray also for you that God will meet your needs in a way that you'll know He is real, alive and active in your lives.

Sincerely,
Eric Elder