Raoul’s 2 Cents
Back From My Mission
Did you miss me? My apologies for not sending my TGIF joke to you these past 2 weeks. I was in a far flung area in Southern Philippines caring for my Dad. As you probably know, I requested prayers for his faith in Jesus. To my delight, my wife led him to receive Christ in his heart a few minutes before we started our trip to the airport. In fact, it was my Dad who started the conversation. My wife merely went along with his flow of ideas. So, even before my great Father-Son adventure, God had already answered my request. Words cannot express my gratitude.
Dad almost died on the plane. The air was too thin for him and he ran out of his meds. He was already hallucinating. The only reason he fought so hard to survive was because he didn’t want to die in the “friendly skies.” When we got back he didn’t want to go to the hospital but I’m glad that we did because he had pneumonia. The lines were so long because there was a diarrhea and dengue fever epidemic. He’s settled now and he is back to normal. I miss him.
Some people wonder what this strange Christian ritual about “accepting Jesus” is all about. First of all, nobody earns “brownie points” for leading someone to Christ. There is no quota that needs to be filled. Genuine Christians share their faith because their own lives have been changed for the better and they want others to experience the same truth of the kindness, the love, the grace (a gift they do not deserve) that they enjoy. If you were a slave and were set free, wouldn’t you want to set others free as well?
Some may question whether conversions are real. Only God can answer that. No one can truly say if anyone truly accepted Christ. The Bible says “by their fruit, you shall know them.” — ie. by their changed lives, you will know if the transformation is real. Ours is not to question but to share the good news. Our words may fall on deaf ears but that does not matter. We still share — just as the good news was shared to us.
My Dad, in his 90s, is a baby in Christ. How I wish I could be with him and help him to walk in his new faith. He has so many questions. But I have to trust that God will fill in the gaps where I cannot. In all this I am thankful that even if something were to happen to him now, I know he prayed to receive Christ. The world has this concept that one has to work for salvation … that one has to do good works, go to church, give to the poor, sacrifice, pay for indulgences … but that isn’t true. These are man-made rules. Perfection and “brownie points” are not necessary to enter heaven — for it is by grace alone (paid for by Christ by his suffering, death and resurrection) that we are saved.
But of course, this is just me.
“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.” — Ephesians 2:8
TGIF people!
Joke of the Week
Thanks to Peter Paul of S Pasadena, CA for sending this joke.
Video of the Week
Funny Boxing Stare Downs
Sent by Naomi of Peter Paul of S Pasadena, CA
Don’s Puns
From Don’s collection of puns
Parting Shot
Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C. who shared this.
People from all over the world send him jokes and Raoul sends those jokes back with his original sketches. 
Heather
September 18, 2019 at 1:43 pm
I’m so happy for you and your dad. I will pray for his recovery.
Heather
April
September 18, 2019 at 1:44 pm
Seeing your weekly email today answered the burning questions (especially THE question) I have had about your Dad. I’m so thankful and glad for all of you. And you write so well about these things. How you put the Truth out there, and correct common misconceptions, is done in such an understandable and gentle way that I very much expect that you’re going to find out later on what a difference it made to many, many people.
April
Chuck
September 18, 2019 at 1:46 pm
Brother,Wecome back~
I am so happy that you had this time with your Dad. How extra special. My wife and I were talking about this after worship service Wednesday as we sat on the patio deck and watched the crescent moon set on the Pacific. Pretty spectacular – this God’s world. Did you get to record your Dad’s voice? This from Playa Santa Monica, Rosarito Baja CA Mexico. Wednesday night we attended praise and Bible Study services at Capilla Calvario Rosarito wITH Pastor Mike /Vincent – grew up in Yorba Linda, where his folks still live. His brother Mitch plays the bass guitar in the aweson praise band. The services are 100% bilingual. He preached on Matthew 5. Just said that he was the light of ther world and reminded us that we might be the only light some people might see to help lead them to Christ. So how we live is the best example of light for many. Pastor always had a Call at the end of each service. The church has grown from 10 members originally some 15 years ago to 2 services on Sunday and one on Saturday evening. But here is the incredible part for me – “it’s just me as you say” but it isn’t just you or me – It’s Biblical! In 15 years since they started, that have planted – started 24 new churches! All over Mexico, Texas and one in Africa! This is what a church (We) should be doing according to Acts. In this message tonight, he made a point of saying Jesus Mother Mary and his brothers – yes Mary did not die a virgin as some teach! They didn’t become true believers until After the Resurrection. Deep stuff. So maybe for your dear Ol’ Dad – it was the Jet Flight that did it! Just me – Just saying.
God bless you and all your loved ones,
Brother Chuck
Art
September 18, 2019 at 1:46 pm
Hi Raoul,
Hope and pray your dad’s doing well.
Art
Doug
September 18, 2019 at 1:46 pm
Raoul, we’re happy for you, your Dad, and your family. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Lee
September 18, 2019 at 1:47 pm
A very good word for your readers Raoul! Praise the Lord that your father came to faith in Christ. That is so rare at an advanced age, so all more praise for the Lord leading you and Jackie to help him make that decision.
Many blessings!
Tom
September 18, 2019 at 1:48 pm
Great to have you back and I pray your Dadis well. Take care and thanks for the reflection.
Tom
Eiger
September 18, 2019 at 1:48 pm
Very well put, man!
Rick
September 18, 2019 at 1:49 pm
Her Bro,
So pleased your trip back to the Philippines was safe and that it served both Dad and your purpose.
Take care and hello to Dad when you speak with him.
Rick