Tag: Biblical Restoration

July Newsletter, 2025

          When flash floods swept through the Texas Hill Country in the early morning hours on the 4th of July, dumping 7” of rain in 45 minutes and causing the Guadalupe River to rise over 28 feet the resulting devastation was horrific and catastrophic.  During the rescue operations, flying MH-65E Dolphin helicopters, the U.S. Coast Guard rescued people from trees, flooded buildings and swift currents.  One video showed a crew member rescuing a child from a tree who asked the rescue swimmer, “Is there room for my teddy bear?”

        Tragically the death toll has exceeded 135 including dozens of girls from Camp Mystic.  The loss of life and devastation to the area is overwhelming.  Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated during the recovery and rebuilding stage.  Our hearts are broken and we extend sincere condolences to the many families who have lost loved ones.  Because my wife and I lived and ministered in Texas for many years, we are very familiar with the Hill Country and have been involved in countless camps, seminars and retreats.  We have many friends who still live and minister in the immediate area.  Let me recommend three reputable groups that you can donate to that will help.

*CONVOY OF HOPE … providing immediate aid, water, food and hygiene supplies.  Contact @ConvoyofHope

*MERCY CHEFS …serving hot meals to families and first responders.    Contact @mercychefs

*LIVING WATERS CHURCH …Pastors Mike & Tammy Burroughs – 108 Aqua Vista Dr., Kerrville, TX 78028 (830)792-5030  

THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU!

*****

BACK TO SCHOOL!  CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?

     For many years we have provided back-packs for the children at Celilo Indian Village on the Yakama Reservation, The Dalles, Oregon.  This year is no exception.  I know time flies and yesterday was Memorial Day and tomorrow is Labor Day!  Where did the Summer go?  Nontheless we are now planning to purchase and give these back-packs that are filled with:  pens, pencils, notebooks, folders, eraser, glue-stick, ruler, pencil sharpener, scissors, highlighter, crayons and headphones.  Cost:  $600.00 for 26 children or $23.08 each.   Will you help us?  Your donation, no matter the amount, will enable us to minister to these families.  Thank you for your generosity and God bless you!

DON’T FORGET SPOTIFY AND FACEBOOK/INSTAGRAM

     We are very encouraged with the podcast on Spotify and iHeart radio.  If you haven’t had a chance to catch the podcast (we’ve aired over 50 so far) be sure and tune in.  Just go to your App Store and load Spotify, it’s FREE, then type in Rick McPherson, RESTORATION or Pacific NW Outreach and the program will come right up for you…click and enjoy.    What a privilege to share the Good News and help improve lives with the truth of God’s love, acceptance and forgiveness!

FINALLY…!

      Just a gentle reminder to remember our ministry with your prayers and financial donations.   We rely on our friends who help us with their gifts to sustain this work and ministry outreach.  We can’t do it without you.  So, thanks again!

****

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…