FAMILY UPDATE NEWS #39 -- July 1996
DO
"Be warmed by the light of His Love! Revel in the beauty of His commendation! Take fresh hope in His challenge to you. Stand up and be proud of being His precious darling ones, His special loves that are so very dear to Him" (ML #3047:80, GN 677).
July 1996, The Family, Zurich, Switzerland.
(For JETTs and up. Selected portions may be shared with children younger than JETTs at the discretion of their parents, teachers or shepherds.)
NOTICES
SPECIAL OFFERINGS TO WS NEEDED!
--By WS Staff
Dearest Family,
We love you and appreciate you. We hope you will be inspired to read news about the Family Aid Fund (please see article later on), and that it will encourage you to see how the Lord has blessed your giving to it.
We also want to let you know that WS is in need of special offerings above your tithes, if you are able to give them. We are very grateful for your tithes; however, since the Charter took effect, special offerings to WS have dwindled. It is now to the point that we are having to look at ways to cut back on vital programs in order to stay within our shrinking income.
Over the past year we have increased both the size and scope of many services. However, in order for us to maintain our giving and services at the present level, we need special offerings above your tithes. If any of you receive inheritances or windfalls, may we ask you to please pray about sharing some of it with WS? Thank you!
All of the CROs worldwide have just been asked to figure out ways to cut down by about 17% the expenses in their Areas which are supported by WS. As Mama explained in "News and Views Part 2" (ML #3049:65-72, GN 676), WS gives monthly gifts not only to many pioneer situations throughout the world, but also carries a very heavy financial load in the support of all of the NPCs worldwide, most of the LIMs, many Lit-Pics, several music studios, the International Video Ministry, Family Care and WS pubs and creations units.
In addition, WS is occasionally able to make special donations to needy projects that benefit the Family as a whole, such as setting up the GP pubs unit to concentrate on producing and marketing books and other GP lit; helping the music studios in Europe, South America and Washington, D.C., equip themselves to produce quality music for the FTTs and other Family tapes; setting up of the Family Web site on the Internet; offering an initial investment to each CRO area to help their FED (Family and Education Department) set up an educational resource center lending library so that you may borrow GAP, HSV and vocational videos, as well as other educational material; offering a Living Waters subsidy to each CRO area so that you may order these pubs at a reduced rate; assisting the FED in North America which handles your CLE orders; and several other undertakings.
In order for us to continue our support and services in full, we need your extra giving. We realize that you are all working hard, as are we. And we know that the Lord will come through for all of us. But in the meantime, if special offerings do not pick up within a few months, we will have to cut back on our support and possibly our services in order to stay within our income. So if the Lord blesses you with a special financial blessing, please consider giving what you can to WS. We know that the Lord will bless you as you do, and we also will continue to bless you and the rest of the Family in return with our abundance! Praise the Lord! (Please see 2Ch.31:2-10.)
UPDATE ON WEB-SITE E-MAIL
-- By Eden and WEB team, USA
Dear Family,
God bless you and greetings in Jesus' Name! We pray that the Family's Worldwide Web site on the Internet is being a blessing to you and your sheep! It's thrilling to see all that the Lord is doing to get His Word out to the waiting world!
The responses we have received to our Web site have been thrilling! On the average, we receive 50-60 e-mail messages a month. I've included here a few sample letters:
I'm a resident of Orlando, Florida, and would like to meet with your closest contact here. I am a 42-year-old male and at a crisis point in my life. Please send e-mail any info you can provide.
Hello! I received a brochure from one of your distributors at a stoplight today, and I am interested in some of the programs or meetings I can get involved with in my spare time as one of your volunteers. I was inspired by the literature I received and I am looking for volunteer activities I can do to help with your organization or any other organization to inspire other loving citizens.
Hello all! I know some of your folk in Ireland. Are there any of your members who would like to befriend me? If so, please e-mail me with some names. Love, Harry
Hello, I'm a young student in France. I've seen your Web and I think it's the best Web I've ever seen (sorry for my English). I listen to your songs. I love it but it's too short. [Note: The song samples on the Web are 10-15 seconds long.] When I look at your photos I have a great impression of you. Your publications are very good. In short thank you for this short good time. I'd like this good time not to stop now. It's for that I write you. I'd like to know if in France there is "the Family" organization. If yes could you send me the address. Secondly how can I join with your movement? If "the Family" isn't in France can I try to create one? I would like to know more! Who is David Berg? I don't understand all your text (because it's in English). Could you send me the same in French (or a rsum)? I've read a passage where it's written you have been some problems with the French police why?? And for finish SAVE ME. THANK YOU AND I LOVE YOU, EMMANUEL
Yesterday I read much of the information on your WWW page. I found that many of your beliefs coincide with mine. I would very much like to get to know more about your organization first hand. Perhaps I could meet with some of your members and maybe attend a social gathering. Please let me know. Sincerely, Jerry
Hi! I'm a drama teacher at a school in Sweden, and I find your teachings rather interesting (from what I've read). I guess you can say I'm a bit of a searcher, but I haven't really found anything yet. Now I'm a bit curious in your work, and would like to know if there are any Swedish "point" to contact. Please get in touch! Hasse
As you can see from these samples, those writing us are eager, and in some cases desperate to meet Family members in their local area.
We would like to be able to refer these precious people to the Family closest to them, as much as possible. If you are interested in following up on sheep in your area who contact us via the Internet, please let us know! This is purely voluntary for any Home who would like to be involved in this ministry!
We have received messages from all over the United States and many parts of the world, so no matter where you are, it is possible that someone near you may write in seeking contact with Family members.
All you would need to do is send us a GP e-mail address (if you have one). If you do not have a GP e-mail address, a local GP phone number or mailing address would be fine. We will keep these on file so that when a sheep from your area writes to us, we can then send them the GP contact number or address that you sent us. We will forward to you any information we have about them from our communications with them.
If you are on-line, you can simply e-mail the information to us at our Internet address, which is: "family@thefamily.org". Please include in your message the city and country where you are located. Please keep in mind that anything you send to the above e-mail address should be able to be read by the GP, including your address! Thanks! If you are not on-line, you can send the information via your ABM.
Thank you so very much for your help following up on these precious sheep!
Much love,
Eden for the Family Web Site Follow-up Team
SOUTH AMERICA
CATHOLIC ORDER THRILLED BY OUR VIDEOS!
(From Maria, Brazil:) Some time ago, we sold some of our videos to some Catholic nuns who are in charge of several schools in our town and others nearby. One nun brought a Treasure Attic video to a meeting of the nuns of their order, to play for anyone who wanted to watch it, in case they had nothing else to do at night. All of them wanted to watch it and absolutely loved it. The mother superior was shocked to find out that only a couple of their schools knew about our material and said that all should get it, and one of them wrote to us, explaining their situation.
The nuns were so happy to see us when we returned to the convent with more videos! They offered to take our videos on their visitation trips to schools in other towns. They also right away bought an entire collection of Kiddie Viddies for their school, as they only had the Treasure Attic series up till then. Over the last couple of weeks, they have helped us to get out our Home's entire weekly video distribution goal!
KIDS WITNESSING TO THEIR PEERS
(From Phillip, Brazil:) I have recently been visiting kindergartens, and letting our kids witness to children close to their own age. Sachi (8) and Clarisse (7) were so excited when they heard they would be doing the witnessing!
First we all went together to talk to the director about our videos, tapes and posters. Then, while one of the adults continued to talk with the director, I went with Sachi and Clarisse to the playground and let them witness to the children there.
At first they were shy, but with a little bit of help they got very inspired, and in the end they were doing all the witnessing on their own! In just a couple of hours, they won 33 kids to the Lord and passed out quite a few tracts. Once the children received the Lord, they began to bring other children, asking Sachi and Clarisse to pray with them as well! Praise the Lord!
HELPING WITH RELIEF AFTER EARTHQUAKE
(From Emanuel, David and Consuelo, Ecuador:) The experience of doing relief work at the site of the recent earthquake was an answer to our prayers for our teens to have new challenges, and was quite a learning experience as well. Some of them traveled with the medical teams high up into the mountains to give people medical assistance and relief aid. In the process some of them learned to give shots, and even helped to stitch a wound on a lady's hand!
It also helped them to see another reality, very different from the one they're used to! Seeing firsthand what real suffering is helped them to count their blessings. Praise the Lord!
HUMAN RELATIONS SEMINAR FOR MANAGEMENT!
(From Pedro, Aurora and John, Brazil:) We held two seminars on human relations for 48 managers of a large supermarket. At first we were quite nervous, but the Lord reminded us that we as a Family are experts on the subject because we have lived communally for so many years. The seminars were a success and very well-received. Some were surprised that we were teaching Christian principles to managers of a big company, but many were moved to tears throughout, and readily opened their hearts to confide in us their problems, questions, etc.
THE WORD BRINGS HEALING!
(From Dave, Tim and Cielo, Colombia:) When Cielo and Peter were provisioning lunch in a restaurant, we met a waiter who said that some time before he had received a tape and a Hem of His Garment book from a brother when he heard the waiter had leukemia. The waiter told us that he had read the entire book. A later checkup revealed he was completely healed! Thank the Lord for His miracle-working Word!
ASIA
THE LIFE-CHANGING MINISTRY OF THE MAIL
(From Ho, Mary-Anne and Andrew, India:) On a road trip some time ago, we met a lady who was crippled from polio. She was very sweet and receptive to the message, took two videos for a needy institution, and gave a donation to cover our stay in that city. After our departure, we continued to send her a mailing every month. After receiving the Reflections issue "Treasures from Trials," she wrote us a beautiful letter saying how much the article had helped relieve her discouragement at being crippled. She also photocopied the article for all her friends.
On a recent visit, this woman's husband told us what a change he has seen in her attitude towards life since meeting us and receiving our letters. She now reaches out to help and encourage others with similar problems.
JETT/TEEN WITNESSING CAMP
(From Ho, Mary-Anne and Andrew, India:) A few of our Homes in nearby cities recently planned a time of personal witnessing for our teens and JETTs. Every day started with inspiration and a feeding devotions, then all went out personal witnessing at a popular youth hang-out. On the first day each of the four four-man teams won over 25 people to Jesus. But as the days progressed and the teens and JETTs gained confidence and conviction, each team was winning nearly 100 souls every day!
On the weekend, the Lord provided a man who agreed to let us hold a Friendship meeting at his restaurant. Everyone passed out flyers and invited their sheep. As a result 100 visitors packed out the place, while the JETTs and teens did their program of songs, skits and the Endtime streetplay! After the program the visitors stayed to talk and learn more about Jesus.
This camp has helped our city get fresh momentum into our youth outreach, as we have lots of sheep to follow up on, as well as a place for regular youth meetings. Thank You Jesus!
FAMILY SAMPLE OF PARENTING SHINES BRIGHTLY!
(From Catherine, Middle East:) Francesco and I were invited to a meeting to evaluate an Arabic video on pregnancy and babycare made by UNICEF. Our friend told everyone present about the Family, and I was asked to speak. I wasn't expecting this so I wasn't prepared, but being a mother of seven, I felt I could relate to these women and just spoke from my heart.
At the end of the meeting some mothers asked to talk with me about problems they have with their children. We have so much to be thankful for, and such a wealth of Godly counsel that we can share with others in these golden opportunities!
ONE PLANTS, ANOTHER WATERS (1Co.3:6,7)
(From JETT Simon, Thailand:) For the last three months, the JETTs and junior teens in our Home have been going to a language school to learn Thai. After a while, we began to witness to our teacher, and found out that he was already reading the Bible and very interested in Jesus and His teachings.
On a visit to our Home this month, we showed him the International Outreach video, and read with him the "Lion, Dragon, and Beast" poster. We asked him if he would like to pray with us to receive Jesus, and he said that he had prayed with a Thai woman five years ago (whom he also recognized and pointed out on the cover of the video)! He explained that was how he became interested in the Bible. He was very happy to realize that we were the same people he had met years earlier!
Since visiting our Home and seeing how we live and what we've dedicated our lives to, he has offered to teach us for free on weekends after we finish our six-month course. He said we're doing such a good job for the country that he wants to help us be able to speak Thai better so that we can reach the Thais with the Gospel!
MUSICAL THERAPY SEMINAR
(From Ammi, Thailand:) A friend invited us to help with a "Musical Therapy Seminar" at a large university, for a group of about 50 doctors, dentists and nurses. During her presentation on how music has a soothing and healing effect, she wanted the YAs to give a demonstration of some of the songs we sing for the patients during our regular CTP programs.
When she introduced the Family, she shared some beautiful things about how our songs speak to people's hearts and are instrumental in cheering them up. She said that when the YAs sing, patients sometimes laugh and sometimes cry, but they are tears of joy because they feel loved and encouraged.
The audience responded very well to the songs. Our friend knows how to get people out of themselves, so by the end of the class she had everyone up dancing together, all the while emphasizing the point that music is a miracle and "a merry heart does good like a medicine" (Pro.17:22). Our YA team joined in and danced with the nurses and doctors, which was a real hit and lots of fun. The seminar ended with everyone standing in a circle holding hands, as we sang a closing song. Thank the Lord for this opportunity to meet and talk with so many sweet people.
THE FAMILY MEETS MUSICIAN RAVI SHANKAR
(From DF Home, Thailand:) We heard that Ravi Shankar* would be giving two concerts here in Bangkok, and we prayed for the Lord to work it out for us to attend. After some inspiring witnessing before the concert, the Lord supplied free tickets for our six-man team to go in! It was interesting to see how Ravi Shankar interacted so much with the audience, even though he's 78 years old.
We went backstage when the performance was over, and miraculously we were able to talk to him and all the members of his group, and give them posters and a short witness.
We left Mr. Shankar a package of Reflections, and he seemed quite touched by our short meeting, thank You Jesus! We also met his 14-year-old daughter and her girlfriend, and explained about the Family and our message and goals, and left her with a copy of the "Heart to Heart" video (footage from the concerts performed for India's National Association for the Blind last year), a Family brochure and a personal letter for her father. We hope to follow up on her and her family through the mail.
(Note: *Pandit Ravi Shankar is considered India's Musician of the Century. He is a sitar maestro who has played in the most famous venues all over the world, popularizing Indian classical music. "Pandit" is a title given to very few people in India, and shows the utmost respect and honor for the one it is bestowed upon. He was well known among the hippie generation of the late '60s and early '70s, which was influenced by and interested in Indian religion, music, art, etc.)
EUROPE
PARTICIPATION IN NATIONAL CHILDREN'S DAY
(From Jim and Lily, Turkey:) We were able to participate in and perform at this year's Children's Day festival. About a week before the festival, we were asked if we could perform some songs for a promo they were having in a large shopping mall. We found there were a couple of thousand kids watching this show, and although we only sang one song, it was quite a testimony and was aired on national TV that evening.
The second program was a much larger event and we were all very desperate that the Lord would help it to work out. -- The Lord must have had a host of angels preparing the way for us! We performed two songs that afternoon which were aired on live TV. Thank You Jesus for getting Your message out!
POSTERS HERE, THERE AND EVERYWHERE!
(From John, Charity and Lydia, Italy:) John and Rosalinda set up a little stand presenting our tools at a "Peace Rally" which was organized by the local diocese. About 1,000 kids were there and many priests and nuns. A priest approached our stand when he saw the "What Everybody Needs Is Love" poster, and when he found out we had different titles, he asked for five copies of each of the three posters I had with me. He also bought a tape and video.
Then he told me that a friend of his had brought him the poster "What Everybody Needs Is Love" from Rome three years earlier, and that it had been hanging in his church ever since!
FAR-REACHING WITNESS THROUGH RADIO!
(From Victor, Adam and Laura, Russia:) A very friendly man who hosts a popular program on the local radio gladly agreed to record a radio interview with us. The interview was later broadcast for an audience of one-and-a-half to two million listeners! The program consisted of an explanation of our work here, the true meaning of Easter, the Salvation message, and several songs. Praise the Lord!
ATTENDING THE TOURISM AND ADVERTISING FAIR
(From Peter, Tim and Praise, Russia:) The fair director gave us permission to participate in this fair and set up a stand with our video and audio materials. Distribution went well, we met many people and won many of them to the Lord. Even now we often meet people in nearby towns who say that they saw us at the fair, and immediately they are open to receive our witness, pray with us and get our tools.
TWENTY YEARS LATER...
(From Steven, Esther, Mimi and Joan, Russia:) At a travel fair, we met a young Indian businessman who lives in Dubai. He agreed to help our work here, and was very open to our witness about the Lord. After a while, he said, "You know, you remind me of some people that came to my boarding school over 20 years ago. I was eight years old then. Those people sang to us, did skits and we loved them. They sang a little song that I have never forgotten; in fact, I even had my wife translate it into Russian for me. The words are, 'You gotta be a baby to go to Heaven.' These people were great, like hippies with long hair, and they were real happy." Thank You Jesus for the long-term fruits of even what could seem like a small witness!
THE FAR-REACHING RESULTS OF FOLLOWING THE LORD!
(From Martin, Russia:) The institute where I study Russian and teach English, recently held a talent show in which the students performed. Stephen and I were also chosen to participate. As we sang, the Spirit fell so heavy that it filled the room, praise the Lord!
As we were leaving the performance two young students approached us, and said, "We could feel God in the song you sang!" They then prayed to receive Jesus, and said they would keep in touch.
After a week, we found out that we had been chosen to represent the foreign language department at a big concert in seven days' time. Shortly afterwards, though, we were told that we couldn't play because we were foreigners. After prayer, the Lord encouraged us to pursue the situation. So we talked with the organizer, prayed and waited. A few days later, we received a call from the lady scheduling the show. She said enthusiastically, "You guys are on! Tomorrow at 11:00 AM, come to the rehearsal!"
During our rehearsals we were able to pray with several performers, and then reached 600 people with the message of our songs at the show, praise the Lord! We have now heard that a video of the concert is being played in the hallways of the institution between classes, and it is also being sold! So we don't know how far it will go, but we sure saw how it pays to trust the Lord and follow His checks!
"POLICE DAY" SHOW!
(From John and Ruby, Hungary:) We were again invited by the police department to participate in their annual Police Day. The day before the event, we met the lady in charge of the program. We asked her if she was worried about the show the next day, and she said, "Yes, there is a lot to organize, but one thing I'm not worried about is you folks. We invite many groups, but we can always depend on you to have things under control. I can really trust you and work with you. You assert yourselves confidently and know what you're doing." We read a Daily Might page with her and afterwards, even though she is an unbeliever, she asked if we could meet and talk some more.
Our performance, consisting of two puppet shows and a clown act, was a hit. The department even sponsored some of our needs, as a donation to our work. Praise the Lord!
PACIFIC AND AUSTRALIA
RADIO MESSAGE MOVES HEARERS!
(From Christian and Angel, Japan:) We prepared a 15-minute show for a local FM radio station in the little studio in our bus. After hearing the show, the station's owner was so enthused that he made arrangements for us to sing at a local summer festival, and offered to help us with the equivalent of our monthly budget for this one show!
Right after the program was played on the air, the announcer came back on and said, "Let's hear that again!" -- And played it once again, all the way through! They've played it a total of ten times this month, and have used the songs as background music for other shows and announcements. Two minutes of the show also contained a witness about our work.
GIVING A FOREIGN AMBASSADOR A TOUR OF KOBE
(From David, Freya, Jeremiah and Tender, Japan:) This month the ambassador to Japan from a Caribbean republic made a fact-finding trip to Kobe, accompanied by Peace from Tokyo. Several brethren took him on a tour of Kobe, and the highlight of the day was a visit to a temporary housing area where we have been ministering.
The leader of the community had gathered a group of residents to meet the ambassador for a discussion about life there in their area. Many of them said that they suffer from worry and fear of the future, but they also expressed their appreciation to the Family for taking the time to visit them and give them an opportunity to pour out their hearts.
The ambassador expressed to us his thanks for giving him the opportunity to experience this visit with these precious people.
PARENT DAY PICNIC BECOMES WITNESSING OPPORTUNITY!
(From Abe and Mercy, Taiwan:) One Sunday we decided to go have a picnic at a downtown park, where we found that our seven children attracted a lot of attention! Throughout most of the time that we were there, people would come up to us and ask to have their picture taken with our children. This provided us with many opportunities for witnessing, and by the time we were done with our lunch, 13 people had gotten saved, praise the Lord!
OUTSIDE WITNESSERS' TRAINING CAMP!
(From Johnny, Sunny, Marcus and Christina, Taiwan:) Four Homes in the area joined forces to hold a two-day training camp for 14 of the most active members of our youth ministry. Some close friends gave us the free use of their log-cabin-style place in the beautiful mountains of central Taiwan.
Our precious sheep and outside witnessers were thrilled with our gypsy campfire night, rousing inspirations, praise times and classes on "Our Family and Dad," "Prayer," "the Importance of the Word," and "Service and Heavenly Rewards." Since then, our faithful witnessers have shown a marked progress in their dedication and their appreciation of us. One high school junior now says that one of her main trials is not being able to join the Family right away.
GOD'S UNEXPECTED SUPPLY -- ASK AND YE SHALL RECEIVE!
(From Martin, Taiwan:) One weekend, Maria met the wife of a European diplomat, who told us that she was on the committee of the international charity bazaar. She said that they had raised a large sum of money and had given some of it to charities, but that there was still quite a bit left. She encouraged us to write and tell them about what we are doing here in Taiwan, and to ask for some of the money.
We wrote a letter and sent some literature explaining our work, and about four months later they told us that they were going to give us a large donation! The presentation ceremony was held in a fancy hotel where they gave out the funds they had raised to eight different organizations, of which we were one. The press and TV were there, and Ike got up on stage and gave a little explanation about our work in this country. Praise God!
PERFORMING AT A DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY SERVICES' FUNCTION
(From Chris, Charity and Becky, Sydney, Australia:) One Saturday morning when we arrived at our usual busking spot, we found the whole plaza involved in a festival organized by the social services department, who were trying to help make a positive impact in this drug capital of Australia. (This is the same Department of Community Services [DOCS] which initiated the May 1992 raids on Family Homes here!) There didn't seem to be an opening for us to do our usual witnessing there, so we stopped beside the large stage which dominated the area, to pray and ask the Lord what we should do.
Suddenly the tent beside us was flung open and one of the organizers asked us if we were ready to perform. We assured her that we were, and even though she soon realized that our names weren't printed on the program, after consultation they went ahead and introduced us as exciting, special guests, "The Family Singers!"
The Lord really anointed the children, aged 4-10, to "be instant, in season and out of season," and to perform their song and dance routine before the crowd of over 1,000 eager watchers, some of whom spontaneously joined in to dance to our rock 'n' roll numbers! It was a tremendous witness to all, and the organizer was so impressed with the children that she gave us a nice donation in appreciation! Praise the Lord!
KIDS SHINE AT AN ENGLISH AND PERFORMING CONTEST!
(From Paul and Dorcas, Japan:) Recently we were able to participate in a famous English contest in Tokyo. Prizes were to be given to the children with the best English and performing skills.
Our five children acted out the story of the gardener and his plants (from TA 6) in English. The children are full Japanese, but because of living in our international Homes, they also speak English fluently. So people were really impressed! Out of 6,000 Japanese children, only a few were chosen to form the 12 groups that would compete in the final contest, and our children were among them, praise the Lord!
The children were given prizes of a camping set (a tent, two sleeping bags and an outdoor sheet) as well as Lego sets for each of the children. It was a very special gift from the Lord, as well as an answer to the children's prayers.
It was so inspiring to see our children shining for Jesus, and this experience helped them to gain a little more confidence in the Lord's power to use them. Thank You Lord! We were also able to meet many sweet people while at the contest.
NORTH AMERICA
THE FAMILY HELPS AT VALUJET CRASH SITE
(From Stephanie, Miami:) The ill-fated Valujet flight #592 crashed into the Everglades about 25 miles from our house. A couple of days later, we received a call from a woman recruiting volunteers, asking us if we would like to help out. She had been referred to us by another volunteer group that we had worked closely with before. One official in public services had gone on and on about what a blessing the Family had been when he worked with us before.
We worked at the canteen, serving food and drinks mostly to the media, who were camped out in this deserted, hot, uncomfortable place, nine miles away from the crash site. There were about 50 large TV vans with transmitters, and mini studios, which turned the desolate spot into a media city. Although some there didn't seem to want us to minister to the media, soon many of them were coming over, and I had a long talk with a couple of people from CNN.
Our first day there, the media approached us for interviews as we were wearing matching Family T-shirts. We had two interviews, and Esther was on the evening news in Atlanta. The crew showed us the clip, and she was able to give a good witness in which she said that this incident had prompted her to really pray for the people who had lost loved ones, and others who were affected by the crash.
ELATED GRANDMOTHER RECEIVES OUR TAPES!
(From Lily Free, USA:) One evening while out witnessing with Johnny (8), we knocked on someone's door, but soon left when we didn't receive an answer. We hadn't quite gotten to the next door when an elderly woman came running after us. She said that as we left she saw us and told her husband, "Oh, quick, we need to get them! It might be those people with the tapes!"
She had remembered me from about six months before, when she had received a "Great Adventures 2." She said, "My granddaughter loved that tape and played it all the time. She was just mesmerized by it! Then the tape recorder ate it up, and my daughter and I wanted to get her another one, but we didn't know where we could get them. I looked all over but couldn't find them anywhere. Oh, I can't wait to tell my daughter and granddaughter! They're going to be so happy!"
She went on to say that she not only wanted to replace the tape that got damaged, but she also wanted to get "Great Adventures 1" -- and in fact, wanted to get two sets: one for each set of grandchildren. In the meantime, since I didn't have two sets of "Great Adventures" on me, she took a TA video and two other tapes. Then a few days later, she eagerly got the ones she had asked for. It was so encouraging to see someone treasure the tapes so much! Thank You Jesus!
FUN NEW WITNESSING IDEAS!
(From Charity Knight, Lydia Child, Rosita Gypsy and Ivan, USA:) The boys and girls in our Home decided to have a fun competition to see who could win the most souls! We put up a chart which has really gotten everyone geared up for soul-winning. After one week, our souls stats have more than doubled. The winning team gets to do something nice for the other!
We also pioneered witnessing on the subway! We can't ask for donations, but we pass out tracts and witness to a captive audience. It has been fun to try something new! We have also been going to truck stops or filling stations, postering and winning souls. Truckers are generally lonely and very appreciative, and we have won a lot of them to the Lord.
POWERFUL NEW TRACTS!
(From Dawn Milestone, 20, USA:) The new tracts are really powerful! I took them in to the photocopy shop, and the lady who was helping me started to look at the "To You, With Love" tract, and asked me if she could read it right then and there. She said, "Oh, this is perfect for my daughter! She is twelve years old and tried to commit suicide!" I gave her a few copies, and she was very thankful.
THE LORD'S UNEXPECTED SUPPLY!
(From Christina, Patrick and Christina M., USA:) The day after our weekly Church of Love, one of our friends came over. He proceeded to unload all kinds of groceries from his trunk, and instructed our boys to take them in the house! We were amazed to see that all the items were things that we had on our shopping list to purchase later that day! It turned out that the kitchen overseer had written her shopping list on the whiteboard in the kitchen the day before, and this couple, while visiting our Home for the Church of Love, found a few moments to themselves to jot down the list, and then bought everything on the list for us! God bless them!
A MINISTRY TO POOR CHILDREN
(From Tina, USA:) The Lord gave us a neat idea to start a fellowship for kids in a local housing project. We started out by provisioning snacks, drinks, the use of TV and VCR, coloring pages, etc. We then printed up a flyer and passed them out the day before.
The next day, we woke up to a beautiful, sunny day (despite the weather prediction of heavy rain). Some of the children were there early, waiting to help set up.
We showed one of the Fantastic Friends videos, had a snack and some inspiration time. Then we had a little class about the "Man of Love" poster, and then prayed with them to receive Jesus. It seemed like they just didn't want to leave, so we let them watch the video again.
We are looking forward to doing this again, as it proved to be lots of fun and a great witness to the upcoming generation.
PERFORMANCE FOR CATHOLIC YOUTH GROUP
(From Zac, Hope and Anna, USA:) We were invited to sing for a youth meeting at a Catholic church. We didn't know what to expect, and even thought there might only be a few people there, and that things might be pretty dead. But there were almost 50 teens from 16-19 years of age there, and we were the main thing happening that night.
We did our New Worlds-style show and then held an open forum discussion, during which the teens in the audience asked our teens many questions about the Family, our way of life and our beliefs, etc., which opened the door for some good witnessing. The youth leader also gave us a sizable donation to help our missionary work, and invited us back.
STATS ANALYSIS FOR THE MONTH OF MAY 1996
--By WS Staff
DISTRIBUTION: Overall distribution increased by 12% over April! The total pages distributed for the month went up to nearly twelve-and-a-half million pages! This was in the form of 1,254,601 pieces of lit and tools, which included 603,954 posters, 26,501 tapes and CDs, 11,847 videos, a mounting 21,029 Living Waters, and 591,270 pieces of other types of lit, such as tracts, etc.
Poster distribution increased by 20% and Living Waters by 12% over April's figures, while tapes and videos decreased by 13% and 2% respectively. About 46% (280,000) of the posters distributed worldwide went out in Eastern Europe. In Thailand, sponsored tapes are being given out by the hundreds at CTPs.
On the average, each DO member 16 years and older distributed about 132 posters for the month, five tapes or CDs and three videos, while TS members each distributed about 28 posters and four tapes or CDs.
BIRTHS AND BETROTHALS: We had 23 births in May, 18 in the DO Family and five in the TS Family, and there were five more betrothals, three DO and two TS.
As of May, we have had 143 births so far this year, compared to 115 for the same period last year -- an increase of about 25%. Praise the Lord!
TOTAL WITNESS: Our total witness has been steadily increasing, from 14 million in February, to 19 million in March, to 32 million in April, and now up to 41 million in May! The largest portion, about 25 million, occurred in Europe, and almost a third of that was a result of shows and a number of articles in Russia, Slovakia and other East European countries. The largest mass media happening during May was a TV show in Spain reaching 12,000,000! (See FUN 38, "Powerful TV Witness!" From Miguel and Gideon, Spain.)
There was also favorable media in Japan and Taiwan, resulting in their total witness of 6.2 million, 2nd highest in the world.
And that wraps it up for the May stats, as we continue to sow the seed and reap the souls in these Endtime days! God bless and keep you going for Him!
FAMILY AID FUND UPDATE
-- By WS Staff
As of May 1st 1996, the Family Aid Fund (FAF) has been in existence for 12 months. In "News and Views--Part Two," Mama gave a brief update on the FAF (ML #3049:73, GN 676). Here is a further "share the know:"
In its first full year of operation, the FAF gave out 309 HERs to new Homes, 354 pioneer gifts, 198 Home loans, 43 reimbursements to Homes for legitimate expenditures from their HER, 395 Tool Fund gifts, gifts to 25 needy situations, and 93 Baby Bonuses! These all come to a total of 1,417 gifts given directly to DO Homes for the year.
As you can imagine, this represents a very large amount of funds! These funds came not only from your monthly 1% and WS' monthly donation of 10% of all income to the FAF, but also from the initial large sums deposited into the FAF by the Homes (75% of their pre-Charter HERs) and WS' initial large investment from its reserves. Praise the Lord!
So the Family Aid Fund is working, thanks to the Lord and to all of you who are faithfully giving to this fund. On behalf of all of the beneficiaries thus far, and all of the new Homes and new members, as well as mothers and new babies receiving baby bonuses, we give you our thanks and appreciation! We know that the Lord has also taken note, and that He is "not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love which you have showed towards His Name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister" (Heb.6:10).
If you have a burden, perhaps on your next TRF, could some of you gift recipients write a short testimony to the rest of the Family, explaining how their giving has helped you? Thanks! We love you! "Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon His Name, make known His deeds among the people" (1Ch.16:8).
MOVIE RATINGS
(Editor's note: The following movies have been previewed by WS units or CRO offices around the world. While these movies have generally been deemed "watchable," WS is not endorsing the full content of every one. The suggested age ratings are also subject to the faith and final decision of you parents, teachers and shepherds. Please be prayerful and Spirit-led in choosing what you and your children watch, considering that people often react differently to the same movie, and what may be one person's meat may be another's poison. We hope these reviews are a blessing and help to you. WLY!)
Movies for Senior Teens and Up
INDICTMENT: THE McMARTIN TRIAL (1995)
James Woods
Well-documented dramatization of the 1984-1989 trial of a California preschool director and staff who were accused of abusing the children in their care. Good fighter movie and powerful System expos. Parallels can also be drawn to persecution and similar allegations brought against the Family. Could be accompanied by a study of MLs and Home Educators covering these issues.
MURDER IN THE FIRST (1995)
Christian Slater, Kevin Bacon, Gary Oldman
Intense, realistic drama set in the 1930s about a young lawyer defending an Alcatraz inmate charged with murder. Sensitive viewers will want to be particularly wary of the first 15 minutes, which contain graphic and heart-wrenching scenes. Expos of the System, showing the good results of courage and fighting despair even in the most terrible circumstances.
Movies for Junior Teens and Up
NICK OF TIME (1995)
Johnny Depp, Christopher Walken
Suspenseful thriller about a widower whose young daughter is kidnapped, to be released unharmed only if he commits a murder in the next 90 minutes. Entertainment only.
POWDER (1995)
Mary Steenburgen, Sean Patrick Flanery
Intense, touching character study about a teen with an unusual appearance and abilities. Lessons on bigotry, judging by the outward appearance, and the results of negative peer pressure. Be mindful of a strong New Age message throughout.
RENAISSANCE MAN (1994)
Danny DeVito, Gregory Hines
Advertising designer gets a new job teaching below-average army privates. Good lessons on making learning fun and showing faith in others, and on the rewards of working with people vs. pursuing a more lucrative career. Some parts present the U.S. military in a glorified and unrealistic manner.
THREE WISHES (1995)
Patrick Swayze, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
Fanciful drama about a woman struggling to raise two children on her own, and what happens when she opens her home to a mysterious stranger and his dog. Sweet story with good lessons on contentment, but be mindful of the New Age slant.
Movies for JETTs and Up
A SIMPLE TWIST OF FATE (1994)
Steve Martin, Gabriel Byrne
Modern-day drama and adaptation of George Elliot's literary classic "Silas Marner," about a reclusive man who is changed when an orphaned toddler wanders into his life. Good message about "real fathers."
Movies for MCs and Up
AMAZING PANDA ADVENTURE, THE (1995)
Stephen Lang, Ryan Slater
Preteen boy whose parents are divorced goes to visit his dad in China on a panda reserve, and embarks on a journey of adventure and lessons. Beautiful scenery and educational insights into the panda and the forests and remote farmlands of China. Good lessons of the boy's recognition and understanding of his father's love, even though they have had to be apart for long periods.
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (1991)
(Animated)
Disney adaptation of the classic tale, with a sweet story and fun musical numbers. Not recommended for repeated viewing due to the foolishness and negative attitudes of the bad characters. Parts could also be fast-forwarded, in particular the bar scene where the song is sung in praise of the bully Gaston.
IT TAKES TWO (1995)
Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, Steve Guttenberg, Kirstie Alley
Light-hearted comedy about two look-alike girls -- an orphan and a millionaire's daughter -- who switch places. Caution about bad language used by the girls in parts.
Non-Recommended Movies
CUTTHROAT ISLAND (1995, Geena Davis, Matthew Modine)
GOLDEN EYE (1995, Pierce Brosnan)
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