The Family / Children of God

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       Thanks so very much. You don't know what a blessing your emails (the pubs-by-email) are to us. We cannot check our mail because there is a war going on by the border where our mailings are.

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       We are temporarily in Australia for med ical purposes after 15 years in Japan. Because we are staying at my mother's house outside Melbourne we have been without much fellowship for a while. How refreshing it is to log on to the MO site and get all the latest news, songs, testimonies, movie ratings, Heaven's Library, Grapevine, Zine and even the latest GN and FSM! I spent two hours the other night downloading!
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       Thanks so much! We got in last night and downloaded a ton! We also subscribed to more e-mail items, as we have a hard time getting our mailings with the border problems with Macedonia.

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       We look forward to receiving the news from you; it's a big blessing in this part of the world to get so many articles from good sources.

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       Just wanted to let you know that I received the 9 MP3 CDs safely and wanted to thank you so so much for taking the time to work on these and send them, they're a super blessing!-And that's an understatement! One of the biggest treasures is having the whole Bible! What a surpri se, you know we've been wanting to work on that for over a year so that we could make it available to Homes here in Africa, so this is just really a blessing!

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       The MO site is a SUPER blessing-in our Home we check it more than once a day, and immediately download the new pubs. Some people in our Home are also fanatic MO-chat users, and they like to browse the photo section looking for similar-age members of the opposite sex, and/or people they know. Of course, we've also downloaded tons o f MP3s, which are our primary (only!) source of music.

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       You've gotten me quite dependent on the daily news clips ... I hardly ever glance at a real paper anymore...(TX!)

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       I just wanted to say the Family Members site is really super. It gives me such a feeling of really knowing my brothers and sisters in all parts of the world. I really enjoy going in to the photo sections to see the families I have known over the years, how many children they have and where they are now. It's way cool. There's just so much in it that it's hard to comment on everything. I love the site and really appreciate all the hard work that has gone into it to date.

GP site feedback:

       I want to subscribe to everything you can send me.

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       I love you folks!-What great stuff.

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       Hi. My story is very long, but I need to tell you. When I was about 15 years old and was in junior college in India, some people had come to my college and were singing some songs and telling others to say a small prayer with them. I was very interested in their activity and we had a conversation. They invited me to their meeting in a hotel in Bombay. I went to their meeting and was very happy with their nice nature and the very pleasant atmosphere they had. It was 1987-88.
       For some reason there was some opposition in my house to my contact with those people and slowly my contact with those people waned.
       This brief contact left a great impression on my mind. And after some months I became desper ate to contact them again. I had some of their literature with me and in it there was a post box address mentioned in it. I wrote a letter to that address, but the letter was returned by the postal department saying the address did not exist anymore. I became more desperate and started going to meetings of other groups, hoping that they might be the same group.
       But all this did not prove fruitful. There was one more reason for my failure for finding these people again, that was that these peop le never revealed where they stayed or never gave anybody their contact number. They sometimes referred to their group as “Foreign Friends Association,” but this group had no registration with the government authorities and maybe this was a temporary name.
       After some years I went ahead with my daily life but had decided that one day I will again somehow find these people being with whom I felt very happy.
       Now it is about 15 years since that incident and my curiosity is still active. When I c ame to the USA, my hopes of finding these people again became high (as most of them were from U.S.). I tried to search the net for other religions and sects and found your site. Your description of your organization and activities best match the people I am trying to find.
       If you had any people in Bombay, India, in the period I mentioned and you think I may have come in contact with your people then, please contact me. I would like to be a friend of your organization and again feel happy being around your pleasant-natured members. I am now in Atlanta.
       I will be able to tell you more about their activities like Bible classes, testimonies, etc. If you need any more information-I also remember many of their names. Bye for now.

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       My name is Esther and at the moment I'm in Asmara, Eritrea in northwest Africa. Originally I'm from Albania. I have known the Family for seven years now. Unfortunately I have lost contact with them because of my moving often. Please can you get me in co ntact with anyone responsible for this continent, as I want to get involved in any activity that goes on.
       I don't know if there is any Family Home in Eritrea, but I heard that there are teams that come for trips. I would like to get in contact with them so that we can help each other. I do have a house to welcome anyone coming this way. I will be waiting for your reply impatiently.

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       Hello, I am a student at the University of Cincinnati… I just talked with two young people in your organ ization. They were very pleasant and even though I didn't have any money on me to spare at the time, we did say a prayer together. I am thankful to them for reminding me of what is important in life. I have been confused and misguided lately, and they reminded me of Who I should be talking to and asking for guidance.

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       Say... are you related to the Children of God who saved my butt one time in south Minneapolis in the early '70s? If so, thanks! Peace.

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       Dear friends, do you sell MO 's Letters in book form? They are tremendous and inspiring and insightful. I don't have the ability to download them off the Internet. What an absolutely fabulous site you have!

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       Hi. I'm a 20 year-old ex-member and I just moved to Sacramento and would like to know if there are any Family Homes or members around here. If not, where is the nearest Home to me? I would really like to fellowship with young people.

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       I am writing from Singapore, tell me all about your beliefs! Thank you .

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       I wonder if you have any headquarters in Turkey/Istanbul and if there is one, how can I get in contact with it?

happenings

[Program Healing Colombia]
       Agustin, Paloma, Arthur and Celeste, Bogota, Colombia: Almost six years ago we left Argentina and made our way to new horizons: Colombia. Why the big fuss over Colombia? The rate of violence is equal to a country in declared war-ten times that of the U.S.
       Perhaps it was hearing about the UN survey on children and young people i n countries like Colombia that moved us to work with teens. Apparently countries that suffer so much violence are at the risk of becoming three times worse in the near future. As the children grow up, their main motive becomes hatred towards those that have taken their lands or killed their parents, and one day they will retaliate if their hearts are not healed. There is evidence of this fact in Bogotá alone, in the approximately 480 street gangs, many of them armed militia who easily take justi ce into their own hands.
       (Editor: Read more about Program Healing Colombia, what their team has done with 200 teenagers for the last year-and-a-half, and how they are now expanding into neighborhoods where angels fear to tread. Read about their cooperation with the main Peace Movement in Colombia, the peace marches they've participated in, and the moving song that Agustin received in prophecy that has become a favorite in the peace movement-a song from the people of Colombia's ancestors who ar e pleading from the next world that vengeance be left aside, that all join hands in prayer to heal the wounds and bring God's refreshing waters of peace to the land. Read it all and see the photos too, on the MO site!)

[6-day teacher training seminar]
       Karachi Home, Pakistan: Two of our members, Mary and Samaria, traveled to the interior of the Punjab to a remote village to conduct a week-long training course for 40 teachers from six different schools. This was organized and sponsored by a f oreign-owned power company that has its power plant in this region. They wanted to make a significant contribution to the community and felt that this could best be served by providing training for the teachers in the area. As we have been ministering to the head of this company, he nominated us to make a proposal for this training program and it was accepted. The funding which we received (approximately US $4,000) not only covered the cost of materials and transport, etc., but provided a genero us contribution for our work as well. In this proposal we broke down our costs into the following main categories: materials, transport, educational audio/visual materials, and cost per trainer per hour.
       (Editor: Please see “Six Day Teacher Training Seminar” on the MO site for the valuable full report on how they conducted their very successful seminar, and their plans for a follow up visit in two or three months' time. It contains good tips for all who are considering hosting similar teachers ' seminars. They have also posted some of their prepared seminars under the Activated section of the MO site.)

[“I want to rent to you missionaries!”]
       Estevao and Ana, Brazil: The Lord showed us to open a new Home here in Brasilia. We prayed desperately and started looking for a house. We only had 30 days, so it was tight. We found one that was actually in our price range and we liked it. But just to prove the Lord, we asked Him to confirm it if the man would take the equivalent of only $25 off the rent. He wouldn't do it. We were getting short on time. We asked him again. He still wouldn't do it. We liked the house but just really wanted to know the Lord's will. We were desperate! “Why, Lord?” He told us He had something better.
       That week in our Bible study, one of our sheep said, “I have a house in Largo Sul (the most expensive area of town). Why don't you go look at it?”
       We said, “There's no way we can afford a house in that area. You know we live by faith, donations and ti thes.” She insisted that we look at it anyway and when we saw it, of course we loved it! Large rooms, swimming pool, fancy barbeque area, lovely area of town, etc. She had been offered four times as much as we could afford but she said, “Look, I don't want to rent to someone who will never let me come to the house and see my roses! I want to rent to you missionaries!” We told her how much we could afford and she said yes!
       The Lord is really using this house for His glory now. We have at least 25 visitors each Sunday and discipleship and pre-discipleship meetings every week, too! The Lord wants the best for His children, if we just pray and trust!

[Scouting and shows in Korca]
       Lisa YA, Eman, Dust and Smile, Durres Home, Albania: Once a month, we take a two-day trip to the city of Korca in southern Albania, close to the borders of Greece and Macedonia. We have pick-ups there that our faithful contacts have been helping with over the years. Many of us wanted to enlarge our Activate d vision of finding and feeding His sheep in that city. So after getting the go-ahead from our precious Savior, Eman Albanian and Lisa (YA) left for this exciting adventure.
       Besides all of the regular pick-ups, they were able to distribute ten videos and ten tapes (all the tools that they took with them), and they won 47 souls! They also went to most of the kindergartens in the area. They got some businessmen to sponsor a few videos for a very poor kindergarten. The director was sweet and very appreciative of the videos, so we asked her if she could write a thank you letter to the man who sponsored them, to which she readily agreed. The next morning she had it ready in hand to be delivered.
       Since this was a scouting trip, we went around to see where the need was and if the schools would like us to perform our show. Of course they all did! So we returned a few weeks later with a bigger team, consisting of our guitar player, singer and driver for the trip, Francesco Albanian (of Sara ). By the way, we “borrowed” him from the Tirana Home. We also had Dust Albanian (of Smile Hungarian) as one of the clowns. Eman Albanian was there too, and did a great job of being a clown. Lisa (YA) played the sad clown. And where would we be without our wonderful kid power-Kriszi (5, of Smile and Dust), who was added to the team.
       The Lord really provided for our trip and we met lots of potential people along the way. We were able to do three shows in one day. We also did a show at Soros and they took six videos for their school. All in all, the trip was fruitful and over 200 souls were saved.
       I would like to add here that the ones that stayed at Home were wonderful, especially Smile and Larissa for staying by the stuff. You guys are the best! And thanks also to the guys in Tirana, who let Francesco come with us!

entertainment

Movies Rated for Junior Teens and Up

THE NEPHEW (1998)
Hill Harper, Pierce Brosnan, Sinéad Cusack
       Drama about a small Irish island community th at is thrown into turmoil by the arrival of a young man from America whose mother, formerly from the island, has recently died. He finds himself the unwitting center of an ongoing conflict.

MAD ABOUT MAMBO (2000)
Keri Russell, William Ash
       Teen-style love story, set in Ireland. A young rich girl becomes the dance partner of a soccer player who wants to pursue a relationship with her. Some fun dancing scenes.

Movies Rated for JETTs and Up

CROCODILE DUNDEE IN LOS ANGELES (2001)
Paul Ho gan, Linda Kozlowski, Jere Burns, Jonathan Banks
       Mick Dundee and family move to Los Angeles when Sue is temporarily assigned to head the bureau of her father's newspaper.

THE EMPEROR'S NEW GROOVE (2000)
Animated, voices of David Spade, John Goodman
       A selfish emperor is transformed by a potion into a llama and tries to get his life back. Has some foolishness, but generally fun adult/teen entertainment, with some lessons on unselfishness.

Non-Recommended Movies

IN DREAMS (Annette Ben ing, Robert Downey Jr.; 1998)
       (Jesus:) This movie is a little taste of Hell, the torment of mind and body that befalls the twisted souls who choose to embrace darkness rather than light. It presents its picture of hopelessness and complete despair, a lost child of darkness caught in the clutches of evil with no hope of escape but the final death of the body. Those who are wise will shun this movie, for there is nothing therein to minister hope or encouragement or inspiration or edification. It is a dark, depressing look at evil close-up, and is not worth taking your time for.

reviews

The Nephew
       (Dad:) This is a sweet movie about love and family and acceptance. It's not one of those Hollywood glamour movies-it's more a glimpse of real life. I like those movies where you take a look into people's lives and see the different things that make them the way they are. Of course their lives would be so much different if they had the Lord, but it was still interesting and sweet.

Ma d about Mambo
       (Jesus:) This movie is fine to watch. It doesn't have a lot of substance-it's a typical teen flick. Rich girl and poor boy meet, the divide of wealth and the attraction of love. Dance brings them together and it shows the struggle of wealth and poverty in the world and the snobbery of people. It's cute and sweet, but people should be prepared for the age group it is geared towards, which is young teens.

Crocodile Dundee In Los Angeles
       (Dad:) This is an “entertainment only” m ovie. It doesn't have much of a storyline to it, or lessons, but there isn't anything harmful in it either. It's not as interesting as the previous two “Crocodile Dundee” movies, but most folks will find it enjoyable, light entertainment.

The Emperor's New Groove
       (Dad:) You usually think of cartoons as movies for little children, but the producers of The Emperor's New Groove have specifically made this to cater to an older audience. They made a comedy, and most of the humor children wouldn' t understand and wouldn't find funny. That's not to say that you couldn't show it to children, but it's one that you'd definitely want to preview first, to see what kind of an effect it will have on your children. It could possibly be shown to younger audiences, at your discretion, and if the lessons are clearly brought out for them.
       As far as JETTs and adults go, it's fun entertainment, and you'll get some good laughs. It's got a sweet ending. It's a simple story, with a lot of humor to spice it up, about someone who didn't care about others and had to go through a lot-the school of hard knocks-in order to learn his lessons.

reviews … on other movies

THE MEXICAN (2001)
Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts
       (Jesus:) This movie has its fun moments, its romance, its interesting characters, but also has its share of violence, as well as a fairly overt gay element. It's become acceptable to be tolerant of that sin against God, and you have to be on guard and not become numb to Hollywood's pr opaganda. Sodomy is still a sin in My eyes, no matter how sweet and innocent they make it look.
       Please don't think that these kinds of movies are merely light entertainment with a few wrong attitudes thrown in. It's a spiritual warfare, and this movie was greatly influenced by foul spirits, ungodly spirits, spirits that seek to pull the susceptible away from Me and away from godliness. Of course, in order to be able to market the movie and hit as wide a viewing audience as possible, the Enemy is smart enough to not make it blatantly evil, so he has salted and peppered this movie with a few truths throughout-a pinch of wise counsel, some humor, and a little sweet tenderness in order to disguise the bad taste and make it fairly palatable.
       However, I would warn shepherds and parents that it is not good for the young or immature to view it. The early teen years are crucial for the formation of opinions and attitudes. That's why the Enemy is targeting school-age kids with the ideas of t olerance and acceptance in a “diversified world,” pushing the limits beyond that which is right, good and acceptable. Teens are vulnerable and susceptible, and many of them are inexperienced when it comes to sex, so the Enemy seeks to influence and sway their sexual ideas and orientation.
       This isn't a terrible movie, but neither does it have anything that makes it especially worthwhile.

BILLY ELLIOT (2000)
Jamie Bell, Julie Walters
       (Jesus:) The advertising for this movie is misleading as it is advertised as a family movie, charming and entertaining, and was even nominated for an Academy Award. However, it has undertones of homosexuality all the way through. This movie is a cunning way for the Enemy to infiltrate families and to introduce the youth to a grievous sin against Me. I love the sinner but I hate the sin of homosexuality. My mercy is longsuffering and forgiving and I am quick to forgive and to help all those who want to be delivered from the Enemy's grip. But this movi e is too tolerant of the sin.
       In some ways it may seem harmless and even a “fighter” movie, but that's what is so harmful about it.-It's deceptive. I am the Lord of the dance. I love dancing, and I Myself love to dance. My servant David danced naked before Me and the people in glory and honor to Me and I was well pleased. But this movie doesn't bring out the beauties and freedom of My Spirit, but is used as the covering for a more insidious message.

pray

       (Mama:) Looking over all these p rayer requests can be a little overwhelming. But remember, we have the most powerful God and Healer in the universe just waiting on our prayers. He's more willing to answer than we are even to ask. And in comparison to the world and the illnesses so many are afflicted with, we suffer little in comparison, considering our CM/FM Family is made up of over 12,000 people. So even though some of our mates are suffering serious afflictions, we can rest assured that wonderful healing is available to the m through our intercessory prayers. So please don't fail the Lord and these dear ones by not upholding them in prayer. (Reprint from GV #111.)

North America

       Joy SGA (of Andrew, Mexico): Medical tests show abnormalities of the brain. Against fatigue and low blood pressure.

Pacific
       
       Grace (of Hosea, PG and nearly due): High blood pressure.

South America

       For the political situation in Bolivia, which could result in a conflict between the coca farmers and the government. For the Lord to supply for the Homes in spite of the economic crisis.
       Against a possible epidemic of dengue fever in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Some brethren in the area have been infected.
       Steven and Grace (Chile): Importation of the shipment of two containers with medical and humanitarian aid.
       Cristal and Blanca: Tumor in neck.
       Catherine (of Richard): Tissue between bones in knees is wearing away, causing pain and inflammation.
       Brisa: Lupus.
       Simon (of Praise): Breathing difficulty.
       Lucas F rancesco (5 months, of Claire): Congenital torticollis.
       Phoebe (of Tim): Small benign tumor in uterus.
       Rachelle Spring: Two cysts in uterus, one of which is quite large.
       Larissa Summer (6 of Emanuel and Julia): Recovery after a car accident causing severe lacerations. Against scarring.
       Juan (SGA) and Ana Karina: Scoliosis. Against pain.
       Sara (16): Juvenile arthritis.
       Daniel Esteban (12, of David and Cristal): Growth problem.
       Melanie (of Pawel): Blood disease and knee problem result ing from an accident that happened two years ago.
       Cristal (of David): Growth under her arm and complications relating to her uterus.
       Joana (PG, of Adino): Cancerous growth in her womb.
       Flor (of Richard): Tumor is increasing in size and causing bleeding.
       Blessing (13, of Susanna): Pain in the hips, which makes walking difficult.
       Martin Lucas (14, of Heaven Love): Backache and dislocation of feet.
       Simón (7, of David and Marysol): Trouble with his adenoids, causing breathing problems.
       Natalia (9, of Francisco and Mariana): That her vision will not be harmed after an accident in which her cornea was injured with a needle.
       Maria (of Mark): Two nodules in the thyroid area.
       Joana: Arthritis.

Answered Prayers

From Agustin and Paloma, Colombia:
       Dear Brethren,
       We want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your many faithful prayers for our granddaughter, Keisha (of Ana and Idy). She is now at home, and doing very well after being 40 days in the hospital. She was found to have no sign of anemia, or any neurological problems. She has to have a bit of oxygen just in case of any difficulty in breathing and she still has trouble with her throat muscles when breathing (it's not clear why), but we keep on asking the Lord for His mercy and her complete healing.
       The possibility of a syndrome was practically discarded, though some of the doctors still insist that she has a genetic problem of some kind, but they can't say exactly what it is. Please keep her in your prayers. We know the Lord is going to take this problem away as He has all the other ones.

From Joyful, Beth, David and Esperanza, Paraguay:
       Praise the Lord! The Lord has just done miracle after miracle for little Darren, who was born on Wednesday the 11th with some serious problems. They bottle-fed him some formula to see how he would react, considering his hypoglycemia. A few days later David talked to the pediatrician, who is so content with this incredible and miraculous progres s that he said if all goes well, Darren will be able to go home soon.
       We'd like to ask you to join us in prayer, once again-this time in praise and thanksgiving for His goodness and mercy, His loving touch of healing and for the miracles he's done for little Darren. Praise His Name! Thank you for your prayers for him, and please continue to remember him in your prayers, as he still has a ways to go. He's still a bit under 2kg and is quite vulnerable.

From Pablo and Love, Ecuador:
       Last wee k, just before the operation to remove cancer in her uterus, Love had a medical exam and it showed that there weren't any cancerous cells or any vestige showing that she was sick before. The Lord healed her completely, thanks to our beloved Family's prayers. Thanks so much to all who have interceded for her in prayer. We wouldn't be able to go through this test without your support and prayers.

THE ROCKER, FTT #21
Singer/composer of music/composer of lyrics/producer

1. God's Spirit in Afr ica
       Richard Kawesa/Andrew V./Andrew V./Andrew V.

2. Heavenly Connection
       Esther Wildwind/Michael Piano, Andrew V., Angelina/Michael Piano, Andrew V., Angelina/Andrew V.

3. In Your Arms
       Esther Wildwind/Esther Wildwind/Esther Wildwind/Darren Y.

4. Cry of a Continent
       Rachel A., Lillian C./Andrew V./Andrew V./Andrew V.

5. Which Will It Be?
       David/John Harvest, Juno, David/John Harvest/Juno

6. Passing Away
       Kat D./Kevin W./Andrew V./Owen C.

7. Rock Stars Now Dead
       Jason, R AD, EAS/Philip/Philip, Windy, Barry/Andrew V.

8. Gone On His Wine
       Gavin/Gavin & Emmanuel (inspired by ML “Let's Talk About Jesus”)/Gavin & Emmanuel (inspired by ML “Let's Talk About Jesus”)/Emmanuel

9. Comfort Me
       Esther Wildwind/Michael P., Esther Wildwind/Esther Wildwind, Steve M./Owen C.

10. Rain
       Niki/Niki, Andrew V./Niki, Andrew V./Andrew V.

11. Livre por Jesus
       Tigo/Pedro A./Pedro A./Emmanuel

12. The Face
       Roy A./Steve M./Brian/Owen C.

13. Come Back to You
       Kat D./ Esther Wildwind/Esther Wildwind, Michael E./Owen C.

14. Reach Out
       Pedro/Danny P./Danny P./Steve M.

15. Rocker
       Willie D., Emmanuel/Emmanuel/Emmanuel/Emmanuel

SHINE - FTT#22
       Singer/composer of music/composer of lyrics/producer

1. Make Me Feel All Right
       Vas/Vas/Stephen T./Vas and Godfrey

2. Morning
       Julia/Julia, Emmanuel/Julia/Emmanuel

3. Freedom
       Godfrey/Justin Paone, Sam Doller, Windy/Godfrey

4. Take It Up
       Kat/Clair/Steve M./Luke

5. Labyrinth
       Emmanuel/Emmanue l/Emmanuel/Emmanuel

6. Midnight
       Gavin/Emmanuel/Emmanuel/Emmanuel

7. Burning Dream
       Joni/Vas/Joan Clair/Vas

8. Need to Ask You
       Vas/Vas/Vas/Vas

9. Seven Vials
       Caleb/Caleb/Bible/Francesco

10. All Over Me
       Vas/Vas/Vas/Vas

11. Mountain Men
       RAD/Emmanuel/Aaron David/Emmanuel

12. Shine
       Julia, Raquel/Julia, Emmanuel/Julia/Emmanuel

13. It Happened to Me
       Haven/Haven/Haven/Vas

MOSAIC, NF#7
       Singer/composer of music/composer of lyrics/producer

1. Night Life
       Ezra /Philip/Philip/Philip, John

2. Rendezvous
       Niki/Philip/Philip/Michael, Philip

3. Where He Leads
       Simon/Simon/Simon/Godfrey

4. The Mercy God Shows
       Ezra/Philip/Philip/Philip, John

5. Hungry for Love
       Niki/Philip, Michael/Philip, Michael/Michael

6. My Father
       Philip/Philip/Philip/Philip

7. Reach the Lost
       Ezra/Philip/Philip/Philip, Jerry

8. I Think of You
       Niki/Philip/Philip/Philip

9. The Rider
       Simon/Simon/Simon/Godfrey

10. I Start Falling
       Niki/Philip/Philip/P hilip, John

11. Without Love
       Philip/Philip/Philip/Philip, John

12. Wind of Love
       Niki/Windy/Windy/Michael

tip of the day

HALF.COM
       A small mention in an article in the Grapevine talked about ordering books through Amazon.com, over the Internet. There are other options, and cheaper, if anyone is interested. Many of them only ship within the U.S., but they might be worth checking out, especially if you're ordering more than just one item.
       There's Half.com, which has lots of books (and tons of other stuff), used and even new, but for quite a bit less. Sometimes they're very cheap. I got a new copy of a book I wanted for 25 cents once. The shipping was $2.25, but that's still cheaper than many other websites and companies which sell over the Internet. I've saved a number of dollars doing it this way, and then getting a daughter in the States to ship things to me, bless her heart.
       -Jonathan (of Amor), PACRO

Getting Activated at the YAM
By Esther, for the YAM Home (Yo uth Area Ministry Home), Brazil
       What is the key to getting Activated? It's being desperate enough to follow the Lord that you will stretch your faith to the limit and trust the Lord to supply the rest.
       Maybe you live in a small Home and you have all kinds of difficulties and problems. Your main goal is to survive and try to be a missionary in the meantime. Maybe you're trying to jump into the Activated vision, but you still worry about all your other problems so you're not really giving it y our all and trusting the Lord completely. We want to share with you the testimony of our Home, in hopes that it will encourage you that you (the Lord in you, that is) can do it too!
       Our Home started in May 2000 with only six members: Phil (VS), Jubilee, Patti, Santi, Ruthie (SGA) and Melody(13). Later Mary Heart joined in. Around August/September the Home was invaded by a bunch of young people: Ivan (21), Anaik (18) with baby Ethan, Esther (17), Samantha (20) and Maria (17).
       The vision of ou r Home was (and still is) to help the youth in the Family (as you can see by our name) and use our place as a training center. Though we are a Service Home we weren't (and still aren't) supported, so we've always had to depend on the Lord completely for our finances.
       As a Home we decided that we were going to follow the Lord all the way, even though the odds were against us. We would start every day by having a super-inspired devotions, mainly rereading Letters about witnessing and about the A ctivated vision. We decided as a Home that witnessing would come first in our list of priorities.
       It was all very new for us, since most of us were very used to doing the same old things to support ourselves, like going shop-to-shop, hitting the stoplights, and so on. So it took a great deal of faith to go out only with the vision of getting out Activated subscriptions, and not worrying about our finances even though we still had to pay our bills-very high ones sometimes. We made a goal that w e wanted to be the shiners of the whole world, or at least our country, so we went for it.
       The first thing we did was to make a list of all our friends and contacts. Each person would make goals as to how many subscriptions they wanted to get in that month. Then we would pray for the list every day and claim it done. We would also read the Activated mags in Portuguese for devotions once a week so that we could know what we are selling to people.
       It was very new for all of us and we had to le arn as we went. It was a real step of faith, but it was so fulfilling. The amazing thing was that as we would step out and follow the Lord, He would not only supply our financial needs, through new and unexpected ways, but we as a Home, through our desperation with the Lord, grew stronger. All the barriers, like the “generation gap,” were nowhere to be seen, and each one as an individual learned what it means to live by faith all the way and see the Lord's promises fulfilled right before our eye s.
       For some of us, it was like joining the Family all over again and learning for the first time what it was like to be a missionary. During that time we were still working on our youth ministry, VS work, CVC work, organizing our Home, adapting ourselves to working together … and the list goes on.
       After we sold the Activated mags to all our friends, we started pioneering, and offering it to any sheep that would cross our path. If people weren't sure if they wanted it or not, we would leave t hem the first mag so they could read it, and we would follow up on them until they subscribed, which most of them did. We made sure that each of our friends had subscribed to the Activated mag, and we would follow up on them to make sure that they were getting the mags and reading the mags and especially that they were understanding and really getting fed by them.
       Later the Christmas push came and we jumped into it in full swing with the CD cards. We got a little bit discouraged when we found out that we were not the world shiners, but we just praised the Lord and kept trying to keep the vision. The Lord had a special surprise for us.
       At the beginning of this year, a retreat was held in our area about Activated and how to put it in practice, and to our surprise they had a list of the shiners for the country and guess what: We were the top shiners for our whole country!-And I mean the super-duper top shiners. It was encouraging that even though the Lord didn't allow us to be the wor ld shiners, He still let us have the privilege of being our country's shiners.
       Our Home had lots of changes from then on. It got bigger, and then smaller. We have eight trainees from ages 12 to 16 presently living with us, getting training on how to become dedicated missionaries. Now we know what to pass on to these young people that are staying with us. Each day we have a young trainee as our partner, and we go out the door and follow the Lord and He always does it.
       None of us are experienc ed witnessers. Most of us are young and the only experience we've ever had in witnessing was fundraising. Even for the ones that do have experience, the Activated vision is new for all of us, as it is for you, but that does not limit the Lord at all.
       All the Lord asks of you is that you say yes to Him and to the vision He has for the Family, and that you “step out on the water” and put Him on the spot. Maybe the Lord is just waiting there for you to take this step of faith so that He can bless you in ways you could never even think of! Will you do it?
       Now it comes naturally for us to sell Activated mags and do follow up, because of the fact that we obeyed the Lord when He told us to. Maybe the Lord wants you to search your heart and ask Him what He wants for you and for your Home. The main “trick” to getting out the Activated mags is following the Lord step by step.
       LET'S GET ACTIVATED!

A brief history of Family music
By Kevin

       Unless you've been living under a rock for th e last several years, you've noticed that the Family music scene has undergone a series of transformations, which have been initiated primarily for the following purposes:

       a. For our personal edification and inspiration.
       b. To add appeal to our Family GP products.
       c. To provide a viable alternative to System music.
       d. To cause utter humiliation to those of us who don't know a single dance step.

       From personal observation I'd say that the FTTs and new GP productions have hit the mark on all four of the above points. Maybe you can think of more. Oh, I just thought of something else:

e. To help the children of this modern age burn wild and free with the spirit of David, and in the process cause utter humiliation to those of us who don't know a single dance step.

       You might say, “So get with it and learn a few dance steps, you nerd!” Well, for one thing, please don't call me names. And for another thing, I have tried to learn how to dance on many occasions, but no matter how much choreography I stuff into my brain and no matter how much boogie practice I set aside, by the time the next dance comes along I'm back to the dancing skill of a 2x4.
       Enough self-pity. Let's discuss the history of Family music. This is an exclusive review of Family music and how it has evolved from a bunch of hairy young people wildly flinging their arms and doing mid-air somersaults with screeching guitars in the background to this modern era of a bunch of bald young people wildly fl inging their arms and doing mid-air summersaults with screeching guitars in the background.
       The first Family music can probably be attributed to Dad's own son, Aaron. On second thought, it's really Dad who deserves the credit for helping to make our Family so musical, but if I have my Family history straight it was Aaron who began writing the first Family songs. (Note: It's not altogether impossible that a brother named Hibalejezamaleth actually wrote the very first Family song, and if so plea se forgive my lack of historical knowledge.)
       Aaron was the type of person who was so tuned in to the Spirit that he actually managed to write dozens (or maybe hundreds?) of songs that won thousands of souls and disciples, with nothing more than his vocal cords and an upside-down guitar (see the cover of the Aaron songbook if you don't believe me). Believe it or not, Aaron's music had no subtle influences from Nirvana whatsoever, primarily because at the time these band members were either stil l wetting their diapers or were merely an erotic thought at best.
       I've seen the “Acts of the Revolution” videos, and to put it mildly, Aaron didn't sing too well. But I also noticed that during his inspirational performances, no one in the audience seemed to care what he sounded like. Instead of majoring in musical perfection, his songs were wild and free, and provided the perfect atmosphere for a serious spirit trip, coupled with mid-air aerobics. Aaron's music, and that of the ensuing Family musicians, worked! It won souls. It changed the world.
       Some of this culturally rich music can in fact still be found in the form of “Wild Wind” tapes with riveting titles such as “The Tillicum Band Tape 1” and “The Tillicum Band Tape 2.” WS is actually in the process of transferring these and dozens of other Family cassettes into digital form, sometimes from original reel-to-reel cassettes the size of a wagon wheel. Hopefully, one of these days soon you'll be able to download these priceless beauties from the Internet and rock out to songs such as “Nursery Girls,” “Sodom and Gomorrah Street” and “The Ants.”
       By the early '80s things began to change a little. While the Family continued to engage in one-on-one witnessing via music, and (slightly toned down) inspirations, the vision for Family music began to shift towards reaching the masses through the radio waves. By this time the Family had given birth to a huge variety of professional musicians, not the least of which was ripped o ff from one of the world's leading blues bands called “Fleetwood Mac,” who were recently entered into the Musical Hall of Fame, and have even had a hamburger named after them.
       This radio wave phenomenon was eventually known by millions as “Music with Meaning.” And though few will admit it, hundreds of Family members still find themselves humming the C.P.O. 220 song in the shower. “Music With Meaning,” or “MWM,” as it was more commonly called, was hosted by the ever-eloquent Simon Peter, and co nsisted of a core of some of the Family's most proficient musicians who wrote and produced their own songs as well as the songs of visiting talent. In addition, there were numerous similar radio shows in a plethora of languages, such as Spanish, Portuguese, French, Hindi, etc., etc., etc. I imagine someone might have even thought of doing a sign language version as well. And though few will admit it, many people still stand in the shower entertaining thoughts of what of it would have been like i f they would have only been discovered. Science has proven that these visions of grandeur derive from the unrealistic acoustics of a bathroom.
       While MWM's philharmonic orchestra consisted almost entirely of a guitar, bongos and a violin, it was nevertheless a smashing success. The simplicity of the music was exactly what was needed to stand out during the '80s era of gaudy electronic disco beats and punk bands whose members each looked like they had placed their finger in an electric socket wh ile standing in a swimming pool. The songs produced by MWM emphasized the message and were a breath of fresh air to the public.
       By the mid-'80s the musicians were still strumming, singing and pounding away-this time to create something very new: tapes for door-to-door distribution. During the “DTD era,” Family members still listened to many of the MWM tapes for personal inspiration, but as far as DTD tapes were concerned, it was eventually recommended that Family members should not listen them on a regular basis. The reasoning was that the words were modified to appeal to people called “Systemites.” Systemites were unfortunate souls who were lonely, partly because they had never had the opportunity to hop around a room in front of 200 people smacking their own posterior while singing “Gospel Riders.” Try it sometime-it can really brighten up your day!
       Once again, Family music in the way of DTD tapes did the trick, and millions of Systemites were brought joy and salvation through so ngs such as “The Wizard of Ahs,” “I'm Glad to Be a Woman,” and “That Dee Da Da Da Dee” song.
       As we neared the end of the '80s the need for more inspirational music became apparent. This is largely due to a shift in the Family population to places called “combos.” Combos were large houses with nurseries containing more babies than a small country such as Mongolia, and approximately one teenager per five doo-doo diaper buckets.
       Having so many young people under the same roof translated into th e perfect opportunity for lots of Word classes, large-scale get-outs, and of course, spectacular inspirations. These so-called “Teen Inspirations” usually involved head-spinning activities such as singing “Father David” backwards and doing the actions to “Jump Down, Turn Around, Touch the Ground” while suspended in mid-air. It was a real blast. As a result, a number of simple yet satisfying live inspirational audio productions emerged (which teens could conveniently play backwards, if necessary) .
       However, most Family young people have always secretly yearned for pounding drums, screeching guitars and throbbing bass. While most Family music between the '80s and early '90s did use those instruments, it seems that the drums were pounded rather gently and not nearly often enough, the electric guitar volume was almost at zero and bass guitars were generally played without strings. Of course, as I said, this was necessary in its time. However, The Family (and the world, for that matter) wa s moving into the '90s, and as you know, the '90s was a very different animal.
       By and by Family musicians began experimenting with smacking the drums a little harder, turning the volume up on the guitar one notch at a time and even placing a string or two on the bass guitar. The trick has always been to make sure the message doesn't become drowned out by the music. This is a very difficult juggling act that should probably appear in a world-class circus. However, after a fair amount of trial a nd error, it looks like things have shaped up, and we have entered the new millennium with quite a colorful collection of music in on our CD rack. We have everything from bald-headed-grunge to hat-on-the-wrong-way rap, to very-shiny-tops-and-mini-skirts techno to who-cares-what-you-wear-if-anything easy listening music.
       It's all there for our enjoyment, inspiration and witnessing needs. I should stand on a soapbox and proclaim how proud I am of the many talented musicians of both modern and by gone days, who have helped shape the outstanding musical aspect of the Family! But I think I'll lay low for a few days while I recover from the humiliation of last week's dance night.

personals

       Shully (of Maria Clara), remember Chris? I lost contact with you some years ago, and after that no one here could exactly tell me where you were. Where are you??? Write me at: linkup7@terra.com.br. I wanna get in touch with you again. Don't forget me.
       Faithie (of Tim and Aura) would like to get i n contact with Sarah (of Tommy and Ruth). Miss you and would really like to hear from you again. Please email me at: balletqueen@edsamail.com.ph. Hope to hear from you soon.
       I need to get on touch with Esteban (from Viga in Galicia, Spain). We used to live in the same Home in Lisbon, Portugal sometime around 1987/1988; it's important. My name is Amor (Peruvian) and my e-mail is: RAYOSdeSOL@terra.com.pe or rayosdesol@consultant.com. If you happen to know him, please ask him to get in touch ASAP , or better, please send me his e-mail address so I can contact him directly. You may also write me via the Peru ABM.
       Necesito comunicarme con Esteban (Español) de la ciudad de Viga en Galicia, España. Vivimos en el mismo hogar en Lisboa, Portugal, por el año 87-88; es importante. Soy Amor (Peruana) y mi e-mail es:
       RAYOSdeSOL@terra.com.pe o también rayosdesol@consultant.com. Si saben algo de él, por favor, pásenle mi correo electrónico y que se comunique conmigo cuanto antes. O mejor aún, en víenme su dirección de correo electrónico, para que pueda escribirle directamente. Gracias. También pueden comunicarse conmigo por medio del ABM del Perú.

#From BU050 Mark (FM), Bulgaria:
       My name is Mark (Bulgarian, single boy, 30, FM) and I want to be in correspondence with a single girl. My e-mail address is: nafrangov@excite.com.

former members - seeking contact

       I am a former member looking for brethren from the past-Australia to be precise. This is where I last had regular contac t. My name is Luc S. Blais, known at the time as Paul Kish (wife: Maresha). The folks I am looking for are Amos O'Testand his wife Mary and children. Phoebe O'Test, met in Australia and then went on to New Caledonia to join a French brother from Tahiti. We wrote once or twice, but then lost contact. Where R U? I would really like to get back in touch with you. You can reach me at: ls.blais@sympatico.ca, or snail mail at Box 53091 R.P.O. Dorval, Dorval Quebec H9S 5W4, or if you have a big dime, phone at: 514-633-1536. I still hold a very special place in my heart for you and hope/pray that this gets to you.

help wanted

       Dear Family, GBY! We are Yanek and Kristina, Belorussian/Polish couple with three little children (2½, 1½ and five months). Almost a year ago we opened a Home in Belarus. For right now we are on our own but we are expecting another couple (Russian nationals) to join us. TTL! We lack a vehicle in our Home. It's quite difficult for us to move around with our little children without one. Since we live on a poor mission field and can't go on fundraising trips we'd like to ask for financial help. Can anyone help? We will be very thankful to you! Write us at Minskland@universalmail.com or through the Russian ABM. Visit our personal Web site at www.sim.pl\~alex. We love you!

Shine On-April 2001

TEAMWORK       Per Adult       Total
SOUL SHINERS FOR APRIL 2001
Samuel H.H/Rosita H.H, Mexico       2,655       5,310
Josue Fiel/Maria Fiel, Mexico       2,114       4,227
Ezequiel/Rejoice, Braz il       1,350       2,700
Juliet, Brazil       861       2,584
John Beloved/Ruth Livingstone, USA       643       4,500
David Daniel/Maria Rosa, Brazil       435       870
Claire/Crystal/Daniel/Steven/Steven, India       336       2,018
Bernabe/Luz, Mexico       310       620
Andrew/Simon/Sunny, India       267       1,339
Promise Lovesong/David, Costa Rica       225       450

POSTER SHINERS FOR APRIL 2001
Michael/Nora/Matthew, Kenya       2,398       23,986
Mary/Stephen, Australia       1,523       4,570
Serena/Tommy, Cambodia       1,398       8,389
Sam Serva/Sara Serva, Mexico       1,100       2,200
John Beloved/Ruth Livingstone, Mexico       857       6,000
Eli/Tirzah, Japan       800       1,600
Marianne/Shine/Timothy, USA       652       7,168
Simeon/Rosa/Victoria, Brazil       644       5,800
Tim/Tabitha/Martina, Romania       640       5,120
Maria/Maria/Michael/Philip, Japan       606       3,034

TAPE SHINERS FOR APRIL 2001
Abel Alegria/Flor, Mexico       650       1,300
Priscilla/Joe/Sharly, USA       138       550
Marcos/Faith, Ecuador       125       250
Jessica/David, Russia       110       220
Tim/Aurora/Elisabeth, Spain       100       300
Juan/Rosa, Spain       91       183
Promise Lovesong/David, Costa Rica       75       150
Josue Siervo/Luz Siervo, Mexico       75       150
Samuel/Clara, Spain       74       148
Nina/Jay, USA       73       220

VIDEO SHINERS FOR APRIL 2001
FCF, USA       302       4,228
Jessica/David, Russia       165       330
Ben/Meekness, Botswana       101       202
Ezequiel/Esther/Taines, Brazil       26       78
Asaph/Charity/Joy, Pakistan       23       236
Gabriel/Jemima/Tiago, Brazil       23       70
Estrella C., Colombia       21       43
Steven/Christina, South Africa       20       41
Jose/Ana, Venezuela       20       40
Esther/John, Indonesia       17       35

Also included with this file:
Adam issue 2 (by David Komic)

Caption 1 -20 creative ways to cook baked beans. Page2. -20 Sock care. Page2

Caption 2 20 CREATIVE WAYS TO COOK BAKED BEANS.
       1. Open the can clockwise.
       2. Open the can anti-clockwise
       3. Have talk-time with a JETT or OC while you open the can
       (Continued on page 4)

Caption 3 SOCK CARE
       Q: What do you do when you haven't washed your socks for a very long time and they get stuck to the insides of your shoes?
       A: A putty knife always works well for me. But for those really stubborn ca ses I've found that an industrial blow-torch just can't be beaten. (Except then you have to go and buy new shoes and socks.)

Caption 4 OUR CUTE GALS (Sent in by Sven of Svetlana, Sveden)
       He: Yup, looks like we'll need a complete lube change.
       She: What's a lube?

Caption 5 Strong, silent type, SGA Lamaze of Labelle, Lithuania writes: “Adam is great! The pages are folded exactly down the middle and the stapling job can't be faulted. Well done!”

Caption 6 Cover Photo: Enough to arouse t he maternal instincts in ANY woman, rugged yet caring Vernon (Father of 8) of Veronica, Venezuela, about to take the plunge.