Marshall Ministry Newsletter: May 2008

Hello, good people…Is it that time again for a Newsletter? I believe it has been 5 months since the last one, but as I have said before, I am not good at book work nor at being a secretary. I just love to sing for the Lord.

A lot has happened in my life lately, and it is time to share these happenings with all of you wonderful people who take the time to pray for me and to support my ministry.

Late last fall, I sold my pick up truck and bought a 1999 24’ Born Free Class C Motor Home. I use it to pull my trailer which holds my sound equipment and to stay in when I travel. It uses a lot of gas, but saves money on motel bills.

In January, I moved to Nashville, Tennessee. I had prayed for some time about doing this, and God made it happen. While some doors closed, others opened, and God made the move possible. I live in a small studio apartment behind a house not far from the Grand Ole Opry.

Last February, I had a few concerts to do in Florida. This was the maiden voyage for the Motor Home. In Florida, I joined the Heritage Singers from California, and together we did a concert in Miami. What a great time we had there! Then the Heritage Singers left for a cruise while I traveled up the coast tot the Kennedy Space Center. It was my first visit there, and I was able to see the Atlantis Shuttle launch. I witnessed an awesome event! If you have never seen a shuttle launch, it is a breath taking thing to see.

I then drove across the state to Bradenton, Florida, where I had 2 wonderful concerts. One was held at the Bradenton Seventh Day Adventist Church, and the other one was at the Emanuel United Methodist Church. Both churches made me feel so welcome. I plan to go back there to see the great friends that I met while I was there.

My final concert was scheduled at the Orlando Kress Seventh Day Adventist Church. As I drove from Bradenton to Orlando, a lady in a red truck ran a stop light and I hit her broad side. I did not see her coming at all. Fortunately, though I was taken to the hospital, I was released, and no one was hurt. I had never experienced an air bag explosion, and that was a trip in itself. Needless to say, my motor home was unable to continue the trip. The churches where I had sung began their prayer chains for me.

The damage to the motor home was extensive, nearly $10,000.00. I left the motor home in Florida to be repaired and two months later I had it back in Tennessee. To return home, I had to rent a u-haul truck so I could pull my trailer which fortunately had not been damaged in the accident. Renting a u-haul and staying in a motel cost me $675.00. By this time, I was getting so discouraged. I just wanted to get home. I thought seriously of not completing the concert in Orlando because so many times little things can bring us down. Some times when the enemy is working his hardest to bring me down, I just want to give up, and this was one of those times. When things like this happen, they seem like giants, don’t they? And it may question our walk with God. Am I alone here? I don’t think so. This accident was snowballing into one of those times. As I prayed, I knew from experience, no matter the situation, no matter what issues come up, we have to get up and keep going. So I did just that. I made my way to the Orlando church and concert, and still the old devil was working on me. I left the church, drove for about 2 hours, pulled into a truck stop and due to a lack of money, slept in the back of the u-haul. Because I was afraid the back overhead door might lock on me, I propped it open with a can of beans to keep it from latching and locking me in there. Wouldn’t that be too cool? “Hey, can anyone hear me? Let me out!!!!” ha ha ha

As I lay there that night trying to sleep, I felt pretty lonely. I began to call upon the Lord. “God, I am out here doing what you would have me to do, and I am struggling as I go from church to church. I am pouring my heart out to hurting people. All of these things that have happened to me have taken my joy and replaced it with discouragement. Now God, I am sleeping on a hard wood floor in the back of a u-haul truck at a truck stop, and I am wondering once again…should I give this up and do something else? God help me tonight.”

The next morning I got up early excited about getting home. When I was about 100 miles form home, I had a blow out on the u-haul. I could find no jack and no spare tire. Three hours later, I was so glad to see the roadside assistance man, and after some laughter (on my part) and some work (on his part), I was once again on the road home. I was so glad when I finally reached my little studio apartment. It seemed like a mansion to me at the time.

Friends, God never said it would all be easy, and He never said there would always be sunshine, nor did He say we would always live on the mountain top. We have to go through valleys, and I must confess this one was getting to me. It is said that “a tree is best measured when it is down.” God measures us by our faith, and the Bible tells us that “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Isn’t that wonderful? I have faith that God hears our cry for mercy. Wouldn’t you know it? I woke up the next morning excited about going out to sing again. I guess I am learning that I cannot control the wind, but I can adjust my sails.

Habakkuk 3:17, 18 says: “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vine, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” Doesn’t that give us strength? No matter what giant is before us, God will be the shield of our salvation. Have I given up singing? NO!! For I have gained strength through every trial! Yea!!!

On Easter I visited with my kids and my grandson Caden. In this picture, he is 7 months old, and you can tell that he love grandpa the BEST!!!

On May 20th I was at 3ABN doing an interview to let all of you know about all of the exciting things that are happening to me and others God has touched. What a thrill it is to be a part of this small ministry. I am not sure when this program will air, so you will need to contact and “bug” 3ABN about when it will be shown.

Lat January, I released a new CD, called The Psalmist. In July, I will begin a new project which I hope will be released just before Christmas. Traveling and recording are very expensive so I ask that you come in agreement with me asking God to provide my needs.

Also, I am in the process of changing my website, and I have hired a young man named Benton Purvis from right here in Nashville to help me with this task. He is teaching me how to host and mange my own website. I say, “Good luck, Benton.” Ha Ha! He specializes in motion graphic for film and television and web design. He has just been hired to be Associate Producer/Editor for Titans All Access, a television show on FOX about the Tennessee Titans football team. If you need services regarding web design or motion graphics please feel free to contact him via email: Benton@pearlnoir.net.

Friends, I am in prayer about whether to make the Western Tour this fall. I have several churches in which to hold concerts. Some I have visited before; others will be new ones. I have not finalized a schedule at this time because I am waiting for God to open the doors. The motor home is wonderful in one way because there are no motel expenses. On the other hand, the rising fuel costs are incredible. I know you realize that the costs will be great. If I make the trip, it will be on borrowed money. This is a small ministry that touches a lot of people, and it depends solely on God to impress upon people to give financially so that the gospel reaches hurting people all over the world. Some of you feel called to minister to hurting people but do not have the ways to do so. If God impresses upon you to help, you can reach others by supporting ministries such as this one.

As I sit here and try to figure a trip that will take me about 9000 miles, I figure the fuel alone will cost approximately $4800.00. Please help me pray that God will direct my decision to make this tour. Prayer is very powerful and is even stronger when we come together in agreement.

I will pray for you and ask that you continue to pray for me. And as always I look forward to hearing from each of you.

Loving Him…Loving You…Darrell

From The Desk Of...

Cliff Clark

Hello! My name is Cliff Clark. I'm really honored to be submitting this devotional for my friend Darrell on his website. My wife and I met Darrell and his talented family while I was teaching as a college instructor. I am also a full-time evangelist of 34 years. My wife and I travel across the country in revivals and conferences. We had 65 last year alone!

One of the things that we love about gentle Darrell is his ability to see people the way God sees them. He has the unique ability to see not only "where they live" and meet them on that level but also to see what God is going to make them. By the way, did I mention I have had cerebral palsy since birth? Darrell has always treated me with the same respect that he would have treated anyone else. One of my consuming passions is riding motorcycles. Yes, motorcycles! I am 52 years old and just recently began riding one with three wheels that was specially constructed for me. I have had dozens of people tell me I could never do it but beloved Darrell never has. He sees people’s strengths. He is a great encourager.

I was thinking the other day about how Darrell looks at people a lot like God does. God too-- sees us not only where we are now, "where we live" but also as what he is changing us to become.

I thought about how God chooses people with a knack to do something, like Darrell or King David in the Bible, with their amazing abilities to sing. When a person with a gift or talent like theirs humbly surrenders that gift to God, God is able to do more with them than they ever could have done on their own. I also thought about how God can call someone with no natural talent to do something in a field just to demonstrate that it is Him working through the individual and not that person's own abilities at all. It's kind of like me sharing my faith from the back of a motorcycle in spite of my cerebral palsy or maybe King Saul in the Bible.

King Saul was not a natural leader at all.

The Bible teaches us by the examples of the characters contained within it. Some of those characters are examples of how to do things. Others are examples of how not to do things. King Saul's example is an example of how not to be a leader.

God sent the prophet Samuel at specific times to anoint King Saul and reassure him that he was God's man. There are very few times in the Bible where God has spoke more specifically to a person about what His will was for their lives.

Samuel by God's direction first anoints Saul in private. (First Samuel 10:1). He lets Saul know one-on-one that he is called of God to do a great thing. In a way Samuel is an example of Jesus and Saul--us. We must all begin our Christian experience in a one-on-one way. We must accept Christ within our hearts and realize he has a great purpose for us. My friend Darrell knows deep within his heart that he is called of God for great things. He has the private assurance. Do you?

Secondly, Samuel anoints Saul in public. It is a public anointing. (First Samuel 10:24). It was a time when with the support of someone folks respected publicly (Samuel) Saul courageously took a step that said "yes, God is calling me to this". Having the support of recognized leadership and peers, who know the joys and burdens and responsibilities of the position God has called an individual to can be a great strength. God wants us to meet him and have a relationship with him privately but he also wants us to publicly declare that we are Christians. Those of you who know the joys and responsibilities of "on the road" music Ministry please pray and support my valued friend Darrell.

The third anointing for Saul was what I call a partnership anointing (first Samuel 10:24-26). The Bible says this; "(1Sa 10:26) And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and there went with him a band of men, whose hearts God had touched". Every person who has ever done anything for God needs the support of people who recognize that the person they're following has been anointed of God. It is an anointing where God chooses people to follow, listen to, work with, the one whom he has called to do his work. God wants us to meet him in private, declare that we know him publicly, and partner with others to do what he has called us to. Please pray and support my friend in this duty and obligation to what God has called him to. Leaders need listeners.

The fourth time that Samuel anointed Saul is what I call the power anointing. (First Samuel 11:5-6). This anointing is where God gave Saul great victories. His victories were concrete proof that God was with him.

Brother Darrell has truly been anointed by God. The way that God has been using him lately is powerful proof of that.

As a leader Saul also made some mistakes. These mistakes don't apply to my friend Darrell but I think we can learn from them.

Saul never learned how to handle pressure (first Samuel 15:24). Instead of making firm decisions and following through with what he knew God wanted him to do he would cave in. He repeatedly blamed his mistakes on someone else. A true leader learns how to handle pressure and takes responsibility for consequences. Saul was commanded by Samuel to wait seven days for him to come and sacrifice. Saul got to looking at people leaving the celebration and took matters into his own hands (first Samuel 10:8; first Samuel 13:8). True leaders get good advice from godly people and then stand their ground. I think this alone was one of Saul's greatest mistakes. If he had waited, God would have sent Saul to help him overcome the pressure he was under. Because of him not learning how to handle pressure and waiting patiently he lost his kingdom.

Saul's next problem was pride. He began humbly. He wound up listening to his own press and the things that people were saying about him and became prideful. He got the idea that he was doing it all instead of remembering that God is in charge of positions (Psalms 75:7). God was doing it through him not because of him. We as leaders should not build monuments to ourselves. We should only holdup Christ and his cross for the world to see.

Saul's next problem was doing God's will "Partly". He never completely did the will of God. The tragedy in all this is that sometimes he fooled himself into thinking he was. Saul was told for example to kill the Amalekites and all that belonged to them. He only did so partly.

Please allow me to take a moment and explain the situation about the Amalekites.

The Amalekites were ancient enemies of the Jewish race since the time of Moses. They had committed great crimes against God's people. They would sneak up behind the children of Israel as they were traveling through the desert and kidnap children, women, the weak and then take him into slavery. It was their goal to destroy the children of Israel. Without the nation of Israel the Messiah Jesus could not have come. God made a promise to the Amalekites that he would one day get even with them. Saul had the opportunity to fulfill the plan and protection of God but he did not do so. Saul kept the best and gave God a little. God would rather we obey him than trying to placate him with gifts. Saul would never acknowledge his failures until he was blatantly caught. On three different occasions he admits "I have sinned" but he never follows through with actions that demonstrate repentance.

Let me show you the consequences of Saul's disobedience. Saul allowed the King of the Amalekites named Agag to live and to cohabitate with his two concubines (girlfriends). During that time Agag's girlfriends became pregnant and escaped captivity. They built a new nation called the Agagites. History says that the Agagites were taught from childhood to destroy the Jewish people if they were ever given the opportunity. The next time we hear about them is in the book of Esther in several places. (Esther 9:24). A wicked official named Haman who was an Agagite devised a plan to destroy the Jewish nation. Without the obedience of Esther the Jewish people would have been destroyed and the Messiah could not have come. This was a direct Satanic attack to prevent the Messiah. Now fast forward several hundred years to the Christmas story. King Herod was a descendent of the Amalekites through Agag. Upon hearing of the birth of the Savior he had all the babies two years old and under killed trying to eliminate the Messiah. If Saul had been obedient he would've been able to prevent an open door from Satan in the future. There is even a historical record that also says that Adolf Hitler was ultimately a descendent of Agag. Just because we are not able to see the results of our obedience should not prevent us from obeying God. God always knows best and we should serve God fully and not partly. We can learn from Saul's example of only serving God partly. Sometimes God's commands seem harsh but he knows the future.

Saul's next problem was being petty or jealous. There are many examples of him being jealous of David for example to the point of desiring to kill him (first Samuel 18:9). We as leaders should seek to edify each other and those who follow us.

Saul had real problems with what he looked like. His public persona was of great importance to him. In fact, there are many scholars that think that Saul committed suicide rather than be degraded in public (first Samuel 31:4). A true leader is more concerned with humbly following God rather than how things look.

Saul needed to improve his personal devotions. Saul was given multiple occasions that demonstrated that God was working in his life and yet, Saul never seemingly takes the time to hear from God himself. Saul always goes to Samuel to find out what God is saying and doing. We should develop our own relationship with the Lord and our ability to hear from him. We should make the top priority.

The last thing I seem to find concerning Saul is what I call "pressing on" after God departs (first Samuel 16:13-14). Sometimes God wants his people to change direction. A true leader follows the spirit of God and his leadership and not necessarily the status quo.

In conclusion, we should learn how to handle pressure, be humble, serve God fully, build up those who are assisting you, be more concerned about following God than what things look like, make your devotional life a main priority, and lastly be sensitive to the leadership of the Holy Spirit and change direction when he does.

Dear reader, thank you for this opportunity to share with you. Please remember my friend Darrell and also remember my wife Rosemary and I as we continue to travel the country sharing the gospel of his dear son.

Humbly yours

Cliff and Rosemary Clark <*)))><(

Route 1 box 213 A

Wayne City Illinois 62895

(618) 648-2499 (home phone)

(618) 925-1427 (cell phone)
cliffclark7@yahoo.com

www.cliffclark.com

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