Author: Rick McPherson

June Newsletter, 2025

    “Restoration often focuses on renewal, recovery and the process of returning something to its original state or a better one.  It can apply to physical objects, relationships, or even one’s inner self.” Ai

     “In the Bible, restoration refers to God’s action of returning something, or someone to their original state or bringing them back to a previous condition often with the sense of unusual circumstances.  It encompasses physical, spiritual and relational aspects, highlighting God’s desire to heal and mend His creation.”

     The theme of restoration recurs throughout the Bible, offering hope and healing to those who have experienced hardship, loss or brokenness (i.e. all of us).  The words “restore” and “restoration” are used over 136 times in the Bible and provides insight to our Father’s intentions for us.

“He restores my soul…”  Psalm 23:3

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation…”  Psalm 51:12

“I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds…”  Jeremiah 30:17

     If you recall your childhood and your parents’ instructions about manners, courtesy and all matters that pertain to civilized life, you will remember repetition.  When something is important you say it over and over again.  Perhaps 136 times to be specific.  Please remember, never forget, restoration is vitally important to God.  In fact as you read through Scripture you see examples of people that were restored.  Think of Saul of Tarsus who became the Apostle Paul.   Or, Peter the fisherman who became a Disciple.  How about Zacchaeus, the tax-collector?  There was also blind Bartimaeus in Jericho and a crippled man by the pool in Bethesda and the list goes on and on.  In fact, it continues through church history and today.  Every one of us is part of God’s restoration plan.

     If you’ve ever tried to restore anything; whether an old wooden boat or leather chair or even an aluminum four barrel carburetor, you know it takes time and effort to do the job.  And don’t forget the cost.  The cost is what causes people to raise their eyebrows and ask, “Is it worth it?”

     Answering that question usually determines whether you attempt the restoration or not.  “Who’s going to pay the bill?” is what folks want to know.  

Remember our definition of restoration…”God’s desire to heal and mend His creation.”  So, who pays the bill?

      The Good News is this…the bill has already been paid.  Through Christ’s sacrifice, the legal demands and consequences of sin have been cancelled and removed, freeing us from condemnation.  (Colossians 2:14)  The author of the old hymn is unknown, but the words are right on…

“He paid a debt He did not owe; I owed a debt I could not pay, I needed someone to wash my sins away…”

     So, the answer to the question, “Is it worth it?” is a resounding “Yes!”  Because you are worth it and God loves you so much that He gave His only Son to die for you and pay for your sin, once and forever.  If you believe in Him you will not perish and have everlasting life.    

*****

PS-

Remember, Rick McPherson RESTORATION podcast on SPOTIFY

Your prayers and financial gifts make this ministry possible.  Thank you!

May Newsletter, 2025

     No matter what language you speak, saying “thank you” is appreciated.  We teach our kids to say, “Please and thank you.”  “What do you say?” my mother would ask as she stared into my eyes.   “Tell the man … say, ‘thank you.’” she insisted.  I would comply and offer my thanks and enjoy another bite of my chocolate chip cookie.  Life lessons are solidified with a touch of sugar. 

     Normally I conclude my monthly newsletters with words of thanks for your prayers and financial support.  Both are greatly appreciated!  If I could say thanks in every known language, I would do it.  However, English is my first and only language, although I attempted French in school and have learned enough Spanish to offend some, conjugating verbs and memorizing vocabulary in other languages let me know that English was challenge enough.  Therefore, I’ll stick to what I know and I’ll do it at the beginning of this newsletter and not the end.

     Your prayers and financial support and very important to this ministry.  We depend on both for our existence.  Because of prayer warriors and donors like you we are able to communicate the truth of God’s love, acceptance and forgiveness.  The recent addition of our podcast on SPOTIFY enables us to reach countless listeners whose lives are improved and they tell us through emails and texts messages that they are listening.  And to think that because of this technology, which is FREE, we can tell the Gospel message to the world!  Recently we learned that there are over 500 people who are following our Facebook videos, weekly posts and newsletters.  Once again, technology is amazing.  And I’m not a tech guy but I know a guy who is. I am a guy with a passion to communicate the message of hope in Jesus to a world that desperately needs to hear it.  Speaking of speaking, I was invited to speak at a local church recently and did so using the topic of RESTORATION, stating that God’s purpose is to bring His kids back and used the return of the prodigal son as an illustration.  After one of the services a young lady approached me and said, “this is the first time I’ve been in church in ten years…thank you for your message on restoration…it really meant a lot!”  

     I only have two strings to play on this instrument.  One is prayer, the other is financial support.   When you pluck one or both it helps us greatly.  The prayer string sets us apart for God’s blessing and provides the means to spiritual results occurring in people’s lives.  Recently we have provided PRAYER STICKERS to remind you to pray for the ministry.  Plus, it serves as a conversation starter as others see it on your laptop or water bottle and ask about it.  The second string is chipping in to help us financially.  Every ministry has a margin and we are no exception to that rule.  Because we are a 501 (c) (3) charitable, non-profit ministry you will receive a giving receipt for your tax purposes.  Some prefer giving by check and mail it to the office each month.  Some even give with cash, which we do not recommend because of security and mail theft.  Others use a credit card which is both safe and convenient and can be processed by calling our office.  And some like to use PayPal for their giving.  Whatever means you use, please know it is much appreciated and helps us do this work.  If you ever have a question or concern…

March Newsletter, 2025

   When it comes to the top ten favorite words for Christians, the word
“discipline” does not appear. Puppy dogs, a day at the beach, hot cocoa and
hammocks in the shade are just way more popular. The thought of effort,
self-sacrifice, and an early morning wake-up call are hard sells in anyone’s lifestyle.
Yet, Dallas Willard and Richard Foster capture in their books, “Celebration of
Discipline” the essence of this truth and show it as the path to spiritual growth.
Anyone who has pursued athletics, music, education, business or life goals will
attest to the fact, without discipline, it is highly unlikely that you will be successful.
Let’s be honest, few Sunday morning sermons are ever preached regarding
self-denial and discipline.
   On one occasion Jesus’ disciples were frustrated because a little mute boy was
brought to them by a distraught father asking for help. When they were
unsuccessful Jesus said, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and
fasting.” (Mark 9:29) The discipline of “fasting” was introduced not only by word
but by example. Jesus regularly fasted and one occasion spent 40 days in the
wilderness after His baptism in spiritual preparation for His temptation by the
devil himself. (Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13) May I suggest that His success
over the temptation was the result of His preparation through prayer and fasting?
Fasting is a fascinating spiritual discipline. It is not required but provided as a
means that yields wonderful spiritual benefits. It can include abstaining from food
or types of food, for periods of time whether days or weeks; denying certain
activities or pleasant habits and some will include entertainment or hobbies.
Fasting is a way to humble you before God as King David did. (Psalm 35:13)
Through fasting the Holy Spirit will reveal your spiritual condition, resulting in
brokenness, repentance and restoration.
Interestingly, Jesus used the word, “kind” when describing the devilish activity
that afflicted the little mute boy. “He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it: ‘Deaf
and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!’”
In this passage, “kind” (Gk.”genos”) typically means family or offspring, race or

people, implying that certain entities are more difficult to cast out and require
prayer and fasting.
   I am of the opinion that one kind of spirit that is common is deception. It is
common because it works so well. People are easily deceived. And it should not
come as a surprise because the enemy of our soul is named Satan, the Deceiver of
the whole world. (Rev.12:9) Why should he devise new techniques to thwart us
when deception works so well? Jesus said, “…for he is a liar and the father of it.”
(John 8:44) In other words, you can’t believe a word he says!
Here’s the Good News! These are Jesus’ words…

“And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)
“Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
“I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father,except through Me.” (John 14:6)

The means we have to overcome the deception of the enemy is the truth of
Jesus; His person, His Word, His Cross, His Resurrection, His Victory over sin.

(…to be continued…)
***** 

 

February Newsletter, 2025

   “What, me worry?” is a slogan associated with the fictional character Alfred E. Neuman, the mascot of American humor magazine Mad. The character’s distinctive features include a gap-toothed smile, freckles, red hair, and protruding ears. He first appeared in advertisements for painless dentistry and has been one of the most recognized cartoon faces in the world since 1956. Although the phrase means, “I’m not worried” it appears to be a contradiction to a world where worry is epidemic.
Will Rogers, actor and humorous social commentator said, “I know worrying works because none of the stuff I worried about ever happened.”
   I don’t think that Alfred and Will ever met, but they shared a common understanding that worry is pointless. So why do we do it? Perhaps it’s because we question who is in control of our lives and especially our tomorrows.
There is no doubt that as we travel down the path of life we experience difficult things. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV) He preceded that sentence with, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace.”
When I was a young pastor I came across this phrase…

“When in a fix…Philippians 4:6”
   I can’t say whether it is original or not and if I knew the source I would certainly give credit, but nonetheless, it’s a good one! Trust me, I’ve been in plenty of “fixes” in my seven decades of life and it works. It is the antidote for worry.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication,
with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

PRAYER STICKERS AVAILABLE
   As a prayer aid we have PRAYER STICKERS. Since we introduced these last month supporters of the ministry have responded and now they’re appearing everywhere, like the tail-gate on this Texas truck! The PRAYER STICKER is not only a reminder to pray for Rick McPherson RESTORATION and the ministry; it is also a conversation starter that will help you tell the RESTORATION story of Jesus and what a difference He has made in your life since He made you new. (Rev. 21:5)
   If you would like a sticker or two or three, please use the reply envelope or the website: pacificnwoutreach.org and indicate what stickers you want. Use them anywhere; laptop, water bottle, bumper, mirror or fridge. Be creative!
You can even send me a picture. Have fun! If you can chip in with a donation to help defray the costs, that would be great.

*****

 

January Newsletter, 2025

      You never know what will pop up on your email. The other day I had two,
from Uganda in Africa. No, no, not the kind where someone has died and you’re
the only heir and you’ve inherited a truck load of money! These were
complimentary and the result of the Rick McPherson RESTORATION Podcast that
is on Spotify. Half way around the world the message of God’s love, acceptance
and forgiveness was received via technology and hearing my voice, recorded in
my basement. Both individuals said they loved the Podcast and their family
members did, too. Amazing.
      Then, I was due for a new phone and went to the Verizon store. The young
man who helped me, asked, “So, what do you do?”
I said, “Well…I’m a logger, from Coos Bay, Oregon.”
We both chuckled, recalling the line from an old Ray Stevens’ song.
“No, really, what do you do?” He pressed.
“I direct a charitable; non-profit that helps people physically and spiritually. And,
I do a weekly Podcast on Spotify,” I said.
      The rest of the conversation included information about the Podcast and how
he could find it and listen to it and tell his Dad about it, who also happened to be
a car guy, and how he thought his Dad would like it, as well. End of conversation
and conclusion of phone transaction. Then, yesterday he called me and said,
“Hey, I’ve been listening to your Podcast and I really like it. It’s interesting. And, I
like the way you work in the ‘spiritual’ stuff.”
      I must admit when I started to do these Podcasts on Spotify and now, iHeart
radio, I had no idea that they would be so far-reaching. I was responding to a
mandate I felt the Lord gave me from Scripture, “…be witnesses…to the end of the
earth.” Acts 1:8 In “faith” I shared my directive with family and friends and
started. Now, the response is global, local and personal. People have been
praying, responding and supporting this ministry and I’m overwhelmed.

      As a way to say thank you and to remind you to continue praying for this
ministry we have several very cool, PRAYER STICKERS that we are offering to you.
You can stick them anywhere…laptop, water-bottle, refrigerator door, car
bumper, tool-box, ice-chest or mirror; anywhere! When you see the sticker it will
remind you to pray for this ministry…

Rick McPherson RESTORATION

      I’m also reminded that these stickers will be a tool that you can use to talk to
people about the restoration mission of Jesus Christ. He did come into the world
to save sinners, right? He is not willing that any should perish, right? You and I
are salt and light, right? It is possible to know Him, personally, right?
Many of you have helped us financially to enable this ministry. PNWO, Inc.
exists because of your generosity. Thank you! If you would like one of the new
PRAYER STICKERS, pictured here, please indicate your choice and use the reply
envelope or contact us on-line: www.pacificnwoutreach.org If you can chip in to
help defray the extra cost that would be great!
Now, I’m going to Verizon and talk to my friend, about…”spiritual” stuff.

*****

November Newsletter, 2024

     Not long ago I taught a foundations class at a local church. I used the three principles of; love, acceptance and forgiveness. If you are a regular reader of these newsletters, you are not unfamiliar with these because they form the basis of everything we do in this ministry. All of them are action words. Each requires us to do something. Or, as my wife would say, “If you really love me, please, take out the garbage!” And, to coin a phrase, “Talk is cheap.” It was James who said, simply, “Faith without works is dead.” (2:26)

     I must admit, these principles motivate me to do this ministry. When I service the truck, fuel the truck, load the truck, drive the truck and deliver the truck to a Native American reservation it is fulfilling; and particularly at Christmas, when the contents of the load are toys, gifts and supplies. Dale Evans, said, “Christmas, my child, is love in action!” Now, that’s profound when you think, “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…” (John 3:16) Christmas is the celebration of God’s gift to mankind, Jesus. God didn’t just talk about how much He loved us, He did something, and He took action and gave us His Son as the Savior of the world. Yes, love in action!

     With that in mind, our plans are set to receive toys and gifts and deliver them to the children and families at the Quinault Indian Nation, north of Aberdeen on the Pacific Coast. The nation includes descendants of the Quinault, Queets, Hoh, Quileute, Chehalis, Chinook and Cowlitz tribes. Additionally we will deliver Christmas goods and toys to the Celilo Indian Village, on the Columbia River in northeastern Wasco County. Most residents of Celilo are members of either the Yakama Nation or Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Some are members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, or the Nez Perce tribe.
What a joy to be a part of love in action!

     Additionally…let me say a huge THANK YOU! Your faithful and generous financial gifts enable us to do this ministry. And, your prayers are cherished. Thank you again and God bless you abundantly for partnering with us. Recently, we have received responses from across the country and even internationally. One man wrote from Uganda, Africa, saying, “Thank you for the great message. We love you here in Uganda, especially at our home.” Another said, “Thank you for your teaching.”

All of this is the result of technology and what the Lord said to me, two years ago; “…you shall be witnesses to me…to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8

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October Newsletter, 2024

    Call me childish if you will, but who can resist a giant teddy bear? When I saw it, I laughed out loud. “Okay!” I exclaimed. “That’s going to be the BEST gift, ever!” It thrilled the child that received it, and rightly so. Every year when I retrieve the Christmas gifts for the Native children, I always look for big teddy bears. I also look for bicycles, games, skate-boards, scooters and action figures. They’re all there and it warms my heart to load the truck, travel the miles and distribute toys and gifts to children on the Reservations for Christmas.

“What?” you say, “Christmas?” “Already?” Yes sir, it’s the most wonderful time of the year! Because, Christmas is all about giving. “Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.” Robin Sharma, author of: “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari.”

    This year we’re planning to serve two Reservations in the Pacific Northwest; Quinault and Yakama. We’ve been selected again to receive toys from two local TV stations and a large tire distribution center. This enables us to bless countless families and their children, not only with toys and gifts, but also with grocery items, boots, clothing and household items that we add to the loads. It all provides a wonderful Christmas blessing to Native Americans.

    Would you like to be involved? Your financial gift, regardless of the amount, combined with others, enables us to do this ministry. None of us can do everything, but all of us can do something. Thank you for your generous support and for praying for this ministry. By the way, be sure and check out the newly revised and updated website: pacificnwoutreach.org. It features newsletters, pictures, articles and the media ministry that is now available on Spotify, Facebook, iHeart radio and Instagram. Our weekly Podcast: Rick McPherson RESTORATION is a, “witness…to the end of the earth” Acts 1:8, and is improving lives with the truth of God’s love, acceptance and forgiveness.

***

In our thoughts and prayers…
    The devastation of Hurricanes, Helene and Milton is catastrophic. Many fellow citizens are without water, electricity and communication. If you would like to help, may we suggest the following: American Red Cross, The Samaritan’s Purse and Convoy of Hope. These are all reputable and your donations will be used as you intended. Continue to pray for the families.

Prayer for Difficult Times

“Dear Lord, You know all that I am dealing with.

You know that there are things happening that are beyond my control.

Please help me to accept what I can’t change.

Help me turn my worry time to prayer time.

Please help me so these things don’t steal my joy.

Help me to keep my eyes fixed on You. I give You my stress.

I give You my disappointments.

I give You my frustrations and sadness and ask for Your peace.

May Your will be done.

In Jesus’ Name I pray.” ~selected

“When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.” – Maya Angelou

September Newsletter, 2024

     Our recent outreach trip to the Celilo Indian Village was a great success, thanks to you!  Last month I described our intentions to provide back-packs for the children as they headed back to school.  Thirty-five was the total needed, including Texas Instruments calculators for the eight high school students.  Each had pencils, notebooks, highlighters, rulers, folders and pens included.  We even had a selection of red, black, olive green and navy colors, from which to choose.  In addition we were able to deliver half- a- truck load of fresh groceries, including: fruit, vegetables, eggs, bread, meat and pastries.  It was a bonanza load for the families who live on the Columbia River and the Yakama Reservation.  Our contacts, Fred and Karen Whitford were overwhelmed.  And what a joy it was to bless them, because of your generosity.

     The costs of the trip were outside our monthly budget, but we told you of the need and your response was very strong.  Even the fuel costs (which can give you a major headache these days every time you fill up) were covered.  So, thank you, sincerely, for your GENEROUS GIVING!  Be reminded that what we do is motivated by God’s love, acceptance and forgiveness.  The trips, the grocery boxes, boots, clothing, hats, gloves and yes, back-packs are all provided to show the heart of compassion and caring from our Heavenly Father.  St. Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the Gospel at all times!  If necessary, use words.”  He also said, “For it is in giving that we receive.  Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take nothing with you that you have received—only what you have given.”

     Understanding that, we load up the Peterbilt or the Ford E450 and head down the Interstate or through a mountain pass to reach a remote destination and deliver; “… the gospel to the poor…” (Luke 4:18) from the back of a truck!   And, if it wasn’t for your generous giving, the ministry could not be done.  Thank you!  

MEDIA MINISTRY

     At the bottom of this page you will see the various media links that are available (bottom right of the website) . When the Lord impressed on my heart to pursue this new venue, I was terrified.  I knew nothing about this world of technology.  What I did know was what He impressed on my heart from Acts 1:8 “…you shall be witnesses…to the end of the earth.”  Okay!  How?  

     In the old days of missiology, a candidate would go to language school for a couple of years, learn the culture, itinerate to raise support and then “go” to some location,”…to the end of the earth…” far, far away and leave family and friends; to  live and preach the gospel.  Many missionaries have done exactly this and many souls have been saved.  Thank God for the sacrifices that these dear people have made.  Only Heaven knows the results of their work.

     Now, technology enables me to sit in my basement and speak into a microphone and the gospel message is sent via computer podcast, “…to the end of the earth…”  Remarkable!  To date we have done thirty-five podcasts on Spotify and recently iHeart radio has picked up the program and is broadcasting it as well.  I am also able to do a regular video on Face Book.  Additionally, our ministry is seen on Instagram and our PNWO website.  The response has been very encouraging as viewers from across the country and literally around the world hear the Good News.  And it’s all possible because of generous giving from friends who supplied the computer and recording equipment for the podcasts, a gifted grandson who guides me through the technological world, and a loving wife who is patient with me…and you, for believing in this ministry.

     

*****

August Newsletter, 2024 

Just after the Louisiana Purchase, President Thomas Jefferson sent the Lewis and Clark expedition to cross the newly acquired western portion of the country. The Corps of Discovery was a select group of U.S. Army and civilian volunteers who went up the Missouri River across the Continental Divide eventually coming to the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean in 1805. Six months later they returned home after enduring one of the wettest winters ever at Fort Clatsop, Oregon. During their expedition they traded their horses to the Nez Perce Indians for burned out logs (canoes) which they used to reach the Pacific. Without the dams on the Columbia River the trip included treacherous waterfalls that required the Corps to portage the heavy canoes around what would have been certain death. One of the waterfalls was in Central Oregon at a village called, Celilo, on the Yakama Reservation. The Natives fished for Salmon in the Columbia River and were curious and friendly when they encountered the Corps. Thinking they would try to float over the falls the Natives lined up on the shores of the river to watch, “the crazy white men”, killed in the turbulent water. Miraculously none of the Corps were killed and the portage was successful.

When I drive the Peterbilt truck through the Gorge headed to Celilo I’m reminded of the history and the struggle that the Native Americans represent. For many years we have helped them with groceries, household supplies, boots and clothing. At Christmas we arrive with gifts and toys for the children. When it’s time for school we load up back-packs, calculators and groceries. And, it’s that time, again! Really?

Many of us are thinking yesterday was the 4th of July and now…back to school? Tomorrow will be Thanksgiving and Christmas and the New Year will arrive. I know it makes your head spin. “Time flies, when you’re having fun!” Speaking of which, let me invite you to join us, having fun, and blessing the children at Celilo Indian Village. We have purchased 35 backpacks, filled with school supplies, including Texas calculators for the 7 High School students. Pencils, pens, notebooks, paper, highlighters, rulers, folders and crayons fill each backpack for the elementary children. The backpacks come in various colors, including, black, red, navy and olive green. They are high quality and durable. If I was going back to school, I’d want one, for sure!
I know there are many of you who would like to participate in this great ministry and blessing. The schedule is set and this week I’ll be delivering, not only groceries, but the backpacks and supplies to the Native children. We’ve got that part covered, including the diesel fuel for the truck.

Here’s where we need your help. Please pray! Please give!

Each backpack costs $30.00 (X35=$1,050)
Each calculator costs $20.00 (X7=$140)

So, the total costs for the trip (not including diesel fuel) are $1,190
I know these are tough economic times, for everyone. But anything that you can do will make a big difference for us. Your generous giving enables us to do this ministry. THANK YOU FOR HELPING THESE KIDS GO BACK TO SCHOOL!

Now, I’m going to find my copy of UNDAUNTED COURAGE by Stephen Ambrose and read some more history about Lewis & Clark.

****