FAMILY UPDATE NEWS # 37 -- May 1996
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(Prophecy, Jesus speaking:) "I am so proud of My children, that they will reach out and touch the unlovely and the uncomely; that they will go forth where no man dares to go, to bring My Love and light to the lost, to the lonely, to the broken, to the war-torn, to those that weep, to those that are in darkness. In this they have shown Me great, great love" (ML #3024:15b,16a, GN 659).
May 1996, The Family, Zurich, Switzerland.
(For JETTs and up. Selected portions may be shared with children younger than JETTs at the discretion of their parents, teachers or shepherds.)
NOTICES
WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE GP PUBS IN FRENCH?
--By EURCRO Staff
Dear Family,
We love you and keep all of you around the world in our prayers as you continue to pour out to the needy and win many souls for His Kingdom! "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" (Rom.10:15).
Many of you are now pioneering or have moved to fertile fields where there is a greater demand for pubs in European languages which are spoken in those parts of the world. As a result, we've been re-evaluating our translation departments.
One language that we are uncertain about is French, so we wanted to present this question to you: How many Homes worldwide would use French pubs in outreach if more GP pubs were available in French?
The French translations team is not WS-supported, but simply a family which is also busy with outreach and helping to support their Home. In order to invest time in translations, they would therefore need some financial support. They would also need to receive a donation to cover the cost of printing and mailing originals of new French pubs to you. As they do not know at this time how many Homes will respond to this survey, it is hard to estimate how much this donation would be, but probably about 20-40 SF (US$17-33) monthly from each Home, including postage costs.
In order to evaluate the need and see how we can best provide you with new GP titles in French, if your Home or team is interested in receiving French pubs, please complete the following survey send it in with your next TRF, designated "EURCRO: French Pubs Survey."
French GP Pubs Survey
a) Your Home Teamworkers' names, Home number and country.
b) What pubs in French do you feel are the most needed to feed your sheep and contacts?
c) Would you be willing to send a small regular gift to help make it possible for our French translation team to work on new pubs?
If this poll receives sufficient response, in the near future there should be more French translations coming your way! We look forward to hearing from you! God bless and keep you, and may He fill your days with His Love and joy!
Much love,
Your EURCRO Family
PRICE CHANGES FOR CHRISTIAN LIGHT MATERIALS
--By WS Staff
GBY! We wanted to let you know that the prices for some CLE materials will go up on June 1st, 1996. The main price change is for the Lightunits and Answer Keys, which will change from $2.15 to $2.25. (With a 15% discount, you previously were paying $1.83; with this new price increase, you will now be paying $1.93.) Thus, the Lightunits and Answer Key Sets go up from $21.50 to $22.50.
The second major price change will be on the CLE Science and Social Studies textbooks as follows:
> Grade 3 Social Studies Textbook from $10.40 to $11.95
> Grade 4 Social Studies Textbook from $15.00 to $13.20 (This price is actually lower.)
> Grade 5 Science Textbook from $ 9.60 to $10.35
> Grade 5 Social Studies Textbook from $13.60 to $15.15
> Grade 6 Social Studies Textbook from $15.20 to $15.95
Upon receipt of this notice, please begin using the new prices instead of the old. You can still use the CLE Order Forms booklets that you have on hand, as long as you mark in them the price adjustments described above. With your next order of CLE materials, you will receive a new CLE Order Forms booklet that will have the new prices listed. There are a few price changes other than those mentioned above, that are not yet final, so if you order materials other than the items mentioned above before getting the new Order Forms booklet, you may wish to add an extra dollar or two to cover any other price adjustments.
All orders received after June 1st, 1996 will have their cost calculated with the new prices. We're very sorry that this notice is reaching you so late, so that some of the orders you have sent in the last couple of weeks may have arrived at CLE after the new prices were in effect. Usually if your order does not include enough funds to cover the cost of all the materials ordered, our Family distributors will make an adjustment to your order by removing enough items to equal the missing funds (see FSM277). However, for those orders only which were sent just prior to receiving this notice of the price changes, rather than removing enough items to cover the missing funds, the Family distributor's office will make up the difference so you will receive your full order. They will then send you a bill for the missing funds, either directly to you, or via your CROs, which they would appreciate you recompensing as soon as you can.
God bless you! We love you!
EUROPE AND AFRICA
EX-GANGSTERS GIVE THEIR HEARTS TO JESUS!
(From John, Julie, Charity and Esther, Albania:) Some notorious ex-gangsters got saved and pledged to give us their "protection"! One of them, S. (27), had asked us for a Bible, and when he was reading through the Gospel of John on a recent trip, he prayed to receive Jesus. He said, "I felt like Jesus was holding me in the palm of His hands, and I knew I was saved!" Another, I. (22), was in tears when he asked Jesus to forgive his sins (he did some terrible things in his latter teen years). He even prayed the Salvation prayer in front of his friend. It was touching to see these tough, much-feared men so hungry for God's Love and forgiveness!
THE WORD GIVES FAITH FOR HEALING!
(From Daniel and Mary, TS, England:) We received a phone call from a lady who had bought some of our tapes. She was so excited! She told us that she had lent some of her tapes to a woman who had been paralyzed for several months. This woman, after listening to "Winning Words," was struck by a quote which gave her faith for healing, and she was healed of her paralysis! Praise the Lord!
REACHING THE YOUTH IN RUSSIA
(From Polish Jan, YA Gerson, YA Christy, Russian Vicky:) Our four-man team embarked on a one-month faith trip to a major port city in the far north of Russia. What followed was an amazingly fruitful time, with countless hungry sheep met!
In the student dorms of the local university, students were really receptive to our message and brought groups of their friends to receive the witness also. After a senior physics student received the Lord, he brought his whole church youth group over to meet us. The more these young dedicated Christians heard about our lifestyle, the more excited they got, and they begged us for witnessing classes. Our classes and on-the-job training in witnessing alongside them paid off in a church witnessing revival, as they continued passing out the tracts we had left with them.
Later, we performed for the inmates at the penitentiary and the state jail, who were thrilled to receive the Endtime message.
We also held seminars at the English departments of several universities on the negative effects of hard rock music. We approached the English teachers and asked if they would give us a two-hour slot in their class times, to which they willingly agreed. This enabled those of us who didn't speak much Russian to also do some in-depth witnessing. Praise the Lord!
POSITIVE REACTIONS AFTER NEGATIVE MEDIA COVERAGE
(From Giovanni, Romania:) We were concerned that various newspaper articles which portrayed us and our work in a very negative light would have negative repercussions on our friends and contacts. Some of them had already received our Statements on "Persecution" and "Our Origins," but we did not know how much they had read and accepted them.
In answer to our prayers, we found that when we honestly explained to our friends (even if they had not read the articles) why we receive persecution, and who was behind it in our case, they were all very sympathetic and understanding, and consequently we have not lost any of them! On the contrary, they were strengthened because of it and appreciated our openness and sincerity.
One commented, "Of course you receive persecution from certain people, when you are so successful in winning young people to the Lord and discipleship! They are jealous of your good works!"
Another said, "I'm your friend, and these things don't change anything for me. I know you! You are still my friends!"
A MINISTRY OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO SICK CHILDREN
(From Jonathan and Mary, Ukraine:) We have started a CTP ministry in a local sanitarium for children with tuberculosis. We go weekly to sing, show videos and read Bible and Grandpa stories. On our second visit, the group of seven- and eight-year-old children saw us coming, and some who were playing outside scrambled on their crutches to be in their beds when we got there, so they wouldn't miss the stories.
Some of the children quoted the whole text of the poster we had given them last time, and when asked which song they wanted us to sing, they requested "Into My Heart." They have now learned to sing the song by heart, so they can teach it to others that visit them so they can have Jesus too.
We'd appreciate your prayers for this ministry, and that the Lord will do miracles to fund the sanitarium, as with the worsening economy, the precious and dedicated staff isn't getting paid and is having a hard time making ends meet.
GOD'S LOVE PENETRATES PRISON WALLS
(From Joy, Russia:) On our first meeting with the director of a prison, he agreed to arrange for us to hold a concert there, provided we would come back regularly. On the big day we were all nervous, as we were performing for about 700 people without much time to prepare, and would be singing into microphones for the very first time! When we arrived, we found out that the director had stayed after working hours just to see the concert.
With lots of prayer and the Lord's help, the hour-long performance of songs and commentary went well. They also filmed the whole concert, so that it could be shown to those who were not able to attend. At the end, we were able to give out posters and talk personally with some of the prisoners.
At the prison they have a few talented musicians who have formed a little group. They have told us that they're willing to learn how to play any songs that we propose, and then they would like to perform a concert with us!
The director also invited us to join a council called "RETURN," which helps prisoners find meaning in their lives and return to the right way of living. They hold monthly meetings to discuss ways to make prison time more valuable for the prisoners, and to set goals for the coming month. Thank the Lord for these open doors to help to set the captives spiritually free!
ABUNDANT SUPPLY FROM FOOD FAIR
(From John, Sunny and Mila, Russia:) We attended a week-long food fair, and presented our work to hundreds of international companies, most of which were happy to help us with food from their exhibits. We are also hoping to establish some long-term contacts from Russian companies that we met there.
Our large van was filled right to the ceiling with all kinds of food. When it was all divided up, each of the Homes in our area received a large quantity of meat, cheese, milk, cooking oil, and canned vegetables and fruits, etc. Thank You Jesus! The Lord always seems to bless any united effort of our Homes.
JUST IN TIME TO "GET HIM IN!"
(From Dust and Maria, TS, Belgium:) For several months, Maria had been receiving checks from the Lord to visit one of our neighbors, Roger, but things were always so busy that there never seemed to be enough time. Then one evening as she passed this neighbor's house, she saw Roger lying on a sickbed. Upon inquiry she learned that he was dying of lung cancer.
When Maria went in to see him, he was barely conscious, as a result of high doses of morphine that he was taking to dull the pain. She returned the next day when Roger was more alert, and he broke out in a big smile when he saw Maria. She talked to him about receiving Jesus in his heart, and although he didn't say the prayer out loud, he nodded and affectionately grasped her face in his weak hands in a show of appreciation. During the next few visits, Roger barely responded to anyone, and one night he peacefully went to sleep and slipped into the arms of Jesus. We were so thankful for the golden opportunity the Lord gave us "get him in." Praise the Lord!
THE POWER OF GOD TO CHANGE A LIFE!
(From Gloria Obedient, TS, Hungary:) In 1993 we received persecution from the parents of two catacomb disciples. Their father was a diplomat and connected with the ACM, who said that he would fight us with all his might and means. Their mother said that she would commit suicide if the girls joined us. We were desperate in prayer for this seemingly impossible situation!
Soon after, the girls' father passed away, and the Lord started to work in their mother's life. Recently I went to visit her, and she turned out to be on fire for God! She said, "I lost everything -- my husband, my girls, a good living, etc. -- but now I have gained a beautiful new life with meaning! Now I want to live for Jesus!" She is 53 years old and visits us regularly. She is memorizing, witnessing and wants to do more for the Lord. Praise God!
HUNGRY HEARTS IN NORTHERN IRELAND
(From Oliver and Liz, Ireland:) As we pass out videos and tapes in small towns and villages in Northern Ireland, again and again we hear people's heartcries over the resumption of terror tactics by the IRA. Today, while out witnessing, we were interrupted by a hurried evacuation of the town center due to a bomb scare.
We met an ex-policeman whose best friends had been killed. He had also been shot at and bombed. He was undergoing psychiatric care, and asked for prayer that his doctors would stop the electric-shock treatment that they are giving him for his "psychiatric disorder." He has turned to the Lord for solace, but the doctors discourage him from seeking comfort in spiritual things. He was desperate for love and encouragement, and we were able to encourage him to keep on with the Lord. We will be following up on him.
The other day we met a shopkeeper whose roof has been blown off twice by IRA rockets. Not surprisingly, he chose the tape "Fear Not" when we showed him our collection. Please continue to pray for all the poor people and the Lord's many sheep who are caught in the crossfire of this situation!
FRIENDS PRAISE EARLY FAMILY PIONEERS AND DAD!
(From Aaron, Elizabeth and Josh, Nigeria:) A few months ago, we met a sweet Lebanese man who has lived in West Africa most of his life. As we told him about our work on our recent visit to Lagos, he stopped for a moment and said that we sounded like "The Children of God" who used to be in Ghana many years ago. "They were the most wonderful people I ever met!" he exclaimed.
This man got so excited and happy when we told him that the Family was formerly called the Children of God. He shared story after story about Simon Black and his team, what they were like and how loving and sacrificial they were; how despite their rough conditions they were so happy, and that nothing he has seen since has ever compared! Thank You Jesus! We were all heavily convicted and challenged by this man's sweet testimony to see what a strong impression those early pioneers had made on him!
We've also been ministering to another precious Lebanese man for about five months. This last month we gave him a fuller explanation of the Family's history and origins, including about how Dad started the Family, the FF days, etc. This man was so happy to hear about Dad and afterwards commented, "I think that out of all the Christians that have ever lived, there's been no one like this David who had the guts to share so much love and so much dangerous truth." -- Wow! Thank You Jesus!
PACIFIC AND AUSTRALIA
ONE LITTLE DOOR TO MANY MIRACLES!
(From Tim, Tabitha and Praise, Taiwan:) One Attack Day we had been unsuccessful in several attempts to provision lunch for our big team of nine people. After desperate prayer we decided to try one last restaurant. As we presented our need to the manager, another man overheard us and told the manager that he would pay for our meal. The manager declined this man's offer, and said that he would gladly help us himself!
We were able to talk to the man who had offered his help, and found him to be very receptive. Another man who also overheard us talking said that he wanted to help us, and promptly bought a video. He said, "I want to do more than help once. I don't make much, but I could help monthly somehow!" So very sweet!
After that, the restaurant's manager, who at first had appeared a bit reserved, came over and started opening up. We had sweet fellowship together, and he invited us to come back again when in the area. Thank You Lord! The rest of the day was also incredibly fruitful and with lots of sweet and receptive souls met and new contacts made!
CHURCH MINISTRY BLOSSOMS
(From Jeff, Sunny and Christie, Australia:) Five months ago a friend introduced us to a small local church, and many miracles have happened in this ministry since then. We started regularly attending this little breakaway Pentecostal church, and began contributing to the meetings with inspirational songs, such as Dad's old favorites or some of our more up-tempo Family witnessing songs. Our music has been very well-received and is now a regular part of the program each Sunday.
We have also tried to make it to the midweek Bible studies as often as possible. This has opened the door for us to not only lead the meetings, but we have now been asked to give the sermons and lead communion at the church itself! At one of the midweek meetings, we invited the entire church to our home for a Christmas carol evening, and many of the folks came and participated.
We gave a Word Basics to a sweet elderly couple who are deacons at the church, and the man hasn't stopped raving about it! He uses it regularly in his own studies, and when it's his turn to share the Word at church. He was so impressed with it that he recently bought three more copies from us to give to others. The church secretary received one, takes it everywhere he goes and uses it in his sermons as well. The man's grandson has another copy, which he uses in his studies and lesson-sharing at Bible College. The Word Basics is a real hit with our church friends!
Before Luke left for Russia, the pastor took up two public offerings for him, and the pastor's wife hosted a luncheon for Luke as a special send-off. Many of our friends in the congregation not only helped Luke with travel expense gifts, but have also pledged to support him on a regular basis!
All in all, the pastor and church members have really accepted us. The pastor read our "Statement of Faith," and although our post-Tribulation Rapture doctrine was a struggle for him, he loves us and wants our fellowship. Praise the Lord!
Also as a result of this ministry, Sunny and Jeff are now teaching weekly Scripture classes in four local public schools. At present, we are working with three others, and teach classes of up to 100 students. At one of the schools, Sunny has just been given the entire class to teach on his own. The set curriculum, which is produced by the educational system, is pretty weak in content, but our overseer is flexible and lets us incorporate other material that follows the themes of the classes. The kids like our enthusiasm and have responded well to our Family inspirational songs. Praise the Lord! Please keep this ministry in your prayers, specifically that the Lord will help us to anchor the Word in these kids' hearts and lead as many of them to Him as we can.
NORTH AMERICA
"LAY HANDS ON THE SICK, AND THEY SHALL RECOVER" (Mk.16:18).
(From Pedro and Magdalena Atardecer, Mexico:) We had a visit from a young girl with a serious eye infection. Magdalena told the girl that the Lord could heal her, so they prayed together and claimed the verse, "According to your faith be it done unto you." The following week the girl's mother called to say her daughter's eye was totally healed, and that the miracle was causing a prayer revolution amongst the local teenagers!
TWO PRAYERS ANSWERED SIMULTANEOUSLY!
(From Claire D., USA:) While visiting a small town to witness and distribute tools, we pulled into a gas station to provision some gas. The manager was a young man, and when we presented our request he looked very surprised. He then explained that he had just been praying about how he could be more helpful to the Lord, and then we came along! He filled our tank with gas, gave us a quart of oil, and invited us to come back again! Thank You Lord!
DAYCARE CENTERS RECEPTIVE TO TOOLS
(From Cush and Zara Joy, and Victoria del Alma, Mexico:) The Lord helped us to distribute many tapes and videos to daycare centers in the U.S. We were amazed at how easy it was. We made appointments mainly by phone, and then took an hour or two to deliver the tools afterwards. There was such a vacuum for our tools, and most would buy a whole collection of tapes, some both in English and Spanish. They were especially attracted by the double-videos in English and Spanish.
FORMER MISSIONARY CHALLENGED BACK INTO SERVICE!
(From Hepzi, Meek Shunamite, Raquel and Misty, USA:) A friend of ours had been a missionary in Mexico for awhile, but had forsaken his calling and returned to the U.S. He began coming over to visit, helping us out with little things, and gradually began reading the Word. We took him along on some of our CTP and witnessing ventures, first to watch, and then to participate.
Now, through his contact with us, the Lord has led him to return to Mexico as a full-time missionary. Praise the Lord!
WHEN YOU NEED TO HEAR FROM A MISSIONARY...
(From Free, John Beloved and Dom Joppa, USA:) While out witnessing, Free was asked by a lady and her daughter if she knew any missionaries to England. Free said, "I just returned from London, where I was a missionary for a year!" The daughter was beginning a study of England, and they had just turned to the page of the workbook which contained the instructions: "Tell about a missionary to this country and their experiences there."
This began an inspiring witness to the lady and her daughter about our way of life, and of Free's experiences, travels to the mission field, and a nutshell witness of all our Family beliefs, aided by the Family color brochure.
The mother exclaimed at the end of their time, "I see that this is no ordinary church or group, but what you have here is an entire way of life that you are living. We'd be very interested in knowing more about it!" Praise the Lord for His miraculous set-ups!
A SEARCHING SHEEP SEEKS US OUT!
(From Lea, 18, and Eva, 21, USA:) One Saturday, our witnessing was going quite slow. When it came time to return home we phoned in, but there was no one available to pick us up for the next hour. We felt quite tired, and so sat down at an outside caf and prayed about what we could do for the next hour.
Just then a man walked up, introduced himself and asked if we knew the Bible well. We explained that we were missionaries and asked what he needed to know. He promptly ran to his car and brought back his Bible, where he had written down a list of questions that he was confused about. This led us into an hour-long Bible class with him, after which he took several tapes for his kids.
The man said that he had been confused by different preachers and was asking God what the truth was. Then he drove up and saw us, and somehow felt that he had to talk with us and that we would have the answers. Thank the Lord! When we were exhausted, the Lord brought the sheep right to us!
PASSING OUT TICKETS TO HEAVEN!
(From Sarah Douglas, Maria Newheart and Steven Smile, Mexico:) I was out witnessing when four teenagers came up to try to sell me some tickets. I explained that I didn't have any money to buy them, but that I could give them each a poster instead. They were so thrilled to receive the posters, and one of them said, "Well, don't you have to give us a little speech or something? We'll listen!" I then explained the Salvation prayer, and they gladly prayed with me. When I told them that that was their free ticket to Heaven, they were elated, and started asking me tons of questions about Heaven. They thought it was the neatest thing they had ever heard! Before they left, one girl said, "I'm so glad that we came to offer you tickets, or else we would never have gotten these posters and our tickets to Heaven!"
NOT THE WRONG NUMBER AFTER ALL!
(From Ado, USA:) Once when I answered the phone, it was someone who had called the wrong number. Whenever this happens, we try to make it a witness and say, "That's all right, God bless you!" This time, the lady caller asked who we were and what we did, so I explained. She was inspired to hear about our missionary work and said that she had just been to a missionary seminar.
Somehow we started talking about prayer, and she asked for prayer for her personal life. She explained about her broken relationship, fears of the future, loneliness, and her desire to learn what the Lord has for her through all these things. We talked for about 45 minutes, and prayed together.
She ended by thanking me for being there at a time when she needed the prayer and counsel. Several times she said, "You must be an angel! I really needed this in my life." At one point she said, "I know I'm supposed to have Jesus as my Husband, but to get that concept from my head to my heart has been difficult for me." I was able to encourage her with a simple explanation of loving Jesus by faith and not trying to understand it. It was a very rewarding conversation and witness. She later faxed me a note that ended with, "That was the nicest wrong number I've ever dialed!" Praise God!
FRIENDS OLD AND NEW!
(From Dan Math, Joy Phoenix and Rebecca, USA:) We were recently introduced to a group of Catholic nuns to whom we showed the local outreach video and the D.C. show troupe's Christmas video. The nuns were very interested and excited about meeting us. They asked, "Did you have another name before you were called the Family?" When Dan told them that we had been called the Children of God, one of the sisters said, "We knew it! We just knew it! We love the Children of God! We are the Little Sisters of Jesus, and our founder, Sister Magdalena, loved you!" (See ML #180:19.) What had made the connection for her was seeing a picture of Faithy on the "Our Beginnings" page of the International Brochure as she looked quickly through it. There are only 17 members of this order in the U.S., and they begged Dan to keep in touch or have others of our folks contact them. Praise the Lord!
SOUTH AMERICA
DESPERATE PRAYER PAYS OFF!
(From Joana, Venezuela:) From the moment we left the house to go out witnessing and distributing our tools, I felt an urgent burden to pray. As we walked along, I kept praying that the Lord would lead us and show us where to go and who to talk to. Suddenly I felt a burden to go into a hardware store. Inside I asked for the owner and they told me to wait, as he was busy. While I waited, I kept praying for the Lord's blessing, and that the man would be a sheep. I told the Lord that it didn't matter if he didn't buy any of our tools, but what would make me happy would be if we could just win his soul.
As I waited, three men came into the shop. One of the men said, "Look, this is what we need but this girl is here, so we can't steal it." The second man told him, "Well, tell her to move along." Just then the salesman came in, and the third man said, "No, the salesman knows me, so we'd better just leave."
The salesman came over and told me, "Madam, those men were robbers! They wanted to rob you." I told him what they had been saying, and that they had wanted to rob the store. I told him, "I'm a missionary and I came here because the Lord told me to. I think that God was protecting you because He loves you very much. He didn't allow you to be robbed, and He also protected me." Then he and another salesman prayed to receive Jesus. When the owner came, he also bought a tape. Thank the Lord for His guidance and protection in our witnessing!
"MUSICAL THERAPY" LEADS A PRECIOUS SOUL TO JESUS!
(From Agustin and Paloma, Colombia:) The landlord of our new house had been operated on for brain damage after suffering a blood clot, and for the last year and a half had been in a vegetable-like state. The man's sweet wife let us rent the house for considerably less than what she had originally asked for, and we prayed that the Lord would bless her for helping us by healing her husband.
That same month, he suddenly surprised everyone by beginning to talk! Since then we've been visiting him regularly, using what we call "musical therapy" to help him talk more. This has opened up a whole new field of possibilities for us, as with Family songs, simple breathing exercises and vocalization, this man is improving by leaps and bounds. He received Jesus into his heart, and every day his wife has him read aloud to her a page of songs from our songbook, such as "I Can't Even Walk," "I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes," and now he is learning "Love, Wonderful Love," with the motions included.
It had never occurred to us before to use music as a therapy in this way, but we've seen the healing power our music contains as this man struggles to articulate each sound and make each movement. The Lord's Spirit in the songs, prayer and the discipline he has to follow in order to breathe correctly is working a miracle. We are praying for the Lord to show us how to apply this new method in other situations, using "musical therapy" to help other disabled people. This man is a very successful industrial engineer, and hasn't lost his memory so he can understand English perfectly. From a brilliant professional he is now like a precious child, and gets excited when we witness to him. Praise the Lord!
FAITHFUL TAPE-DISTRIBUTOR BEGS FOR MORE!
(From Matt Child, Santiago and Lydia Gardener, Puerto Rico:) Our long-time friend and supporter called us with a special emergency request for more GP tapes! For the last five years he has been giving them to his customers that he feels led to witness to. To date, he has distributed over 1,500 of our cassette tapes! He exclaimed, "My customers return and say that these tapes have changed and saved their lives through the stories, songs, and the Salvation message at the end!"
ASIA
FAITHFUL DONOR REWARDED!
(From Tim, Cheerful and Phoenix, Thailand:) One of our friends has been faithful each month for over a year to donate ten or 20 cases of cup-noodles, which we use for our CTP programs. On our last visit, he excitedly told us that at an upcoming celebration at a famous temple which will be attended by 100,000 people, his company was asked to provide three cup-noodles for each attendant! -- He will therefore sell a total of 300,000 cups of noodles on that day alone, which will mean a sizable profit for his company.
We told our friend that we believe that the reason they chose his noodle factory out of the many in the area is because he is so faithful to help us with noodles for our Home and CTP programs. He responded with a big smile and said, "Yes, I know that is why!"
A TRULY CHANGED LIFE
(From Ho, Marianne and Andrew, India:) Two years ago we met a gangster who was quite notorious. At that time he took some videos and prayed with us to receive Jesus. While recently on the road, we met him again and found out that since our previous encounter his life has totally changed and he now is a witnessing Christian. He gives our prayers the credit for changing his life, and was very thankful to meet us again.
IF WE TAKE CARE OF HIS BUSINESS, HE TAKES CARE OF OURS!
(From Byron, Marie, Joan and Mike, Indonesia:) During the three-day Feast when all our business, outreach, CTP programs, etc., stopped, the Lord reminded us that anything that happens is all Him. Then He blessed us for putting Him first: First we got a phone call from a company that we had faxed earlier, saying that they wanted to sponsor $900 worth of videos for us to distribute on another island. Then the next day, a truck pulled up and unloaded about 50 boxes of dates, canned fruit, juice, etc., for our CTP projects. Thank the Lord! He's the one doing it all, and it pays to take time out for Him!
TILES GALORE!
(From Marie, Byron, Joan and Mike, Indonesia:) Recently, we needed a large amount of ceramic tiles to continue the renovations on our house. Even the reasonable quality tiles which can be obtained fairly cheaply would have cost us a lot because of the amount we needed. We knew that the Lord would have to do a miracle of supply.
While out that evening, we began talking with an Italian man and in the course of the conversation found out that he sells tiles to factories! I explained to him about our work and our need, after which he asked, "How much do you need?"
I told him we needed about 100 square meters of tiles. Without blinking an eye he said, "What else do you need?" So I told him we were renovating the roof of a building on the property which was destroyed by termites, and that we also needed wood. He said, "Then you must need roof tiles, too?" We talked a few more minutes. Then as he was leaving the shop, he said, "Don't buy any tiles or roof tiles, just leave it to me!"
Sure enough, when I called him a week later, he told us he had already arranged for two different factories to help -- one with each product! We ended up with a total of 300 square meters of tiles totally for free! What an amazing way for the Lord to supply our need! Thank You Jesus!
SPECIFIC PRAYER AS A TESTIMONY TO OUR FRIENDS
(From Thai Joy, Thailand:) Our friends at the market have faithfully helped us with baskets of fruit every week. One day, they told us that it's been about eight years since they had a child, and their first-born died only a few months after birth. So we stopped and prayed that the Lord would bless them with a child, as they've always been so cheerful and helpful in giving to us.
Due to some changes at the market, we lost contact with these dear ones for over a year. When I was at the market recently, the woman ran up and gave me a big hug, thanking me for praying for her. They had just had a baby boy a few months ago! What a miracle and answer to prayer! We were inspired to pray more for friends' needs, and to help them avail of the power of prayer!
"BECOMING ONE" FOR A LOCAL CELEBRATION
(From Joanna Sunshine, Indonesia:) Iedul Fitri is a Muslim celebration which follows a month of "war," where they fast and resist temptation. As the majority of the country's population is Muslim, Iedul Fitri is a very big event. We had just finished with our Christmas CTP programs when we started working on Iedul Fitri preparations.
A close friend of ours, Mrs. S., who has a school for handicapped children where we've been ministering for a while, asked if we could perform for 1,000 orphans, handicapped children and old folks for their Iedul Fitri celebration. She asked if we wouldn't mind wearing traditional Muslim outfits for this event, so we asked her to please pray that we would find a sponsor who would be willing to buy us these costumes. Before we went ahead with the customary Muslim outfits, we asked several of our Muslim friends whether it would be offensive that we, being Christian, would wear a Muslim outfit. They all said that they would feel very happy and honored if we would wear their traditional dress.
It was also quite a testimony for Mrs. S. that another friend of ours, who is a Christian, bought Muslim outfits for our singing group complete with head-dresses. This friend also donated lots of blouses for the children at the orphanages, as well as for our own children. Other friends gave clothes, shoes, rice, dates, canned fruit, detergent, rice, body soap, etc.
When we visited an old folks home, a few of them cried when we performed for them. A Muslim friend of ours, whom we visited for Iedul Fitri, said that he would never forget what we did that day, as we're so adaptable to his culture. We sang for a Muslim lawyer, and he was so touched that immediately he invited all the adults to have dinner with him. We were also invited by the ambassador from another Muslim country to perform at their celebration, and the audience was very impressed with our program.
We also visited Mr. H., a very famous Muslim preacher who really likes us and uses some of our materials for his preaching. He was very touched that we made a special trip to visit him and that we had prepared such a program for Muslims. Before leaving, he told us how he was moved to tears seeing our children's program. During our visit he constantly took pictures of our kids.
At a drug rehabilitation center we planned a little fellowship which included games and dances. We also brought along homemade cakes, dates, canned fruit and cookies.
A potential disciple, Yunie (23), attended this program as she was with us for four days of witnessing and Word time during the holiday season. She was able to see firsthand how the Family operates and cares for the needy.
MINISTRY OF ENCOURAGEMENT RECOGNIZED BY GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL
(From a Home in India:) Teen Lilly has been regularly writing to five foreigners who were taken hostage by militant separatists in Kashmir, Northern India, as well as to their families. She recently received a letter from the British High Commissioner in Delhi, remarking that he was extremely touched that someone so young would be so concerned about these hostages. He mentioned that he knew that the letters of encouragement that were sent to the relatives of the hostages would be a tremendous source of strength and help to them. Praise the Lord!
COMFORTING WORDS MEND BROKEN HEART
(From Ana Newlife, Middle East:) My half-sister recently contacted me, sharing the heartaches she has had since her husband's death. Her letter was a real cry for help, as she was confused and hurt and needed reassurance that God, Jesus and the afterlife were real. In my return letter to her, I included some quotes on comfort.
I just received a very touching response from her. She says: "When you wrote last, you put in a line saying 'God can heal a broken heart if you give Him all the pieces.' Well, I would like to thank you for these words. I had them put on Martin's gravestone, which is in the shape of a prayer-book."
Her husband had died of a weak heart, and although I had originally included this quote for her, she chose to claim it for him, too, because she was able to believe that he is now strong and healthy in a better place. It showed me how much these few words meant to her and how much she had held on to them in her desperate state. We have so much to give! Praise the Lord!
STATS ANALYSIS FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH 1996
--By WS Staff
HOMES AND POPULATION: It was another exciting month as the number of DO Homes continued to grow, up ten more to a six-year-high of 565. TS Homes remained steady at 550.
DO population also continued to grow and now stands at 9,258 -- 84 more than last month and 503 more than this time last year! That's a 5.7% growth in DO membership over the last 12 months, or an average 42 new disciples a month! Our TS population is now 3,656, giving us a combined DO/TS population of 12,914. Our DO and TS members live in a total of 70 countries!
Our outside membership (live-outs, catacombers, DF members, etc.) has grown to 18,986. So the grand total of our DO, TS, and outside populations comes to 31,900 members, which is the highest total membership we have ever had, except for our mass media MWM radio days of the early '80s!
BIRTHS AND NEW DISCIPLES: And to show how we've been growing, this month we kept up our previous rate of approximately a baby a day. In addition, 71 new disciples joined our ranks -- 51 joined our DO ranks, and 20 our TS ranks. We also had 6 betrothals, all DO.
OUTREACH: It was a pretty good month considering the time of year. The Family distributed 9.3 million pages of lit (or 850,000 pieces), comprised of 410,000 posters, 29,000 tapes and 11,000 videos, as well as 15,000 Living Waters. We personally witnessed to 537,000 people, winning over 10% of them, 57,000, to the Lord.
To-date we have now won 19.2 million souls and have had 9.2 million baptized with the Holy Spirit!
QUARTERLY SHINER COUNTRIES: Top countries in various categories of outreach for the first three months of 1996 are:
Total Lit Distributed: Russia - 4.2 million pages
Lit Pages/Adult: Kazakhstan - 54,000
Souls Won: Russia - 35,000
Souls Won/Adult: Bolivia - 275
Posters: Russia - 260,000
Posters/Adult: Kazakhstan - 5,800
Tapes: USA - 16,500
Tapes/Adult: Costa Rica - 229
Videos: Brazil - 5,600
Videos/Adult: Taiwan - 37
AGES OF OUR MEMBERS: Our DO Membership is now comprised of about 2/3 second (and third!) generation, and 1/3 first generation!
NATIONALITIES: And last but not least, our DO and TS populations are made up of 88 different passport nationalities!
So we are a multinational, multi-lingual, growing movement, comprised of nearly 13,000 active members of 88 different nationalities living in over 1,000 communities in 70 countries throughout the world, winning an average of 75,000 souls and distributing over a million pieces of literature a month, having a baby a day, and expanding whenever and wherever we can! Praise the Lord! Onward, ever onward!
WANT AD
MATE WANTED
From Philip Kenyan, Kenya:
I am Philip Kenyan, 30 years old and am now in Kenya. I am seeking a companion and mate/wife. If the Lord puts a call in your heart, please feel free to contact me via EURCRO. I enjoy childcare and handyman, among other things -- including hearing from you!
Much love, Philip
MOVIE RATINGS
(Editor's note: The following movies have been previewed by WS units or CRO offices around the world. While these movies have generally been deemed "watchable," WS is not endorsing the full content of every one. The suggested age ratings are also subject to the faith and final decision of you, parents, teachers and shepherds. Please be prayerful and Spirit-led in choosing what you and your children watch, considering that people often react differently to the same movie, and what may be one person's meat may be another's poison. We hope these reviews are a blessing and help to you. WLY!)
Movies for Senior Teens and Up
LAST OF THE MOHICANS, THE (1992)
Daniel Day-Lewis, Madeleine Stowe
Historical drama and romance based on the famous novel by James F. Cooper, set in 1757, when the British and French are at war for control of North America. May not be to everyone's liking due to graphic violence in parts. Good lessons on the damaging effects of bitterness and hatred, with a pretty fair portrayal of all sides involved and the reasons behind their actions.
PLATOON (1986)
Tom Berenger, Charlie Sheen
Traumatic first-person account of a young, idealistic soldier's tour of duty in the Vietnam War. Strong anti-war and anti-System message, but beware of the graphic war and violence scenes, which comprise the majority of the movie. This movie is said to be the most realistic portrayal of the Vietnam War of any movie done on that subject. Written and directed by Oliver Stone.
ROB ROY (1995)
Liam Neeson, Jessica Lange, John Hurt
Historical drama about Robert MacGregor, who is sometimes called the Scottish Robin Hood. Set in the picturesque Scottish highlands, with lots of action and suspense. Not for the faint of heart. Beware of rape scene and other scenes of graphic violence. Some may be disturbed by the portrayal of Rob Roy's adversary, a particularly evil character.
Movies for Junior Teens and Up
84 CHARING CROSS ROAD (1987)
Anne Bancroft, Anthony Hopkins
Well-acted character study/drama about the long-time correspondence between a fiesty New York City woman writer and a British bookseller. Slow-moving, with lessons on honesty, sharing your true feelings, and the power of love to influence others. Touching depiction of the lost, lonely people in the world.
BEYOND RANGOON (1995)
Patricia Arquette
Drama, based on true historical events. A recently-widowed American woman on vacation in Burma gets caught up in the tumultuous events surrounding the military's suppression of the democracy movement. Somewhat unrealistic in parts, with a rather one-dimensional portrayal of the government, but good lessons on being challenged to help others during a crisis. Beware of violent scenes throughout the movie.
STARS FELL ON HENRIETTA, THE (1995)
Robert Duvall, Aiden Quinn
Drama/character study set in the Oklahoma oil boom years of the 1930s, about a struggling oil prospector who tries to convince a poor farmer that there is oil on his property. Realistic, though somewhat slow-moving.
SUBSTITUTE WIFE, THE (1995)
Farrah Fawcett, Lea Thompson
When a spunky pioneer wife and mother finds out she may not have much longer to live, she sets out to find a new wife and mother for her husband and children. Set in the 1800s. Very good lessons showing the application of and the rewards of living the Law of Love.
Movies for OCs and Up
LITTLE WOMEN (1994)
Winona Ryder, Susan Sarandon
Well-acted remake of the classic movie based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott, of four young Civil War-era sisters and their lives and lessons as they grow to adulthood. Good lessons on unselfish love for others, relationships with people, and the comparison between material riches and true happiness.
Movies for MCs and Up
LASSIE (1994)
Tom Guiry, Richard Farnsworth, Helen Slater
Take-off from the classic "Lassie" tale, but with a new story line. Some city folk decide to move to the country to become sheep farmers, and Lassie comes to their rescue! Lots of good lessons on relationships with people, unselfishness, growing up, learning to relate to others and adapt to new things.
Movies for YCs and Up
JACOB (1994)
Matthew Modine, Lara Flynn Boyle
Another movie in the same series as "Abraham" and "Joseph," following the early life of the patriarch Jacob. A few slight deviations from Scripture, but overall an inspiring Biblical account. Beware of hyped-up childbirth scene, which young viewers may find disturbing. Some parts could be fast-forwarded according to audience maturity.
GORDY (1994)
Doug Stone, James Donaldio
Simple, light movie about a pig who tries to save his family from being taken to the slaughterhouse. The strong anti-meat message should be clarified for children. Not recommended for repeated viewing.
Movies for All
BALTO (1995)
(Animated, with voices of Kevin Bacon and Bridget Fonda)
Based on a true story that took place in Nome, Alaska, in 1925. An unwanted, ill-treated wolf-dog leads a dogsled team back to the town with medicine to fight a diphtheria epidemic. Lots of good lessons for kids, including the bad fruits of lying, competition, bullying and peer pressure. Can also lead into geography studies following the events of the story.
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Copyright (c) 1998 by The Family