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Cornerstone Communications
USA
May 09, 2005

Dear friends and family,

Greetings from Dallas, Texas! After 11 months, I'm finally home again! It's great to be home. I left Seoul, Korea and boarded United to fly to Japan, then to Chicago, and finally home. It was a long trip, about 24 hours, and I arrived on the same afternoon! Somehow, I missed out on a night of sleep!

Production Update

Nothing short of a miracle! God, like usual, was up to His wonderful miracles again. We had many challenges going into Opening Night, but like usual, He pulled us through, and we had a beautiful show. The actors did a great job, considering many don't speak English whatsoever, and the audiences were so blessed. I had a chance to pray with those who spoke English to receive Jesus Christ. Altogether, hundreds and hundreds were touched with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and I cried on several occasions as I prayed with audience members. Many came just to see a show, but left with a NEW HEART! Praise the Lord! Dr. Yonggi Cho not only came, but brought several dignitaries with him. Our prayer is that this production will impact many of the heads of corporations and government for the Lord. Praise the Lord for him and his support. Thank you to everyone who gave to make this show possible!

One of the scenes from last week's production of "The Promise" at Olympic Hall in Seoul.

Go West, Young Man

After the production ended on Saturday, I spent ONE DAY sightseeing! That's how busy I am, that I don't even have a chance to see the sites! Of course, I know why I'm there, and that's to affect the country for Christ. A few days ago, I arrived home, and saw dear friends Scott and Heather Garrison, Patrick Mitchella and Tami Wormsbecher. We had a great time eating Southwest cuisine. Aw, heaven! I love Korea, but I was a little "chop stick-ed out"!

Another Show (s)

Since I've been back, I've been in production meetings with friends Marc and Kelly Accetta as we begin production on the 6th annual "View from the Edge" at U.T.-Arlington theatre later this month. As well, I had callback auditions for "The Promise" in Glen Rose, and last night, we cast the show, and tonight, we begin rehearsals. We waste NO time getting to work for the Lord! I love my job (s)!

Taking a bow with Seoul's mayor, Mrs. Cho and Jesus...

Living in the FOG

I enjoy what I do. God has called me to use my gifts to serve Him. It's a blessing to be able to have the opportunity to work with so many of my international brothers and sisters in the Lord as we put on a production in their country. However, that didn't just happen by accident. It happened by me learning to walk in the FOG.

What's the FOG? The FOG is the Favor of God! Psalms 30:5 says, "God's favor is for a lifetime". It's something that is available to every believer. Yet, few truly understand that it is reserved for them. You can expect the FOG to happen when you don't have the same educational advantages or training that others have. God blesses us with supernatural ability.

On our final performance last week, the cast and crew mug for the camera. I'm the tired one at the bottom of the heap!

Psalm 41:11 says, "I know that You favor me, because my enemy does not triumph over me." When you're in relationship with the Lord, He causes even your enemies to be at peace with you. That doesn't mean that life is without struggles. We'll always have trials, because that's how we mature, that's how we grow stronger in our faith walk. But ultimately, God clears a path that allows us to do what we've been called to accomplish for His kingdom.

Sadly, many don't understand that they can enjoy that blessing. They somehow feel that it's for certain believers, but not for them. My friend, this message is for YOU! The best way to understand God's blessing over you is to open your Bible, and start highliting EVERY verse that speaks about blessing. This has helped me so much to understand just how much God loves me. If you'll do that, you will be amazed how much highliting you have done! I claim all the blessings, because that's God love for me.

My friend from South Africa, Herman Potgieter played a wonderful Jesus in both the South African and Korean productions.

Now, understanding His zeal to bless me, I can now see clearly when the FOG has come on me. I can clearly see that I am allowed to do certain things that others can't. As I flew from Korea, I had 4 carry-on bags! Anyone who has ever flown just knows you can't do that! I had 6 bags, and could only check 2. So, the rest went with me.

I went to the counter and showed them my bags, and they said, "Normally we don't allow that, but go ahead". You see? That's God's favor! Of course, that's a small example. I could show you dozens… just this week! They come in abundance when you walk in the FOG. Some people are quick to "chalk" that up to coincidence. Fine. They can. I'd prefer to give God the thanks and praise for His help in my life. The secret I've learned is that the more I thank Him, the more I walk in the FOG!

We know that reading God's Word helps us to understand His favor, but also, we must ask for it. Daily I go before our Lord and ask Him for Wisdom, for Favor and for Love. All are supernatural gifts. Sure, we all have these in part, but I don't want the natural gifts. I want the supernatural gifts. Make sure you ask! "You have not because you ask not".

Why does God bless us with His favor? Yes, because He loves us, but more importantly, it's to allow us to work in His Kingdom. I'd be remiss to teach that it's all because of His love for us, without understanding that He has an important agenda He wants fulfilled. The FOG over us is to allow us to accomplish tasks that will ultimately expand the Kingdom of God. That's my heart, to bless the Lord, and to make sure HIS will is done. Is it yours?

Ask the Lord today for the FOG, and realize that it's not just for you, but it's so that you can be a blessing to Him. He's so worthy of our every praise, our every move, and our every prayer.

See Ya'll Later!

That's Texan for "Goodbye!" I'm so blessed to be home and to be with friends and family. Please pray that I'll be able to be a blessing to my friends while I'm here, and that I'll be able to accomplish the THREE shows "looming" over me. I know that walking in the FOG, I'll be able to do "all things through Christ who strengthens me." God bless you, my friend!

For the Kingdom,
Richard Montez