FAMILY UPDATE NEWS #9 -- November 1993 DO
"We are becoming the leading characters in God's grand final on Earth--leaders of the Last Day Christians against the Antichrist!" (MOP: "Endtime" 28:11.)
ARGENTINA
* AN APPEAL WAS FILED by our Argentine lawyers for the release of all 21 adult prisoners & the removal of judge Marquevich.
Fifty lawyers, amongst them prestigious jurists, renowned penologists, former judges & former presidents of BAR Associations, formally filed a petition in the House of Representatives for the impeachment of San Isidro Federal Judge Roberto Marquevich, on grounds of improper performance of duties & possibly unlawful acts such as false imprisonment & abuse of authority. They requested that the judge be suspended from his duties & later be removed from his post.
* A POSITIVE ARTICLE was published in Pagina/12 about the 50 Argentine lawyers requesting the impeachment of Judge Marquevich.
This article likened our treatment to that of the Early Christians, who at the time were accused by people of "conducting secret & clandestine meetings in which they had orgies, perpetrating abhorrent acts, like abusing children & offering them up in sacrifices." This article also brings out the "coincidence" that our case appears on the scene at a time when "Congress is debating a so-called law of religious freedom, which in reality has no other purpose than that of establishing regulations & ultimately, limiting freedoms it claims to defend." Then it went on to slam the Catholic Church.
In the same newspaper, Pagina/12, there appeared another favourable article entitled "The Same Old Suspicions" written by a pastor of the United Evangelical Lutheran Church.
These articles have had a great impact on the ecumenical & intellectual community in Argentina, casting us in a much more favourable light.
* THE ECUMENICAL MOVEMENT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS (MEDH) denounced the actions against the Family ordered by judge Marquevich, saying it "constitutes flagrant violations of human rights".
* SOME OF THE YAs WERE ABLE TO RETURN TO THEIR HOME, which had been ordered closed by the judge, & get their clothing & some personal belongings. The YAs reported a number of items were stolen--cameras, walkmans, tools, all the girls make-up & perfumes, etc. TTL they were also able to recover all of their documents. (Previously the judge had refused to let the Family into their Homes to get their belongings, including basic necessities like clothing. Instead he had policemen enter a few of the Homes & throw things into garbage bags or wrap them in sheets, & these were then literally dumped in a few big rooms at the Institute for the brethren to sort through.)
* MARY & her YA daughter Celine did a 3-1/2-hour interview with the Miami Herald.
* THE MEXICAN CONSULATE has been very helpful. They helped to get all of the Mexican nationals released. These brethren have all now returned to Mexico.
* It's reported that everyone in the institutes is fighting & staying positive, & they were thrilled to get a set of little books. They have Word time organised & even W&R days. The teens & JETTs help with the younger children, etc.
* SUMMARY OF YA CARMEN'S VISIT WITH HER MOTHER CONSUELO IN PRISON
It was a super big blessing to see my mom today! Though she looked weak physically, she was beaming & very inspired. Her faith was really strong & her inspiration level high! TTL!
She asked if we could put out a prayer request for the women there against fear. She explained how their very lives are pretty heavily threatened by the other inmates, even though they are totally separated from them. They can only walk through the halls protected by guards & when all the other prisoners are locked up. The four other women that are in the same cell with them have told them some freaky stories, & just in general they are being constantly intimidated. Like today after the children's visiting hours were over (our women see their kids at a different hour than all the other inmates & they are all together in one room for the visiting hours), the rest of the women were taken to their cell but my mom was told rudely to wait there. None of them could guess what in the world it would be for, so the other sisters were having prayer vigil for her, hoping she would be OK & back soon! Fear comes in real heavy all of a sudden & they really have to fight it! You can imagine how relieved she was that the reason behind it was that she was going to see me! It was quite hard on me to see them treating her the way they do! Anyway, the Enemy, knowing that they have very little to read, little contact with the rest of the Family, etc., is trying to tear down the very thing that is keeping them.--Their faith! I've never seen my mom's faith stronger, but still they asked for prayer against fear. It's a really heavy atmosphere there, but TTL, He is taking care of them.
They feel so privileged to go through this "trying of their faith" time & they would like Dad & Mama to know that their dedication & conviction is stronger than ever & they're willing to go through anything to stand up for the truth & defend the Family, & that they love them very, very much! It touched my heart to see her looking so weak & heartbroken & weary, as they all must be, & yet so radiant as she shines with the Lord's abundant love & grace! It's a beautiful sight!--A living sample right before our eyes that the Lord will never leave nor forsake us, & even if we make our bed in Hell or dwell in the depths of the sea, even there the Lord's hand will lead us & His right hand shall hold us. (See Psalm 139:7-10)
This whole time has been very trying for me as well, to see my parents go through all this! I feel very proud of them & know that they're going to get a very great reward, along with each of the other brethren in there with them, but still it's a fight to keep looking unto Jesus. Actually, this might sound funny but a little while ago I was praying for Grandpa & Mama a lot because I felt concerned that they've been doing all they can to make the Family as fun & exciting & the best it can be, especially for us, & that on top of it there were a number of teens leaving the Family in Europe, others going through persecution, others discontent & dissatisfied, etc. But I want them to know that I really appreciate all their efforts in going out of their way to make things easy for us & that I feel really proud & thankful to be in the Family & even to gladly go through what's happening, just in plain thankfulness for all they've done! During this time I had a dream that we were living in a area were it was really dangerous to be on the streets witnessing & so we would have these strategy planning meetings underground. It was a big group of mostly YAs & teens & we were super excited & willing to take the risk of being above ground & out in the open, even though it was so dangerous.
* Following is a very sweet note & poem to Dad & Mama written by Dawn (17). She is presently in an institute with 5 other teen girls.
Dear Grandpa & Mama,
God bless you! I love you! I wanted to write you this letter to thank you for all your love & concern for us. I feel so close to both of you & it's such an encouragement for me when we receive your messages.
Since the persecution took place two months ago I have been in an institution with five other Family teens. The hardest thing for us right now is to be away from the Family. But through this experience I have learned to depend more fully on Jesus. I realized that it's at times like these when my real character comes out, & I've seen that my real character is very weak & incapable. Whatever strength I possess now is definitely only His.
I listen to your "Power in Persecution" tapes day & night. Just to hear your voice gives me the courage to see this through.
I've never appreciated the Family as much as I do now. There are other girls in this institution who have no family, no friends & no one who really loves them. They have become hardened & bitter. There is one young girl here who spends most of her time with us as the other girls beat her up because she's small & frail. This really broke my heart.
I would like to thank you personally for being the most loving, caring, understanding people I know. I don't want to take anymore of your precious time so I'll end here. I keep you always in my prayers because you're always on my heart, dear, sweet Grandpa & Mama.
Love forever & ever,
Your Daughter
Dawn (17)
P.S. Included is a poem I wrote & I would like to share it with you!
That Night At Calvary.
It all happened late one night,
While my heart was burdened in prayer.
Burdened about my troubles & trials,
Burdened with worry & care.
"Could I have taken an easier road?"
I asked the Lord in despair,
"Why, I'd carried such a great load,
I really don't think it so fair."
While I was busy worry'n 'bout
Hardships in past bygone years,
A strange, new light filled the room,
So warm it vanished all fears.
Then came a voice so soft & sweet,
With words ever loving & kind,
"Come with Me, My precious child,
Leave this old world behind!"
Then all fell in sudden darkness,
As night was so silent & still.
And word could never describe it,
I was standing 'neath Calvary's hill.
There on that aged old mount,
Hung history's truly great one,
There was my Saviour dying,
And there was God's only Son.
With nails pierced in hands & feet,
With body all twisted & torn,
I cried, "Dear Jesus, is this You,
Whom for this reason was born?"
Then in a hush His eyes met mine,
With body as pained as could be,
He lifted up His tear-stained face,
And said, "Yes child, 'tis Me."
Then I seemed to hear inside,
A voice with words ever clear,
"Do you think He had ever worried,
'bout hardships in past bygone years?
Did He burden Himself with care,
And ask His Father just why
He had to die for all in despair.
Do you think for that you would sigh?"
Oh Lord, please forgive my ignorant way.
I have not suffered that much,
For the cup of sorrow that You drank.
I did but scarcely touch.
I pray, dear Lord, in all these things,
I count but nothing to Thee,
And anything that You may ask,
I may more than willing to be.
(TTL! Amen! God bless you! Thanks! WLY! Such a beautiful poem!--I cried! Keep holding on! Victory is on its way!--Dad)
* PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR BRETHREN IN BONDS, that the Lord will protect them from contracting any sicknesses or disease such as tuberculosis or AIDS & that all those still interned will be released soon!
Please pray also that our six women in bonds who are in contact with other prisoners will be instrumental in seeing great victories won in the prison with many of the hardened criminals turned to Jesus. Already they have been a powerful influence on those they have had contact with, such as two of their very tough, embittered cellmates opening their hearts to the Lord.
AUSTRALIA
* VICTORY IN SYDNEY!!
The court case against the Family in Sydney last year had ended in November, when the Department of Community Services (DOCS) and parents of the children negotiated an agreement. This included a promise that the case would be dropped unconditionally in 12 months if the parents agreed to honour a list of undertakings. With the 12 months now passed & the Family having met the DOCS' requirements, as a formality, the case went before the Children's Court in which the judge was to dismiss the case. To the surprise & shock of all, the judge refused to dismiss the case even though both Community Services & the Family had agreed to a dismissal! Apparently, the judge was upset that the case had come to a mediation last year without him being involved. God bless our dear lawyers, who were outraged & immediately interrupted the judge & began attacking him for being "biased & emotional." This stormy confrontation made headline news, with our lawyers appealing to the Supreme Court to force the Children's Court judge to dismiss the case. A few days later a Supreme Court judge ruled in favour of the mediation agreement, forcing the case to be completely dismissed! This decision has resulted in a large amount of very favourable press, as well as television & radio broadcasts & interviews, all of which have been a tremendous testimony to the truth & a vindication of the Family! PTL!
* FUNDING APPROVED FOR MELBOURNE CASE
State funding from Legal Aid has come through for Family members & their children, which means that the case in Melbourne could go ahead early in the new year. Please pray that this case will not go ahead, but nevertheless, not our will but His be done. If the Lord does want the case to go ahead, please pray that the Lord will continue to raise up a powerful legal team to represent us, & that there will be sufficient time to get prepared before the hearing gets underway.
BRAZIL
* HIGHLIGHTS OF PICKETING & DEMONSTRATIONS IN BRAZIL
Family Members were able to get TV coverage from two main TV stations, with beautiful shots of the teens singing & signs reading "We're praying for the liberation of our children in Argentina", as well as others exposing the human rights violations by the Argentine authorities.
Among people witnessed to were personal friends of Judge Marquevich, one of whom seemed quite concerned about the situation.
* A VERY NEGATIVE ARTICLE was published in the main paper of one large city, written by a snaky evangelical editor. This is the same newspaper which apparently had been instructed to only print negative articles about the Family. Family members really went on the attack by strongly protesting & demanding a rebuttal, as well as having many of their key friends do the same. As a result, the head director of the newspaper is distancing himself from the editor who wrote the article against the Family. The newspaper itself has already printed 3 rebuttals, one sent in by the Family & two by our friends, as well as printing Press Release no.10 in its entirety! PTL!
ENGLAND
* POLICE VISIT BI GP BRANCH
As a result of the Argentine raids & the ensuing press coverage in the BI, the GP branch contacted the police & invited them over. The visit was very positive & the brethren had a chance to explain their side of the story. The police sympathized with the way the press has smeared us, & prided themselves in being the oldest police force in Europe & not stooping to such tactics as in France & Argentina. Once again, they said the principal problem in their eyes was the lack of information on us & the need to know us better & what we are all about. They offered to come around & teach our children crime prevention & road safety, or other police-related community, put on shows, have open days, coffee mornings, Christmas carols around the tree, etc., etc. They said that we need to have better public relations & to go on the attack.
FRANCE
* UPDATE ON THE LYON CASE
The first three families interviewed have had their cases dropped by the court. The remaining families are still being interviewed & coming before the judges.
U.S.A.
* PICKETING
The Family picketed at Los Angeles Airport outside the Argentine Airlines counter. About 500 petition postcards were filled out, & donations received. The team reported people were mad, sad or glad! There was great TV coverage! Two local Los Angeles channels, plus Telemundo, did a very lengthy piece on their news about the Family in Spanish. Most all the coverage was very positive.
A 26-man team picketed in front of the Argentine consulate in San Francisco. They nailed two large pieces of plywood together to form a large upright, which they used for a bulletin board. On these boards, they stapled enlargements of the press releases, as well as photos of their local work, hand-drawn posters depicting children in jail, etc.
The Family in Houston picketed & held prayer vigils in front of the Argentine consulate two days in a row.
* SACKCLOTH VIGIL AT ARGENTINE EMBASSY
The effect of the sackcloth vigil the Family held at the Argentine Embassy in Washington, D.C., was definitely felt there. Even some of the diplomats who at previous demonstrations were quite rude with the Family, actually took the Dirty War tract & were reading it as they walked on.
Quite a few people during the vigil stopped by & signed the petition postcards to be sent on to Argentina, especially many of the young radical new bottles, university students, as well as businessmen, etc. It was inspiring to see the teens out there on the picket line stopping people & having them sign the cards & the response that they were receiving.
* PICKETING AT "NEWS WATCH"
The Family picketed at the National conference "NEWS WATCH" in Miami for the thousands of producers & directors of the nation's electronic media. Two of the picket signs read, NBC DEGENERATES TO TABLOID REPORTING, & NBC'S "DIRTY TRICKS" NOW SHOW STARRING FRED FRANCIS! Others read NBC CRUCIFIES CHRISTIANS -- REGULATE THE ELECTRONIC NEWS MEDIA -- NBC HOLDS KANGAROO COURT, etc.! Family members did interviews with Voice of America & with the Hollywood Reporter. The internal television news for the conference came out & filmed the Family & all the signs. They interviewed the Family & took it back into the conference to air for all the delegates to see.
* WACO INVESTIGATION & PRESS CONFERENCE
The U.S. Justice Department held a press conference in Washington, D.C., to announce the findings of their investigation into the handling of the Waco massacre. While viewing this on television with the Family, a friend said that he was not so surprised that the government so blatantly covered up--but he was amazed at how many questions from the attendees, diplomats & the press were almost verbatim from the literature that the Family has distributed.--"Why weren't accredited religious academics consulted with to save the Davidians? Who did police consult with? How much influence did the Cult Awareness Network have in this tragedy???" etc., etc.! With this project our prayer had been that the Lord would raise up others to speak for us & defend us. Praise God for answered prayer!
* MASS MAILING SENT TO CHRISTIANS
An "Open Letter to Christians" was mailed out to 715 church headquarters across the U.S., together with a short prayer request about the Argentine situation.
* A FORMER FAMILY MEMBER IN CALIFORNIA, Bithia, who left the Family in 1984 & was quite antagonistic and outspoken, has had a change of heart & is now contacting other ex-members and encouraging them to reconcile with the Family. Please pray for Bithia's strength, safe-keeping, security and wisdom.
STATS SYNOPSIS: PERSECUTION GETS THE MESSAGE OUT!
As a result of the September 1st raids in Argentina the Lord has allowed the Family to be thrust onto center stage of the World's media. This current persecution has been the catalyst & fuse that has ignited a huge media witness such as we've never seen before!
In our 25-year history the highest Total Witness that we had ever experienced in any single month was exactly 10 years ago in September of 1983 during the height of our Music With Meaning Radio Ministry, when we had hundreds of our own radio shows on the air. For that month our Total Witness bulged to a whopping 1.4 billion, which was one out of about five times that we exceeded a witness of a billion in any one month. Since then, for the past 10 years, our monthly Total Witness has usually run under 100 million, & sometimes down to as low as 10 to 20 million. This began to change about a year & a half ago when the major persecution began, and our Total Witness averaged from 50 to 200 million a month. Well, September '93 blew all of our monthly Total Witnessing records right out of the water, with an astronomical 3.5 billion Total Witness! In fact, in Argentina alone there was a 1.4 billion Total Witness, which in itself is equal to our previous all-time high for the entire World! Praise the Lord!
To focus this point even more clearly, this month's all time record of 3.5 billion equals our entire Total Witness for the 48-month period of the last four years from 1989 through 1992!
In Argentina alone we had 175 TV shows, 350 radio shows, & 425 newspaper & magazine articles. In the rest of South America we had 324 TV shows, 409 radio shows, & approximately 750 articles! Worldwide, our media witness went out in the form of a grand total of 692 TV spots, 678 radio shows, & close to 2,000 newspaper & magazine articles!
It is phenomenal to stand back & see what the Lord is doing through this persecution! Never in our history have we seen anything even close to what is happening now with our witness going out across the World! We had 28 countries this month which reported a witness in excess of a million, & this is only accounting for the stats that our Homes have been able to compile. Undoubtedly there were lots of news articles, etc., that we were not even aware of, not to speak of the secondary & "ripple" effect of all of this news. The Lord has created a big stir & set us up on the World stage for the coming Endtime events!
With persecution being waged against us in Australia, France, England, Spain & Argentina, it has been a call to the front lines for hundreds of Family Members. We know that it is "God that worketh in us" & that "He hath willed His Truth to triumph through us", & so we hold fast to the all-powerful Word of God as It marches on through the centuries of time into these final Endtime days! Praise the Lord for the victory that He has already settled on Calvary!
Copyright (c) 1998 by The Family