The Family / Children of God

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Dear Mama Maria,
       Something that really touched my heart was knowing that after your "News and Views" Letter came out, in which you gave examples of teens and adults who saw the need and responded, others have decided to go for that crown also.
       A teen I knew three years ago in another country wrote me, saying that aft er reading that Letter he felt convicted knowing of my situation, being alone with four kids, and he said he wanted to come help me full time! God bless him! I nearly cried when I heard that news. The Lord is so merciful with me, Mama, and in spite of everything, He has always shown me immense love, mercy and patience. I'm falling in love with Him more and more. -- He's the ideal Man. He never leaves me without both big and little touches of His Love.
       Like that quote says, "If you give love, y ou'll receive love." I took care of this teen when we were living together. He helped out with my kids and we took personal time together, and now I see the fruit. I'm happy and moved that at age 17 or 18 he's made a decision like that. Thank you, Mama, for instilling the faith in them to take a step like that.
Much love and prayers, your daughter,
H. (an adult woman, South America)

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ANNOUNCEMENT!

(From Matthew for Mam a:)
       Mama sends her love and would like to thank each of you who have written her. She listens to every one of your letters and appreciates hearing from each of you.
       We'd like to pass on a couple of tips for those of you who write to Mama: If you keep your letter short (one or two pages), and if you send your letter in via modem or on disk to your CROs, Mama will receive and hear your letter sooner than if you send a lengthy or a handwritten letter. Handwritten letters do get to her, but ther e is a delay, because before Mama can hear them, they need to be typed by a secretary. And the shorter letters usually get typed up and sent off first since they take less time. Mama will still hear the longer letters, but the shorter ones do reach her sooner.
       Mama also likes to know if you are a young person, your age, and if you're a second generation adult; it's nice if you can mention that in your letter to her as well. She would also be interested in who your parents are, the country you are presently residing in, etc. She's always interested in those kinds of details, and knowing more about you!
       Some good news for those of you planning to write Mama is that, Lord willing, we hope to soon have an e-mail address available where you can send your letters directly to Mama, which will reach her much quicker. Once the e-mail address is secured, we'll announce it in the Grapevine or an LNF. We love you!
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MOVIE RATINGS

Movies Rated for Senior Teens and Up

TIME TO KILL, A (1996)
Sandra Bullock, Samuel L. Jackson, Matthew McConaughey
       Intense, well-acted drama based on the novel by John Grisham, involving the brutal rape of a 10-year-old black girl by two white men, and the turmoil and trial that occurs when her father takes the law into his own hands. Thought-provoking in its exploration of issues such as racism and revenge. Beware of several graphic portions, including the rape at the beginning and the defense lawyer's closing courtroom speech.

Movies Rated for Junior Teens and Up

MONTH BY THE LAKE, A (1995)
Vanessa Redgrave, Edward Fox, Uma Thurman
       British love story/character study about a middle-aged woman on holiday by Italy's Lake Como, who is attracted to a man also residing there. Some found this movie to be slow-moving. Good lessons on communication and the bad results of shallowness and insincere flirting.

CHAIN REACTION (1996)
Keanu Reeves, Morgan Freeman, Rache l Weisz
       Action movie about a group of scientists who discover a cheap, non-polluting source of energy, but soon find themselves running for their lives through a series of inexplicable events. Occasional but not graphic violence. Entertainment only.

TRUTH ABOUT CATS AND DOGS, THE (1996)
Janeane Garofalo, Uma Thurman
       Romantic comedy about a radio talk-show host for a call-in program offering advice on pets, who asks her beautiful neighbor to stand in for her on a blind date with a listene r. Fun story with lessons about negative thinking and accepting yourself the way you are.

Movies Rated for JETTs and Up

CRY, THE BELOVED COUNTRY (1995)
James Earl Jones, Richard Harris
       Heavy, emotional drama set in South Africa in the late 1940s about a black country minister who goes to Johannesburg in search of his errant son. With very good acting, brings out the themes of forgiveness and mercy and the Rom.8:28 of trials and sufferings, set against the racial inequalities and tension s present in South Africa in that era. Adapted from a well-known book.

Non-Recommended Movies

BIRDCAGE, THE (Robin Williams, Gene Hackman; 1996)
MATILDA (Mara Wilson, Danny De Vito; 1996)
FAN, THE (Robert DeNiro, Wesley Snipes; 1996)

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FEEDBACK

       The new FTT tapes are great! I really do appreciate the big emphasis that Mama and Peter have put on music for us teens.
       When I first heard about this project and the vision of getting out a new teen tape every month or so, I was pretty skeptical. It seemed to me like projects like these have been attempted before but never really got off the ground. I know it costs a lot in time, effort and finances, etc. The sacrifice that so many are making to get these out to us is monumental and I can't thank you enough for it! The tapes have been so inspiring and have added a lot of variety to our musical diets.
       Since the FTTs are coming out so fast, I think it has eased the desire for secular music. Just when you have about run the latest FTT into the ground by listening to it constantly -- a new one comes out!
-- Julie, 17, USA

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       Though I really like the "wild stuff" on the tapes, like "Revolutionary Children of God," "Charlie," "Jesus Set me Free," etc., I think it's a valid point that it's not everyone's kind of music. I've felt uncomfortable for people who don't like blaring hard rock or rap, but perhaps feel they have to accept it and be thankful because it's "Family music." I'm sure Dad wouldn't have l iked some of it either, as it's clear from the Letters what his kind of music is.
       I also heard unofficially (from another young person, that is) that Dad didn't personally like the musical style of the Endtime tape, but I guess the important thing to him was that the Lord's message and spirit was in it, even if the vehicle wasn't to his personal liking, which to me is a good attitude to have in this whole issue.
       All that to say, that in using and listening to this new music we need to be con siderate of others. Also, a person shouldn't feel bad asking someone in the next room to cut down on the decibels, for example.
-- Simon, 21, Europe

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       I recently read a report from a Family musician about various teens in the Family listening to system music. He was quite discouraged, thinking that the FTTs were in vain, and wondering if it was all a waste of time. I felt that he must have been misinformed, as more and more I've seen the teens getting turned on by the FTTs.
       I don't t hink we can expect overnight wonders from our Family musicians, but they have really been hitting some good marks in reclaiming territory. More and more I've noticed the walkmans not playing "whoever," but playing our own stuff. It is working and bearing the right fruit, and from what I've heard the best is still yet to come. Our efforts are miraculous when you think about our own young people trying to compete with the world's biggies.
       There will always be a few die-hards who will still insis t on hanging on to Bon Jovi's (or you name it) croaking, but those days will pass as we continue to "let the light in, the darkness will flee of itself"!
-- John Paul, Brazil

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       Some of us who have listened to quite a bit of System music (including a relatively new disciple here, coming from a punk background), found it disturbing that some teen songs (on the FTTs) were almost identical in melody, music, and arrangements to System songs we considered of the Devil. I know that the Lord s aid that the words are the most important thing, but He also promised to give new hit melodies and arrangements. Maybe others feel that a bit, too.
-- Nina, Peru

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       I'm so thankful for the new music that you've inspired all of us to make -- it's beautiful! It's full of the Spirit. I never get tired of listening to it over and over again. We really needed it and I love it! In the music there is such power, sparkle, inspiration -- it's just lovely. I pray for the ones working on this musi c, because their job depends a lot on everyone's prayers. It's so inspiring to listen to all those tapes while working or resting. They're full of the Word and they have the anointing! They help me so much!
-- Patty, 16, Colombia

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WHAT'S UP?
TESTIMONIES FROM YOU

New Disciples in Mexico
USA
       (From Jonathan Waters, [22, VS]:) Meeting the Family teens in Mexico City was a breath of fresh air. They are inspired and on-fire! There isn't the same battle in the spirit with worldlin ess that there is just over the border in the States. There's such a pull of the world in the US, spirits of materialism and independence, laziness and lethargy, and the contrast is pretty surprising.
       In Mexico the teens come up and ask to help with the inspirations, and then everyone enters in -- not just the adults, but the teens also close their eyes and sing too. When you pray, these guys really praise the Lord; it's not just a background rumble, but wholehearted praise. You hear them talk about how they want to make the revolution continue. It's so inspiring.
       One thing I feel keeps these guys so inspired, among other things, is their witnessing. They do a lot of "real" witnessing -- going on the road, personal witnessing, follow-up, etc. What I mean by "real" witnessing is actual winning of souls and disciples. As a result, there are quite a few new disciples in Mexico. Meeting the new disciples is a thrill. These guys love the Lord and the Family and are so thankful for a pla ce of service.
       Having new disciples around keeps things alive in the spirit and pumps in an on-fire spirit; having disciples who are really going for it and living the Revolution in their hearts. It's an inspiration to see these guys so dedicated to the Lord, the Word and the Family. The Revolution continues! -- Con mucho gusto!

       (Editor's note: Attention all new disciples -- in Mexico and elsewhere! We'd love to get your testimonies! If you've joined in the last 2-3 years, would you write something up for us? What was it about the Family that was worth giving up everything for? Send your testimony via your CRO, or direct to the Grapevine via e-mail!)

The Grushynski Festival
Russia
       (From Joshua, Charity and Joanna:) The Grushynski festival is held in memory of a Russian folk singer who died saving drowning children. Every year, tens of thousands of both young and old from all over Russia attend this festival, camping out for three or more days in the midst of beautiful scene ry on the banks of the Volga river. We were invited to perform at Grushynski by the people who take care of all the performers going from our town.
       When we arrived at the train station, we learned that the train was not scheduled to stop at the station where the festival was. Faced with a 4 km. walk from the station nearest to the festival, in the heat of the day with the kids and all our camping equipment, we prayed desperately! The Lord spoke to us and gave us the faith that if He wanted us to be at the festival, He would transport us there. We boarded the train, already packed with hundreds of young people, and we started giving out posters and witnessing. -- Lo and behold, the train stopped at our station!
       Next, we had to find a place to put up our tent, and that wasn't so easy as there were tents everywhere. There were 130,000 people attending the festival! We prayed and the Lord helped us meet some friends of ours, scouts, who invited us to their camp. We camped in the main p art of the festival, under a big pole with the banners of different scout groups, where we were able to hang a big banner with our Family symbol -- the biggest and brightest of all!
       While the boys were putting up the tent (the kind of tent that you have to make your own poles from tree branches), our singing group went to find out if we could still get on the stage. When the organizers found out that Charity, a mother of eight, came all the way from Norway to sing at their festival, they were so touched that they signed us in right away.
       The next day the kids sang on both the kids' stage and on the main stage. The audience joined in, clapping and singing along to "This Little Light of Mine," and when teen Nina sang "Shine Like the Sunlight" in Russian, accompanied by our two guitarist friends, people were visibly touched. The organizers were very happy that we sang. Altogether we distributed 11,000 posters.
       Although we stayed in a so-called "scout camp," those scouts looked more like dropouts, with strange hairstyles and outfits. They tried to look weird and strange, but when we were leaving, they all came to our tent to say goodbye and told us how sad they were that we were leaving. One of the boys had come 1,500 km alone, and from the first day seemed to be drawn towards us. He was very hungry for the Word. When we were leaving for the train he asked me if I would write him. I said that I would, and he looked deep in my eyes like a desperate sheep and pleaded, "Don't forget!"
       Next year if more Homes could send their teams we could reach a lot more people that come to this festival!

Invite your neighborhood for a party!
Romania
       (From Esther I.:) "Does your Home have a variety of activities which are a testimony to your neighborhood?" Hmm... we always thought a lot about this question when glancing through the checklist in the Charter.
       We regularly minister to children and parents in a number of local hospitals, perform weekly for the deaf and mental ly handicapped, actively participate in street and neighborhood clean-up efforts, but… we always had the burden to do something special with the children in our area. We have two children in our Home, and whenever we go for a walk, scores of kids come up to play and talk with them. They are very well-behaved children, so they're a joy to play with and pour into.
       Our two-year-old son's birthday came around the day before our performing team was to leave for Bosnia. They had practiced for four d ays to have the show down pat before leaving, but they hadn't had a dress rehearsal yet…when the idea came! -- Why not have the rehearsal right in the backyard and invite all the people we can? No better test than to see the reaction of the children!
       The word went out, and by 4 o'clock that afternoon more than 70 kids were waiting anxiously for our clown show! TYJ, the clowns were terrific, and so was the performance of "The Rock in the Road"! We led all the children in the salvation prayer, a nd after playing a few fun games together, we gave out provisioned sweets, had an impromptu "balloon modeling class" and gave each one a balloon! We made quite a racket, so all the parents and whoever didn't come to the show were hanging out their windows to see what the fun was all about!
       After the fun and games were over, we took a piece of Peter's birthday cake(s) to our neighbors and the children in our apartment block. We took a PR album with us to explain more about our work and answer a ny questions they might have. It was a long awaited victory in so many ways!
       (Bonus: Since then, we've been invited to all the birthday parties in the area, ha!)

Prophecy confirms our SWIFT
USA
       (From Renee, [written from Japan]:) One day I was praying for my JETT daughter and her needs. The Lord spoke clearly to me and told me that for our Summer SWIFT we should visit her father in Japan. I separated from Joy's dad when she was two, and in all these years she's spent very little time wit h him.
       This was an unexpected idea and I wasn't sure if it was just "my mind" thinking this up, so I took some time to hear from the Lord with my daughter. The Lord confirmed the idea, told us to step out by faith, not to look at the waves and that He would supply the funds. I also wrote Joy's dad right away to see what he thought of this visit.
       I was worried about what my Home would think of this "wild" idea, how I would raise funds, etc., as I am a single mom with two children and we have a considerable amount of kids and needs in our Home. They were very encouraging, and as time progressed, things worked out for me to be able to raise funds for our trip, and the Lord also supplied more personnel.
       We've been in Japan for two weeks now and it's been a wonderful blessing, especially for Joy. It was really neat for me to see how everything fell into place, how much the Lord loves each one of us personally and how He'll make these exciting things happen for us. He's so faithful and wonderful!

Considering the Poor
Russia
       (From the St. Petersburg Family:) In trying to locate a case of lice shampoo to help the Children's Hotel (a shelter for street children), we found a pharmaceutical company in Germany that wants to give 11,000 kilos of the product, about $70,000 worth. It'll probably be enough for all the orphanages and shelters for this whole city of five million people!
       A hospital in Finland which is donating an operating table, two hospital beds and other equipm ent, informed us that they will send an additional ten hospital beds and more hospital furniture. They said if this goes well, they'll help us find other hospitals in Finland to help us too.
       Many exhibitors from all over the world at the International Hospital Expo have pledged to help our work with the Red Cross by donating some of the products they are exhibiting, and in other ways as well.
       Arctic Outpost -- A four-man team has returned to Arkhangelsk (within the Arctic circle), 30 hours a way by train, to continue our work there with students, orphanages and prisons.

Can Young People Teamwork and "One Wife"?
USA
       (From Ahlai:) Our DC Home's five-man Teamwork is an example of an all-YA/SGA Teamwork that is going great guns! The leadership of our Home consists of Jessica as personnel shepherdess, Jon A. as business teamworker, Sam as outreach teamworker, Sharon handling homecare and scheduling, and Cherish overseeing childcare. They are doing a terrific job of shepherding, man aging our various Home ministries, as well as coordinating traffic control and the "unexpected emergencies" that pop up daily! It's a huge job, but what an impact they are having by governing and shepherding themselves, setting their own goals and standards according to the Charter, and meeting them.
       It stands to reason that an all YA/SGA Home (or 90% YA/SGA Home) should have an all YA/SGA Teamwork, and since I came off the Teamwork as a daily player, we have seen wonderful fruit as our Teamwo rk's first line of defense is to take everything to the Lord! They are desperate, pray together lots and hear from the Lord. They are responsible and capable young leaders, as are the other young people in our Home, and like Dad always said, "What a relief when we realize that we don't have to do it! He (and the young people) can do it!"
       Lately, as the new Teamwork takes hold, we've seen them organize and put their time and funds into "service projects" for others; praying for new ministries a nd ways to give out, which makes life fulfilling and challenging. Our YA/SGA provisioning team has just finished shipping large provisionments (sofas from hotels, carpets, curtain material, etc.) for needy or newly opened Homes that are getting set up and need the help. Provisioning cross-country shipping for free is not easy, but Reina worked 'round the clock, as did Sam, Brian, Tim, Joni, Arrow and a few others to synchronize a shipment of goods to needy places.
       The rest of the Home worked d oubly hard to compensate for the witnessing and fund-raising needed to pay our own bills for that week, while the others worked on shipping furniture. There were cliffhanger moments at times, but we kept a sense of humor and had fun knowing it was going to be a help to the Homes in the area, as well as to other needy Homes far away -- which makes it worth it all. We received sweet letters of thanks from five or six Homes that appreciated their sample of provisioning discounted trucks, and then d riving long hours and 1200 miles worth of trips to deliver the sofas.
       They've planned the last quarter of '96 with a bang-up Christmas push plan, and I can't wait to hear what they're going to do next. They are praying for new outreach methods as Christmas approaches, and are coming up with all kinds of plans for store-fronting, clowning, caroling, tapenessing, snow-shoveling (weather permitting, ha!). They're pushing to kick off their Christmas push in early November, rather than waiting till December.
       We have 10 children in our Home, four are babies and two others have special needs and are a challenge to take care of, but they are the life of the Home. One thing that is a strong sample to all around is the enthusiasm and faithfulness of our SGA moms, both single and married! I remember when I had my first child as a YA mom; it was not an easy adjustment to let go of hitting the streets, going on the road, pioneering as a single, and sometimes it seemed I was "missing" all the ex citement. -- But not so here.
       Our SGA moms, Cherish (21, three children), Heidi (22, one baby boy) and Shanti (23, one baby girl) have made childcare and the "baby department" so exciting! I'm so glad I had another baby, so I can partake of all the great ideas the SGAs are coming up with now for their first kids. It's going to be a terrific graduating class! The nursery is a super inspiring place where the babies are taught, pottied and challenged. We're even adding them as "little drummer boy s" with tiny drums to our Christmas show!
       All of us work 'round the clock with our babies and kids, but to see these new moms put so much into their new calling in life, setting up a nursery, school activities, etc., even when they could use a break, is a sample of leadership and dedication to the Lord -- the "real thing" that God looks on as greatness. We have a new generation of "Real Mothers" that Dad would be proud of!
       And not only the SGA moms, but, for example, dear YA Stephanie, who h elps Cherish with her three little ones. She is as dedicated as any mom could be, and she just got into childcare this past year. Last year she decided to give up other things and commit herself to a needy young SGA family. She's a real jewel, and now a bellwether in the Home in all areas.
       YAs' Lisa, Reina, Joni and Nathan are among others here who have let go of other things to "do more for others," as the Lord laid it on their hearts. Recently, more young people have jumped in, volunteering to "take the baby" when you're in a pinch, or stand in as foster parent during family time, without even being asked. It's so sweet. It's a true example of the "One Wife" spirit that makes our Family "The Family"!

Where one Good Thots ended up!
Thailand
       (From Ammi:) We received an interesting and inspiring phone call the other day from a Thai man in his late 30's. He began by asking some questions, and as the conversation developed, he told this amazing story:
       He had been browsing throug h the second-hand book stalls at the Sunday Market and came across a book called Good Thots, volume two. He bought it, read it and was very impressed by it. He said it was his favorite book, and he has now read it several times, calling it the best anthology he'd ever seen.
       He enjoyed it so much that he was determined to try and find volume one of the series. He searched book stores all over Bangkok to no avail. Then he noticed the small copyright on the front page of the volume two that he ha d. He wrote to Switzerland and eventually received a letter from our Thai mail ministry, giving him our GP phone number.
       Though he'd never met anyone from the Family, he felt he just had to call and say hello and thank us for this beautiful book! He is an English professor at a well-known university in Bangkok! How amazing the power of the printed Word! It's exciting to think of all the responses that could come from our new GP book project!

How did my education rate?
Venezuela
       (From Eli sabeth Music, 17; of Josias and Sara:) Yesterday I attended my system cousin's high school graduation. She asked me if in the Family we get recognition for our work. I told her that at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb I would get the greatest diploma ever.
       During the time I was there with them, I didn't feel the least bit inferior to her system education. My cousin was also grateful that we gave her English classes and I helped her pass many tests.
       Our neighbor wanted me to try doing the test she was doing for the university she attends. The funny thing was, it was a test on psychology and was extremely difficult, especially because it was so long and in Spanish. I thought for sure I could never pass the test. I told her that I'd take the test to my dad, but she insisted that I do it. I also think our neighbor wanted to put me to the test, and see if I really did have any kind of education. The miracle is I passed the test with 100%! -- I was shocked myself!

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RUMOR MILL

-- "Peter and Gary told me..."
       (By Matthew, WS:) Rumor has it that Peter and Gary, while attending the DC TS Fellowship in early July, gave certain TSers "permission to become DO." In some cases, TSers have contacted Homes, informing them that they have "permission" from members of WS' leadership teamwork (Peter and Gary), or the CROs to rejoin. It seems some have misinterpreted this to mean that TRF Supporters received permission t o instantly become DO members, which is not the case. While there will soon be some simplification and streamlining of the Proceduresfor Moving TRF Supporter Members to D.O. Status (Charter, pgs. 96-99), at present the existing Charter procedures still stand and apply across the board to all TSers.
       To clarify, Peter and Gary, or the CROs, may give TSers permission to begin the process of rejoining as a DO member, as per the Charter guidelines. Keep in mind, however, that under the Charter, pe rmission for TRF Supporters to join a DO Home and regain DO status is not granted by WS leadership nor by your CROs, but the final decision is left up to the Home that is taking in the TSer wishing to rejoin.
       So while Peter or Gary may have encouraged individuals to find a DO Home to join, or link up with other TRF Supporters intent on returning to DO status, this does not make these individuals exempt from fulfilling the Charter requirements for rejoining. Nor should any DO Home feel obligate d to take TSers in, if the prospective members are not conducting themselves in accordance with the discipleship requirements and rules in the Charter, or are being a negative influence on their Home, just because "Peter and Gary" said they could begin the process to rejoin as a DO member.

-- Are all the guys in WS?
       (From a female SGA, Europe:) There is a lot of talk about how there are so many girls compared to boys in the Family. Quite a few people (or should I say girls) have trials abou t this, and many have the impression that WS is where they all are. I was wondering if this could be addressed. I also wanted to suggest a "male/female" subdivision in the population pie graphs. In other words, not only dividing it by age but also by sex.
       (Editor's note: Believe us, all the guys are not in WS! This is most certainly an untrue rumor! A couple nights back, while watching a documentary after dinner, we looked around the room, and to our dismay, noticed that in our Home, the ratio of boys/girls is 3.6 girls to each boy!So, we may not know where they are, but we sure know where they ain't -- and that's here! In issue #3 of the Grapevine, you'll notice that we did include boy/girl ratios in our population breakdown. In the DO Family there are 1,006 single males, and 1,268 single females (age 16 and up). So, they gotta be out there somewhere! Guys, where are you?!)
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SEND IT IN!
       Please send your news, articles and contributions to TheGrapevine to the following postal or e-mail address (e-mail will reach us soonest). You can also send articles via your TRF or CRO office. We're looking forward to hearing from you!

       The Grapevine
       P.O. Box 870756
       Mesquite, TX 75187-0756
       U.S.A.

       Our e-mail address is as follows: grape@ibm.net (Please send your articles unencrypted for now. Thanks.)

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ACADEMIA

Becoming an "in house" word at the Center for Studies on New Religions (CES NUR) Conference
USA
       (From Ahlai:) I was surprised how well accepted we are now at the academic conferences after all the time and effort Marc and Claire and others have put into ministering to the academic community and the media. We counted six or seven times at the recent CESNUR conference where reference was made to the Family in written papers -- and though we're considered unorthodox, we are not scorned or excluded, but rather accepted and even casual humor is made about our controversia l side, rather than disdain. This is the good fruit of the Statements, the Charter and our being more open in meeting the public and the academic world.
       Dr. Susan Palmer gave a good anecdote about us in her presentation entitled, "Children in NRMs." She said she has found it beneficial to sometimes take her children along on research projects to NRMs, as they gather information while playing with the other kids in groups, that is not easily acquired through talks with the parents.
       She said o ne NRM that she had visited recently told her that "our sheltered children do not watch TV, listen to system music, eat candy or receive a worldly allowance." Yet when her kids came home at night and she asked what they did all day, they said they went out in the woods and dug up treasures. -- The treasures, her kids said, were little boxes buried in the woods that contained Walkmans, CD players, rock music CDs, tootsie rolls (candy) and all kinds of money!
       Dr. Palmer said, "I did the same wit h my kids when I visited the Family in Washington, DC. After they spent an afternoon with Family children and YAs, I asked my children the same question, 'What did you do all day?' To which they responded, 'Well, Mom, we had a Bible study and we got saved!'" This is not to say every moment in our Homes is so heavenly, but it was exciting to see her and others publish glad tidings about the Family at these conferences.
       YAs' Lisa and Calvin were very good representatives both during the conferen ce and after hours as they talked and fellowshipped with the academics. The living sample of the willingness of "young people helping older people" in literally any capacity, overwhelmed and won these folks to a degree that I know we first generation adults could never have done. Lord help us to never take for granted the incredible gifts and the giving of themselves that our young people pour out on the Family and others everywhere they go. Thank God for them!

Pope Gregory and the "Apostles of Infinite Love"
USA
       (From Ahlai:) Dr. Gordon Melton, Dr. Eileen Barker, Dr. Susan Palmer and I visited this very unique dropped-out order of Catholic priests and nuns called "The Apostles of Infinite Love." Massimo Introvigne and Gordon were excited about the appointment as Pope Gregory rarely, if ever, meets with outsiders.
       The order originated in 1964 when Pope Gregory, then Father John, had a revelation to drop out of the Catholic church entirely after seeing a Catholic nativity scene in the south of France that depicted Mary as a modern mother in a mini skirt and high heels pushing a baby pram with Jesus in it crying, and Joseph had a cigarette dangling from his mouth.
       They have 600 acres in Laurentide that through prophecy in 1969 the Lord told them to buy, for a refuge for thousands in the Endtime, which would begin in 1998. They have their own presses and mountains of publications. They have independent water and food supplies, and have solar energy and provision. They are strong on hearing from the Lord daily and are guided by prophecy through various ones in the convent.
       Their main source of income is the sale of calendars which they produce and sell door-to-door in December. They are liberal in that along with celibate nuns and priests, they also have priests and nuns who marry and have children (all apparently of equal dedication).
       We attended their mass, and they answered all our questions and took us on a tour of the place. They have received a lot o f persecution and talk about it patiently, including having their entire convent burned to the ground twice and having to start all over.
       Pope Gregory himself, age 77, entered the room and spoke with us at the lunch table, in French through an interpreter. Pope Gregory is a precious, humble man. I was expecting a riveting sermon against the System or something. That came later, but the first thing he wearily talked about at length was how hard it was to live communally with so many different t ypes of people and how tired he was at the end of the day after taking care of so many problems!
       He was of an excellent, slow, soft-spoken spirit, but "let it all hang out" in his complaints, so to speak. I could relate so well to the daily shepherding of lots of people and it was encouraging to see others experience the same weights and make it, as sometimes I wonder if I will!

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IDEAS, TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS

(Editor's note: Interesting idea for Christmas outreach and fund-rais er!)

       Woman Offers Jesus Photo (News Reprint)
       Winston-Salem, NC (AP) -- Cherie Shelor was standing in line with her son to get his picture taken with a shopping mall Santa when she wondered: "What does this man in red have to do with Christmas, to me?"
       "The answer was nothing," said Shelor, who thinks dragging children to be photographed with mall Santas each year misses the point of Christmas.
       So she developed an alternative -- a photo with baby Jesus.
       Shelor is charging children $1 to dress up in colorful robes and have their photo taken in a wooden shed that replicates where Jesus was born. The children stand next to a cradle with a baby doll inside -- and they also take home flyers with candy canes and Biblical quotations on them.
       The business is set up in the parking lot of a Christian bookstore. Next year, Shelor hopes to find space in a nearby mall.
       Danielle McDonald, 10, dressed in the robes, donned a gold cardboard crown and knelt in the hay-covered shed for her photo.
       "I think it's just better to celebrate Him on His birthday," she said.

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CHARTER ASSESSMENT FROM YOU

       (Recently, the question was posed as to whether the Homes are struggling more since the Charter than they were before. Some Home members and VSs living in field Homes around the world were asked for their opinions. In this issue we're including a couple of responses received from Brazil.)

       (From Jeremias, Brasilia:) In my opinion the answer is no, and I will say wh y not. First I'd like to explain that although I personally haven't visited most of the Homes in Brazil, I have been in contact with a lot of them. From the contact I have had and the ones I have visited, most of them are doing very well.
       A lot of Homes in Brazil have a high standard of living. I'm talking about being in good locations and neighborhoods, good housing conditions, swimming pools, etc. They are most often located in places where only the upper middle class or rich people are able to own or rent a house; and these are cities like Rio, Sao Paulo and Brasilia, which are the most expensive cities in Brazil! Not to mention the Homes in small cities on the seashore, sometimes located on the beach itself, or Family Homes in the mountains, located in tourist resort areas!
       It's good for us to have this in perspective and to remember where we are when we say we are "struggling." -- And what we are eating! Food, for example, is an easy thing to provision in Brazil, and I'm talki ng about good, healthy, fresh food -- meat, vegetables, fruits, etc. Of course, in order to have all that, we have to work for it! Maybe some Homes are not working (witnessing) or doing enough, or lack the faith, or aren't praying enough to have all that!
       There are indeed a few Homes here and there which are fighting (I would not say struggling) to survive. In my opinion, these ones are:

       --- Homes that after the Charter are having too frequent personnel changes, and because of that are not able to have a steady team.
       --- Homes which are pioneering or in hard fields! The Enemy fights in the beginning, but this is only for a while, as the Lord will always give the victory!
       --- Homes that for some reason are out of the Lord's will or not following the Letters closely.

       I'd like to mention three things that I think have not been going so well after the Charter. I would call them "transitional problems," because with the passing of time they are getting solved more and more.

       --- Single mothers with many kids, as it's difficult for some Homes to receive them. (But lately I've seen more Homes receiving them and seeing that they can be a blessing for the Homes, thank the Lord!)
       --- JETTs and junior teens in many Homes not receiving the attention and care they deserve. This bears bad fruit in their lives, a lack of interest in the Word and witnessing, and causing some to even think about leaving the Family. We need to do something quickly about this, mainly tuning i n to them more and being better samples ourselves.
       --- Home education and schooling in small Homes needs improvement. Since the parents were used to the previous "institutionalized" situations, they are having some difficulties with the education and discipline of their own kids and JETTs.

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       (From Samuel [SGA, of Leilani], Sao Paulo:) I wanted to share a couple of viewpoints, based on what I've noticed in the different Homes I've seen or been in over the last few years, and how the Ch arter has affected my personal surroundings. I would like to expound mainly on the subject of finances, which is an important factor in this specific question.
       As you know, most Homes tend to gauge their success by their present financial state, as this pretty much governs the other activities they do. I can't speak for everyone, but from what I've seen, I would say the Charter has helped the Homes change from the growing financial crisis they were finding themselves in before the Charter, to a steady road upward leading to financial stability since the Charter.
       Sure, life as a missionary is always going to be a struggle, and finances will always be an issue, because the Lord uses this to keep us desperate, and without this "pressure" we probably would relax in our witnessing. From what I've noticed, most of the Homes who make witnessing a major priority are the ones who seem to be doing better financially. I would venture to say that the Charter has in some ways "forced" people to get out witnessing -- pioneering and living by faith, which if done zealously brings tremendous results.
       During the Training Center era, a lot of emphasis was put into ministry training, which I believe was wonderful at the time. This is just a personal way of looking at it, but I believe the present transition would have been easier if during the days of the larger Combos more of an emphasis had been put into training people to witness and pioneer.
       I believe there were many benefits to the Training Center vision and large Combos, but one of the down sides may have been that people got used to working on the "clock," so to speak, and I think these are the ones who are having the most difficult time adapting to a field Home situation, which is in most ways totally different. Living by faith is absolutely wonderful, but that's exactly what it is -- living by faith.
       As a young child I grew up on the field, and from what I remember, we were always witnessing, and I believe this is t he best thing that could have happened to me. I learned how to witness and support a work. Our little busking team was a major asset in supporting our Home, which usually consisted of two families.
       My parents were faithful to train us to be good witnesses, as they realized that the only way to support our missionary family was as a family. Later I learned to tapeness and helped support our Home in that way. To be honest, I've never known any other form of support besides witnessing. It was onl y later when I moved to a larger Combo situation that I experienced severe financial pressure for the first time.
       This is all to say that I think the Charter has helped us to get out the Words more than ever. I truly believe that those who work get results, and that is what I've seen lately. I would say on the overall that the Homes are doing better now financially than ever. I've personally been a witness of the Lord's supply in our area as a result of witnessing and living in smaller Homes. I know He truly does have His "eye on the sparrow" and He cares for us!

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       [Editor's note: What do you think? Do you agree? How are things working in your country or area since the implementation of the Charter? Write in with your thoughts and personal experiences for the Grapevine!]

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I'M WONDERING…

Belgium
       (From Michael [TS]:) Something I would find very helpful would be a compilation of testimonies on new ways to raise support, either through ministries that are a witness at the same time, or system jobs that support a Home while giving good personal witnessing opportunities to either the people you work with, or the ones you encounter due to your job.
       For example, I tried clowning with a brother, and both of us are good at acting and can be funny, but we just couldn't find good skit ideas designed for the GP or how to be a clown without only being foolish or teasing. Or people who go ballooning, car-washing, puppeteering -- how do you make it fruitful witnessing-wise?
       (Editor's note: Do you have any experience along these lines, or tips to share that we can publish for the benefit of all? "As a team we do it better!" Write in today with what you've found works for you and your Home. It might be the answer for someone else, too!)

Russia
       (From a female Russian national:) I often hear comments from brothers who speak English and who have been in many different countries: "Oh, did you stay in just one country for nine years? I've been in three different countries." Or, "Oh, those nationals, they never go out of their own country!" -- Even if they're faithfully witnessing and traveling all around their own country.
       Is someone more of a missionary if they leave their own country, speak English, or know how to use a computer? Should we try to go elsewhere too? Is staying here a lack of faith, or is it okay?
       (Editor's note: If only those who leave their native land are missionaries, then Jesus Himself wouldn't have been classifi ed as a missionary! The dictionary says that a missionary is "someone who is sent with a mission." Another dictionary definition for missionary says, "One who attempts to persuade or convert others to a particular program, doctrine, or set of principles; a propagandist." As long as you're preaching the Gospel, you're missionaries in our book, regardless of your geographical location. In fact, you may bear more fruit by staying in one place to develop a lasting work than being always on the move. Some are called to stay, some to move. Whatever your calling, happy witnessing!)

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

       (e-mail) I think that the Grapevine is just great! GBY for implementing such an idea! It seems to me that it is very needed for the Family to have a way of knowing what is happening in the Family, as well as being able to personally contribute and make news!
       I had a great time reading the articles, especially those that were written very spontaneously, in such a way that you feel that you're right there where the event took place. I think it really helps if the articles have some facts like dates, names of places and people -- it makes it more interesting and enjoyable.
       I am also sure that the fact that you try not to edit received articles much is going to encourage people to use their gifts more and learn to write their articles in a more interesting way. In other words, God bless you! Keep up the good work!
       -- Marek, Ukraine

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       (e-mail) Re: Movie Ra tings (see Grapevine #2)
       I feel it's a blessing to have these movie lists, and I'm thankful for the brethren who go through the trouble of watching these movies, and passing their opinions to us.
       It happened to me once that I watched an unfamiliar movie on TV while visiting relatives. It seemed okay, but the ending was so horrible that I had nightmares and bad pictures for days, and fully regretted I'd watched it. From the movies deemed "watchable" some I enjoy, some I consider boring, and s ome I decide not to watch at all. We have a diversity of opinions in our Home regarding almost every movie, but at least we know it was viewed by others and deemed "watchable," and we have a little blurb on it. All this to say, please continue to publish these movie lists. Thanks!
       -- Faith Happy, Poland

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