The Rest of The Story

By Cheryle M. Touchton
The Pocket Full of Quarters Lady


What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?  And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost. Matt 18:12-14 NIV

We knew God cared about the one lost sheep but on Day 2 of the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, we got a demonstration of that scripture. My sister-in-law and evangelism partner, Louise Milligan and I started the morning evangelizing with Riley Stephenson, the Head of Global Evangelism for Kenneth Copeland Ministries, and my nephew and Louise’s son, Bill Milligan. We’d had fun tag teaming as we led people to Jesus but we knew we’d reach more people by splitting into two teams.

We reached a cross road on the festival ground and Riley said, “Bill, let’s go lead them to Jesus.” They turned left towards a lemonade stand and we went straight. We didn’t expect to see Riley and Bill again until the end of the day.

Louis and I had inadvertently worn the colors of the Bonnaroo staff. As we walked, we heard, “Where can we fill our water bottles?” We turned to see two dusty scruffy looking young men, one with dreadlocks much like Bill’s.

We turned and one said, “Oh, I’m sorry. I saw your yellow shirts and thought you could help us.”

Louise had just filled her water bottle so she knew the answer.  “Do you see that blue dome over there? That’s where you go.”

“You mentioned us helping you,” I said. “We can help. We can help you find a relationship with Jesus. Bonnaroo is a dangerous place and I’ve already met someone today who overdosed and had to be revived. If something happened to you and you didn’t live through Bonnaroo, do you know where you would go in the next life?”

Their answers let us know that they needed Jesus so we spoke the sweet gospel scriptures to them. When it got time to lead them in a prayer to receive Jesus, the young man wearing dreadlocks abruptly turned and left, without saying a word.

“What is your name?” I asked the remaining man.

“Sam,” he answered.

“Pray with me,” I invited.

Sam recoiled, began shaking his head, and backed up. I was sure he was not going to pray. About that time, his friend walked back over said, “Let’s pray. Let’s do this.”

Louise and I were stunned. We had no idea what had caused this change of heart but we were not asking questions.

“Sam, your friend wants to pray with us. Join us.”

We waited as Sam considered his options. Finally he said, “Sure, why not.”

After they prayed to receive Jesus, I saw Bill and Riley standing about 20 feet away, praying for us. We walked over to them to share our amazing story and that was when we heard the “rest of the story.”

The man wearing dreadlocks had spotted Bill behind us. Seeing his dreadlocks, he bolted over to Bill and said, “Hey man, you got doses?” Bill explained that “doses” was the code word for LSD.

“No brother,” Bill said. “I can’t give you doses but I can offer you Jesus.” Bill handed the man a tract titled You Are Loved.

The dreadlocked drug seeking man opened the tract, glanced at it briefly, and without a word bolted back to us to pray to meet the Jesus who had obviously gone to a lot of trouble to bring him into the fold.

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All I Can Offer You in Jesus

By Cheryle M. Touchton
The Pocket Full of Quarters Lady


In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:2 KJV

Daddy and Bill at Graduation

Picture a full head of hair with long dark perfect ringlets that fall into place regardless of what you do with it. What if you didn’t need perms, color, or combs? What if you just woke up with perfect hair every day? That is what grows on my nephew Bill Milligan’s head. When he allowed it to grow naturally, everywhere we went, girls his age reached out and touched it. He’d grin and the conversation would begin. What could any young man enjoy more? 

Imagine my surprise when Bill decided to grow dreadlocks. To grow dreadlocks, you have to take strands of hair and tease them upward towards the roots until they mat together into individual locks. It takes months to grow and requires much attention. It isn’t that I mind dreadlocks. I actually find them interesting. It is just that if I had his hair, I would never touch it.

What I did not know about dreadlocks is how useful they would be for evangelism. Apparently, dreadlocks are common among certain cultures where many need to know the Savior. Bill has been traveling with me for a week and those dreadlocks have been drawing people to us.

“Hey man,” two Bonnaroo concert attendees said to Bill. “You got drugs?”

Bill smiled warmly. “No brother, but I can offer you a free mansion in heaven.”

“What about cocaine? You got any?”

“All I can offer you is Jesus,” Bill said. “Romans says that all have sinned and fallen short. The wages of sin is death. The gift of God is eternal life. All who call on the name of Jesus as Lord will be saved. Take a look at this prayer and let’s pray it together.”

Bill leaned close, showed them the written salvation prayer, and those young men confessed their sin, their belief in Jesus, and invited Jesus into their lives.

I saw it all. I even took a picture. Bill gave them tracts and when they walked away, Bill stood stunned. When he saw me, he walked over excitedly.

“I can’t believe it,” he said, with shaking hands. “I didn’t think they would pray. I thought they wouldn’t want to hear it. I didn’t expect them to pray but they did.”

“I know,” I said. “I saw it all. I even took a picture.” I showed him the picture.

“That feeling you are having is the Holy Spirit,” I explained. “It is the most wonderful feeling in the world. He flowed through you and into them. It is an anointing. You’ve got it.”

Before the night was over, Bill had led 13 people to Jesus.

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I Don’t Sell Timeshares – I Sell Mansions

By Cheryle M. Touchton
The Pocket Full of Quarters Lady

In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:2 KJV

I have the coolest job in the world. I sell free mansions built on streets of gold. My husband Bob usually thinks my job is cool too, but it often involves weeks without seeing me. We try to plan romantic weekends about every three weeks. He was due to arrive the following Saturday and I worried a little about how I was going to explain why touring a timeshare was going to be a part of his romantic weekend in Sedona.

People often invite me to meet with their unsaved or spiritually confused or troubled friends and relatives. I’m always amazed at their courage for taking such a risk. I do my best to honor them, as does the Holy Spirit. I was eagerly awaiting two such appointments the following day.

I got an email about one of the meetings. “He’s excited about the meeting but asked if you sold timeshares.”

I emailed back, “I don’t sell timeshares. I sell mansions.”

I had been out all day and was hot and tired. It was 5:30 PM and time to return to my tiny hotel room for my microwave dinner. I’d been in Sedona for 10 days and there was still no news on camper repairs. No one had prayed to receive Jesus in two days and I confess to fighting discouragement. I couldn’t face going to the lonely four walls so early so I guiltily decided to spend the extra money to eat out.

New Christians

 Dinner was delicious. The two women next to me were from Florida and I was happy to talk about home. While they believed in Jesus, neither went to church, were sure about eternity, or had a relationship with Him. By the end of the dinner, they had prayed to receive Jesus. I left feeling vindicated about my decision to eat out.




As I stepped outside, two men asked where I was from. That’s my line, I thought and decided to be a good sport. They were actually working inside a tiny shop that appeared as if they were selling Sedona tours. Since Bob was coming to town for a romantic weekend, I thought a tour might be a good idea.

As I looked at tours, the man wearing the nametag Alan said, “What if I could get you that for free.”

I went to laughing. “You’re selling timeshares, aren’t you?”

“Well,” Alan hesitated, looking sheepish. “I’m certainly setting up timeshare tours but if you will just spend 90 minutes on a tour, you can get that dinner for free.”

“If I listen to your sales pitch, you have to listen to mine,” I joked. “I sell the best product there is. I’m a Christian and help people have eternal life with Jesus. I had someone ask today if I sold timeshares. I told them, ‘No, I sell mansions.’ The Bible says we get a mansion in heaven.” 

“It’s only fair for you to get to give your sales pitch," they said agreeably. “Listen to us and we’ll listen to you.”

“I won’t buy a timeshare,” I warned. “We don’t even know where we will be living next month. I have to take care of that before I think about timeshares. Besides, I’m a Christian and it would be unethical of me to take your tour just for free tickets.”

“That’s OK,” the man called John Wayne (it was his first and middle name) said. “This is for marketing. You know lots of people. Even if you don’t buy, you could tell others. That would make it worth it.”

“And you know a lot of people too,” I teased. “If you meet Jesus, you could tell a lot of people about Jesus.” This time they gave a big belly laugh.

“When is your husband coming to town?” Alan asked. We checked logistics and the only thing that worked was a helicopter tour.

I must have looked nervous because he said, “They have a perfect safety record.”

“Seriously,” I said, looking at the cost of the helicopter ride. “I’m really not going to buy a timeshare. I should not waste anymore of your time.”

“That’s OK,” John Wayne said. “I make my $40 just for sending you.”

“Why didn’t you tell me that? I’m in ministry and I help people. I would take the timeshare tour just to help you make the $40 dollars. I’ll do this but you have to let me tell you about Jesus first.”

They agreed.

It was my turn to talk. Alan had no idea where he would go in the next life. John Wayne said he’d been pretty good and he really hoped he would go to heaven.

“A good choice,” I quipped. “That certainly beats the alternative.” They both laughed again.

“Have you been perfect?” I asked. His answer was a big fat no.

“We’ve all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God,” I whispered. “The wages of sin is death and the gift of God is eternal life. My favorite line in the entire Bible is that all who call on the name of the Lord Jesus will be saved. Being good will not get you into heaven, but calling on Jesus will.”

I stopped and watched before adding, “The really cool thing about calling on Jesus is that you only need faith the size of a tiny mustard seed to do it. God will fill in the rest.”

John Wayne was under conviction. I could see it in his face. Alan was politely smiling but I knew his answer

John Wayne

was going to be no.

“Can I lead you in a prayer asking God to be your savior? I promise, I’m going to sign up for the timeshare tour whether you say the prayer or not.”

They both laughed again. John Wayne eagerly agreed to pray.

 “Let him pray. I have to watch the store,” Alan said.

“No one is here and you don’t have to close your eyes,” I encouraged.

“I need to watch the store,” he said.

Understanding, I quietly said, “When John Wayne is finished praying, I’ll give you something that has the prayer on. You can look at it later.”

John Wayne reverently repeated the words I asked him to pray. When I said the words “I believe Jesus rose from the dead,” he hesitated slightly and I waited.

Finally, he nodded and slowly repeated the words.

The next line I asked him to pray was, “I believe, help me in my unbelief.”

John Wayne looked up, a little startled. “It’s right from the Bible,” I said. “It is for people like you who believe, but still have some doubt.”

He nodded his approval and gratefully emphasized that part of the prayer.

 “Come into my life and be my Lord and Savior. In Jesus’ name, Amen,” he quietly finished. He looked stunned.

“That is the Holy Spirit you are feeling,” I gently explained.

“I feel good,” he said in wonder.

“I know,” I said.

It was time to fill out the long and complicated forms for touring a timeshare. John Wayne’s hands were trembling so much that I took the paper from him and filled it out, giving way more personal information then I intended to. I remembered the words,Do not love the world, as I envisioned the difficulties of identity theft. At least they didn’t ask for my social security number. When asked for $20 to hold my spot, I hesitated. They assured me it would be refunded if I showed up. I knew it might be a scam but it was worth $20 to give the gospel. I handed them the $20, only wishing I’d had 2 rolls of quarters to give them.

I gave Alan a tract. “We could still do this,” I offered.

“I’ll level with you,” Alan said. “I’ve prayed prayers something like that many times but it didn’t work. I used to teach youth Bible Studies. I just gave it all up.”

“You said prayers like this,” I said. “There is an important line in that prayer that you might not have prayed. It makes all the difference in the world and in eternity. Have you ever asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior? Until you do that, Jesus might be a neighbor that you know is good but He isn’t your family.”

“Maybe not,” Alan said, looking almost hopeful. “I will try that tonight.” He took the tract. “You’re a really cool lady.”

Poor Bob. On the way back to the hotel, I called to let him know that part of his romantic weekend was going to include a timeshare tour.

“We’re taking the tour for Jesus,” I said, babbling out the story. “And we’re taking a helicopter tour. They promise it is safe.”

“Only my wife…,” was his response. Bob is a good sport.

No, I do not sell timeshares but I do admire a good sales person and these charming men were certainly good. Yes, I admit to be good at giving good news and helping people say yes to it. “Selling” Jesus is easy and I make no apologies for doing it. After all, who doesn’t want a want a free mansion built on streets of gold?


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Did You Know - What a Cairn Is?

Cairn In a Tree

Cairn in a Man Made Arch

By Cheryle M. Touchton
The Pocket Full of Quarters Lady

I learned a new word this week – Cairn. A Cairn is a word used in mostly English speaking countries. It refers to a man made pile of stones.  I saw them for the first time on Saturday.

On Saturday, I went hiking in Sedona, Arizona with my friends Susie and Gene Emery. They live in Phoenix and had driven down for the weekend to join me in evangelizing.  Since we all like hiking and this is the busy season for Sedona, we decided to evangelize on the trails along the Red Rocks.

Gene and Susie

“Have you seen the park with the Cairns?” Susie asked.

“What is a Cairn?” I asked.

“It is a pile of stones that someone builds,” said Susie. “There are lots of them in a park here.”

We drove onto the amazing Upper Loop Road. The mountains of red rocks took our breath away. When we came to a ranch called, Red Rock Crossing, Susie pointed and said excitedly, “That’s it. Turn there.”

I’d been on that road many times. In fact, Belle and I had just been on it the day before. Because Red Rock Crossing was called a ranch, I didn’t realize it was a public park there for me to enjoy.

We had to wait in line to go in. The parking lot was full. The cars formed a line and when a car left, they allowed another one in. The waiting added to our excitement. Finally, it was our turn to go in.

Cheryle and Susie

We parked, grabbed our water, and went hiking. We walked along a river flowing beside a backdrop of red rocks. People were everywhere, biking, swimming, hiking, and frolicking. We stopped and talked as we meandered along.

We gave the gospel to a challenging young couple who believed their afterlife involved their mind making its way to the planet that that attracted it. We offered comfort to a grieving family gathered to honor their deceased husband, father, and friend. We asked and gave directions. We gave the gospel to two very tattooed young mothers. It was a day of sowing seeds.

“There’s one!” Susie suddenly exclaimed. “A Cairn.”

I looked over and saw a tiny pile of stones that looked a little like a snowman. 

“There is one in the tree!” Susie said pointing again. I looked up and sure enough, someone had managed to balance round stones on a tree limb.

Cairn Field

We walked around the corner and there were hundreds of them. They were on logs, in trees, and on the ground. Some were simple piles. Others were amazing engineering feats. One was an arch that we could not figure out what held it together.

People bent over to build their own so we decided to join the fun. Suzie and I added a rock to a pile. Hers stayed on much better than mine. 

The word “Cairn” comes from a Scottish Gaelic word. You can find them all over the world on mountaintops, on sea cliffs, in deserts, along rivers, and in tundra areas. Some are tiny with three or four stones and some tower several feet tall.

Apparently, someone comes along and builds something with rocks. Someone else sees it and builds ones of their own. Soon, like Red Rock Crossing, Cairns pepper the terrain. How have I traveled so much and never seen them before? I thought you would find them as interesting as I did.

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Trust God that the Harvest Is Ripe

By Cheryle M. Touchton
The Pocket Full of Quarters Lady


I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. Thus the saying 'One sows and another reaps' is true. I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor."  John 4:35-38 NIV


Are you surprised at my willingness to take the gospel into places like rock concerts, Mardi Gras, and drunken college block parties? Many are. They think it hard. I have to admit, sometimes it is. I’ve been hit, yelled at, and ignored. I usually spend weeks afterwards suffering from sinus trouble from all the dust, cigarette, and pot smoke. I work long days and my feet hurt. I’m willing because the harvest is even riper than the smell of their unwashed bodies.

You may be surprised, but I find that going into a 4-day drunken loud rock concert in the middle of a cow pasture in 95 degree weather is a picnic compared to trying to share the gospel in places where New Age, the Occult, the paranormal, magic, and/or astrology dominate the culture.

The places dominated by what many call “New Age” are usually beautiful, deceivingly peaceful, and a magnet for tourists. You can recognize them by magic shops, unusual temples, offerings for spiritual readings, and stores with crystals and rocks in the windows. You see women, usually in their forties or fifties, attired in dressy casual but marked with colorful free flowing long skirts and dramatic jewelry, taking potential clients to meals to discuss developing their mind, body, and spirit.

This culture is big business. This culture actually started in the mid 20th century and many are highly educated in the practice. There are organized and popular conferences led by people with advanced degrees in the differing New Age nuances that include science, the paranormal, the occult, the blend of many religions, astrology, psychology, and magic. Gift shops carry their product lines of crystals, crystal balls, wands, charts, and various stones containing the secrets to the universe. The practitioners charge fees for their services much like a doctor or an attorney and many visit these cities for the primary purpose of working with these practitioners.

Sedona, Arizona is such a place. In fact, many consider it the heart of the paranormal and occult in America and even the world. There are portals, vortexes, healings, and readings advertised everywhere. I’ve visited similar cities in California, Utah, and West Virginia, to name just a few.

I’ve been in Sedona ten days. My hotel is right between a New Age Temple and Training Center and a  church that has statues of Jesus, Mary, various goddesses, and Buddha in it. I overheard one woman, who was at dinner with a potential client, talk about the energy in the tongue and why she has her clients lick the rocks. People here carry crystals and visit vortexes for energy. One man told me my vortex was the Ringing Rock in Pennsylvania. I had to look up vortex and Ringing Rock. There is indeed a Ringing Rock Park that features rocks that sound like a bell when they are struck. A vortex is a spinning, often turbulent, flow of fluid. Sedona is reported to have several "vortexes of subtle energy." If you visit them, it is said that you feel better for days. Since most people who travel with me say I have too much energy all ready, I am not sure I need to visit these.

When I told one woman what I did, she asked, “Can you make a living doing this? Maybe I should think about doing what you do.”

“I’m in ministry,” I said, smiling. “I do this because I love God and people. I made a lot of money in the corporate world but gave that up to do this.” She did not understand and was no longer interested in doing what I do.

Anger and even bitterness at the words “Jesus” or “Christian” abounds. Eyes narrow at a hint of Bible quotes. I see shoulders tense. One man said angrily, “I used to be like you. The only reason you ask me about my afterlife is because you aren’t sure about yours. No one can be sure. I used to be just like you, believing all that Bible stuff (but he used a different “s” word) – now I’ve found the truth.”

I’ve had multiple people tell me that after they die, their mind is going to find its way to the planet that most attracts it. I've been told that since we came to be by an explosion of the stars, we will return to them. Some say they connect with the energy of the rocks and let it flow through them, giving them magical powers. Some believe the rocks are portals for aliens from other planets. Many started out a professed Christian but feel they have moved beyond it. One man even quoted the scripture where we are promised that we will be able to do everything Jesus did and more. He said the things they do in Sedona are the "more." He also said that by using all the other gods, he gained more power.

The response to the gospel is heart breaking. To be among so many hardened, dull, or angry eyes is frightening. I’ve given the gospel many times since I've been here. I’ve had 6 people pray to receive Jesus in 10 days. I’ve felt the conviction of the Holy Spirit several other times but the people said no – for now. I’ve talked with Christians who are gradually letting the philosophy of the culture seep into their love relationship with Jesus and I want to weep at the sadness I see in their eyes. The most painful thing for me is knowing that everything they are seeking and more is available through Jesus.

Taking Jesus into places so entrenched in this way of thinking is the absolute hardest part of my job. It is so hard, I have trouble enjoying the natural beauty of such places. This philosophy has such a hold on the residents’ mind, body, and spirit that it feels fruitless to speak the gospel and yet I know the word of God will not return void. Even if I don’t have many call on the name of Jesus (6 in the 10 days I've been here,) I suspect giving the gospel in these "spirituality" magnets is the most important part of my work and I invite you to join me as I do it.

In the past, I have led some New Age followers to Christ, but I’ve found that it takes many “touches” before even a tiny crack of willingness opens in their mind, body, and spirit. Each of us who gives the gospel is part of those needed “touches.”

If you visit places like this, I beg you – don’t give up on or judge the people who practice these arts. Please, love them and be one of those “touches.” Be willing to love the people enough to risk the anger and rejection for the sake of their soul. Be gentle. Speak the scripture. Don’t argue or defend your faith or the word of God. Never preach, criticize, roll your eyes, sigh, or judge – just offer the gospel of love. Invite them to meet Jesus. Give them something to read. Don’t take the rejection personally. Trust God that he is more powerful than even the most hardened mind – after all – he is the Rock of Ages. Trust that the word of God will not return empty and speak scripture.

The harvest is ripe, even in beautiful cities taken over by darkness. Some sow and some reap and if all are faithful, we will joyfully bring in the harvest.


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Ministrivia Seems So Trivial

By Cheryle M. Touchton
The Pocket Full of Quarters Lady


Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: KJV Eph 6:5-7


“Ministrivia” is what Pocket Full of Change Ministries calls those mundane tasks that seem trivial and yet are critical to leading people to Jesus. The problem is, I’d rather be with people leading them Jesus then doing Ministrivia. I know Ministrivia is important – I just don’t want to do it. For those tasks, I just have to work as to the Lord.

This week, in Sedona, surrounded by lovely red rocks, I’ve been giving the Gospel and also catching up on Ministrivia. First, there were the unwritten stories. I can’t write all encounters but some stories must be told. I love writing. However, after I write comes the Ministrivia. I have to proof (Bob helps), insert HTML code, and post on our website, blogs, Facebook, and Twitter. I find those tasks dreary but I try to work as to the Lord.

Then there are the photographs. I love taking pictures. What I consider Ministrivia is downloading, formatting, grouping, and uploading them onto our FTP site. I find those tasks dreary but I try to work as to the Lord.

There are the pesky receipts that try so hard to escape. Pocket Full of Change Ministries is a non-profit company and receipts are an absolute must. In receipts, the IRS is my master. I have to collect them, try to read the fading ink, categorize them, put them in an expense report, and mail them to the bookkeeper. I can’t say anything positive about that process. I find those tasks dreary but I try to work as to the Lord.

I love leading people to Jesus. I love following up and hearing how Jesus works in their lives. What is Ministrivia is all of that work in between. I have to get their contact information and put it in the database for snail mail, on Constant Contact (our e-mail software), and on Talk Fusion (our video software). Each is a different format and requires individual input. After I capture the information, I send new Christians a free book and cover letter and try to follow up. Recently The Sojourner Fellowship offered to send books out and follow up for discipleship. I’m thrilled but I still have to get the books and contact information to them and put the contact information into the databases. I find those tasks dreary but I try to work as to the Lord.

I love interacting with people. The electronic world has made that so easy. I text, Facebook, e-mail, Twitter, and talk on the phone. The Ministrivia comes because most calls require tracking of information and follow up. I take, file, and retrieve notes, create reminders, and follow up. I find those tasks dreary but I try to work as to the Lord.

I love life on the road. It is an adventure. However, if I don’t keep up with camper Ministrivia, “Life on the Road” becomes the “Nightmare on Elm Street.” Campers do not offer the grace of Jesus. I have to check tires, get oil changed, refuel gas and propane, service the generator and air conditioner, check water lines and levels, dump wastewater, and carefully hook and unhook everything in exactly the right order. I find those tasks dreary but I try to work as to the Lord.

Gadgets – can’t do without them and can’t keep up with them. The amount of Ministrivia is overwhelming. Cameras, computers, cell phones, WiFi connectors, and ear buds need charging. If I don’t delete e-mail and photographs from my “smarter than me” phone, the phone’s memory begins acting like mine. It seems like I am forever putting batteries in something. I find those tasks dreary but I try to work as to the Lord.

Ordering – what did we do without the internet? I have to order tracts, books, stationary, business cards, post cards, gifts, and bubbles (yes – I did say bubbles).  This requires getting online, reminding myself how to use their website and software, and pulling out credit cards. I don’t like it but I need this to do my job. I find those tasks dreary but I try to work as to the Lord.

I love writing and speaking short inspirational messages. However, each must go via the bossy internet or laborious snail mail. It takes getting on line, fighting bugs in software, and often entering or speaking the same thing multiple times because of software or user error. Snail mail is the most tedious of all. I find those tasks dreary but I try to work as to the Lord.

Let’s face it. I don’t enjoy Ministrivia. Recently, my beloved very part-time admin person, Barbara Gobbs retired so for now, I’m “it” for Ministrivia. I do it for the privilege of being allowed to be with someone when they meet Jesus. If you hear me whining about Ministrivia, remind me that I am a servant of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men.

P.S. -  I’ll take any and all offers of assistance so I can spend more time directly leading people to Jesus.

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Stop Complaining - You Have What You Need

By Cheryle M. Touchton
The Pocket Full of Quarters Lady


But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Phil 4:19 KJV


Silly me. I thought I was supposed to witness to him. I was stuck in Holbrook, trying to get Halleluiah the Camper Van drivable so I could limp to Phoenix to get it completely repaired. I didn’t know how long I was going to be there. I was looking for how God was going to use this situation and had already led one person to Jesus. 

Holbrook Repair Shop

A scruffy bearded windblown man with skin leathered from many hours in the Arizona sun walked into the repair shop. He didn’t quite look homeless but his wrinkled stained clothing and dirt covered hands suggested a rugged outdoor life.

“Howdy,” he said, poking his head into the waiting room."I like your dog."

Belle In the Waiting Room

“Hi,” I said. “She is Belle the Missionary Dog." We spent a few minutes with Belle doing her Jesus thing. He was duly impressed.

"Are you here getting something repaired?” I asked.

“No Ma’am,” he said. “I’m just here to pick up a hook for my truck. You got something broke?”

“Yes,” I said, sighing heavily. “I’m in ministry. I travel the country in a camper. Last night, I rode over a curb and really broke poor Halleluiah the Camper Van. Now I’m stuck.”

“What kind of ministry?”

“I’m a Christian,” I said. “I help people discover a relationship with Jesus. Are you a Christian?”

“I don’t call myself a Christian,” he said smugly. “I just follow Jesus.”

“Ok,” I said. “Let me ask you question. Do you know where you will go in the next life?”

“I do,” he said. “Do you?”

“I do,” I said, smiling at the challenge. He reminded me of Daddy. Daddy always turns my spiritual questions back on me. “I’m assuming you mean heaven. When you get there and God asks why he should let you in, what will you say?”

“I don’t have to say anything,” he said. “My name is already written in the book of life. Is yours?”

And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him (the beast,) whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Rev 13:8 KJV

I laughed aloud. “It is. It sounds like you’ve called on the name of Jesus. I’m curious. Why wouldn’t you say you were a Christian?”

“I don’t like what a lot of Christians do. Some lie, cheat, and steal. Some even murder in the name of Jesus. If they would follow Jesus, they wouldn’t do all that. I follow Jesus.”

“Do you go to church?”

“Of course! I’m a pastor and a prophet. I preach everywhere I go. I’m not always popular but I preach the truth. God has some hard truth for you right now and I’m gonna give it to you even if you don’t like it.”

“And what is that?” I asked, warily.

“You need to stop complaining. God wants you to know that you have everything you need to do His work. If you let God, he will give you everything you need. You keep getting surprised at problems. You think it is supposed to be easy to do God’s work. It isn’t. You are going to keep having problems but God will give you everything you need to handle them. You think you need that camper but you don’t. You are doing His work and He will provide for you, however he chooses. I’m imagining your husband is pretty upset about you having these troubles. You tell him that God is giving you everything you need if you will just take it. Your husband needs to stop worrying about everything and trust God. You may not want to hear this but you need to stop complaining. Just do your work and take what God sends you.”

At that point, I was frantically trying to remember if I’d mentioned how frantic my husband was over my argument with that curb. If I had, I didn't remember it. I wondered if this bedraggled man had talked to the repair people. After all, Bob had called several times with questions and suggestions. The repair shop knew Bob was concerned. I didn’t think this man could have talked to anyone at the shop because he had just walked in. I was starting to suspect God really had sent me a prophet and am not sure why I was having so much trouble believing it.

“Ok,” I said. “I receive that.” We talked a few more minutes and when he left, he firmly and completely repeated himself. I tried to take his picture but he told me that he didn’t allow people to take his picture.

Later, I called my best friend Nancy and relayed what happened.

“Cheryle, he must have been a prophet sent with a message from God. Trust me, people don’t walk up to me and say things like that.”

In the 2 weeks since the camper incident, I’ve thought about this man’s words many times. While he was chastising me, I didn’t know it, but a friend was already on the way to rescue me. She and her husband took me into their home, gave up their bedroom for me, got me to the repair shop, and drove me to the rental car agency. I must admit that I was having trouble accepting their generosity but I remembered this man’s words, “God will provide for you if you let him.”

The insurance has covered all costs, including living while I wait. I don't know when the camper will be fixed but I’m staying in a tiny simple but comfortable hotel in beautiful Sedona, while continuing my work.

People have fed me, gone witnessing with me, and donated to the ministry. As I sit here, a couple is driving two hours to spend the weekend with me - take me out to eat and to evangelize with me.

If my camper doesn’t get ready in time for my next event and I have to fly to Tennessee to evangelize at the Bonnaroo Rock Concert, someone here has already offered to keep Belle in Phoenix until I can return.

My sister-in-law, Louise Milligan, is meeting me at Bonnaroo to evangelize and has offered to pick me up at the airport and drive me to my next destination, Jacksonville, Florida. To quote her email, “My car is at your disposal.” God is providing if I let him.

Since that curb brutalized Halleluiah, 15 people have prayed to receive Jesus and many more seeds have been planted. Apparently, I really don’t need the camper to do God’s work. I’m doing my best to stop complaining. I know beyond a shadow of doubt that I have everything I need to do God’s work.

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