The Family / Children of God

HANS BRINKER (1969)
Robin Askwith, Richard Baseheart
       Musical adaptation of the classic story. An Amsterdam teenager devoted to ice skating hopes to find help for his injured father, and dreams of winning the New Year's Eve ice-skating competition. For young or sensitive viewers, you may want to fast-forward the scene where the upset father tries to push the mother into the fireplace.

reviews

Kissing a Fool
       (Jesus speaking:) This is a fun and enjoyable movie to watch. It has many good lessons. There are some System attitudes and ways of looking at relationships that are not of Me, but overall it has a good message and it will remind My Family of the true blessings and riches that you have in having found true love. In the System some do not even know what this is. Like the handsome sports annou ncer who has everything in the eyes of the System: a good job, popularity, good looks, lots of girls, but it becomes obvious what he doesn't have, and that is true love, or even an understanding of true love, for he is so full of pride and his own success that he is incapable of even finding it. Real love comes from humility, which is so difficult for people like this to have, for their whole life is filled with just the opposite. They are so proud of themselves and their accomplishments, which are really nothing in My eyes, for they are not the things of true importance.
       As I have told you over and over again, love is the most important thing, and those that seek to give love to others are the ones who will find true love and happiness. In giving of My love and even sharing your loved ones with one another, you receive My blessing, and greater love. You can give and love in faith, and not have to fear, as those in the world do, that in giving or sharing or opening your lives you wil l lose. For they do not know Me, nor the freedom that My Spirit can bring, nor My godly principle that you never lose by giving.
       Pray that you can eschew the evil, but at the same time drink in the good. It can also be used as a springboard for good discussion on how to find real love, and also how to be a real lover--by giving unselfishly and sincerely. (End of message from Jesus.)

Blast from the Past
       (Dad speaking:) This gives a sweet portrayal of a sheltered young man who brings a touc h of sweetness to the life of a somewhat cynical and hardened young woman. It's such a shame how movie producers these days love to throw their little pieces of garbage into what could otherwise have been a really great movie. You've just got to learn to choose the good and eschew the evil.
       There's always going to be some little problem, some subtle, perverting influence, some bad example or thing that you want to be on guard against. That's why it's so important that you bathe your kids--and yourselves--in the Word and in prayer before and after you take your time with the tube. There are so many things that are not according to God's Word, and it can be the slightest little attitude or way of looking at things, but which goes contrary to the truth, and that makes it a lie. So be on guard, and don't take it lightly! It's a lesson that you need to apply to all the movies you watch, to give yourself a good lathering up in prayer first, and then rinse down again afterwards, to clean of f any of the gunk that might've stuck to you from the show.
       The portrayal of the sodomite is not very overt, and while it would be important to clarify this for the teens when they watch it, reminding them that this is not a normal, acceptable lifestyle but something diametrically opposed to God's Word, I don't think it would cause such a problem that you shouldn't list the movie. It's got a good message. Just be prayed up, and I say that for this movie and for all movies.--Or the boogey man w ill get you if you don't watch out! (End of message from Dad.)

Office Space
       (Dad speaking:) Ha! What a riot! There's no one like the System to poke fun at the System! I guess they really know the ins and outs and all the things they hate about their way of life! This is a great portrayal of the reality of the green-door System. Let's tell it like it is! This is a good movie for our young people to see. They've seen the other side, all these glamorous job movies, how great the System workpla ce is--now let's have a bit of the other side. And I'll tell you, this other side is a lot more truthful, the real unvarnished stuff.
       Oh sure, there's dramatic license, and it's been exaggerated to make it funny. But anyone who's ever worked at a job like this will tell you that's pretty much just how it is. Every day, get up for the grind, and it just goes on and on. Thank God for our Family! Thank God that we don't have to be slaves to the System, that we have jobs that we love and thank God that we can burn free and fill the world with His light.
       It's a shame that the movie stops just short of the best answer of all--Jesus. Wouldn't that have made a terrific ending? To not only see what's wrong, but what's right as well? There are people like this out there, folks, and you're the ones who need to reach them. That person you're walking by on the street might be just at the right moment, just desperate enough that he will do anything to know the truth. Be there to give it to them, and turn their lives from a green-door hell into a beautiful, Heavenly Heaven. Amen? Keep on keeping on! (End of message from Dad.)

Hans Brinker
       (Jesus speaking:) This is a sweet, old-fashioned movie. It doesn't have much of a message, but it's got a sweet, positive spirit. It would be fine for the children to watch. (End of message from Jesus.)

happenings

[Tract power]
       Sally Scribe, WS: Here's a beautiful note I received from my son's mother-in-law (my son is not in the Family). S he's a Christian and super sweet, and we communicate by e-mail. I sent her a To You With Love tract at Christmas time, and here is her reply.
       "Thank you very much for the letter from Jesus to me. You sent that at a time of need in my life. I was having problems with my boyfriend and kids all at the same time and I felt so unwanted and unloved. I got that letter from you and it just seemed to make everything so much better after reading it, just knowing that Jesus no matter what still loves me, and that letter just reinforced it into my heart!!! Tears filled my eyes as I was reading it because all I could think of was you, yes you! I wanted to give you a big hug for sending it to me. You helped me get through this problem by sending it to me. Thanks again!"

[Average businessman's plight]
       Michael and Joanna, Russia: Businessmen in Russia are experiencing tremendous trauma as they reluctantly go through the motions to try to make ends meet. One such person is Sergei, who though not a believer in the Bible, has been actively supporting us for three years. He runs a photo studio and deals with electronic items.
       After the economic crisis hit here, his business has been going downhill so bad that he had to borrow money to offer us tea and cookies. Since he has no savings in hard currency he doesn't know where everything is leading to, as he cannot even afford employees, and customers are fading extremely fast. From day to day he lives by selling off his studio equipment. An d even with that, he has difficulty in finding other businessmen who can buy the equipment because business is going so bad in most cities that everyone fears for what the future holds. On top of it all, his new wife, who is half his age, doesn't want him anymore.
       Through all this he is getting desperate and has started to acknowledge the Lord. Thank you for your prayers for these dear people who are passing through such difficult times here in Russia--for His blessings on their lives and that the Lord helps us to continue to feed and strengthen them spiritually.

[7th FESPIC Games]
       Kristia, for Garden Home, Thailand: Recently over 2,300 athletes from 36 countries came to Bangkok for the regional "Olympics" for the disabled called the FESPIC Games. They competed in 15 events including track and field, swimming, basketball and other sports that the able-bodied pride themselves in.
       It was heart wrenching yet inspiring to see these determined, spirited athletes overcome all odds i n their disabilities to prove themselves capable of meeting these physical challenges. The games featured track and field events with paraplegic/quadriplegic athletes running with metal supports as legs; swimming featured the blind, as well as some who were missing both of their arms or both of their legs or one of each. It was incredible to see these ones, young and old, display such perseverance to do their best and finish the course. Many times, the largest applause came at the end, showered on the last contender who made it long after the winner hit the finish line.
       It was an eye-opener for our children to see such exemplary sportsmanship and goodwill between competitors. For example, in wheelchair basketball where there were a few run-ins and tumbles, it was neat to see how players immediately apologized, helped each other up and showed courtesy and respect to their opponents.
       It was an honor for us to represent the Lord and His Family at these games as His witnesses--witnessi ng to and encouraging the handicapped athletes for four of the six days of the games. We started off by taking the 10 kids in our Home (ages 7-14) to watch several events, which quickly gave them a burden and a vision for witnessing to these athletes. Then, we went to work.
       It was truly an opportunity for us to `go into all the world' to preach the Gospel, as there were folks there from the exotic destinations such as Samoa, Mongolia, China, Cambodia, New Caledonia, Myanmar, Solomon Islands, P apua New Guinea, Nepal, Brunei, Laos … wow! A witnessing haven! On the final day of our witnessing, for our Family Day all the parents and their children, including the little pre-schoolers, set out to FESPIC. We met and talked with many athletes, giving out the message as well as words of hope and encouragement. The children especially went for the gold as they were inspired and more enthusiastic than we have ever seen them in their witnessing. In the final tally, we won a total of 65 souls and gave out more than 100 posters and tracts.

[¥100,000]
       Robin, Japan: In our little Home, none of us are great fund-raisers per se, but each time we'd hear from Jesus, He'd lead us to trust Him, do all we could each day, and He told us to not get stuck in a regular job to bring in income.
       Well, one afternoon, just after they'd heard that I might be leaving to another home, Dorcas was a bit concerned about our finances when she got a phone call out of the blue from a lady who Paul had minis tered to with Lydia (of Johane) about a year ago. The lady said she was in need of counsel and when she considered who she really trusts with her heart, she could only think of us. Well, Dorcas ministered to her and talked to her for a while. At the end of the call, the lady casually said, "Actually, I have a hundred thousand yen I've been wondering what I should do with. Could you use it in your work?" Ha! Dorcas just flipped out! So the lady sent it right away--almost a thousand dollars from t he sky! Isn't Jesus just great?!

[The NUTS forsook it]
       Pauline, Russia: One of the fruits of the Feast: THE NUTS FORSOOK SYSTEM MUSIC! The Lord told us in prophecy on February 17th that He wanted us to, and so we did. That was a toughie, but hey, we aren't gonna be left behind when the great battle starts, or find ourselves hiding behind other people's backs `cause our weapons are dull and our feet are weak. He also spoke a lot about us being more loving and praying more, and told us lots o f cool things about our spirit helper warriors. We were dumbfounded! Now right after our praise time we have love time--three times a day--when we all hug and kiss and say sweet, loving words to each other. It really works!

[Puppet sets on their way]
       Steven, Claire, Gerson and Keiko, Russia: We started receiving donations towards our Puppet project (making free puppet shows for the Homes in Russia) from our wonderful Family, GBT! After we received the first funds for it, we went ahead and s tarted making puppet theatres for all the Homes that have requested them, which was more than those funds covered. But the Lord promised us that He will bless our efforts, and now He is fulfilling His promises. TYJ!

[Not coincidence]
       James and Joanie, Sri Lanka: We usually try to do our shopping in the evenings when it is cooler. We make it part of our get-out walk to the beach and then take a detour to the store. That way we can leave the mornings free for outreach and follow-up. But one p articular day the Lord had other plans, and for some reason when we prayed about it James felt that he should go to the store in the morning and then leave the evening free for just get-out. But, we couldn't even go out for a walk in the evening as it suddenly started raining quite heavily.
       The way we saw it was that the Lord had arranged for us to do our shopping in the morning because He knew that it would rain in the evening. But NO, it was more than that, we found out later when watching t he news. There had been a bomb-blast right near the area where we shop and at around the same time that we would have been out there had it not been raining! Apparently, a suicide bomber had flung herself onto the car of a police intelligence officer, sadly killing four people, injuring about a dozen others and damaging eight vehicles. Boy, were we praising the Lord for His protection of us!

[Band for the Balkans!]
       Oasis Home, Central Bosnia: The Hungarian Studio (EAST) band came to help us minister God's message in song to hundreds of youth in Bosnia! To have a live international band in Bosnia is a rare occurrence, and the audiences were very receptive and enthusiastic! We have been working with a few NGOs whose goal is to unite the different ethnic groups and channel the youth into positive activities and away from alcohol and drugs. Our Family CDs are also very popular in many radio stations here, especially songs like "When will the wars be ended?" We have a friend in one rad io station, which reaches Belgrade, and she faithfully broadcasts the message of peace and love found in our songs!

[Heaven 4 hearts, shoes 4 feet!]
       Jason, for the Mexico Southreach Home: After reading the recent "Mama's Memos" section subtitled "Be A Sample and A Sermon!" (GN #830) where Mama shares the importance of not pulling our punches in asking people if they would like to receive the Lord, we got together as a Home and asked the Lord if He had any counsel for us along these lines.
       As always, when you take time to hear from the Lord, He speaks! Among other things He told us to put up a "soul chart" and take a day to go out witnessing specifically aiming for souls. So we did! And through it the Lord led us to a very sweet man who owns a sport shoes store called "Teni Mundo." After seeing and hearing about what we do, he said, "You know, I give discounts to customers who leave their used shoes when they buy a new pair, and I set them aside to give away. Thankfully some peop le have given away really nice pairs." He proceeded to show us a closet full to the ceiling with good pairs of shoes, as well as several big boxes of clothes that he had set aside.
       At the time our van was in the shop getting fixed (a regular occurrence here in Mexico) so a few days later the man called us asking if he could deliver them to our house himself, GBH! We didn't realize how many shoes he was talking about, but as he unloaded his car and went back to his store two more times, we bega n to get the picture. We're talkin' SHOES!!! It inspired us to see the Lord open the door for a potential exciting CTP opportunity through us going out witnessing solely for the purpose of winning souls.
       The happy ending of this story is that today we loaded up all the shoes and headed for one of the poorest communities just outside of our city, called Solidaridad. Not only were we able to distribute all the shoes and clothes to precious needy people, but before giving them away we were able t o pray with them and give them the very best gift ever--Heaven!

Focus: visiting Family Homes
--inspired by Mama's Memos #8 (GN #832; "Poor Manners when Visiting other Family Homes")

From a reception Home--real life scenarios

       Here are a few tips that could make things flow smoother, as it seems that some in the Family have a way sometimes of wearing out a good welcome.
       Most of the time when we serviced incoming personnel we were only a six-man team, with one being four years old and one crippled who had a hard time going up and down steps. We were trying to do outreach, and the other couple living with us were trying to school their children. Mind you we're not complaining, and it's funny when we look back on these experiences, but it might help if the Family could realize how things fall on others when there is no advance notice of their arrivals, or when they don't consider thatwe also have a Home to run. Some days everything would come to a halt in order to service othe rs. But, hey, it was fun too! Most folks were real precious as well and we enjoyed the fellowship.
       When coming to our Home it's helped greatly for us if we are givenadvance notice. At times we've been put under stress to take people in because of their demands and then we'd have this belittling feeling of not being loving enough, when in reality we were doing the best we could under the circumstances.

A.) We've gotten phone calls which go something like this:

       Family Member: "We're comi ng to your Home on Friday at about 2:00 A.M. Could you pick us up? We're only an 8-man team, I think it's Air India, see you then. Sorry, we gotta go…."

       Us: "Hello? Wait! It's Thursday at midnight! Could you call back so we can pray about it?"

       Family Member: "No, actually we can't, sorry. See you then." Clunk! Phone goes down.

       Us: "Honey, a few e-mails just came, looks like about three teams want to stay here all at the same time. Let's pray."
       "I wanted to get back to that couple, but the visitors are on the computer!"
       "All the outgoing messages that our visitors sent were not coded, oops!"
       "Honey, I wasn't able to go to sleep till late last night. The visitors didn't leave our office/bedroom until after one A.M."

B.) People often stay longer than they actually anticipated.

       Us: "Oh, we were wondering what your plans are? You've been here a week longer than you originally mentioned."

       Family Member: "I'm not sure. Don't worry, it'll be okay! By the way I'll b e gone all day tomorrow, just save dinner for me!"

       * People coming often have business to do so they are gone most of the day, thus the work falls on the Home team, which includes the cooking, the laundry, and JJTs because the visitors have to get out early which is understandable. You don't mind helping, if they show they're thankful.

       * Some do pitch in and help but most are too busy and have come to do their business and be gone. Appreciation is accepted!

       * Or what happens sometime s is, a team will leave a person back in the Home that needs the most shepherding, taking the more well-behaved ones out and leaving the Home with the "rascal" who wreaks havoc on the home front, as well as not doing much to contribute.

C.) Picking people up from the airport in the middle of the night, with many flights delayed till early morning.

       Us: "Honey, I'm not sure if I can get up at 6:30 in the morning to go downtown for follow-up tomorrow because I didn't get home from the airpor t until 5:30 A.M. Oh, I feel kind of sick!"
       "Don't worry, Honey, the team coming in tomorrow night will be in at 1:30 A.M. sharp!"

Scenario #2

       Us: "Honey, could you go get a taxi for these folks to go, and call the airport to make sure the flight is leaving on time. Also, could you get some money changed so they can pay the rickshaw, and help them with their luggage, etc. etc.?"

       Them: "Bye, we love you! Sorry we're fresh out of change! We'll give you something another time, see ya!"

D.) The "vacation mode" syndrome.

       Them: "Can we watch a video tonight?"
       Us: "I think it's okay, we realize you've been traveling. You must feel like just relaxing. Sure!"

       Next team arrives same week: "Oh, can we watch a video?"

       Next team arrives: "Can we watch a video?"

       Us: "Honey, I think the Home watched a total of seven videos this week! Ha!"

E.) Hygiene of the Home

       Us: "We just wondered if you could keep your room tidy? That would be a big blessing to us."
       Us: 2nd day (sweet tone) … "Oh, I noticed you weren't able to get to your room. Do you think you could keep it tidy? Thanks so much!"
       Us: 3rd day (slightly stretched tone) … "You probably forgot but the room still looks messy, could you clean it up?"
       Them: (shrug of shoulders) "Sure, I'll try!"
       Us: "Honey, the visitors just left. Could you help me clean the room? Oh look! There are all the dishes that have been missing. Oh, how many cups does that make that we've found? The food sure is caked on! Honey, could you do the laundry? It's only 10 sheets. Thanks, love you!"

Scenario #2

       Us: "Here, you guys can stay in this room. It has an adjoining shower just for you. Enjoy yourself!"
       Them: "Thanks!"
       Us: (A few days later after visitors leave) "Yikes, Honey, it looks like someone could go swimming on this floor!"
       "Oh and look, I think they forgot to flush…."
       "Is that our hand towel that they used to wipe up the floor?"

F.) Dress Code

       Us (To the visitor:) "Honey, I thi nk if you wear that outfit out of the house you're looking for trouble. It's cute and all, but a bit too sexy for this situation."
       Them: (Rolling of the eyes) "Yeah, sure." (An hour later) "I have to wear this because it's the only thing I have!"
       Us: "Here, Sweetheart, you can wear this nice jean shirt over your sexy top!"
       Them: "Forget it, I don't want to go out! Yuk! This field is so restrictive, I feel the Family needs to lighten up!"

G.) Phone Bill

       Us: "Honey, I don't remember m aking these calls all over the country. Do you know what happened?"
       "I think the team that left forgot to pay the bill … oh well, we'll have to cover it!"

       These are real things that have happened on a day-to-day basis as we've served the Family. If folks coming realize that we're not on vacation, but have to carry the responsibility of taking care of the visitors and keep up with our Home, maybe they'd be a bit more helpful instead of having a familiar attitude of expecting more than we ca n give gracefully. We don't mind giving, though, as we love each Family member. Thanks for listening!

A happy story
       Sara and Home, Czechoslovakia: Recently we had two separate visits from single sisters. One needed some urgent dental work done and the other had problems with her computer set-up, needing our help in fixing it.
       We are very happy to say that both girls helped out in the Home whenever they could, taking care of our baby, washing laundry, going out witnessing with us and also helping financially. Our Home at present is in great need of personnel and we aren't doing so hot financially either, so we believe the Lord sent us these sweet sisters, not only to help them but also to encourage and help us. Sweet Jana and Marie, you are always welcome to come back!

[large stamp mark will be put on the side of the questionnaire below: "HUMOROUS AND SOMEWHAT EXAGGERATED"]

IS YOUR HOME KEEPING FAMILY VISITORS HAPPY?
--Use This Visitor Questionnaire Form And Find Out!

       S. (FGA man), North America: Not long ago while sitting in a waiting room I picked up a book by Art Buchwald, the famous columnist and humorist. The book was an assortment of some of his columns and one in particular caught my eye. Mr. Buchwald explained that many parents aren't sure if their sons and daughters really enjoy their Christmas and Spring vacations when they come home from college. So borrowing an idea from the large hotel chains he wrote up a questionnaire so that parents could find out if their children had a good time over the holidays.
       Interesting idea, I thought, and then it struck me--maybe a questionnaire like this could work well for the Family. With so many Family members traveling, especially since the Charter, sometimes Homes might not get a chance to determine if their visitors are happy campers. So here is a list of questions designed to help you find out. Feel free to photocopy, edit, add, subtract or make any adjustments necessary to fit the needs of your H ome.

       1. Was the receptionist alert and cheery when she received your early morning call letting her know that you were at the airport? Was she sufficiently sympathetic when you explained that "someone from our Home was supposed to call," and was she reassuring when you added, "but I guess they didn't"?

       2. After being informed of your arrival by the receptionist, was the scheduler able to juggle the schedule and personnel to quickly dispatch a vehicle, driver and partner to the airport?

       3. Airport trips aside, were your other transportation needs met while visiting our Home? Were the Home's schedulers able to rearrange the Home's business in order to provide you with transportation to meet your business, shopping, and fellowship commitments? Was this done in a timely manner?

       4. Did you find the food satisfactory? Was the cook accommodating on the days you needed to fix your breakfast while he/she was preparing lunch? Were there plenty of snacks on hand?

       5. Did you ge t enough sleep while in the Home? Were arrangements made to move devotions out of the living room on the mornings you decided to sleep in? Was the vacuuming and cleaning of the living room postponed to a more opportune time? Was a responsible person assigned to fold your sheets and blankets and move them and your mattress and personal items to a safe designated area?

       6. Did you have abundant uninterrupted time on the telephone? Were you able to contact everyone on your list of people you wan ted to phone? Did you have enough fellowship time on the phone? Were incoming calls handled to your satisfaction?

       7. Did you have easy and frequent access to the Home's computers? Were you able to send and receive e-mail at will? Were the computers stocked with enough interesting and challenging computer games and did you have enough time to enjoy them fully?

       8. If you needed to get a driver's license while visiting the Home, did the teamwork and all concerned parties readily grasp the g ravity of this important mission? Did they realize the enormous setback that would result, not only to your Home but to the entire field, if not the worldwide work, should you return without a driver's license? Was every effort made to visit each and every office for the needed paperwork, and were vehicles, driving teachers, and practice time made available? If time was running short due to an unchangeable return airline ticket, did the Home readily jump into red alert, or even scarlet fever mod e, to insure the success of this vital mission? Were Mama and Peter kept well informed throughout the mission with particular attention paid to the slightest possible setback?

       9. Was there any mention of you possibly contributing a monetary gift to defray some of the extra expenses incurred by the Home during your stay? If so, was this question asked with the utmost delicacy? Was the business teamworker, or whoever asked you this question, quick to grasp the explanation of your economically challenged situation and did he or she have the good taste not to mention the movies, excursions, and side trips you enjoyed while visiting the Home?

       10. Would you consider staying with us on future visits?

personals

       Johnny (Canada), thanks for your gifts. We would like to hear from you. Don't have your address.--Ufa Home
       Meekness (of Asher and Joan) is looking for Gabriel (of Samson and Christine), last met in Poland. Contact me soon at: denise1@usa.net.
       Mark Willing (Gary R.) co uld you please get in touch with Esther Praise in Bangalore, India? I worked with you in Hyderabad. Add: Family Services, Clockwork Business Centre, Vasavi Complex, 17, St. Mark's Road, Bangalore 560001, India. E-mail: access@giasbga.vsnl.net.in>
       Lena (of Crystal and Joel), we lived together in India for years. Cathy is desperate to get back in contact with you, last heard you were in Germany. E-mail:
       Mike (of Crystal and Joel) in Germany would like to get in tou ch with Matt or Kerri in Mexico. E-mail: RUSH 189@aol.com.
       This is Clara (Windy), I used to live with you (Charity and Chris) in Japan and I'm in Australia. Last time I heard from you was right before I left to Russia. I lost your address and I'm not sure if you're still in Australia. I'm in Bali, Indonesia. E-mail: balihi@denpasar.wasantara.net.id.
       Bianca needs to contact Angie of (Issac and Ruth). Last heard from you in Europe. Also could Stephan and Jessica, last heard of in Madagascar, a nd Michael and Lydia in Mauritius please contact me at e-mail: bihere@yahoo.com or add: PO Box 33, Ubonrachathani, 34000, Thailand
       Jonathan and Lily Fighter, USA (from GV #60 article, "A committed prisoner"), please contact Lily in New Zealand ASAP at: lily_dsouza@hotmail.com.
       David H. and Crystal please contact Davida (of Joshua and Faithy) in Brazil! And Joanna (of Apollos, Brazil) would like to contact Jonathan (of Felipe and Julieta). She lived with you in Vitoria. Add: CX. Postal 100 44 6 CEP. 24001-970 Niteri R.J. E-mail: nithome@uol.com.br.
       Christina Braveheart, where are you? Please contact Daniel and Vera (together in Novgorod). There is a message for you. e-mail: pvalour@dndk.dp.ua.
       Sammy (Norwegian) and Maria (English) would like to get in touch with Australian Peter and Kate, and PeterNicklicky, old friends!
       This is French Meekness, looking for Mellissa, the daughter of Abner and French Lily. Lived with you in India, and met later in Belgium. Please write to this e-mail soon: denise1@usa.net.
       Dear Francis (of Willing and Crystal), please write to Vicky! Contact me via China Desk. E-mail: tyofam@crisscross.com.
       Chris (of Gentleness) please contact Stephanie. E-mail: billd@crTelco.com.
       Kristina and Yan want to contact Bowy and Reina. E-mail: rodinake@napri.sk.
       Jessica Peruvian, Joanna Australian is desperately looking for you! Contact me through PACRO ABM. Also looking for my sisters, April, Amber and Serena, somewhere in India?

help wanted

       We are a small family of Russian nationals--Paul, Luba and our five-month-old baby. The Lord showed us that by the end of the summer we should move to Turkey with a long-term vision. While working here in Russia for 7.5 years we have personally witnessed to about 20,000 people. If you would like to help us do the Lord's work in Turkey, we would very much appreciate any financial help! Altogether we need around $2,000. If somebody has a laptop computer with a CD-ROM that you are not using anymore we would very much appreciate it. We would also appreciate any contact with FM and CM Homes in Turkey. You can contact us through the Russian ABM. Please send donations to Paul and Luba (RU 081).

       We're Paul, Ruthie and family writing from Russia. We've been here for the last two years with our 9 children and sometimes with some of our teens. We have 13 children in all, TTL. Now we feel the Lord is calling us to China. It's a pretty big move for such a big group, so we want to ask your help to get there and also while there. DV, we're going to open a Home, and the kids will also do a lot of singing. WLY and appreciate so much that we can count on our Family. Please contact us through the Russian ABM. Thanks very much!

       I'm Daisy (20, Lithuanian national), on my way to Africa. Being in Lithuania, it isn't very easy to raise funds. If you can help with donations, I'll be so very thankful! Send your gifts through Polish ABM, Home #LU001. Add: PO Box 2712, Vilnius 2009, Lithuania.

Members only Family Web site
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       June password: pine+apple

behind the scenes
       The biggest happening in our neck of the woods is that Peter and team are in South America on a visitation and meeting-holding tour! South America is the last CRO area to host Peter for a visit, and with so many countries to pass through, it's taking about six weeks or so for our team to make the rounds. Accompanying Peter are James, Misty and Rebecca (James and Misty switched at the halfway point of the trip). Please continue to pray for their health, safety and for the fruitfulness of the trip. Full report coming soon!

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       In Free Zine#31: When Rima joined the Family, she laid her many dreams on the altar, telling the Lord she would just do what He wanted her to do. Looking b ack, she tells how the Lord let her fulfill every single one in the Family.

       "Something is Hot" in Russia. Check out the latest Zine (#31) to find out what! [Sneak preview: A two-week adventure filled with miracles!]

       Check out the special Heaven's Library "Fairyland" posters--in color--on the MO site!

big families on the move
       Little Black Zack and family, on their way to Africa [photo included]

easy reading

Does God still speak to us?
       A young man had been to Wednesday night B ible study. The pastor had shared about listening to God and obeying the Lord's voice. The young man couldn't help but wonder, "Does God still speak to people?"
       After the service he went out with some friends for coffee and pie and they discussed the message. Several different ones talked about how God had led them in different ways. It was about ten o'clock when the young man started driving home. Sitting in his car, he began to pray, "God, if You still speak to people, speak to me. I will li sten. I will do my best to obey."
       As he drove down the main street of his town, he had the strangest thought--stop and buy a gallon of milk. He shook his head and said out loud, "God is that You?" He didn't get a reply and started on toward home. But again, the thought--buy a gallon of milk. The young man thought about Samuel and how he didn't recognize the voice of God, and how little Samuel ran to Eli.
       "Okay, God, in case that is You, I will buy the milk." It didn't seem like too hard a te st of obedience. He could always use the milk. He stopped and purchased the gallon of milk and started off toward home. As he passed Seventh Street, he again felt the urge, "Turn down that street." This is crazy, he thought and drove on past the intersection.
       Again, he felt that he should turn down Seventh Street. At the next intersection, he turned back and headed down Seventh. Half jokingly, he said out loud, "Okay, God, I will." He drove several blocks, when suddenly, he felt like he should stop. He pulled over to the curb and looked around. He was in a semi-commercial area of town. It wasn't the best, but it wasn't the worst of neighborhoods either. The businesses were closed and most of the houses looked dark like the people were already in bed.
       Again, he sensed something: "Go and give the milk to the people in the house across the street." The young man looked at the house. It was dark and it looked like the people were either gone or they were already asleep. He started to o pen the door and then sat back in the car seat.
       "Lord, this is insane. Those people are asleep and if I wake them up, they are going to be mad and I will look stupid." But again, he felt like he should go and give the milk.
       Finally, he opened the door, "Okay God, if this is You, I will go to the door and I will give them the milk. If you want me to look like a crazy person, okay. I want to be obedient. I guess that will count for something. But if they don't answer right away, I am out of th ere."
       He walked across the street and rang the bell. He could hear some noise inside. A man's voice yelled out, "Who is it? What do you want?" Then the door opened before the young man could get away. The man was standing there in his jeans and T-shirt. He looked like he had just gotten out of bed. He had a strange look on his face and he didn't seem too happy to have some stranger standing on his doorstep.
       "What is it?"
       The young man thrust out the gallon of milk, "Here, I brought this fo r you."
       The man took the milk and rushed down a hallway, speaking loudly in Spanish. Then from down the hall came a woman carrying the milk toward the kitchen. The man was following her holding a baby. The baby was crying. The man had tears streaming down his face. The man began speaking and half-crying, "We were just praying. We had some big bills this month and we ran out of money. We didn't have any milk for our baby. I was just praying and asking God to show me how to get some milk."
       His wife in the kitchen yelled out, "I asked him to send an angel with some…. Are you an angel?"
       The young man reached into his wallet and pulled out all the money he had on him and put it in the man's hand. He turned and walked back toward his car and the tears were streaming down his face. He knew that God still answers prayers!
--Author Unknown

now that's funny!
       Jake is struggling through an airport terminal with two huge and obviously heavy suitcases when a stranger walks up to him and asks: "Have you got the time?"
       Jake sighs, puts down the suitcases and glances at his wrist. "It's a quarter to six," he says.
       "Hey, that's a pretty fancy watch!" exclaims the stranger.
       Jake brightens a little. "Yeah, it's not bad. Check this out..." and he shows him a time zone display not just for every time zone in the world, but for the 86 largest metropoli. He hits a few buttons and from somewhere on the watch a voice says: "The time is eleven till six" in a very West Texas accent. A few more buttons and the same voice says something in Japanese.
       Jake continues, "I've put in regional accents for each city. The display is unbelievably high quality and the voice is simply astounding."
       The stranger is struck dumb with admiration. "That's not all..." says Jake. He pushes a few more buttons and a tiny but very high-resolution map of New York City appears on the display. "The flashing dot shows our location by satellite positioning," explains Jake. "View recede ten," Jake says , and the display changes to show eastern New York State.
       "I want to buy this watch!" says the stranger.
       "Oh, no, it's not ready for sale yet; I'm still working out the bugs," says the inventor. "But look at this," and he proceeds to demonstrate: "The watch is also a very creditable little FM radio receiver with a digital tuner, a sonar device that can measure distances up to 125 meters, a pager with thermal paper printout and, most impressive of all, the capacity for voice recordings of up to 300 standard-size books, though I only have 32 of my favorites in there so far," says Jake.
       "I've got to have this watch!" says the stranger.
       "No, you don't understand; it's not ready."
       "I'll give you $1,000 for it!"
       "Oh, no, I've already spent more than ..."
       "I'll give you $5,000 for it!"
       "But it's just not .…"
       "I'll give you $15,000 for it!" And the stranger pulls out a checkbook.
       Jake stops to think. He's only put about $8,500 into materials and development, with $15,000 he can make another one and have it ready for merchandising in only six months. The stranger frantically finishes writing the check and waves it in front of him.
       "Here it is, ready to hand to you right h__ere and now. $15,000."
       Jake abruptly makes s decision. "OK," he says, and peels off the watch and hands it to the stranger. They make the exchange and the stranger starts happily away.
       "Hey, wait a minute," calls Jake after the stranger, who turns around warily. Jake points to the two huge, heavy suitcases he had been trying to wrestle through the terminal. "Don't forget your batteries."

Shine on
March 1999
TEAMWORK       Per Adult       Total
SOUL SHINERS FOR MARCH `99
Samuel, Rosita, Mexico       3,514       7,027
Ben, Tirzah, Diamond, Linda, So. Africa       2,892       20,250
Josue, Maria, Mexico       618       3,091
Madras Deaf Home, India       507       1,520
Emanuel, Joy, Tamar, Venezuela       425       1,700
James, Liberty, Joseph, Italy       166       1,000
Timothy, Rejoice, Dove, USA       157       1,569
Fco, Mariana, Colombia       150       300
Paulo, Luz , Benji, Shelley, Brazil       140       560
Elimelech, Esteban, Maria Clara, Venezuela       135       405

POSTER SHINERS FOR MARCH `99
Peter S., Crystal S., Mary M., USA       2,534       10,134
Dust, Heidi Peacemaker, Italy       1,601       6,405
Adino, Abrahim, Joana, Brazil       1,350       4,050
John, Angeles, Portugal       1,340       2,680
Michael, Maria, Japan       1,298       3,895
Abner, Japan       1,270       1,270
Francis Mountain, Joanna Rose, USA       1,088       8,706
Elizabeth, Norway       1,000       2,000
Promise, Japan       930       930
Delhi Deaf Home, India       897       5,382

TAPE SHINE RS FOR MARCH `99
David, Madalena, Andrew, Paula, Brazil       107.2       429
Dave, Jenny, Czech Republic       107.1       750
Francisco, Flor, Mexico       74       148
Juan, Rosa, Spain       73       146
Andrew, Crystal, Angela, Maureen, Jul, USA       71       354
Tim, Claire, Stefan, Joy, Switzerland       70       280
Josue, Abigail, Caleb, Heidi, Costa Rica       70       352
J.B., Abby, Mexico       65       130
Rufus, Dulce, Ivanna, USA       65       195
Lalo, Ruth, Sweety, Mexico       63       377

VIDEO SHINERS FOR MARCH `99
Martin, Marie, Holland       114       229
Maria Fiel, Mexico       84       335
Jos eph, Rosa, Chile       75       150
Ben, Meekness, Botswana       50       100
Daniella, Steven, USA       50       100
Estrella, Juan, Lily, Colombia       49       249
Andrew, Mercy, Aaron, Italy       40       400
Miguel, Samuele, Paloma, Ester, Brazil       36       147
Primavera, Mateo, Chile       31       219
David, Esperanza, Santiago, Peru       28       114

Also included with this file:
Peculiar People--by Zeb
       Caption 1. How was dinner, honey?
       Caption 2. Let me show you.
       Caption 3. You've still got it, Mom!
       Caption 4. Evidently

(End of file.)