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Lew Burdette’s Testimony:

“I grew up in Roanoke, a little town in east Alabama. I was your normal teenager. My world at the time revolved around football, girls, and school. Momma made me go to church; Daddy made me go to work. On Friday, December 27, 1974, my life as a happy and content high school sophomore was turned upside down.

It was two days after Christmas, and I was leaving work from my dad’s grocery store at about 6:00 that evening. Though the store’s closing time was 8 pm, I convinced my dad to let me go early since I had a date with a gorgeous cheerleader from a neighboring school in Wadley, AL. As I walked across the dark, back alley street behind our store, two young men pulled a gun on me and forced me into a car at gunpoint. They proceeded to tell me that they were kidnapping me for a ransom of $250,000, and wanted to know if my dad could get them the money that night. I knew this plan would not turn out well, but I had no idea of the events that would transpire.

We drove outside the town limits, way out in the country, and down some “backwoods” dirt roads, finally stopping in the middle of nowhere. These guys directed me at gunpoint to walk away from the dirt road and through thick brush for about 30 yards. Within seconds after this, they ordered me to stop and wait. They struck my head with their gun, leaving a big gash and blood flowing. I was almost knocked unconscious and collapsed. After only a couple of minutes, one of the men slammed his fist into my chest; I immediately felt a sharp, piercing pain. I had been stabbed with a knife. Blood was now spilling down my stomach too. I rolled over, and he stabbed me in the back three more times. Blood was pouring out from all of my wounds.

With one guy on each side, they lifted me by my armpits and began dragging me over rocks, debris, and brush. I wondered, “Where are the dragging me?” All of a sudden I was falling. They had thrown me in an old, abandoned water well about thirty feet underground. Trying to cover me up, they began dropping large chunks of “brick and mortar” on top of me. The pain was excruciating as these boulder-like objects crushed my head and back.

Soon a flashlight shined down on me, and they began shooting. The first three shots missed, but the fourth shot ripped into the back of my head. At this point, they left me for dead.

For about two hours, I fought for survival in the bottom of that well, all the while experiencing an avalanche of feelings. Hopelessness overcame me and in desperation, I fought to live. I screamed, I scratched, I clawed, pushed and pulled, but there was just no way out of that well; nothing worked. I gave up any more attempts to get out and was giving up hope. Sitting in freezing mud, muck and water in the bottom of that well, I began reflecting on my life and realized how much I had taken for granted. I recalled all of the Bible verses and songs I learned in church that I was “made” to memorize at a young age; even reciting them out loud. The verse that meant the most is Psalm 23:4, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for you are with me…” From that moment on, I quit worrying so much about dying because I knew God was with me. This was such comfort as I struggled to stay alive and to literally keep my head above water.

I was so weak and near death that I did not have the strength to sit up straight in the water. As I battled to remain conscience and to keep myself from sliding under water and drowning, I reached up and felt a hole in the side of the well that I was able to grab on to. I wondered if there was any possible way that I could get my foot into that hole. I prayed and asked God to help me pull myself up as I slid my foot into the hole. He gave me the strength to pull up. I found more of these “holes” as I slowly and painfully worked my way up, asking God to grant me the strength I did not have. He miraculously gave me the ability to climb out of the well. With the loss of blood, severe shock and injuries I had suffered, there was no physical way I should have been able to climb out of that well. Paraphrasing 2 Corinthians 12:9, when we’re the weakest; He’s the strongest. That’s the only way I got out of that well.

Once out of the well, I asked God for the “impossible” again (Mark 10:27- Believe God for the impossible) and began crawling toward a ramshackle house I had noticed back up the dirt road about a mile away. For two more hours, I crawled a few inches and on rare occasions, a few feet at a time, crying out to God for strength and help. Life was literally draining out from all of my wounds. Finally making it to this dilapidated “shotgun” house, I beat on the door for someone to let me in. I could hear a car coming down the road that sounded like the one driven by the kidnappers. As the door opened, I collapsed inside attempting to explain that two guys tried to kill me; that I had been shot, stabbed and thrown in a well.

Within seconds I could hear the car park out front; in walked the two kidnappers. Of course, I screamed, “Those are the guys who tried to kill me!” Thankfully, when the kidnappers saw me, they immediately turned and ran. Later, I learned that this was the home of one of the kidnapper’s grandmother and they were having an after-Christmas family gathering. One of the family members took control of the situation and began calling for help.

The area was so remote that the first ambulance got lost, and it took another two hours to finally get me to the hospital. After two more hours in the emergency room, where doctors and nurses were trying to save my life, they gave me only a 5-10% chance to live until morning. The doctor told my parents that because of my extensive wounds, collapsed lung from the stabbing, loss of blood, and severe shock, I’d be “too weak to survive”. They predicted that even if I made it through the night, pneumonia and infection would set in, likely leading to death within a couple days.

I never experienced pneumonia or infection; doctors could not explain my miraculous recovery. I was sent home from the hospital in less than two weeks. I was so thankful to be alive. I was so grateful for many things and people in my life that I had assumed would always be there. My faith in God grew stronger, and I no longer took my life for granted.

December 27, 1974, was a pivotal night in my life that I will forever remember. We all face difficult times in life when we lose hope for a variety of reasons: failed relationships, poor health, abuse, personal failure, etc. We all experience pain, suffering, disappointment, and loss; it’s just part of living in a “fallen” world. It’s a bond we all share, and it’s a bond I share with King’s Home residents, as they tell me: “I have no hope”. For this reason, I count it such an honor and privilege to serve at King’s Home, to help victims of abuse, neglect, abandonment, and homelessness find hope in Christ from these devastating circumstances. One of our favorite verses at King’s Home is Jeremiah 29:11- God has a plan, hope and future for your life.”

Lew Burdette

“And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27 

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Apostasy

Church History or the Scriptures? [podcast]


Regrettably, “reformed” counterfeits are more interested in the writings of their calvinistic wolves than in reading and studying the Bible itself – reading, studying Jesus, His apostles and prophets.

Unless you have the whole Bible memorized, and have a working knowledge of all the doctrines of the original Gospel, why would you be wasting your time reading something God never said He inspired, such as church history?

IF you are reading more “reformation” and church history literature than the Bible, you will inevitably be deceived for not choosing to have a love for the truth of God – which was given you in HIS Word (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12). Study God’s Word itself beloved. That’s exactly what the LORD instructs you to do (2 Timothy 2:15).

We must go back further than the “reformation.” Nothing needed to be RE-formed…. because we have a Bible which is the final divine authority (Mark 13:31; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21, etc.). Many of the “reformers” were absolute heretics such as the demon possessed murderous maniac, John Calvin.

Beware of those who without saying it outright, place church history on the same level as the Holy Scriptures. Such men are false (Matthew 23).

We get our view, perspective, knowledge, and understanding of God via His own Word. Everything else is secondary, every extra-biblical source, is unnecessary, and can be a diversion. Beware saints. Many today have a skewed understanding of Scripture because instead of allowing the Holy Spirit to teach them His pure truth through the study of His Word, they’ve researched and studied what mere men have stated about the Bible. This they did instead of studying God’s Word for themselves as the LORD instructs us to do (2 Timothy 2:15).

“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:19-21

Personally, I waste no time on early church fathers or church history. They weren’t ordained, sanctioned by God exclusively to pen the words of Holy Writ, the Bible, which is God’s Word and the highest divine authority (2 Peter 1:19-21; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17). What’s it matter if you know what they said? The LORD didn’t ordain them to communicate His truth to the world. This does nothing but create confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). Many would rather listen to what mere men had to say about God and the Bible than to learn for themselves what God said in His own Word. The LORD has always instructed His people to study and learn and attend to HIS words (Deuteronomy 4, 6, 11, Isaiah 34:16, etc.).

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

God’s Word is “Settled in Heaven” forever!

“For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.” Psalms 119:89 

Church history doesn’t matter at all and is littered with false teachers. It has no divine authentication or standing in Heaven and is the very reason so many are misled today. WHO told you to study church history or that church history was important? Not the LORD. No Scriptures could affirm such a position. Jesus told us the Holy Spirit would lead us into all truth and that His “word is truth,” not church history (John 16:13-14; 17:17). Church history is not divinely inspired, Holy Scripture is and it alone is “profitable for doctrine, correction, reproof, and instruction in righteousness,” not church history (2 Timothy 3:15-17). No one could ever possibly know the Holy Scriptures well enough so why waste time studying mere men who were never sanctioned by God to be our examples or teach His sound doctrine?

“Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.” Mark 13:31

ANYONE LEADING YOU TO STUDY CHURCH HISTORY INSTEAD OF THE BIBLE ITSELF, IS A VILE DEMONIC WOLF. BEWARE.

Jesus and His holy apostles made it clear that only the Word of God can wash and sanctify (set apart) the disciple to the LORD – and nothing else.

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” John 17:17

“Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25-27

When you hear someone promoting the study of church history, you can be sure he’s either been: 1) to seminary, or 2) influenced by seminarians.

The reformers were mere men. They were not included in the “holy men of God who spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” as were those who were divinely inspired to pen the words of Scripture (2 Peter 1:19-21). WHY waste your time on church history? We must go back to the LORD and His prophets and apostles just as did the Bereans who tested Paul and his doctrine strictly against the written Word (Acts 17:10-11). Otherwise we will err in our doctrine. Reformed groups are famous for misdirecting people from Scripture onto their heroes of the faith, none of which were sanctioned by God or ordained to record Holy Writ. They mislead people into studying men in history who were known devils. One example of this course, this atrocious deception, is that they herald diabolical, heretical wolves like John Calvin.

ALL of God’s answers are here – in His written Word – not in the study of church history (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3-4; 19-21).

Personally, I stay away from the “revivalist” and church history and stick with the Scriptures which are pure (Proverbs 30:5-6).

The LORD has called us to be His humble disciples (Micah 6:8; Matthew 5:3; 10:16; 20:20-28; 23:8-12, etc.). Do we see the call for a “revivalist” in the Word? Evangelist yes (Acts 21:8; Ephesians 4:11). I say this because of some aspiring to become “revivalists” due to reading church history. Sobeit. Yet isn’t it safest to walk humbly before our LORD, reaching one precious saint or soul at a time? Isn’t that a better, more biblical aspiration? (Micah 6:8)

At least some of those many refer to as a “revivalist” taught heresy, such as Charles Finney.

 When a preacher has to always be yelling, does that raise a red flag? What’s HE hiding? Is the anointing in the volume?

Reformed groups are famous for misdirecting people from Scripture onto their heroes of the faith, none of which were sanctioned by God or recorded in Holy Writ. As if drawing people away from God’s Word to study un-inspired church history wasn’t enough, they mislead people into studying men in history who were known devils. One example of this course, this atrocious deception, is that they herald diabolical, heretical wolves like John Calvin.

Church history is not holy Scripture and is not divinely inspired.

MANY, instead of studying pure Holy Scripture (KJB), get caught up and derailed by the myriad of false systems of theology that have flooded the church world …. Calvinism, eternal security evangelicalism, church history, church fathers, the delusional witchcraft of the NAR (new apostolic reformation) movement, the Christ-denying heretical word of faith system, etc. The list goes on and on and on. Satan has many snares laid to clutter your mind and life with foolishness. God allows those who don’t authentically fear and love Him enough to study HIS pure Word to be sent “strong delusion” and thereby deceived (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12). They are blinded, thinking they are going to Heaven and yet are “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 3:7). There’s a divine elimination system – separating the sheep from the goats.

1 Corinthians 11:19 is an interesting verse of truth to ponder.

“For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.” 1 Corinthians 11:19

Church history contains an epidemic of contradicting theology and confusion because it’s not divinely inspired. “God is not the author of confusion” (1 Corinthians 14:33).

Many who study church history instead of God’s Word, are caught up in the heretical system of the worst wolf in New Testament history. Yes, they adhere to the diabolical monstrosity named John Calvin, a man who had over 60 people murdered and admitted he received his teachings from a Catholic named Augustine. John Calvin Exposed

There is no contradiction in Scripture because the one true God inspired all of it! Church history is not Holy Scripture and is not divinely inspired. Let us wake up and study God’s Word as He expressly instructed us to do (2 Timothy 2:15, etc.). The LORD never once told any of His servants to study church history. Such is a diversion of the enemy of all souls.

“ALL things that pertain to life and godliness” are written for us in the “Holy Scriptures” which are “the exceeding great and precious promises” of the LORD (2 Peter 1:3-4; 20-21).

The study of church history in search of answers is a misguided endeavor and a waste of the time God has given us if we don’t even thoroughly know the full-counsel of His Word.

What is final divine authority? Man’s history or Holy Writ? Why waste our time studying the works of men when we grossly lack the knowledge of God’s Word? (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Acts 17:10-11)

The study of church history is clearly a rabbit trail of the enemy to keep people from the revealing and transforming truth of God’s Word. The Berean believers “searched the SCRIPTURES daily,” not church history outside the Bible canon of the 39 OT books. Jesus told us to “search the scriptures” because HE Himself is revealed in the Holy Scriptures, not subjective church history concerning mere men who were not divinely authenticated as were the “holy men of God” whom God used and “spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (John 5:39-40; 2 Peter 1:20-21).

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. 40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” John 5:39-40

The Holy Scriptures have as their Grand Subject the Son of God. Like the pharisees, the religionist of His day, those who hear it and don’t repent, coming to Jesus, forfeit the blessing of His salvation.

The “Holy Scriptures,” not church history books, are given to make us “wise unto salvation,” “for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,” and so that we might “be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:15-17

It’s the Word of God, not church history, that furnishes the heart and life of the man of God, fully equipping him for the work of the ministry.

When Paul instructed Timothy to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God,” he was speaking of studying the Holy Scriptures, not church history (2 Timothy 2:15).

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Mission Mexico Part 46 [podcast]

Recorded about a week ago: Much has happened since then!


Your Love for God is Changing Lives Saints!

Clara’s new rental. Brother Allan ministering in the Philippines. Many being reached daily in Mexico. And much more…..

Happening now. In progress. Talking to Clara by text right now….. delivered the rent and deposit today. | Clara’s Cry

Recently, when bringing more food to Clara and her 3 boys, food from God’s love in and through you, I noticed that her 3 boys were quite dirty and was moved. They were actually filthy. Clara is by nature a very quiet person. So I began asking her questions….. With the current rental, they have one outdoor sink with running water. That’s it. No shower. The current rental is beyond shabby for sure. Sorry, just trying to communicate facts here.

Now the good news…..

Her mother found Clara and the boys a new rental, about 50 yards from where they currently live. She gave the price and I made a counter offer, negotiated a discount. Here’s the score:

Move-in Costs: It’s going to cost $382 USD total to move in, which includes the first month’s rent and deposit. I asked the landlord to give us the remainder of September as a bonus for this rental contract and she accepted. So, Clara’s monthly rent will be $208 USD – and this includes the water and electricity (both included). Her rent has doubled, all the way up to $208 USD per month for Clara and her 3 young boys 😉 …. In my estimation, this move is also going to help Clara be less weighed down as perhaps many of us know how it feels to live in dire conditions. Having a nicer, more functioning home to live in will surely do much for her morale. Do you agree?

If anyone wish to earmark a special gift for Clara and her boys, just submit it and send me an email, letting me know your special gift is for Clara. If more than $382 is raised, it will still all go to Clara’s cause. | info@safeguardyoursoul.com

“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.” Proverbs 19:17


On the behalf of Christ Jesus and His beloved body, we are in Mexico to love, to equip, to support, to be a blessing to the members of our LORD’s Jesus’ body. Please allow me also to say, that it’s more than obvious that these saints in Mexico have never been loved and supported as they are now. This is all due to your love being poured out upon them in prayers and support.

The people, the saints God has put His holy finger on for us to serve, in no particular order, are as follows:

  • Brother Juan
  • Sister Maria
  • Clara
  • Brother Allan in the Philippines

If you’re going to go bananas over anything, let it be Christ. Everything else is fleeting and a waste. Read that again.



WE CERTAINLY CAN’T HELP EVERYONE AND YET WE, YOU, ARE BEING THE WORLD OF HELP TO A FEW—THOSE GOD HAS DESIGNED: Wednesday was Clara’s birthday, yesterday. Because you prayed and gave, she was given food and a pastry item so they could celebrate her birthday with her boys and mother, and other family members. Remember, people here are poor.



Many eternal souls are being reached in beautiful Mexico. God is able. Thank you for your prayers for these people.

Last Night: Maria called and needed more JESUS tracts and so I brought them to her on her witnessing post. She had finished the first 2,000 she was given after the 20,000 print run recently!

Mission Mexico | Download and Read the JESUS tract here – English and Spanish available.

Keep lifting up in prayer—fruit, more fruit, much fruit (John 15). God is answering. Can nearly not keep up, praise God for HIS mercy and goodness. What is reported is but a sampling of our LORD’s work among the beautiful humble people of Mexico. More and more Mexican saints taking JESUS tracts and distributing them!

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30 



From Brother and evangelist Juan here in Mexico:

“Brother, I’ve chosen to leave some Bibles and pamphlets (JESUS tracts) at the businesses I distribute to for my job, and the customers have told me they’ve been a blessing. People come up to ask me to pray for them, and glory to God, because He gives us both the desire and the ability to do what is right. We know His Word never returns empty; it always fulfills its purpose. Amen, brother, brother.” Juan


Brother Allan and his ministry team in the Philippines are leading people to Jesus on a regular basis. God be praised that it is hard to keep up with all the evangelism success here in Mexico and also the Philippines with our brother Allan who is a fervent disciple of Jesus, a consummate soul winner (Proverbs 11:30). I’ve been blessed to know and be in fellowship with our brother for over 30 years now. He is authentic.

Here’s just one small example of what our LORD is doing in the Philippines: A few days ago a whole class full of students and the teacher received Jesus. Saints of Christ, the world is full of people who desire to hear the Gospel of our LORD Jesus and to receive Him.  We are blessed to feed the Word of God to hungry souls who receive and don’t reject Christ.

“And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. 15  Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.” Matthew 10:14-15

You and I are blessed to stand with our brother Allan and the Philippines ministry. YOUR prayers and support are making this possible!!! God is able!

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,” Ephesians 3:20

Everyone is welcome to pray and support. It would be nice to increase our support soon to our brother Allan and Team Jesus in the Philippines! See Support button on safeguardyoursoul.com  Let’s roll saints! Jesus is coming.



As has been shared previously…..

More and continual vehicle ministry….. rolling. If all you did was move to Mexico and passed out JESUS tracts as you drove around town, you’d be hitting home runs for Jesus daily!


Because you prayed, you cared, you gave, this beloved homeless man was fed—food, cold water, and the Gospel of Jesus! The Bible, God’s Word as much to say about feeding the poor and how God will bless those who do. Proverbs 19:17, etc.


It’s a blessing that with your prayers, love, and financial support, you are declaring that “The People of Mexico Matter for Christ—He died to save them!”

“So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.” Acts 19:20

IF YOU WANT TO PLEASE SATAN …..

MAKE SURE you do NOT support authentic evangelistic ministries that are literally, actually getting Christ’s Gospel to the lost souls of this world.

The apostle Paul did “the work of an evangelist” and instructed us to do the same.

“Preach the word … But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:2, 5

Our KING is coming saints, King JESUS!

Let’s roll beloved of God!

in Christ

todd

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Articles

The Cross in the Book of Job [podcast]


“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24  For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.”  Luke 9:23-24

“I looked that word, through, up in the KJB Dictionary and it is used 463 times in the Bible. And it means to ‘pass through.’ That’s what the cross does. We pass through from death and burial and into the resurrection life! Just as the Israelites did, they passed through the red sea into the promised land. And through the red sea their flesh was crucified, dead and buried and thrown into the sea. Then they  were raised up into newness of life!” Karen Cochran

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