War of Special Forces Week #2 Ocean Springs, MS

Jim Van GelderenSpecial Forces Updates

This is the first time the team conducted the War of Special Forces in the state of Mississippi on the Gulf Coast.  Grace Independent Baptist Church graciously had the team come on a later than usual notice.  The enthusiasm among the students at the Christian school and those in the youth group was outstanding.  A good effort was put into … Read More

War of Special Forces Week #1 Fort Walton Beach, FL

Jim Van GelderenSpecial Forces Updates

The team has been in Fort Walton Beach, FL about every two years conducting the War of Special Forces since 2006.   We were with Pastor Mark Stevens, the present pastor, several times when he was a pastor in Keystone Heights back in the 90’s.  That small Florida town was made for The War; his new town, Fort Walton Beach, is made for the … Read More

War of Special Forces Week #11 Canoga Park, CA

Jim Van GelderenSpecial Forces Updates

This is the first time the team has had the privilege to be at Faith Baptist Church and Schools in Canoga Park, CA.  This is one of the larger schools the team has been in.  It also is one of the earlier Christian schools in the state of California.  I believe that the student population between 7th and 12th grade … Read More

War of Special Forces Week #10 Glendale, AZ

Jim Van GelderenSpecial Forces Updates

This is the third time the team has been to this church and Christian school.  Each time the team has been encouraged with all the Lord has done.  This time the teens were ready to go and there was enthusiasm from the start. As the week progressed the Lord broke through in many lives and the testimonies were thrilling.  One young man gave testimony … Read More

War of Special Forces Week #9 Long Beach, CA

Jim Van GelderenSpecial Forces Updates

This is the first time the team has been to Long Beach, CA. The school and staff were great folks. Before the rallies had begun, the team had opportunities to preach the Gospel at several Bible clubs at area public schools. There were several saved in those times. The students in the Christian school really got into their team and … Read More

War of Special Forces Week #8 La Mesa, CA

Jim Van GelderenSpecial Forces Updates

The team came to the San Diego area for the first time in the history of Minutemen Ministries.  The school was small, but we still conducted the War of Special Forces program all week.  There was a Spanish church that also meets on the property and their church and youth threw themselves into the week. The teens were enthusiastic each … Read More

Real Character Week #6 – Linton, IN

Mike FisherReal Character Updates

Wow! What an amazing end to a great tour. Our team has been using the term “station your faith” when referring to fixing you eyes on Christ and what He has promised us in the midst of the battle at hand. It has the idea of standing on His promises regardless of your feelings. From the beginning of our last … Read More

Real Character Week #5 – Hodgenville, KY

Mike FisherReal Character Updates

I received a call from a pastor in Kentucky three weeks prior to our arrival in Kentucky. I had never spoken to him before, but he told me that he had heard about our program through a mutual friend. The youth group consisted of four teenagers. We did not have enough time to contact the local high school about having … Read More

War of Special Forces Week #7 – Placerville, CA

Jim Van GelderenSpecial Forces Updates

Placerville, CA is probably best known for its place in the famous gold rush.  Some of the names around the area reflect that history.  I first came to Bible Baptist in Placerville in 2008.  That is when I met Pastor John Labins and we began to form a friendship.  Pastor Labins has done a great job.  His people were very … Read More

War of Special Forces Week #6 – Pleasant Hill, CA

Jim Van GelderenSpecial Forces Updates

Normally the War of Special Forces team does not conduct the program in churches without Christian schools, but since The War team may not be out west for awhile and we had a couple of weeks, the team conducted the War of Special Forces in a couple of churches without Christian schools. Cornerstone Baptist Church is pastored by Brent Snow.  … Read More