Mark & Michelle Gulland: 2014

Saturday, December 27, 2014

End-of-the-Year Seed

Dear Partners,

I am writing you this final blog for 2014 today because of the compassion and commitment you share with us in this season here in Mississippi.

Thank you for being one who truly understands the awesome power of partnership together as we accomplish what God has for us in this hour.

Our enemy, the devil, is working harder than ever to kill, steal, and destroy the abundance God has for us. But, we are resolved to press forward. Our assignment to share and make Him known (through Japanese translation, serving at Ballet Magnificat) while getting the educational needs met for our children has never been more crucial than right now. And, we are facing every challenge with a knowing of God`s provision and generosity of friends like you.

As we come to the end of this year, we are excited and in anticipation of our Father God`s miracle provision. He has given us a dream for the future ------ I want to share the pure and genuine Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and care for orphans. (James 1:27) This has truly been burned into my heart by the Holy Spirit.

I want to help restore broken lives through the Word of God here in Mississippi and America.
I want to be a part of changing the destiny of nations through teaching and demonstrating the love of Father God. (Japan and other nations) I did not know how connected we would be staying with Japan through translation work.
I want to activate believers in gaining confidence in hearing the voice of God and releasing abundance for Kingdom purpose.

I know God will do exceedingly and abundantly above what we could ask or even imagine.

However, this dream comes with a significant price.

It really does cost to care. And, that is why I need you help, right now!

As you consider your End-of-the-Year seed in these next few days, its important to remember that when & what you sow is important.

By sowing now, you can help accomplish some very important things:

You will help move the mountain facing us in getting caught-up here in MS. (Gal. 6:8)
You will, by sowing a seed, get the new year started off right and schedule a harvest when you need it most. (I Kings 17)
Your support will help us move forward with confidence this next year. We will also able to provide you with an extra tax deduction.

Thank you for your generous, faithful support.

GIVING

Your one-time gift, or monthly support, makes a real difference!

Please make out checks to "Antioch International Ministries" and designate on a separate piece of paper that your gift goes to "Mark and Michelle Gulland". We receive 100% of all monies given. All gifts are tax-deductible!

Send Support To:

Antioch International Ministries
246 Cowden Road
New Wilmington, PA 16142

Our personal contact information is:

Mark and Michelle Gulland
209 Glenwood Drive
Madison, MS 39110
P 601-559-1248
markgulland@gmail.com

Expect the harvest of our Loving Heavenly Father!!

Love,
Mark (Michelle) Gulland

P.S.
Happy New Year!

Saturday, November 29, 2014

Prayer and Thanksgiving!

Dear Friends in Christ,

Ephesians 3:14 - 19 speaks of Apostle Paul`s prayer for spiritual growth. That is our prayer for you. I am so thankful for each of you in my life. It is hard to imagine that while we in America have been able to enjoy this Thanksgiving holiday weekend, in most every other country in the world (including the Japanese Nissan members that I translate for) it has been just another weekend.

It`s so important to take a few moments to be grateful for the many ways God has been good to us. I am thankful for my wife, my family, my home, and where it is that God has placed us here in Mississippi for this time.

I am especially grateful for your love and the many ways you have supported and blessed us in our ministry. Know that you are on our hearts and minds this Holiday season!

BALLET MAGNIFICAT

This year, BM is joining with the Salvation Army to put on a unique performance to recognize and honor their history and ministry. It is combining their Christmas program with a few new dances to convey the history of the Salvation Army to be a blessing in the community.

Many of the tutus and other costumes Michelle has had a part in making will be used in this performance. In fact, the tutus she made this fall are already being used for the trainee program in which Jake is a part. We bless BM as they minister this season and we are proud of Michelle's hard work.

FAMILY

Marcia is applying, and has been accepted, to various colleges. She will also have a violin recital at the Church (Christ-life) on the 14th of December.

Meanwhile, Jacob is well into his first year of being a trainee at Ballet Magnificat. Everyday, they have worship and Bible study. Just the other day, Teen challenge came and ministered to all the trainees. On Tuesdays, the trainees break into separate groups. He is learning various doctrinal concepts in the Bible. He is really becoming quite the Bible scholar. Now in December he will be performing almost daily in various local places. It is a joy to see him taking the challenge of ministry and dance.

HONOR AND JOY TO CO-LABOR WITH YOU

We count ourselves so blessed that you pray for us and give to us so faithfully. We give Him all the glory and thank Him for each one of you. We declare your health, your prosperity, and your breakthrough victories in every area of your life. (Luke 6:38)

BELIEVING GOD FOR.....

Greater Kingdom Impact: In translating Japanese, cleaning at the church, BM, etc.
Increased Finances: to get caught up in important areas (particularly education costs)
New Vision & Strategies for 2015: God has put Third-world nations on our heart. Also, Japan.

GIVING

Your one-time gift, or monthly support, makes a real difference!

With love,

Mark Gulland (Michelle)

Sunday, October 12, 2014

The Pouring out of God`s Spirit

"In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants - men and women alike - and they will prophecy." Acts 2:18

Dear Friends,

This verse is right in the middle of an incredible passage that Peter shouts out following the Day of Pentecost. He was quoting what was spoken by the prophet Joel.

In a time of prayer Mark and I (Michelle) where having, I felt the Lord tell me to look up this verse (Acts 2:18). I was surprised when I saw this so clearly. Jesus is saying He will pour out His Spirit on His servants and they shall prophecy!

It did not seem like we were getting anywhere in our time of prayer. In fact, it seemed as if our appeals to the Lord we were making was just falling flat. Hard to explain. But then, in that moment, the direction came, from the Lord, to "PROPHECY".

Perhaps we have forgotten the awesome tool we have been given from the Lord to actually bring His Kingdom to us, our families, our businesses, ministries, schools, nations, etc., God wants us to prophecy and declare the Word of the Lord! By doing this, it is as if we speaking the mind of Christ over our situations.

Rather than continuing to make an appeal in prayer, receive the pouring out of the Spirit & PROPHECY! As I did, there was something that rose up inside of me & I began to speak out the truth of what I knew God was saying to our situation. By speaking it out verbally, it does something to silence the voice of satan; the accuser.

Doubt and fear that was against us began to give way to faith in Him. Let that faith nurture and grow. The creative power of God is released when we prophecy. God spoke and it was established. Use your voice and declare the Kingdom of God over each area of concern in your life! It is powerful!

CHRISTIAN INTERNATIONAL (October 22 - 25)

Michelle and Marcia will be heading to Christian International Ministries for their annual gathering of Apostles and Prophets. I know this time will prove to be very special. We covet your prayers as we go. Also, we ask for prayer for the rest staying behind.

Your giving makes this possible!

We believe God and are sure this time will be a great opportunity to connect, refresh, and stir up the gifts in us...

FAMILY UPDATE (PRAYER)

Samantha - She`s back to work and connected in the local Church here.
Jake - He has begun the Trainee program at Ballet Magnificat. He is learning much and looking for a friend.
Marcia - She is a senior working hard in her last year of High School. Pray for the leading of the Holy Spirit in choosing a college/university next year.
Abigail - She continues her home-school program and remains very active in Ballet Magnificat!

BELIEVING GOD FOR.........

Sponsorship for Jacob`s Trainee program at Ballet Magnificat! The trainee program at Ballet Magnificat is much like a Bible school. It runs from September to May. Jacob is believing for $1800 to pay for this nine month school year. Tuition is $145 per month. And, if you include some supplies, the monthly payment will come to about $200. If you would like to give toward this opportunity for Jacob, just designate on a small piece of paper that your gift goes to Jacob, and we will be sure he gets it. Thanks.
Japan - 2015! After being out of Japan for nearly five years, we feel God is leading us to make a short-term visit. We look forward to getting caught up on any unfinished business concerning our cabin at the missionary retreat area where we will reside near Sendai, Japan. We also look forward to visiting with as many of the believers we have connected with through the years as we have worked in church planting and outreach. Finally, if possible, I look forward to seeing any new friends I have met through Japanese translating at the plant located here in Mississippi.

It will take an earnest effort on all of our part to make this trip a reality. Please pray for us as we seek to do His will in all things. We look to give further details as they come available in the days ahead. If you would like to give toward this trip, please designate on a piece of paper "Japan- 2015" and we will be sure to put in a special account for this purpose. Our giving information is given below.

Please pray as to your involvement and partnership in these two crucial areas in which we are believing God for in the days ahead! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We love being in partnership with you.

GIVING

Your one-time gift, or monthly support, makes a real difference!

With love,

Mark Gulland (Michelle)

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Let your Praise Change the Atmosphere!

Dear Friend and Prayer Warrior,

Michelle, Jacob, and I just returned from the Ramp Conference in Hamilton, Alabama. This high-impact, high-energy event really shook us from our complacency and led us into a raw encounter with God.

On the final night of the event, the place exploded with violent praise and worship. In fact, the worship leader could no longer lead as the band played with all their heart, soul, and mind to the Lord.

This lead to an invitation to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. What an amazing, powerful time as many were visibly moved and touched by the presence of God and spoke in a heavenly language.

In Psalms 150, it says,

"Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heaven! Praise him for his mighty works; praise his unequaled greatness! Praise him with a blast of the ram`s horn; praise him with the lyre and harp! Praise him with the tambourine and dancing; praise him with strings and flutes! Praise him with a clash of cymbals; praise him with loud clanging cymbals. Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!"

So, if you feel like you stuck in your circumstance, just begin to worship! Allow God to breathe new life into you and strengthen you for the journey ahead!

This actually came after a great time of "21 days of prayer" at Christ life Church of the Highlands! We gathered each weekday morning, and on Saturday morning, to pray and seek the Lord as we move into the fall and winter.

We thank God for this awesome time in His presence.

JACOB- Trainee Program at Ballet Magnificat

The NACD program Jacob has been in is coming to an end. And, although he will continue working on school in the evenings, he will start the trainee program at Ballet Magnificat on a full-time basis.
Please pray for him as he starts in this new direction.

The trainee program at Ballet Magnificat is much like a Bible school. It runs from September to May. Jacob is believing for $1800 to pay for this nine month school year. Tuition is $145 per month. And, if you include some supplies, the monthly payment will come to about $200.

We are unsure if he can keep a job at the same time as participating in the school and studying in the evening. If you would like to help Jacob reach his goals, we are looking for a sponsor (or sponsors) who might be able to fund this activity. If you would like to help, please let us know.

Also, if you would like to to commit to pray for him, that would be greatly appreciated and very needed. We thank God for Jake and look forward to this next season.

FAMILY

Meanwhile, Samantha is doing well. Since returning from Australia, she has secured a part-time job and remains very active in praise and worship at the Church. Marcia has entered her senior year in high school. Abigail is excited to dance! In fact, she is hoping to compete in ballet this next year.

We thank God for you! Thank you for standing with us as we continue on the Lord here!

GIVING

Your one-time gift, or monthly support, makes a real difference!

With love,

Mark Gulland (Michelle)

Monday, June 30, 2014

Dear Friend and Partner,

"Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world." James 1:27

It`s hard to believe we moved to Mississippi via Pennsylvania via Japan just three years ago. Although it has been in my heart to get back to Japan as soon as possible, God is making it clear that He has sent us here for "such a time as this."

I believe He is upgrading us, in the spiritual realm, and bringing us into a greater place of intimacy with Him. I am learning that our move here was not just for our son Jacob`s sake, but that it is a time that God can work in us and re-orientate some directions in terms of what we must do in the days ahead.

God continues to open a door to translate Japanese at the nearby Nissan Manufacturing plant in Canton, MS. I am close to many Japanese men everyday. Michelle, as you know, cleans the church we attend and sews at Ballet Magnificat. And, we all seek to love and be in His presence.

We truly thank God for you. We will keep the testimonies, etc., going to you via FB. And, we look forward to staying in touch with you!

INTERNATIONAL BALLET COMPANY (IBC)

We just spent the last couple of weeks encouraging Jacob and Abigail as they participated in the 2014 USA International Ballet Company (IBC) Dance School. At the end of the program, Jacob and Abigail both received scholarships to the Oklahoma City Ballet School Summer Program for the summer 2015. Out of the around 270 students, 15 scholarships were given out of which two of them went to Jake and Abbie.

I thank God for the Glory of the Lord being seen through the art of dance and ballet. Pray for them as they begin Ballet Magnificat`s summer intensive program this weekend.

WELCOME HOME SAMANTHA

We look forward to Samantha`s return after finishing a

semester at Hillsong. Although she enjoyed it much and would have liked to stay, she felt God leading her not to stay for second semester and will be coming home on the 7th of July.

She is believing God for her return ticket. She needs about $1350.00. If you would like to help her with this expense, she would really appreciate it. Just let us know, and we will pass it along.

We are looking forward to seeing her again. We feel confident that God's hand is on her as she returns to MS. She has learned a lot and will be interesting to see the new season manifest.

TRIP TO OH/PA

Thank you for your love and friendship. We thank God for you and really need your prayers daily. In July, the 20th to the 30th, we look forward to heading to OH & PA to see friends and family. We are so excited to catch up with you. Please pray for us as we make the trip.

GIVING

Your one-time gift, or monthly support, makes a real difference!

With love,

Mark Gulland (Michelle)

Monday, May 19, 2014

Open Letter from Samantha

Dear Friends & Prayer Warriors,

Here is letter from Samantha at Hillsong in Australia:

"Hillsong has been the place for God to mold me and shape me into who He wants me to be like never before. It's like He has begun to shape my foundation according to how strong He wants it to be. it hasn't been the easiest or most fun experience in my life, but it has surely been a great one.

When i arrived here, i was shown the apartment that i would be living in for the next six months. It was a beautiful place, and i felt like i was a very fancy city girl. However, there was nothing to sit on except the carpet in the living room. God had to teach me how to pray for the things i was going to need and broadened my view to be more thankful with what i have got, and what i am given by Him. There has been no other time in my life that i have been placed in a position of deep thankfulness to Him for the littlest of things taken for granted.

The courses here at college have given me new perspective for myself and where i stand in this world. I had been told many times before that i am a leader, but doubtfully brushed it off. Now, i know what it means to be a leader - not just a leader in general, but what it means for me personally. I am more confident in the placement and calling that God has me in!

God has been taking me through a time of leaning on him for everything, and trusting in him in a deeper way. Although some moments i have felt as though i was falling, or on the edge of a cliff, God has taught me and still is teaching me how to look to Him and rely on what He says.

i just want to say thank you to all who have supported me in coming here, and who have invested in my time here at Hillsong college. Words cannot describe how thankful i am for you all who have given towards my future - and please know that it has not gone to waste. It has blessed me in ways beyond expression. Thank you.

Although i am still waiting on God's answers for where he wants to take me next, i know that he is faithful to take care of me in every step. At the moment, i am hoping to stay here for second semester to finish out the year."

SPECIAL NOTE

Thank you for partnering with Samantha!

II Corinthians 9:6 says, "...But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop."

Samantha is believing God and hoping to stay for second semester. For this to happen, she needs to raise $2,750 by the beginning of July. If you would like to partner with Samantha and sow a seed, she would be grateful.

If you feel led of God and would like to pledge toward this effort, please contact her or us, Mark and Michelle, by June 15th and share of your desire.

God is so good!!!

Many blessings to you all!

Mark and Michelle

The easiest way to get ahold of Samantha is by Facebook. She would love to hear from you!