FAMILY UPDATE NEWS #40 -- August 1996
DO
"You shall wage a mighty war, and the Enemy shall not prosper! For when the Enemy comes in like a flood, I shall raise up a standard against him. And this is My standard, even My Love. Therefore love one another with fervent love" (ML #3047:150, GN 677).
August 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
THANK YOU FROM THE GPU (GP PUBS UNIT)
Dearest Family,
God bless you! We send you all much love with this greeting! We wanted to thank all of you who have been praying for and contributing to the success of this pioneer venture to get out more of the Words of David to the world. Thanks also to all who have written in offering your help; your applications are being prayed over and you will receive a reply soon, if you have not already.
In recent months, much research has been done to help us better know how to set up and proceed with this project. We recently attended a conference and series of seminars about publishing and marketing, where we made a number of contacts and received much valuable and helpful input. We have also surveyed and found the best printing contacts to use once the books begin rolling. Our team is still small and in its beginning stages of obtaining needs and equipment and getting set up, but plans are underway to expand soon, enabling us to get more done.
Though we're still in the pioneering stages, things are starting to come together, and we're looking forward to seeing this vision come to pass as quickly as possible, by God's grace! Dear Scotty and Meek have also been on our small team for the first half of this year, helping with much of the initial research regarding printing and business set-up, which has been a great blessing. Having completed some important research projects, they have now chosen to continue to serve the Lord in the capacity of TRF supporters, which they feel will help them to better operate according to their faith and the Lord's leading in their lives. Please join with us in prayer for the Lord's help and blessing to be upon them at this time.
We would all very much appreciate your continued prayers for the GP pubs project. There is much to learn and do in areas where we have not previously ventured and we very much need the Lord's help, strength and guidance to see it through to victory. God willing, we should have some sample material in your hands within this year for you to "test out the market." Further details will be forthcoming.
We appreciate your continued prayers also for the Lord's supply of the needed funding, equipment and personnel. Thank you! We pray that you all will be happy and fulfilled in your service and witness for Him this summer! God bless you!
Love and prayers,
Your GPU Team
NORTH AMERICA
A LIFE CHANGED THROUGH PRAYER AND JESUS
(From Tito, Patience and Esther Servant, USA:) Some months ago while witnessing in a small town, we noticed a homeless woman collecting donations. Abel witnessed to her while he was getting out posters, and then we all prayed for her and gave her a tape. Last week, Abel met this same woman again, but she was totally changed! She was back together with her husband and going to church, and she was all cleaned up, happy and looking nice. She said that from the day we prayed with her, everything began to change and Jesus had done so many miracles!
D.C. BAND PLAYS AT OLYMPIC TORCH FESTIVAL IN WASHINGTON
(From Ahlai, USA:) The D.C. band and show troupe were invited to perform for a festival to mark the passing of the Olympic torch in Washington, D.C. Over 1,500 spectators were in the audience as the show and dance troupe did some of their wildest dances and show numbers, and Gideon and Meekness' three boys also performed. It was acclaimed the best show of a whole evening of entertainment. Afterwards we witnessed to the crowds -- meeting people, winning souls and making contacts for future shows.
RESEARCHER STUDIES WHY THE FAMILY IS ONE OF THE ONLY REMAINING COMMUNAL GROUPS FROM THE '60s
(From Marc, Claire and Phil, USA:) We had a visit from a researcher working on a project on communal groups of the '60s. The goal of this project is not to simply write an academic paper or book on communal studies, but to closely document communities, and note the difference between what makes some communities more successful and lasting than others. During her visit, this researcher interviewed us about our communal lifestyle, and we explained some of the things which set us apart from other Christian communal groups: our prophet, our belief that God still speaks today, as well as our practice of the Law of Love.
She commented that of the communal societies originating in the '60s, the Family is one of the few -- if not the only one -- that has survived, been successful, and is still thriving and expanding around the world. She said that most other communes disbanded and disappeared altogether.
She was curious to know what we thought was the difference between us and other communes, and why we had survived and thrived where others had failed. This gave us a good opportunity to witness to her about Dad's (and now Mama's) influence on the Family through the Word, as well as our love for Jesus and common goals of preaching the Gospel and reaching the world.
We gave her several posters and a video, and before leaving, we prayed for her and for the Lord's blessing on her life. Her eyes were filled with tears after the prayer, and she said, "Now I am truly blessed!"
A HELPING HAND FOR A CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
(From Leah, Josh, Katrina and Ally, Canada:) While clowning in a department store, we noticed another group opposite us, who were fundraising for a children's hospital. After a while, one of them came over to us and explained how badly it was going for them because all the people were coming to our clowns for balloons. We asked him if he would like us to move, but he said that it wouldn't make any difference as long as we were in the store. We then offered to pump some balloons for them for a while, to help their fundraising. They were thrilled, and kept coming over to thank us again and again. We were happy to help their good cause, and know that the Lord will repay. We never lose by giving!
REACHING THE STREET KIDS
(From Christina, Patrick and Christina M., USA:) We started a brand-new CTP program: We provisioned salami and bread, and made some healthy, delicious sandwiches and took them to an area where there are a lot of runaways and street teens. We would just call out to the kids passing by, "Yo, do you want a sandwich?" Then we would witness to them and give them a poster.
Some of the kids said that they hadn't had anything to eat for a day or more. They were amazed that we would make sandwiches and pass them out for free! We are still learning how to reach these kids, but the sandwich definitely breaks the ice and helps them come close to us and become interested in us and our message. (Editor's note: This is reminiscent of the ministry that helped launch the Family -- Grandmother passing out peanut-butter sandwiches to the hippies in Huntington Beach! Praise the Lord!)
NEW CTP PROJECTS
(From Megiddo, USA:) This month, Dom and I began doing volunteer work at a Veterans Hospital, where we can minister and witness to veterans of various wars, including the Vietnam War. It's a beautiful mission field, and such a blessing to be able to personally touch lives in crisis with Jesus' Love.
Our teens also began doing volunteer work at a home for unwed mothers, which includes taking care of their children while the mothers receive counseling, etc. Some of the resident mothers are teenagers themselves, and we are praying our young people will have lots of opportunities for one-on-one personal witnessing!
REACTIONS TO TOOLS!
(From Rose Newlove, Canada:) A young man came up to me saying that the tract, "To You with Love!" was the most beautiful thing he had ever read. He said he couldn't stop weeping as he was reading, because he had just done some pretty bad things and felt hopelessly lost. The Word gave him faith in God's Love and got him saved! He said: "If it has such an effect on me, these Words have to be true!"
A tough-looking biker also came to me asking for another "Lion, Dragon and Beast" poster for his girlfriend. He said she liked it so much that he is gonna make a tattoo of it on his back. Ha!
INTERACTION WITH HOME SCHOOLERS
(From Serena West, Promise and Joe Lee, USA:) At a recent home schooling seminar which the organizers asked us to help with, we were able to talk with many people who were very interested in our lives and the sample of what we were doing and how our teens were helping us. We also prepared a cover letter explaining our mission work and home schooling, and enclosing the Family color brochure. We feel it was a step toward winning some folks who had heard erroneous reports about the Family and were skeptical of us.
Last month Serena and Promise attended a home schooling support group meeting where they spoke to about 25 people about their home schooling experiences during the last 25-28 years. This month the group's monthly newsletter included a paragraph about us.
PRAYER STRENGTHENS FRIENDS AND CONTACTS!
(From Eva, 21, USA:) After a Home Word study, reading over letters like "Ask and Ye Shall Receive" and "God's Financial Plan," I was convicted about praying more for our friends and contacts and for the sick. Since then, I have been making a point to ask our friends and contacts, when I make follow-up calls and visits, if they have anything they would like us to pray for.
I've been surprised to realize that some of our friends have very close loved ones that are seriously ill or in trouble, but hadn't told me as I hadn't asked. It also amazed me how appreciative they are of our prayers. I often pray with them right there on the phone or in their office, and then pray again for them with the rest of the Home at devotions. I also try and send them some Word right away, on healing or whatever is the topic of concern.
Almost everyone that we've prayed for has phoned in with the news that our prayers have been answered, or thanking us for the love and support.
SHARING THE "SONGS OF LIFE"
(From Pedro, Magdalena Atardecer and Maggie, Mexico:) A man at the market has bought our whole "Songs of Life" tape collection four times, and each time he has given them away to his friends. Now he wants to buy them all again! He told us, "There is no better gift than your tapes." He got rid of all his other tapes and now only listens to ours!
SOUTH AMERICA
LOVE AND PRAYERS ENCOURAGE HEALING
(From Marit, Amy, Daniel and Flor, Brazil:) At a hospital which we visit regularly is a 16-year-old girl who has a form of creeping paralysis. It began five years ago in her feet, and has since slowly worked its way up to her neck. She has machines attached to every part of her body in order to keep her alive and breathing. Her family is so poor that they don't even have enough money to stay with her at the hospital, nor even to travel from where they live to go and visit her. This poor girl was very lonely and sad when we first saw her.
For months she has hardly responded to medical treatment, but the doctors and nurses noticed that our visits had a very positive effect on her emotionally. We've kept her in our prayers and have been ministering to her faithfully. Now she can talk, move more, is a lot happier and more alert, and the Lord has even worked it out for her family to come visit her! So thank You Jesus, she's making steady progress toward recovery! It's a miracle and sample to everyone.
THE LORD BLESSES GIVING TO OTHERS
(From the Spanish Pubs Home [SPALIM]:) At the beginning of the month our outreach was not very fruitful financially, and we were barely covering expenses. But right after we decided that we were going to take about $150 from the funds budgeted for personal needs and give them to another needy Home, the Lord started to bless us mightily. From that point on, our income began increasing steadily, and we now have more funds which we are also able to send to other fields, praise the Lord!
PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL NEEDS FOR PRISON INMATES
(From Felipe, Vitoria, Agustin and Paloma, Colombia:) Agustin has been visiting the biggest prison here in Bogota for more than a year now. A friend of ours who is a UN representative has offered to hire Felipe and Agustin on a regular basis to give seminars to the inmates and officials. They have begun to visit regularly, working with two psychologists who care for the 1,000 prisoners. We also took a donation of 100 brand-new shirts to help the prisoners. The social workers and psychologists were thrilled, and very grateful for a little help!
SAMPLE AT A CHILDBIRTH CONGRESS
(From Jos, Clara and Solomon, Peru:) We participated in an obstetrics conference on the subjects of music and love during labor. We set up a stand with our tools, and our tapes were a hit, especially "Fear Not!" The doctors responsible for the event promoted our materials when they gave their speeches, God bless them! We also met lots of doctors and friendly people that were very receptive to our message.
The fact that I (Clara) am pregnant with my tenth child and am in such "good shape," as they put it, was also a very good testimony to the doctors. One day a doctor gave me a big hug and said, "I wanted to say hi to you and congratulate you for having so many children in these times; you're a woman of faith. When the other doctors told me you were pregnant with your tenth I couldn't believe it, so I had to come see for myself."
A lot of other people were also surprised at the number of children we have. It was a wonderful opportunity to witness, and through our testimony we were able to win many!
ASIA
FRUITFUL TEEN ROAD TRIP!
(From Ho, Marianne, Andrew and David, India:) Nine Homes in the south of the country worked together to make it possible to send 18 teens on a three-week road trip to a beach resort. They were able to do a lot of programs, personal witnessing, and have a chance to fellowship and work together after being in smaller Homes since the Charter.
The Lord so encouraged our faith, as although our Home was not able to get out the videos we normally count on to help meet our budget, we got many unexpected gifts, so we were able to cover all of our expenses by the end of the month. Thank You Jesus! The spiritual blessing was also great, as our teens came back so inspired and had learned so much. -- And the team brought back a new disciple, a traveler from New Zealand!
PERFORMANCE AT POLIO CENTER
(From John, Peter and Sarah, Vietnam:) We sent a team to the year-end ceremony at the local polio center where we have been ministering on a weekly basis. Our contribution was to perform some of the songs on stage that we have been teaching the children. The program they presented very touchingly portrayed the situation for those handicapped by polio in this country, but that there is hope for them if they help each other. Many of the children are orphans. It is pitiful to see them in their heavy leg braces and with their crutches, but in spite of this they are so cheerful and happy every time we go there! There is a real potential for teaching and training these children as they are very bright and alert, and so thankful for whatever we give them.
PLANT A TREE AS A WITNESS!
(From Lily Shondo, 17, Pakistan:) Recently, the government has been pushing a "plant more trees" program, in an attempt to change the environment in this city. One of our friends wanted to organize a tree-planting event for the public, so he bought some miniature trees and we made arrangements to help. We thought it would be a great time to get in a good witness, and what story could be more fitting than "Change the World"? We also made a big placard that said, "Change the World" on it.
When we arrived at his apartment block and got ready to plant our trees, many people and children started coming. We promised to give all the children "a special story" if they helped us. It was quite a sight watching all these children run around planting and watering the plants with the help of the older ones! Any bystanders who happened to be watching also got a copy of "Change the World." At the end all the children were so excited about the stories, they kept coming and asking for more for their brother, uncle, grandpa -- or anyone else they could think of! All in all, it was a lot of fun and a good witness.
TEACHERS' SEMINAR A SUCCESS
(From Faith, Thailand:) This month we held a seminar on teacher/student relations for 500 teachers from all the schools in one of the districts near us. We used lots of our songs and skits on this theme to get across the point to the teachers about having more understanding and sympathy for what the students go through. We also incorporated some games, like the hot potato game while asking the teachers questions, which seemed to really loosen them up and brought them to life.
The teachers enjoyed it a lot, and all, including the director of the school district, were very impressed with our program and the methods we use. The director invited us to join them in more seminars, and we also received several invitations to schools that have drug problems among their students.
MAIL MINISTRY GODSEND!
(From Peter, Thailand:) A few months ago we received a letter from a couple who has been on our mailing list during the past 15 years that we have been in Asia. It was the first time they had ever written us (although they sent donations), and they told us that they would both shortly be celebrating their 50th birthdays. They had decided that instead of asking for presents for themselves on this special day, they would use all the money they received as a donation for some kind of Christian work, and on the same day they were praying about this they received our newsletter with a "thank you" for a previous donation. They believed this was a sign from God that they should give this gift as a donation to our work here in Thailand.
During the next couple of months before their birthday we made a tape with a little thank-you speech that they could play during their birthday party. We also wrote a poem and sent them a photo-collage of our activities and work. To raise more funds they had a lottery and solicited donations for us. Their donation to our work totaled about $3,000. God bless them!
EUROPE AND AFRICA
EXPLOITS BY THE YOUNG AND YOUNG-AT-HEART
(From Nat, Russia:) We have one team of 7 YAs, teens and second-generation adults up near the Arctic Circle in Arkangelsk. The team is Christina (SGA), Joan, Masha and Vicky (Russian YAs), Richard, Jesse and Anna (teens). They are doing exploits there -- witnessing in universities, holding weekly seminars for students, ministering to the sheep that come over to their apartment every night, doing CTP ministries, etc. They have won 15 strong sheep, some who will soon be disciples. One boy they call "Alexy Shepherd," because he brings so many people over to be witnessed to, and soon may join himself. These 15 are potential shepherds and Endtime leaders of many sheep!
They also shepherd their own team, hear from the Lord, manage the finances, raise their own field support and God does miracles as they go from victory to victory. They do have some difficulties and hard times, but they pray and the Lord leads them through them. They are doing great and it is thrilling to hear how the Lord is doing it through these who have the faith to follow Him!
Jotham Proofreader and team are in Murmansk. He worked for 20 years in Japan, mostly on the Japanese pubs. After a long time behind the scenes and behind a desk, he has now exploded on the field! He is now north of the Arctic Circle in the Family's most northern witnessing outpost in the world, where it only stops snowing in the summer, when it is light all night. When he briefly returned to our home base, I asked him if he had fun at the northern outpost. "Fun?!" he exclaimed. "Nat, this is not 'fun'! This is my life! This is the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me. This is what the Family is all about!"
Jotham and others who have joined him up there raise their own field support and God has been doing miracles. They have gone to almost every school in the city. They hold seminars in the schools, from a list of subjects that schools choose from, and have been warmly received and welcomed back. They've won hundreds of souls this way. Most of the schools have taken complete sets or at least a couple of videos. In the evenings they go to the university dorms where they now have a flock of 11 potential disciples. These hungry sheep come regularly for classes at the Home.
If the Lord confirms and supplies, they are considering also making a short visit further up north where the Russian Eskimos herd reindeer and have probably never had a witness before from anyone. But right now they are just so busy teaching their potential disciples.
There are exploits waiting to be done here, followers looking for leaders, a Heavenly host guiding and anointing! Russia is certainly a land of opportunity! Thank you for your support and prayers!
BABY HEALED IN ANSWER TO PRAYER
(From Nat, Esther, Ben and Tirzah, South Africa:) When we first started going factory to factory, we witnessed to a receptionist who said that her baby had problems drinking. When it tried to drink, its lungs would fill up with the liquid. She asked us to pray for her and that the Lord would heal the baby. We prayed for her on the spot and claimed verses. Just the other day she called us and was so thankful for our prayers. From the time that we prayed, the baby hasn't had one attack! Praise the Lord!
EVENING WITNESSING AT NIGHT CLUBS
(From Ela, Gentleness and Joshua, Russia:) Last month we sang at a high-class nightclub, and have returned a couple of times since, for a bit of relaxation and witnessing. We had lots of fun disco-style dancing. -- All eyes were glued to us as we danced, and we changed the whole spirit of the dance floor! People were really surprised when we started witnessing to them, because to them, nightclubs and God don't mix! We met some top people there who are very good friends now.
GOD'S ANSWER TO AN IMPOSSIBLE SITUATION
(From Victor, Adam and Laura, Russia:) We met a young man who invited us to perform at the opening of his youth club. When we prayed, the Lord gave a clear "yes," saying to go ahead and perform there. It seemed quite crazy, because the performance was supposed to be in three days, and we had neither an appropriate program for this show, nor the time to "properly" prepare one, due to other important ministries and appointments. But what could we say? We just had to trust the Lord, and He did a wonderful miracle.
In those three days we came up with a modern dance to the song, "Talking 'bout Our Family," we learned to rap along with it, and we wrote some new rap verses in Russian to be sung in the musical intervals. The performance was a terrific success! We've met some influential people from the local music world, who invited us to perform at other youth clubs. Praise the Lord!
BY FAITH INTO THE UNKNOWN!
(From Praise and Martin, Russia:) As we embarked upon our faith trip, we didn't know what to expect! We were two non-nationals on the road for our first time in Russia, going to a formerly closed city of half-a-million people, where no one from the Family had yet gone! We brought with us all the tools we were able to carry -- almost 7,000 posters, and scores of videos and tapes.
The Lord supplied a good hotel for us to stay in, and a contact for our meals in the best restaurant in the city. Poster distribution was great! It was the first time the people there had seen our lit, and many came back to get more. Soon all of our posters were gone! We also distributed 37 videos and 17 audio tapes, and prayed with 37 people to receive the Lord -- all in less than two days! The Lord faithfully answered our prayers and brought His sheep across our path.
We were so happy when the director of the best-known school in the town wanted our videos, in spite of some negative articles he had read about the Family. We also got them out to a major private TV station, whose broadcasts reach 700,000 viewers. The Lord faithfully brought precious sheep to us while we distributed posters at a university, and we have new mail ministry contacts to follow up on as a result! We can hardly wait for our next opportunity to hit the road again and expect more miracles the next time out!
All the prophecies that the Lord gave about Russia can be so clearly seen when you are in a town where the Family has never been, and it just makes you cry for joy that we can reach these people now while the door to Russia is open!
GOD SUPPLIES IN SPITE OF ALL ODDS!
(From Andrew, Mercy and Nehemiah, Italy:) We witnessed for two days at an international food fair, meeting people and making contacts to pick up food when the fair closed down. On the third day, as we were making our rounds of the different stands, fair authorities let us know that there was an official agency doing the same. We wouldn't be able to bring the donated food out, they said, as we weren't registered with them.
It seemed a complete defeat, but we prayed and decided to hang on to the goods we had already collected, and see what the Lord would do. The man in charge of the food bank, who at first was very upset at us, finally told us that we could keep the food if we found a way to bring it out. We checked at the gates, but there were strict orders not to let anything out.
We then decided that the most important thing to do for the moment was to take care of the sheep we had met, so we went to visit a friend of the Family. He had given us lots of products from his stand, and when he heard that we couldn't bring anything out, he got very upset and called up the manager of the fair. Eventually he worked out for us to get a pass for our vehicle and papers which entitled us to bring goods out of the fairground. Praise the Lord! He blessed us when we went to minister to others.
MIRACLE-FILLED TRIP TO BOSNIA
(From Stephen, Jennifer, Chris, Andrea and Jonathan, Italy:) This month we teamed up with Enoch, Jonathan and Sara, and went on a very inspiring trip to Bosnia, just a few kilometers from the border between the Serbian and Muslim parts of the country. The Muslim area was surrounded by the Serbs for months, but resisted till the end.
We brought a van full of food for an organization that takes care of about 900 orphans. The Home in Slovenia has also been bringing in regular humanitarian aid for them. There is no orphanage as such, but the children are placed in the care of different families and the organization tries to help out with food, etc. This is a government organization, run by local volunteers. Each volunteer has lost family members in the war, and they have now decided to give their lives for others. Theirs is a very big job and responsibility, but they do it wholeheartedly, God bless them! They are all precious people, and very much in need of what we have to offer in the way of counsel and comfort.
We did a concert one evening for the teens of the town, which was a real hit. God bless our teens and YAs, as it was their faith and initiative that got our band going. Most had only played acoustic music before, but they prayed and got equipment together, and we were able to put together a band with drums, bass lead guitar and acoustic guitar with an electric pickup, plus three singers! It was lots of fun, and the kids went crazy and begged for more!
Two days later we did another concert and puppet show for the orphans. The local TV station filmed part of the show, including the entire "Camel's Nose" puppet show. Later they did an interview, which was also aired on the radio.
During the next two days we performed in two schools for over 1,200 children, grades one to eight. One school was only two kilometers from where the front lines had been, and it was quite obvious that the children had suffered a lot. Our shows were very much appreciated, and some of the songs in Croatian, particularly "Your Best Friend," brought tears to the eyes of both students and teachers! The director of schools presented us with a special certificate of appreciation.
This was a rewarding experience, but also very sobering to see what people had been through. They are so hungry and receptive for love and encouragement! Thank You Jesus for the Family, and all we have to offer!
FRIEND DONATES LOTTERY WIN!
(From Jasmine, Albania:) When we returned to Italy to visit our friends and supporters of our work in Albania, it was very fruitful. One of our supporters told us that he played the lottery and promised the Lord that if he won, he would send us all the money for our missionary work. And guess what? He did win -- $800 -- and gave it to us. Praise the Lord!
THOUSANDS OF PRISONERS SEE THE LIGHT!
(From Steven, Claire and Rose, Russia:) This month the Lord opened for us a great door for ministering to prisoners! We visited a prison and a detention center for women, bringing the Salvation message to about 9,000 people! We also prayed with 700 of them during the concerts which we organized. Thank You Jesus!
PACIFIC AND AUSTRALIA
WITNESSING IN THE AFTERMATH OF MASS KILLINGS
(From Rejoice, Australia:) On April 29, a crazed gunman killed 35 people and injured 18 others in the small village of Port Arthur, Tasmania. This was the worst mass killing in modern Australian history. The country was in shock, and the story was national news for weeks.
We felt this would be an ideal opportunity to go down there and share the Lord's Love, even though the people we'd met in Tasmania had not been so receptive when the last road team visited. We received our first confirmation when we found a half-price special on airline tickets. Next, we received exactly the amount of funds that week to pay for my ticket. Finally, the Lord provided a partner, Tina (of Paul), our outside witnesser.
When we got to Port Arthur, the Lord showed us to present ourselves humbly and meekly, telling people, "I'm sorry we're not locals, but we've come to offer comfort and encouragement, and this poster is for you." I think it helped them soften towards me, but it was really the tragedy that softened people. After that, nothing else seemed so important. I simply told everyone that we were handing them out to whoever came to the site, and everyone took our lit with a hushed spirit of respect, as if what we were doing was all in keeping with the somber feeling there.
The managers of a motel received us with a warm show of respect for what we were there for and let us stay for a couple of days. They poured out their hearts about what they personally had experienced since the tragedy -- not only the trauma, but the serious affect the tragedy had on their business, as tourism dropped sharply.
Of all the people we witnessed to, we drew closest to two Singaporean girls who received the Lord and just loved what we do.
Please continue to pray for the people of Tasmania and for the survivors of this tragedy, that the Lord will continue to use this to soften their hearts to the message.
LOVE DOES IT AGAIN!
(From Clare, Japan:) About a year ago we noticed a girl in her early twenties, who would always watch our children from afar while she was walking her dog. We heard that she was a bit slow mentally, but she always looked quite sad and shy, and when we would try to talk with her, she would only answer "yes" or "no." In one prayer meeting the Lord reminded several of us to not neglect the seemingly unimportant folks -- people like her. So I witnessed to her and she got saved. Thank You Jesus!
After that we didn't see her for several months, and wondered how she was doing. One day she suddenly showed up, and the change in her was astounding! Her eyes were shining, and a big happy smile replaced her former sadness. Before she always dressed like a boy, but now she was dressed quite feminine. She told us that she had found a job, and also had a boyfriend who cares for her and whom she was really happy with. It was almost shocking to see her talking away!
We read a poster together, and I explained to her that when she had received Jesus He started to take care of her and had changed her life. She was so thankful! She came over for Word classes, which she said were such a strength to her throughout the week.
She then told us about her life, how a sickness when she was two had caused her to develop more slowly mentally, which made her the target of a lot of bullying. But she said that after she started to come to see us and received the Lord, her whole life started to turn around. Her parents are so happy about the change in her life and she knows it's all because of Jesus. Now she is hungry to learn the Bible. It made me cry to hear about her life and how the Lord had touched her. Thank the Lord!
A SATISFIED CUSTOMER
(From Tim, Tabitha and John, Taiwan:) Our first witnessing stop for the day was a Chinese herbal clinic. I was ushered right in to see the doctor, who had a big smile on his face. When he saw our videos, he called his five-year-old son over to see them, and asked him which ones he had already. The doctor assured me that of course he wanted more, as his son really enjoys Treasure Attic. The boy was so cute -- a little executive type with glasses, a business sweater and very serious expression on his face. The father picked up "Smiling Face," TA #5, and read the back of the video to him, and the son said, "I really need to smile more, father, and have this smiling power in my life!" We all had a little chuckle together, and the doctor got two more videos that morning -- another satisfied customer, thank You Lord!
FUNERAL BECOMES A WITNESS!
(From Solomon, Mary and Dove, Australia:) My mother died about a month ago, and we were able to turn what otherwise would have been a sad occasion into an inspiring experience for my family and my mother's friends. I was able to use Family songs for the service, which was held in a Catholic church, and we gave everyone who attended some quotes from the Mop, as well as "Within the Gates." During my eulogy I expounded on how my mother was now enjoying eternal life and a long-deserved holiday in Heaven -- a message which was well-received by nearly everyone.
"HEART CARE" PHONE CONNECTION!
(From David, Tender, Jeremiah and Freya, Japan:) The Lord answered our prayers to become an even greater blessing to the victims of the Kobe earthquake, and He supplied us with a "Heart Care" phone line (for people to call in for help, encouragement, someone to talk to, etc.), which has been installed in our office. Although the line is only recently opened, we have already received phone calls from people who are desperate for someone to talk to about their problems. Praise the Lord!
MOVIE RATINGS
(Editor's note: The following movies have been previewed by WS units or CRO offices around the world. Also listed are older movies that have been re-viewed and re-rated. While these movies have generally been deemed "watchable," WS does not necessarily endorse their full content. 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
FRANKIE AND JOHNNY (1991)
Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer
Drama/love story about the developing relationship between an ex-convict and a withdrawn waitress. Good insight into the loneliness and need for love of many worldly people, and lessons on honesty, communication and being willing to accept love.
GRUMPY OLD MEN (1994)
Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, Ann-Margret
The long-time feud between two elderly neighbors is brought to a head by the arrival of an extroverted, somewhat wild new woman across the street. This movie may not be to everyone's liking due to the continual bickering and sarcasm of the main characters.
STAND, THE (1994)
Gary Sinise, Molly Ringwald
Six-hour mini-series, based on the novel by Stephen King. Intense, dramatic and graphic portrayal of an Endtime-like scenario, where the few survivors of a worldwide plague are polarized into two camps, one good -- the believers in God and Jesus -- and the other evil -- led by the Devil -- engaged in a struggle to the death. Beware of graphic scenes throughout the movie, particularly in the first two hours. Some may also be disturbed by the portrayal of the Devil. Those who are sensitive to or easily frightened by heavy spiritual movies should probably avoid this one.
Please note that although there are definite comparisons to a future Endtime world and the movie is somewhat based on the Bible, it does not follow the Endtime chronology as we know it, and the lives of the good characters involved are more like AACs or unsaved believers. Overall, it's very faith-building and glorifies the Lord and His power. (Note: Please be sure to have good prayer before and after this movie! -- You may even want to have a little uplifting Word on hand to read afterwards!)
WAITING TO EXHALE (1995)
Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett
Drama/character study about four black women and the ups and downs of their respective relationships. Good perspective on the life and culture of middle-class African-Americans. Beware of feminist and male-bashing undertones.
Movies for Junior Teens and Up
CLEAN SLATE (1994)
Dana Carvey, Valeria Golino
Comedy/action movie about a private detective who wakes up every morning with no remembrance of what happened the day before. Light entertainment only.
IL POSTINO (THE POSTMAN) (1994)
Massimo Troisi, Phillippe Noiret
Touching drama/character study about a simple postman who finds inspiration in poetry and faith for romance through a friendship with the exiled Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. Italian movie with subtitles. Excellent acting and good lessons on how people can be affected by those they look up to.
LES MISERABLES (1995)
Jean-Paul Belmondo
Emotional drama about the life of a simple French worker during World War II, who helps a Jewish family fleeing from the Nazis. Three-hour movie, French with subtitles, excellent acting. Different story from the novel of the same name by Victor Hugo, but refers to it throughout.
STEEL MAGNOLIAS (1989)
Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton, Sally Fields, Daryl Hannah
Drama/comedy/character study following several years in the lives of six women in a small Southern town -- their joys, sorrows and friendships. Positive message about having children.
Movies for JETTs and Up
BATTERIES NOT INCLUDED (1987)
Hume Cronyn, Jessica Tandy
Sci-fi fantasy movie about a family of small alien spacecraft who come to the rescue of New York senior citizens whose tenement is about to be demolished.
TWISTER (1996)
Helen Hunt, Bill Paxton
Special-effects extravaganza about storm-chasers, who track down tornadoes in an attempt to study them and thereby save others from destruction. Exaggerated or unrealistic in parts, both in depiction of what tornadoes are capable of, and means of defense or escape. Please be mindful of the intense (though unrealistic) opening scene for young viewers.
YOUNG CATHERINE (1991)
Julia Ormond, Vanessa Redgrave, Christopher Plummer
Historical drama about the teenage German girl who married into the 18th century Russian royal family and eventually became Catherine the Great.
Movies for OCs and Up
HONEY, I SHRUNK THE KIDS (1989)
Rick Moranis, Matt Frewer
Fantasy/comedy about some young people who are accidentally shrunk to microscopic size, and their struggle to return to their former lives! Light entertainment only. Be mindful of the children and teens' bad attitudes and language in some parts.
IVANHOE (1952)
Robert Taylor, Joan Fontaine, Elizabeth Taylor
Classic movie following Sir Walter Scott's epic about life in England in the Middle Ages.
ROSE MARIE (1954)
Ann Blyth, Howard Keel
Comedy/musical about a Canadian Mountie who tries to "civilize" a trapper's tomboy daughter.
Movies for MCs and Up
IN SEARCH OF THE CASTAWAYS (1962)
Hayley Mills, Maurice Chevalier
Action-filled Disney movie based on Jules Verne novel, about children in search of their father. Very unrealistic in parts! Caution about the portrayal of a "crazy" prisoner who quotes the Bible. Entertainment only.
POLLY (1989)
Keshia Knight Pulliam, Phylicia Rashad
All-black, music-and-dance version of the "Pollyanna" story. Fun entertainment, but the children's behavior and the main girl's somewhat sassy attitude in parts will need discussing with children. The racial controversy will also need explaining.
Movies for YCs and Up
CLARENCE THE CROSS-EYED LION (1965)
Marshall Thompson, Betsy Drake
Fun, sweet adventure movie set in Africa. Please note the few fighting and shooting scenes when previewing, so that these can be fast-forwarded for YCs.
Movies for All
WINDS OF KITTY HAWK, THE (1978)
Michael Moriarty, David Huffman
The true story of the Wright brothers and their attempts to fly. Beautiful flight photography!
Non-Recommended Movies
ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN (1989, animated)
MONEY TRAIN (1995, Wesley Snipes, Woody Harrelson)
SHOWGIRLS (1995, Elizabeth Berkley)
USUAL SUSPECTS, THE (1995, Stephen Baldwin, Gabriel Byrne)
WILD PALMS (mini-series)
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Copyright (c) 1998 by The Family