MY PAL, JOB

Rick McPherson

September Newsletter, 2026

     When it comes to fame, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph are more popular than my pal, Job.  All patriarchs, yet the story of Job tells of a man who loses everything; his wealth, his health, his family; and wrestles with the question, “Why?”

     The book is a fascinating read with conversations between Satan and God, Job’s wife, his best friends and their opinions of Job’s problems.  After all, he was, “the greatest of all the people of the East.” (1:3) His wealth was massive, his herds impressive, his ten children were envied and his three daughters were gorgeous.  What’s not to like here?  But the plot thickens and Job ends up in the ditch scraping his body sores with a piece of pottery.  His wife doesn’t help with her counsel of, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity?  Curse God and die!” (2:9)

     To say that I’m impressed with Job would be a gross understatement.  As I read the narrative I find myself identifying with certain struggles and conclude it would be tempting to take Mrs. Job’s advice.  Pack it in, man.  Quit.  Write the resignation letter and do it now… but not Job.  No, sir!  He pushes all his marbles to the center of the circle, acknowledges God’s sovereignty in his life and says, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” (13:15) Wow Job, you’re my hero!  And to think even though his friends rejected him and were disloyal he still prayed for them.  This remarkable story concludes happily ever after.  In fact it’s more than remarkable, it’s miraculous.  “And the Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends.  Indeed the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.  Now the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning….sheep, camels, oxen, donkeys…and seven sons and three daughters…in all the land were found no women so beautiful as the daughters of Job…after this Job lived 140 years and saw his children and grandchildren for four generations.  So Job died, old and full of days.”   (42:10-17)

      As fascinating as the narrative of Job’s life is, the conclusion of what happens to Job and the restoration that occurs is amazing.  I suggest to you that God’s ultimate purpose is restoration.  The word, “restore” or “restoration” is used approximately 136 times in Scripture.  God has already provided the means for us to return, to bring back, and to reestablish our status of right standing with Him.  If there is one overarching truth that Job established it is that God is sovereign.  You can trust Him!

     May I further impress upon you that whatever you are experiencing right now in your life…loneliness, despair, anger, disappointment, betrayal, loss, sadness, addiction…whatever it is, God knows.  Your situation is not a surprise to Him.   His plan is in place and He is working on your behalf.    Bill Gothard coined the phrase many years ago, “Please Be Patient, God Is Not Finished With Me Yet!”  And remember, God is all about restoration!

*****

Note:

Let me answer your questions about giving to Pacific NW Outreach, Inc.,                   and Rick McPherson RESTORATION.  Yes, we are a 501 (c) (3) charitable, non-profit organization and you will receive a tax receipt for your financial donations.  We do accept PayPal, Venmo, credit and debit cards and checks.  Giving by cash is not encouraged.  If you have questions about any of this, please call Charlote, (360) 904-0823 or Email, charlote@pacificnwoutreach.org.

Your faithful and consistent giving enables us to do this ministry and we are very grateful for your financial help and prayer support.  God bless you abundantly!

*****

OTZI THE ICEMAN, DELIVERS! Part III

Rick McPherson

August Newsletter, 2026

        It’s hard to view social media these days without seeing back-to-school photos of kiddos with new clothes, sneakers, toothy smiles and a back pack stuffed with supplies.  Parents and grandparents are happy that summer is over and the children are back in class; the children…not so much.   The schedule and weather have changed and another school year has begun.  

     Over the last couple of months you have read about the backpack outreach to the Native American students at Celilo Indian Village and the Quinault Reservation. Playfully we have titled it, “Otzi the Iceman Outreach!”    We’ve talked about our goal of providing for each student a new backpack with pens, pencils, paper, markers, ear-buds, calculators, and erasers (of course) and even water bottles and snack bars.  Our budget was $39.00 for each backpack and the total was over $2,400.00.  Let me say a BIG thank you for your generous response.   We met our goal!  You’ll see pictures of the backpacks and the quantity and quality are outstanding.  Without your help we could not do this ministry.  We are now scheduling our trips to deliver the backpacks so that every child is ready for school.  

     I’m reminded of a verse that talks about “anyone who gives even a simple cup of water” in the name of Jesus.  (Matthew 10:42, Mark 9:41)  Jesus used this phrase to describe that even the smallest act of kindness would be seen.  God notices and values everyday, minor gestures of kindness and generosity.  They reflect His nature because God cares about EVERY need, even backpacks.   When we as His followers reach out and provide for them in some tangible way we are showing the world God’s love.  Isn’t that our job?

     So thank you again for helping us “give a cup of water” and a backpack to a Native American child, whom you will probably never meet in this life, but maybe one day in Heaven, sitting around the campfire, you will hear a voice tell about receiving a backpack as a child, on a remote Indian reservation and being introduced to God’s love, acceptance and forgiveness.  Imagine that!

Men’s Ministry Annual Retreat

I will be the guest speaker…

BATTLE GROUND BAPTIST CHURCH

(360)687-7124

https://bgbaptist.com

September 25-26

Join us for a great two day “get away” and retreat at the beautiful 150 acre

ROYAL RIDGES RETREAT CENTER

****

OTZI THE ICEMAN Part II

Rick McPherson

July Newsletter, 2026

     Well, a lot has happened in the last month since we talked about backpacks for the Native children at Lake Quinault and the Yakama Indian Village at Celilo.  Some are saying, “What?  It’s only July and you’re already talking about back-to-school plans?”  Yes, we are.  You see some schools return the last week of August and we need time to purchase, pack and deliver the backpacks to the Reservations.  We have learned from our contact people that there are 32 children from K-8th grade on the Quinault Reservation and 27 from K-12th grade on the Yakama at Celilo.  As a reminder, the Lake Quinault Reservation is on the Pacific Ocean coast about 75 miles north of Aberdeen, WA.  The Celilo Indian Village is 50 miles east of The Dalles, OR.  

     A local church group has volunteered workers to help us pack each backpack and have them ready for delivery in mid-August.  What a blessing!  All of the contents, including; notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, markers, ear-buds, head-phones, calculators (for the HS students) and even an emergency (!) yummy, snack bar,  will be lovingly packed.  If the budget allows, we will include that ubiquitous water bottle that we mentioned previously.  Gotta stay hydrated, right?

     Now… for the reality to make this happen, we need help.   When you do the math you get a total of:  $2,301.00 (59 students X $39.00 each).  We have already received money towards this outreach ministry but we’re still short.  Can you help?  Will you help?  Let me tell you that these backpacks are a HUGE blessing to the children and families on the Reservations.  Aside from groceries and boots they are the most requested items that we give.  One volunteer was in tears when we told her our plan to help.  So, God bless you for caring, sharing, praying and giving!  

     We’ve included an image of OTZI THE ICEMAN for your enjoyment.  Scholars discovered this Copper Age mummy who was found carrying animal hides attached to a U-shaped hazel rod and wooden boards making it one of the earliest known carrying frames.  Today’s backpacks are a far-cry from OTZI but if you’ve ever carried a backpack (and who hasn’t?) you can join me and say, “Thanks, OTZI…great idea!”                 *****

     More housekeeping…

     In response to last month’s newsletter, let me answer your questions about giving to Pacific NW Outreach, Inc. and Rick McPherson RESTORATION.  Yes, we are a, 501 (c) (3) charitable, non-profit organization and you will receive a tax receipt for your giving.  We do accept PayPal, Venmo, credit and debit cards and checks.  Giving by cash is not encouraged.  If you have questions about any of this please call Charlote, (360)904-0823 or, charlote@pacificnwoutreach.org

     Your faithful giving enables us to do this ministry and we are very grateful for your financial help and your prayer support.  God bless you, abundantly!

     And…we have a few PRAYER STICKERS left!  If you would like one, just ask!  They’re a great reminder to say a prayer for us and they look good on your refrigerator, lap-top, truck bumper or tool box.  Thanks again for praying!

*****

OTZI THE ICEMAN

Rick McPherson

Today we’re talking about backpacks.  That’s right; this primitive tool has evolved from basic survival sacks into modern ergonomic storage.  This evolution was driven by innovations in framing and materials, transforming a rugged piece of outdoor equipment into an everyday, cross-cultural necessity.  Carrying things on one’s back is an instinct as old as humanity, with some of the earliest devices dating back thousands of years, which brings us to Otzi the Iceman, (3300 B.C.)  who was discovered in the Alps in 1991.  This Copper Age mummy was found carrying animal hides attached to a U-shaped hazel rod and wooden boards, making it one of the earliest known carrying frames.  

     Things have developed nicely since Otzi.  Today’s backpacks are comfortable, functional, and versatile and feature zippers, Velcro, hooks, straps and the ubiquitous water bottle.  It’s almost impossible today to find a student without a backpack, filled with text books,  markers, pens, erasers, notebooks, pencils, ear-buds, head-phones, calculator and maybe a  yummy snack bar, just in case.  

     Through the years we have found several strategic gifts that we can provide to Native American children.  Boots, blankets, jackets, gloves and Christmas toys are included along with backpacks.  And, it’s that time of year again when we start buying and filling them.  We purchase all the items in bulk and then fill each backpack with the age appropriate items from K-12 and then deliver them to the Reservations.  This year we will serve both Celilo Indian Village on the Yakama Reservation at The Dalles, Oregon and the Quinault Reservation at Lake Quinault, Washington.  

     Some of you are saying, “That’s a great outreach.  How can I help?”

Well, I’m glad you asked, because we need your help.  Each backpack, which is a good quality, durable item is filled with school supplies and even includes a key-chain.  The cost is $39.00. Maybe we can throw in that yummy snack bar, too.    

Would you like to be involved in this outreach?  We could call it The Otzi Outreach!  (Sorry…!)  Whatever you call it, the Native children will be blessed!

Housekeeping…

     People are asking about monthly giving to the ministry.  We can accommodate you with credit, debit or gift cards.  We accept Venmo, PayPal and of course, old-fashioned checks.  Because we are a 501 (c) (3) charitable, non-profit you will receive a tax-deductible receipt for your giving.  If you have questions, please call or text Charlote, (360) 904-0823   or, charlote@pacificnwoutreach.org 

      Your faithful giving enables us to do this ministry and we are very grateful for your financial help and your prayer support.  God bless you, abundantly!

*****

     The Rick McPherson RESTORATION podcast is available on Spotify.  Whatever device you’re using, just go to Play store and download the Spotify app.  It’s easy!  It’s free!  Then type in Rick McPherson RESTORATION or Pacific NW Outreach and all the podcast will be available to you.  One friend said he listens to them on his way to Seattle and back.  Each podcast is approximately 25 minutes.  Enjoy!

*****

“HE RESTORES MY SOUL!”

Rick McPherson

May Newsletter, 2026

     Sitting alone on a lake-front in Northern Ontario I listened to a distant loon calling out in the late evening.  The wood fire crackled and a gentle breeze moved the water softly against the shore.  Hours passed and the world seemed to stand still.  All the tensions of my day drained away and I was reminded of a new perspective.  

     In reflection I recalled that the three most restful sounds known to man are the sound of wind, water and fire.  And, all of them had combined to soothe and restore my mind, will and emotions; the three elements of the human soul, as theologians describe it.  Being triune beings, the spirit and body are defined, but our soul is slightly more complex.  When King David wrote, “he restores my soul”

he said a mouthful.  Interestingly, he prefaced his statement with the fact that the Lord, “makes me lie down in green pastures,” and “leads me beside the still waters.” (Psalm 23:2-3)  Could it be that Nature itself is used by the Almighty to help, heal and restore us?  

     When I think of the restoration process and how God through His word repeats this thought, I’m reminded that it is His divine purpose.  He wants us restored.  Why else would He repeat this truth so often?    He wants to restore us…our minds, our wills, our emotions!   The restoration process is:  “the act or process of returning something to its original, former, or unimpaired condition.  It involves repairing, renewing, or re-establishing a subject to a previous state of good health, function or appearance.”  Is that why Paul wrote the church in Corinth and said, “If anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation…”? (II Corinthians 5:17)  This describes the complete spiritual transformation and restoration a person experiences when they place their faith in Christ Jesus.  

     The promise is that HE RESTORES MY SOUL.  I need that!  I need my mind restored.  I need my will restored.  I need my emotions restored.  How about you?  Here are just a few verses to help.

 

OUR MIND…

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”  Romans 12:2

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”  Isaiah 26:3

OUR WILL…

“Nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done.”  Luke 22:42

“I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”  Psalm 40:8

OUR EMOTIONS…

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing…so you may abound in hope…”  Romans 15:13

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted…  Psalm 34:18

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation…” Psalm 51:12

 

      Now, back to the lake, the loon, the fire… and the water lapping gently on the shore.

*****

 

One last thing!

The podcasts on Spotify are reaching a huge audience and we are so humbled and thankful.  If you haven’t checked it out, it’s easy and free.  Just download the Spotify app from your Play Store and then type:                                                           

Rick McPherson RESTORATION

Improving lives with the truth of God’s love, acceptance, and forgiveness

Thank you, sincerely, for your ongoing prayers and financial support for this ministry.

WHO DO YOU TRUST?

Rick McPherson

April Newsletter, 2026

Over the years I have used and worn-out several Bibles. I’ve kept them all and occasionally go back and check various verses that have been highlighted and noted with personal references in the margins. All of them, without exception, have Proverbs 3:5-6 marked. In fact, I’ve joked that if I ever get a tattoo, it will be these verses, but to date I have not gotten any ink! If I did, that would be on my skin. Life verses in my case number about a dozen and I find that they rotate in my brain and heart depending on my circumstances. And each time they come to the top of the rotation, like spokes on a wheel, they speak directly to my life.

“Trust” is perhaps our most valuable possession. Amy Rees Anderson said, “Trust takes years to build, seconds to break, and forever to repair.” The word, “trust”, is used almost two hundred times in Scripture, including trusted and trusting, frequently highlighting reliance on God over human strength. Yet we stumble and fret over life’s situations wondering who we should trust? King David wrote, “Some trust in chariots, some in horses…but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7. Guilty as charged, as I remember the times when, “chariots” and “horses” have won me over. It is so tempting to rely on our senses and put our trust in the wrong thing or person. Remember what King Solomon said? “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6.

Will you line up with me and say, “But I want to lean on my OWN understanding!” And, that’s the rub we all experience, isn’t it… my way or God’s way?

That “rub” is illustrated perfectly when Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane and wrestled with His Father about His future and concluded by saying, “Nevertheless not my will but thine be done.” Luke 22:42. His profound statement of submission and trust signifies prioritizing divine purpose over human desires especially in times of suffering or uncertainty. Corrie Ten Boom said, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God!” And never be afraid to go back to your old Bible life verses and review the most valuable possession you have…trust. Join me and commit to the Lord that you will trust HIM and not succumb to the temptation of relying on your own understanding, inclinations, preferences, tendencies…or ways. And thank HIM now that HE will direct your paths. You can trust HIM! As they say on the street, “You can take that to the bank!”

*****

Your prayer and financial support for this ministry is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your faithfulness and God bless you abundantly!

“Improving lives with the truth of God’s love, acceptance & forgiveness.”

*****

GOOD STUFF…RIGHT?

Rick McPherson

March Newsletter, 2026 

      It was Dr. Robert Schuller who said, “Tough times never last, but tough people do!” When I heard that as a young man, I tucked it away in my memory bank and thought it was good stuff.  However, my life was relatively free of “tough times” at that point.  Then things changed.  Tough times arrived and with them the inevitable question, “Why?”  Why me?  Why us?  Why now?  Then I questioned whether I was eligible for “tough people” status.  Would I make it through?  Could I make it through?

     C.S. Lewis said, “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.”  The reality is that no one is void of difficulty in this life.  Everyone experiences tough times.  And I discovered in the midst of my struggles that I was asking the wrong question.  I should have been asking, “What?” not “Why?”  The truth is God uses the circumstances in our lives to do a work that can only be accomplished during difficult times.  Helen Keller said, “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet.  Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened.”  When I was praying for God to change my circumstances, He was actually using my circumstances to change me.  

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory…For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”  II Corinthians 4:17-18

     Ultimately God has a purpose, process and perspective for our lives that is His will.  We can participate in it, willingly, or we can resist it and fight Him.  The choice is ours, the choice is always ours.  Our Heavenly Father will never force us.  But His Word is filled with promises like this one:  

He works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.”  Romans 8:28

     We stumble over the, “all things”, but God uses both good and bad circumstances to accomplish His ultimate purpose rather than promising immediate comfort or prosperity.  When the difficult times visit let’s ask the, “what?” question and allow God to fulfill His purpose in us of knowing Him, glorifying Him and enjoying an eternal relationship with Him.  We can rely on the truth that His process is evident in our circumstances, as difficult as they might be.  Finally, be assured that God does not view your problems as meaningless suffering, but as an opportunity for spiritual growth and character development.  His perspective includes greater intimacy, reliance on His strength and being conformed to the image of Jesus. Do you remember the slogan, “What Would Jesus Do?”  It’s more than a bumper sticker.  It’s a way of life.  And, that’s good stuff.

WARMS COLD HEARTS

Rick McPherson

February Newsletter, 2026

“Thank you.” These words are said millions of times every day by countless people for countless reasons. We thank each other for gifts, kind deeds, and simply for being there, and we thank everybody from our best friends to the co-workers we’ve spoken to once. One writer said, “A simple thank you has magic, it changes moods, opens doors & warms cold hearts.” Another, Alfred Agache, said, “Saying thank you is more than good manners, it is good spirituality.” Maya Angelou, wrote, “Thank you, always say thank you, it’s the greatest gift you can give someone.”

With those thoughts in mind, let me say thank you! Your ongoing prayers and financial support enable us to do this ministry. We never want to take you for granted or to be remiss in expressing how deeply thankful we are for your help. Outreach trips, preaching, teaching, podcasts, newsletters, videos, retreats, food distribution, counseling and mentoring are made possible because of people like you.

Each month through personal checks, bank drafts, Venmo, PayPal, debit and credit cards, and even cash (which we do not recommend), friends of the ministry send contributions. We respond with a receipt (as a 501 (c)(3) charitable, non-profit corporation) that you may use for tax purposes. The funds are controlled by our Board of Directors and an annual IRS 990 is filed. Please know that we receive your giving with prudence and accountability. Most importantly we consider your giving the means to help us tell the Good News of God’s love, acceptance and forgiveness. That’s the main thing.

We are well aware that the greatest thing you can do for our ministry is pray!
So, thank you for your prayers! And, we have seen God answer prayers on so many occasions. (BTW the new prayer sticker is in the final stages of production and will be available soon…!) Do you think God smiles when He sees a RMR/PNWO prayer sticker on a water-bottle, lap-top or rear window of a classic, Chevy pickup truck? Whatever it takes to get people praying; is all I’m saying!

However, it also takes margin to provide ministry. So thank you for your financial gifts to support this ministry. Receive our heart-felt, “thank you!” It has changed moods, opened doors, warmed cold hearts … and been good spirituality!

*****

NOTE:
Last month we told you of the needed repairs for THE MULE, our 2016 Ford E450 delivery van. “The wood floor has been badly water-damaged and needs to be replaced…restored, renewed, and rebuilt”.
Thank you for those who responded with a special gift. We have received $400.00 for the repairs, to date. If you would like to help, please mark your check accordingly. Thank you!

***

And save the date…September 25-26, 2026, Battle Ground Baptist, Men’s Retreat, Royal Ridges Camps, You’re invited!
Rick McPherson RESTORATION

*

BE IT RESOLVED

Rick McPherson

January Newsletter, 2026

“My new year’s resolution was to quit all my bad habits, but then it occurred to me…nobody likes a quitter.”

“My new year’s resolutions:
1. Stop procrastinating so much.
2. I’ll post the rest tomorrow or whenever.”

“What exactly is a new year’s resolution?
It’s a ‘to do’ list for the first week of January.”

We have fun with resolutions. We make them. We break them. We laugh about how long the “new” lasted and then settle back into our old habits. Granted, some habits are good and others, not so much. Someone said, “It takes twenty-one days to break a habit and twenty-one days to start one.” Maybe you’ll agree that those three weeks can be challenging, to say the least.

With that in mind, my new year began with thoughts of renewal, rebuilding, restoration and yes resolutions. Sorry for the heavy alliteration. But did you know that the word, “restore” or “restoration” is found over 136 times in Scripture? When you mix in renew, resolve and rebuild, you capture the very heart of what God wants to do in our lives. Here are just a couple of examples:

…and be renewed in the spirit of your mind…and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness…” Ephesians 4:23-24

…but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” Romans 12:2

There’s no doubt this is God’s heart for us. He wants us back. He wants us restored. He wants us renewed. He’s done His part. We can do something, too. In fact, the very meaning of resolution is a firm determination to do something.
So, with 2026 in our windshield, will you resolve to do something? I love the verse that simply says,
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” James 4:8

*****

Rick McPherson RESTORATION Podcast is on Spotify. It’s free!
Just load the Spotify app on your phone or computer and type in Rick McPherson RESTORATION or Pacific NW Outreach. Inc.

*****

THE “MULE” NEEDS A NEW FLOOR! Our 2016 Ford E450 delivery van, affectionately nick-named THE MULE, is in need of repairs. This vehicle is vitally important to our work and is used to deliver product to Reservations throughout the year. The wood floor has been badly water-damaged and needs to be replaced…restored, renewed, and rebuilt? We have friends of the Mission who have said they would help, but we need financial help for materials and parts. Will you help us with a special gift at this time? Thank you and God bless you for your on-going and faithful giving to this ministry.

*****