Randy Don Ministries

New Year

2011-01-03T20:30:00.004-05:00

Dear friends,

It is possible to face the New Year without fear. If you could find satisfaction, if you could have a companion who would always be with you and who would never let you down. Just think about a companion who is able to meet all your needs. If you could have this satisfaction and companion; couldn’t you face the New Year without fear?

What is fear?

Webster’s dictionary says: An unpleasant feeling of anxiety or apprehension caused by the presence or anticipation of danger.

And why do we fear?

Philippians 4:6, 7 “do not be anxious (fearful) about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

The one who gives satisfaction and the one who will be your companion is Jesus Christ. All you have to do is invite him into your life. If you have Jesus Christ as your savior you can face the New Year without fear.

Hebrews 13:5-6 “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. 6 So we say with confidence, the Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. “
So let us face this New Year without fear and trust that God is who he says he is…

We love you and thank God for each and every one of you…Happy New Year!
Randy and Lori DonGiovanni

December 7 Update

2010-12-07T11:00:00.000-05:00

As we walk through life we try our best to do the right things, say the right things, and live the right way. There are things we wish we could take back. But the things we watch, hear, say, can sometimes come back to hurt us or harm us…

Psalms 141:3 “Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.”

"Randy, Your message Friday night was very touching. I can admit that I have been having trouble with my walk with God and when I came to youth convention and heard your messaged I realized that there are things I do need to fix and I want to thank you for the message you gave. Like you said THE THINGS THAT YOU PUT IN COME BACK OUT and I know what that’s like because I have done it and I am not happy with the choice I made. Whether it was the cuss words or talking about the wrong things I have done all of it. And I can't figure out how to get away from it. Do you have any tips for me to walk away from these things? I am ready to walk away and be in a better walk with God. Thank you for all you did this weekend and I hope to hear you speak again sometime soon.”

Mikayla – Kansas

Our prayer during this holiday season is that God will help us guard our speech by filling our hearts and minds with the hope and joy of Jesus, whose birth we celebrate. “Behold I bring you good news of great joy for all the people; to you is born this day in the city of David a savior, who is Christ, the Lord.” Luke 2: 10 & 11

Randy and Lori DonGiovanni

When God is in it, everything falls into place.

2010-11-15T21:57:00.000-05:00

“I was raised in the church. I went to Sunday school, I went to youth group in middle school, I was part of the church. Last year, at a retreat, one of the girls in my youth group told me something. She told me that I would never be good enough. She said that I was annoying, and ugly, and that everyone hated me. That was when I gave up. I stopped going to church, I stopped talking to my friends, I stopped trying to have any connection with God because I felt like I would never be good enough for Him to care. I felt like I was one grain of sand in the Atlantic Ocean, and that one would ever give me a chance. On August 15, 2010, my friend Alex invited me to come to his church. I don't know what happened, but I think it was God who told me that I had to go. It was the first time I would be going to church in over 8 months. I can honestly say that Alex led me back to God. It was like getting hit with a 2x4 in the face. God told me right then that I needed to start going to church again. So I started going with Alex, and I became involved with Res. Life and for once, I finally felt like I was part of a family again. But I still wasn't getting the full effect of God in my life. I was invited to come to Uprising, expecting just a fun weekend to hang out and praise God. But it was so much more than that. On Saturday night of Uprising, you talked about dreams, and you talked about how people will always try and sabotage them. I know what that's like. I had always wanted to have more pride in myself, but every time I tried, someone would tear me down completely. That Saturday night, you talked about dreams. That night, I surrendered. I stopped trying to run my own life, and decided let God run it for me. I walked away from Uprising with a new sense of pride, with the feeling that no one can tear me down because I have God on my side. I just wanted to thank you for that. :)”

Caitlin – Grand Haven MI

What I love about God is, he give us a way when there seems to be no way!

Love all of you,

Randy

Update November 9, 2010

2010-11-09T13:29:00.003-05:00

“I wanted to share my testimony. It is nice for people to pray for my life and to show people that no one’s life is perfect, but God can change us no matter the circumstances.

My step father and mother argued a lot. I grew up in a mentally and physically abusive household. I was always beaten by my stepfather when my mother was at work

I dated to feel loved by someone. I ended up becoming addicted to sex and tried to please my boyfriends, Four months after my sixteenth birthday on October 27, 2008 I got saved. From there on November 15, 2009 I spoke in tongues for the first time, and on November 16, 2009 I was baptized in water. When I finally knew who God was my whole life changed. It had its up and downs, but God changed me forever. The man who molested me I was able to forgive because of the help of God. God has given me hope, love, strength, faith, and truth. This past weekend in has been amazing. This retreat has been an eye opening for me. I had just recently kind of felt a little lost from God. And since Randy let God use him to speak truth in our lives I got the opportunity to wake up. To again see God in the perspective that he wants me to see him in. God is all things and everything! I am only 18 years old, but the important thing is that God saved me. I like the traveling to help others. I have the passion to do more. I am so tired of sitting. Thank you for breathing into my life and telling me I am someone special! “

Anna –South Jersey

Update November 1, 2010

2010-11-01T11:28:00.000-04:00

They say the Dreams are: A series of images, ideas, emotions, and sensations occurring involuntarily in the mind during certain stages of sleep.

Don’t take dreams from God lightly. In Genesis 37 Joseph has a dream. There’s one problem; Joseph shares his dream with the wrong people. People will sometimes sabotage, steal, and even try to make your dream theirs. Even family! Listen friends, when God gives you a dream he will always fulfill that dream. He put action to it. Even if it takes 13 years for that dream to come true; he will remind you of the time he gave it to you.

This is my point: keep dreaming, and don’t let anyone steal or sabotage your dreams. Trust me, they are from God…

Hey RandyDon,

“It was awesome to get a chance to meet you this weekend! I just wanted to thank you for all that you are doing for teenagers across this country! It was a real inspiration to me and my students. While I really enjoyed the services, I have to tell you that I really got the most out of the 1 hour leaders meeting. I really hope that you will be able to come back and do some leader training with us, I will be asking Joel to make it happen. Also, I wanted to share with you that the final service, where you talked about dreams really brought me right back to where I needed to be. When I started ministry God gave me a dream of being a youth pastor, and actual dream of where I would pastor and everything, and it has come to pass. For some reason I forgot that it happened that way, but when you spoke about dreams I remembered mine and became aware that there was more that I was missing. It doesn't sound like anything incredible to you, I have been struggling with ministry this past year, and God Spoke to me that night and challenged me to remember the dream that he put in my heart, and that he wasn't anywhere close to being finished with that dream. Wow, what a God moment, and it would have never happened if you weren't obedient to God and spoke what you did. Thank you!! I really hope that I get to work with you in some way in the future! I am praying for you, God Bless!!”

A youth pastor with a new passion…

Something to think about,

Be blessed,

RandyDon

Update October 11, 2010

2010-10-11T20:21:00.005-04:00

Be strong and let your heart take courage; all you who wait for and hope for and expect the Lord! Psalm 31:24

“I was at the retreat you preached at on the 5th, through the 7th. I just wanted to let you know that at retreat, God really broke me down. I had a lot of hate, anger, and depression built up in my heart so much that there was no room for God. Since then I had no idea what love really was. I was searching to find it in all the wrong places. Through alcohol, popping pills, and relationships; I was hurt and confused for 8 years of my life. This retreat was my break through. I was sitting at the altar on Saturday night crying, tired of being an alcoholic, and a pill popper at 15 years old. Thinking about where the source of all of these things came from stirred up the anger and the hatred again. All of the sudden, I felt this warm presence all over my body; my mind was cleared from all of the hurt. I had no idea what was happening to me. I asked God hat was going on and I could hear him say "Love." That night I gave my heart to God completely. I laid everything down at the altar and surrendered myself to God. I finally knew what Love was, and through Love comes forgiveness. It was hard to do, but God showed me how to forgive my brother and to show Love to him. Now I am a changed, re-arranged, strong woman of God. I know not to turn back to my old ways looking for love, because the only place I’ll find it is when I’m seeking and following God.”
Jenifer – South New Jersey

The best thing about this testimony; Jenifer found the hope of the Lord. He became the source of her strength.

Be blessed, Randy and Lori

Update October 4, 2010

2010-10-04T17:22:00.002-04:00

John 15:13 says “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”

Friends are so important to us. Friends like you, our supporters and ministry partners. And, the friends that we make as we are out doing ministry. My father used to say that if you have one good friend, that’s all you need. I feel blessed to have so many friends. This past weekend I made the nine hour trip up to Hancock, MI where I made some new friends. During the week end I had the opportunity to preach to 12 Native American young people from the Barage tribe. Three of these young people came forward for salvation! When God says that heaven will be filled with every tongue and every tribe, he wants us to understand what his kingdom looks like. This weekend I experienced a little taste of His kingdom right here on earth. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to meet and get to know these young people, and to now be able to count them as friends. Your gifts and prayers are what make trips like this possible. You help make the difference in the lives of young people everywhere I go to preach and teach, and make friends for God’s kingdom.

God bless you!

Randydon

July 19

2010-07-19T10:45:00.000-04:00

Psalms 118:28,29 “You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you. 29 give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”

I would like to thank God for u man…you completely touched my heart and man did I experience the holy spirit....before apex my life was going down the drain. I was involved where I wanted to commit suicide.. But when I got to apex my life changed I felt the holy spirit go through it was the best feeling wait for next year.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Nnamdi - Apex

Remember, it’s all about a thankful heart. Give thanks for the little things in life and God will reward you with bigger things. RandyDon

July 5

2010-07-05T14:18:00.000-04:00

Proverbs 27:19 “as water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man.”

I was completely changed by the sermons you gave, especially on Sunday. It was the one about THE POWER . I had always been the weak Christian not knowing how to stand up for what I believed in. That Sunday night I asked God so many times for the words to speak , because I never knew how to respond to people's skepticism against God and Christ I am so happy , because now I know that as much as I have a hard time standing up for what I believe in, I know that God is there with me , standing side by side , giving me the words to speak .I just wanted to thank you , because God has used you to change my life in ways that you cannot imagine. God Bless, Talita – Apex

When God begins to work in your life allowing him to have full access to your heart, then you will be the reflection of Christ! – Randy don

Shout outs and thanks!

2010-03-29T22:45:00.000-04:00

What a tremendous time with Steve and Mindi Hommerding a few weeks ago at their Upward Basketball Awards night. I love their passion, their love for God, and their reaching out to this generation of young people. To Tim and Shannon Rizor. You are also doing a wonderful work with your Upward Basketball. Tuesday night March 9^th, was just awesome! Thank you Hommerding’s and Rizor’s for allowing me the opportunity to come and share my heart and my passion for this generation.

New Year

2010-01-18T19:36:00.001-05:00

A new year is always thought of as a new start, breaking old habits and creating new practices. So many things are promised, so many commitments are broken. Road blocks, failed diets, workouts that go south, relationships that sour, loss of money, and drifting away from God. So why can’t we stick to what we start? Why can’t we be honest with ourselves; become loyal, respectful, appreciative authority, disciplined and just plain focused?

Although it may seem like it, our life really isn’t broken; it’s just that we get bored. We blame others for our failures or shortcomings. Life’s really not broken; we think we need to fix things we cannot change. So what is the answer for each and every New Year? Jesus Christ! The bible says in John 14:6 “I am the way the truth and the life, no man comes to the father except through me.” That’s it. Jesus is the way the truth and the life. Life: isn’t that what we need to experience? We need to live life to the fullest; don’t look back. We need to make the right decisions, the right choices, and the right way to live. If we stay committed to that, just think; this year could be different. Just a thought!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-05T23:01:00.001-05:00

10 things that will bring you success in 2010

10. knowing you are forgiven

9. loving others and looking past their faults

8. always do what is right – even when it hurts

7. picking good friends – my father used to say if you have 1 good friend you are rich.

6. converse with God – share your heart

5. sing a joyful song to Jesus

4. find peace in doing something you like

3. be a peace maker – not a trouble maker

2. smile – it just might cheer up those around you

1. live a life honoring and pleasing to God

This is real success!

Prayers

2009-12-14T17:55:00.000-05:00

Christmas prayer

"Loving Father, Help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the wise men. Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting.

Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clean hearts. May the Christmas morning make us happy to be Thy children, and the Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake, Amen!"

by Robert Louis Stevenson

Lord Jesus,

Please forgive me for being so grumpy as I trudge through the never-ending tasks set before me this holiday season...

My to-do list seems to keep growing with shopping, church services, and family gatherings---and I'm running short of time!

Restore the joy of Christmas to my heart . . .and help me to relax each day and make time for YOU--my one true Source of Joy.

Henry Van Dyke

As we venture into this season, let us never forget the real meaning of Christmas. It is our prayer that you to have the best holiday season ever!

May God’s blessing be upon you, and your family.

Randy and Lori

The Meaning of Christmas — Our Savior came!

2009-12-01T09:11:00.001-05:00

God loves us very much and wants to bless us. He does not want to send us to hell. Before the birth of Jesus, for hundreds of years through his prophets God had promised a Savior to save us from our sins. To fulfill His promise, God Himself took on human flesh and became a man, Jesus Christ. God kept His godly supernatural nature and combined it in perfect union with human nature. By the supernatural power of God, Jesus was born of a virgin Jewish woman about 2000 years ago in the land of Israel. Jesus is called the Son of God.

Jesus' showed that He is God through His many miracles, demonstrating power over all the laws of nature and the unseen world. Jesus never sinned. While He was on Earth Jesus gave us new and clearer understandings of God. But Jesus came to Earth for a reason more wonderful than being a great teacher. He came to suffer and die in order to free us from the penalty of our sins. That's right! The meaning of Christmas is that Jesus was born in order to die for your sins and mine.

What is the gift?

Please remember, as we journey through this month of December not to forget the true meaning of the gift. Jesus Christ!

Fact or Fiction?

2009-11-17T21:40:00.001-05:00

Fact or Fiction: One of America's Founding Fathers thought the turkey should be the national bird of the United States.
Fact. In a letter to his daughter sent in 1784, Benjamin Franklin suggested that the wild turkey would be a more appropriate national symbol for the newly independent United States than the bald eagle (which had earlier been chosen by the Continental Congress). He argued that the turkey was "a much more respectable Bird," "a true original Native of America," and "though a little vain & silly, a Bird of Courage."
Fact or Fiction: In 1863, Abraham Lincoln became the first American president to proclaim a national day of thanksgiving.
Fiction. George Washington, John Adams and James Madison all issued proclamations urging Americans to observe days of thanksgiving, both for general good fortune and for particularly momentous events (the adoption of the U.S. Constitution, in Washington's case; the end of the War of 1812, in Madison's).
Fact or Fiction: Turkeys are slow-moving birds that lack the ability to fly.
Fiction (kind of). Domesticated turkeys (the type eaten on Thanksgiving) cannot fly, and their pace is limited to a slow walk. Female domestic turkeys, which are typically smaller and lighter than males, can move somewhat faster. Wild turkeys, on the other hand, are much smaller and more agile. They can reach speeds of up to 20-25 miles per hour on the ground and fly for short distances at speeds approaching 55 miles per hour. They also have better eyesight and hearing than their domestic counterparts.
Fact or Fiction: Who is the author of thanks – Jesus Christ.
Fact: “for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth on him shall not parish, but shall have eternal life.” John 3:16

10 ways to express a thankful heart

2009-11-09T22:09:00.000-05:00

10. wear a smile
9. be real - no one likes a phony
8. look good, you'll feel good
7. a heart that's pure
6. speak the truth with kindness
5. be a giving person
4. love yourself, don't envy someone else
3. be joyful no matter what comes your way
2. walk in the fullness of God - he created you (know who you are)
1. always look to help someone else, you'll be thankful you did.

Purpose 1

2009-11-02T20:28:00.001-05:00

Did you ever ask yourself the question, what am I here for anyway?

God created you with a purpose. You might not understand that purpose yet, but you

will if you continue to seek God and His direction. However God did create you with

a special set of skills and talents. When God looked at you he saw endless possibilities.

The main purpose god had for you was for you to have relationship with Jesus. That relationship opens up so many possibilities for your life.

Luke 14:7-14

Look to help someone other than yourself…

Respect

2009-10-26T11:04:00.001-04:00

The third week of appreciation is about Respect. Lori and I have learned how to respect the man or woman who daily lives a Godly example. I have so much respect for pastors who demonstrate the love of God. Those whom I have watched week in and week out continue to preach and teach the word of God with power, grace, and authority. I respect the man of God who walks the walk and talks the talk of God. Pastor, I respect you because you have waited before the Lord to bury His word deep into your spirit. I respect you pastor because you practice Kingdom principles. These past three weeks we have given honor for three aspect of a pastor’s life. We love you for demonstrating a heart of Gratitude. We Admire you for reaching out and loving people. We Respect you for waiting on the Lord, receiving his direction in preaching, teaching, and leading with a godly heart.
Scripture: Malachi 1:5-7 "A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?" says the LORD Almighty. "It is you, O priests, who show contempt for my name."But you ask, 'How have we shown contempt for your name?'

Admiration

2009-10-19T11:02:00.001-04:00

This second week of appreciation is about Admiration. I admire the men and women of God who work hard to help people find their place in the Kingdom of God. I admire the way pastors pull hidden gifts out of ordinary people and raise them up to do the work of the Lord. I admire the pastor who takes the time to reach out to a community of people who need the gospel of Jesus Christ and lead them in the ways of the Lord. I admire the pastor who works hard, plays hard, and prays hard. Friends, learn to admire your pastor who lifts you up and makes you strive for the things of God.

Proverbs 22:1

Gratitude

2009-10-12T09:56:00.002-04:00

The month of October is Pastor Appreciation month. I will take the next three weeks to share three aspects of appreciation.

The definition of appreciation is: Gratitude, expression of admiration, and increase in value.

The first week of appreciation is about Gratitude. We are so grateful for pastors who love people, preach the word with excellence, and live a life of Godly example before the people. Lori and I have served four different pastors in over 25 years of ministry and have appreciated each one for their own uniqueness that they have brought to the table. We have a heart of gratitude for each pastor we have been blessed to serve with. My challenge to you is to do your best in expressing your gratitude to your pastors. My wife and I are so grateful for each and every man and woman who live each and every day giving to the Lord. Pastors we appreciate you!

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:13-14
“Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.” (NIV)

RandyDon

Trust

2009-09-28T12:48:00.002-04:00

Psalms 20:7 "some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God."
Simple word "trust" if not respected and appreciated can become just another word.

Like a child who trusts in his father to catch him when he jumps into his arms. Or to trust in someone with whom you have a close relationship with.

Trusting in something you cannot see takes faith. Hebrews 11:1 "now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

Lord today I trust in who you are. You are creator, the power, the one in whom I place my trust. Jesus today I trust in who you are. My savior, my friend, the one in whom I experience everyday. Through your word, and connecting with you in prayer.

Now that's trust!

Outpouring of the Holy Spirit on this generation

2009-09-14T12:15:00.005-04:00

Joel 2:28 "And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. ²⁹Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.

This past week, I had the privilege of spending time with some of the greatest young people on the planet – the Penn/Del peeps. I continue to be impressed by this generation of youth. Although many people today stereotype and judge them by their appearance, style, clothing, tattoos and piercing, God is using them to minister in ways that are more effective than “old school” methods. It would seem that the Lord is saving the best for last! I am so thankful for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on this generation.

One more shout out to the Penn/Del peeps…I am so proud of you. Thank you for being open and allowing God to use you! It’s all about choices…and the power of God in our lives, because…HEAVEN WILL BE A PARTY!

RandyDon

It’s all about the Praise

2009-09-07T09:26:00.002-04:00

Psalm 150

“It’s all about the Praise”

There are many days in life where praise is not the main thought or my first thought. There are also those situations when trials, troubles, sickness and disease, situations where others are telling you you’re just not good enough or acceptable just seem to get the best of us. Our praise is not because of or in spite of our journey or circumstances. Our praise is because of who He is…without Jesus, there is no praise.

I praise God for so many blessings in my life – a relationship with Christ, family, health, great friends, just to name a few. Even in the transition of our life right now, God is still in control and I CHOOSE TO PRAISE HIM!

Today, make a choice. Praise Him!

Verse 6 “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord”

Shout outs

2009-08-31T13:25:00.000-04:00

Here's the first of many for our new blog. I want to start this new blog by giving thanks to God for a wonderful family. Our personal family and then those in the church body...it gives us so much joy and comfort knowing we are surrounded by you that pray for us, care for us, and stay loyal to us.

To my nephews and nieces: Brent, Tiffany, Ryan + Jeanie, Aubrey, Brittany, Colton, Danny + Angela, Justin, Alyssa, and Rebecca. Aunt Lori and I love each and everyone of you so much.

Next week we will start with scripture and encouraging words.

RandyDon

New website!

2009-08-25T11:40:00.000-04:00

My brand new website is now up! Check it out at RandyDon.org