The Family / Children of God

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       We asked the Lord if it was His will to send in an additional “encouragement team,” to comfort and further minister spiritually to the broken and needy, which the Lord confirmed. The Lord also told us that the singing team, Jonas, Christy and Angelina, should also be a part of this trip.
       Initially, it didn't seem this was going to work out because the singing team only had one day free during this week, August 22nd and we were already half way through the 21st. Petchaboon is five or six hours away from Bangkok and if they had to get there and back on the same day, it didn't seem that it would leave much time for the team to visit the flood victims. But we knew it was the Lord's will and that “where God guides, He provides.” So we stepped out by faith and began calling around, and by a series of miracles, the Lord arranged for the team to fly upcountry on a private 20-seater VIP jet for free.
       That in itself was a complete miracle because the plane crew told us that nobody--NOBODY (especially not foreigners!)--ever flies on this particular plane unless they are a top-level VIP.
       The pilot is one of the best in the country. At the airport in Petchaboon, someone asked us who was flying us back and forth to Bangkok and when we told them, they were shocked!--”He's going to fly you himself?” When we thanked him for his time and help, he said, “I want to thank you, on behalf of the Thai people, for what you are doing for them. I'm very happy that we could do this little thing today to help you and be a part of it.”

       The team consisted of Jonas, Christy, Angelina, three dancers from the singing team who speak Thai, the JETTs and Junior teens from the DF Home, and several other FGAs and SGAs.
       At the first hospital we went to, almost all the patients were able to come--as well as all the nurses. Even though the hospital staff and village people were super excited that we were there, the people who had actually been injured in the flooding were solemn and serious; the spirit was definitely one of despair. But once we started singing, the Lord's spirit began to move, gently reaching out to heal people's hearts. Folks began to crack a smile or laugh. Many burst into tears as Jonas, Christy and Angelina sang and held their hands. It was almost difficult to sing the songs through without breaking into tears ourselves, but the Lord would punch through each time. Songs like “Peace in the Midst of Storm” and “Yod Kao” (“Yod Kao” is a song written by Michael Piano in Thai about not giving up hope and overcoming obstacles) got a tremendous response. People were so thankful and appreciative. One lady took Jonas' hand, and said, “Thank you for coming to wipe the tears of the people of Petchaboon.”
       After we sang, we talked individually with the patients and staff. Hearing what these folks had gone through, it was pretty hard not to cry. One boy was stuck in the mud for 11 days. They had just found him the day before we came. What happened is that an excavator was just about to move this huge pile of sticks and mud that had dried and caked together, and just as it was coming down, the driver heard this voice saying, “I'm not dead yet, I'm not dead yet!” Only half of his head was visible. He was only 10 years old.
       Despite all the suffering and pain, people were so thankful and positive for what they still had, like this one lady who told us, “Everything I owned is destroyed. There is nothing left of my house. I have nothing at all. But I'm just so thankful because I have my family. None of my relatives died.” Another man who lost his arm said, “I'm thankful because I still have life.”
       A reporter from Thai Raht (the biggest Thai newspaper in the country) was there, and he interviewed Christy. He mainly asked about how it felt to perform there and talk to the patients and their relatives. This reporter was a precious sheep and ended up following us around for the rest of the day.
       As we were leaving the hospital, we noticed that there were several policemen out front who seemed to be waiting for something to happen or someone to come. They asked us if we were from The Family and when we said yes, it turned out that they were … our police escort for the day! We had no problems with traffic at all after that, ha! The policeman in charge didn't actually plan to stay with our team as he had other work, but after seeing the team in action and hearing our songs, he stayed with us the whole day. That was a miracle because though we had a few plans, we didn't know the area well, and he knew where the most needy places were and who to get in contact with in order to maximize our time there. In total, we visited three hospitals, two shelters, and a distribution center! As we moved from district to district, he would radio ahead and arrange for the local police to prepare things and join us.
       En route to a wat (temple) where many flood victims were, we stopped at a food/clothes/supplies distribution center to sing and pass out tracts. People came running to greet us with hugs and kisses. It turned out that five different TV channels were there, and reporters from two newspapers: Thai Raht and Matichon (the 3rd biggest Thai paper).
       Next was the wat, where the majority of the survivors were--about 400-500 people living in simple tents with whatever belongings they had been able to salvage. When we called this place the day before, we were told that the head monk didn't want any shows or entertainment. But when we got there, people came out of their tents to greet us and everyone was so happy to see Jonas, Christy, Angelina and the young people. The policeman got the microphone, and said to the crowd who had gathered around, “Jonas and Christy are here to encourage you. Do you want them to sing for you?” Everybody said, “YES!”
       We paid our respects to the head monk and asked if it was okay for us to perform there and he said, “Oh yes, I already asked God and He said it is good that the stars have come. Anyway, I want to see the program, too!”
       There were other people there who wanted to start distributing something, but the monk told them to wait because our program was important. We set up our equipment and did a show right there on the temple steps. We got the best response there! The crowd loved the lukthoong/moh lam songs Jonas and Christy sang (especially since that's the region this type of music is from). We went down into the audience and were dancing and singing and the village people really took off on that! They would spontaneously dance with us and kiss us on the cheeks.
       By the end of the show, even the most downcast-looking people were singing with us and reacting to the music. One man said to David, “Look at me, I have goose bumps all over!” A lady burst into tears and said to Thai Rose, “I want you to know that I'm not crying because I'm sad or because I've lost something, but I'm just so touched that you came to encourage us, that someone still cares about us.” Another lady told us, “Oh, this is so much fun, being able to dance. Your coming here to talk with us and sit down with us and sing for us and dance with us is very comforting.”
       After the show, we spent time witnessing, praying with people and passing out tracts. As soon as folks saw we were giving something out, everyone wanted to have it too! The five TV channels were there and they filmed our show in its entirety, and did some interviews with Jonas and Christy. Everyone knew we were from the Family.
       Christy witnessed to a lady at one of the camps who cried as she prayed to receive the Lord. This woman said, “You know, lots of people, even famous people, come here to give us things. We have to stand in line and we pick the stuff up and walk away and they leave. They would hardly even touch us. But you are the first ones to actually sit with us, talk to us, sing to us. You've come here to be with us and encourage us.” People were in tears thanking us for coming, saying, “You've given us so much. How could we ever thank you enough?”
       After we had performed, the reporter from Thai Raht was totally amazed at the transformation that had taken place in the spirit. It was like instant fruit! He said they've been there since the mudslides and flooding started and for the last 11 days, all they've seen was depression and despair, and this was the first day they'd seen any life in the people, much less smiling, singing and dancing. He said, “For the first time, there is ray of hope in the village of Nam Khor. You've brought life to the people here and your singing has brought new hope!”
       We explained to him that we actually hadn't planned to do a show, but he said it was very good that it happened because it was just what the people needed to see and hear. Even the reporters and TV crews really liked the songs “Yod Kao” and “Peace.” One reporter asked Thai Rose to write down the words to the song “Yod Kao” for him because he wanted to use it as an introduction on his article about the events of the day.
       As we were leaving, the monk thanked us. “You're Christians,” he said, “but thank you for coming to help. This is really good, but it's also very Thai style. It's a good thing that you're doing and I hope that it helps to awaken the desire to uphold the Thai ways and Thai culture with our own youth who are turning too much towards Western things.” The kids were dressed in Thai costumes and were singing and speaking Thai, which was a good testimony.
       When we left the camp, the general feeling in the air was sort of electric, one of relief and freedom instead of despondency.--”Beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.”
       We visited another temple/camp shelter and then went to the last hospital. (The patients and staff had been waiting for us since 2 p.m. and it was almost 5 p.m. by now.) It was a bigger hospital, and many of the patients were more serious cases, or people who had lost their entire family or all their children, so the situation was quite desperate.
       Almost all the patients in the front row were gazing intently at Jonas or Christy or Angelina as they sang, following them with their eyes as they walked across the room, hoping for even just a brief moment of personal contact, a glimmer of hope. One patient, after making eye contact with Angelina while she was singing “The Answer,” closed her eyes and smiled a beautiful, contented smile--like it was worth it all. When Angelina sang “The Answer,” there was not a dry eye in the room.
       After the program, Angelina was talking to a few ladies, one of whom had lost both her daughters (ages three and seven) during the flood. They were swept away right before her eyes and she was unable to do anything because her leg was broken and she couldn't move. She was in shock and not very coherent. Angelina gave her a Glimpses of Heaven booklet and all the other ladies around started asking for them.
       One lady in the group said, “I already got these the other day from this group that came (our first team to Petchaboon). I was very depressed, sitting in my house without anything, and they came and gave me lots of goods and this. All I could think in my heart was, Thank God! Thank God.” When Angelina pulled out the “Why Worry” poster, she piped up again with, “Yes, I know that one, too. They gave me that one, too.” This woman was supposed to have her foot amputated that morning, but when she heard that Jonas and Christy were coming, she asked if her operation could wait one day because she wanted to see them and didn't want to be in bed when they came.
       As Angelina was witnessing to the woman whose two daughters had passed away, and got her saved, this lady would “witness” along with her. Angelina was saying how even though we don't always understand what God is doing, He knows and in the end, He'll make it all good, and the lady would join in, “Yes, we just have to trust God!”
       There was an elderly man in ICU whom the hospital staff really wanted us to see. Normally you're not allowed to go in to the ICU wards, but they made a special request for us to go see him. This man is about 78 years old and due to a serious infection, which was causing his cells to deteriorate, had had his legs amputated in four different places. At least one other person has died from this same infection and they weren't sure if this man was going to make it, so the nurses wanted us to encourage him. Jonas and a few others went in and sang for him and talked with him, and he brightened up a little and smiled. Even though he was conscious and looking at us and listening, he wasn't entirely coherent. They let us talk to him privately and we witnessed to him about the Lord and prayed with him. He was nodding his head in agreement with each line of the prayer, doing his best to repeat after us. We also prayed for his healing.
       The secretary to the director of the Petchaboon Hospital, who was in charge of taking care of us, came out before we left and expressed her thanks and appreciation for our visit. She said, “I have never heard of The Family, but it's really great what you're doing, because we can give physical things and make arrangements, but we also need to take care of the other spiritual side, the emotional side. Today you came and did that and it's a wonderful thing. It's a shame that you only had one day to be here, but I would like to see if we can arrange future programs.”
       Please pray with us that the Lord will continue to heal the broken hearts and bodies of these people who have suffered so much. These visits are only a drop in the bucket compared to the vast vacuum and desperate need there is for Jesus' love and salvation, as well as His miracle touch to restore hope and bring new life. Please pray that we'll be able to further witness and minister to these people in whatever way we can. For inasmuch as we have done it unto the least of these, His brethren, we have done it unto Him.

       LNF: August 23rd: Thai Raht included a paragraph about the Family in their news report today on the flooding. It said that the Family (Jonas and Christy) had gone upcountry to encourage the flood victims and help them forget their sorrow, and that they were already seeing the good effects of our short visit. They quoted something Jonas said about how even though he was saddened by the loss people had experienced, it was very admirable to see how positive people still were, and that he hoped to be able to go back again to offer further encouragement. ITV also aired a 10-minute clip on the Family on their late evening news program.

happenings

Blink 182
       Merryheart, South America: While I was in a fancy mall in Houston, I saw a big black guy who I thought must be a famous sports star as some girls kept looking in the store where he was, pointing and took a picture. Later when he came out, I asked him who he was, but he just kind of blew me off. A half hour later I was passing by another fancy shop, and there he was again, but I noticed that he was with three young guys who were dressed real “cool,” etc., and it seemed different people were trying to take photos and get autographs, so I went up to him. He said, “Oh, you again,” but actually he was nice, and he seemed to be their bodyguard. I told him I was a missionary and gave him a poster tract of the “Lion, Dragon, and Beast” to give to the guys, who I saw asking him what it was! Afterwards, I looked around for a young person, to find out who those guys were and this girl told me they were a famous Punk Rock band called Blink 182! &&&

Home schooling convention
       Caleb and Sonnet, Canada: We tabled at a home schooling convention this month. We took along our computer and set it up for folks to use Interactive Attic Fun. The children of the other exhibitors were in line and taking turns trying it the whole time. That, in itself, was a real advertisement! It was our most popular item. At the end of the conference we had a draw for a free ICD. The lady who won had just come back to our table all the way back from her home to purchase Discovering Truth when she found out she was the winner. It was so sweet! We also had one couple come by who exclaimed, “Oh! Treasure Attic!” They recognized the videos and instantly bought an ICD. When I asked them where they had seen our materials they replied, “South Africa!”

Bank of Ghana Treasurer
       Mark, Maria, and Patrick, Ghana: We seemed to be headed for one of those dry days. With only two of us and six children, tons of things to do, and finances to bring in, we seemed a bit overwhelmed. We had been out of water for nine days and our water tank was almost dry. We'd also been trying to get the water company to repair the damaged pipe (they are building a new road in front of our house).
       Maria was getting ready to go out and get some tools out. She put a few Activated mags and cards in her witnessing bag and then she exclaimed quite suddenly, “Let's phone Mr. Frederick and ask him if he wants to get Activated!”
       She gave him a ring and he was overjoyed at the idea. (He loves our books!) Perked up, she took Ivan, one of our OCs and headed for the High Street. But it was a battle. Traffic was bad and it took her a long time to get to Mr. Frederick's office. When she arrived, he was in a meeting, so she couldn't see him. She wrote him a little note, asking him to look over the first magazine and asking if he would like to subscribe to Activated. Then she left and did some business in the area.
       After a couple of hours, Maria came back and Mr. Frederick gave her a welcoming smile, accepting the offer. She saw him only for 15 seconds, as he was in the middle of an important meeting.
       Upon hearing the testimony when Maria got home, we all were really happy that Mr. Frederick got Activated. After all, he is an important man in the country--a Head Treasurer of the Bank of Ghana!

August in Russia
       Home in Russia: This summer we held our 16th English camp in the last five years. More than 2,000 kids have attended our camps, gotten saved, and many have gone on to become catacombers and volunteers in our foundation, teachers in following camps, and close friends. Many businessmen and parents of the kids have been met and ministered to. This has been one of our most fruitful ministries so far, a long-term vision.

Weekly young people activities
       Alejandro Journey, Mexico: On May 16 we started our Weekly Activity Program for the young people of the Mexico City area. This was a tremendous inspiration to not only those of us who participated but also for the parents, who were very thankful, and they all seem to notice positive reactions from their teens.
       Sammy (Argentine), Isaac (Mexican), and I, Alex (Mexican) got together one afternoon, and we were really desperate, asking the Lord for ways to encourage our young people in their service for Him (most of them just moved down from the States recently), in a way that it would be inspiring for them--witnessing but with the bait of having fun. We wanted to give them a sample but not something ordinary, and having 17 young people going crazy for the Lord was not an ordinary event--at least for them!
       Our Homes were very supportive and gave us the green light for everything we needed. Seeing that we were serious about helping the young people made them more than happy to help us with anything we requested. So we got everybody together in our Home, sang some songs, cracked some jokes, and finally asked them a very simple question: “What do you want to do for the Lord?” Their reactions were incredible!
       Of course we had different types of answers, from “I want to go skiing” (from a 13-year-old) to “Let's have a CTP program every couple of weeks” (from a 17-year-old who just came down from the States). We used the second suggestion to get deeper into the subject of doing things for the Lord and for others. We agreed to have our first activity the following week, and to follow it up weekly.
       The day came and we spent the whole day together. We put everybody in our vehicles (17 people, ages 13 to 29) and headed to our first activity--the biggest university here, where we distributed 1,200 “Heaven Is Full of Sinners” tracts. Just that was a new experience for some! Our second activity was to take everybody to eat, and we had provisioned pizza in advance, so we picked it up, ate it in the car on our way to one of the Homes, where we watched “Men of Honor.”
       That's just the beginning! With God's help we will be writing more about the great miracles He's going to do in this city, the biggest in the world!

Meeting the Von Trapp's
       Tiger Lily, USA: During our travels this month, we visited the Maria Von Trapp Family Lodge (of Sound Of Music fame). We talked with one of the two surviving children, Johannes (around 40-45). We discovered that Maria, his only surviving sister, had spent 40 years as a missionary in Papua New Guinea. Johannes mentioned that he would be able to donate a room for us at the lodge during off season, when we are hoping to have an interview with him and Maria who lives close by the lodge. We are hoping to film our interview, and ask questions pertaining to their lives escaping from Austria.
       I have read Maria Von Trapp's biography, and have prayed for a chance to talk with her surviving children, as in their mother's book, she said that they fled Austria because of their faith in Jesus. The lodge is located in the beautiful mountains of Stowe, Vermont.

forum

Ripped off by an ATM
       Phinneas, Joy, Matthew, and Ama, Mexico: We have a U.S. bank account debit card which we use to access funds on our mission field here in Mexico. Then one fine day, an ATM ripped us off for US$270. That was supposed to be for our rent.
       If this ever happens to you, immediately do the following:
       Contact the bank responsible for the ATM to report the loss. Then immediately contact the U.S. bank where you have your account. The money can only be recuperated when the bank which had issued the credit/debit card requests from the bank responsible for the ATM to refund the money. It must be bank-to-bank; there is no other way. Save time and learn from our mistakes. We learned the long, slow, hard way.

One-on-one
       FGA, Germany: “One-on-one” training is a principle that, in my opinion, is more and more needed in our Family. Still, I see how many of people reject it, as at first it is more time consuming.
       How would you, a busy provisioner, like for a young person that maybe looks stranded, but is definitely talented, to come join you for a few weeks or months? She could do your thank-you cards, come along on visitation, learn how to phone and pray things through, keep inventory of your stock and demands list, etc. During certain times she can study and improve her typing, etc. This training can be her practical part of her CVC studies.
       How about you, dear kitchen person, in a busy Home? Find someone and train them!
       Could there be a market for apprenticeship offers? Any person needing help and willing to teach, or anyone wanting to grow and learn in an empty space of time could meet and accomplish God's purpose in greater ways.

Support group
       Home in USA: It would be nice to hear from other fathers and mothers who have experienced the loss of a loved one, son or daughter to the System and what they've gone through. Sometimes you can feel like such an isolated case, and I'm sure we could draw strength and encouragement from each other and pray for each other and our children.

Our young people doing well
       Peter and Hanna, France: Our son John (22, not in the Family) is getting to go to Indonesia to study traditional music. We are helping him with his legal business, such as getting his scholarship. Three years ago, after very little preparation, he succeeded in entering enter the Consevatoire (national music school) though they only took five candidates out of 50 who, for the most part, had studied music since their childhood. In only three years he completed a course which usually takes four years and graduated with the highest possible distinction, honorable mention, and A+ grades at the unanimity of the jury.

Letting the white stuff go
       Daniel, Joy and Ariana, Colombia: One lesson we learned from an illness that our Home went through in recent weeks was to eat right. We had been receiving a lot of provisioned white bread, cakes and pastries, and had been slack in the administration of these goods. We had been letting our pantries get filled with these sweets and didn't realize how we were letting the Enemy undermine our standard with this. LHU!
       When sickness struck our Home, we felt the Lord was speaking to us about this, and we decided to forsake these foods to orphanages, and to not even let them enter our front gate. The Lord is so good to us and has been supplying brown bread through another Home's provisioning so we could easily forsake all the white bread and pastries. We feel such a difference now having taken this stand, and are thankful for the ways in which the Lord keeps us in line and up to His standard.

Opening your Homes
       Samson and Christina, France: It would be nice if Homes on the field could open their Homes to brethren like us (FM) who work, and who, on our vacation would like to come and be part of the work for one or two months or less, maybe on a special project to experience the thrills of being a blessing in a new field. One can feel a bit drained in giving when you know that's the main reason people write to you. One sister wrote to us from China never asking us for anything, and on her last letter invited one of our boys to come for summer next year on a visit. We feel that she really cares about us and not just our purse. GBH!

Over 40?
       Martin Electric, Japan: Your eyes are OK, but your arms are getting a bit too short? Computer user? Read this!
       Many of us older folks have found that we need reading glasses. If your eyes are generally otherwise okay, it seems that the “ready made” models are inexpensive and convenient. A pair of “off the shelf” reading glasses meant that I was generally able to read and write and do other close work without difficulty. Because I teach and perform weddings, I prefer the “slim line” type, the thin kind that you can look over easily, to quickly shift your focal point from something that you are reading to someone that you are talking to.
       However, I found a little problem when using a computer. First of all, I either needed to sit too far away from the monitor without my glasses, or sit too close to it while wearing them. Then, with the “look-over” style of glasses I was wearing, I would have to tilt my head way back to see the whole screen through the glasses which were designed for reading a document that I hold in my hands.
       I got a victory, however, when I took a few minutes to talk with the local optician. I could see that I needed full-size glasses for the computer, but he told me that my normal reading glasses are made to focus at 30 cm, or about 1 foot away. If I want to focus on the monitor screen at about 45-50 cm (18-20 inches), I simply need a weaker pair of glasses. I normally use a +2.0 pair of reading glasses. With his advice, I bought a +1.5 pair of full-size reading glasses, and I have found them to be just right for the computer, and some other things, such as things that I might be repairing that I can't bring so close to my face, like fixing something on a car or a dryer, or on the ceiling or wall. It really helps. I leave them in the case on the computer table, and carry my smaller-style +2 pair around with me.

Activated is catching on!--And follow-up rocks!
By Michael, Maria, Nora, and Home in Kenya
       “Action Series, Part 3” is causing a major change and explosion in our witnessing! So far we've ordered $1,500 worth of Activated materials and they are going out like hot-cakes! It's amazing to see how the Lord has been moving things in this direction even before the GN came out. We'd been trying to have people over for the past year for Bible studies and in-depth witnessing, with little success. However, in just this last month, we've had an average of four or five people over every week and we're just getting started.
       We held a Home meeting when the GN came out and discussed whether we were ready to receive all the folks who will be coming to our doors, but ready or not they're here! We're finding ourselves busy each night preparing classes and follow-up material, etc. It's so exciting!
       We started a Bible study down at the university and so far we've had five classes with an average of 30 people attending each time. We've won 35 souls and we can't express how thrilling it is for us SGAs to be teaching the Word. All of us felt we couldn't do it because we'd never had any experience, but just getting out there and seeing for ourselves how little others have has given us the conviction that we need to be teachers of the Word. It's also gotten us more desperate to study up on the Endtime, Heaven, and how to witness to Muslims, etc. There's a lot more hearing from the Lord about witnessing going on, and we're sharing the Word more with each other in preparation for teaching it to others!

By Lily, Kenya
       The latest Activated GN has propelled us into making a new push on our Activated subscriptions. Since our city is undergoing a financial recession which is affecting all walks of life, it has been difficult to get paid subscriptions, even though people love the Word and Activated. We have been putting the Lord on the spot and are praying for personal goals to keep going with Activated and to make progress in building our local church. We are thankful for these “stirring” GNs which keep us on our toes. After being in this new city in Kenya for one year, we can see the beginnings of a local church, and are very thankful for the latest direction!

By Dan, Anne, and Ruthie, Canada
       We all prayed with our DF members and Bible class members for new sheep to join our Bible class, and the Lord answered as five new people, hungry for the Word and the spirit of the Family, have joined our weekly fellowship.
       Our witnessing, follow-up and tract distribution has been multiplying because our members and friends are becoming more active witnesses. One of them gives out 1,500 tracts every month, another one gives out 10 tapes and 100 tracts a month, a few others personal witness and win souls!

By Jasmine Meek, Slovenia
       I'm realizing more and more what a wonderful tool the gift of prophecy is in ministering to friends, contacts, and sheep.       To be honest, in the beginning I was a bit hesitant as to how they would accept it and believe it, but to my amazement people love it! They flip out when I ask them if they would like to receive a special message from the Lord for them. Even one of our contacts who claims she's not a real believer, was so enthusiastic when I told her that my son had received a message from the Lord for her.
       Prophecy is a key to bringing people closer to the Lord when they realize that Jesus is very real and loves them in a very personal way and even speaks to them, and that they can go to Him for any answers to their problems.

Family education and CVC works!

CVC education worth $15,000
By a Home in Italy
       We had a difficult time getting Michael's CVC papers to the military office on time, but in the end, everything worked out fine. He wanted to share his testimony, because we've often heard of young people in the Family being reluctant to enter the CVC program as they consider it “not up to snuff” or that it won't be accepted by the System.
       Michael began studying with the CVC four years ago to qualify for an exemption to compulsory military service in his country. During that time, he has earned four certificates; Christian Service, Christian Leadership, English-Croatian Proficiency, and Ordination. These certificates and other CVC documents were all accepted by the military and he is starting his fifth year in the program with official exemption from military service.
       He and his wife, while on the field in Hungary, were witnessing to and became close to some American military support personnel. When they showed them his certificates, these “highly educated” Americans asked how much his studies cost, and he replied that this program was completely free for Family members. They were flabbergasted and told him that in the U.S. they'd have to spend around $15,000 for such a program. They asked if they could sign up right away.
       Michael was the first EE national to be granted a military exemption with the CVC, and we understand that there are now others in the EE doing the same. Michael is understandably very turned on about with CVC and his enthusiasm has sparked the others in our Home. Now everyone is enrolling!

Youngest home schooled student
By Christine, New Zealand
       It was very encouraging for me when our 17-year-old son went for an interview at the National College of Design and Technology in Auckland to see about enrolling. He had left the Family at 16, and although he had worked through the CVC, he hadn't applied for any diplomas, etc. So I frantically started going through all his old CVC records, trying to get everything ready to send in to the office.
       We had sent a copy of his high school records from the CVC book to the college, but they never received it. However, the college called and said that they had accepted him anyway, just on the interview alone. They said that he was the youngest student that they have enrolled, and the only one that had been home schooled, but they felt that he was a very capable young man and would do well.

Offers from top universities
By Jodie and Joy, Brazil
       Lisa (17) has left the Family, went to an American school and has hit the honor roll, has the best grades in her class, and already has offers from top universities (Johns Hopkins, Yale, etc.), and I keep receiving congratulations on our home schooling. It's quite a testimony, which is remarkable for that school, which is nicknamed the “millionaire's school.” Her sample has been a testimony for the Family and our children's education. They are even asking me what methods we use, which books, etc.

letters to the editor
Re: Caution on Grapes of Thankfulness
       By Emman and Peace, Madagascar
       I heartily agree with Mama about the caution on Grapes of Thankfulness (see GV #93 supplement). I knew people in the past (including myself) who would collect donors names like that to add to their mailing list. I think it's unnecessary to publish financial thank-yous, as letters are sent to the people already, and as Mama said, they may not want to be known to the world as generous donors.
       I think the Grapes should be for other kinds of expressions of appreciation that often go unsaid. These are the most inspiring and convicting, like children to their parents, or examples of unselfishness.

Re: Fellowshipping with Family via Grapevine
       By Sammy Pioneer, Turkey
       I spent several days reading through the Grapevines, and had a wonderful time fellowshipping that way with our worldwide Family! (We are in a situation where there aren't many brethren around.) I got fed by the articles and reactions sent, studied the Open Forums, wrote down the quotes from Mama and the front page quotes in my pocket quote book, jotted down tips and ideas from different Homes or teams that could be applied to our situation, etc. There are many things in there that escape your attention when you skim it the day it gets to the Home, and there is so much valuable counsel!
       Hats off to the editors, to Mama and Peter, and to you all out there that make the Family the best place in the world!

Re: “Not Enough Men”
       From an FGA working with FCF, USA
       I couldn't help but react to Mama's and the Lord's answer to the trials shared by the SGA who wrote in about the lack of available men in the Family and the various wrong attitudes she was encountering. I'm referring to GN 636, Issues #6, “Not Enough Men.” More specifically I am referring to the aspect of the marvelous training our younger generation has received, and how our young women have been taught to think about and live for the needs of others, and because of this how the Lord's anointing shines through them and they are such a vibrant testimony.
       This is so different from worldly young women and is so noticeable. I couldn't help but reflect on this given my vantage point here. I help work on the FCF Web site and in the course of our work we receive regular news and articles, and work with Homes and projects from all over the world. I am always amazed at how vibrantly the shining beautiful faces of our younger generation stand out! This is something you don't see elsewhere! I dare say there is not another missionary group in the world today that has those inherent characteristics!
       It doesn't seem to matter where we receive the news and articles from; it may be from the projects amongst the shanties and jungles and huts of Africa, ministries in the slums and degrading conditions of Third World countries, to anti-drug, youth and outreach programs in the more well-to-do countries. Throughout, you can consistently see the beautiful young shining faces of our female missionaries popping up everywhere. It's like a garden of flowers. The Lord must be so pleased! If you don't believe me, check it out for yourself. Take a few moments and hop around the FCF sites worldwide and you'll see it too!
       Also a word of commendation, not just to our beautiful younger female generation, but also to our Family at large: If you'd like a little extra inspiration and/or the Enemy tries to convince you that the Family's not accomplishing a lot, take some time to check out the FCF site. Absorb some of the testimonies of other Homes and what they are doing around the world and you can see for yourself that the Lord is working incredibly through the Homes and projects in a multi-faceted way. It's well worth the time and effort. God bless all of our dear, dedicated Family! Our hats are off to you!

QnAs
       Q: Could the Grapevine pub the words of the latest Family songs?--Home in France

       A: We'd love to, but due to space constraints we're not able to. However, the lyrics to new songs are posted on the MO site, as soon as they become available. Here is the link of where you can find them on the MO site:
       http://www.familymembers.com/audio/index.php3

“We're the best at what we do!”
By Catherine and Estevão (of Ana), Heavenhome, Brasilia, Brazil
       It has already come true! A very large church in Brasilia invited us to take them to a poor section of town and teach them how to witness and be missionaries! They knew that this was what we did best, and they wanted to start doing CTP projects, so asked us to show them how.
       They planned the whole thing--rented a bus, got together a bunch of donations, prepared a little show of songs and dances and most of all, prepared the hearts of the children and helpers that this was going to be the day they were going to really do missionary work! All we had to do was find the place and go along to show them how to win souls and love others. What a fun job! We are training our Active members to witness, too, so we invited them to meet us there to participate.
       It turned out to be more than just a witnessing trip--also a test of faith and prayer power for the leaders of the church. To begin with, the bus was late so the lady called and lo and behold, she had forgotten to confirm the whole thing and the bus wasn't ready! About 50 people were waiting to go on this witnessing excursion and there was no bus! So Estevão and I got together with the leaders and prayed for the Lord to do a miracle, and within 30 minutes the bus showed up! A common miracle for us, but for them it was really WOW!
       On the way, the younger leaders led everyone in song, even making us participate in some action songs. When they did a song like, “Shake, shake, shake,” they'd sing, “The missionaries are gonna get some love from above...,” and then we had to jump up and do the motions!
       When we got close to the place, the preacher gave a pep talk to all the kids. He said that today they were going to show the love of Jesus to the poorer kids, and that everyone was to have compassion, like Jesus. He said that today all of them were going to be like Estevão and me--real missionaries--and that maybe one day, they could even leave the country to be missionaries! He said that they had to be a good sample too. That sounded familiar! He got everyone really riled up!
       Another test of faith. When we got there, the lady in charge hadn't understood exactly what it was all about, and all the children of the neighborhood were at another party in a nearby school. The church leaders were discouraged and were trying to be brave and say, “Well, the Lord knows, etc.,” but we weren't about to take no for an answer! We prayed together and the Lord showed us to ask if we could go to the party and see if the director there would let us do our little program anyway. The administrator said yes, so we went for it! Of course, the lady at the school said yes and stopped the whole party so that we could sing and perform and win their souls.
       We had organized with the church leaders that they would introduce themselves, do their show, and that at the end, Estevão would pray with everyone, because the church people didn't know how to do that. Everyone was very respectful and bowed their heads and prayed to receive the Lord. Our Active members had a great time dancing with the children and witnessing to the directors and others. It was their first hands-on experience and they realized that it wasn't so hard after all!
       It was an incredible feeling to have a big church like that recognize our strengths as soul-winners and invite us to show them the way! Our Active members loved it and now we have started a follow-up CTP ministry in that part of town, getting to know and help some of the very destitute face-to-face. It was the Lord's leading all the way and a fun taste of what we will be doing more of in the future!

our Family … on the net
By Home in Russia
       We have made five Web pages for the GP. They are very simple, all in Russian, and have links between themselves. If you are interested in our project, just ask for more information. Also, on each page is our e-mail address for correspondence. Here is the address to one of them:
       http://www.netcolony.com/life/pochitat/

UPDATE: RadioActive Productions Team
By Happy (Simon Peter) and RadioActive Productions team, Uganda
       We thought you might be interested to hear an update on the African radio ministry. It was a step of faith to leave our comfortable situation in Japan 18 months ago. But since moving to Uganda, we have been amazed and refreshed at the receptivity of the people, their hunger for the Lord and His Word, and also the seemingly endless possibilities of amazing things that can happen here!

Golden opportunity: The Journey
       For instance, we just finished staging a play at the Ugandan National Theater. It was called The Journey, written by Peter Picture. It ran for 10 performances. (See GV #119 for the full story, and more on the MO site also!)
       For the young people in our Home--Julie, Ben, Tina and Celly--it was a fun challenge to act in a stage play. For me, Happy, it was a special blessing from the Lord to act on stage again, since I forsook theater to join the Family 28 years ago. And for Peter Picture it was a dream come true to write and stage a play in a National Theater.
       This project is a good example of the exciting doors that can open in Africa where it seems almost everything you touch turns to gold or rather, a golden opportunity to preach the Gospel. This project came about in large part due to Peter's crazy faith, hard work and desperate prayers.

Evolution of the radio ministry so far
       Back to the radio: It's been amazing to see how the Lord has led in the development of this ministry. When we first arrived in Africa, we had no idea how the Africans would react to a radio program of Family music. Unlike the Indians and Filipinos, for example, who enjoy a variety of styles of music and where MWM went over big in English, the Africans rarely listen to anything except “black” music. That doesn't necessarily mean local styles of traditional African music, but also American black music such as R&B, hip-hop, reggae, soul, and Gospel, and we don't have much of this type of music on our FTTs. We realized that the attraction of the NuBeat show would have to be the chance to hear different styles of music not normally heard on other radio shows. And this seems to work and makes our show stand out from the rest.
       We also realized that we needed to “become one” and start building a library of songs that could relate more directly to the styles of music that the Africans are used to. So while Andrew V. was with us, he recorded five beautiful songs written especially for Africa. Then we started looking around for local talent to do the vocals.
       Once we had recorded these songs and introduced them to the public on the NuBeat show, we realized we could get even better mileage out of them if we then gave them to the radio stations to play as part of their regular programming. The Lord led us to an up-and-coming young Christian singer called Richard Kaweesa, who recorded Andrew's songs “Spirit of Africa” and “Soldier Boy.” At the time, Kaweesa was better known in Kenya and Tanzania than in his native Uganda and these two songs became hits in those two countries. “Spirit of Africa” was chosen as the theme song in the Mini-World Cup Cricket Tournament, which was held in Kenya last year and has also been chosen as the theme for the major World Cup Cricket Tournament to be held in South Africa in 2003.
       After Andrew V. left us to go to the RAD studio in Brazil, we thought we'd have to wait for another music producer to visit us before we could record any more local songs. However, we had on hand the minus one tracks for the techno songs from Rhythm and Grooves (FTT #14). The Lord gave us the idea that maybe Kaweesa could sing one of those songs. One track in particular, “Rhythm of Your Heart,” stuck out to him and he felt inspired to write completely new lyrics to it. So it became “East Africa-Hakuna Matata” and for the last three months it has been the #1 hit on all the radio stations throughout East Africa. By hit, it means that it's the most frequently played song on the radio stations.

Other hit songs
       At the time we were producing “East Africa-Hakuna Matata,” my daughter Joanna was visiting for a few months. Kaweesa heard one of her songs called “It's Never Too Late” and felt burdened to produce it in our studios, using local musicians. This was another first, and showed us that the Lord's anointing can fall on anybody, as most of the young Ugandan musicians we used for this song had never recorded in a studio before.
       The singer, Barbara Kayaga, is only 17 years old and has been an orphan since she was two months. When we played the song on NuBeat, she gave a very touching testimony. Here's an excerpt:

Q: What do you like about this song “It's Never Too Late?”
       Barbara: There's been so many hard times in my life. For instance, being in school and other children talking about “my mummy's coming tomorrow” and I had nobody coming, you know? I felt so alone sometimes and so down. But this song, when I sing it, it's like I'm talking about Jesus, how He's always there for me and I'm never too bad. He has a reason why I'm still alive, because many orphans don't survive. But God had a plan for me even before I was born and He'll take care of me.

Q: What are your plans for the future?
       Barbara: I want to be a lawyer when I grow up, but I also have a big vision for singing. I don't have the best voice in the world, but God can use the best I have. I want to use my voice to reach out to others. What really touches my heart is when I pass by those orphans on the streets of Kampala, because I look at them and I sometimes see myself. I was once just like them, because they have nobody. Those are the kids I want to reach out to, because I know that as God has helped me, He also wants me to help those kids. I'd like to be their light, to give them hope that there's a future, never to give up. And that they're not too bad, they're just as good as the next person.

       “It's Never Too Late” received a lot of airplay and went to #8 on the charts with listeners phoning in so that they could get their own copy of the lyrics.
       Our ministry hasn't developed to the point where we're able to produce and market a CD of our NuBeat hits yet, but it's definitely a plan for the future. Kaweesa is in the process of producing his own CD, which will include the five songs that he recorded for NuBeat.
       This has been an unexpected development that we could witness via radio, not only on our own NuBeat radio program, but also by producing individual hit songs. People have told us that if we could produce music videos of these songs then they would be a hit all over Africa, as channels such as M-Net and TV-Africa are seen all over the African continent. So this is an avenue yet to explore.

RadioActive dancers
       Another unforeseen development and interesting offshoot from the radio ministry is the RadioActive dancers. About three months ago Kaweesa performed “East Africa-Hakuna Matata” as the highlight to an all-night street jam music festival outside a popular disco called Club Silk. Our four girls in the Home: Tina (21), Julie (20), Celly (21) and Heather (15) had rehearsed a dance to “East Africa-Hakuna Matata” and when Kaweesa saw it, he insisted that they dance at the festival! Their dance was a huge success and it has propelled them into a dance ministry. When reporting about the street jam the New Vision paper wrote:

       “Kaweesa leaped first on stage and did his chart-bursting 'East Africa-Hakuna Matata.'He stunned the crowd when he brought a troupe of white dancers [from God knows where]. The choreography was perfect, the sound excellent, as the crowd boogied and sang along.”

       The RadioActive girls also performed three dances, with the finale being “War No More” as part of The Journey play. They've been hired to dance every other weekend at a top nightspot here. The girls also danced while Kaweesa performed “East Africa-Hakuna Matata” at the climax of the Miss Uganda Beauty Pageant, for which they got centerfold coverage in New Vision, the main newspaper here.

RadioActiveProductions in the limelight
       Our RadioActive Productions studio was asked to work with Kaweesa to produce a theme song for the Miss UgandaBeauty Pageant. Between Sims (our studio technician) and Kaweesa, they came up with a hauntingly beautiful song called Miss Uganda.
       So between the NuBeat radio show, the songs produced in our studio, our different clown shows and CTPs that have also made news, the RadioActive dancers and the production of The Journey, RadioActiveProductions already has a reputation of being on the cutting edge of creativity here in Uganda! Our company is quite in the limelight and we've been in the newspapers numerous times as well as giving interviews on TV and radio.
       RadioActive Productions also has been lauded as a group that encourages and promotes local talent. For foreigners to come to Uganda and set up a studio, record local artists and help to promote them, is something very different as well as appreciated. It's been a way of “becoming one” and has generated a very positive response from the media. Here's an article that was in the Sunday Vision recently:

NUBEAT PLAYS UGANDA TUNES
       SPEAKING of radio institutions promoting local music: RadioActive Studios, on their weekly show NuBeat, recently did a special Ugandan artists only programme. If you listen to NuBeat (and if you don't, you don't know what you are missing. It's not that hard to find, seeing as it is run on no less than six radio stations in Uganda: Voice of Toro, Voice of Teso, Radio Paidha, Radio Uganda and both CBSs) you would know that the variety music show features songs specially made by RadioActive for NuBeat. On this week they featured the best of what they have done with Ugandans: Alex Mukulu's “Woowe,” Kaweesa's “Spirit of Africa” remix, Rachel Adyeri and Lillian Kyeyune's “Cry of a Continent,” Barbara Kayaga's “Never Too Late,” and more.
       Simon Peterson, the host of NuBeat, tells me they may compile all the songs onto an album (as of now, you can't buy them anywhere) as soon as they have made enough [songs].

Enthusiastic mail response
       At present the NuBeat show is running on six stations in Uganda. One station (on two frequencies) covers the capital Kampala, three regional FM stations cover the up country areas, as well as Radio Uganda which covers the whole country on the medium wave. We've had nowhere near the quantity of mail response as MWM did in India, as it seems the Ugandans are not as geared to writing letters as the Indians are. Also the postal system is not developed here; post offices are few and there is no postal delivery service. If you don't have your own post box, there's no way to receive mail.
       However, the responses that Kathleen, our faithful mail secretary, does get are very enthusiastic, and from them we can tell that the show is being heard by a lot of people, particularly the youth.
       Here's an excerpt from one recent letter:

Emmanuel, Soroti
       Wow! What a great big time blessing to have you on our local radio station every Sunday morning. So far it's my best program, there is no other like it. I must tell you the quality of the music, your voice and everything about NuBeat is ultra--ultra--very, very high indeed! Unbelievable how you do things! It drives me wild, crazy. My neighbors wonder why I always top up the volume when it's time for NuBeat. I would like to respond to them by saying that NuBeat is irresistible. It pulls me completely like steel pulled by the force of an extra heavy-duty magnet into its path! Paaaaah! What a pull that is! Keep up your good work!
       I request you to play me the song which you played one time on the subject “Free” which goes like this: “I was passing by a window when I saw a dog in a cage barking, but human beings don't know that they are only in a little bigger cage.” You said it's an old rock song, but I loved it very much because the words sang therein are inspirational indeed.

       (Editor: To read more responses to NuBeat, check out the MO site!)

       Mail responses such as this clearly show the power that Family music still has to evoke reaction and touch people's hearts and lives. The harp of David is still playing and reaching out, and the children of David who are tuned in to that special frequency get turned on and drawn in. No doubt for every one of these letters, there are hundreds more regular listeners who are closely following each program and getting fed as well as saved.
       The Voice of Teso, which covers Eastern Uganda, has invited us to visit their station in Soroti (from where we've received quite a bit of mail). They agreed to promote our visit for a week before we arrive, and invite NuBeat fans to come and meet us at the station. This could be a way for us to draw the net on a lot of listeners who have been unable to write in for whatever reason.
       Due to the large amount of Christians that there are in Africa, we're able to get away with a much stronger message than we were with MWM. So the shows themselves are quite a powerful witnessing tool, often carrying a salvation message or a strong Endtime message, or covering such issues as Heaven, death, poverty, trials and tests, and other issues that relate to Africans. We also are in the process of further Africanizing the show by using our local African friends who have a gift for acting and narrating to do the skits and Did You Know and Health Tips spots.

Broadening our horizons
       So far the NuBeat show has only taken off in Uganda. Undoubtedly, it has the potential to take off in other English-speaking African countries, and we hope this article will inspire Homes to give booking NuBeat a try. This could now be much easier than it was before. I'll explain why:
       In the process of making new shows, we're also revamping the early ones so that they can be used anywhere at anytime. Within a couple of months, we'll have completed 52 NuBeat shows, and if we are able to give radio stations a year's worth of radio programs at one time, it could make the booking of stations in other countries much easier. It would solve the logistical problem of continually mailing new shows to the radio stations, which in Africa would be very unreliable. It would also cut down the interaction and follow-up that busy local Homes would need to do with the station to ensure the smooth running of the program, as once the 52 NuBeat shows have started running, that would be all they'd need for a year.
       Unlike the MWM shows, the NuBeat shows are very quick and easy to modify, as they are recorded on computer. These 52 programs could also easily be modified so they could be used in Muslim African countries. And if the Lord so led, they could be modified further to be used internationally. In other words, we can continually upgrade and modify the set of 52 for various audiences.

The “Sun Up” morning show
       Another exciting development, which has been in the works for six months, but which will now transpire shortly, is the opportunity to host a three-hour show from 6:00 to 9:00 every morning, Monday to Friday. It's on a new Christian radio station aiming to reach out to non-Christians called Kampala FM.
       Being on the air live for three hours a day will enable us to pour out our music and Word in an unprecedented quantity. There are already a number of very popular morning shows on other FM radio stations, but there's no Christian based morning show, and because of the large Christian audience here, potentially it could have a large “listenership.”

There's so much potential!
       That's the exciting beginnings of the Africa Radio Ministry and we'll see how the Lord leads on from here! It's amazing, here in Uganda at least, how potential the educated young people are--potential labor leaders. So many of them already deeply love the Lord but are looking for more freedom than they can find in the churches. In the course of our music ministry and the prominence that the Lord is giving our RadioActive company, a lot of people are being attracted to us and are looking to us for feeding and the materials, music and inspiration that we have.
       It seems that Uganda, and probably many other African countries, will be AAC countries because of the large volume of “live” Christians here who believe in the Endtime and are expecting the rise of the Antichrist, etc. I believe the Lord is maneuvering us, in Uganda at least, into a position where other Christians will look to us for leadership--especially during the days to come when the Endtime events really lock in. I also believe that there are many of the Lord's children here who have the potential to be outstanding leaders to their own people with the counsel and training that we will be able to give them. Our vision is to hook people up to the Activated program, so that those closest to us will learn about the Family.
       We hope that little overview was an inspiration to you. Thank you so much for your prayers. We are a regular CM Home and have to raise most of the expenses for running two audio studios, office and mail expenses, aside from our regular living expenses. So if you can pledge a monthly donation to us, big or small, we will be very thankful, and this will enable us to spend more time producing shows and music and the feeding and follow-up of listeners.

behind the scenes

Sweet prayer day spicer
By Jenna, Mama's Home

       Here's an idea to spice up your prayer day! On one of our last prayer mornings, the two-man team responsible for praying about, planning, and hosting the morning meeting (on a rotational basis) got a fun idea from the Lord in prophecy.
       After opening in prayer, they brought out a large cardboard box which was passed around the room. Everyone was supposed to take “one.” The first person who reached their hand in got to share the delight with all--the box was filled with paper cupcake holders, each one containing a square of fudge. Taped underneath the cupcake holder was a prayer request. It was a fun (and yummy) way to pray!
       Here's the message the Lord gave to the planning team:

       (Jesus speaking:) I like to make it easy for you to be good. Prayer is something I am focusing on right now, so serving something sweet like fudge is like giving everyone a little love kiss in the morning from Me, from you, from Mama and Peter, and from the whole Family in appreciation for each one's hard work--a love kiss from all the host of heavenly helpers that come to serve you and inspire you and help each of you during the day, and especially on prayer day. It's fun and joyful like My Spirit.
       There certainly is a sober and serious side to prayer, but there is also a wild, wonderful, fun and free, faith-filled praise-filled side to My Spirit that should not be neglected. Remember, it is in the joy of the Lord that you shall find strength. Don't let “Ol' Jenny” take over your religion just yet! Sing, shout, praise the Lord! Knock the Devil for a loop! Stir yourselves up in the spirit. (End of message from Jesus.)

News from Cambodia
By Tommy, Serena, John, and Ezra
       Thank you for joining in on our efforts to reach the Lord's sheep in Cambodia! Our little team of four has been very busy this month. Here are some of the highlights:

Potential new disciple
       One of our Bible students, a beautiful 22-year-old secretary for a French medical laboratory, has expressed the desire to join us full time. We are starting her on an intense training course program, giving her classes five evenings a week after she finishes work. Please pray for her as she only speaks broken English, like many Cambodians, and knows very little about the Lord. We are having to teach her from scratch, but she is determined and has already started memorizing verses in English.

CTPs
       A Home in Japan has provisioned 18,000 pairs of new children's shoes and is making them available to us for distribution to the poor all around Cambodia. We contacted the main Japanese shipping line, and it looks like they will be helping us with free shipping of the shoes. We also contacted our friend working at the Cambodian Red Cross society and he agreed to help us clear customs for free. He will also help us to store them until his truck is available to help us distribute them all around the country. The Home in Japan will be sending some senior teens and YAs to assist in the distribution, and to put on some clown shows and performances in the areas where the shoes will be distributed.
       We have also been busy helping the seven institutions (orphanages and schools, with more than 1,000 children altogether) that we have taken under our wing. Local businesses have given us milk, noodles, crackers, sweets, juice, and other food staples toward this huge project.

Outreach stats
       We were able to witness to 1,200 people, distribute 3,420 posters, win 84 souls, give out 2,944 pages of classes, and do 22 CTP visits. The Activated #3 mag in Khmer is near completion. Our “Open the Door for the Children” program is growing rapidly as we have started to invite five of the orphans each week who attend our free English classes to participate in the activities. We now have about 13 children coming every Saturday morning for our “Open the Door for the Children” program. We have also Bible classes five evenings a week for whoever is free and interested. We also have a little flock of young Khmers, ages 22-25, from the church where Tommy leads meetings, and we meet once a month.

Prayer requests and needs
       1) Please pray for funds to get a bigger second-hand van for our CTPs. Your gifts are welcome and can be sent to KA01 via your TRF. We still need about $1,500.
       2) For our health, safety, security and the general situation in Cambodia.
       3) That we will be able to get all the shoes without problem and distribute them to the needy, and that the team from Japan will be able to join us here and do a lot of programs.

personals
       Joana (of Checho), I (Paloma) would really like to get back in touch with you. Also Michelle, please write me. I've been trying to write you but your e-mail doesn't work. Please write me at e-mail: drhome@ig.com.br or: CX Postal 119.353 Cep: 27901-970 Macaé - Rj

       Mateo and Eliana would like to get in touch with our beloved brethren Miguel and Maria (Spanish) who won us to the Family. Here's our address: Mateo and Eliana, CX Postal 33, Agência: Jiamão, CEP: 94400-970 Viamão, Rio Grane do Sul - Brasil.

       Hello, Dust and Maria! Are you still on Earth, dear? Are you far? Are you near? Oh, I miss you so much! Where are my favorite Dutch brethren? In Africa? What part? Don't go breaking my heart--and answer me soon! Say! Wat can ik doen? For you to realize, that in His paradise, with His Brazilian sun, it would be much more fun, with some good news from you. I really do love you.--Marc. Please get in touch at my e-mail: jungle04@datanetbbs.com.br

       Samuel and Crystal Chosen (India), want to get in touch with Patience (formerly Miriam) from Australia who has an English mate, last heard you were in Pakistan. Our address is bngsh@vsnl.com. Hi Patience, we would love to hear from you, since we haven't met or heard from you in 14 years!

former members - seeking contact
       My name is Angela (of Jared and Rebecca Wood/Richard and Brenda). I'm looking for my best friends that I lost contact with over the years: Gabriela McNally, last heard from in Russia, of Christina. Laura (Abigail) Rodriguez, last heard from in Spain (of Tim? and Maria Rodriguez). Jessica, last heard from in Switzerland (of Branch and Charity). Esther, last heard from in California (of Nina and Martin, brothers Jeremy and Daniel). If you are in contact with them, please give them my contact information. E-mail: angelgorb@aol.com. U.S. address: Angela Martin, PO Box 16852, MN 55816 USA. Tel: 1-218-729-4962. Italy address: Angela Martin, Via Aosta 34 #4, 35142 Padova, Italy. Tel: 011-39-340-274-9535.

help wanted
       We are Adino and Joana, Brazilian nationals with nine children. Joana recently gave birth to our beautiful baby girl through a C-section because she has a malignant tumor in her womb (see prayer lists in GV #113 and others). Just recently, when we seemed to need it the most, as Joana will have to make frequent visits to the hospital for treatment, our car was stolen! We know the Lord let it happen for a reason, and He'll continue to take care of us.
       We'd like to ask you dear Family, if you could help us with a donation towards getting another car, as our main means of support is tooling and provisioning, and we can't really do it without a vehicle. Any donation would be greatly appreciated. Our Home # is BR075. Even if you can't send a donation, please, as you read this, take a moment to send a prayer for us. Thank you so much. We love you!

       Dear ones! We are a remote Home in Russian Siberia--four adults and two small kids. We are thousands of miles away from other Family Homes. Since we live very close to China, we freely witness to Chinese on Russian grounds. We also reach Russians in cities and towns in far-away regions that surround us.
       We survived last winter okay, but due to very harsh climate conditions, frosts below -40oC and over six months of winter, we had to fight health problems, as we didn't have proper clothing. We came to open this Home from a very warm field. With some things that friends forsook or sent to us we managed, but this year we need to ask for help to get proper clothes. We don't have a car and public transport is very bad here, so we usually spend all of our time in the open air in the winter, getting around on foot.
       We need fur clothes that locals use. But they are expensive and with our small budget, living only on gifts sent by few dear people from Family around the world, we don't have funds for ourselves. We need the following items, and here's how much they cost:

*       2 men's fur hats: $40 each
*       2 women's fur hats: $50 each
*       1 woman's sheep coat: $80
*       1 child's fur coat: $20
*       1 man's sheep coat: $50
*       2 winter fur boots for men: $70 each
*       Woman's winter boots: $70

       These items will last us for many years. We also need about $200 to buy additional veggies and fruits to preserve for us and the children during the winter. It's hard to find natural fresh products when it's cold so we need to use the warm autumn months to dry, jar, can and pickle as much as we can. Thank you very much!
       Please send gifts via TRF to RU009. If you'd be interested to know more about us, please write: dubones@cmpmail.com

entertainment

Movies Rated for Senior Teens and Up

CAPTAIN CORELLI'S MANDOLIN (2001)
Nicolas Cage, Penelope Cruz
       Drama/love story set in the small Greek island of Cephalonia during World War II. The daughter of the village doctor, who is engaged to a young fisherman, becomes involved with an Italian captain stationed on the island.

       (Dad:) This is a movie with some good insight into love. It's a love story and a war story combined. It's well acted and is an interesting look into the lives of simple people in a simple village as they are put through some big tests due to the difficult circumstances they are caught up in.
       This is a very heavy drama. It is not a lovey-dovey love story. It brings out the reality of life and how different situations affect and change people. It's a deep character study that shows how sweet attitudes and good character combined with love and sound principles can win out in the end despite dire circumstances.
       It's a good movie for the Family to see. I believe most will find it inspiring and worth watching. Some will want to be warned of a few graphic war scenes and executions in the last part of the movie.

       (Jesus:) Love loves its enemies, and this movie clearly showed the power that love can bring. The music was good too, and the side lesson of how music can draw many hearts together is another good point from this movie.
       It is somewhat “unreligious” in that the main characters don't make mention of Me. But it is overall worthwhile to watch, and is positive.
       The message about My love and My being the answer is basically non-existent. It talks about human love, but in reality, all human love falls short. You must have My love in order to make it complete.
       One of the main characters who acts in love professes not to be religious. Now, in your understanding that's not necessarily a bad thing, because you know that you don't have to be religious in order to love Me and know Me. But to the world, this is a bad testimony, for in essence it's saying that you don't need Me in order to live a good life.--When I am the source of all that is good, and only by knowing Me can you know full truth.
       This movie does have some beautiful lessons, if people will choose the good and eschew the evil. It also helps you to realize that your troubles are small in comparison to what many people go through, and it should motivate you to give My love to as many as possible, so that they can have the comfort and strength they need when they face their life's difficulties.

Movies Rated for Junior Teens and Up

AGNES BROWNE (1999)
Anjelica Huston, Marion O'Dwyer
       A recently widowed woman copes with raising her seven kids, making enough money to pay back a local loan shark and hoping to see singer Tom Jones with her best friend in 1960s Dublin. Touching drama, and also humorous in parts.

       (Dad:) What a sweet movie. Just like real life. It brought tears to my eyes many times, because this was a story about real people. It wasn't Hollywood, it wasn't glamorous, it was real down-home living about people's experiences and how they deal with them. It was wonderful how they brought God into the picture and His victories and blessings and help. Life for many folks is hard; it's a struggle--financially, emotionally and spiritually. People love their kids and they ache to raise them up right, but God has to bring their kids through, and good training, and this showed that well.
       There is a lot to explain to teens in this movie; it's quite meaty because it is real life. It's got a lot of the “fuck” word in it. I don't want to excuse it in this case, but it was kind of cute the way they playfully used it; still, it's coarse and not a good sample of speech.
       And love, yes, love!--It conquered all. And humility. God bless the main actress who depicted humility--admitting the need for help and friendship. What a wonderful sample of serving and preferring the other in real love. I enjoyed this film, and it was a relief to see something so wholesome and actually in favor of God and His care and help.

JOSIE AND THE PUSSYCATS (2001)
Rachel Leigh Cook, Tara Reid, Parker Posey
       Comedy about a girls' rock band who wants to make it to the top. They find themselves working as pawns for the record industry, which is attempting to use them to send subliminal messages through their music. Somewhat of a spoof of the modern media industry.

       (Jesus:) It's a cute movie, and shows there is more behind the trends and all that goes on in the world that surrounds you. It's done in a foolish way, but when you think about it, there is so much that goes on to lure the multitude into following this way or that, buying this and that, and just wanting to maintain a system lifestyle, with all the new gadgetry, and so forth. There is also much more to the music scene than meets the eye. Though this movie is a bit exaggerated, much is done behind the scenes that you never hear of. There is so much manipulation. It's a rough life for those who are sold out to doing things the System's way. All is not as it appears.

Movies Rated for JETTs and Up

HORATIO HORNBLOWER (1998-1999)
Ioan Gruffudd, Robert Lindsay
       This four-part series traces the life of fictional character Horatio Hornblower. It is set in the late 18th century, when the French Revolution is in full swing, and war has just broken out between France and several European countries including Great Britain. The series is well made and the depiction of the life and times of 18th-century seamen and seafaring is accurate. The French, and to a lesser extent the Spanish, being the enemy, come off none too well, especially in the last episode. There are many lessons on leadership throughout. The last show is a bit more gory than the others. (Further episodes are in the making.)

       (Dad:) I like these movies. There was a lot in them. Not only does it have the action and drama of battle and seafaring but it also has a lot of interesting scenarios and the lessons learned from them. The young midshipman, an officer in training, had to learn a lot about earning the respect of his men, battling not only foreign enemies but some within his own ranks, dealing with difficult personalities. He learned that defeat may come along as often as victory, and earned promotion as he gained experience. A lot of parallels can be drawn to our Family lives, although it doesn't fit like a glove; there are many things that are different, thank God.
       
NON-RECOMMENDED MOVIES

KISS OF THE DRAGON
(Jet Li, Bridget Fonda; 2001)
       (Jesus:) Kiss of the Dragon is a movie I would not recommend watching. It is a waste of time and money because of its blatant disregard for human life, not to mention a weak plot, if any. The evil man is so evil and perverted that it gets the viewers into a thirst for blood and revenge, which is not the spirit I want My brides to get into, even in entertainment. For those who like the style of movie [thriller/action], there will be other movies to come that are far better.

OTHER MOVIES

AMERICAN PIE 2 (2001)
Jason Biggs, Chris Klein, Seann William Scott
       (Dad:) As they say, the sequel is usually not as good as the original. It has its funny moments, but they are few and far between and not really worth wading through the unrealistic subplots and System attitudes to get there. This one is really not worth spending your time on.
       This movie doesn't have the sort of purity that the first one did, and it shows some of the innocence ending in a way. All the young people in the first one were just trying to have sex for the first time, but in this one it gets into different fetishes and whatnot, some of which are fine, some of which are a little kinky, and some of which are simply not right, and impure. There's a guy with guy scene, which, although not “promoted,” so to speak, it did drag out unnecessarily to where it makes you uncomfortable and grossed out.
       It promotes a very unrealistic, System portrayal of young people, who seem to have plenty of money coming out of their pockets and can afford to rent a house right on the lake and can keep up that lifestyle by a little house-painting on the side.
       This movie is another sad example of what America has become--her youth have lost their idealism and desire the make the world a better place. So many of the films about the youth of today reflect the shallow and meaningless existences that they live.

Activated icebreakers

       Here are some ideas from the Lord, received in prophecy, of things you can say when offering the Activated mag to someone you're witnessing to. Naturally, some of these approaches would be more or less appropriate in certain situations. Most of these are given from the angle of a first-time witness to someone you haven't met or talked with before--either someone you just prayed with to receive the Lord, or are even talking with in a less personal “tool distribution” type setting. Maybe you have used some of these approaches already--but you just might find some new concepts here that will be of help to you in getting others Activated!
       Send your Activated icebreakers in for all to benefit from!

       Would you like to hear about how to find more happiness and contentment in your life? Try reading this magazine!

       Here's a magazine that will tell you how to make your life really count for something, and give you that feeling of fulfillment, knowing that it's really worthwhile!

       Here's something that will help give you a better perspective on what's really important.

       Do you ever feel like you need to discover a deeper meaning in life?--Try reading this!

       Have you had troubles? Have you experienced sorrow in your life recently? Or do you know someone who has? This is a magazine with healing words. The articles in this magazine can be a source of strength and resolve. Some have said that the quotes and stories in this magazine were like the glue that held them together during a crisis in their life.

       Do you ever get down and discouraged with life? Reading this magazine can give you the power and the boost to help you through those times and to have a positive outlook on life.
       
       Do you ever feel lonely? Is life an endless struggle? Do people not understand you? This magazine can help you find the joy and comfort that your heart yearns for deep inside.

       These magazines address spiritual principles in a down to earth way.

       Do you ever feel tired and like you're running on empty, that you're just barely making it through the day? This magazine can re-energize your life! It can help provide the refilling and the strength that you need.

pray

Asia
       Abi: Diabetes.
       David (of Ezra and Abi): Recurring high fevers, stomach aches, nausea and headaches. Doctors say this could be the result of an appendix problem.
       Sara: High blood pressure.
       Paul: Overactive thyroid glands.
       Dani: Cysts.
       Ammi, John, Markus, Michael, and Peace: Dengue fever and other health problems.
       Diamond: Serious skin allergy.

Europe and Africa
       Faithy (of Dan): Advanced breast cancer. Recovering from surgery and undergoing chemotherapy.

North America
       Carissa (newborn, of Zeb and Kristy): Spina bifida (spinal birth defect that could also affect the brain) requiring surgery.
       Andrea (4, of Tim and Debbie Drummer): Insulin dependent diabetes, for which doctors say there is no cure.
       Vanessa (baby, of Steven and Amber): Heart, respiratory and stomach problems.

South America
       Flor (of Richard): Cancer.
       Joanna (of Adino, Brazil): Cancer in uterus. Will undergo test. That she will continue to have sufficient milk for her newborn.
       Kristen (2, of Phil and Cristal): Tuberous sclerosis, a genetic disorder causing the formation of multiple benign tumors. Doctors say there is no cure. As a result, Kristen has been experiencing seizures.
       Miguellito:Cyst in neck.
       Marcello (of Kelly): Pneumonia and allergies. Broken leg.
       Raquel (20, of Pedro and Clara): Cysts on her ovaries.
       Miguel (10, of Felipe and Sara): Anemia.
       Samuel (3, of Felipe and Sara): Cyst under tongue.
       Salomé (of Josué): High blood pressure and diabetes, which has caused a lesion in her heart.

Answered Prayer
       From Jonathan (of Rejoice): (Editor: Jonathan recently underwent a kidney transplant, thanks to his sister.) It has been three weeks since my kidney transplant operation, and I am finally strong enough to write you all and let you know how it's going. The great news is that in answer to your prayers the operation was very successful and the new kidney is functioning extremely well! I am no longer dependant on dialysis treatment to keep me alive. I am completely going on my own steam and the Lord's grace. I haven't had dialysis for three weeks, I am off the dietary and liquid restrictions, so I can eat anything and drink all I want!!!! After four years! The drugs don't seem to be having any ill effects on me either, so I am very happy about that. The first few days after the operation were quite tough due to minor complications, but I'm doing well now and getting stronger every day. Give me a few more weeks and I hope to be fully recovered and in great health! My sister is also recovering fine. I am thankful for that because I didn't want to see her suffer for the wonderful thing she did.
       Besides a complete recovery for my sister and I, the main things to pray for now are that my body won't reject the kidney and that I won't have any adverse reactions to the drugs. Even though all is going just fine, rejection can happen at any time, particularly within the first few months. Usually a “rejection episode,” as they call it, can be successfully treated and overcome, but in some cases the patient will lose the kidney's function and have to go back on dialysis (about one in twenty cases). I know many patients who have had their kidney for ten to twenty years. The Lord has strengthened my faith though, telling me not to worry--that it is His kidney and He will keep it. Thanks for continuing to pray for me. All going well, within a few months we hope to return to Japan to reach the harvest there. This time in good health!
       Dear Family, I can't tell you how much your prayers have meant to me. Going into the operation there were no guarantees except His Word and knowing that He does answer prayer. Knowing that there were so many around the world praying was very comforting and faith building. Going under the knife knowing my future was on the line was a very difficult thing. Your prayers helped me through it.

       Love (of Peter), Vietnam: My back is feeling so much better.

ponder
       Be not afraid to go slowly; be only afraid of standing still.--Japanese proverb

World Religious News Service
By Marc and Claire, USA
       Over a year ago, after praying about ways in which we could contribute more in the fight for religious freedom arena, the Lord inspired us with the vision of providing a non-profit e-mail Internet service updating interested parties on a daily basis with news from around the world involving new and minority religions, governmental legislation/actions involving religious groups, religious human rights issues, etc. Over the last year we have received quite a number of positive and encouraging reactions/comments from those who receive articles/information from our World Religious News Service (WRNS).
       Over the last six months the service has become quite prominent in the religious information arena and is now being used by several other religious information resources. At this time we are supplying the bulk of news articles for several of the more prominent Web sites involved in the fight for religious freedom. Subscribers to our news service include a wide range of professionals, from academics to theologians, to religious freedom fighters, lawyers and representatives of other minority religious groups. Several of those on our address list who interact with government agencies involved in religious freedom issues pass on pertinent news articles to them.
       From what we can tell, WRNS is somewhat unique in that we cover subject areas that other news services do not. Although we have broadened our subject matter to include mainstream religion, persecution and human rights issues, we have also continued to focus on alternative religions and/or NRMs, which are usually at the forefront of the religious freedom/liberty battle. Also, we deliver the news right to their door (via e-mail) every day which saves the subscribers time researching the Web, and doesn't take us much time to do. TTL for our sweet and hard working second generation who have been so faithful in keeping the news service moving forward on a daily basis. GBT!
       All thanks and praise to our dear Husband and Answer Man who never fails to supply the inspiration and plan for every situation!

Also included with this file:
Adam Issue 7 (by David Komic)

1001 Charming & Witty Things To Say To A Woman When She's Really Upset At You.
       Caption 1: Argument Disarmers
       Ever had a woman REALLY upset at you? Like I mean REALLY mad? Boy, I know I have! Here is a selection of tried and prove, charming and witty responses that are guaranteed to diffuse even the tensest of domestic dialogues and have your gal melting in your arms and hand-feeding you grapes in no time.
       Okay, here goes.

       The list:
       Right.
       Ready?
       Good.

       Okay. The list of proven and charming witty responses:
       Um. Let's see now.
       Give me a minute here.

       [Editor: Guys! Got any tried and proven charming and witty Argument Disarmers? Any testimonies of how they worked for you? Send them in to “Adam” so we can publish them for all the guys worldwide.]

       Caption 2: Cover photo: SGA Salvatore in El Salvador showing the form that has made him his Home's undisputed basketball shiner.

Copyright © 2001 by The Family

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