the grapevine
(Issue #63; April 1, 1999.)
features:
Dad stories
Sharif and Joanne
Notice
From your Grapevine editor: We're sorry to say we'll be skipping the April 15th issue, but we'll pick up again on May 1st, with a longer issue to make up for it! Keep sending in your contributions!
kidbits
latest arrivals …
Cheryl Joy, 2nd child, born to Faithy and Jesse.--China
Karina Anne, 7th child, born to Joseph and Iris on November 15.--Brazil
Justin Alec, born to Naomi M. and P
aul on December 13.--Romania
Kevin James, born to Miriam and Shad on January 13.--Austria
Nicolas Andres, 5th child, born to Sara and Esteban on January 27.--Chile
Flora Helena, 6th child, born to Tamara and Andre on January 27.--Brazil
Alicia, 1st child, born to Melody and Piper on February 3.--Brazil
Felipe, 2nd child, born to Leila on February 4.--Brazil
Kevin, 8th child, born to Maria-Clara and Ezequiel on February 5.--Brazil
Vincent, 1st child, born to Aichan and Felipe on Feb
ruary 10.--Brazil
Gabriel, 4th child, born to Katrina and Mateo on February 12.--Chile
Caroline Kay, born to Christina and Yanek on February 17.--Poland
Philip Jan, born to Polish Gosia on March 2.--Poland
taken
Dan (YA, Ukrainian) and Christina (YA) got married on the 20th of February, and are expecting their first bambino in July. The wedding party was held outside of the city in a Turbaza, and 60 people came--20 of them Family members from the area, and the others were friends and
relatives. We all had lots of fun!--Ukraine
ponder
Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.--Sir James Matthew Berrie
babymania
Through the Eyes of Love
--By Jaz
I'm sitting here staring at the side of my computer screen, where I've stuck up one of the cutest little bookmarks I've ever owned. One of my friends gave it to me last week. It's got a picture of a mother hugging a little kid, and a quote from Dickens on the bottom: "It is not a sl
ight thing when they, who are so fresh from God, love us." When I read that quote it just thrilled me through and through (kind of like that "greatest of these is love" poem in Grapevine #57--wasn't that the best?). This quote did something for me in a very special way, and I resolved to use the bookmark for one of my many kiddo reading projects I try to work on when (if) I get the chance.
That was before Parent Time. Unfortunately, my intention to tuck it in some trusty book did not happen im
mediately, and the dear little marker lay, halfway to greatness, poised expectantly on my desk.--Just at the right height for a very cute little short person (alias my daughter) to come along and pick it up.
This bookmark is one of those ones that has a little square cut out on three sides of the top, so you can hook it over the side of the page of the book you're marking. By the time I noticed Kimby had found it, she had unwittingly broken the whole top part off.
Of course I knew this was a
purely innocent act--she hadn't meant to break it; she was just trying to figure the thing out. But because I'd had such a special bonding experience with that bookmark, I was a bit distressed. I snatched the pieces from her and put them aside.
Later on, after Kimby was in bed, I picked up the two pieces of the bookmark. I read the little quote again, and all of a sudden, the whole experience struck me in an entirely new light. Did this bookmark have to be perfect to be special? I could tape
it up and it would be just as good as new.--Or maybe even better than new, because it would have something that it didn't have before, another little lesson attached along with it, and the memory of the touch of those little hands that I love so dearly.
So now when I look up at the side of my monitor and see the bookmark, it's twice as special to me as it was before--scotch tape and all.
"Let us strive, then, to see those things that are as they should be; and as we live in an imperfect wo
rld, let us content ourselves to glory in that imperfection, that each building block of the day's events may rest upon another to form the final product of a life rich and full--not in the glassy beauty of perfection, but the rich fullness of love."
FEATURE:
Stories and remembrances of Dad
Barry (of Windy:) One of our dear gardeners had come to the gate of our Home and rang the doorbell. He explained that he had a gift for Dad. He had come dressed in his best shirt and pants, and his wi
fe, also, was in her best dress, and their children were all there, with their hair combed and their nicest clothes on. They were just poor people, but they were beaming, so happy with the surprise gift that they had for Dad.
I talked with them at the main gate of the house, and they showed me the gift they wanted to give to him. It was this absolutely beautiful, very large eagle. It was an eagle that a friend of theirs had caught and given to them to sell for a lot of money. They were quite p
oor, and this money could have helped them buy a lot of provisions or clothing or tools or something special for their house. It really would have gone a long way for them if they would have sold this huge eagle and they could have made a large profit on it. But they had chosen to give it to Dad, to show their appreciation and love for all that he had done for them in giving them a job and being so friendly and generous and kind.
So I went into the house and I explained all this to Dad and Mam
a on the intercom system. They were excited about it, and they wanted to have David and Techi and Davida go down to the gate and meet them and witness to them also. So we all gathered together at the front of the house where the gardener and his family were waiting to present this gift to Dad.
Dad was very enthusiastic about sharing any verses we could think of on eagles with the gardener and his family. So the kids started quoting all the Scriptures they could think of that referred to eagles
, and then Dad started witnessing to them, about how Jesus was the best gift that anybody could ever wish for. Dad expressed how happy he was that our gardener and his wife and children had come to know the Lord and were faithfully reading the Word on a daily basis and really studying it. This, he said, was the greatest gift that they could give him, for him to see their precious family draw close to the Lord.
As far as the eagle goes, Dad was just amazed at this beautiful large bird. But he w
asn't happy with the idea of having to have it caged. But he also did not want to offend them, because they had gone to great lengths to actually train the bird for a few weeks and take care of it and feed it and tame it somewhat, let alone the sacrifice they had made in choosing not to sell it, but rather to give it as a gift. So Dad was very concerned about this, and asked them how much the bird was worth. How much were they going to sell it for? So they quoted their price, and Dad said, "Okay
, I'll accept this gift as long as you'll accept my gift," and he gave them the price of the bird. In other words, he gave them what they could have sold the bird for. Of course, they were extremely hesitant to receive this gift, but it was Christmas time, so they were a little more receptive, and Dad convinced them to please take it.
After they had accepted the money, he asked them if they wouldn't mind if he were to set the bird free, because he said freedom is the greatest gift we could giv
e to this bird, this creature that the Lord had made. He said he didn't want to put it into captivity, but to set it free, to let it soar high in the air, back to freedom where it once belonged. The gardener and his wife cheered, and I started cheering, and the kids started jumping up and down. I was so excited about this bird that I asked Dad if I could take it off its little leash that was attached to the gardener's arm and let it go free right then and there. And Dad said, "Oh yes, son, of co
urse, let's do it! Let's do it! Let's set it free right now! C'mon! Let's go!"
But before we let the bird go free, we laid our hands on it and prayed for it, that the Lord would keep it and that it would have a long life and a fruitful life, that it would enjoy its freedom that the Lord had created it to enjoy.
I unchained the bird very carefully, because though it was somewhat tame, still the sheer size of this huge bird was a little intimidating. I carefully put my hands around its wings a
nd picked it up and took it over to where the kids were standing. Dad said, "Okay, on the three, let's let the bird go free!" And he counted, "One," and we all started counting together. "Two! Three!"--And I threw it way up high in the air, and the bird flew across this big valley that was in front of our house, and it flew way up into this giant big mango tree, and sat almost right on top of the tree. We were all cheering and waving and thanking the Lord that the bird had been set free. And our
gardener was so happy. He thought it was the best thing that could have ever happened to the bird, too.
Bethy: One thing that I have always looked upon with sweet remembrances is the time that Grandpa took me, as a young teen, into his personal family and included me with his other children. It was a wonderful sample of the One Wife vision that left a lasting impression on me.
I was fourteen at the time and had moved to the folks' house. I, of course, had my own Daddy in the Home and was
able to see and fellowship with him on a regular basis. I wasn't totally grouped with the other kids there, David, Davida, and Techi, being that I was older, plus I spent a lot of the day taking care of the babies and toddlers in the Home. Yet I did spend a good deal of time with the others in Word classes and special activities.
Grandpa lived in this tiny house on the property, and every evening David, Techi and Davida would go over and spend time with Grandpa and sleep over at his house. It
was his special time with the kids. He didn't see them much during the day, as they were busy over at the main house with their activities and responsibilities along with the rest of the home.
Shortly after I arrived at the Folks' house, Grandpa invited me to come over with the other kids to his little house and included me in on the fun "Grandpa time." I remember thinking at the time how very sweet it was that he would include me in on all the special activities he did with his kids. Grandpa
didn't want me to miss out on the fun, or to feel bad that the other kids got to have Grandpa time and that I didn't. We would sometimes watch movies, or talk about what we did that day. He would tell funny Grandmother stories, or sing songs, or teach classes. I never felt like I was an intruder; we were all "his kids" and he showed us all the same love and consideration. It was always a special time and a wonderful sample of his love.
Staff member: While visiting Dad's Home one time, I had
been chopping some wood from fallen trees for exercise and he had seen me on some of his walks. That night, when I came into class, Dad looked up, and very casually said in a fun way, "Oh, there's Paul Bunyan!" Ha!
Another vivid memory is the first time I was to meet Dad. I was nervously awaiting his arrival for dinner, wondering what I should say, how I should act, and so on. Suddenly, Dad broke the ice in a very down to earth way. He approached from behind me, covered my eyes with his hands,
and said "Guess who!?" That sure broke my bottle, and helped me not to be so serious.
Josiah: After I had been at Dad and Mama's Home for a little over a month, it came time for me to get ready to return to the field. The night before my departure, a few of us were having tea with Dad. While having tea, he would chat with everyone regarding their day's activities, tell funny stories etc. and Mama always wanted to have a tape recorder there, in case Dad would get inspired and give something
that could be pubbed for the Family. On this one occasion, Mama beeped on the intercom to remind Dad to get a little something from the Lord for me before I left.
All I heard while Dad was on the phone was his reply to Mama, "Oh yes, of course, Honey! I won't forget to pray for Jo." We then returned to our casual conversation. All along I was wondering when Dad would get something for me, and we were all ready to record it. Tea time came to an end and during the closing prayer Dad specifically
prayed for me. As we were getting ready to leave, Dad went around and blew out the candles that he had lit. The last candle he came to was one that had been used many times over, so it was all melted in its bowl. The wick had disappeared into the wax. However, the way that Dad had lit it that day was by just striking a match and letting the match soak in the wax. That little match had been burning the whole time we were there simply because it was immersed in the melted wax of the old candle.
He looked and me and said, "You see, Jo, that's all you've got to be. See that old match all burnt out? Looks like nothing, hardly desirable. Not much to it is there? But it provided a flame the whole time we were here. Why? Because it was immersed in the wax. So you don't have to try to be anything. Look at this match, there's really nothing to it. The power didn't come from the old match, but from the wax. So that's all you've got to do. Immerse yourself in the Lord and in His Word and you'll
do just fine, regardless of how burnt out your match may be."
The whole time he was explaining this to me I stood there crying like a baby because in my heart I knew that the Lord had shown him how I felt deep down inside. I was feeling so incapable and inadequate, and in fact, quite worthless and burnt out. This little illustration stayed with me and it's helped me to this day.
How To Use It
--From a CRO, NACRO
I'm thrilled with the changes that the Lord has brought about in my life si
nce I have been using prophecy more. It's a big change that I've testified of to people almost on a daily basis. It's almost like the little 3-D postcards that Dad talked about in Flatlanders, where you turn the angle a little bit and this whole other world opens up to you that you just didn't see before. I've found that there is just no end of things that you can ask the Lord about, and it's fascinating and helpful and truly makes things easier in every respect.
Before having Home meetings I'
ve sometimes asked people to hear from the Lord as to what we should do. Whenever we do that, the meeting is definitely much more feeding. One evening I was planning on having a Loving Jesus inspiration and asked a team to pray about what we should do. The Lord said that we should get together, fellowship, have a glass of wine, sing songs and share testimonies of how things were going through the Christmas push. We did that, and it just was perfect and what we needed as a Home.--Different from w
hat I had planned but much more what the Home needed.
We also prayed about what we should do on Christmas day, and the Lord helped us plan our day and time together. He told us to have a nice breakfast and good devotions together, and then divide up into teams and get Christmas gifts for people by receiving prophecies for them. We chose different people who the Lord laid on our heart--people who used to be in our Home and who are out of the Family right now. Spending time on Christmas hearing
from the Lord for others made our Christmas very special. Then the Lord said after that to "go out and enjoy yourselves, see a movie and have fun." We did that and it was again perfectly what we needed.
For our Christmas and New Year's celebration we did a little gift exchange thing for a limited amount of money. Each person got a small gift for the person whose name they picked out of a hat, and also got a prophecy for them. The neat thing was that when we did our gift exchange, the thing tha
t everybody was absorbed with was not unwrapping their gift and seeing what they had gotten, but reading their prophecies and passing them around. It was neat to see how it imparted such a good spirit to our time together.
It's becoming more and more the nature of things in the Home that we say, "Well, let's ask the Lord about it." Teams are asking the Lord about people or questions or plans throughout the day, and then we look over the prophecies and follow.
I'm not exactly sure why I kind
of held back before in not using prophecy more. In some ways I think I didn't want to yield to that degree. I wanted a little bit of my own life. I wanted to be able to make my own decisions. I didn't want to have to ask the Lord what I should do for get-out today, if I should have a date with someone, or if I should go out and see a movie on my free day. I just wanted to be able to make my own decisions. The thing is, I am still making my own decisions, I just have the benefit of the Lord's cou
nsel. And sometimes the decisions are ones that I wouldn't have made without that counsel.
One day during our vacation time I was trying to catch up with my work, and there was a team going out. I really didn't think I could go and told them I couldn't make it. But I asked someone if they could pray and ask the Lord if I should go, and the Lord indicated that I should just stop my work and go ahead and go--and it was really what I needed. I needed to get away, but I didn't have the faith to do
it, feeling I should stay and work. But in the long run, my work still got done, and I was able to get a little time off.
It's not like I feel like I pray enough about things. There still are a zillion things that go by and I stop and think, "Boy, we should have asked the Lord about that." But it's definitely a lot better than it used to be, and continues to grow day by day. I'm just so thankful for it!
happenings
[Within a week]
Ben and Luba, Ukraine: One day while on outreach the Lor
d led us into a building housing a children's foundation. After witnessing to the guard, we walked into a room which we were told was a lawyer's office, but because the lawyer was not there we needed to wait. While waiting we started to witness to the two boys in the room, who turned out to be the lawyer's brother and son. Time passed and we didn't know what to do. Then a man came into the office and asked what we wanted. We explained it to him and to our surprise he grabbed our PR album and tol
d us, "You shouldn't be here! Come with me and I'll show you where you need to go!" Then he stormed out of the room with our PR book in his hand! We couldn't do much but follow him.
He led us to another office where we presented our work to some very sweet people. They were so turned on that they instantly wanted to interview us for TV. We weren't prepared just then, but a few days later made a little clip with our kids performing.
They invited us for a Lebanese lunch and asked us to tell th
em more about our work. We agreed that they would organize and book shows for us for the Christmas season (which lasts till January 13 here), with them even providing some of our transportation! When the lawyer finally arrived, we were told to go see him. To make a long story short, he started to offer us different kinds of help from his office and a car for our use.
Ben later gave a three-minute radio interview in Russian for an audience of about 2,500,000 people about our work. This foundati
on has also given us official documents so we could receive provisioned goods (without which government-owned companies cannot help us). The Lord's setups are amazing! We just have to be prayerful and wait and we are bound to walk into them!
[Africans in Japan]
David Searcher, Japan: For the last three years we have been ministering to some of the many African students who study in our city. These precious people--men and women, young and old--have been faithfully attending our weekly Bible
classes and fellowships. Usually their study course in this country lasts for 6-8 months. Before they return to their countries, a new group comes that they introduce to us, so we are able to continue ministering to the new arrivals. The folks we are ministering to are among the brightest of their countries, and many are sincere, on-fire Christians.
During 1998, we had 240 Africans visit our Home. We were able to distribute to them a total of 800 videos and 1,200 audio tapes. Our neighbors ha
ve noticed the frequent visitation of our African friends, which has helped us to open up and witness to them as well. Lots of companies have donated their goods to us, mainly clothing and food, which we distribute as well. Once we received a wheelchair which we gave to one of our friends who has a handicapped child. He brought it back to Africa and told us it has helped his little girl so much. The Lord has used this ministry to help us reach out to those lonely and sweet people, and at the sam
e time He has brought unity and inspiration to our Home since we have a united goal.
kid corner
"Read it, Mom!"
I was pretty discouraged with my eight-year-old son at the time, especially in the area of him not being so loving towards me at times. He also was doing poorly in his spelling. I was quite concerned about that, and spending a good amount of time trying to help him, but it seemed to no avail.
One evening, out of the blue he gave me a note, which was folded up. "Read it, Mom,"
he said proudly. "I spelled the words all by myself. The note, which was completely his own idea, said: "Mom, you're wonderful!" That was just what I needed to give me back the faith that of course he loves me and he actually is progressing in spelling as well. It was so encouraging how Jesus led him to do such a sweet thing just when I needed it!
--Dawn (of David), Thailand
Musical memory
Music helps the children's memory work so much. We try to record songs for the verses that weren't a
lready done on the verse tapes. A simple guitar, simple tape recorder, and almost any melody does the trick and is fun. The kids like to help compose them. Review is easier because the tape can be played while they're getting up, going to bed, or doing other things.
--Paul and Ruthie, Russia
Spirit trips
Our YCs and preschoolers get really inspired about spirit trips--a different set-up of a dim room, a tent, and music with eyes closed. The Lord has given them some short stories, and they
get so happy that they got something from Jesus!
--Hosanna, MaryAnn, Andrew, Rejoice, Timothy, and Beth, India
Prayer blasters
After reading with the kids about how to fight the Enemy in the "Wham Bam!" Hope mag, we got a new idea for prayer time.
You make four different kinds of colored cards. One set has little sayings on it like "Zap him and trash him," "Bind him and blind him," etc. Then you have another set of cards with one word problems like "disunity," "selfishness," "murmuring,"
etc. While one person reads a problem, the other kids repeat together the answer for the Enemy with the above examples.
Then one person reads a victory "supply," "protection," or "inspiration," while the kids say the answer three times (like a chant) from another set of cards that say "King of all kingdoms," "Super Superman" or "GGG" (Great Going, God).
Then you have some grenades that really knock the Devil out. Those are secret fighting verses wrapped up in small scrolls. The scroll, whic
h is rolled up, can have a special code on the outside that the kid needs to break. It can be anything you want it to be as long as the kids know what you are talking about.
For example, one could say "13:18. (666)" the brackets of sixes are clues of what it is about. So they should know that it's about the Endtime, and the chapter in Revelations or the verse. Or it could be the date of someone's birthday. "Who was born on 2/19/19? (Prophet)." The answer would be Grandpa. Or "1986. What sign?
(sky)." The answer would be Haley's comet. Once they find the answer to the code they can open the special verse scroll and read it! This part is just to add a little challenge in their routine of papers and schooling.
When they feel down or are having problems then they can open their scroll and read it and yell it out to the Enemy. Then they thank God for the victory by repeating one of the praises from the morning victory cards.
You can have a special treasure box when you need to get ano
ther blaster. These blasters can have a good verse with some physical actions that go along with it. Like: "Punch the Enemy three times and do four cartwheels for Jesus." Or "Show your angel you love them by saying an eight-word prayer for them and then give three people hugs." It's lots of fun.
--Sharon (of Gary), USA
Reminder: Guard Your Children
It would be good if something could be said again concerning "Guard Your Children." We read this Letter recently and were very convicted as we
saw areas in our legal papers that we needed to work on. We have now begun making good progress towards getting these papers in better order.
--Andrew, Annie and John, USA
easy reading
A true story of love and courage
Walking down a path through some woods in Georgia in 1977, I saw a water puddle ahead. I angled my direction to go around it on the part of the path that wasn't covered by water and mud. As I reached the puddle, I was suddenly attacked!
Yet, I did nothing, for the attack
was so unpredictable and from a source so totally unexpected. I was startled as well as unhurt, despite having been struck four or five times already. I backed up a foot and my attacker stopped attacking me. Instead of attacking more, he hovered in the air on graceful butterfly wings in front of me.
Had I been hurt I wouldn't have found it amusing, but I was unhurt, it was funny, and I was laughing. After all, I was being attacked by a butterfly! Having stopped laughing, I took a step forward
. My attacker rushed me again. He rammed me in the chest with his head and body, striking me over and over again with all his might, still to no avail.
For a second time, I retreated a step while my attacker relented in his attack. Yet again, I tried moving forward. My attacker charged me again. I was rammed in the chest over and over again. I wasn't sure what to do, other than to retreat a third time. After all, it's just not everyday that one is attacked by a butterfly.
This time, though,
I stepped back several paces to look the situation over. My attacker moved back as well to land on the ground. That's when I discovered why my attacker was charging me only moments earlier.
He had a mate and she was dying. She was beside the puddle where he landed. Sitting close beside her, he opened and closed his wings as if to fan her. I could only admire the love and courage of that butterfly in his concern for his mate. He had taken it upon himself to attack me for his mate's sake, even t
hough she was clearly dying and I was so large. He did so just to give her those extra few precious moments of life, should I have been careless enough to step on her.
Now that I knew why and what he was fighting for, there was really only one option left for me. I carefully made my way around the puddle to the other side of the path, though it was only inches wide and extremely muddy. His courage in attacking something thousands of times larger and heavier than himself just for his mate's saf
ety justified it. I couldn't do anything other than reward him by walking on the more difficult side of the puddle. He had truly earned those moments to be with her, undisturbed.
I left them in peace for those last few moments, cleaning the mud from my boots when I later reached my car. Since then, I've always tried to remember the courage of that butterfly whenever I see huge obstacles facing me. I use that butterfly's courage as an inspiration and to remind myself that good things are worth
fighting for.
--Graeme Cooper
now that's funny
Church Bulletin Bloopers
The outreach committee has enlisted 25 visitors to make calls on people who are not afflicted with any church.
The pastor would appreciate if the ladies of the congregation would lend him their electric girdles for pancake breakfast next Sunday morning.
The audience is asked to remain seated until the end of the recession.
Low Self-Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.
Th
e third verse of "Blessed Assurance" will be sung without musical accomplishment.
For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
The Rev. Merriwether spoke briefly, much to the delight of the audience.
Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles, and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.
The pastor will preach his farewell message, after which the choir will sing, "Break Forth into Joy."
A song fest was hell at the Meth
odist church Wednesday.
Next Sunday Mrs. Vinson will be soloist for the morning service. The pastor will then speak on "It's a Terrible Experience."
Due to the Rector's illness, Wednesday's healing service will be discontinued until further notice.
The music for today's service was all composed by George Friedrich Handel in celebration of the 300th anniversary of his birth.
Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community.
The eighth-graders will be presenting Shake
speare's Hamlet in the church basement noon Friday at 7 PM. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.
The concert held in Fellowship Hall was a great success. Special thanks are due to the minister's daughter, who labored the whole evening at the piano, which as usual fell upon her.
Twenty-two members were present at the church meeting held at the home of Mrs. Marsha Crutchfield last evening. Mrs. Crutchfield and Mrs. Rankin sang a duet, "The Lord Knows Why."
Potluck supper: Pray
er and medication to follow.
Eight new choir robes are currently needed, due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.
The choir invites any member of the congregation who enjoys sinning to join the choir.
Feature:
Location: Africa.
Goal: Pioneering.
Who: A young couple and her 11-year-old sister.
--a casually recorded testimony session
S: My name is Sharif, and I'm 19. My wife is Joanne, and we have one child. It was a real miracle how I
got to Africa. Almost 3-½ years ago, I was in Ireland with a bus team. We had done a lot of shows around Ireland, but once they were over, I didn't know where to go from there. I had previously been in Hungary, so I thought I might as well go back to Hungary. I was really desperate because I felt like I wasn't going anywhere with my life. I was completely discouraged and didn't know what to do. I was 16 at the time.
Then Joshua told me that Peter and Crystal were going to South Africa. I thoug
ht, "Great! I'm going to Africa! Lord, if You don't want me to go, You'd better stop me." I was that desperate, and I didn't really care. I just wanted to go somewhere. I felt that nowhere could be worse than where I was. So I teamed up with my mother and younger sisters to raise funds. Two weeks after I decided to go to South Africa, I was there! That was a miracle.
Pioneering is always a challenge, and there are always humps to get over. But after a while, it goes better. That's how it was f
or me. I've been all over South Africa during the three years I've been here, as well as to other countries. I've been to Botswana and Swaziland. Those places are fascinating. Then my wife convinced me to come to Nigeria.
J: I grew up in China for the first eight years of my life--China, Hong Kong and Macau. Then my family moved to the Philippines where we were for three years, and then in Japan for a year. We then went back to Hong Kong and Macau, but everything sort of shut down so we retu
rned to Australia.
Ever since I was little, I always wanted to come to Africa. I used to watch the news and say "I want to go there!" I wanted to go to Rwanda, Somalia and Ethiopia.
S: Africa is a whole continent that hasn't been soiled by the System yet. It's virgin. If we don't get in there, the System and the ACs will; it's coming extremely fast. During the three years that I was in South Africa, I could see it happening so quickly. When I first went there, it wasn't backwards, but it w
as an old-fashioned, Christian place. When I left, it was up to the latest in technology, fashion and attitude. I thought, "It's been ruined!" The people are still sweet, but there was a drastic change during the three years I was there. The people and the countries are opening up more, and the West is seeing what they can get out of it.
When I first chose to go to Africa, people were telling me, "Oh, you're going to Africa? It's too rough and too dangerous!" But there's a lot of System people
who came here with dollar signs in their eyes. Some of these guys have lived here for 30 years. They were willing to rough it out with the political situation, the instability of the country, very unreliable infrastructure and disease, all for money.--How much more should we be willing to be here for the Lord?
J: When we take the baby on the road, although we have to go slow and be careful because of disease, people really like him and he's a good opportunity to witness. Even with the very
simple people, if you have kids with you, you don't appear like a haughty white person. They all gather around and want to talk. People love kids here. Even when trying to get into a company to talk to a managing director, people are much more obliging when you have a child with you. They realize that you are serious, because if you were here to make money, that's definitely not the way to do it!
S: We've learned to be as wise as serpents but harmless as doves. Something can happen--anytime,
anywhere. I've already had a few experiences where the authorities pull you over and want to take you to their commander. Of course they just want a bribe, but you witness your way out of it. You just have to be prayerful everywhere you go. I have to be extra careful here where I go with the car. I can't even explain the way they drive here! I can't do the subject justice. Africa isn't a hunky-dory place; the setbacks are very real. But the rewards are also very real.
J: When Natalie (my 11
-year-old sister) first joined us, we were doing so much traveling that we wanted to hear from the Lord and make sure we were not going to the wrong place. We would always include her in our prophecy meetings, even though she wouldn't always say anything or have much to add. But towards the end she started getting full prophecies or visions. She saw us do it, and even though we're not flaming prophets, over time she got more comfortable with it.
One time we went ice-skating and she hit her hea
d and got knocked unconscious. We felt so guilty because we felt it was our fault. So we heard from the Lord and the Lord gave Sharif and me a prophecy about shepherding her better. We had been making sure she was having fun and doing activities, but we realized we weren't giving her specific Word time or tailored Word classes.
S: They can learn to prophesy and exercise the gift of prophecy at a young age; it's easier for them to learn than it is for us to start learning now. If I had gotten
into prophecy when I was much younger, I would be much more fluent. Anyway, I'm learning.
One time there were two young girls (ages 6 and 7) who were expecting to go out witnessing with us. Then plans changed and one of them had to stay home. So I told them both to go to their room and pray individually about which one of them the Lord wanted to go. So they went off to pray. Lisa came out and said that Jesus had told her that she should go out. Then Julie came and said, "Yes, Jesus showed me
that I should let Lisa go this time, and that the Lord will bless me for being a cheerful giver." They are so sincere and their minds are so pure.
They knew that whichever one came with us was going to go on a little boat ride to some islands. So had we sat there talking with them, it would have been a real struggle. But when we sent them to hear from the Lord, they came back and they both had the answer. And the girl who stayed home was completely at peace; the Lord had told her to stay, and
she was completely happy with it.
J: When we were leaving the States, one church offered to pay for our tickets to get a bus to the airport. When we went to speak at the church to the people who were helping us, we took Natalie along. They were interested in how she would witness to people and how she could interact with them, how she would win souls, if she only witnessed to children or if she could relate to adults as well, etc. They had no questions at all about her schooling. On their ow
n, they would volunteer to say, "Oh, you must know so much! You are going to grow up to be so socially aware!"
S: Many people we met in the States were extremely ignorant about life in Africa. They think there are lions and tigers everywhere. So people were fascinated by what we could tell them about South Africa. "You have cars there? Wow!" Whatever we told them, they really ate it up--especially church Christians.
J: Natalie's mom wanted some news from her, so we provisioned her a simp
le camera. When we were on the road, she would take photos of the different places we went to. We would go personal witnessing to soldiers dressed in their national uniforms, took pictures of delivering food, etc. Then she'd come home and type up her own captions on our laptop, print them out and provision the photocopying of it. She had great fun making her own newsletter.
S: As far as education when taking children to Africa, the missionary life is the best education you can give them! You
get to meet so many different kinds of people, you learn their cultures, their languages, what they do, how they make a living, how the countries and their infrastructures work, etc. Personally, I feel much more prepared for life by having been a missionary here in Africa, or anywhere for that matter. Of course if you sit at home it won't do anything for you, but if you're going out and interacting with people, it makes a difference. I've acquired such a knowledge of social engineering and infr
astructure that I feel much more prepared for anything now.
J: We took Natalie to Namibia, where she learned how the Germans came and set up that country, while the Dutch had set up South Africa. Before she had had no idea about slave trade and how everybody used to rush to Africa to get gold or jewels, etc.
S: I thought I knew everything about history, but after coming here, I realized how much I don't know. There's so much history here. You think Africa's only been civilized for a coup
le hundred years, but if you go back into black history, it goes back very far. Even with the colonialism of foreign powers, there's so many things that you never dreamed of which happened. It's like you are in a different realm and different time almost.
J: There's no shopping centers for the kids to go to, so sometimes on Sundays we take the kids to the beaches and they go and watch the wood carvers make their little boats. Or we take them down to the market and they learn that it's not ju
st normal shopping where you get 10 apples for a dollar. Here you have to haggle over prices, and it's very educational for the kids--learning how to bargain with people, etc. There's so much for kids to learn here.
S: Young people in the West often spend their free time by going to the shopping mall and hanging out. Personally, I hate shopping malls because they completely drain me and give me headaches. When I went to the States to renew my visa, I thought it would be nice to have a break
from Africa. But right after I got there, I felt like I had to get back to Africa. Just looking at the place--the six-lane highways and the big buildings, everything so neat--I felt this wasn't for me. I couldn't stand it because to me there is no challenge.
J: In the States they have drive-through pharmacies, drive-through shopping malls, drive-through banks. Here even if there is a bank, it's a miracle if you can get in. Even if there is a fuel station, it's a miracle if you can get fuel.
There's quite a difference.
We'd been trying to get to Nigeria for so long [trying to get visas, etc.]. We then went to the States where we got a prophecy about how the Lord wanted us to have our own "dropping out." We've been missionaries our whole lives because our parents are. My older brother and sister have been out of the Family for a year and have successful jobs, cars and fancy houses, but it didn't interest me in the least.
After I was telling my brother all about Africa and the dif
ferent countries I'd been to in Southern Africa, he said, "I'm just in Texas." They had nothing. Even Natalie said, "I don't want to stay here. I want to go back." They could have given us good job referrals, but we basically had to say, "No, that's not what we want." At the time we were quite discouraged because we had been trying to get to Nigeria for so long, but if it hadn't been such a fight, we wouldn't have had such conviction to come here.
S: A lot of people tried to discourage us--e
ven people who were well-meaning. We went to get our vaccines and the lady said, "I think you two are being very irresponsible to take the children there." She was basically speaking for the Enemy. Every step of the way, well-meaning people would speak doubts, which was sometimes discouraging. It was always in the back of my mind that if things got too rough I could just hop over to the States, get a nice job or something, but I guess the Lord wanted me to decide whether or not this was what I r
eally wanted. He had us stay there for a whole month and I couldn't wait to leave. We were just waiting for our visas, and the waiting was very difficult. I finally thought, "No matter what, I'm going back to the field," and the visas came through and everything worked out!
J: A lot of young people in the Family are embarrassed to say we are missionaries and that we live by faith, we get provisioned food and leftover bread. But when we went to the States we had to do all the food provisionin
g and it didn't turn out to be leftover food! People were like, "You're missionaries? Wow! That's so cool! Come speak at our church!"
We went to the Salvation Army to get some goods so that we didn't have to use our money for shopping. A lot of them had traveled a fair bit, but they were like "Wow! This is so cool! We wish you could give a class to our Salvation Army officers." People were very interested in missionary life.
S: I was thinking the other day how Africa is not an ideal situat
ion for a child to grow up in, if you're thinking in flatlander terms. In the States you have steady electricity, water, and real luxuries. You don't have the kind of diseases that there are here. We are doing the Lord's work here, and of course the Enemy does come in with doubts about our baby getting malaria. I don't mind getting malaria myself, but if Tristan or Joanne gets it, that's another story. Tristan's just a baby, but my parents took me on the mission field when I was young as well, a
nd I'm so happy they did. To be on the field and be a missionary in India was great; that was one of the happiest times of my life. Of course it was dirty, and we got sick sometimes, but I think the missionary life is the best heritage I can give my son.
Even Family people ask me, "Are you sure he's going to be OK?" and they think we have so much faith in coming here. But I feel very faithless. They think, "My God! You're going with a baby?" I think of Oliver and Marie (SGAs) who have six kids
and are here!
J: "Where iniquity doth abound, grace doth much more abound." Yes, malaria is real, and yes, the country is filthy. You can't drink the water. You have to be very careful about the food you eat, even at a fancy restaurant. There's violence, armed robbers on the road, etc. But we don't go videoing door-to-door here, or postering for small donations. The Lord makes it easier. Because it's difficult to live here, the Lord does bigger miracles for us.
We didn't have a car for so
me time, so we had to go hitchhiking. Every person we met would ask us to come and see them, or would give us a big donation. We don't do phone provisioning and send faxes because the phones and faxes don't always work. So you often go and visit people in person to explain your needs. It's difficult place to live, but the people have such a positive response to missionaries.
S: Our mode of operation is very similar to the FFing days, but without the FFing. We spend a lot more time with indiv
iduals and witness to them by visiting them. We become close friends, rather than our interaction being like a business deal. The Lord blesses that because you don't have to spend a lot of time just selling one poster or one video at a time. I actually came here for that reason; I was burned out on selling tools one at a time. The Lord can use the selling of videos and He does in some fields, but here in Nigeria, you spend a lot of time with individuals, and they'll give you a car, or a couple t
housand dollars to do your work. You witness to people in depth and they really get to know you. If something does happen in the country, these folks will stand by you because they know you personally as friends.
They're not just contacts; they are truly our friends. They enjoy our company and we enjoy theirs. People here like helping individual people and not just an organization.
J: Reaching the top is so much easier here. In other countries, the rich people are almost untouchable. But h
ere we meet people who are far richer than some folks in the States, but they are not untouchable. You can meet people who know the president firsthand and then they come to see you the next day. A lot of our friends go and see the president, and then as soon as they get back, they call and invite us for lunch.
Pray in a new way!
--by Nicole and the gals
PRAYER IDEAS
One Breath: Pray for as long as you can, using only one breath.
While You're Dancing: Put on a nice slow song, pick par
tners, and dance and pray together. You can also switch partners several times during the song, if you like.
Before the Altar: Have a little makeshift altar with a picture of Jesus. Everyone writes their requests on a piece of paper and places them before Him, while everyone prays silently together.
Potpourri: Have one bowl with all of the prayer requests on slips of paper, and another bowl with ways to pray.
Ideas for potpourri:
--Pray in a foreign language
--Sing your prayer
--Pray
in tongues
--Act out your prayer
--Pray on your knees
--Wink at someone else to pray
--Call out a color and have everyone wearing that color claim a verse for your prayer request
--Call out a sunsign and every one of that sign prays a sentence prayer
PRAISE IDEAS
Pictionary Charades: Have someone prepare a list of "praises" beforehand, and divide the room into two teams. Play it out like charades, except instead of acting, you draw. You'll need a big white board or blackboard, on
which the representative from both teams gets to draw on the side facing their team.
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words: Each person has a piece of paper on which they draw what they're thankful for. Everyone then passes their paper to the guy on their left (or right) and he adds onto it. And on and on.
Prophecy Praise: Someone could get a praise prophecy on the spot, like those in To Jesus--With Love.
world news
Mexico - Job witnessed to and gave lit to the state's new governor. Th
e daughter of one of our market contacts used the story on the back of the Incredible Journey poster as the inspiration for an essay in a school competition and won top prize in the whole city!--Job and Gabriel
Uzbekistan - We were invited as guests of honor to the Family Day celebration in one of the schools we are helping. A reporter wrote a short article about us and our work in the national newspaper, including a photo of us.--Gideon, Lily and Francesca
Venezuela - This month the chi
ldren sang at the newly-elected governor's house, on the day of his inauguration. A lot of important members of the local government saw the children sing about ten songs, and after the song "You are God's Child," more than forty people prayed to received Jesus!--Elimelech, Esteban and Maria Clara
Bosnia - Our media stats for January were 5,600,000, from the broadcast of two Treasure Attic shows in the local language. A team of young people came from Italy to help us for a couple of weeks. W
e did a show at Sarajevo's delinquent center, two shows for 1,200 kids at a school, and a show at a local disco. We were very well received and these performances opened the doors for new follow-up opportunities!--Enoch, Chris, Aaron, Marisa and Daniel
post-its
CLE ministry moving!
The CLE ministry will now be moving to Texas. Please note the address and telephone number change, as all orders will now need to be sent to this new address. The CLE e-mail address will remain the same.
Ne
w address:
CLE
PO Box 141871
Irving, TX 75014
USA
CLE phone number (for Homes in the U.S.):
1-500-446-2570
CLE e-mail address (remaining the same): FamCLE@aol.com
correction:
Someone pointed out to us that we made an error in the latest "CLE Price Changes/New Materials" article in GV #61. In the section "New Item Prices" the first item says, "Happy Hearts Reader (for LUs 201-205)." It should say, "Happy Hearts Reader (for LUs 206-210)." There's a Helping Hands Reader for LUs
201-205.
FSM photo request!
Dear Family pioneers,
GBY! Coming soon is an FSM of pioneering testimonies, and it would be so inspiring to add pictures of you brave ones whose contributions are included. Although we're not able to hold the mag for pictures to arrive by snail mail, and we are also limited to only using pictures that are good enough quality to reproduce, if you are able to send in good scanned pictures via e-mail to the Grapevine right away (within two weeks of this notice), t
hat would be great! We would like to try to use as many as we can.
Here are the names of those whose articles are in the mag so far: Julia (18), Burma (writing about her family of 11); James and Jenny, Simon and Trust, Matt and Rose; Paul and Crystal (now in the Philippines); Emman and Peace, Madagascar; Mercy, in São Paulo, Brazil; Faithy (SGA), Kazakhstan; Matt and Joy, U.S.A.; Ruby, Moldova; Markus, Thailand: Rose Pioneer (FGA), Ecuador; Amos, Faith, Paula, Mia, and Ivy (Becky) in Australia
; Joy (of Tim), India. Thanks so much! We love you.
Love, Your FSM Editors.
new book summary
--on the MO site
Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus
A Practical Guide for Improving Communications and Getting What You Want in Your Relationships
By John Gray, Ph.D.
(New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers, 1992)
crusading
Brazil
Andre Helper: We traveled by boat to visit Santarém, a city in the north of Brazil that can only be reached by boat or plane. It is one of the many
cities that dot the long stretches of the Amazon River.
The boats--or rather ships--that navigate this river usually carry from 300 to 400 passengers. They resemble the old steamboats that were used on the Mississippi River back in the 1800s. The decks of the boats are lined with hammocks, and everyone sleeps communal-style. Each trip takes from two to six days. Most people spend the day reclining on their hammocks and chatting or staring out at the beautiful banks of the river that has very
little signs of civilization, or they climb up the stairway to the roof which has a large open air restaurant, complete with a bar and live music.
The Lord showed us that we should witness to everyone on the boat, so we asked the captain if we could have a religious ceremony in the bar and invite everyone to attend. He agreed, so we started out by going hammock to hammock, ha! We gave everyone a tract and invited them to attend the religious ceremony at the bar. There were about 50 people pres
ent in the bar so we boldly took the mike and interrupted the loud party music in the restaurant, put on the Fear Not CD, and gave a message asking the Lord to protect and bless the trip. We then prayed with everyone to receive Jesus.
After the ceremony many people came looking for us and we gave the hungry sheep more lit. Also three pastors from a church who were on their way to a big conference were amazed at how we boldly witnessed, and at our Don Quixote tactics. It was a real inspiration
and God blessed us for our efforts, and we got to our destination full of the spirit!
ads
A pair of shoes... house-bound and suicidal... drugs and
witchcraft... two sudden marriage proposals ... an intense battle between light and darkness.… See how the Lord's power worked wonders for Chandra.--Zine #030
Thrilling accounts of two Family young people who were incarcerated during the Argentine persecution of 1994. If you knew that you were going to be involved in a raid, what would yo
u do to prepare?--Zine #030
entertainment
Movies Rated for Senior Teens and Up
SLIDING DOORS (1998)
Gwyneth Paltrow, John Hannah
Romantic comedy with an unusual plot, in which a young woman suddenly begins living two different lives in parallel worlds.
Movies Rated for Junior Teens and Up
BRASSED OFF (1996)
Ewan McGregor, Pete Postlethwaite, Tara Fitzgerald
Drama/character study about a group of Scottish miners who are also members of the town's brass band. Caught in bad tim
es, they find the future of their mine--and the entire town--hanging in the balances.
ROSEANNA'S GRAVE (a.k.a. "FOR ROSEANNA") (1997)
Jean Reno, Mercedes Ruehl
In a small Italian village, a man will go to any lengths to secure an ideal burial plot for his terminally ill wife. Somewhat bizarre in parts, but quite sweet and funny overall.
Movies Rated for JETTs and Up
SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE (1998)
Gwyneth Paltrow, Joseph Fiennes, Geoffrey Rush
Witty romantic comedy in which young playw
right William Shakespeare meets a beautiful woman who is desperate to be an actress--in a day when only men could take the stage.
Movies Rated for All
TODDLER BIBLE ABC'S
Animated
Half-hour simple animation presenting the alphabet in the form of several basic Bible stories, and with the ABC song. Enjoyable for little ones learning the alphabet.
Non-Recommended Movies
POSTMORTEM (Charlie Sheen; 1998)
CELEBRITY (Kenneth Branagh, Winona Ryder, Leonardo DiCaprio; 1998)
reviews
Sliding Doors (this prophecy received before viewing the movie.)
(Jesus speaking:) In this movie you see the struggles of people who are tossed to and fro by many emotions. If anything, this movie makes you so thankful for all that you have--the truth, the touchstone of My Word and My standard, the security and love and freedom of the Family, the truth of the Law of Love, the comfort of My Spirit, My love, sharing, victory over jealousy, unity, free love within My will. Sometimes My children c
an become so accustomed to these blessings that it takes something like this movie and the lives of these people to remind them once again of these many blessings.
Though lessons are learned and people manage to find a way, to make a way, to right the wrongs and find peace and happiness, still you see how much easier it is for you, My precious ones, because you have the truth, you have Me, you have My Word, you have My voice, and all you have to do is ask and you are spared so much heartache a
nd confusion and time of bewilderment because you can know beyond a shadow of a doubt that what you are doing is right and within My will; and more than anything, it is the loving thing. Through this movie you will see what a miracle it is when people are willing to lay down their lives for another--to give, to share, to be concerned about the happiness of another. (End of message from Jesus.)
Brassed Off
(Dad speaking:) This is a pretty sweet movie but I don't know that it's going to turn
everybody's key. It just doesn't have the real high profile, zany thrills and excitement that many are geared up for these days. But I would say that the ability to enjoy a good, if a bit slow-moving, but very sweet and humble, lesson-filled movie is a good skill to have. It's good to balance out your movie-viewing appetite so you're not just going for the thrills and chills, but you're getting enough of the other too, the human side of things, the sweetness and caring and compassion, the lesson
s of fighting and giving and understanding. This movie has a sweet spirit and message. (End of message from Dad.)
Roseanna's Grave
(Dad speaking:) This is a sweet, lighthearted story. There are a few times when you wonder if it's going to get a little weird, but really it's pretty simple and innocent. This poor man was desperate, because to those who don't have faith in the afterlife, it's so important where their loved one is buried, because they think they're going to stay there!--And tha
t's sad if you ask me. This movie gives interesting insight into the kind of people who live that simple kind of village lifestyle, and has sweet examples of real love. It's a bit emotional or sad in parts, but there's nothing in it that would be harmful or disturbing. (End of message from Dad.)
Shakespeare in Love
(Jesus speaking:) This is a movie about love--love in its many forms. Love is a beautiful thing. Love is a gift in all its splendor. I created love; I enjoy love. Love is the fou
ndation of Heaven and Earth, and so it is My pleasure to have you enjoy this movie about love.
The message is that real love exists, even in a world where marriage was dictated by political status or financial standings. There was love, even in this age, where a definite line was cast between the poor and the rich, the free and the bound.
This is a story of love between a man and a woman, but even this, though wonderful, is overshadowed by the greatest love of all--My love for each one of yo
u, My precious brides. The desire of love portrayed in this movie is beautiful, but so much greater is My desire for mankind to be drawn to My heart of love.
This is a worthwhile love story, something you will enjoy watching, but the reality of My love for you is the greatest romance of all. (End of message from Jesus.)
Toddler Bible ABC's
(Dad speaking:) This is a sweet little video. It's not terribly deep, and it's very weak "milk of the Word"--pretty watery in some ways--but it's not h
armful and it's got some good things little kids can learn about the alphabet and some Bible stories in a sweet, entertaining little package. Just remember, though, folks, our Family videos are the best! You can't beat `em! So remember that while you want to have variety for your kids in the stuff they watch, the best thing they can partake of, and the only thing that has the real white-hot Spirit of the Lord and His answers for today, is the Word-on-video that He's anointed our wonderful Family
producers to make.
This video is fine to recommend. I just want to make sure that folks aren't crowding in too much of a good thing to where they leave aside the best of all. Put the Word first, and save the other stuff for the fillers. Okay? (End of message from Dad.)
letters to the editor
Re: Lea's story (see GV #61, page 1)
Lea, I just read your "Want a life" testimony in GV #61, and wanted to tell you how sweet it was for you to send it in so all can benefit. I really admire your
giving spirit!! That is what I call "THE FAMILY"!
--Angie (16), Spain
personals
Mail call from HCS: Here at the HCS there have been many people coming and going, and we have received mail for some people that are no longer here. We'd like those listed below to send us an e-mail message to ivm@awa.or.jp and let us know their address where we can forward their mail.
Daniel S.B. - mail from Elia in Russia
Daniel M. - mail from Zoric in Russia
Tiana (Christina) - mail from Rina S.
Ch
ris Martin - two letters, one from India
Gideon/Joan - mail from Bangalore, India
Daniel C. - mail from Daniela F. in Germany
Barney R. - mail from N. R. in Israel
Michael and James - mail from Yumiko H. in Tokyo
William J. - mail from M&C in Henderson, New Zealand
Sebastian D. - mail from Marie Collier D.
David, Ester (Ira's brother) and Luke (Eva's ex), please call 504-738-5868.
Claire Mariangela (of Peter B.P., last heard of in Hungary), please contact Maria ASAP at e-mail:
familyjm@intekom.co.za. Add: P.O. Box 20197, Humewood 6013, Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
Crystal (of Daniel [MD]) is trying to contact Lisa (formerly Harmony) of Aaron and Sky. Please contact me at e-mail: billdale@pacific.net.id.
John and Abi (Szeged Home), Mike and Jenny, Italian Andy would like to contact you. Please write to e-mail: TApoose@hotmail.com.
Vicky is looking for Sharon. You lived together in Hungary. Last heard she was on her way to the States. E-mail: kip@mail.bip.net. Ad
d: Värdshusvägen 32 10tr 145-50 Norsborg, Sweden.
Martin (of Joan, formerly in UK, now in Chile?), please get in touch with Marie via Phillip and Praise's e-mail address. She knew you in Delhi in `78.
Rachel and Kristie (somewhere in India), Mary Joyful (of Steven, in South Africa?), please write Claire (a.k.a. Heidi, 16) in Spain ASAP! Lived with you in Denmark. E-mail: mr6265551@hotmail.com.
Charity (of Val) would like to get in contact with Sam and Esther (SGAs) and Miracle (of Jo and D
ove). You can contact me at e-mail: richard@job.pd.it.
Seth and Lily (formerly known as Ekanas and Nekoda), last heard of in San Antonio, USA about 3 years ago, David (13, of Malaysian Victoria) would like to get in touch with you. Please contact him via the China Desk.
Stephanie (formerly of Andrew), Chris is looking for you. You are my son Patrick's grandma. Please contact me via Polish ABM. TY!
Abner please contact Melanie. Met you at New Years `99 in London on your way to the States. E
-mail:
Isaac (from Mexico D.F.) is looking for Aurora M. (Joy) from Guadalajara, Mexico. The last time I heard from her, she was in Brazil. E-mail: shangrla@mail.compusep.com.
Windy (from Canada) please call or e-mail your parents in Canada. They have important information for you!--John and Sarah
Esther (of Mark, Romanian) please contact Cryssy at agmagsal@interclan.net. Important!
URGENT: Tim (of Rosemarie), please write Stephanie at: ode2heaven@aol.com.
Ch
arity (of Tim and Suzanna) in Africa somewhere, please contact Shad. I lived with you in San Diego at OceanView in 93/94. E-mail: tomscrew@gewi.kfunigraz.ac.at.
happenings
[Not giving leftovers]
Pedro and Maria Fisher, Peru: We arrived in Peru on Dec. 11, 1998, from the States and were received by our precious brothers in Trujillo who have a beautiful ministry of outreach and CTP. They feed 25-40 street children each day, GBT! We had tried for some time to raise funds to leave the States
and found it quite a battle, but the Lord did a miracle and a restaurant contact from eight years ago bought our tickets for us. We weren't able to bring as much funds as we wanted to, but we're so thankful to just be here on a receptive field and out of the States.
When we originally met the family who helped us get here, eight years ago, they had two restaurants and were doing OK; now they have eight restaurants and are booming. They always cheerfully helped us with meals and we gave them F
amily materials and tools.
One time we were on an extended road trip in the city where they had their restaurant. When I asked the owner if we could pick up their leftovers from the restaurant, our friend looked at me and said, "Sure, you can pick up the leftovers if you want, but why not just come by and get a hot meal? I don't like to give the Lord my leftovers!" We continued to visit them a couple times a year and wrote them. They helped out with small donations on occasions, but when the t
ime came the Word touched their heart to buy our tickets to Peru, GBT!
The family we live with here in Peru are 12 and we're 7, so we're 19 people all together and a few catacombers. Peru is a receptive but expensive and somewhat difficult field to raise support in, and as we said above, we weren't able to bring much cash. So if you'd like to help us out, please send it via your TRF to the Trujillo Home in Peru, thanks!
[NDYC]
Daniel, India: As usual every year in January we organized the
NDYC (National Deaf Youth Conference). This time we held it from January 10-17 in Chicalim (Goa). The Lord supplied a very nice and quiet place to accommodate the 140 deaf Catacombers from 14 cities all over the country.
The Lord miraculously supplied the funds for our whole Home to go, including the children. The older children attended the classes, as they follow fluent sign language, and the younger ones had a fun time at the beach.
We had five days of classes and two days of activities.
When we prayed about what to teach, how to teach and any other guidance, Dad spoke to us and gave us a clear outline. The classes were: about Dad, Family history, fight the good fight, conviction and compromise, quiet time, pillars of God, Endtime, prophecy and hearing from Him. Evening activities were loving Jesus time, inspiration, watching the Final Stand and testimony time. On the second day, 30 deaf delegates met the governor of Goa, who gave certificates to every one.
Our precious Famil
y in Goa (Joshua and Lily) provisioned a free boat ride for 150 people. The deaf catacombers were so thrilled as they were dancing and rocking out to our Family music (even though they can't hear it, but only feel the vibrations) on the deck of the boat! We went off to the beach after that and all had a very fun and inspiring time. The last day was spent at the beach again and in the afternoon everyone enjoyed provisioned tea and snacks at a five star hotel. We wanted to testify of the Lord's ne
ver-ending supply and safekeeping of all the attendees of this unforgettable NDYC, we are all praying that the classes will have a long-lasting and far-reaching effect on the lives of our dear deaf catacombers.
[My money!]
Stefan Newheart, Pakistan: While singing at the Marriott, a young man approached me and said, "I recognize you! Do you remember me? I met you in Karachi in `93!" He then pulled out an old, worn out, yellow, creased and dirty Daily Food that he'd kept in his pocket for the
last five years! When I asked why he was carrying it in his pocket, he said, "To me, this is my money! That is how important it is to me!"
[JETT camping trips]
Michael and Fe, Chile: We've gone on two camping trips with our JETTs. We went horse riding, had activities at the beach, some body surfing, and had fruitful Word classes. They did personal studies of the Word and then shared their reactions with the group; they memorized a Daily Might, and at night we watched good educational movie
s. Joseph shared his testimony and gave them a short Word class. We plan to continue these camping trips with more JETTs and teens from the interior Homes. The Lord has supplied all the food for these trips, and also free private camping places with swimming pools, etc., and extra funds for outdoor activities and barbecues. This has been a real blessing so that we don't have to ask the Homes that send their kids for much finances. Usually the kids bring $10 each (which helps pay for gasoline) fo
r the whole stay, and we don't mind about the ones that can't--the important thing is that they have the opportunity to go.
Members only Family Web site
--www.familymembers.com
May UserID: may
May password: jack&jill
help wanted
We are Jonathan and Celeste and have six children. We left NA and are presently at the RH in Taiwan. We sent in a scouting team into China just before the Feast. We met so many sweet sheep and the Lord opened the doors for us to get an apartment. We have
the possibility of a part time job teaching (which will enable us to get a visa for a year for our whole family). Setting up the home the Lord just provided is more than we anticipated, LHU. We need a boost to help with our initial costs. On March 15, 1999 we will be moving with our children to China. Please keep us in your prayers and send gifts via your TRF to Jonathan and Celeste in China. Thank you so much from our hearts!
We're Simon and Julia with four kids. We are Polish and are prep
aring to go to Africa. Can you help? Send your prayers through Jesus and gifts through EURCRO. We are raising funds for our fare and are hoping for somebody to help us with a gift. We pray you remember us when you do your TRF. WRLY!
I am Isabelle (19, of Abel and Marie Claire) and have been in India, Pakistan and Indonesia since I was two years old. The Lord has shown me to head to South America but I desperately need help towards my airfare. I already have ½ of my fare and one airline gave
me 50% off. If the Lord puts it in your heart to help or even pray for me, I would be most thankful. Home #IA-10.
We are a small team in Split,
and we want to give out more lit.
Croatia is still a wartorn country,
so on your help we are counting.
--Martin, Charity, Timmy, Laura, Jerry and Meekness, Home CT 001, Croatia.
focus
[Luster of living alone]
Tim (of Tabi), Slovakia: I'm in the process of learning how to be a father. I thought I knew pretty much everything about taking
care of children as I come from a big family, but having one of your own is a slightly different story. It really is total sacrifice! I didn't know how selfish I really was until Patrick came along.
For the last two months we've been here in Prague all by ourselves and learning firsthand what it involves to raise a child. I can say with all my heart that we are really thankful for Family Homes and the help that they are in every way. That's one thing I can say to all those couples, young and
old, that have thoughts about living all alone in your own apartment or house and having the "pleasures" of living alone. I can tell you from personal experience that that is just not so. The luster of it all lasts for only a short while and then you really wish you were back in your heavenly Home.
[Our babies]
Pauline, Russia: Both babies in our Home are not babies anymore, they're walking and talking and doing all the other things toddlers do. We're very proud parents. I wanted to say tha
t our babies have brought us so much closer together as a Home. We all help out with them when we can, enjoy them together and they give us so much love in return. The one wife vision really pays off. We are more mature in many areas, and having our babies be everybody's responsibility grows us all up much quicker than loads of accomplishments would. PTL!
[The "dirty work"]
SGA female, Brazil: One area I think we are being tested a lot in as a Home is in the practical application of the "on
e wife" vision. There are so many personal habits that people have formed that go against living this principle, as man is by nature selfish and tends to look out for himself and his own first. The Enemy really attacks in little ways with our unity, like with comparing, lack of communicating and counseling, misunderstanding and gossiping about one another.
I think it would really help if we could all learn to receive correction and counsel from our peers and co-workers. Many folks feel free to
report or talk about others and what bothers them, but when it comes to actually talking to the person themselves, many either lack the courage, or have encountered much resistance and sensitivity to where they dare not share anything directly. This ends up borderlining on criticism and gossip, as often it never reaches the person in question, or if it does reach them, it's in an indirect and often muddled way.
As a teamworker, I find myself in a dilemma: I don't mind listening to people's tr
ials and offering prayer or advice when I can, but I am often saddened by the fact that few people will go and talk to the person themselves; they expect me to do the "dirty work," so to speak. Even when I have gone to talk with the person in question, and relayed to them the trial or comments of the other person, it has been harder for that person to accept and even a little embarrassing for them. Then that person will go to the person who reported and say something like, "Is it true that you t
old so-and-so that? And do you really feel that way? To which the other will reply, "No, no, I didn't say that. She must have misunderstood. No, I didn't mean that," and try to cover it all up and even make me look like the bad guy. It's almost dishonesty, to a degree, and it has greatly discouraged me to see this in our Home.
Some folks just like to vent their frustration against others, but are not truly concerned about changing things for the better through humbling themselves to sort it ou
t. It's just plain hard to be honest, and humbling too. It also takes love and a listening ear on the other end. But it's good practice in seeing ourselves as others see us, so we can learn how to love and respect others more. How are we ever going to learn anything if we are not willing to give and receive suggestions and correction? Sometimes it's not even that, it's just seeing another's point of view and their frustrations and needs. I think this is an art we all need to cultivate and grow i
n as a body.
[The borrowed axe]
Ben, Maria and Hannah, Mexico: We've learned to be really faithful with things we borrow from people to do our CTP events. In December we borrowed pots, sound equipment and several other things. It was a real blessing to have them to be able to do the CTP. But when we loaded the stuff on the way home we were not as careful as we should have been and some things got misplaced or totally lost. Then the people who were responsible left for a month-long trip with
out explaining to the friends what had happened with their things or making a plan to replace them. This has been a bad sample to our neighbors and other people that lent things to us. LFU!
[Pledging]
Aaron, Africa: In visiting other Homes in Africa and being part of a pioneer Home for the last three years, and going through troublesome times when tools--videos and tapes, etc--were almost impossible to get ahold of, we've had to change and try new ideas and tactics and trust the Lord in new
ways for support. It's helped us change our flabby faith into muscles!
For the first two years in Nigeria we raised funds to make ends meet and were caught up in the monthly job of raising funds regularly. We used tools until we had no tools left. Then by faith we started getting people turned on to our different CTP projects and began asking for large donations for our work. We found people generally very receptive, but still it took a lot of time! Now we could combine fundraising with witne
ssing but we all longed for more time personal witnessing, without having to think constantly about the money.--Being able to spend more time at the universities and other forms of outreach that might not bring in the money but are just as important and tremendously inspiring.
When praying about a solution, the Lord led us to the idea of monthly pledges. In our country to expect people to be faithful to deposit money in your account is crazy! It just won't happen. But going and picking them up
ourselves, and using this same time to feed people has been very practical, especially if all organized for around the same time each month. But it took us really praying it through and putting forth the effort of asking contacts and giving them the vision of pledging every month.
We've found that often a little bit every month has been much better than a bigger sum as a once-in-awhile donation. Most people that we asked said yes, but some fall by the wayside in faithfulness. We found that it
takes the same amount of effort to ask for a monthly pledge as it does for any kind of donation; it's even worked with people that we've just met. Another added blessing is that it's made us more faithful to feed and care for our friends, and has made them a much bigger part of our work.
At this point, 80% of our budget comes from pledges, which has totally freed our Home to be on the road pioneering and doing other ministries. The Lord has used it to answer our prayers. This has also helped
us in raising funds for other needs or projects, as when we ask friends for financial help, we can ask specifically for certain projects instead of throwing it down the black hole of daily survival.
Staying open, changing tactics and being desperate about new ways to fundraise has been so good for us and has helped us find the other windows that the Lord wanted to use to drop His financial blessings upon us!
Dear Mama,
Right after starting to read GN 795 ("Tapping in Together") where the
Lord inspires us parents and teachers to apply the New Wine with the kids, no matter what age, and teach them to hear from Him, promising that they would eagerly adopt this new step, and believe by faith without so much analyzing as we older ones often do--I did just that! The same day, before we even finished the GN, I suggested at Family Time that two of my kids, ages seven and ten, ask the Lord any question they had. My daughter wanted to ask why the Lord had allowed our TV to be in the repai
r shop for so long (about two months), as we hadn't been able to see any videos during that time. So we asked Him. He sweetly explained that we needed to keep on praying and believing, and He asked the kids if they could see the benefits from it, as they've started doing a lot of things they didn't usually do, because of the addicting option of a video.
We talked about the Lord's answer afterward, and they both agreed that it was true, especially my son who was starting to become "glued to the
tube," even by Family videos, Bible cartoons, and was obsessed by his weekly video night. Now his creativity had been challenged for the best, for lack of a TV, and during Family Times, quiet time, etc., he had a renewed hunger for the Word, as well as spent more time with his younger brother and sister. They were both impressed by this experience of hearing from the Lord, and how thrilling it can be. So was I, to see the immediate fruit in their lives, by just applying and putting in practice
the New Wine.
Later I asked the MC/OCs to help me hear from the Lord about two lost objects that had been missing for months. I told them it could be like a fun treasure hunt, and they all cheerfully agreed. They took it seriously, yet full of expectation, and excitement. They each got either a verse, or impression. One seven-year-old received to "seek and you shall find," and a 10-year-old got for me to look in the storage room. At first, although excited by their ability to hear from Him, my
lack of faith put it all on the back burner, as I had been looking for those objects for months, and in particular had turned the storage room upside down. So I wasn't about to look again.
After a few days I felt convicted by my lack of faith, and decided to give a chance to the Lord, and not disappoint the kids, and went again to the storage room. The Lord blessed my little step of faith, and led me straight to a box full of old schoolbooks, which somehow had previously skipped my attention.
My heart started to skip a beat when I started digging, and indeed … they were both there, of all places! I was so excited that I called all my OC/MCs who were having get-out, telling them: "Quick children, come and see! You did hear from the Lord, and it was there!" They were so excited and happy, and so was I! We were all jumping up and down!
--F. (female), Brazil
Y2K ready?
Is your Home preparing for year 2000 and the possible bugs that the Y2K problem may very well bring? Are you stoc
king up on survival food, water, etc.? Have you prayed about whether you need a generator or not? If you haven't discussed Y2K prep as a Home yet, do it soon!
ideas and tips
Kids corner
We are a large Home and mealtimes tend to get a bit hectic with everyone in a room together and the kids running around. With the funds our kids' show troupe miraculously raised, we made a "Kids' Corner" in our dining room. We had seen in a supermarket a nice set with a little house and slide, all made of
durable plastic and a cute little tent with plastic balls inside, and we were sold on it! The owner gave us a discount on the toys, and we also bought some little chairs and table to make a coloring corner. It has many benefits, one being that it takes away the drabness of a large, four picnic-tabled dining room, adding a spice of flashy colors. Of course, the kids were overjoyed and now mealtimes are happier times for all.
--John, Amendoa, Anisa and Cristal, Brazil
Shine on February 1999
TEAMWORK Per Adult Total
SOUL SHINERS FOR FEBRUARY `99
Samuel/Rosita, Mexico 3,296 6,592
Juan/Sara Pescador, Venezuela 2,750 11,000
Josue/Maria, Mexico 1,098 2,195
Erastus/Esperanza, Chile 546 1,093
Gedeon, Venezuela 425 850
Esteban/Amor, Mexico 408 1,630
John/Joy, Ukraine 370 740
Madras Deaf Home, India 369 3,320
Timothy/Rejoice/Dove, USA 273 2,457
Cefas/Anita, Mexico 237 473
POSTER SHINERS FOR FEBRUARY `99
Peter S./Crystal S./Mary M., USA 2,839 11,357
Josue/Mary/Philip/Pris/
Maria, Ivory Coast 2,160 17,280
Michael/Maria, Japan 1,501 3,003
Andy/Maria/Ariana, Colombia 1,065 5,325
Francis Mountain/Joanna Rose, USA 1,064 9,576
Timothy/Rejoice Eve/Dove, USA 896 8,065
Paolo/Esther, Italy 833 2,500
John/Angeles/Amor, Portugal 738 1,477
Adino/Abrahim/Joana, Brazil 713 4,280
Abner/Promise, Japan 708 2,124
TAPE SHINERS FOR FEBRUARY `99
Pablo E., Chile 149 298
Gedeon, Venezuela 103 206
Samuel/Clara, Spain 87 175
Andrew/Crystal/Angela/Maureen/Julie, USA 83 417
B
ernardo/Clara, Brazil 73 147
Francisco/Joanna/Luana, Brazil 63 189
Josue/Abigail/Heidi Maria, Costa Rica 60 358
Seth Free/Lily Free/Elena, USA 59 236
Tim Newlove/Elisabeth, Spain 58 232
David/Madalena/Andrew/Paula, Brazil 58 293
VIDEO SHINERS FOR FEBRUARY `99
Ben/Meekness, Botswana 105 210
Martin/Marie, Holland 44 88
Aaron/Joy/Celeste, Brazil 29 117
Andrew/Mercy/Aaron, Italy 25 250
Miguel/Samuele/Paloma/Ester, Brazil 25 103
Abner/Esther/Andrew/Lena, South Africa 24 120
Timoteo/Mer
cy, Venezuela 23 70
Esperanza Fiel, USA 21 42
David Searcher/Pandita First-Love, Japan 20 80
Pedro/Sara/Joao/Maria, Brazil 18 74
Also included with this file
cute kids (peanuts `n' raisins) (by Kristen) Suzy 1 ½, Gabey 3, courtesy of Julianna 13, Thailand
Caption 1 Suzy, haven't Mom and Dad told you?
Caption 2 You're not supposed to cry unless I hurt you
(End of file.)