The Grapevine Issue #5 October 15, 1996
DO/TS
October 1996, The Family, Zurich Switzerland.
IN THIS ISSUE
your views and opinions...2
mama's mailbox ...4
new movie ratings ...5
feedback ...5
what's up? ...6
rumor mill ...7
academia ...9
charter assessment ...11
letters to the editor ...12
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PIONEERING
Lebanon
(From Stephen, CRO, Asia:) Lebanese Jay and family have had a small pioneer team in Beirut for some months now. Several people have decided to join them, including Cypriot Piper, French Lily, her four oldest girls, and another teen. All are very excited about going, and the Lord seemed to confirm that this is His will. This gives us a few additional laborers for this very potential city and country. We're thrilled with what we feel is a tremendous harvest in this country that has suffered for so long. Please continue to pray for this fledgling work in the Mideast. Thanks.
Mideast
(From ASCRO:) We have now started working on producing Fantastic Friends in Arabic. We had a poet translate the songs, and then went to the music conservatory with the arranger who took the translated words and put them to the tune of the different songs Arabic-style, in order to make a practice tape for the children who are going to be singing on the video.
Life in Burma
(From ASCRO:) Until recently it had been over 10 years since any Family members have been in Burma (Myanmar) due to the country's political instability. Since October '94, however, we have begun sending teams back into Burma on 3-4 week road trips, which has proven to be very fruitful! The following account is an overview and look into the country of Burma and some testimonies from our latest team (the third one so far), who spent 4 weeks in Burma. -- It was a 4-man team, consisting of Isaac (VS), Daniella (20), Marie (20) and Daniel (18). Previous trips (which took place in October '94 and April '96) also included Paul Hart (26, of Mary), Thomas (21) and JETT Jonathan (of Pearl).
(From Isaac, Daniella, Marie and Daniel:) Burma is an extremely interesting and needy country! Arriving in Burma is like stepping 40 years into the past, where things have changed very little since the colonial days. -- Many of the buses are abandoned WW2 army trucks, and most of the buildings were constructed over a century ago.
Everyday necessities -- in fact, most things -- are obtained in little stalls on the side of the road for a very cheap price. For example, if you are not well-off but need a pair of glasses, you would find yourself going for an "eye checkup" on the sidewalk of a busy road. An old man (who passes as an optician) lays before you a couple dozen secondhand glasses frames, already fitted with prescription lenses. Try on each pair until you find one you like. The "optician" will then hand you an old piece of newspaper. If you can read it, you just got yourself a new pair of glasses!
Well, everything isn't that primitive. Burma does have famous international fast food chains, such as McDonalds or Dunkin Donuts, though admittedly their presentation is slightly different than what most of us are used to. To give you an example: McDonalds is an outdoor stall, complete with a desk, three stools, homemade hamburgers, and of course, for recognition's sake, the unmistakable McDonalds sign!
What would be a simple, everyday occurrence in most countries, such as buying gas, is nothing short of hilarious in Burma! The government rations the gas -- two gallons a week per car. And your car is assigned to a certain station on a certain day. If you happen to go to the wrong station or go on the wrong day -- oops, you've lost your quota. But most people just go to the more convenient "gas station," which is nothing but a gas bottle sitting on the main road. Just pull up in your car, honk your horn and a couple of people will come running out of the bushes with jerry-cans and fill up your tank with gas.
The average wage for a middle class working man who speaks English and has a Bachelor's Degree is about $20 to $25 a month. So people are very desperate to find any way possible to make money. One such way is money changing, which is an extremely lucrative business in Burma. You will find hundreds of young men everywhere eager to change your money -- in fact, you can't walk the streets of Rangoon without several of these money changers hot on your trail.
You come to learn that the only honest money changer in Burma is the one you happen to be talking to (though, when you meet the next money changer, he will have the exact same story to tell). If a money changer happens to find out you are religious, he'll immediately let you know that he is also religious, and when you ask him what religion, his response will be, "I have many gods, which god do you like?" -- Needless to say, they are very desperate to make a living.
Getting out the Word: The Bible only recently became legal in Burma. Printing the Bible is still only allowed with government permission -- though it's okay to own a Bible if you can somehow manage to get one. So the Word really goes a long way, as people are so desperate.
For example, we sent a few hundred posters to different provinces outside Rangoon and have already received letters requesting more! One Karen man we gave a poster to told us that when he realized it was God's Word, he stayed up two nights in a row translating it. He labored meticulously over each word, as he didn't want to get even one word wrong!
Reaching the Sheep: As this was our third trip into Burma, we followed up on many of the sheep met on previous visits.
The Family met Gyi Gyi 12 years ago. She comes from a staunch Buddhist family, but after receiving the Lord became an active witnessing Christian. She had no contact with the Family for many years, but continued to faithfully witness and lead people to the Lord. On our last trip, by a miracle we were able to renew contact with her and she was so happy to see us, having remembered the Family well. We were amazed to learn that she had won all of her brothers and sisters to the Lord and married a very precious Karen Christian.
When we met Gyi Gyi this time, she was nine months pregnant with her second child, and due to deliver any day. We learned that there were some complications with her pregnancy, in that she had placenta previa and the baby was in breech position. Despite this impossible situation, she had the faith that the Lord was going to do a miracle, and we prayed with her for the Lord to give her a safe, natural delivery. The day before she had the baby, both the baby and the placenta miraculously moved into the right position. The Lord honored her faith and she had a natural delivery with no problems. The doctor was stunned, and Gyi Gyi used this as a springboard to witness to him and many others in the hospital, as well as to get them saved before she returned home. She apologized to us that she wasn't able to win everyone to the Lord, as it was a very big hospital. What a convicting sample!
Ivan is a half-Jewish/half-Burmese money changer we met on our first trip, who was sincerely interested in the Bible and Christianity. This time when we went to the usual spot where he changes money, he was gone. In talking to the other money changers we learned he had moved away because of a disagreement with a fellow co-worker. Through a series of events we were able to get the address of Ivan's house, which ended up being in the middle of the jungle outside Rangoon. After walking for some time through marsh and dirt paths, past grass huts and shacks, we came to his "house." He was really excited to see us again, and because of various breakings that he had been through since we had last seen him, Ivan was so hungry for the Word and fellowship. He walked for over two hours into town to see us one day (because he couldn't afford the bus, which is only a 5th of a US cent), just to be able to read the Word and learn more about the Lord.
Miraculous Open Doors for a Permanent Team: One of our main goals on this trip was to scout out the prospects for setting up a permanent base, in order to be able to continue feeding and ministering to the many catacombers and potential disciples we have on the line.
A friend whom we met on our first trip asked us about the possibility of opening an English school with him. At first we were hesitant, as it would mean quite a commitment on our part. However, after praying and hearing from the Lord, He seemed to indicate that it was His will.
Our friend also visited a fortune teller (who didn't know anything about us) who told him not to worry, that, "your friends from Bangkok are good and honest people, and you can trust them." When we heard this, we told our friend that we also have a "Seer" that we seek spiritual advice from, and He told us that we should help him with his school. So it seems the Lord is opening the door for us to help with a kindergarten for about 80 three to five-year-olds, five days a week from 8:30 to 12:00, where we will use our Family videos, as well as our own curriculum, etc.
Once our friend received the go-ahead from us to begin laying the ground work, he went on the attack and found a very nice house for us. By a miracle he was able to rent it for only 6 months, whereas normally you are required to pay a year's rent in advance. This seems to be a confirmation of the Lord's leading, as good housing of the standard we look for is not easily available in Burma. We're quite excited, as this ministry is going to allow us to reach many top people in Burma, as the upper class desire to send their children to English-speaking schools. Another plus is that it will supply long-term visas, a house to live in, and a permanent base where we can get things rolling.
The plan is for Isaac and Ruth and three of their children to move to Burma as the permanent team and then have rotating YA teams coming on a three-month basis. From here we can not only reach the capital, but branch out on road trips to "all of Burma"! Wow!
What You Can Do: Thank you for your continued prayers, especially that the Lord will bless and make fruitful our first pioneer Home in Burma. As you have read in the above testimony, Burma is a very poor country, and since we are still in the early pioneer stages, we would appreciate any financial help you could offer towards our efforts. We are exploring other avenues of support locally and in Thailand, but any help you can send would also be a tremendous blessing! Your donations for the work can be sent via ASCRO.
To transport and house a 6-man team in Burma for 1 month costs $2,200.
-- $1,200 covers the air fare and visa costs
-- $1,000 covers translating, international phone communications (expensive and difficult from Burma), food, accommodations and transport.
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IMPORTANT NOTICE
Change in Family Web site
(From the WS Web Team:) We'd like to inform you of a change in our Family Web site. Until now, we've had all of our information on the Family available to the GP on one site. This has included information about our tools, such as the videos, tapes and posters, as well as general information on the Family, our background and Dad.
In order to answer questions that academics and others have had concerning our court cases and the various accusations made against us, we have also had our Statements and other persecution-related materials on our Family Web site. However we've heard that because these persecution-related pubs are on the site, it has caused some of you to hesitate to give out our Web address, as some people did not wish or deem it necessary to expose their first-time contacts or friends, or those they distribute tools to, to the more controversial topics that are covered in this material.
We have now taken all of the Statements, media and court-related information and moved it to its own new web site. Since it is no longer at the original Family Web address, we hope that this will help you feel more confident to give out our Family Web site address, which will mainly contain information about the Family's activities, tools, literature, etc.
We still want the public to have access to the Statements and court-related material, as these have proved to be a good source of information to explain the more controversial aspects of our history, court cases, etc., as well as offering people a more in-depth explanation of who we are and what our basic beliefs are. It is a valuable help to those who are interested, which we would like to continue to offer them. The new Web site address for the Statements and court-related materials is:
http://www.thefamily.org/family/familymedia.htm.
This Web address will not be printed on our tools, but you're welcome to give it to anyone you would like. By giving this address to people, they can log directly onto those more detailed sections relating to our court cases, etc. The pages in this new Web site also have links that can take them to the general Family Web site as well. So by giving people only this new Web address, it is in no way preventing them from accessing the rest of the Family Web material.
However, the links do not work in reverse. In other words, those to whom you give only the general Family Web site address cannot reach the media-related one from there, as there is no link from the general site to the one containing the media and court-related material.
If you would like to give people the Web site address so they can read an introduction to the Family, learn about our outreach and see a sample of our tools, give them the general main Family Web site address, which is the one now printed on our GP tools, the FAR, etc. If, in addition, you want to be able to give them access to the media and court-related information, you can give them the new Web address listed above. The general Family Web site address is:
http://www.thefamily.org/family
We hope this is a help. We appreciate all of the feedback that we've received about this, and pray this change will be a blessing and help to you.
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Tidbits From South America
Hey! Did you know that...
Claire Bear (a.k.a. Claire YA, of Jeho and Consuelo) is PG? She's not married! Wait! Hold it! This is not a Want Ad. Just a piece of news from South America. Sao Paulo, Brazil, to be more specific.
SGAs Andrew Fighter and Marie (formerly Blessing) at the BVM are expecting their third child.
SGAs Daniel and Flor had their second baby boy.
SGA Carmen (of Juan) is expecting #2.
SGAs Kristy (of Zeb Geppeto) and Julia (of Eman) at BAS are also pregnant.
JP (ex-Tracy) and Joan have joined the "Grandparents' Club" with their first grandson, born to Claire, their eldest daughter, in Sao Paulo.
BLAST, the Brazil local language studio, moved to Rio.
New "Burn Free" video show in the works with far-out numbers like "Salvation in the Spirit World," featuring Pethuel's "Out of the Darkness."
[Courtesy of Pedro; SACRO]
"Knew" Disciples in Europe
Nicole: To John and Beth, Belgium; June 29.
Joshua Brandt: To Abe and Libby, Czech Republic; July 25.
Agnieszka: To Daniel (Polish) and Vera (Russian), Poland; July 21.
Jamie: To Oliver and Marie, Nigeria; August 3.
Marko: To Gabe (Croatian) and Flower (Hungarian).
Marianna Clara: To Ben and Tirzah (SGAs), South Africa.
Rachel: To Paul and Joy, Switzerland.
Joshua Reed: To Jonathan Pioneer and Angela Selen.
[Courtesy of the EURCRO Office]
(Editor's note: Say, wasn't that interesting? Why don't you send in the latest happenings from your area? Send us some info! Give us the inside scoop! -- Who got married? Who's had a baby? What's the latest far-out story?)
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YOUR VIEWS AND OPINIONS
What's in a name?
Europe
(From J.:) I don't know how widespread this is, but it seems to me that some Family brethren have grown a little reluctant to use "The Family" name, and have tended to distance themselves from "The Family" as an organization, possibly fearing negative reactions from those they come in contact with.
I can understand this to some degree, and I know that we do have the freedom to go by different organizational names locally, and it certainly does have its time and place. Yet, I personally have been a little saddened to hear how frequently some people choose not to use "The Family" name.
I have even heard of recent teams going into Croatia, Bosnia, etc., not using "The Family" name, but it seems to me that in a situation where we are risking life and limb to reach and minister to others, we should rather be proud that we as "The Family" are going in to these dangerous fields. It seems that over the years the Family often hasn't gotten the credit for all the good we have done worldwide, but in situations where we ourselves don't tell people who we are, then might this be a case of us not "letting our lights shine?"
Witnessing: what we're here for
USA
(From S.:) I remember the quote about how "the revolution was born in the white-hot fires of soul winning, and if it isn't a soul-winning revolution, then it's nothing at all." That's paraphrased, but I believe that is the key to renewal for the Family.
I just returned from helping with a JETT Camp. One subject brought up was the possibility of taking the JETTs witnessing on the weekends during the camp, in small teams (with adults). I was a little surprised that initially there wasn't so much support from some of the room shepherds, but everyone agreed to pray and hear from the Lord. When we did, the Lord spoke clearly that that was the vision, and the Sunday witnessing and soul winning was a wonderful success with lots of testimonies.
It's heartbreaking for me that the teens and YAs don't talk much about witnessing; they don't share many testimonies, and they don't talk much about the Lord. When testimonies are shared, they are polite, but they don't always react with a lot of interest.
I feel like we need to have a change in this area to survive as a missionary organization. Until recently I'd excused our Home and anyone in the US for not witnessing, as it seemed like such an over-saturated field, as far as the spreading of the Gospel is concerned. But once I started personal witnessing again, I was so ashamed and convicted. I met precious people each time who sincerely needed to receive the Lord, and did so wholeheartedly. I realized it was my attitude that needed to change.
On another subject, since the Charter, it seems we have gotten away from asking for prayer for our weak areas. Maybe we are hesitant to approach people about the subject of weak areas, to see if they need help or would like to ask for prayer. It's nice not to make such a big deal out of it anymore, but maybe we are missing the blessing of gaining victories that are there for the asking.
Increased DO/TS Fellowship
USA
(From C.:) The TS brethren I have met and whom we fellowship with are fairly solid brethren. The reason most of them are not DO is because of their teens' desire to pursue a life outside the Family. I had been through some deep personal breakings over the past year and was desperate to settle into a good situation so I could produce fruit for the Lord. I respect the TSers a great deal for how they have persevered and overcome. I'm not sure how I would have fared, given the same set of circumstances that some of them have had to encounter.
On the other hand, there is another side to the equation which I am now seeing, which I feel must be considered: There is much to be faced concerning our teens here in the US -- and I assume all countries that worship materialism, embrace ungodly music, and are drowned in TV. These influences, which are so apparent to me after being gone from the US for so long -- and which I have been sadly surprised to find are such a strong threat to our DO teens -- are rampant, deep and brazen in many of our TS teens.
Some of these TS kids go to system schools, thus, they are often much like system kids -- dressing "cool," teasing, being mean and even violent, using very bad language, having a great love for the world, sports, violent videos, etc., not to mention little or absolutely no hunger for the Word. Some brag about videos they've seen that our kids can't see, or freedoms and independence we do not allow; they even sometimes offer our kids music that they know we don't want in our Homes. Some, even down to the OC level, literally mock Mama, Peter and Dad, as well as the Word.
For instance, at a recent DO/TS meeting, one of the DO single moms' children had been so mistreated by some TS children that she was in tears. This OC girl, who has a serious cleft palate requiring numerous surgeries over the years, and who continues to undergo treatment, care and speech therapy, was so hurt as they mocked her and called her names like "Cleft-Face," "Flat-Nose" and others.
I admire the TS brethren for their fight, and I feel their plight in many ways. I, too, have been through some extremely rough times. Even now I am trying to find my feet and fruitfulness in the Lord's work after a separation some time ago from my husband of 20 years. I am trying to keep my 11 children on the straight and narrow by myself, with little or no help, and I certainly cannot risk exposing them to this kind of behavior. It's just too much! I am already struggling to protect them from these elements.
Please don't think I don't love these kids. I feel really sorry for them, and especially their folks, as I too have my hands full with my kids, and I can't say I have an answer to this problem. But opening up our Homes and kids totally to brethren with problem kids, I feel, may cause problems that will need to be seriously addressed and will require a lot of shepherding.
It is going to be difficult, as the TSers have been wanting a movement like the one portrayed to them at the TS meetings, of us all working together now. But I know some of us DO folks are a bit anxious and even fearful of what's ahead. A few of the TS folks in our area have been known to be pushy and demanding, and I fear it's going to make us look like we don't want to follow the new counsel and include them, if we try to keep any distance at all. But if we work with them, we work with their kids as well. I fear for this, as I feel it could pull the standard down.
I know the overall picture presented to us is right and good, and there is a need for us to apply the Lord's love and humility, and embrace these precious brethren. But if everyone, including the TS brethren, does not take a humble and loving seat with this, it could possibly cause bad repercussions for our work; even our struggling DO members, and especially our teens, whom we are fighting so hard for.
Kids' problems -- does status make a difference?
USA
(From Abner, CRO:) I've been thinking and praying about some of the TS and former member kids I've seen that are good samples. In the course of the DO/TS fellowships I've attended and through visiting our Family, I've been looking for some keys as to why some families and kids are doing better than others. I ran across both kids that are doing well, and kids that weren't doing well -- in all the various levels of discipleship.
It didn't seem to matter so much whether the kids were DO, TRF Supporters or former members. I noticed that the kids that were doing well had a good link of communication with their parents, and there were guidelines established for the teens by their parents. Kids who weren't doing well had little communication with their folks and few boundaries established.
There was one DO couple's 15-year-old son, who we had to ask to leave a recent fellowship because of his bad behavior. He doesn't want to be in the Family, but his parents are at a loss as to what to do with him. His room is plastered with photos of basketball stars, and he has his own TV which he sits and watches all day long. Then there was a TRF Supporter single mom who took her own family's television and gave it to the DO Family, because she said her kids were watching Beavis and Butthead (a foolish and violent cartoon series) and MTV, and were going downhill from the negative input.
So you have one parent (in this case, a TRF Supporter) who does something and acts to improve the situation, no doubt to her own inconvenience; and you have other parents (in this case, a DO member) who though they say they don't know what to do, at the same time are not only doing nothing, but are allowing their poor teen to digress by allowing him to feed on a junky TV habit.
It seems our DO Family can sometimes get confused as to what is an appropriate standard to enforce on their kids, and they get intimidated in that they don't want to lose their kids, so they allow them to do what they want and don't enforce disciplinary guidelines on them, to the further harm of their teenagers.
On the other hand, you've got parents who are more conservative, to the point that their kids are a bit put off by their lack of tolerance. Some parents get upset over more minor issues of dress, etc., when overall their kid is doing well, to the point that it pushes their teen away from them and ultimately the Family.
Cedar (22, CRO) was telling me how when she was a teen she used to get a lot of correction for the tight tops and short skirts she insisted on wearing; and in some ways the baggy look, earrings, etc., are today's counterpart. The challenge seems to be in each parent determining where to draw the line with their kids. Every kid is going to be different, some just desiring to adhere to teen styles and fads while still maintaining a loving link with the Lord, whereas some really drink in from the cesspool of system attitudes.
So it seems the main challenge for our parents is determining the boundaries, giving their kids the freedom to express themselves in their dress as they go through their teen years; staying focused on spiritual values and helping the kids to fight the worldly spirit; continuing to instill in them a love for souls and a love for the Lord, but not forcing them into the mold of the way we were, or even the way their older brothers and sisters were.
This brings me to the other characteristic that seemed consistent in the different situations I've come across, and that is the bond or love that has been nourished between the parents and the teen. It seems the parents that have the most difficulty with their teens don't have a real quality relationship with them. They don't seem to communicate as much, there isn't a bond of trust and communication established. They aren't friends or confidantes, and there isn't as much love for one another in the weaker relationships as in the stronger ones.
Burdens lifted by Summit '96 videos
Europe
(From Ray:) I'm so thankful these are being made available to the whole Family. It drives the Family away from the "exclusiveness" that was in existence before, as everyone can just about equally partake of the Lord's feasts, right in our own Home! I'm thankful for the style of presentation, as it's not a lot of "rah-rah"; it's just drawing me to the spirit of David and to Jesus.
Viewing the Summit videos is taking a burden off me, as I was somewhat "burned" by leadership in things I observed and experienced during the months prior to the publishing of the Charter. To see the love and concern manifested through Peter puts me at ease that things are going to be okay, that the Family is run by people who truly care, and that the ones who don't really care won't stand. It also puts me at ease about our younger generation, some of whom I've seen wrongly treated by unloving shepherds. Seeing how Peter interacts so lovingly makes me feel that things will be okay for our young people as well.
My prayer is that this love will emanate to all Family members, and that this loving style of shepherding will permeate each Home. It's so simple, yet we so often stray. I want to do all I can to take on the full responsibility of the Charter and be the loving man He wants me to be in my interactions with others, young or old. Like Peter said, we can't say that we won't listen to shepherds anymore just because some shepherds mistreated us; neither can we say we won't believe the Word just because some people misapplied it.
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(The Grapevine consists of news from Family members around the world, and is not intended to be an official organ to reflect WS policy or views. Family policy and spiritual guidance will continue to be published in the GNs and FSMs.)
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W.S. NEWS
The delegates' meetings held in California by Peter, Gabe, and the N.A. CROs were a great success, and from all accounts have borne good fruit in the lives of those attending, which will hopefully have a big effect on the Homes and the work as a whole. Peter and Gabe are now on their way to the next set of delegates' meetings.
These meetings are primarily being attended by young people, and center around the theme of upholding the standard of the Word in their Homes and personal lives, and being a sample to their peers, younger teens and JETTs.
During the first six-day meeting, Peter gave daily classes, all of which were filmed for the benefit of you, our worldwide Family. We are putting priority on getting these videos ready to be sent to your CROs, so that, Lord willing, all our Homes will eventually be able to view these classes, along with the Summit '96 videos.
To whet your appetite, here's a preview of the topics of some of Peter's classes: What is a disciple? What is a bellwether? Worldliness, our sample, praise times, prayer and prophecy, loving Jesus, living the Word, how to apply the Love Charter, the adults' sample, the need for discipline in our Homes, shepherding and conviction, fighting to keep our JETTs and teens, pregnancy and marriage, "Go for the Gold," unity and living the "One Wife" vision, etc!n
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PRAY FOR MAMA
Please continue to pray for our dear Queen. Due to a prolonged period for nearly a month, her eyes and overall strength have been affected. She would greatly appreciate your prayers for her health and for increased strength.
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MAMA'S MAILBOX
Dear Mama, Peter and Gary,
I love you so very much! Our Home is in the middle of watching the Summit '96 videos. I was so inspired by them that I had to write you and express my love and appreciation for them -- thank you so much!
What I like most about Peter is how he is so natural and articulate. The way he (or you) explains things is so clear and hits every angle. Gary is also very natural and clear. The videos on prophecy were inspiring and encouraging for me. I love prophecy and think it is the absolute Word of God. But I like the way Peter presented it; there's no pressure, and the reassurance that if someone doesn't have the gift it is okay! I enjoy the gift of prophecy that the Lord has given me -- it works!
To explain my lessons I will have to go back about two years. I was going through a very difficult time in my life. My sisters had left the Family and I was worried about them. I felt that nobody loved me (ha!). I never had felt anything that gave me any reason to believe that there was a spirit world or anything of the sort. I was very skeptical. I was confused with life and wanted some proof that there was a Jesus and a spirit world, and most importantly, that somebody loved me.
So I decided to give the Lord a test to see if He would prove Himself to me. I set a date by which I wanted this to happen. My birthday was a couple of months away and I thought it would be an appropriate time. I told the Lord, "If You are real and if You love me, I want You to make something happen, so that I will know without a doubt that You exist. I also want someone to love and who will love me the same."
So I waited for the sign and nothing happened. I was very frustrated and said, "Fine! If You don't believe in me, I don't believe in You!" I basically became an atheist, or a non-believer. I stopped praying, I stopped reading the Word, I stopped talking about Jesus or anything spiritual. I tried to skip as many devotions or meetings as I could. Of course, I never told anyone at the time about all this, as if I did, I would have had to make the decision to either stay and believe, or leave the Family. I have no idea why I stayed in the Family, except for the mercy of Jesus. I had no desire or reason to try to believe in Him again.
Time went by and I remained the same; I was very sad and lonely. One day I found a tape of Alexander Scourby reading the Psalms, and for some reason I put it on. As I listened to it, it was very relaxing. As time went on, and I continued to listen to this tape, I slowly became happier and the Lord's feeling of love came back in a way that I noticed! I actually felt different. I decided to take it a step further. I tried to pray again and see if things changed or if peace returned, and it did!
To make a long story short, I not only started to believe in Jesus again, but I now love to hear from Him and want to spend as much time with Him as possible. Time has passed, and when I look back I am amazed at what happened. I didn't try to change at all; the Lord in His mercy and love changed me, but He did it in a way that "proved" He did exist and loved me, and that was by proving that He is powerful enough to change me and turn me back to the Light without my trying.
I'm not sure if "proved" is the right word; maybe "showed" or "had mercy" is what happened. 'Cause if He had left it to me, I probably would've continued down my own road and eventually would have left the Family, but He spared me all the agony and the realization of how wrong I was after it was almost too late. -- To me that was more love than anyone could have shown me. I love You, Jesus! He also gave me a girlfriend! We are living together and thinking of getting married!
I want to let you know that I love you and am thankful for all you do for us, and for me personally. I think you are doing a wonderful job in running the Family. You have my full support and backing. I remain your humble servant.
With love,
M. (YA male, 20, Europe)
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Dear Mama Maria,
Something that really touched my heart was knowing that after your "News and Views" Letter came out, in which you gave examples of teens and adults who saw the need and responded, others have decided to go for that crown also.
A teen I knew three years ago in another country wrote me, saying that after reading that Letter he felt convicted knowing of my situation, being alone with four kids, and he said he wanted to come help me full time! God bless him! I nearly cried when I heard that news. The Lord is so merciful with me, Mama, and in spite of everything, He has always shown me immense love, mercy and patience. I'm falling in love with Him more and more. -- He's the ideal Man. He never leaves me without both big and little touches of His Love.
Like that quote says, "If you give love, you'll receive love." I took care of this teen when we were living together. He helped out with my kids and we took personal time together, and now I see the fruit. I'm happy and moved that at age 17 or 18 he's made a decision like that. Thank you, Mama, for instilling the faith in them to take a step like that.
Much love and prayers, your daughter,
H. (an adult woman, South America)
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ANNOUNCEMENT!
(From Matthew for Mama:)
Mama sends her love and would like to thank each of you who have written her. She listens to every one of your letters and appreciates hearing from each of you.
We'd like to pass on a couple of tips for those of you who write to Mama: If you keep your letter short (one or two pages), and if you send your letter in via modem or on disk to your CROs, Mama will receive and hear your letter sooner than if you send a lengthy or a handwritten letter. Handwritten letters do get to her, but there is a delay, because before Mama can hear them, they need to be typed by a secretary. And the shorter letters usually get typed up and sent off first since they take less time. Mama will still hear the longer letters, but the shorter ones do reach her sooner.
Mama also likes to know if you are a young person, your age, and if you're a second generation adult; it's nice if you can mention that in your letter to her as well. She would also be interested in who your parents are, the country you are presently residing in, etc. She's always interested in those kinds of details, and knowing more about you!
Some good news for those of you planning to write Mama is that, Lord willing, we hope to soon have an e-mail address available where you can send your letters directly to Mama, which will reach her much quicker. Once the e-mail address is secured, we'll announce it in the Grapevine or an LNF. We love you!
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MOVIE RATINGS
Movies Rated for Senior Teens and Up
TIME TO KILL, A (1996)
Sandra Bullock, Samuel L. Jackson, Matthew McConaughey
Intense, well-acted drama based on the novel by John Grisham, involving the brutal rape of a 10-year-old black girl by two white men, and the turmoil and trial that occurs when her father takes the law into his own hands. Thought-provoking in its exploration of issues such as racism and revenge. Beware of several graphic portions, including the rape at the beginning and the defense lawyer's closing courtroom speech.
Movies Rated for Junior Teens and Up
MONTH BY THE LAKE, A (1995)
Vanessa Redgrave, Edward Fox, Uma Thurman
British love story/character study about a middle-aged woman on holiday by Italy's Lake Como, who is attracted to a man also residing there. Some found this movie to be slow-moving. Good lessons on communication and the bad results of shallowness and insincere flirting.
CHAIN REACTION (1996)
Keanu Reeves, Morgan Freeman, Rachel Weisz
Action movie about a group of scientists who discover a cheap, non-polluting source of energy, but soon find themselves running for their lives through a series of inexplicable events. Occasional but not graphic violence. Entertainment only.
TRUTH ABOUT CATS AND DOGS, THE (1996)
Janeane Garofalo, Uma Thurman
Romantic comedy about a radio talk-show host for a call-in program offering advice on pets, who asks her beautiful neighbor to stand in for her on a blind date with a listener. Fun story with lessons about negative thinking and accepting yourself the way you are.
Movies Rated for JETTs and Up
CRY, THE BELOVED COUNTRY (1995)
James Earl Jones, Richard Harris
Heavy, emotional drama set in South Africa in the late 1940s about a black country minister who goes to Johannesburg in search of his errant son. With very good acting, brings out the themes of forgiveness and mercy and the Rom.8:28 of trials and sufferings, set against the racial inequalities and tensions present in South Africa in that era. Adapted from a well-known book.
Non-Recommended Movies
BIRDCAGE, THE (Robin Williams, Gene Hackman; 1996)
MATILDA (Mara Wilson, Danny De Vito; 1996)
FAN, THE (Robert DeNiro, Wesley Snipes; 1996)
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FEEDBACK
The new FTT tapes are great! I really do appreciate the big emphasis that Mama and Peter have put on music for us teens.
When I first heard about this project and the vision of getting out a new teen tape every month or so, I was pretty skeptical. It seemed to me like projects like these have been attempted before but never really got off the ground. I know it costs a lot in time, effort and finances, etc. The sacrifice that so many are making to get these out to us is monumental and I can't thank you enough for it! The tapes have been so inspiring and have added a lot of variety to our musical diets.
Since the FTTs are coming out so fast, I think it has eased the desire for secular music. Just when you have about run the latest FTT into the ground by listening to it constantly -- a new one comes out!
-- Julie, 17, USA
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Though I really like the "wild stuff" on the tapes, like "Revolutionary Children of God," "Charlie," "Jesus Set me Free," etc., I think it's a valid point that it's not everyone's kind of music. I've felt uncomfortable for people who don't like blaring hard rock or rap, but perhaps feel they have to accept it and be thankful because it's "Family music." I'm sure Dad wouldn't have liked some of it either, as it's clear from the Letters what his kind of music is.
I also heard unofficially (from another young person, that is) that Dad didn't personally like the musical style of the Endtime tape, but I guess the important thing to him was that the Lord's message and spirit was in it, even if the vehicle wasn't to his personal liking, which to me is a good attitude to have in this whole issue.
All that to say, that in using and listening to this new music we need to be considerate of others. Also, a person shouldn't feel bad asking someone in the next room to cut down on the decibels, for example.
-- Simon, 21, Europe
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I recently read a report from a Family musician about various teens in the Family listening to system music. He was quite discouraged, thinking that the FTTs were in vain, and wondering if it was all a waste of time. I felt that he must have been misinformed, as more and more I've seen the teens getting turned on by the FTTs.
I don't think we can expect overnight wonders from our Family musicians, but they have really been hitting some good marks in reclaiming territory. More and more I've noticed the walkmans not playing "whoever," but playing our own stuff. It is working and bearing the right fruit, and from what I've heard the best is still yet to come. Our efforts are miraculous when you think about our own young people trying to compete with the world's biggies.
There will always be a few die-hards who will still insist on hanging on to Bon Jovi's (or you name it) croaking, but those days will pass as we continue to "let the light in, the darkness will flee of itself"!
-- John Paul, Brazil
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Some of us who have listened to quite a bit of System music (including a relatively new disciple here, coming from a punk background), found it disturbing that some teen songs (on the FTTs) were almost identical in melody, music, and arrangements to System songs we considered of the Devil. I know that the Lord said that the words are the most important thing, but He also promised to give new hit melodies and arrangements. Maybe others feel that a bit, too.
-- Nina, Peru
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I'm so thankful for the new music that you've inspired all of us to make -- it's beautiful! It's full of the Spirit. I never get tired of listening to it over and over again. We really needed it and I love it! In the music there is such power, sparkle, inspiration -- it's just lovely. I pray for the ones working on this music, because their job depends a lot on everyone's prayers. It's so inspiring to listen to all those tapes while working or resting. They're full of the Word and they have the anointing! They help me so much!
-- Patty, 16, Colombia
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WHAT'S UP?
TESTIMONIES FROM YOU
New Disciples in Mexico
USA
(From Jonathan Waters, [22, VS]:) Meeting the Family teens in Mexico City was a breath of fresh air. They are inspired and on-fire! There isn't the same battle in the spirit with worldliness that there is just over the border in the States. There's such a pull of the world in the US, spirits of materialism and independence, laziness and lethargy, and the contrast is pretty surprising.
In Mexico the teens come up and ask to help with the inspirations, and then everyone enters in -- not just the adults, but the teens also close their eyes and sing too. When you pray, these guys really praise the Lord; it's not just a background rumble, but wholehearted praise. You hear them talk about how they want to make the revolution continue. It's so inspiring.
One thing I feel keeps these guys so inspired, among other things, is their witnessing. They do a lot of "real" witnessing -- going on the road, personal witnessing, follow-up, etc. What I mean by "real" witnessing is actual winning of souls and disciples. As a result, there are quite a few new disciples in Mexico. Meeting the new disciples is a thrill. These guys love the Lord and the Family and are so thankful for a place of service.
Having new disciples around keeps things alive in the spirit and pumps in an on-fire spirit; having disciples who are really going for it and living the Revolution in their hearts. It's an inspiration to see these guys so dedicated to the Lord, the Word and the Family. The Revolution continues! -- Con mucho gusto!
(Editor's note: Attention all new disciples -- in Mexico and elsewhere! We'd love to get your testimonies! If you've joined in the last 2-3 years, would you write something up for us? What was it about the Family that was worth giving up everything for? Send your testimony via your CRO, or direct to the Grapevine via e-mail!)
The Grushynski Festival
Russia
(From Joshua, Charity and Joanna:) The Grushynski festival is held in memory of a Russian folk singer who died saving drowning children. Every year, tens of thousands of both young and old from all over Russia attend this festival, camping out for three or more days in the midst of beautiful scenery on the banks of the Volga river. We were invited to perform at Grushynski by the people who take care of all the performers going from our town.
When we arrived at the train station, we learned that the train was not scheduled to stop at the station where the festival was. Faced with a 4 km. walk from the station nearest to the festival, in the heat of the day with the kids and all our camping equipment, we prayed desperately! The Lord spoke to us and gave us the faith that if He wanted us to be at the festival, He would transport us there. We boarded the train, already packed with hundreds of young people, and we started giving out posters and witnessing. -- Lo and behold, the train stopped at our station!
Next, we had to find a place to put up our tent, and that wasn't so easy as there were tents everywhere. There were 130,000 people attending the festival! We prayed and the Lord helped us meet some friends of ours, scouts, who invited us to their camp. We camped in the main part of the festival, under a big pole with the banners of different scout groups, where we were able to hang a big banner with our Family symbol -- the biggest and brightest of all!
While the boys were putting up the tent (the kind of tent that you have to make your own poles from tree branches), our singing group went to find out if we could still get on the stage. When the organizers found out that Charity, a mother of eight, came all the way from Norway to sing at their festival, they were so touched that they signed us in right away.
The next day the kids sang on both the kids' stage and on the main stage. The audience joined in, clapping and singing along to "This Little Light of Mine," and when teen Nina sang "Shine Like the Sunlight" in Russian, accompanied by our two guitarist friends, people were visibly touched. The organizers were very happy that we sang. Altogether we distributed 11,000 posters.
Although we stayed in a so-called "scout camp," those scouts looked more like dropouts, with strange hairstyles and outfits. They tried to look weird and strange, but when we were leaving, they all came to our tent to say goodbye and told us how sad they were that we were leaving. One of the boys had come 1,500 km alone, and from the first day seemed to be drawn towards us. He was very hungry for the Word. When we were leaving for the train he asked me if I would write him. I said that I would, and he looked deep in my eyes like a desperate sheep and pleaded, "Don't forget!"
Next year if more Homes could send their teams we could reach a lot more people that come to this festival!
Invite your neighborhood for a party!
Romania
(From Esther I.:) "Does your Home have a variety of activities which are a testimony to your neighborhood?" Hmm... we always thought a lot about this question when glancing through the checklist in the Charter.
We regularly minister to children and parents in a number of local hospitals, perform weekly for the deaf and mentally handicapped, actively participate in street and neighborhood clean-up efforts, but we always had the burden to do something special with the children in our area. We have two children in our Home, and whenever we go for a walk, scores of kids come up to play and talk with them. They are very well-behaved children, so they're a joy to play with and pour into.
Our two-year-old son's birthday came around the day before our performing team was to leave for Bosnia. They had practiced for four days to have the show down pat before leaving, but they hadn't had a dress rehearsal yetwhen the idea came! -- Why not have the rehearsal right in the backyard and invite all the people we can? No better test than to see the reaction of the children!
The word went out, and by 4 o'clock that afternoon more than 70 kids were waiting anxiously for our clown show! TYJ, the clowns were terrific, and so was the performance of "The Rock in the Road"! We led all the children in the salvation prayer, and after playing a few fun games together, we gave out provisioned sweets, had an impromptu "balloon modeling class" and gave each one a balloon! We made quite a racket, so all the parents and whoever didn't come to the show were hanging out their windows to see what the fun was all about!
After the fun and games were over, we took a piece of Peter's birthday cake(s) to our neighbors and the children in our apartment block. We took a PR album with us to explain more about our work and answer any questions they might have. It was a long awaited victory in so many ways!
(Bonus: Since then, we've been invited to all the birthday parties in the area, ha!)
Prophecy confirms our SWIFT
USA
(From Renee, [written from Japan]:) One day I was praying for my JETT daughter and her needs. The Lord spoke clearly to me and told me that for our Summer SWIFT we should visit her father in Japan. I separated from Joy's dad when she was two, and in all these years she's spent very little time with him.
This was an unexpected idea and I wasn't sure if it was just "my mind" thinking this up, so I took some time to hear from the Lord with my daughter. The Lord confirmed the idea, told us to step out by faith, not to look at the waves and that He would supply the funds. I also wrote Joy's dad right away to see what he thought of this visit.
I was worried about what my Home would think of this "wild" idea, how I would raise funds, etc., as I am a single mom with two children and we have a considerable amount of kids and needs in our Home. They were very encouraging, and as time progressed, things worked out for me to be able to raise funds for our trip, and the Lord also supplied more personnel.
We've been in Japan for two weeks now and it's been a wonderful blessing, especially for Joy. It was really neat for me to see how everything fell into place, how much the Lord loves each one of us personally and how He'll make these exciting things happen for us. He's so faithful and wonderful!
Considering the Poor
Russia
(From the St. Petersburg Family:) In trying to locate a case of lice shampoo to help the Children's Hotel (a shelter for street children), we found a pharmaceutical company in Germany that wants to give 11,000 kilos of the product, about $70,000 worth. It'll probably be enough for all the orphanages and shelters for this whole city of five million people!
A hospital in Finland which is donating an operating table, two hospital beds and other equipment, informed us that they will send an additional ten hospital beds and more hospital furniture. They said if this goes well, they'll help us find other hospitals in Finland to help us too.
Many exhibitors from all over the world at the International Hospital Expo have pledged to help our work with the Red Cross by donating some of the products they are exhibiting, and in other ways as well.
Arctic Outpost -- A four-man team has returned to Arkhangelsk (within the Arctic circle), 30 hours away by train, to continue our work there with students, orphanages and prisons.
Can Young People Teamwork and "One Wife"?
USA
(From Ahlai:) Our DC Home's five-man Teamwork is an example of an all-YA/SGA Teamwork that is going great guns! The leadership of our Home consists of Jessica as personnel shepherdess, Jon A. as business teamworker, Sam as outreach teamworker, Sharon handling homecare and scheduling, and Cherish overseeing childcare. They are doing a terrific job of shepherding, managing our various Home ministries, as well as coordinating traffic control and the "unexpected emergencies" that pop up daily! It's a huge job, but what an impact they are having by governing and shepherding themselves, setting their own goals and standards according to the Charter, and meeting them.
It stands to reason that an all YA/SGA Home (or 90% YA/SGA Home) should have an all YA/SGA Teamwork, and since I came off the Teamwork as a daily player, we have seen wonderful fruit as our Teamwork's first line of defense is to take everything to the Lord! They are desperate, pray together lots and hear from the Lord. They are responsible and capable young leaders, as are the other young people in our Home, and like Dad always said, "What a relief when we realize that we don't have to do it! He (and the young people) can do it!"
Lately, as the new Teamwork takes hold, we've seen them organize and put their time and funds into "service projects" for others; praying for new ministries and ways to give out, which makes life fulfilling and challenging. Our YA/SGA provisioning team has just finished shipping large provisionments (sofas from hotels, carpets, curtain material, etc.) for needy or newly opened Homes that are getting set up and need the help. Provisioning cross-country shipping for free is not easy, but Reina worked 'round the clock, as did Sam, Brian, Tim, Joni, Arrow and a few others to synchronize a shipment of goods to needy places.
The rest of the Home worked doubly hard to compensate for the witnessing and fund-raising needed to pay our own bills for that week, while the others worked on shipping furniture. There were cliffhanger moments at times, but we kept a sense of humor and had fun knowing it was going to be a help to the Homes in the area, as well as to other needy Homes far away -- which makes it worth it all. We received sweet letters of thanks from five or six Homes that appreciated their sample of provisioning discounted trucks, and then driving long hours and 1200 miles worth of trips to deliver the sofas.
They've planned the last quarter of '96 with a bang-up Christmas push plan, and I can't wait to hear what they're going to do next. They are praying for new outreach methods as Christmas approaches, and are coming up with all kinds of plans for store-fronting, clowning, caroling, tapenessing, snow-shoveling (weather permitting, ha!). They're pushing to kick off their Christmas push in early November, rather than waiting till December.
We have 10 children in our Home, four are babies and two others have special needs and are a challenge to take care of, but they are the life of the Home. One thing that is a strong sample to all around is the enthusiasm and faithfulness of our SGA moms, both single and married! I remember when I had my first child as a YA mom; it was not an easy adjustment to let go of hitting the streets, going on the road, pioneering as a single, and sometimes it seemed I was "missing" all the excitement. -- But not so here.
Our SGA moms, Cherish (21, three children), Heidi (22, one baby boy) and Shanti (23, one baby girl) have made childcare and the "baby department" so exciting! I'm so glad I had another baby, so I can partake of all the great ideas the SGAs are coming up with now for their first kids. It's going to be a terrific graduating class! The nursery is a super inspiring place where the babies are taught, pottied and challenged. We're even adding them as "little drummer boys" with tiny drums to our Christmas show!
All of us work 'round the clock with our babies and kids, but to see these new moms put so much into their new calling in life, setting up a nursery, school activities, etc., even when they could use a break, is a sample of leadership and dedication to the Lord -- the "real thing" that God looks on as greatness. We have a new generation of "Real Mothers" that Dad would be proud of!
And not only the SGA moms, but, for example, dear YA Stephanie, who helps Cherish with her three little ones. She is as dedicated as any mom could be, and she just got into childcare this past year. Last year she decided to give up other things and commit herself to a needy young SGA family. She's a real jewel, and now a bellwether in the Home in all areas.
YAs' Lisa, Reina, Joni and Nathan are among others here who have let go of other things to "do more for others," as the Lord laid it on their hearts. Recently, more young people have jumped in, volunteering to "take the baby" when you're in a pinch, or stand in as foster parent during family time, without even being asked. It's so sweet. It's a true example of the "One Wife" spirit that makes our Family "The Family"!
Where one Good Thots ended up!
Thailand
(From Ammi:) We received an interesting and inspiring phone call the other day from a Thai man in his late 30's. He began by asking some questions, and as the conversation developed, he told this amazing story:
He had been browsing through the second-hand book stalls at the Sunday Market and came across a book called Good Thots, volume two. He bought it, read it and was very impressed by it. He said it was his favorite book, and he has now read it several times, calling it the best anthology he'd ever seen.
He enjoyed it so much that he was determined to try and find volume one of the series. He searched book stores all over Bangkok to no avail. Then he noticed the small copyright on the front page of the volume two that he had. He wrote to Switzerland and eventually received a letter from our Thai mail ministry, giving him our GP phone number.
Though he'd never met anyone from the Family, he felt he just had to call and say hello and thank us for this beautiful book! He is an English professor at a well-known university in Bangkok! How amazing the power of the printed Word! It's exciting to think of all the responses that could come from our new GP book project!
How did my education rate?
Venezuela
(From Elisabeth Music, 17; of Josias and Sara:) Yesterday I attended my system cousin's high school graduation. She asked me if in the Family we get recognition for our work. I told her that at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb I would get the greatest diploma ever.
During the time I was there with them, I didn't feel the least bit inferior to her system education. My cousin was also grateful that we gave her English classes and I helped her pass many tests.
Our neighbor wanted me to try doing the test she was doing for the university she attends. The funny thing was, it was a test on psychology and was extremely difficult, especially because it was so long and in Spanish. I thought for sure I could never pass the test. I told her that I'd take the test to my dad, but she insisted that I do it. I also think our neighbor wanted to put me to the test, and see if I really did have any kind of education. The miracle is I passed the test with 100%! -- I was shocked myself!
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RUMOR MILL
-- "Peter and Gary told me..."
(By Matthew, WS:) Rumor has it that Peter and Gary, while attending the DC TS Fellowship in early July, gave certain TSers "permission to become DO." In some cases, TSers have contacted Homes, informing them that they have "permission" from members of WS' leadership teamwork (Peter and Gary), or the CROs to rejoin. It seems some have misinterpreted this to mean that TRF Supporters received permission to instantly become DO members, which is not the case. While there will soon be some simplification and streamlining of the Procedures for Moving TRF Supporter Members to D.O. Status (Charter, pgs. 96-99), at present the existing Charter procedures still stand and apply across the board to all TSers.
To clarify, Peter and Gary, or the CROs, may give TSers permission to begin the process of rejoining as a DO member, as per the Charter guidelines. Keep in mind, however, that under the Charter, permission for TRF Supporters to join a DO Home and regain DO status is not granted by WS leadership nor by your CROs, but the final decision is left up to the Home that is taking in the TSer wishing to rejoin.
So while Peter or Gary may have encouraged individuals to find a DO Home to join, or link up with other TRF Supporters intent on returning to DO status, this does not make these individuals exempt from fulfilling the Charter requirements for rejoining. Nor should any DO Home feel obligated to take TSers in, if the prospective members are not conducting themselves in accordance with the discipleship requirements and rules in the Charter, or are being a negative influence on their Home, just because "Peter and Gary" said they could begin the process to rejoin as a DO member.
-- Are all the guys in WS?
(From a female SGA, Europe:) There is a lot of talk about how there are so many girls compared to boys in the Family. Quite a few people (or should I say girls) have trials about this, and many have the impression that WS is where they all are. I was wondering if this could be addressed. I also wanted to suggest a "male/female" subdivision in the population pie graphs. In other words, not only dividing it by age but also by sex.
(Editor's note: Believe us, all the guys are not in WS! This is most certainly an untrue rumor! A couple nights back, while watching a documentary after dinner, we looked around the room, and to our dismay, noticed that in our Home, the ratio of boys/girls is 3.6 girls to each boy! So, we may not know where they are, but we sure know where they ain't -- and that's here! In issue #3 of the Grapevine, you'll notice that we did include boy/girl ratios in our population breakdown. In the DO Family there are 1,006 single males, and 1,268 single females (age 16 and up). So, they gotta be out there somewhere! Guys, where are you?!)
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SEND IT IN!
Please send your news, articles and contributions to The Grapevine to the following postal or e-mail address (e-mail will reach us soonest). You can also send articles via your TRF or CRO office. We're looking forward to hearing from you!
The Grapevine
P.O. Box 870756
Mesquite, TX 75187-0756
U.S.A.
Our e-mail address is as follows: grape@ibm.net (Please send your articles unencrypted for now. Thanks.)
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ACADEMIA
Becoming an "in house" word at the Center for Studies on New Religions (CESNUR) Conference
USA
(From Ahlai:) I was surprised how well accepted we are now at the academic conferences after all the time and effort Marc and Claire and others have put into ministering to the academic community and the media. We counted six or seven times at the recent CESNUR conference where reference was made to the Family in written papers -- and though we're considered unorthodox, we are not scorned or excluded, but rather accepted and even casual humor is made about our controversial side, rather than disdain. This is the good fruit of the Statements, the Charter and our being more open in meeting the public and the academic world.
Dr. Susan Palmer gave a good anecdote about us in her presentation entitled, "Children in NRMs." She said she has found it beneficial to sometimes take her children along on research projects to NRMs, as they gather information while playing with the other kids in groups, that is not easily acquired through talks with the parents.
She said one NRM that she had visited recently told her that "our sheltered children do not watch TV, listen to system music, eat candy or receive a worldly allowance." Yet when her kids came home at night and she asked what they did all day, they said they went out in the woods and dug up treasures. -- The treasures, her kids said, were little boxes buried in the woods that contained Walkmans, CD players, rock music CDs, tootsie rolls (candy) and all kinds of money!
Dr. Palmer said, "I did the same with my kids when I visited the Family in Washington, DC. After they spent an afternoon with Family children and YAs, I asked my children the same question, 'What did you do all day?' To which they responded, 'Well, Mom, we had a Bible study and we got saved!'" This is not to say every moment in our Homes is so heavenly, but it was exciting to see her and others publish glad tidings about the Family at these conferences.
YAs' Lisa and Calvin were very good representatives both during the conference and after hours as they talked and fellowshipped with the academics. The living sample of the willingness of "young people helping older people" in literally any capacity, overwhelmed and won these folks to a degree that I know we first generation adults could never have done. Lord help us to never take for granted the incredible gifts and the giving of themselves that our young people pour out on the Family and others everywhere they go. Thank God for them!
Pope Gregory and the "Apostles of Infinite Love"
USA
(From Ahlai:) Dr. Gordon Melton, Dr. Eileen Barker, Dr. Susan Palmer and I visited this very unique dropped-out order of Catholic priests and nuns called "The Apostles of Infinite Love." Massimo Introvigne and Gordon were excited about the appointment as Pope Gregory rarely, if ever, meets with outsiders.
The order originated in 1964 when Pope Gregory, then Father John, had a revelation to drop out of the Catholic church entirely after seeing a Catholic nativity scene in the south of France that depicted Mary as a modern mother in a mini skirt and high heels pushing a baby pram with Jesus in it crying, and Joseph had a cigarette dangling from his mouth.
They have 600 acres in Laurentide that through prophecy in 1969 the Lord told them to buy, for a refuge for thousands in the Endtime, which would begin in 1998. They have their own presses and mountains of publications. They have independent water and food supplies, and have solar energy and provision. They are strong on hearing from the Lord daily and are guided by prophecy through various ones in the convent.
Their main source of income is the sale of calendars which they produce and sell door-to-door in December. They are liberal in that along with celibate nuns and priests, they also have priests and nuns who marry and have children (all apparently of equal dedication).
We attended their mass, and they answered all our questions and took us on a tour of the place. They have received a lot of persecution and talk about it patiently, including having their entire convent burned to the ground twice and having to start all over.
Pope Gregory himself, age 77, entered the room and spoke with us at the lunch table, in French through an interpreter. Pope Gregory is a precious, humble man. I was expecting a riveting sermon against the System or something. That came later, but the first thing he wearily talked about at length was how hard it was to live communally with so many different types of people and how tired he was at the end of the day after taking care of so many problems!
He was of an excellent, slow, soft-spoken spirit, but "let it all hang out" in his complaints, so to speak. I could relate so well to the daily shepherding of lots of people and it was encouraging to see others experience the same weights and make it, as sometimes I wonder if I will!
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IDEAS, TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS
(Editor's note: Interesting idea for Christmas outreach and fund-raiser!)
Woman Offers Jesus Photo (News Reprint)
Winston-Salem, NC (AP) -- Cherie Shelor was standing in line with her son to get his picture taken with a shopping mall Santa when she wondered: "What does this man in red have to do with Christmas, to me?"
"The answer was nothing," said Shelor, who thinks dragging children to be photographed with mall Santas each year misses the point of Christmas.
So she developed an alternative -- a photo with baby Jesus.
Shelor is charging children $1 to dress up in colorful robes and have their photo taken in a wooden shed that replicates where Jesus was born. The children stand next to a cradle with a baby doll inside -- and they also take home flyers with candy canes and Biblical quotations on them.
The business is set up in the parking lot of a Christian bookstore. Next year, Shelor hopes to find space in a nearby mall.
Danielle McDonald, 10, dressed in the robes, donned a gold cardboard crown and knelt in the hay-covered shed for her photo.
"I think it's just better to celebrate Him on His birthday," she said.
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CHARTER ASSESSMENT FROM YOU
(Recently, the question was posed as to whether the Homes are struggling more since the Charter than they were before. Some Home members and VSs living in field Homes around the world were asked for their opinions. In this issue we're including a couple of responses received from Brazil.)
(From Jeremias, Brasilia:) In my opinion the answer is no, and I will say why not. First I'd like to explain that although I personally haven't visited most of the Homes in Brazil, I have been in contact with a lot of them. From the contact I have had and the ones I have visited, most of them are doing very well.
A lot of Homes in Brazil have a high standard of living. I'm talking about being in good locations and neighborhoods, good housing conditions, swimming pools, etc. They are most often located in places where only the upper middle class or rich people are able to own or rent a house; and these are cities like Rio, Sao Paulo and Brasilia, which are the most expensive cities in Brazil! Not to mention the Homes in small cities on the seashore, sometimes located on the beach itself, or Family Homes in the mountains, located in tourist resort areas!
It's good for us to have this in perspective and to remember where we are when we say we are "struggling." -- And what we are eating! Food, for example, is an easy thing to provision in Brazil, and I'm talking about good, healthy, fresh food -- meat, vegetables, fruits, etc. Of course, in order to have all that, we have to work for it! Maybe some Homes are not working (witnessing) or doing enough, or lack the faith, or aren't praying enough to have all that!
There are indeed a few Homes here and there which are fighting (I would not say struggling) to survive. In my opinion, these ones are:
--- Homes that after the Charter are having too frequent personnel changes, and because of that are not able to have a steady team.
--- Homes which are pioneering or in hard fields! The Enemy fights in the beginning, but this is only for a while, as the Lord will always give the victory!
--- Homes that for some reason are out of the Lord's will or not following the Letters closely.
I'd like to mention three things that I think have not been going so well after the Charter. I would call them "transitional problems," because with the passing of time they are getting solved more and more.
--- Single mothers with many kids, as it's difficult for some Homes to receive them. (But lately I've seen more Homes receiving them and seeing that they can be a blessing for the Homes, thank the Lord!)
--- JETTs and junior teens in many Homes not receiving the attention and care they deserve. This bears bad fruit in their lives, a lack of interest in the Word and witnessing, and causing some to even think about leaving the Family. We need to do something quickly about this, mainly tuning in to them more and being better samples ourselves.
--- Home education and schooling in small Homes needs improvement. Since the parents were used to the previous "institutionalized" situations, they are having some difficulties with the education and discipline of their own kids and JETTs.
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(From Samuel [SGA, of Leilani], Sao Paulo:) I wanted to share a couple of viewpoints, based on what I've noticed in the different Homes I've seen or been in over the last few years, and how the Charter has affected my personal surroundings. I would like to expound mainly on the subject of finances, which is an important factor in this specific question.
As you know, most Homes tend to gauge their success by their present financial state, as this pretty much governs the other activities they do. I can't speak for everyone, but from what I've seen, I would say the Charter has helped the Homes change from the growing financial crisis they were finding themselves in before the Charter, to a steady road upward leading to financial stability since the Charter.
Sure, life as a missionary is always going to be a struggle, and finances will always be an issue, because the Lord uses this to keep us desperate, and without this "pressure" we probably would relax in our witnessing. From what I've noticed, most of the Homes who make witnessing a major priority are the ones who seem to be doing better financially. I would venture to say that the Charter has in some ways "forced" people to get out witnessing -- pioneering and living by faith, which if done zealously brings tremendous results.
During the Training Center era, a lot of emphasis was put into ministry training, which I believe was wonderful at the time. This is just a personal way of looking at it, but I believe the present transition would have been easier if during the days of the larger Combos more of an emphasis had been put into training people to witness and pioneer.
I believe there were many benefits to the Training Center vision and large Combos, but one of the down sides may have been that people got used to working on the "clock," so to speak, and I think these are the ones who are having the most difficult time adapting to a field Home situation, which is in most ways totally different. Living by faith is absolutely wonderful, but that's exactly what it is -- living by faith.
As a young child I grew up on the field, and from what I remember, we were always witnessing, and I believe this is the best thing that could have happened to me. I learned how to witness and support a work. Our little busking team was a major asset in supporting our Home, which usually consisted of two families.
My parents were faithful to train us to be good witnesses, as they realized that the only way to support our missionary family was as a family. Later I learned to tapeness and helped support our Home in that way. To be honest, I've never known any other form of support besides witnessing. It was only later when I moved to a larger Combo situation that I experienced severe financial pressure for the first time.
This is all to say that I think the Charter has helped us to get out the Words more than ever. I truly believe that those who work get results, and that is what I've seen lately. I would say on the overall that the Homes are doing better now financially than ever. I've personally been a witness of the Lord's supply in our area as a result of witnessing and living in smaller Homes. I know He truly does have His "eye on the sparrow" and He cares for us!
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[Editor's note: What do you think? Do you agree? How are things working in your country or area since the implementation of the Charter? Write in with your thoughts and personal experiences for the Grapevine!]
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I'M WONDERING
Belgium
(From Michael [TS]:) Something I would find very helpful would be a compilation of testimonies on new ways to raise support, either through ministries that are a witness at the same time, or system jobs that support a Home while giving good personal witnessing opportunities to either the people you work with, or the ones you encounter due to your job.
For example, I tried clowning with a brother, and both of us are good at acting and can be funny, but we just couldn't find good skit ideas designed for the GP or how to be a clown without only being foolish or teasing. Or people who go ballooning, car-washing, puppeteering -- how do you make it fruitful witnessing-wise?
(Editor's note: Do you have any experience along these lines, or tips to share that we can publish for the benefit of all? "As a team we do it better!" Write in today with what you've found works for you and your Home. It might be the answer for someone else, too!)
Russia
(From a female Russian national:) I often hear comments from brothers who speak English and who have been in many different countries: "Oh, did you stay in just one country for nine years? I've been in three different countries." Or, "Oh, those nationals, they never go out of their own country!" -- Even if they're faithfully witnessing and traveling all around their own country.
Is someone more of a missionary if they leave their own country, speak English, or know how to use a computer? Should we try to go elsewhere too? Is staying here a lack of faith, or is it okay?
(Editor's note: If only those who leave their native land are missionaries, then Jesus Himself wouldn't have been classified as a missionary! The dictionary says that a missionary is "someone who is sent with a mission." Another dictionary definition for missionary says, "One who attempts to persuade or convert others to a particular program, doctrine, or set of principles; a propagandist." As long as you're preaching the Gospel, you're missionaries in our book, regardless of your geographical location. In fact, you may bear more fruit by staying in one place to develop a lasting work than being always on the move. Some are called to stay, some to move. Whatever your calling, happy witnessing!)
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
(e-mail) I think that the Grapevine is just great! GBY for implementing such an idea! It seems to me that it is very needed for the Family to have a way of knowing what is happening in the Family, as well as being able to personally contribute and make news!
I had a great time reading the articles, especially those that were written very spontaneously, in such a way that you feel that you're right there where the event took place. I think it really helps if the articles have some facts like dates, names of places and people -- it makes it more interesting and enjoyable.
I am also sure that the fact that you try not to edit received articles much is going to encourage people to use their gifts more and learn to write their articles in a more interesting way. In other words, God bless you! Keep up the good work!
-- Marek, Ukraine
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(e-mail) Re: Movie Ratings (see Grapevine #2)
I feel it's a blessing to have these movie lists, and I'm thankful for the brethren who go through the trouble of watching these movies, and passing their opinions to us.
It happened to me once that I watched an unfamiliar movie on TV while visiting relatives. It seemed okay, but the ending was so horrible that I had nightmares and bad pictures for days, and fully regretted I'd watched it. From the movies deemed "watchable" some I enjoy, some I consider boring, and some I decide not to watch at all. We have a diversity of opinions in our Home regarding almost every movie, but at least we know it was viewed by others and deemed "watchable," and we have a little blurb on it. All this to say, please continue to publish these movie lists. Thanks!
-- Faith Happy, Poland
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(Got any comments on an article in The Grapevine? Send in your thoughts and feelings in a Letter to the Editor today!)
Copyright (c) 1998 by The Family