Ruben's Story

[Jim Watt]

“*TWO ARE BETTER THAN ONE” MINISTRIES*

*Jim & Marie Watt*

*Tel: 253-517-9195 - Email: jmbetter at gmail.com*

*Web: www.2rbetter.org*

November 10, 2010


 *2010-11-09 “RUBEN'S STORY”*


 *Recently, “Ruben's story” was published. Ruben was a dear friend of ours
since early 1963 in the greater Seattle Area. He was a great example of
hearing God's voice - then obeying.*


 *Today God is thrusting more and more people into “Faith Ministries”,
following Jesus one step at a time; leaving behind the security and income -
especially of the pastorate or other Christian ministry.*


 *In 1962, God told Jim to resign from First Baptist Church in Round Lake,
Illinois. We had been the first full-time pastor, built a new church, and
with a thriving congregation of over 200 people. Successful, yes. But God
said, “I am preparing to move on the West Cost (Canada and the US), and you
will have a part in it, if you obey Me and follow My leadership.” So, in
August 1962, we left Illinois, heading West on God's Word. but where, and
how, with no financial backing for us. It's called a walk of obedience. All
we have to do is “Trust and Obey”, and hang on ...*


 *God was leading us to settle in the greater Seattle area, but we didn't
know where. We had 3 school age children (Jim, 9 years; Anna, 8 years and
Peter 5 years) - so we had to find a home. Jim looked for a number of months
in the Seattle area for a house to buy, while I and the children were living
in Port Alberni, on Vancouver Island (where I was born and many of my family
still live there); but he came up empty. Then Ruben Korpi, the man of faith,
came into our lives.*


 *During April and May of 1963 he took Jim house-hunting in the South End of
King County. Finally in May 1963 he brought Jim to a new housing development
in Kent, Washington, about 20 miles south of Seattle. Through Ruben's faith,
and the prayers of many others, we had a beautiful 2600 square foot - 6
bedroom, 3 bathroom - Split-Level entry home built for us on a beautiful ¼
acre lot on a cul-de-sac. *


 *This was a “faith” home, because monthly we had to pray for Jim to have
meetings with sufficient love-offerings to make the mortgage payments and
put food on the table. Jim traveled all over Washington, Oregon, British
Columbia and Alberta, entering the doors God opened for him.*


 *Then in June of 1964, Jim accepted the Pastorate of Broadway Tabernacle in
downtown Seattle, leaving a two year travelling ministry in over 70
churches. *


 *Much of our ministry has been “living by Faith”, following where the Lord
led us, trusting and obeying. The reason we are sending “Ruben's Story” to
you, is because some of you are in a similar faith walk, stepping out,
obeying God, and then - what do I do?*


 *We trust this anointed, simple book will strengthen your faith and
determination, to “trust and obey God”, knowing He does know best! And the
joyous reward of knowing you are in the center of His Will*


 *Just a couple more things in our relationship with Ruben and our new
house. He noticed we didn't have a TV. He said we needed one. So he
scrounged around, found a beautiful console, one for next to nothing, that
we could afford, and even delivered it and set it up for us.*


 *Later that year, Anna had long desired to play the piano and have lessons.
Amazingly, Ruben found a beautiful solid Oak Upright piano for $100.00
(which we were able to raise). He then arranged for it's delivery. Anna
eventually went to College for a Biology degree, and also 6 credits short of
a degree in music, using that same piano. When she finally sold it in 1987 -
she got much more for it than we had paid! God is so good. She has also used
her gift of music - especially in the church.*


 *All through the years, as friends, we followed Ruben's ministry. He truly
was a man of faith: trusting and obeying.*


 *Yesterday, November 5th, we had a beautiful luncheon date with Betty
Korpi. She is still staunchly following the Lord. She'll be 86 years old
this month, lives alone in her own apartment in NE Tacoma, still drives, and
each Sunday plays piano for the service in a Baptist Church in Tacoma. God
is faithful. Truly He saves the best wine for the last. (John 2:10). *


 *I've also enclosed Henry Blackaby's chart on following God from
“Experiencing God”. This is a wonderful course to teach, as well as to
understand what on earth God is doing in our lives.*


 *Bless each one of you, as you have stepped out in faith, trusting Him to
open the doors He has for you. Remember He said in Hebrews 13:5-6 - “I will
never leave you nor forsake you; so boldly say, the Lord is my helper. I
shall not fear what man can do unto me.*


 *They that know their God shall do mighty exploits” - Daniel 11:32.*


 *We are praying for you. God never fails. So rejoice that He has chosen you
for this very special high calling in Jesus. Let us know how specifically we
can pray for you.*


 *In Calvary love,*


 *Marie - for both of us.*


 *PS. We are enclosing a copy of the Seven Realities from Henry Blackaby's
book “Experiencing God” which shows God's plan for entering fully into His
purposes, each day. Hope you enjoy it. M.*


 “*Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing God's Will” - Henry Blackaby, p. 19*


 *1. God is aways at work around you.*


 *2. God pursues a continuing love relationship with you that is real and
personal. - *with Him


 *3. God invites you to become involved with Him in His work. - **Invitation
* - to join God in what He wants to do, and is doing.


 *4. God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances,
and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways. *See Moses and
“the Bush”.


 *5. God's invitation for you to work with Him always leads you to a crisis
of belief that requires faith and action. *Do we or don't we obey the Word
of the Lord?


 *6. You must make major adjustments in your life to join God in what He is
doing. *We *adjust* our lives to His will.


 *7. You come to know God by experience as you obey Him and He accomplishes His
work through you. *Obey and Experience.



 “*Ruben's Story” continued*


 The above letter re “Ruben's Story” was written by my wife Marie to a half
dozen or so of our friends who have stepped out in a faith ministry much
like the Korpi's. Marie felt this book would be an encouragement to them by
a couple who have walked this way before.


 Ruben's wife Betty sent us the following information that led us to
purchase a number of these books for special friends. Over 900 of you are on
our mailing list, so we are sorry - but we can't do this for all of you. But
if Betty's words touch you as they did us, perhaps you like us would like to
purchase a copy. At the end of Betty's words - I will give you her Ordering
Information, should you wish to follow through. J.A.W.


 *A Word from Betty Korpi* - “In selling my home and moving to this
apartment and going through Ruben's things - I found several papers rolled
and secured by a rubber band. I discovered Ruben had started to write his
life's story - and what a story it was. He never told me of his treasure but
“here it was”. Of course the story wasn't finished - and who could finish it
but *me*! After Sixty-two years - I knew his story *well*!


 “Thanks to our daughter Robin - the story is finished and published - and
it turned out beautifully. I know it will be a blessing to you.”


 *Here is a note on the Front and Back Cover *- “A Remarkable Faith and
God's Faithfulness”

Ruben J. and Betty C. Korpi - Founding Members of the “Gospel Westernaires”


 Early in their travels, Ruben and Betty Korpi were in desperate need of a
new car to be able to travel to various churches to minister. Ruben tells of
God's abundant provision:


 *Betty and I went car shopping - can you believe with an an old 'junker' of
a car and no money? Well, the Lord knew our need before we even asked. While
looking, I came across a beautiful 1938 Cadillac LaSalle with good tires,
low mileage and in beautiful shape.*


 “*It would really be asking God for a lot to give that car - when just
starting this life of faith. I talked to the salesman for a moment about
that car. He said, 'I'll take your old car on trade.'*


 “*As we started to drive away in our new car, I noticed the gas tank was on
empty. The salesman yelled as we were leaving. 'This week we are having a
special - for everyone who buys a car we give a hundred gallons of gas.'”*


 This is an example of the Korpi's faith, trust, and obedience to God, and
seeing God be faithful to answer, exceedingly abundantly.


 Be encouraged in your walk with the Lord as you read their story.


 Be challenged to trust and obey God and see miracles happen in your own
life!


 *Ordering information:*


 *Book Price: $13.00 US / $14.00 Canada*

*Contact: Robin Horchover*

*E-mail: RubensStory at comcast.net*

*Make checks payable to :Betty Korpi*

*Mail to: Ruben's Story, 1000 Town Center, Ste. 180, Tacoma, WA 98422*

*(Price includes shipping)*


 *All funds are gifted for the care and support of Betty Korpi*



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