FAMILY UPDATE NEWS #11 -- December 1993. DO
"We are the time-keepers of this World, & all of Thy operations are geared to us, Lord!" (ML# 186A:2.)
CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM DAD & MAMA!
Dear Precious Family,
GBY! WLY&TTL for each one of you! Your continued faith, fight, fire & faithfulness to Jesus have greatly inspired us! We are so impressed with how you all unitedly supported those who were going through the red-hot fires of serious persecution this past year, & how you cheerfully & sacrificially devoted your time & strength to earnestly pray, picket, protest & fight for our brethren in bonds.
We thank God for answering all of our prayers & delivering our dear ones from the mouth of the lion & the bonds of the System! You who have suffered the fiery trials of persecution have now come forth as gold, & we are so proud of you!--And of all of you who fought together to win these recent battles!
We pray that you all have a blessed & inspiring Christmas & New Year, & that the Lord will mightily reward you for your faithfulness to proclaim His Name & Message to this sad & needy World. You are His lights to this World, you are precious to Him & to us, & we know that you will go "from strength to strength" this coming year!
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord!"--1Cor.15:57. PTL! WLYA!
--In His Love, D&M
* * *
SPECIAL NOTICE CONCERNING THE 1994 BIRTHDAY FAST & GNs CONTAINING MAMA'S LETTER TO EUROPE 12/93
Dear Family,
God bless you! We love you & have you in our prayers!
Dad & Mama would like to ask that you please set aside February 15th, 16th & 17th for a special time of prayer & fasting, followed by a celebration on the Family Birthday, February 18th. PTL!
As in years past, please try not to schedule any appointments on the days of the Fast, unless it's absolutely unavoidable. We would suggest that you begin now provisioning the liquid foods you'll need for the Fast, including such items as fruit or vegetable juices, teas, milk, canned soups, etc. We suggest you also try to plan your menu in advance for easy-to-prepare meals for the children & pregnant or nursing women. Thanks!
Many of you, particularly those of you of our younger generation, may have heard rumours about some teens & YAs leaving the Family in Europe some time back. Although it is true that a number of teens did leave the Family in Europe, you'll be thankful to hear that the Lord has orchestrated a real turnaround in the European Work, and many needed changes are taking place, which will hopefully benefit the entire Family worldwide. PTL! Rather than attempt to comment further here on either the problems, or the wonderful victories that the Lord has wrought in Europe, full details will be coming shortly in some terrific new GNs, FSMs, HOPEs & other related publications.
The GNs which address the European situation should reach your Homes in February, along with instructions for these to be read during the Worldwide Birthday Fast. So, dear YAs & teens, wherever you may be, & whatever changes you personally may feel are warranted in the Family, we're appealing to you to please hang on until you receive this firsthand account of the European teen situation, rather than falling prey to unfounded rumours & speculation which you may have heard via the grapevine, let alone doubts or fears of the Enemy. We believe these new GNs & other publications will answer a lot of your questions, bring about greater love, dedication & unity, & spearhead some needed changes which will make our wonderful Family an even more wonderful place for all of us! PTL! We love you!
Love, Your WS Family
* * *
SPECIAL NOTICE REGARDING "YOU ARE GOD'S CHILD" SONG
--Now Entitled "You Can Become God'S Child"!
(For all, including children.)
Dear Family,
God bless you! We love you so much & are saying special prayers for you during this Christmas season, that the Lord will anoint you to be brilliant beacons of His Light & Love to a lost & weary World.
This notice is regarding some lyric changes which we have made on the song, "You Are God's Child". Ever since this song was introduced to the Family in 1982 on the "Rays of Love" Tape number one, this song has been one of the Family's favourite year-round GP witnessing songs. Its message contains a personal touch, & has been found to be appealing & relatable to people of all faiths & cultures.
Once, when listening to this song, Mama mentioned that although it's a beautiful song, in some respects it contains a doctrine that is contrary to what the Bible says. Following are some excerpts from Mama's comments & discussion about this song:
"In a way, this song doesn't give the people whom we're witnessing & singing to the right information. We're supposed to be telling them that they can be God's child. However, for us to be repeatedly telling people that they are God's child, when, in fact, they might not be, is the same as telling them, `Everything is okay, everything is fine, you're just great & you don't have anything to worry about.'
"The song has a beautiful melody, & that's a very winsome & soothing message, that `you are God's child'. But who can we truthfully sing those words to?--Those who have decided to be God's child, those who have chosen to be a child of the King! As John 1:12 says, `But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His Name.'
"This is a popular idea which is promoted by the System today, that we're all God's children &, in fact, we've all got a little of God inside of us, & so there's nothing to worry about. And due to this false teaching, some people will tend to readily excuse themselves from having to make the choice to become God's child.
"Of course people would rather hear that they are God's children. It's such a wonderful & comforting thought. After all, who wants to be told they're the Devil's children? We can read in John Chapter 8 what kind of response that got from the Jews when Jesus pointed it out to them!
"In addition, singing `You are God's child' is giving your audience some mixed signals, in that after you've told them they are God's child, you ask them if they want to bow their heads & receive Jesus & become God's child.
"Even though a song may sound very beautiful & be very well-liked, we must look beyond such sentimentalities, & really listen to & pray about what the song is saying & if it `rings true' with what the Word says.
"So I think it's very important that the lyrics to this song be corrected so that they are Scripturally sound, & invite people to become God's child, rather than taking it for granted that they already are." [End of comments from Mama.]
Thank the Lord for such inspired insight into the lyrics of this song! (By the way, these are good songwriting tips to take note of.)
So following are the corrected lyrics to "You Are God's Child", which is now entitled, "You Can Become God's Child". (The melody of the song is the same & has not changed.) Please note that lyric changes have not only been made in the Chorus, but also in Verse 1 & Verse 2. From now on, when singing or referring to this song in any way, please only use these corrected lyrics. Thanks so much!
YOU CAN BECOME GOD'S CHILD
Verse 1
You may be brown, white or black,
Of a different religion or race;
You may live in a mansion or shack
In some part of the World--any place.
You may speak languages known or not known;
You may feel at peace or afraid;
You may feel like you're just one little soul
On this big planet today, but
Chorus 1
You can become God's child;
Just open your heart & believe
His love is for you;
All you have to do
Is simply reach out & receive.
Verse 2
You may be lonely or poor,
Or travel the World all alone;
You may be rich with much more
Than millions of people have known.
It doesn't matter, whoever you are,
Living in this great big World.
This is the choice that is offered to all,
For every boy, every girl:
Chorus 2
You can become God's child,
Just open your heart to His Son.
You can be free,
And live eternally,
In His Heavenly Kingdom.
As you will see, this new version contains two differently-worded Choruses. When using this song, it's up to you, as the situation warrants, as to whether you would like to use Chorus 1, or Chorus 2, or both.
It should be planned beforehand which Chorus you are going to use, depending on your audience. In some cases you may choose to use Chorus 1, which is somewhat milkier in nature than Chorus 2. When you want to invite people to receive Jesus, you could use Chorus 2.
God bless you as you continue to seek & save that which is lost, telling them of the Good News, that they can become God's child!
With much love & prayers,
Your WS family
* * *
ARGENTINA
* THE FAMILY IN ARGENTINA STILL NEEDS OUR FERVENT PRAYERS! As reported in FUN#10, all of our adults have been released from prison & our children have been ordered returned to their parents. The Homes have also been ordered to be turned back over to the Family. PTL! There are still quite a few obstacles to be overcome, however, before this matter is closed.
The appeals court is not, by tradition, a court of final judgement. Although they technically have the power to nullify the entire process, they usually refer the matter back to another court to make the final decision. Our lawyers applied to have the whole matter nullified, but this was rejected by the appeals court and the matter was sent to the provincial court. The federal prosecutor is also appealing the appeals court decision to the Argentine Supreme Court. Hence, the case is not yet closed! (The appeals court resolution thoroughly debunks each of the charges, which should work strongly in our favour, but pray that the provincial court agrees with their judgement.) While this new appeals process is ongoing it is difficult, if not impossible, for the affected Family members to leave the country.
Another obstacle concerns the return of our children. The court order stipulates that they be returned to live with their parents in the houses where they resided before the raids. However, the police ransacked the Homes--tearing apart floors & walls in some cases--& stole many items. As a result, the authorities now say that the houses are not in good enough condition to receive the children. To further complicate matters, before repairs can even begin, officials must appraise the damage & loss through theft, both of which the appeals court ordered the police to pay for. (This inspection is taking place now, and should be completed by the time you receive this FUN.) Until their Homes are repaired, the children remain in institutions, cared for by their parents.
Although the children are now in their parents' custody, they must remain under the supervision of a different government child welfare agency until the provincial minors court makes a final ruling on the matter. First indications are that the people in this agency are concerned that they do not cause the children any more trauma. However, the children must receive permission each time they wish to leave the property & the court has ordered new psychological examinations, as those first conducted were deemed useless. Since the children have gone through such trauma these last three months, we hope to have this order annulled.
Meanwhile the Family in Argentina is on the attack. Much of the media coverage has been favourable. On the Mauro Valle TV Show, the Family was given one-and-a-half hours to air our side. None of our detractors appeared. The Family also continues to visit officials and other prominent people to press for complete vindication.
God's judgements are already beginning to fall! Argentina recently experienced the worst civil riots since the restoration of democracy. Disgruntled government workers in an outlying province destroyed several government offices, forcing the governor to flee for his life. Prison riots have also broken out in provincial prisons (none of those where our members were held). The prisoners are protesting many of the same injustices & maltreatment that our members experienced while in detention.
The following articles recount events that transpired shortly before the Appeals Court's December 13 ruling to free our Family:
* GOVERNMENT MINISTERS TO INVESTIGATE HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS. Our Family in Buenos Aires reported: "Friday, December 10th, marked the 10th anniversary of democracy in Argentina, & the whole country celebrated the event. More importantly, it was the 100th day that our precious children & brethren had been in bonds. At the Argentine equivalent of Madison Square Garden, President Menem hosted an extravaganza. Former presidents of Brazil & Uruguay were in attendance. The most important officials of the country as well as the diplomatic corps were invited. We saw this as a golden opportunity to expose our mistreatment under the so-called `democratic' government. We prepared special signs for the event such as `DEMOCRACY, YES, BUT WITH JUSTICE!', `ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS MY CHILDREN BACK!', `100 DAYS WITHOUT MY CHILDREN! JUSTICE NOW!'
"As a TV crew was filming our demonstration outside the building where Menem was preparing for the public function, several Family members knelt in silent prayer. Large banners above their heads displayed the message which was captured by their cameras. Several men came out of the building, looked at our signs, & went back in. Soon another man came out & said that President Menem was aware of our protest & invited us to come in & meet with the Minister of Justice & the Minister of Foreign Affairs! He asked that we put away our signs, but our national brother, Happy, suggested that they talk first.
"The ministers commented that they had received letters from several other governments, appealing for an investigation into our situation. Happy explained that although, as an Argentine citizen, he was concerned that the publicity surrounding our case was reflecting badly on Argentina, our Family around the World would not stop demonstrating until our children & brethren were released. Mary (Mara of Megiddo) gave an emotional, firsthand account of how her children & grandchildren had been taken from her in the raids. Both men seemed touched. The Minister of Justice said he would have a commission of lawyers, whose job it is to investigate alleged abuse by legal authorities, look into our case.
"Almost the moment that we put away our signs, Menem came out, entered his waiting limo & drove off. `Thou has given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth' (Psa.60:4)." (From Dad & Mama: Praise the Lord! Please continue to pray that the repercussions of this persecution in Argentina will be a furtherance of the Gospel around the World. Thank you & God bless you, dear Family, for going on the attack with demonstrations, picketing, etc., worldwide for our brethren in bonds in Argentina.)
* THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM of one well-known Christian church met in mid-November with representatives of the Family to discuss our case. The director of their church in Australia, who has been supportive of the Family there, contacted him on our behalf. The president of the Latin American branch of this denomination was in Buenos Aires at the time, studying the bill presently before the Argentine Congress which would greatly restrict non-Catholic religious groups. Our persecution is a powerful case in point. He received a set of Statements & expressed his concern & support.
* THE FATHER OF TWO NATIONALS, WHO IS A PROMINENT LAWYER, referred us to a number of his contacts in the media & legal circles. (See FUN#10.) In one instance, he sent a package of our pubs & press releases to the main editor of a large magazine, who is his personal friend, & asked him to help us & print our side.
* CAPTIVITY BRINGS FIRE & COMMITMENT FROM OUR TEENS IN ARGENTINA: The following are excerpts of letters from two teens, written to Mama Maria while they were still held in institutions. (More to be pubbed in up-coming HOPE Mags, D.V.)
From Timothy, 15 years old, of Megiddo & Mara: "If I'd known that I was going to be here for over two & a half months, I don't know how well I would have been able to take it. I thought we would only be here for two days. As the days turned to weeks & months, the Lord gave me the grace & patience I so desperately needed. This whole situation drew me closer to the Lord & the Word, & I've learned many precious lessons. Being here has made me more aggressive in fighting the Devil. Before I was passive & would let the Devil walk all over me, but it's a constant fight here & I can't let up for a moment or the Enemy will get the best of me. I've never appreciated the Family as much as I do now!"
From Josiah Q., 16, of Philip & Mercy Q.: "It's a genuine privilege to be able to suffer for Jesus in this time of persecution. Although it's hard being separated from the Family for so long, I'm glad because we've been learning many lessons on unity, prayer, & being a testimony by our sample. We've been able to witness to a lot of people here. My heart has been broken for the kids that are locked up here as they have had such sad lives. TTL we've been able to give them Jesus!"
* MORE REACTIONS FROM OUR BRETHREN IN BONDS. From Luz, one of the mommies who voluntarily stayed in the institutions to care for our children: "To Dad & Mama & our precious brethren who are fighting for our release, thank you for everything you are doing for us. Thank you especially, Dad, for being such a remarkable example of a fighter & teaching us how to fight. I want to be more like you.
"I want to mention something regarding the `Mediation Prophecies' that we read in `Persecution Jewels!--No.7'. (See GN 571, pages 13-16.) When we first arrived here, there were rumours that soon we would be released on the condition that we leave the country. The thought of leaving the country made me mad, as that seemed like giving up the fight & allowing our enemies to accomplish their purpose. When we got the news that nobody had to leave the country, it was such a relief! We know it was the right decision, & though we are still in bonds, the Lord is with us. I feel that had we chosen the easy way out, He would have given us our requests, but would have sent leanness to our souls."
From Paloma in response to a message from Dad & Maria to the dear sisters in jail. (See ML# 2903:66, GN 574.) "We received the beautiful message from Dad & Mama & encouraging words from their staff. Tears came before I could finish reading it. To receive a personal message from Dad & Mama made me feel so loved & cared for. Despite all of the tests, fear, anxiety & humiliation we have suffered, I wouldn't change anything, seeing how wonderfully the Lord is using this to get His message out. I've discovered more than ever the strength & unity that binds us together as a Family. I wish I could put my arms around Dad & tell him not to be sad for us. He has given us the privilege of following the truth & walking in Jesus' path. How could we expect less than a tremendous battle in order to then see a tremendous victory? Sometimes I'm afraid, & sometimes I want to run from this test, but surely the Lord will hold onto me & give me courage in the face of danger, as He has done up until now."
CHILE
* "LAWYERS FOR THE CHILDREN OF GOD DENOUNCE JUDICIAL TERRORISM," proclaimed the headlines in a Chilean newspaper. In late November, a lawyer from our Argentine legal team & his Chilean counterpart, both highly regarded in their respective countries, met in Santiago, Chile. Both represent the Family on a pro bono basis (for the public good, free of charge). They organized & staged a joint press conference, which caused an explosion of favourable press & TV broadcasts. Numerous papers featured articles & photos of our two advocates emphatically denouncing the injustices which have occurred during the Argentine case, & reiterating that the judge & police had no evidence to substantiate their charges.
JAPAN
* PRESIDENT MENEM RECEIVES OUR LIT VIA A UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR. One of the Family's contacts, who is a professor at a university where Menem was scheduled to appear, agreed to deliver a package of our lit to the president.
* MENEM WITNESSES DEMONSTRATION IN TOKYO. Three Homes picketed Menem's press conference, using three placards made for the occasion: "SAUL, SAUL, WHY DO YOU PERSECUTE ME?" (his middle name is Saul), "HUMAN RIGHTS IN ARGENTINA?--WHEN?" & "RELEASE THE FAMILY NOW! WE WANT THEM HOME FOR CHRISTMAS!" The President & his entourage certainly saw & read the signs, as they passed directly in front of the Family demonstrators. Evidently the police could not read the placards & thought they were "welcome" posters, as they didn't pay any attention to the demonstration until it had accomplished its purpose.
* GATE-CRASHERS MEET PRESIDENT MENEM OF ARGENTINA. Faithy & Seiko were present for the press conference President Menem held during his December visit to Tokyo. Immediately following his speech, in which he acknowledged the need for better protection of human rights in Argentina, Faithy & Seiko gave him a package of our Statements, & talked briefly with him. Later that day they went to his hotel & delivered a Christmas card containing a detailed explanation of the Family's plight in Buenos Aires & an appeal for him to intercede on the Family's behalf. They were able to meet him & his daughter later. She said that they had read the card together. When our "ambassadors" explained we were praying for their future, Menem was visibly touched & gave each of the girls a kiss on the cheek. Faithy & Seiko felt that there was a warm & open communication between them & the President & that he received the message about the Family's situation.
PERU
* FAMILY DECLARED INNOCENT IN DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S REPORT. The DA's official report, made public December 16th, contained wonderful news for the Family in Lima. The document, which is overwhelmingly favourable, also serves as one more proof that accusations made against the Family worldwide are absolutely unfounded. Not a single shred of evidence of wrongdoing was found. Results of physical & psychological tests done on over 40 children--ages 3 months to 17 years--all attest to the excellent care which our children receive. The verdict received extensive publicity. As a footnote, the Family has been booked to do at least 17 Christmas shows, including one at the DA's office. (From Dad & Mama: What a victory! Thank you all for your prayers for Peru.)
* PERSECUTION WINS NEW DISCIPLE. A family of longtime friends & supporters told us in mid-November that their son wants to drop out of university & join the Family. After reading about the persecution we are suffering, he decided he could no longer stay neutral & feels called to enlist in the Lord's Endtime Army.
AUSTRALIA
* OUR ENEMIES COME UNDER PUBLIC SCRUTINY. The Family in Melbourne reports that in the last month the CSV has come under fire for incompetency & mismanagement of finances & social programs. In a remarkable answer to prayer, the Lord is causing decay within the department & public exposure, just as we are preparing to face them in court.
* JUDGE PUSHES FOR MEDIATION IN MELBOURNE! All the members of our legal team were present to represent us at the December 6th hearing, where the magistrate encouraged both sides to mediate a settlement. The chief lawyer for CSV (now called H&CS) looked like a fool as he tried to justify the Department's stand against mediation. The magistrate said their position was unacceptable, as a court case would further traumatize those involved & be very costly to the government.
* PAUL SILVER EXONERATED IN SEPARATE MELBOURNE CASE. In early December, Paul appeared in the Magistrate's Court in Melbourne, facing criminal charges of hindering Sergeant Gibbs in his line of duty at the time of the May, 1992, raid on his Home. The magistrate ruled that Paul had merely voiced his protests & asked questions, as anyone would have in those circumstances. In additional comments, the judge declared that considering the massive police & community services assault on our houses, the adults had shown extraordinary restraint. The police had to pay the court costs, which was the magistrate's way of telling them they should never have brought the case to court.
FRANCE
* FAMILY MEMBERS ATTENDED A UNESCO-SPONSORED HUMAN RIGHTS CONFERENCE in Paris. American constitutional & human rights lawyers Barry Fisher & Albert Blaustein also attended the meetings, which took place during the first week of December. (See FUN#10.) In his speech to those assembled, Blaustein made reference to the injustices the Family has suffered in Argentina. Both lawyers introduced our team to other participants, who received packets of our literature, and many new contacts were made with human rights NGOs (non-governmental organizations) from around the world.
* PARENTS BROUGHT CLOSER BY PERSECUTION. French Rose reported: "My parents were against my joining 16 years ago, but when my children were taken away, they wanted to hear our side of the story. My mother has since formed a prayer group which prayed not only for the release of my kids & the others here, but also for all those in custody in Argentina. My parents are thrilled with the Statements, especially `Our Statement of Faith', & wrote letters to the judge hearing our case in which they testified that they are happy with their grandchildren's upbringing. Overall they are very positive, & communication is 100% better."
* THE FAMILY IN AIX HELD AN "OPEN HOUSE" in November, which went very well. About 70 people attended & a local newspaper printed a front-page article the following day.
* ANOTHER FAMILY IN LYON WAS EXONERATED. (Each of the families involved in the Lyon raid have been appearing before judges of the minors court to have their cases finalised. So far, they have all been cleared of any wrongdoing.) In late November, the judge presiding over Pablo & Fe's case stated, "The children are intelligent, communicative & show absolutely no signs of psychological or psychiatric disorder. The parent-children relations are rich, sincere & strong. The conclusion is that there is therefore no need for involvement by the children's court."
HUNGARY
* THE HUNGARIAN MEDIA TEAM attended a debate which involved new religious movements (NRMs), sociologists, media representatives & anti-cultist Nemeth Geza. The meeting, which took place in early December, was held in Budapest. A prominent sociologist gave a talk debunking the brainwashing theory. Each of the NRMs got a chance to refute any accusations that Nemeth Geza made about them. The majority of the reporters present were sympathetic towards NRMs, & mostly favourable articles resulted.
MEXICO
* A POWERFUL DEFENSE OF THE FAMILY'S RIGHT TO EXIST & to believe as we choose appeared in the December edition of a popular magazine. The author sweetly confessed that he was mistaken when he wrote against us in 1971. In this article he stressed that we are sincere in our convictions, that we are doing a service to the community, & that we have a right to live like the early Apostles!
* FAMILY PERFORMS FOR 200 PROFESSIONALS. A gala performance for 200 professionals in late November was a great success. The president of their association was absolutely ecstatic about the show & we were able to make some good contacts.
* FAMILY CONFRONTS TV CREW. In mid-November, we found out that a European documentary on the Family was about to be filmed in Mexico. The producer had been in close contact with some of our most vociferous detractors, Miriam Bolivar & Rick Dupuy (Watchman), who supplied him with disinformation about the Family. Family representatives sent a letter to the producer, presenting our side & warning of legal action if we do not receive fair treatment. Later, when the Family found out that the producer & his crew were still at a nearby hotel, a team comprised of three YAs who had just returned from Argentina, three Mexican Media Team YAs & three adults, went to meet them. Miriam & other members of her family who were dining with them at the time turned white & fled at the sight of the Family, apparently terrified that they & their lies were about to be exposed. The Argentine refugees testified of the damage which Miriam has inflicted upon our young people. Others who had lived with the Bolivars testified of their horrible sample. While the producer clearly "did not want to be confused by the facts", he did acknowledge that he had carefully read our letter to him, promised to consider any material which our representative in his home country would furnish him with, & said he would attempt to be fair in his final report.
SCANDINAVIA
* SCANDINAVIAN ACADEMIC RESPONDS TO MAILINGS. In November, the Family received a favourable mail response from an academic who is compiling an encyclopedia of religious groups. He wrote to say that he appreciates our mailings & will be collaborating with an American academic, also a friend of the Family, on another major reference book on contemporary religions.
* ANOTHER SCANDINAVIAN COUNTRY'S GOVERNMENT FURNISHED THE FAMILY COMBO WITH NEEDED SCHOOL SUPPLIES. In addition, they are helping the Family to fulfil a state requirement that the children learn the local language by sending a teacher to give classes twice a week.
THAILAND
* THE FAMILY'S PARTICIPATION IN THE NATIONAL AIDS DAY RALLY in early December, which had been requested by the Red Cross, went very well. We were able to minister to many interested people. (From Mama, regarding a question from the Family about participating in this event: "We don't think there was anything else you could have done but attend the international AIDS Day rally. Your friends would hardly have been able to understand if you had refused. Although we may consider AIDS a judgement of God on people's sin, we still love the sinner, & maybe we can win some of them. Besides, AIDS doesn't only afflict Sodomites, but it has touched quite a few others as well.
("So I think you did the right thing in accepting. Otherwise it would have been a little like refusing to go the site of an earthquake just because the people had been evil & God had used the earthquake as a judgement upon them.
("It doesn't mean that we are endorsing Sodomy just because a large percentage of those afflicted with AIDS are Sodomites. So praise the Lord, we can be a witness wherever & whenever the Lord opens the doors.")
USA
* YAs SPOKE AT A COLLEGE CLASS ON CONTEMPORARY RELIGIONS in November. A group of YAs gave a powerful witness of their upbringing & education in the Family, & explained how & why they had chosen this way of life. They furnished all the students packets of our lit, & the professor, who was very supportive & interested, asked for more of Dad's writings.
* TELEVANGELIST JIM NICHOLS recently featured the Family in a week-long series on his show, "The Voice of Freedom". The Family in N.A. sent Dad a video of the shows. After seeing it, Dad sent Jim a donation for his ministry. Jim got all choked up at the news & said, "Well, that's totally unexpected! That's enough to make a grown man bawl! I'll need to get a letter of thanks off to Father David right away." He also told us that the mail response to our shows has been very favourable. A number of people said that the shows changed the way they look at the Family, & those who didn't know anything about us are thankful that Jim introduced us to them.
* IN MID-NOVEMBER THE HOUSTON TEENS recorded their 2nd TV show with Brother Thomas. (See FUN#10.) Each program of the show, called "Stand Up for Jesus," is broadcast three times during the week. The same station also shows Treasure Attics & Kiddie Viddies three times a day. Brother Thomas has given the teens' show prime time by bumping the top TV evangelist of Houston! He is getting even more enthusiastic about the Family, & loves to listen to Dad on tape.
* FAMILY REPRESENTATIVES MET PROMINENT SOCIOLOGISTS & ACADEMICS at an American Academics of Religion (AAR) Convention. A team of Family members ministered to an international group of sociologists & theologians during the November convention in Washington, D.C. Following are highlights as reported by those attending:
"We had very good contact with a sociologist who is quite outspoken about the Waco tragedy! She knew of us from her colleagues & spoke well of what we're doing to fill the information vacuum about the Family. She was warm & encouraging & is interested in visiting us.
"The Waco panel discussion at the AAR was very significant. The first question before a packed house of 500 conference participants & press was about us! `Considering the Family's relationship with CAN, could the same thing that happened with the Branch Davidians happen to them?' A sociologist who has studied us extensively answered from the platform with a stinging criticism of CAN. He talked about Argentina & the over 600 Family kids who have been examined & found healthy & whole. It couldn't have been a better question!
"We had a mini-conference with a well-known professor & religious rights advocate who seems eager to come to our defense & happy to have found another persecuted group to defend.
"The head of the department of theology at a prestigious American university was also very interested to know more about us.
"A religious historian wants to write a 350-400 page book, detailing the history of the Family & giving an analysis of our present methods, projects & worldwide persecution. He wants to visit & live in several of our communities worldwide in order to get a firsthand international view of the Family.
"We talked with a man who writes a monthly newsletter discussing the millennial beliefs of various groups. He was very interested in our Posters & would like to print them & their backing texts in his newsletter.
"We had lunch, fellowship & an `inspiration' with members of the Branch Davidians. We showed them parts of `New Worlds' & gave them a copy to keep, along with some Posters. Our hearts went out to them & we hope to be able to stay in contact.
"We met a graduate student who majors in Jesus People movements of the '60s & early '70s. He told us that when he was eight years old, he was given a copy of `The Land of Not Too Much.' He liked it so much that he almost memorized it. He was excited to finally meet us again."
* ANSWERED PRAYER. Our academic friend who suffers from a thyroid problem (FUN#10, request 14) is feeling much better. The Family told her that it was due to the prayers of the worldwide Family, & she readily agreed.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
WORLDWIDE:
1. For our Family's outreach during the remaining Christmas season, that it will continue to be especially fruitful.
2. For the Family's worldwide media blitz following the victory in Argentina, that it will result in a furtherance of the Gospel; for follow-up of our many friends, new & old, who supported & defended us during the persecution.
AUSTRALIA:
3. For our legal team in Sydney as they prepare the civil suit against the State government; for the right judge to handle the case.
4. For termination or speedy resolution of the Melbourne case, & that it will go entirely in our favour; for our lawyers to be able to get the needed documents released for their use in our case in Melbourne.
EUROPE:
5. That the planned TV documentary uncovered in Mexico will not be aired unless it is fair.
6. For Pearl & our legal team as they prepare for the case, which is due to begin in late January; for the judge to be open-minded & fair.
SOUTH AMERICA:
7. For the health & strength of our Buenos Aires Family, all of whom have been under tremendous pressures for the last three months. Please pray especially for the media team (which now includes some of those just released from prison), as their schedule is very strenuous.
8. For the continued readjustment of our children back into our Homes, & against lingering influences from their time in institutions.
9. That the rulings in Argentina & Peru will result in much favourable publicity & improved relations with officials & the public in other South American countries.
10. For the son of a longtime friend & supporter in Peru who has decided to join the Family, & for his family.
11. For important Christmas shows which the Family has scheduled.
RUSSIA:
12. For the Family's continued protection & fruitfulness, & for peace & stability in the country.
THAILAND:
13. For the immediate healing of the children in a frontline sample Home who have caught a childhood disease, & that it will not spread to others.
USA:
14. That the Lord will give one of our friends wisdom in disproving false reports about us which are being put forth by an academic who is in cahoots with our enemies.
15. For various academics who are writing articles about the Family.
16. For follow-up of academics & theologians met at the AAR conference.
17. For Gabriel, who has been diagnosed as having cancer & has chosen to trust God for his healing, & that he & his wife will feel the Family backing them in prayer.
Copyright (c) 1998 by The Family