FAMILY UPDATE NEWS #8--October, 1993     D.O.
"Lord, their attacks upon us have only increased our fire and fervour! Their lies about us have only raised up new friends in our defense! The furious controversies they have stirred up over us have only served to publicise our message more! Hallelujah! You cause the wrath of Man to praise You!" (ML#2641:67)
         OUR MESSAGE has gotten out as never before during this persecution! In September, 14,371 Press Releases were sent out by the Los Angeles media Home alone. The worldwide tally must be staggering!
[NOTE: If we missed mentioning an event in your area, please forgive us. We know that the Lord certainly has not forgotten, and will reward you openly. Some other events have been deliberately omitted for the sake of security. Entries are alphabetically arranged.]
ARGENTINA

         Mama wrote, "Isn't it wonderful to see how the Lord is winning the battle? `The battle is not yours but God's' (2Chr.20:15). Watching how the Lord works is truly amazing! Imagine, He allows the raid, the brethren to be incarcerated, the media to slam us, and our enemies to spew out their lies. Then in a matter of just a few weeks, He engineers things so that we get some of the best press we've ever gotten, our friends all around the World stand up for us, other Latin American governments agree to check us out rather than raid us--and in doing so, get won over--other groups and NRMs grow closer, our enemies get exposed as liars, and now our brethren begin to get released. Out of a seeming defeat has come a great victory!--And the great victory that our enemies thought they had in their hand has turned to dust. Hallelujah! Jesus never fails!" PTL!
         Please continue to pray for the release of our Family Members. Those released so far have been mostly mothers, children and YAs. Some were released with the help of friendly grandparents. Even the children need lawyers to help file all the paper work needed to get them released. YA Isaac was released because he had a lawyer who pushed the paperwork through, and since then he has been charging into the fray to undo some of the damage done by his backslider sister, Abigail Berry. (She has even made claims that under the Heritage Home are secret subterranean tunnels!) Isaac went straight to the press and told it like it was. Please keep Isaac in your prayers.
         * * *
* A TOP LAWYER who won a previous legal battle against Marquevich has joined the forces of David to fight for our brethren. Please pray for more top lawyers who will work for free to help win this case.
* BECKY (of Arthur and Becky), also in an institution with most of the children, gave the Buenos Aires Herald a very powerful interview.
* THE HEAD OF THE ARGENTINE BAR (LEGAL) ASSOCIATION, Carlos Cichelos, denounced the "deplorable subhuman conditions of the detained" and said it was a violation of Article 18 of the Argentine Constitution, which states that Argentine prisons need to be clean and hygienic and not used to punish those who are detained. He has filed complaints against Marquevich with the Ministry of Justice, the Presidents of the Congress and Senate, the Human Rights Commission of Buenos Aires and the President of the Law School of San Isidro.
* A FAMILY MEMBER who was released said that the police had ridiculed them in prison and that they had given them only 8 blankets for 30 people. They told them, "You are Christian brothers and your purpose is to suffer, so you can work it out!"
* PUBLIC OPINION is starting to turn more in our favour over the human rights issue. Pray it continues. The released children have been practising their songs and want to go on TV to make a splash.
* JUDGE MARQUEVICH: (See also "Stop Argentina's `Dirty War' Against Religious Minorities!" tract and "The Family in Argentina: A Church Under Siege!")
-- Marquevich is still trying to force our people to give blood samples that show who the biological parents are. Our lawyer said, "If it happens again, call the press and say you're being forced to do this without your permission."
-- Marquevich went to see some Family teen girls. When they weren't very cooperative, he got upset and rebuked them, saying, "You're not giving me respect." One of the teens said, "How can we respect you after what you've done to us!--And the atrocities you've committed!" Marquevich got very upset and stormed out.
-- The Mexican consul in Buenos Aires went to Marquevich to intercede on behalf of the Mexican nationals that are being held, but Marquevich blew up and yelled and screamed at him. The diplomat was very offended and said he would sue Marquevich.
-- Backslider Cherish, daughter of Amy (Palestina), arrived in Argentina from the U.S. and went to see her teen brother and sister in the institution. She tried to get custody of them; however, her attempts were foiled, and Amy and the teens are now safely in the U.S. PTL!
AUSTRALIA
* BRISBANE

         Ex-Moonie Steve Hassan, a Jewish-American deprogrammer and author of anti-cult literature, visited Australia to lecture and help launch a Cult-Awareness and Information Center (CAIC) Conference. Our family gave Hassan a hot reception. Our enemies were taken back and surprised to see and hear from members of the Family who attended and spoke out at their conference. Many people confided that they did not agree with Hassan and were interested to learn about CAN and their efforts to take away our religious freedom. Our members were not allowed to hand out literature inside the meeting, but did collect names and addresses to follow up on. His conference got such a poor turnout that the meeting was moved from the main auditorium to a smaller hall of the university. Hassan's book "Combatting Mind Control" is considered a key book of deprogrammers.
* MELBOURNE

         The CSV (social services) seem determined to take advantage of the attacks on the Family in France and Argentina, trying to get us back into court as quickly as possible. At the Brisbane anti-cult conference, a woman from the CSV mentioned she had firsthand knowledge of the French raids! Family parents and children in Melbourne, however, still do not have funding from Legal Aid (a government agency) to hire lawyers. At one point, CSV was so eager to go to court they even offered to pay for a few of our lawyers. This odd behaviour even surprised the judge. At a preliminary hearing our children had no legal representation at all, so the teens decided to defend themselves, appointing three on-fire new bottles to sit at the same table as the lawyers! The judge was very cordial to them, even silencing the chief prosecutor when it was the teens' turn to speak. The judge was very upset about the lack of funding for our side.
         Please pray that the Lord has His way, and specifically that the case will be dropped entirely. Without funding, the case cannot very well proceed, and if it does it would probably drag on for some time and cost the government a fortune.
BRAZIL

         At a press conference that the Family held, a sensationalist TV channel dumped xeroxed covers of FF Letters onto the table in front of our media representative and said, "Explain!" It caught our spokesperson a bit off guard, but they were on fire and more prepared for low blows at their next press conference, which went very well. Brazil has been getting quite good media coverage, TTL!
         Two investigations are in progress. In one city our Family got a tip-off that they were under investigation, so went to see those in charge and found out that they were being investigated. Things seem to be working out. In the other city an overly enthusiastic Family lawyer told the police to investigate us, thinking that was what the Family wanted. However, he didn't tell the Family this! So it caused the Home considerable concern when the police showed up asking the neighbours questions. It seems to be working out well now.
CHILE
         Close to 40 Family Members, including JETTs, teens, YAs and adults took part in a picket in a park. All the media were invited, and one TV channel in particular gave some very good coverage. At one dramatic moment, when all the cameras were zooming in, everybody knelt down in fervent prayer for the brethren in Argentina. The cameras were fighting to get close-ups of this scene! One normally shy 13-year-old, with a face full of tears, looked straight into the camera and said, "I'm furious about what they did to my brothers and sisters in Argentina! I want to protest against such injustice! Do something about it!" At one point about 20 policemen, a police bus and several others mounted on motorcycles arrived, but were won by the Spirit and they were very receptive!
         Juan Guillermo Prado, a long-time enemy, faked a repentance recently. He called a Family Home saying he wanted to help us and redeem himself for all his past accusations and lies. With lying flatteries, he wormed his way into the Home to spy out our liberties. He even "prayed" with one of the children and said he never really believed we abused our children. Hardly out the door, however, he was spewing filth and garbage and quoting Argentine judge Marquevich! Later, at one of Prado's conferences, two former Members bravely stood up for the Family and refuted his lies with the Word of God.
         The moral is "Be aware! Be not deceived! Be on guard!" You can't go by outward appearances, so pray desperately and counsel together and watch what information you divulge to outsiders. Remember the classic case of Ed Priebe ("Hart") who snuck into a Family Home under the guise of being a WS representative. There is also the case of Sam Ajemian, who played this snake-in-the-grass game for some time with a U.S. Family Home before he was discovered. Unfortunately, his diabolical plot to glean information, spread his poison and destroy the Family was not uncovered until he had made some serious inroads, which greatly affected the brother who had become deeply involved in ministering to slippery Sam and his friends.
         As times wax worse and evil men and seducers multiply, we all must be very on guard against wolves coming to us in all sorts of clothing, including sackcloth and ashes! Some know how to play on our emotions and sympathies better than others, "cleaving to us with flatteries" (Dan.11:34), hoping we will let our guard down enough that they will be able to destroy us. Certain backslidden YAs and teens have even been recruited by our enemies to communicate with teens they know in the Family and play on their sympathies to try and get literature or information that they then give straight to our worst enemies.
         Of course, we do not want to become so suspicious of everyone that we don't give anyone a chance. Many who have started out very antagonistic actually are won over by a genuine sample of the loving free spirit they see. We need to pray, pray and pray some more. Remember the example of Joshua, who forgot to pray and ended up making a bad deal with some real con artists! (See Joshua Chapter 9.)
ECUADOR
         In Ecuador, the teens have all been out picketing and they've gotten a lot of publicity, but they did hear from officials that, "You've got some very powerful enemies here." It seems that people are coming from Argentina to start stirring up trouble, so please keep our Family there in your prayers.
FRANCE
* AIX

         In Aix, all the parents are still involved in a criminal case, so no one there, including the children, is free to leave France until the case is closed. Two teens were allowed to leave because their parents were not charged and were outside the country. The Aix case may be heard sometime toward the end of the year. Please pray for their continued right to home school and also to find larger accommodations. (News Update: Their housing problem seems to be working out so the Family can decentralise their existing Home--a terrific victory! TTL!--An answer to PL 14:98!) The AEMO (social services), however, are still being difficult about paying for the "socialisation" activities. Also pray for the home schooling situation in Aix so that our Family there will be allowed to continue to teach the children at home. The schooling inspector is very antagonistic and claims that home schooling can only be done within a single family.
* LYON
         A major victory was won this month in Lyon, when one of the minors judges handling two of our families ruled to close their case. No further investigations are forthcoming and they are free to return to their home countries. The psychiatric reports were very positive, describing the children as well adjusted and able to speak their own mind. The judge did indicate that he would like to see more state involvement in the education of our children; however, this is outside his jurisdiction. (See Press Release Sept. 18, "New Verdict Favourable to the Family in Lyon".)
         Please pray that each family, as they complete their course of appointments with social workers and psychiatrists, will also be cleared. The testing and "convocations" (appearing before the judges appointed to them) should be over some time in October. Legally, no Family Members in Lyon need to stay for this convocation, but our lawyers felt by doing so it would help win the Aix case.
HUNGARY

         Nemeth Geza, one of our main enemies in Hungary, seems obsessed with destroying all NRMs, especially the Family. He met his match, however, at a hate rally he held at a Budapest Catholic church. As the people left his meeting, sweet Johanna, who is pregnant, was busy giving out Statements. Geza flew into such a rage that even the organisers of the meeting were shocked and apologised to her. One policeman on hand who witnessed this confrontation suggested we sue Geza for slander, something the Family there is looking into.
JAPAN

         (Condensed from a testimony about a march the Family did in Tokyo:) At an earlier demonstration in front of the Argentine embassy, the police advised us of more effective ways to do demonstrations. The media also wanted to see more "Family-style" demonstrations with songs and music, with teens and JETTs participating. The demonstration took place in a busy area where many people hang out, especially on Sundays and holidays. The media team researched the situation and worked though all the red tape needed to get permits for a legal demonstration, which also allowed us to have police protection during the march. It was hard work and a lot was required, but the Lord supplied all their needs materially, legally and otherwise, and even changed the weather from a predicted typhoon to sunny skies!! TYJ!

         All materials needed for the occasion were prepared by different individuals and Homes, including: getting Statements ready for distribution both in Japanese and English, making placards and banners, faxing invitations to all media contacts, and even renting a two-ton truck with a flatbed. The truck had a platform with equipment to broadcast "Fighting Songs" during the march, and on a special rail they mounted the Family Logo Banner. All this was done just one night before the march! Everyone put their normal work aside and put their all into it. Close to 180 Family Members arrived at the meeting place for practice, ready and willing. GBT! Two thirds of the troops consisted of our younger generation, JETTs, teens and YAs! The march was quite a sight to behold; 3 rows of marchers in a line 100 metres long paraded with their placards, signs, banners and sandwich boards!

         Two TV camera crews and several news reporters were waiting at the starting point. The media invitations were made to sound very inviting so they would be sure to come. A half-dozen policemen arrived to instruct the marchers how they were supposed to do the demonstration.

        Everybody lined up in a small park in curved lines holding up their pickets, signs and banners. A Family spokesperson and a few teens and YA singers got up on the back of the truck to give the message! The police told them they were not allowed to preach and sing from the truck, but the Spirit of God started to move and the Family kept right on, praying for the Lord to keep the police calm and understanding!

         They sang, "O'er Uncharted Seas", then briefly explained about the situation in Argentina and why we were protesting. Then two Family youths got up and gave their heartfelt views on behalf of those born and raised in the Family. They did a terrific job! A Family spokesperson then led the marchers in a prayer of intercession for our precious brethren in bonds with everyone kneeling on the ground. This was very dramatic and our sincerity and strong faith in prayer impressed everyone watching. Then as they stood up they began singing "St. Francis' Prayer" and a patrol car led the marchers into the official march, which took about one hour. The rented truck had four big speakers blasting out songs like: "Onward, Christian Soldiers", "Stand up for Jesus", "They Say a Man Can't Be a Christian", "Jesus the Light", "Time of the End", etc., while everybody marched and sang along. Two teams of about 20 people were assigned to distribute Statements to onlookers. The media filmed and interviewed us as the march progressed. It was a shocking sight and some even said, "Wow! What's this? It gives me goose bumps all over my body!" It was a supernatural powerful outpouring of the Spirit. When they sang, "They Say a Man Can't Be a Christian", the Lord seemed to stop time and all motions and commotions, so that people there were able to concentrate on hearing the message. PTL!

         During the demonstration our marchers distributed close to 8,000 Japanese Statements and 2,000 English Statements! After a closing speech the Family did a special "appreciation" performance for the police and sang them "Jesus the Light." Another group was demonstrating after us, but they were demonic and violent. The police had no problem in comparing the Children of God and the children of the Devil!

PARAGUAY

         Some brethren in Paraguay were temporarily put under house arrest. This restriction has now been lifted and they have received their passports back. The investigation is still going on, however, so keep them in your prayers. The children had physical check-ups and, as expected, no signs of abuse were found.

POLAND

         Our Family picketed in front of the Argentine embassy in Warsaw. They had placards with slogans in Spanish and Polish. Two large placards had drawings on them with short catchy slogans; one portrayed a big monster labelled INQUISITION with the slogan line reading, "C.A.N.--Modern Day Inquisition". The other one portrayed a baby crying "Mummy!" while being snatched from her mother. They met some influential people who had been very misinformed about us and are now trying to determine if the ACs are backing our backsliders.
PUERTO RICO

         Twenty-one Family Members picketed for two hours in front of the Argentine Consulate. They put up a beautiful easel of photos and collected about 100 signatures. The Argentine consul phoned Argentina to find out what was happening, and assured the Family that he didn't feel the charges would stick.
PERU
         A district attorney restricted Family Members from leaving Lima. The DA is coming over to the Home, and though not antagonistic, she's not friendly either. She ordered medical examinations on all the children; however, they agreed to do it in our Homes, and with doctors that we agree to. The investigation there now seems to be winding down.
U.S.A.

* PICKETING AND PROTESTING continued while our spokespersons appeared on TV and radio shows. On one Christian TV show, the Family sang an old battle hymn, "The Fight Is On". The show host turned to his audience and said, "We used to sing songs like that. Maybe we should start singing them again!" He also commented to the audience, "You folks probably hardly know what it is to be a soldier for Christ!"
* FLORIDA: The teens sang and helped present our side of the story at a recent press conference. Our spokespersons made use of diagrams to show how CAN works. They also enlarged pictures of loved ones in captivity in Argentina.
* ILLINOIS: Our Family had two very successful days of picketing, protesting and talking to some very helpful people. They collected close to 500 signatures on a petition.--All this in the very city where CAN has their headquarters!
* TEXAS: A reporter from The Houston Chronicle wrote quite a good article about us. This same reporter had written a very bad article about us four years ago.
CAN DEPROGRAMMER GALEN KELLY got a prison sentence of seven years with no parole! (See PL 14:89). Judge Ellis delivered the sentence on the 24th of September in Alexandria, Virginia. The judge reiterated that the motive (stopping cults) is no justification for the crime (kidnapping).
JOLLY WEST, an anti-cult psychiatrist, was fired from his position as head of the psychology department at U.C.L.A.! (See PL 13:78.)
VOCAL (Victims of Child Abuse Laws): Leaders of this U.S. organisation fighting the child abuse hysteria have raised their voices for fair treatment, in support of the Family. VOCAL representatives told Texas authorities, "If you intend a raid on the Family, you'd better do it right, because we are going to be breathing down your neck, and we're going to be watching everything."
SOCIOLOGIST SUSAN PALMER stayed in a Family Home, and then wrote a very positive report about us. (See Press Release #16, "Academic Insists Accusations against `The Family' Are False", and Media Advisory #1.)

GOD'S WARNING? The host of the talk show "American Journal," who did a terrible show on us around the same time as the NBC "NOW" show, had a car accident recently. She got quite banged up with bruises and required stitches.
NEW ENEMY TACTIC? Backslider Joyanne Treadwell (Deborah's daughter by Jethro) told a reporter that she saw a Family memorandum advising the Family to arm ourselves!! (There of course is no such advisory, since the weapons of our warfare are not carnal!) Could this be the latest tactic to try to provoke authorities to use violence against us, thinking we are armed?
VENEZUELA
         The Family preempted possible raids by going to the authorities, asking for an investigation. Our enemies are getting so desperate that they are willing to even pay false witnesses to make horrific criminal charges against us. A strange woman, unknown to anyone in the Family, made a Miami TV appearance claiming to have been in Venezuela in the Family and to have been tortured and even to have witnessed a murder! These kind of evil lies against us serve to whip into a frenzy those who have never known us or had any contact with us. But on the positive side, it confirms to anyone that knows anything at all about us that we are being persecuted and we are under attack, and there are those who are doing everything possible to destroy us. The Venezuelan police are very upset at such a crass attempt to manipulate them. Whoever this impostor is, she is in trouble just for saying she saw a crime committed and did not report it. It's a crime not to report a crime as serious as that--even in the System!
         * * *
MEDIA AND LEGAL TIPS:
         Something each person who speaks to the media needs to know is that every time we tell people that we are suffering from "religious persecution", we also need to explain what we are doing that is causing it. For example, say, "This is religious persecution! We are being persecuted because we are exposing the plans for a World dictatorship that will destroy religious freedom and force everyone to worship the World dictator!"
         If your lawyer is Jewish and has agreed to help defend the Family, our spokesperson should tell him early on exactly where we stand on the AC conspiracy. Also, although we acknowledge that the Holocaust happened, and we pity its victims, we believe that the figure of 6 million dead is debatable. Be sure to give him the Policy Statement, "A Biblical Perspective on the Jewish People."
         Lawyers never like surprises. If a Jewish lawyer agrees to defend us, you can be sure that our enemies will bombard him with our most controversial pubs about the Jews. It therefore seems better that they first hear about this from us rather than from our enemies. If, after hearing what we have to say, a Jewish lawyer declines to defend us, we should make it clear that there are no hard feelings.
* * *

SPECIAL PRAYER REQUESTS FOR COURT CASES
1. PRAYER REQUEST FOR ENGLAND!
Following is a very important prayer request from Peter which you should have already received:
Dear Family,
         GBY! WLY! This is an urgent request for desperate prayer for Pearl's court case in England. The preliminaries of the case have begun and so far have gone very badly for us. The judge has been greatly influenced by the lies of our enemies. Our lawyers have been severely shaken by the viciousness of the other side's attacks, and unless things change radically we could lose the case, which will have repercussions on our Homes worldwide. So please pray desperately every day for this for the next two weeks, as during that time our lawyers will be preparing and presenting the case to the judge.
         Concerning this case the Lord said in prophecy: "Thou must fight with all thy strength and with all thy might through prayer. For I have given thee a weapon that none of thy enemies can stand against: and that is the power of prayer. Thy part is to pray; to pray with all thy heart in desperation and strong tongues and crying and weeping for My little ones. For the tide of the battle shall be turned according to thy prayers and thy supplications".
(Thank you for your prayers for the above. The case is planned to start in January, so please continue to pray during the next months. Thanks!)
         Love,
         Peter
PRAYER DAY FOR LEGAL BATTLES
         It seems that in three major court battles--England, Argentina and Melbourne--our enemies are trying to have the Family judged on the basis of old literature, instead of our present-day Family Homes, children and policies.
         Each of these cases is crucial to the overall welfare of the Family. Therefore, we would like to request that sometime in the 10 days following the receipt of this Family Update News, each Home set aside one day to pray desperately for them, that the Lord will turn the hearts of the officials involved towards His Children.
         Thank you so much! Your prayers can do mighty things! (If you previously received the following prayer request for Argentina by phone, you may have already had the prayer day mentioned above. However, please reread the prayer request in order to refresh your memory as to its seriousness & the need to continue to pray.)
         + + +
2. PRAYER REQUEST FOR ARGENTINA!
(You may have already received this prayer request in a separate message. If so, please read it again & continue to pray. Thanks!)
Dear Family,
         GBY! Thank you for all you have been doing to support the brethren in bonds in Argentina. Your prayers, demonstrations & picketing have played a major role in the victories that have already been won. The battle continues, with some of the adults & children released, but others still in bonds, so please keep praying! The only way we'll win a complete victory is through continual desperate prayer.
         Dad & Mama are asking that each Home worldwide devote one day within the next ten days as a prayer day for Argentina in addition to your monthly Prayer Day, which you can reschedule if necessary. On this day, please read the excerpts about Argentina from the FUNs, & also the testimonies from our brethren in bonds, if you have received them. ("Imprisoned for Their Faith!") Please also read & claim the promises that the Lord has given in prophecy for the situation, as well as past persecution prophecies. You can also read from the Persecution Letters in the GNs. During this prayer day, we would also like you to pray for the very potentially serious situations in Australia & England, both with impending court cases with very serious charges being brought against us, & which, if not won, will adversely affect our Family worldwide. In the natural the winning of these cases looks almost impossible, as the "decks are all stacked against us", but "what is impossible with man is possible with God, & with God all things are possible!"
         Dad & Mama have also asked if we could all fast the watching of movies until the Lord has brought about a major victory in Argentina. During your normal movie time, we would suggest that you could read the testimonies from Argentina & continue to pray for the brethren's release. (This fasting of movies does not apply to your children.)
         Thank you for uniting with all of the Family in this fight to free our persecuted brethren, & to claim victories in the upcoming court cases. "Prayer moves the hand that moves the universe!"
         Love,
         Peter
PRAYER LIST FOR ARGENTINA:
PRAY FOR:
         --Faith & not fear; faith in God's promises of deliverance, & refusal to believe or look at the waves.
         --The complete spiritual & emotional recovery of the children who have been released.
         --Good health, food, sleep, exercise and protection while in jail & in the institutions. For speedy delivery from jail, and the good news of our innocence to reach into the prisons and help turn the hearts of the otherwise hardened and sometimes hostile criminals that surround our brothers & sisters in bonds.
         --The brethren in bonds to be a good sample & witness while in the prisons.
        --The brethren to have the conviction to continue upholding the spiritual standard while in bonds.
         --Both adults & children to be allowed to have more Word brought to them.       
         --The unity of the brethren.
         --The patience of our friends who have allowed the Family to move into their homes.
         --For our folks to be a good sample while living in friends' homes.
         --New housing to take the place of the Homes which were closed by the authorities after the raid.
         --Further information on our enemies.
         --More good media coverage.
         --More friends & lawyers to arise to our defense.
         --The good health of our lawyers. Pray for the full recovery of one who has just had an operation.
         --For the strengthening of our lawyers and our ministering to them.
         --More pressure to be put on the government from outside sources & friends from all around the World.
         --For all the appeals and papers being submitted to the courts--that all will go well and according to the Lord's plan, that the adults will be released and the case given to a different judge who will be fair.
         --For the paperwork involved in getting the children and teens out--for their soon release.
         --Financial support.
         --Security of the media team that have to spend time out in the public.
         --Security of the "Management Team" that has to spend time out with lawyers & friends.
         --Continued strength, protection and good health of leadership.
         --Good communications.
         -- For the favourable doctor who is checking into the way the forensic tests were performed on our children. That she will find out all the irregularities in the way these tests were conducted and even forged, which would help expose the plot against us.
PRAY AGAINST:
         --The judge & members of the Catholic church & Argentine & American government who are working with him.
         --System relatives getting custody of the children.
         --The corrupting & fear-instilling influences on our children who are still in the institutions.
         --The deprogramming attempts that have been made on the children & adults.
         --The false witnesses being used against the Family.
         --Further arrest warrants being issued for other Family members.
         --Harassment of the brethren at the institutions & prisons.
         --Separating of Family members by moving some to different institutions & prisons.
         + + +
(The following is a note to Mama from one of Dad & Mama's personal staff:)
Dear Mama,
         GBY!! ILY!! Last night's prayer time for our brethren in Argentina was so beautiful & fulfilling & drew us so close to our brethren in bonds. It was a very moving time of desperate prayer & pouring out our hearts before the Lord. "The fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much", & even if we may not be so righteous, praying fervently for those we love was so comforting. It made us feel like we're helping & supporting our Family, & since we know "His ear is not heavy that it cannot hear", "we know we will have the petitions we desired of Him." TYJ!
         This afternoon, a few of us were talking to Dad in our little meeting room & it was so precious to hear Dad talk about & pray for our Family in bonds over & over again even during our regular conversation with him. We were talking about the birds or something & he'd start to pray for our brethren in Argentina. We continued talking about other things & how our day went, & so many times we could tell that what was on Dad's heart was our Family in bonds. He was so burdened for them that every few minutes he would stop in our conversation to speak to the Lord about them & ask for His help.
         We mentioned to Dad that we were planning on having dinner & then watching our weekly movie, & he began to tell us that he had been praying about what we could do for our brethren & he had been wondering what we could possibly sacrifice for them. Since our workload is pretty big & things are very busy at our house he thought it might be a bit difficult to fast food, but he suggested one thing we might want to fast is our movies, at least until we get some solid victories & a real turnaround in this case. It's difficult to enjoy our "luxuries", like movies, while our brethren suffer. God bless dear Dad, he has so much empathy for our Family when they suffer.
         I think that perhaps it was hard for some people in the Home, since we'd had a very busy, strenuous week, & when Dad made this suggestion, it was just about movie time & everyone was looking forward to just relaxing, but I think I can speak for all of us, that having prayer for our brethren instead of watching a movie was so very much more inspiring, uniting, fulfilling, & really fed our spirits & filled us up rather than being a strain & perhaps leaving us drained or unfulfilled as movies often do, even some of the "best" ones. I think it was more relaxing than a movie would have been because it left us with such a peace & faith in the Lord after we committed everything to Him.
         We got together at movie time & started by reading some of the testimonies from Family members who either had been released or were still in bonds. (See "Imprisoned for Their Faith!") It was very moving & was quite convicting. All of a sudden our personal trials & battles seemed so tiny compared to the real battle waging. Hearing the personal words from those in the battle in Argentina moved us to pray even more desperately & personally for them because it helped us to feel what they are feeling & to put ourselves in their shoes, GBT!!
         Dear Techi prayed a beautiful prayer & asked the Lord to help us not to sin in forgetting to pray for our brethren, & wept for them, crying out to the Lord for His deliverance. David also prayed a very heartfelt & precious prayer, as did everyone. We received some prophecies & words of encouragement & the Lord was so very sweet & comforting, TYJ!! We had the lights down low, & after hearing from the Lord we began to sing some of the fighting hymns like "A Mighty Fortress", & Family songs like "We've Come This Far By Faith". I wish I could express how beautiful it was to unite & fight & commit things to the Lord like that as a body.
         The interesting thing was that after we were finished praying & singing, we realized that it had taken us just the same amount of time that it would have taken us to watch a movie, Ha! The only difference was, it was even better than if we had just watched something. TYJ!! I do like movies & relaxing but this was really wonderful, & I wanted to thank Dad for the good idea to have these vigils. (end of note)
         + + +
3. PRAYER REQUEST FOR AUSTRALIA! (From the Australian Family.)
Dear Family,
        GBY! WRLY and are so very thankful to be fighting alongside you in these very important days & battles of the Endtime! PTL! Although it is really tough sometimes, it has also been so exciting to see the fulfillment of the Lord's prophecies through our dear Prophet come to pass and to be able to be a part of it all. TYJ!
         "Be not afraid of their faces, for I will make your faces as flint. `And though this World with devils filled should threaten to undo us, we will not fear for God has willed His Truth to triumph through us!' PTL!" (From "Fight Prophecies, GN 567.)
         As it seems that there is now the possibility of some sort of mediation in the Melbourne case, we would like to ask for the Lord's miraculous intervention with this, and that some sort of realistic and acceptable agreement could be made so that the Family here wouldn't have to spend months and months of gruelling days in court. The mediation or pre-hearing conference, as it is called here, is scheduled for the 17th & 18th of January.
         If, however, we cannot come to some reasonable agreement with CSV in this mediation, then our court case is scheduled to go full stream ahead on the 19th of January. We are therefore faced with a situation where we have to start preparing now for a court case which at this time may or may not go ahead. As yet we do not have a legal team (lawyers) together. Because of the shortness of time for case preparation, we are going to need to make some very major decisions this coming week regarding who will be our legal team. We would therefore like to ask for prayer that the Lord will raise up His team of lawyers who will be able to work together well as a team, giving the case here their whole 100%, which is what it is going to take, and that each one will be a real dedicated fighter. TYJ!
         We would also like to pray for the Lord's supernatural wisdom, insight & discernment both for ourselves & leadership teamworks, as well as for our legal team in knowing how to best prepare for the eventuality of our case going ahead. TYSM!
         We really need you, our dear Family! We know we are all in this fight together and that we cannot win the battle without your support through your prayers, so we appreciate so much your sacrifices in interceding in prayer for us! TYSM! WRLY!
         With heartfelt thanks & much love,
         Australian NASs & The Melbourne Team
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OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS!
FOR OUR CROs, SHEPHERDS, MEDIA TEAMS AND ALL those dealing with the public during this intense battle to free our Family in Argentina!
         Mama recently sent the following counsel to one of our leaders who had been working very hard and was on the verge of a collapse. It's a good lesson for us all:
         "Please rest and read and recover. You're very precious to us and have been doing a marvellous job. But, as Dad has always taught us, to do the Master's work you must have His power, and to get it you must spend time with Him. Please take whatever time you need to get tanked up in the Word. Once you do, then try to keep the tank full, rather than trying to run on empty.
         "You are operating under very difficult circumstances. You're very busy, many demands are made on your time, you have to deal constantly with the System, and in doing so you need to listen to them as they share their ideas, doctrines, etc. When all of this is mixed together, it's a recipe for spiritual disaster. The only thing that can counter it is communion with the Lord, in His Word, fellowship and prayer.--Along with physical rest. Please fight to take the spiritual and physical rest you need, because if you don't you'll end up either spiritually or physically sick, or both! Then you'll have to take time to recover, so why not take time now to keep from getting worn down in spirit, mind and body?
         "This holds true for all of you. You've all been under a tremendous amount of stress, so please pace yourselves, rest as much as you can, and above all stay close to the Lord and His Word.--And please make sure those on your media teams do so as well. They are a bit like the provisioners, who get so used to being in the System and having to rush around, that they get addicted to it. Media Teams tend to do the same, which eats away at their spiritual strength. Please do all you can to make sure they are abiding in the Lord and His Word and in uplifting Family fellowship."
AGAINST ATTACKS OF THE ENEMY such as accidents and illness right now when we are going so much on the attack against the Devil and his people and their perfidy. For supernatural protection and good health during this time when we've "gone over the top" and come out of the trenches, drawing the fire of his "big guns" because he is desperate to stop us. Pray that we will give the Lord lots of cooperation by taking good care of our health, eating right, getting the rest we need, proper exercise, being cautious and prayerful in our actions, and spending time in His Word and sweet communion with Him. And that the Lord will do what we can't. "The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous runneth into it, and is safe" (Pro.18:10).
AGAINST MEDIA CENSORSHIP: Pray for greater breakthroughs so that we can get out the Lord's message via favourable media coverage and win people to Him, in spite of the ridiculous allegations of our enemies! In some places very little news has come out to give our side of the story and refute the lies. Pray for continued favourable contacts with reporters and media men who can help us, and for love and wisdom in ministering to them.
FOR FRIENDLY AND INFLUENTIAL REPORTERS, that the Lord will help them see the truth about us, despite the lies of our enemies, and be interested in helping us all they can.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTATION ABOUT OUR ENEMIES: Please pray that needed information will get through to us. We need to know who is financing our enemies, what their plans are and what is going on behind the scenes in all our media battles and legal conflicts. That way we can be better prepared for the attacks of our enemies and can expose their evil devices to the World.
AN IMPORTANT LIVE INTERVIEW featuring some of our spokesmen facing off with some of our enemies on U.S. TV. Pray that the Lord will bless the interview, make it fair and objective, and give us a chance to present our full message on this show, which is broadcast worldwide.
THE IMPRISONED LEADER of a very active and politically aware group is due for parole in October. The group is known to be critical of the AC government takeover, so this man was imprisoned on trumped-up tax charges. Please pray for the release of this AAC leader as he seems to be a very sincere person.
FUNDING FOR A PRECIOUS CHRISTIAN FRIEND who operates a radio show and mailing list dedicated to fighting for religious freedom and exposing groups like CAN. He is thousands of dollars in debt and is having to shut down. Pray that the Lord will do a miracle and supply the necessary funds so he can continue.
WORLDWIDE FINANCIAL HELP AND SUPPORT: Pray desperately for the much-needed funds and supporters to keep our Homes going and the Truth flowing during these tough times of battle on so many fronts. Some don't have funds for the rent, nor shopping, etc. Also for the Lord's solution, whether it be more friends, kings and supporters, more outreach, better follow-up, more faith for finances, or more boldness in asking for help.
A CLOSE FRIEND OF THE FAMILY needs strength, wisdom and faith, plus physical and spiritual protection, as his work is dangerous and very time-consuming. Pray that he will be able to spend more time with the Family and be able to help us more.
FOR A SPANISH JUDGE in Barcelona who handed down a very favourable verdict on the Family some months ago. He has been suspended for 9 months, supposedly because of some statements he made to the press. But another judge claimed that the reason for his suspension was just a front, and that "they've gotten him with whatever they could," because he is so controversial. Pray that the Lord will encourage him and expose any behind-the-scenes plots concerning his persecution.
OTHER SPECIAL PRAYER REQUESTS:
         ASIA: Please pray desperately for a miraculous healing and clear direction and faith in knowing how to proceed for Jonadab (of Praise). He has a very serious cancerous growth on his neck that is affecting his breathing, swallowing and speech. This situation is literally life and death.
         SOUTH AMERICA: Joanie suffered a fractured arm, fractured shoulder and dislocated collarbone after an auto accident. She had to have an operation to join together the bone on her arm and is now doing well and recuperating. For a quick and complete recovery.
         EUROPE: Eleven-year-old son of Paul and Rebecca Red: Serious first and second degree burns over much of his body after an accident with a fire. That he will heal quickly without scars, and that the Lord will supply the funds for his very large hospital bill.
        German Phoebe of David: Pregnant, and quite sick with full-day morning sickness. She's been placed on an IV drip for awhile and then will have hospital tests. For her health, healing, strength and safety, and an accurate diagnosis if there is anything amiss. Also for her spiritual strength and closeness to the Lord during this time.
A PRAYER OF DELIVERANCE FROM OUR ENEMIES:
         "Cause us to hear Thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in Thee do we trust: Cause us to know the way wherein we should walk; for we lift up our souls unto Thee. Deliver us from our enemies: we flee unto Thee to hide us. Preserve us, O Lord, for Thy Name's sake: for Thy righteousness' sake bring our souls out of trouble. And in Thy mercy cut off our enemies, and destroy all them that afflict our souls: For we are Thy servants." (Paraphrased from Psalm 143:8,9,11,12.)
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