Fall Mission Trip to Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico

Date: October 18th - 25th or 26th 2024

Jacob and I are so excited the doors have opened to minister to the children of the Colegio Anahuacalli school near Villahermosa, Mexico. 

The children attend school there in the morning and participate in extra-curricular activities in the afternoon. It will be my joy to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the children; some of which come from non-christian homes.

Jacob visited this same area in 2015 when he danced with Ballet Magnificat. I was honored to go myself last year and that's where I was able to connect with Carlos and Lorena Velazquez of WEC International.

God has given me a love for children as previous children's teacher and missionary at the Sano International School in Sano, Japan and now as Children's minister at We Are One Activation Center in Brandon, MS. 

We have been blessed to be able to return to Mexico and take the Love of Jesus to children who have little or no knowledge of Jesus and to parents of children who desire to see their children come to know Him in a life-changing way. (We also will be ministering in churches in the evenings)

I need you help. I would really appreciate it if you would be a prayer partner for me on this trip. And, if you are able to help with any expenses. The cost of the trip will be about $3,000.00 for Jake and I to attend. 

Any gifts given to this outreach will be tax-deductible.

Please send a check to: (Be sure to designate, on the check, that the gift goes to Mark Gulland)

We Are One Activation Center

1576 Old Fannin Road, Suite C

Brandon, Mississippi 39047

100% of gifts given will go towards the trip. If more comes in than what is needed, the remaining amount will stay in our account for the next mission outreach.

Thank you for your support. I am looking forward to seeing all that God has in store for Jake and I on this trip. 

If you have any questions or desire to connect, don't hesitate.

Sincerely,

Mark Gulland

601-559-1248

Intimacy with God

 Song of Solomon 2:4

"He brought me to his banqueting house, and his banner over me was love (for love waved as a protecting and comforting banner over my head when I was near him)."

This year, Michelle and I marked our 29th wedding anniversary. As I reflect on my wedding day, what a wonderful time of celebration this day proved to be as we acknowledged and declared our love for each other. In the book of the Song of Solomon, God gives us an example of what a proper relationship should look like; both a courtship and marriage.

Not only that, but through the book of the Song of Solomon, God also gives us a picture of Christ (the groom) and the Church (the bride). In this particular passage, we may learn a couple of truths concerning what God says about us (the church) and what He has established over us.

Firstly, He brought us to His banqueting house. This truth refers to His spiritual house in which His full majesty may be experienced. As we give ourselves to Him and His Lordship in our lives, He comes to dwell in us by the Holy Spirit.

 The banqueting house, in Hebrew, refers to wine, intoxication. In other words, the awareness of the presence of God is like a heady intoxication. A spiritual one, nonetheless, far greater than any effects on the body drinking wine could give. In Ephesians 5:18 says "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery: but ever be filled and stimulated with the Holy Spirit."

May we allow God, through Christ, to lead us into His banqueting house and have more of an awareness of His presence during this time and season. Let's find something to celebrate as we go throughout this time and rejoice in what God is doing in our lives.

Secondly,  He waves HIs banner over us; and His banner is one of love. Can you imagine the bride and groom celebrating their union at the wedding reception. The groom professing his love for the bride. And, the bride, returning her adoration and love to the groom.

In Hebrew, this symbolism refers to a waving of a flag. In other words, Jesus (the groom) demonstrates His unconditional love to the Church (the bride) by rescuing her and gathering her to His waiting arms. He greatly cherishes her and extends His mercy and forgiveness to her in strong, passionate love.

May we align with God's banner of love in this season and overcome the enemies strategy to kill, steal, and destroy that alignment. You see, the enemy will try to establish his banner over you by getting you to walk in fear instead of God's perfect love. We overcome by honing in on God's love and aligning our flag with HIs banner of love. In I John 4:18, it says "There is no fear in love (dread does not exist), but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and (so) he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love (is not yet grown into love's complete perfection)."

If God leads, I will share more on this important revelation later.

However, this remains a time of growing in intimacy with Him and aligning your flag with God's banner. He will meet with you bringing joy and strength to your everyday walk of faith.

If, in any way, Michelle and I can pray for you and with you, please feel free to let us know. We would be honored to pray and prophecy for you.

Blessings!!

Mark and Michelle Gulland

113 Bradfield Road

Madison, MS. 39110

markgulland@gmail.com

michellegulland@gmail.com

 

My Dad Likes Fishing

My dad liked fishing.  My daddy, Ted Shuman is with Jesus forever now.  While he was on this earth, he really like to fish.  I guess he just got stuck fishing with me sometimes since I was the youngest of his nine kids.  He would load up his gear and we would go out on a pond or a lake somewhere not too far from home.  I would tend to get in trouble because I was scared of the fog or weeds or the frogs that jumped.  Watching daddy clean the fish and fry them in a hot pan was fun.  He would show me how the bones lay so as to get them out just right or how to scale a fish so you could actually eat it.  I learned a lot from him just by being with him.  He was especially good at showing me how to wash your hands after to get that fishy smell off.  That powdered soap was super strong!

Anyway... This post is coming to you because of a dream I had sometime in March of 2020.  In the dream, my dad and I went fishing.  We caught a lot of fish.  There were big long fish and skinny short fish...fish in all sizes, shapes and colors.  I found it interesting that in the dream we enjoyed the fishing and being together and discussing the kinds of fish with all the colors on them.  Funny thing is that when we got home to clean the fish, we didn't really clean them.  Somehow, the skins all came off the fish and dad said they were ready and we put them into this big aquarium just to enjoy them.  Have you every seen fish with no skins? These fish were naked! They were all fine and healthy and swimming around and swimming altogether!! You could not distinguish the types of fish anymore because the skins were gone!  That was the end of my dream.

OK.... so what does this mean? To tell you the truth, I don't actually know.  But what I do know is this.... my Daddy loves fishing and I love to be with my Dad.  I had a sense of joy to be fishing with Dad.  This is a new season of fishing and catching fish of all sizes, shapes and colors.  In the end... the size, shape and color are not important as all these fish will swim together and share a space happily.

Does this not make you think of the times we are in? That perhaps God the Father is asking us to go fishing with him? I felt a new call to Fish for Men of all sizes, shapes and colors.  God's true heart is for everyone to know Him.  The boundaries of nationality or culture are not important.  The question is, "Do you know Jesus?".  That actually can be the question that starts a fishing adventure.  Or as my friend Judy asks, "What is one thing you want Jesus to do for you today?".  I am learning that fishing is not as easy as you might think.  That must be why my earthly daddy didn't want to take me sometimes.  My screaming in fright at the frogs jumping scared the fish making it harder to catch them! The bait for fishing is pretty important too.  Would you want to eat bitter worms? No...you want sweet tasting worms.

How has this dream changed me?  Well.... I am excited to go fishing with my Daddy again.  It has been awhile since I have felt that excitement.  Next, I have noticed that I care less about what kind of fish I might catch and am more concerned that I at least catch one/some!  Skin color and size or age are unimportant now.  And, if I am going to bother with fishing, I might as well realize that I will not catch every fish.  Sometimes fish come and eat all the bait and swim away full! Sometimes, that might actually be the point of fishing.... so the fish get a taste of sweet worms and want to come back for more!! Are your worms sweet???  I have found that I can be a very bitter person... too concerned about my own problems.  I am not sweet at all!!

So.... are you ready? Ready to go fishing?

Grace Notes

Dear Friends, Family, Prayer Warriors,

Psalms 25: 4,5
"Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you."

Family Update

Hi! How are you?
We are so honored to be in touch with you. Thank you for taking a moment to read this update.

As I look over the last year, the most impacting lesson for me has been to understand and know the ways of the Lord. God has moved in many wonderful ways:

1. Samantha and Marcia graduated from Belhaven University
2. Abigail graduated from High School
3. Jacob spent three months in Japan. And, Michelle went with him for about three weeks.
4. Marcia moved to Nashville, TN and took a nursing position at Vanderbilt University.
5. My assignment at Nissan changed; enabling me to get off night shift, work with Japanese           personnel, and production floor management.
6. Finally, and most special of all, Jude Isaac Hamlin (son of Wes and Samantha Hamlin) had their first baby; making Michelle and I grandparents for the first time.
7. To top it all off, we welcomed a mini-schnauzer into the family (Freddie).

Truly, it has been a blessed year!

Catch the Fire Ministries - Toronto

Please pray for Abigail as she steps out to attend a 5 month ministry program in Toronto, Canada.
She will leave March 2nd and travel to the school. She will study in Toronto and even participate in local and international mission outreach.

Pray as she prepares for the move and engages in this new endeavor. We are confident in the Lord that God will continue to bless and move in her life!

Reign of Grace

Even though this ministry has been in somewhat of an incubating stage, we believe God for its birthing. What an exciting time to be a part of God's Kingdom purposes in the world. These are the days of Grace. God's wonderful gift of grace is met to be shared with all.

Two scriptures reflecting the mission:

1. Matthew 28: 18-20. The great commission!
2. Hebrews 10:23-25. The great assembly of the saints! (stir up and encourage)
3. II Corinthians 5:17-19. The great ministry of reconciliation.

Two nations of interest:

1. Japan. Through Nissan, I continue to connect with Japanese. This work has also allowed me to keep somewhat fluent in the language; even though I haven't been to Japan  1for0 years (Mark). I am sensing something in my heart for this great nation.

2. Ireland. It's funny for me to speak of this nation. In the last about one month, I have had two or three vivid dreams involving Ireland. I don't know clearly what these dreams mean. Yet, I sense something spiritually significant to these dreams and to this nation. It's almost like I need to go there and get something. Anyway, If any of you have any insight into these dreams, please feel free to message me or something. We believe God has something beautiful in this/for this great nation.


The Reign of Grace. May it shine on you every day as Christ's return draws near!

We appreciate you very much and would love to hear from you.

Blessings
Mark & Michelle Gulland

Kenya Trip

Dear Friends and Family,

Greetings! I pray that this update finds you and your family well. The Lord has been so faithful. He is doing wonderful things and I know that He will continue to be faithful to finish the good work He has started in me.

On November 7th, I will be departing on a mission trip to Kenya, Africa for 10 days. Through "Carrier of His Light Ministries", I will be joining a small team of believers to shine His light in Nairobi and the surrounding area.

The schedule will be effective and fruitful and involve the following:
1. Visiting with a former president of Kenya whose son may run for president
2. Ministering in several churches
3. Speaking in two high schools
4. Sharing at a university campus
5. Visiting and ministering in the slums of Nairobi
6. Feeding around 400 people (homeless, orphaned)
The trip is being funded entirely through donations and by those going on the missions trip.

I am so excited about the opportunity to serve and minister; and I ask you to join me in this ministry. I am seeking your support and prayers for this mission trip. If you are able to assist with the finances, I will need to raise US$3000  to $3500. This will include all accommodations within the country and tickets to and from Kenya.

If you would like to be a part of this trip, it would be greatly appreciated. Just mail any donation to me at:

Mark & Michelle Gulland
113 Bradfield Dr.
Madison, MS 39110

Make the check payable to "Canton Christian Center" and designate in the memo that your support goes to "Mark Gulland" for the trip to Africa. I receive 100% of all donations given and you will receive a tax statement at the end of the year for tax purposes.

Thank you for your prayerful consideration of this matter. God is able!

Blessings,
Mark and Michelle

PS
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. Thanks

Family update!

What a Savior! What a great salvation!

In John 14: 27 says " I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid." NLT

It amazes me how the very night before He was to be crucified on the cross, Jesus remains concerned about the disciples well-being. You see, Jesus spoke to them about God's peace. He explained about a peace different from the world; a perfect peace that comes with knowing the Father. The next day, Jesus, through the cross, opened that door of peace with the Father through His shed blood. He provided our righteousness and brought us peace that may be enjoyed with the Father each day (Eph. 6:15, Rom.5:1).

Whatever, the circumstances, may our hearts not be trouble or afraid. Rather, may we know the love of God in a deeper, richer way than ever before!

Family Update

Thanks for standing with us here in Mississippi! In the last couple of months, both Michelle and I celebrated our birthdays. Thank you for all the birthday wishes and giving us a chance, once again, to know how blessed we are with your friendship.

Also, what an opportunity to be reminded of God's faithfulness to us as a family. And, speaking of family, many may remember Wes and Samantha's wedding. Yes, they just celebrated their second wedding anniversary and we are so proud of them as they move forward in the things of God together.

Meanwhile, Micah, Jacob, just started a new job training program and serves at Goodwill working his charm on fellow co-workers and customers their at the shop. Although this program lasts for only about three months, we believe this opportunity remains a great one for him as he continues to pursue his passion for dancing.

Last week, Abigail started her senior year at the local public school. It's hard to believe our youngest has begun school for the last time. She has a great schedule this year and continues to pray and believe for her next steps.

Finally, as many of you are aware, Marcia has been in Japan throughout August. What a joy it has been to see her not only study (internship in nursing) at one of the top three universities in Japan but also reconnecting with old friends and places where she grew up. We want to give a special shout out to Ron and Teddy Sawka, Michelle's sister and brother in law, and to the many others who have taken Marcia under their wing helping her stay in Japan for the month of August to be a great one.  Many, many blessings to all.

Please continue praying for us. The fervent effective prayers of the righteous avails much.

Sincerely,
Mark and Michelle G.

Marcia's trip to Japan!

                                                                God the Rewarder

".....Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him"

Our God and Father is a giver, a blesser, and a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him!

Remember the story of Ruth the Moabitess? She found the Father God to be a great rewarder. In His love, God provided for her in her time of need. He divinely guided her as to where to go, what to do, and who to talk to. In the book of Ruth, we can see how jealously the Father God looks after her and provides protection. He orchestrates redemption and richly restores her in such a beautiful, powerful way.

God, our rewarder, births faith in the heart of the yielded believer. We can know what His will is. I John 5:4 says, "For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith."Just as an automobile warranty guarantee's that the manufacturer, or dealer, will repair or replace defects in your car, faith certifies that the revelation HE birthed in you will come to pass His way. Faith is God's warranty that promises the fulfillment of the revelation He births within your heart.

What is it God has birthed in your heart? For many of us, we cry out to God to heal us, bless our finances, or bring breakthrough to an issue. However, sometimes, we don't really expect good things to happen. In fact, our minds quickly begin to focus on the negative aspects. Doubt and unbelief come in to steal our faith.

Cry out to the Lord for Him to help!!

Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Let the Word of God confront every negative thought and allow faith to come to the situation. In John 20:31, it says, "But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name." May God encourage us and build our faith in His promises in this season.

Marcia's Trip to Japan (July 25th to August 27th)

Thank you for praying for all of us!

God continues to work so graciously in all of our lives. Marcia has been given an especially great opportunity to have an internship in Japan. She will be doing research with nursing students at Tohoku University in Sendai. Thank you for praying for her as she returns to Japan for the first time since she was twelve!! And please pray for her as she makes some great connections for the future.

We are delighted that she will be able to stay with Pastor Mokoto and Ruth Sano in Sendai.  They are the pastors that took over the church we started in Sendai many years ago!! So exciting!  This trip came up quite suddenly and tickets prices were high.  If you want to help Marcie to fund her trip, just send us a private message.  Thank you for your love and prayers!!

God is good all the time!