FAMILY UPDATE NEWS # 15 -- February, 1994. DO
"We are the most active, the most effective & the most fruitful witnesses on God's Earth today!" (MOP 146:36).
(Required reading for JETTs on up.)
New Movies Listed in the FUN -- by WS Staff
In between Movie Lists, we hope to periodically include new movie ratings in the FUN. We trust this will be a blessing to you all. Movie List #4 is in the works, but in the meantime here are titles & descriptions of a few new movies which have been previewed & rated for the Family.
We are sorry that there are no new titles for our OCs, MCs & YCs this time. Please pray with us as we & others continue to look for suitable films, as there seem to be very few wholesome movies being produced for younger children these days.
Love, Your WS Family
NEW RECOMMENDED MOVIES:
For JETTs & Up
DOC HOLLYWOOD
Michael J. Fox, Bridget Fonda
A young hot-shot medical school graduate, on his way to Hollywood to become a rich plastic surgeon for the stars, has a drastic change in his life after a car accident in a small Southern town. Good lessons on the real values in life. (1991)
ENCHANTED APRIL
Miranda Richardson, Joan Plowright
Character study about four different British women spending their vacation together in an Italian villa. Brings out how staying positive and loving affects and changes others, and that "love never fails." Also good lessons about selfishness. (1993)
For Teens & Up
BODYGUARD, THE
Kevin Costner, Whitney Houston
Suspense love story about a pop star and the disciplined bodyguard she hires to protect her from a stalker. Brings out the importance of taking security measures, and that "constant vigilance is the price of security." Also shows the sacrifices that need to be made for the sake of security. (1993)
CUTTING EDGE, THE
D.B. Sweeney, Moira Kelly
Romantic comedy about a sarcastic, spoiled figure skater and a has-been hockey player, who are paired up in a last ditch attempt to capture an Olympic Gold Medal. Lessons on teamworking, unity and "glamour or glory", as well as parents not driving their children to excel in life for their own pride and selfish motives. (1992)
FEW GOOD MEN, A
Tom Cruise, Demi Moore, Jack Nicholson
Drama centred around the death of a Marine and the ensuing trial. The movie has a definite anti-Christian slant, but is a good expos of the injustice and cruelty of the American military establishment. Good lessons on fighting against the odds and not giving up. (1993)
GROUNDHOG DAY
Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell
Comedy in which a self-absorbed newscaster finds himself endlessly reliving the worst day of his life until he learns lessons on unselfishness & compassion. Some bad language. (1993)
SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE
Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan
Comedy romance about a woman engaged to be married who is drawn to a widower & his young son after hearing their story on a radio talk show. Light entertainment & happy ending. Bad language & behaviour make this movie unsuitable for younger audiences. (1993)
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ARGENTINA
* MORE ADULTS GIVEN PERMISSION TO LEAVE ARGENTINA. Wonderful news! Some of the Family Members charged in the Argentine court case have been given permission to leave the country for 45 days, & their children's psychological exams have been waived until they return.
AUSTRALIA
* EX-SUPREME COURT JUSTICE TO MEDIATE. A former Victoria Supreme Court justice has been officially appointed as the convenor for our mediation hearings in Melbourne, scheduled to begin February 14th.
* OPPOSITION PARTY CALLS FOR MEDIATION. In mid-January, the parliamentary opposition in Victoria issued a press release emphasizing the importance of H&CS (CSV) mediating to spare the children the ordeal of a long drawn-out court case, as well as to save the taxpayers' money.
* FAVOURABLE ARTICLES APPEAR IN MELBOURNE MEDIA. A number of positive news items about the Family came out in late January. One article that appeared in the respectable Melbourne Age was especially favourable, with only brief references to allegations from H&CS. It was a full-page spread with a picture, and provided good insight into our wonderful Family lifestyle. The article also stressed the enormous cost of this case to the taxpayers, & that we have never been found guilty of any criminal wrongdoing in the various cases which have been brought against us around the world. There were also four other articles in the two main Victorian papers, and one in the national daily, The Australian.
* H&CS (CSV) EXPOSED ON NATIONWIDE TV. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation aired a mid-January report on the Family which included a hard-hitting denunciation of H&CS over the enormous waste of public money on our case! They also commented on the prosecution's lack of evidence, 20 months after the initial raids. In a taped interview, David Millikan stated that the Family is not guilty of any of the charges brought against us. ABC also quoted from the New South Wales Board of Education report which declared our children to be happy & well adjusted.
* A POPULAR RADIO COMMENTATOR, who happens to be an ex-lawyer, calls our court battle his "favourite case" & wants to get our situation on the news more. His special interest: exposing H&CS!
* ALL OF OUR NEW LAWYERS have now visited the Melbourne Homes & have had good impressions of everyone they've met. One lawyer said she went to the Home "looking for anyone that may be weird," but couldn't find anyone like that!--Ha!
* CATHOLIC PRIEST LIKENS US TO EARLY CHURCH & CATHOLIC ORDERS. The head of a Catholic college met with the Family in early January & pointed out several interesting similarities between the Family, the Early Church & Catholic orders.
The Early Church also faced trumped-up charges. Early Christians were accused of "hating the human race" because they felt "called out & separate"; the Early Church was accused of incest (because of the concept of brotherly love); atheism (because they refused to accept the Roman gods); & cannibalism, because of communion.
Catholic religious orders are also often misunderstood, he said. Conscience & commitment are often termed "mind control" by those who don't understand the deeper aspects of faith.
EUROPE
* PRAISE DEMO IN ZURICH. In early January, a team of about 40 adults, JETTs & teens demonstrated & sang in downtown Zurich for nearly four hours to celebrate the release of the Family in Argentina. They distributed about 4000 tracts (a combo of press releases) & 250 envelopes (with statements from sociologists & the Statement summaries). They were very pleased by the amount of public interest shown.
* FAMILY ATTENDS ROUND-TABLE CONFERENCE OF RELIGIONS. The Family in Russia reports that in the latter part of January, Family representatives participated in a round-table conference of NRMs & traditional religions held in Moscow. The purpose of the meeting was for the participants to get to know each other & discuss possibilities of working together. The subject of mutual cooperation in the event of persecution was among the topics presented for discussion. Our delegates gave a short speech introducing our Work in Russia & touching on the topic of persecution. They were able to talk with nearly all the other delegates personally, & some people expressed interest in supplying material for us to publish in the PEN.
* CHRISTMAS SINGERS WOW SCIENTISTS, SOLDIERS, CELEBRITIES & SKATERS. The following testimony, sent in by a Home in Europe, is at the same time very special, yet typical of the many wonderful miracles the Lord did for & through all of our kids this past Christmas.
"After a difficult & trying start, which made us desperate, we heard about a party that was being held for 200 retired scientists, military officers & other important people. The next thing we heard was that it was impossible for our singing group to perform there. TTL, we don't believe in impossible situations, so we went to the party by faith. We spoke with the director, & he finally agreed to let us sing. The lady who had earlier told us we didn't stand a chance said, `I think that you have a lot of help from Heaven, because this really was impossible!'
"The audience was very surprised to see us there at the beginning, but after a few songs they were all smiles & some even danced. The director told us that it was the first time he had ever seen some of those old people smiling & dancing. Another man said, `Now I know that I am alive!'
"The wife of a famous movie director said, `This is so special, so strengthening! I've never seen anything like it!' Then she invited us to sing at a party she was having for all the famous actors & movie-makers in this country. She even said she would cancel part of the program she had already planned in order to feature our singing group. `What you have is so much better than what we could do!' she said.
"When we performed at this celebrity party, a TV news crew was there also, & they filmed our entire program. The news broadcast that covered this gathering of stars only had one sentence to say about the party, & devoted the rest of their report to our little singing group! We now hope to follow-up on some of these old actors, who seem very lonely & need something more in their lives.
"Another `impossible' door opened for us to sing at the national ice skating championship. The organizer had the whole opening program planned out months in advance. But in one minute, he changed his mind & had us perform two songs. `Glory to God in the Highest' rang out as the skaters were introduced! We were later able to witness to many of the coaches, trainers & skaters, including the sweet teen couple who won the pairs competition & also got saved! The president of the ice hall was so impressed that he helped us with more singing appointments, finances, food & twice-a-week free use of the skating rink.
"We were also asked to sing at a department store fund-raiser for orphans in this country, which was a very good testimony."
When Mama heard this testimony, she commented, "This shows how powerful our amateur singing teams are. It's amazing to hear people like this woman, who has probably heard & seen it all, say they've never seen anything like us. People from all walks of life get turned on by our untrained but full-of-the-Spirit young people. It is so obvious that it couldn't be anything but the Spirit. It just shows how very powerful the Lord's Spirit through us is."
ASIA
* MORE GOOD PRESS & OFFER OF HELP: In the beginning of January, the India Media Home received a visit from an important member of the judicial system. The Family showed him a six-minute clip of the Argentine persecution. He was very interested & readily pledged his support. Also, a major Indian newspaper published the first Argentina Press Release on the 5th of January.
NORTH AMERICA
* "STAND UP FOR JESUS" SETS WINNING EXAMPLE OF COMMITMENT. The Houston Family reports: "After our `Persecution' show aired on Brother Thomas' TV station, a man left a message on our telephone answering machine. He was crying so hard that we couldn't understand him, but he gave his name & we were later able to find his number in the phone book. When we called him back, he explained that he was just flipping through the TV channels when he saw YA John giving his testimony. Julia's powerful message about standing up & being a real Christian so touched him that he prayed the Salvation prayer during the show. `I've been a soldier for Man's armies,' he said, `and now I want to be a soldier for the Lord!'"
* MORE TV SHOW RESPONSES: An executive from a recording company called, wanting to discuss the possibility of a recording contract. "I saw your TV show & have to say you have a remarkable band!" he enthused.
The wife of a church pastor called after seeing the "Persecution" show. She & her husband have a ministry to "punk" & "skinhead" kids, & they use music as their bait. A group of about 40-50 kids attend regularly. Our show so thrilled her that she invited us to perform first for their church youth group, & then at a concert later in the month, where "The Family" would be billed as the main attraction.
Two other pastors commented that they watch our show regularly & enjoy it. Many youth pastors are very receptive, & are looking forward to receiving mailings with information about the teens' show. Every church they have contacted about doing a show for their congregation was very interested.
* ARGENTINE EXPOS: The editor of a newspaper in a large Midwestern city, who also hosts a weekly TV show, invited us to give our side of the "Argentine story" on his program. Family representatives explained that a small group of disgruntled former members, connected with anti-"cult" groups, have been circling the globe to spread their lies about us, but truth always prevails in the end!
* "VICTORY" BOOTH AT UNIVERSITY THANKS SUPPORTERS. After the release of our Members in Argentina, the Family announced the victory at a booth in the student centre of a Midwestern university where they witness. Last October they demonstrated against the Argentine persecution on this same campus, & drew excellent response from the students & faculty. This time a large banner proclaimed, "THEY'RE OUT! THANK YOU, FACULTY & STUDENTS, FOR YOUR HELP IN WINNING THE BATTLE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS IN ARGENTINA!" During the two days the booth was open, 1300 press releases & news reprints were passed out to students & teachers. The Family also reestablished contact with quite a few people who signed petition postcards last October.
* CHRISTIAN LAWYER CONSIDERS HIMSELF "FAMILY". The Family has met a number of times with an influential lawyer who is an active Christian. At one meeting, he asked about our different levels of discipleship. When he heard about the live-out category for those who aren't able to join full-time but help our work, he exclaimed, "That's what I am"!
* TEENS PERFORM AT HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL CONVENTION & BANQUET. In mid-January, the teens from a Midwest Home performed for about 500 Hispanic businessmen, community leaders & their wives. They sang for two hours & received a very favourable response. The Mayor personally congratulated them on their performance, & had his picture taken with the show group. The Governor also had his picture taken with the teens after one of the delegates told him, "Our state needs more young people like them!"
* SCHOOL BOARD REVISITS HOME. Two supervisors from the local school board, whose first visit to a Home was reported in FUN #13, returned to give them a second evaluation letter attesting to the top quality care & education our children receive.
* TREASURE ATTIC IMPRESSES PROFESSOR. The Family in the Northeast reported that a professor at a prominent college is extremely excited about the "Fun on the Farm" Treasure Attic Video that he got for his children. He said: "It's beautiful. It's not domineering with its message about God, but presents it in just the right way, along with its stories & songs.... My kids watch it all the time!" He enjoyed his visit to the local Home, and is looking forward to visiting again. He also requested a copy of "Raise 'em Right!", which really impressed him too.
* UPDATE ON LOS ANGELES QUAKE: In late January the Family in L.A. reported, "All of the Homes are doing fine in the aftermath of the quake! We still marvel that most of us are barely affected by it, even in our daily business! We've now heard that all of our friends are okay. Many experienced damage in varying degrees, but no one was seriously injured--even those who live very close to the epicenter. He cares for His own! PTL!"
* MINISTRY TO EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS CONTINUES. The Family in California reports: "Several days after the earthquake on Jan. 17th, we sent a team which included the JETT singing troupe to one of the relief shelters. The administration at the shelter was thrilled to have some live entertainment. The JETTs, who were in full costume, put on a beautiful program. Everyone raved about their show, from the top brass on down. That night the older teens stayed up late witnessing to the lonely National Guard troops & won many of them to the Lord. The next morning, the teens & JETTs woke up ready to go, jumped right into preparing & serving breakfast to those left homeless by the quake, then got busy cleaning the building.
The teens not only carried a big part of the work load, but were a tremendous help in organizing the work crews that distribute food, water & other supplies. Meanwhile, a singing team encouraged the long lines of people that formed outside the building, waiting to receive basic necessities & shelter. Their situations were truly desperate. Over 500 souls were won in just a few short days. During that time, the Family was filmed by three different television stations. A local newspaper also interviewed a couple of the teens about our Work.
Although the team received high marks from the disaster victims & the other volunteer workers, after a few days the churchy Christian who was overseeing the operation, apparently swayed by the lies of our detractors, asked them not to come back. Despite this rather sad ending to their relief ministry, a lot was accomplished in a short time. PTL!
ANSWERED PRAYER:
Over the past couple of weeks the Lord has done a miracle & Dad has been able to get the exercise which he so desperately needed, thanks to your prayers. Please continue to pray for his health, his security & his encouragement.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
CRITICAL OR LIFE-&-DEATH SITUATIONS:
(For age 14 & over.)
1. Swiss Phoebe: For healing from Hodgkin's Disease, a form of cancer. After a year of chemotherapy, she was recently diagnosed as having an active case, which is spreading to other parts of her body. Her doctors are recommending more chemotherapy or radiation. Please pray for Phoebe's encouragement, faith & wisdom in making her next decision in this very serious matter.
(This may be read to JETTs.)
2. Continued daily prayer for each of the Family Members involved in the traffic accident in Colombia.
WORLDWIDE:
3. For the safety & security of Dad, Mama, & their staff.
4. Continued prayer for Peter's health.
COURT CASES:
5. Melbourne case: that the convenor (moderator) who has been appointed to direct the February 14th mediation attempt will be open & fair, & push H&CS (formerly CSV) to agree to an out-of-court settlement.
6. Pearl's case: that Pearl & all members of her legal team will have the physical strength & spiritual stamina needed during long days in court, & that God will continue to give Pearl the grace & the boldness to be a witness for the Truth with full conviction.
7. For the witnesses who will be called to testify on Pearl's behalf.
8. French court case: That the minors judge in Aix will completely close the minors' case, & that he will not agree to Social Services' petition for another six-month socialization program.
ARGENTINA:
9. For our lawyers, doctors & other professionals who are helping us during the ongoing legal proceedings: for their strength & wisdom, that they won't become weary in well-doing, & for the Lord to reward them openly.
10. The wife of one of our lawyers (who is also the sister of another of our lawyers), who has Parkinson's disease: for a miraculous healing & end to her suffering; that the Lord will comfort her husband & brother during this trying time.
11. For the Argentine Supreme Court to reject the D.A.'s appeal of the appeals court ruling; for a clear vindication of the Family & speedy resolution of the case.
12. For those involved in the possible case with the provincial court.
13. For all those involved with the media, & for more openings to proclaim the Truth.
14. For those who were in prisons & institutions, particularly the parents & children who were separated during months of incarceration; that everyone will get the Word & rest they need in order to quickly overcome the trauma they experienced.
15. For those shepherding & caring for the children & adults who were incarcerated.
16. Supply; for their provisioning team.
17. For many more Family Members to be able to leave Argentina soon.
18. Against attacks by elements within the Catholic church in Argentina which are spreading to other S.A. countries; for the Lord's wisdom in knowing how to counter these attacks.
ELSEWHERE IN SOUTH AMERICA:
19. For the Spanish music studio, whose equipment broke down just as they were completing the Spanish versions of "New Worlds" & "Fantastic Friends."
20. That childhood diseases in several countries will not spread, but will pass quickly.
21. Caty, 15, who developed a serious infection after her appendix ruptured, & underwent three emergency operations: that she will recover fully & speedily.
22. Cristina, 7 months pregnant with her first baby & has an unusually small cervix: for a safe delivery & healthy baby.
AUSTRALIA:
23. Against possible persecution in Brisbane, Australia. It has been reported that Jan Groenveld (bitter anti-cultist, from "Freedom in Christ") is trying to stir up Community Services against us.
EUROPE:
24. Adam, 16 months, of Polish Philip & Davida, who was hospitalized with a serious case of laryngitis: that he will recover quickly & fully, & that it will not develop into pneumonia or any other complications. Please also pray for Philip & Davida, who have another baby due any day.
25. Against the Danish Dialogue Centre (an "advisory group" on NRMs which has sided with ADFI); that the Family's media teams will be able to counter their efforts to smear the Family in Russia & possibly other Eastern European countries.
NORTH AMERICA:
26. Continued safekeeping of the Family in Mexico. Following the military crackdown on the Zapatista (comprised of ethnic Indians) insurrection in Southern Mexico, there have been a number of bomb blasts & continual bomb threats in & around Mexico City, which cause major disruptions.
27. For a dear Family friend who suffers from diabetes: that the Lord will keep him strong & healthy as a reward & blessing for being so honest & willing to stand up for us.
28. For the truth to come out during the Branch Davidians' trial in Texas.
29. For a Christian lawyer, that the Lord will continue to work in his heart.
30. Continued prayer against Deb & Bill, Dupuy, Priebe, Ajemian, the Padillas & others who are attempting to muster forces against the Family.
Copyright (c) 1998 by The Family