the grapevine
Issue 16
April 1, 1997
DO/TS
Copyright 1997 by The Family
Suggested reading age for this publication is JETTs and up. Parents or shepherds may read with or allow portions to be read by younger ages, at their discretion.
The Grapevine consists of news and views from Family members, and is not intended to reflect WS policy.
The Grapevine
PO Box 4938
Orange, CA 92863 USA
e-mail: grape@ibm.net
think deep
D.L. Moody is quoted as replying to someone who objected to his evangelistic methods: "I prefer my way of doing things over your way of not doing them."
pioneering
Russia
(From SGAs Piper, Knight, Rosita and Russian Ruth [19]:) We followed the Lord's leading to take a second trip to the city of Severobaikalsk (see Grapevine #4 for testimony of the first trip), this time bringing the message of the real meaning of Christmas to those who literally have never heard of Christmas. During our short visit we did 31 shows, distributed 15,000 Christmas posters and won over 350 souls.
Now here is a cool thing: Before leaving, we took time to hear from the Lord about the trip. We followed what the Lord said and everything worked out just perfectly! It was so inspiring and faith-building to see that.
Before going, we got in touch with the chief engineer of the train, who Piper and David met while on the last road trip there. We sang for him and explained how we were planning to go to Severobaikalsk. He agreed to take us as far as his train went (halfway there) for free, but when we tried to get in touch with him later for the details, he was drunk (pretty common here). The Lord told us to go by faith, so we went to the train station (freezing cold, at 2:00 a.m.!) to see if he remembered us. When his train pulled in, he was so glad to see us and immediately escorted us to a first class private room. We got to spend time talking and witnessing to him just like the Lord had said.
Everyone has probably heard that Russians are really into drinking (vodka, that is), but you don't realize how real it is until you come here. It's like this: "Hi, how are you?" "Oh, not so good." "Well then, drink vodka." Or like this: "Hi, how are you?" "Oh, everything's fine." "That's good. Let's drink vodka." There is often no way out.
At one point a conductor came in to meet us and wanted us to drink vodka with him to celebrate the friendship of Russia and America. We kept telling him different ways we could celebrate the occasion but he seemed to have a one-word vocabulary at the time. Trying to change the subject, we asked if we could open a window, as it was very hot. So he climbed up on the bunk and opened up the ceiling. Then he pulls out nothing else but -- yes, you got it -- a bottle of vodka! Never a dull moment! Thankfully, we didn't have to drink it.
At 2:00 a.m. the next day we got off in a little town in the middle of nowhere -- temperature around -40C. Since we were going to have to spend two hours waiting for our next train, we spent about an hour putting posters in mailboxes, as we felt the Lord put us there that night to get out the message.
At 4:00 a.m. we finally got on the train. The guy in charge was having a bad night and got very upset about our five boxes of posters, telling us that this wasn't a freight train, and tried to charge us an exorbitant fee. We explained our work to him and he said he'd ask the boss. We all started praying desperately. What happened next blew our minds! He came back one minute later a completely different person. He said we could take all our boxes for free if we would please give him a Bible -- which we did, along with some Christmas posters.
Upon arrival in Severobaikalsk at 7:30 the next morning, we got in touch with a young guy named Alexi, who we had met while doing a show at the military base during our last road trip. We stayed in his home for the first few days. He and a group of girls that we had witnessed to last time had gotten together and formed a small catacomb group. They get together to read, pray and go out witnessing. They also opened a P.O. Box so that interested people they witnessed to could get in touch with them.
Alexi worked it out for us to do a Christmas show at the army base during a time when the top officer in charge wasn't going to be there. But for some reason, when we arrived at the base and were shown into the main hall, the man in charge was there, and was furious that we had come without his knowledge! He planned to barge in on our show and kick us out immediately. When he got to the room that we were in, through a crack in the door he heard us praying with all the soldiers to receive Jesus.
He paused for a second, then said to Alexi, who was with him, "So are they going to do the show for the rest of the soldiers? They are all waiting, you know." We were able to pray with most of the soldiers, gave them posters and told them the story of Christmas, which some had never heard before. It was a testimony of the Lord's miracle-working power for our catacombers and for us, as well as a good lesson on being sure that we get permission from those responsible, especially before entering a security area, such as this base.
We performed in nearly all of the schools in the city, giving a powerful Christmas message. Our show and the Treasure Attic song "Come and See Jesus" in Russian was aired on TV on December 31st. Almost everyone that we met afterwards told us that they had seen and enjoyed the program.
A sweet woman gave us the use of a two-room apartment for the remainder of our stay in the city. She also took us out to the hot springs, which was quite an experience and great fun! The water comes from underground natural springs and is around 50C, while the air temperature is -20C! You get in the outdoor hot pool and get nice and hot, then you jump out and roll around and play in the snow and then you jump right back in the hot water. It was fun, believe it or not, ha!
For New Year's we were invited to attend the party of one of the most influential families in this city. We ended up staying till 6:00 a.m. witnessing to a small group of people in the lounge. They couldn't believe that we were giving our lives to help others, as they were all materially successful.
We had a little candlelight service (without candles, the "on-the-road way") and communion with our little catacomb group. It was a real sweet time of fellowship and sharing our hearts together. -- We're having a good time serving the Lord!
w.s. news
Family birthday celebration
-- at Mama's house
We had an enjoyable and relaxing time of "feasting" on the Word together. During the beginning of our Feast days, Mama held a meeting with our Home, in which she explained a vision which the Lord had given for a new and exciting project -- and invited us to partake in the fun during our Feast days, which we did! Since the details and first fruits of this pioneer adventure will soon be coming your way via GN (see GN 733, Lord willing!), we won't steal Mama's thunder! Hold on to your hats!
It goes without saying that the highlight of our Feast was the beautiful New Wine which the Lord had poured out for the occasion, and the tremendously unifying reading of "Come Together -- In Love" (GN 722). During the resultant time of communion and fellowship together, we, as a Home, pledged our love and loyalties to Jesus, Mama and each other.
To celebrate our Family birthday, we were treated to a well-planned "back to your roots" activity night. We were notified to come to dinner "as we were" in the hippie days. (Some of us really had to wing it, though, since we weren't born yet, ha!) Everyone looked quite authentic! There were even a few toothbrushes in back pockets, set-cards hanging around necks, army boots, etc. We had an apropos dinner of peanut-butter and jelly sandwiches, along with doughnuts and milk (thank the Lord, we didn't get completely authentic by having stale donuts and water, ha!).
There was a white board in the corner with all these neat things written all over it:" LNF: Mahershala-hashbaz and Jeremiah pioneer Israel!"; "Remember Lot's wife"; "Jesus never said to build church buildings"; "Turn your eyes toward Memphis", all sorts of wild things and revolutionary logos and calls. We then had an inspiring time of testimony telling, what life was like back then -- day-old sandwiches, canning (thrown-out food from supermarkets), etc., forsake-all clothes, and more -- and many exciting witnessing adventures.
Then we moved on into an "early days" dance, pulling out some old tapes and heavy revolutionary inspiration songs, dancing gypsy-style, and doing the wild "holy ghost hop" and all! Happy birthday, dear Family!
Peter visits
Peter, with staff members James and Rebecca, headed off to Japan on March 1st for their first few weeks of visitation. Lord willing, their trip will last two months, and they will be visiting two CRO areas.
When Mama and Peter spent time in prayer asking the Lord what areas Peter should visit, and what the emphasis of this mission was to be, the Lord gave a message about the need to visit and strengthen the "structure" of the Family - those who serve you and help make your job possible. -- Meaning that Peter should visit the CRO offices, LIMs, PPCs, Service Centers, ABMs, studios, etc., in the areas he would be visiting.
Besides being a spiritual strength and encouragement to the hard-working brethren in these Homes - whose labors of love often go unseen and unsung - a major part of Peter's mission is to get a firsthand look at each operation and discuss ways of streamlining productions, improving our operations and helping them be more efficient so that they can better serve you!
So far, Peter and team have visited the PACRO office, the Japanese PPC, Service Center, LIM, and the HCS. The Lord also gave a message of encouragement and direction for the field of Japan, which Peter has read on video for the Homes in Japan to see.
At the HCS, Peter held meetings with the entire HCS Home, as well as various departments, including spending time with the children. He also met with Johane and Lydia, longtime Family members and supporters. While there, he also held meetings with the PACRO teamwork and the VSs from Japan and Taiwan.
Peter says, "It's been such a blessing to visit the Homes that serve the Family in various ways. Each of these Homes, the CRO office, the ABM/PPC Home, the Japan Service Center, the LIM, and the HCS are full of dedicated, hard-working brethren who daily lay down their lives for the brethren. The jobs they do are extremely important, but seldom glorious. It's often rather routine work which has to be done day in and day out, but without it the Family couldn't function. I admire all of those who sacrificially do this kind of work simply because they love the Lord and the Family. I've been very touched by their dedication and their willingness to do these sometimes 'thankless' jobs. God bless each of those who work in these ministries around the world; we just couldn't do without them."
brotherhood
Argentina
(From Sam [SGA, CRO, of Leilani] and Jane, VS:) On the first day of the TS meetings we had a rock'm sock'm inspiration, which everyone enjoyed. We showed some of the Summit videos, and had a beautiful com-munion together, reading parts of "Come Together--In Love!" Afterwards everyone looked into each others' eyes and repeated the pledge given in the GN. Everyone was moved to tears, and the Lord's Spirit and healing balm descended on everyone. We were able to spend personal time with everyone, and it was a beautiful time of heart sharing and bringing things to the Lord. We encouraged them to have weekly prayer vigils for the case here to close, so that Lord willing, we will be able to do more as far as witnessing and reaching this field.
Mexico
(From Jason [of Cedar]:) Our CRO/VS team of Ezekiel (of Sunny), Jonathan Waters, Robin Heart, Lluvia and Danny, along with a couple other YAs and senior teens, have arrived in Mexico City, where we are holding the "Mexico Delegates Meeting" during the end of March and beginning of April for all those between the ages of 16-27 -- approximately 65 attendees, not including staff! This covers all the senior teens, YAs, SGAs and young national disciples in Mexico and Central America!
Europe
(From Philip, CRO:) A five-day delegates meeting to show the U.S. delegates meeting videos (Peter's talks) was held in Hungary beginning March 19th, led by Dawn and myself. A total of 44 people attended, representing a number of Homes in the area.
ASCRO
A 10-12 day JETT/teen camp was held on the Red Sea for the young people in the Middle East area during the end of March. Bani, Sarah, YA Lydia, and SGA Magdalene (of Tommy), Dolly from Turkey and Stephanie from Lebanon will helped to shepherd and run the camp. The Lord provided a free villa for our use, PTL!
China
(From Hosea and Ruthie:) We recently made a one-week trip to attend the China delegates meeting, with members from nearly all of our China teams in attendance. It was wonderful to see our fellow China pioneers and have a time of fellowship, counsel and prayer together. Some of the teams had just arrived in China a few days before, and many thrilling testimonies were shared of all God had done to get them and their families here. It's hard to describe the excitement and electric spirit of this get-together. This is our second such meeting (the last one being about six months ago). It's amazing to see that the number of teams has almost doubled in this short time, with still more laborers to arrive this month. Many prophecies, visions, and dreams have already been fulfilled beyond our expectations!
With still less than ten teams scattered over this vast country containing nearly one-fourth of the world's population, we feel so tiny, but are super excited to have the privilege of pioneering this greatest harvest field of hungry, sweet people. We hope that more will "heed the call!" China is waiting for us. We need the kind of salesmen here who have the vision to see that "everybody in China needs shoes."
your views on issues
Over-soliciting
Switzerland
(From an adult man:) We have noticed several cases of competition over supporters. We can understand that it is a temptation to go for the gold when it comes to asking rich Westerners (Swiss, in this case) for support. However, someone that gets requests from several people commented that she would like to help everyone, but can't spread herself so thin. We hear the same from ex-members, TSers and imagine others are thinking something similar, but don't dare say anything. Perhaps some just get offended and unexpectedly pull away.
It's a good reminder to prefer our brethren and check with the ones who met the person first and who are already ministering to him/her. This may sound like a sacrifice in some way, but we're sure it will bring better fruit in the long run.
YAs needed
USA
(From Luke, Peace and Angelina:) We agree with the suggestion in the Grapevine about how it would be a blessing for more solid YAs to be on the field to provide positive peer pressure for other YAs and younger ones who are a little weaker. It seems some Homes have quite a number of teens and YAs. If these teens and YAs were spread out a little more -- where they are desperately needed to help with large families, raising support, etc. -- they could be a real blessing to others.
We have put out want ads several times asking for help, but have gotten no responses. It's understandable, as Mama pointed out, that they want to try their wings and not be tied down to childcare, since they've done a lot of that in the past, but it's a little discouraging that some don't have more of a One Wife Family vision, or sometimes so it seems to us.
Mission field vision
Pakistan
(From an adult woman:) In many Western countries most people have already made up their minds about religion, and it seems the vacuum isn't as great. When recently visiting Australia I saw what a blessing it is to be out on the mission field, even if you are struggling and it is difficult at times to make ends meet. You stick tight together in a field situation -- the Lord gives more unity because you have to be united -- and everyone has the same vision to reach the sheep. That made me more thankful to be here on the field to reach the lost in a tightly knit Home.
In our situation we have a lot of children, so we all have to pull together to train the kids while the others get out to reach the lost. It is easier to be independent and do your own thing in your home country, and I suppose it is a more comfortable life in some respects.
I wouldn't want my kids to head back to the West just to "see what it is like," but would rather they really have a desire to reach the lost, without getting entangled and sidetracked in all the materialism of the rich countries. I hope to be able to envision my children more and make sure that they are fulfilled and happy and getting their needs met where they are, so they don't start to look towards the "greener" other side.
Family training is tops
Brazil
(From J.:) Unfortunately my 18-year-old son has decided to leave the Family. One of his biggest trials was that he felt his education in the Family was inadequate and lacking. He recently went to the States to join the Air Force, and learned that he needed a high school diploma, not just a GED test. He enrolled in high school, thinking it was going to take him a long time to attain his goal, but about two weeks after he set foot in the States he obtained his diploma with scores twice the average.
When he went to the recruiters with his diploma and told them he speaks three languages fluently, they were flabbergasted and said they are desperately looking for people with his abilities. They hadn't yet discovered his computer knowledge, not to speak of the many practical skills he has acquired! So although we are saddened at his career choice, it was interesting to note that the trials and bitterness he had towards his Family education (which were a big part of his reason for leaving) were pure fabrications of the Devil. I pray this can serve as a good lesson for other young people who get attacked with similar trials, so they don't go down that same road.
Computer games
Thailand
(From Tina:) We learned a good lesson on desperately praying over any computer programs we receive, even seemingly harmless educational ones, and checking them out thoroughly before using them.
On two separate occasions, an adult and a senior teen in our Home experienced some terrible nightmares, which was quite unusual for them. In praying about it, both of them realized that during the evening they'd worked on a new computer art program we'd just installed for the children, called "Flying Colors." It has various pictures which can be put onto backdrops of your choice. At first sight, it's a nice program with beautiful pictures of scenery, animals, castles, knights and ladies. But when checking into it further, it also contained witchcraft symbols and other unsightly pictures. We immediately prayed a cleansing prayer and took this subtle inroad of the Enemy off our computer!
Since then, in checking new computer programs we receive from our friends, we've found similar subtly integrated evil input within otherwise seemingly beneficial programs. So I heartily recommend a whole-hearted desperate cleansing prayer and close supervision when children, JETTs or teens use educational computer programs or games, in order to protect them from and minimize any ungodly influences that can easily creep in and adversely affect them. (Editor's note: Please also refer to the list of educational computer games in Home Educator #12, for helpful reviews of many popular educational computer programs.)
Two by two
Russia
(From Russian Meekness:) When I joined the Family I considered the "two by two" rule a nice privilege -- to always have somebody by my side when out in this dangerous world. Now with the Charter, more freedom, and everyone acting according to their individual faith, I think this "two by two" rule is a bit neglected. The Charter says that going out alone "should be infrequent and generally only for emergencies."
Someone told me that in their Home the general attitude was that it was all right for a mommy to go for get-out alone with her baby, or for one person to go shopping or to do business, even though it wasn't impossible to schedule it otherwise.
Junk food fast
USA
(From an SGA couple:) My husband and I had gotten into eating junk food quite a bit. We didn't have a lot of conviction about it, and would let our kids get it for "shiner prizes." I started to get convicted about it, as all the kids wanted were sweets and their appetites were getting perverted. I knew they were seeing a double standard, as they would see the "White Sugar" song on Family Fun and my three-year-old would ask me, "Isn't this white sugar?" We made a commitment to get a victory and went on a complete junk food fast! The Lord has helped us as a family to get the victory and we want to keep it up!
studio news
(From Byron, for the DC Studio:) What's goin' down at the DC Studio? -- In January, Rebecca Rumba was here recording a new version of her song "Sabes Bien" for the new Latin CD. We completed production of Simon Black's reggae/rock song, "You're My Light" (previously known as "Dear Jesus"). We finished a classic rock style song called "I Feel It" (FTT) written and sung by Vas.
In February we finished a new GP song called "The State I'm In," written by John Phoenix, sung by Byron. It's more of an alternative number about drug addiction and has cool lyrics. (Editor's note: Slotted to appear on an upcoming GP tape!) We also finished one of Vas's songs called "March on Strong." Byron sings the lead to this somewhat neo-hip-hop/alternative number with techno overtones and a rap sort of.
Currently in the works is a love ballad called "All I Want to Be" -- the first FTT ballad we know of with live drums (courtesy of DC's very own groove banger extraordinaire, Tim A.). Also a song written by Simon Black called "Where He Leads." In the near future we plan to work on two more songs from Simon B., a couple of new songs from Arrow, and one written by Byron called "River's Song," which you can assume has something to do with River Phoenix. It's not about River, but rather from River. Stay tuned!
Anyone else who sends in songs, be sure to include your address so we can contact you if need be. Also, unless you do not have a melody for your lyrics, please send us an audio cassette with a demo of the song's melody. It really helps us, if you know what I mean! Keep 'em comin', folks!
*
(From Julia [of Emmanuel], for the BAS team:) In 1996, the BAS completed 45 songs, or nearly one a week! In January '97, our three musicians here final produced five more songs which had been started in '96. Look for some of these on upcoming GP tapes: "When the Lights Go Out," "Hard Hearted World" and "The Dancer."
In February '97 we worked mostly on FTT songs. Eman produced "The Flowers and the Town," which is from a poem from Good Thots. The idea for making it an FTT song came from Bethy. (Send in your ideas, folks, they might end up on the next FTT!) He also just finished writing a song from "It's Cool to Love Jesus" and has got a couple of techno/dance numbers in the works -- sure to keep your feet movin' on dance nights.
Emmanuel is now finishing up "X-TASY" (did that catch your interest?). Now you know what's goin' on in the studio, ha! It's an "all girl" rap song, written by yours truly. He's also halfway though "Sarajevo," a song which he wrote after making a witnessing trip to Bosnia during the war.
Jeremy has been working only part-time in the studio, as he has been increasingly contributing his artistic talents to our Family kids' pubs! He's been working on a lot of songwriting, sequencing, etc., for kids' songs and also some for the FTTs.
mama's mailbox
(Editor's note: Unless we have received prior permission from the author of the letter, only initials will be used in this section.)
Dear Mama Maria,
Although I was only eight when Grandpa went to Heaven, I really felt like he was a spiritual father to me. I cried for awhile, thinking, "What will happen now that Grandpa is dead?", but when I heard that Peter had come I thought: "Oh, everything is under control."
I am the second youngest in a family of eight. We are now pioneering in ex-Yugoslavia and witnessing to many!
Please don't give up, Mama, if you are feeling down about your eyes or something else. I'm praying for you and I know if the Lord permits, you will be healed in no time.
Since I'm only 10 years old, I'm not allowed to see all the Summit videos, but I've seen the ordination knighting video, and when Peter and Gary hugged everyone I just wished I could give you all a big hug. I guess I can in the spirit.
Thanks for always being ready to listen to your children around the world.
- M. (male, 10), Europe
Precious Mama Maria,
I'm going through the best moments in my life. This month I joined a DO Home and started my probation period. Oh Jesus, I love You! I've waited so long. We've been TSers for five years. My mom really needed my help, but now she is joining a DO Home too. I really learned to hold on to Jesus all these years because there wasn't anyone else - no shepherds or other Family brethren. In our DO Homes there is always someone to talk to.
I've learned to value my dear Family more. The Family is definitely the best place on Earth to be, and it's where I want to be for the rest of my life. I've seen what teenagers have to go through in the System, their heartaches and fears. The Lord gave me so much love for them, so now I just have to try to reach them. I've seen a little bit of Hell, and now I can appreciate Heaven much more. I'll never find such loving brothers or sisters anywhere but in the Family.
Thank you, Mama, for being our queen. Thank you for submitting to Jesus and leading us. Jesus, help me to be willing to give everything I have, like Mama and Peter, in Jesus' name.
- S. (female, 16), Brazil
Dearest Mama and Peter,
I love you and am thankful for how you so willingly and sacrificially care for the Family. I am writing to tell you about when I first started receiving prophecies. When it was first suggested I take time to hear from the Lord, I thought it would be boring, but I sat down and did it anyway and I received a very encouraging prophecy.
But yet the most exciting part is that about a month later, a GN came out that had a prophecy about "time bombs" similar to one I had received. The following is the prophecy I received:
"You have potential. I know the things you're going through are very hard, but if I have made something, in time I will use it. Right now I am planting a bomb in you. You will be one of My 'God's explosions' in later years, in the Last Days. Right now you are being tested, but you don't exactly work just the way I want you to. Sometimes you blow up the laboratory and the people working in it. You need a lot of work. You've got plenty of gunpowder in you, but you need to learn patience. Don't blow up at every little heat. You need to learn timing to wait until you're finished and put into My tank, so you can be a useful tool in My hand." (End of prophecy.)
I hope my letter was an encouragement to you in some way.
- John Michael (12, of Arthur and Meekness), Thailand
i'm wondering
Q: Our young people have wondered if the ones rating movies are only adults, who may not be inclined to enjoy movie viewing, other than super "blockbuster" type movies with a very deep message. Amongst those on the movie-rating team, are there also some YAs and SGAs, or even mature junior teens who also help to rate the movies, so as to add a more rounded picture to the ratings that come out?
- SGA, Slovenia
A: Yes, there is a wide range of ages on the movie rating team, including senior teens, YAs, SGAs and adults.
Q: According to the Charter, a DO Home cannot have non-DO visitors reside in the Home for more than 30 days. However, in one article (Grapevine #9, "Overseas Hosting") it mentions about an on-fire sheep staying in a Home in Australia for one year, while completing his System studies. Do Homes need CRO permission or any other permission for this?
- Victor and Patty, Spain
A: Yes, Homes do need CRO permission, as per the Charter (page 44, C.2). In the case of that Home, we don't know whether they had permission or not, since they didn't specify in their article. In order to be able to get this pub out to you quickly, we generally do not write the Home concerned to ensure that they are taking the necessary steps to comply with the Charter in implementing the activities outlined in their article, nor are we always able to request further information or clarification on a given point. We trust that everyone will understand that the Charter still stands as our constitution and any new ideas put forth in Grapevine articles should be implemented within the perimeters of the Charter.
love stories wanted
(From Jenna and Jasmine:) We would like to ask any of you who fall into the "married" category out there to please write in and tell us the story of how you got together! Anyone who has the burden and a story to tell, please enthrall us all! If we get an abundance of testimonies maybe we could throw 'em all together in one mushy mag for inspirational reading on cold winter nights (you know, curled up by the fireplace with the grandfather clock rhythmically keeping time in the background)! After all, truth is stranger than fiction, no? Or so they say! So let's hear it from all you love-birds -- juicy details and all! (well, within reason, ha!)
rumor mill
Q: We heard that in Mama's Home they only use honey and never sugar. Is that true?
- Anonymous, Japan
A: No, that's not true. We use both honey and sugar - brown (raw) sugar, of course.
Q: We're wondering what Vas means. Does it stand for the Venezuelan Audio Studio or what? I guess we're a little confused because there is, PAS, JAS, TAS, and BAS.
- Confused in Asia
A: "Vas" is not a studio acronym, but the name of an SGA at the DC Studio, formerly known as David S. (It is short for Vasilius, which means "king" in Greek.) Vas sung and composed "Emanuel" and "Want Every Bit of Your Love," on the FTTs.
movie ratings
Movies Rated for Senior Teens and Up
ABSOLUTE POWER (1997)
Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Ed Harris
Thriller/character study about a thief who witnesses a crime, which embroils him in high-powered political intrigue. Beware of a particularly unpleasant scene near the beginning of the movie.
Movies Rated for JETTs and Up
STAR WARS (1977)
Mark Hamil, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher
Sci-fi classic about a small group of humans and their robot friends who embark on a mission to save the galaxy. Entertainment only.
EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, THE (1980)
Mark Hamil, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher
Second movie in the "Star Wars" trilogy -- the fight of good versus evil continues! Entertainment only.
EDDIE (1996)
Whoopi Goldberg, Frank Langella, Dennis Farina
Comedy about a basketball fan who becomes the head coach of a losing team. Some foul language. Good points for discussion on unity and on getting people to put forth their best efforts.
ONE FINE DAY (1996)
Michelle Pfeiffer, George Clooney
Romantic comedy about two divorced single parents whose children and business affairs become continually entangled during one eventful day.
Movies Rated for MCs and Up
FLINTSTONES, THE (1994)
John Goodman, Elizabeth Perkins
Comedy based on the cartoon series by the same name about a family and friends who live on the cutting edge of Stone Age technology. Contains some foolishness, but has good lessons on the temptations of greed and pride. Not recommended for repeated viewing.
FREE WILLY 2 (1995)
Jason James Richter, Michael Madsen
A young teen boy's younger half-brother comes to live with him, and both learn about love and acceptance -- as well as about whales! Beware of fairly strong promotion of American Indian religion. Please be sure to discuss this and clear up any confusion in the kids' minds. Kids should also realize that orcas (killer whales) are not generally friendly and tame -- they are predators who eat fish, penguins, seals, dolphins and other sea mammals. They have not been known to attack people, but caution is still recommended.
Non-Recommended Movies
CELTIC PRIDE (Damon Wayans, Dan Aykroyd; 1996)
JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH (Paul Terry; 1996)
feedback
Bold 'n' Brave is a real hit -- the best yet! I liked the song "Essence of Life" so much. I'm not really free, and definitely not wild, so I claimed it as my new year's verse along with "Spend Time, Take Time."
-- female (17), India
The new tapes we have are ... FAR OUT!!! Keep it up, guys, you're doing great! They're enjoyable, fantastic, inspiring, uplifting, soothing, pleasant to the ears, and above all, terrific!
Oh, I almost forgot! A very important one for some of us ... romantic love songs. (Girls, your voices are great, but pardon my partiality to the male race as far as compliments, if you know what I mean.) You guys are all terrific! Keep putting out more and more stuff. I'll never get tired of you! Can we have some more love songs and soul music? -- My absolute favorite!
-- Jennifer (19), Croatia
I love the Bold 'n' Brave tape! We listen to it every day. It's way cool, awesome, rad and all that good stuff!
--Angela Dream (19), USA
I was captured by the tape Sunbeams and Shadows! I can't describe it any other way! I've been listening to it day and night for the last few weeks. Honestly, when this tape came out I didn't play it even once. I wasn't into this "ancient children's music" at all. I was used to very modern stuff! But after a few months here on the field, kinda alone with the Lord, my appetite changed so much! I thought I'd gone nuts and so did everyone else! It's amazing how much I've enjoyed this simple tape! Make some more of those!
--Tim (22), Moldova
Bold 'n Brave is really modern, and some songs at first sounded a little strange and discordant to me, but as I listen to it more, it sort of grew on me. God bless our Family musicians for working so hard on it!
-- a father of 12, USA
A big THANK YOU to our studios for Bold 'n Brave. It's great! After joining the Family, I forsook all my tapes with the kind of music I used to listen to. I was happy to do so since I knew it didn't have a good influence on me. After a while, though, I started missing it, especially on dance nights when the songs that were played didn't have the beat I liked dancing to.
With every FTT that comes out, I get more and more inspired about Family music. Not only am I able to dance to very good music and beats, but at the same time the songs have very meaningful words -- the Words of David! They aren't just well put together, they've got the Spirit, man! It makes me really get into it! Sometimes, just the thought that I can listen to FTTs when I do dishes, for example, makes the job something to look forward to, ha! Keep it up, everybody! It's going very good!
-- Naomi M. (19), Romania
I'm one of those guys who likes a lot of rock and heavy guitar sounds, so I appreciate all your hard work and how you try to keep up with all of our musical appetites. I dig the guitar riffs in "Revolutionary COG" and "Doublespeak." Keep those leads coming -- the more the better. PEACE!
-- Ike (23), USA
notices
The Japanese LIM is presently in need of a kitchen deacon (cook). You don't have to be Japanese, but if you are single and dedicated, like to cook and would like to help this large Home get out the Words in Japanese, please send a message to the Japanese LIM via your ABM.
(From Jenna:) Thanks for all your e-mail contributions. Recently a sad thing happened. A couple of contributions to the Grapevine (from some of you out there) had just been downloaded and were about to be saved when the computer crashed, and the files were lost (sob, sob!)!
The problem is, we didn't know who they were from, so we couldn't write back and ask you to resend your files. To prevent something like this happening in the future, we wanted to let you know that on any e-mail we receive from you, we will send you back a short note, acknowledging that we received your e-mail. This not only applies to e-mail you send in for the Grapevine, but also any e-mail you send to the other WS e-mail addresses (WSpubs, MPG, GPU, Homearc, etc.). So, if you don't get a response back after sending something within a day or two, please resend it and make sure you hear back from us! Thanks!
Also, we are still receiving quite a bit of Grapevine snail mail at the old Texas P.O. box, which we are no longer using. Please make the switch and begin sending your contributions to the California box. Soon we may not get your mail if you send it to the wrong address. You'll find the correct address at the bottom of page two.
now that's funny
An 85-year-old couple in the twilight years of their lives were in their little cottage. She said to him, "Shawe, will you go in the kitchen and get me some ice cream? But your memory's gone, so you won't remember it." He said, "I will, I will." She said, "Will you put some chocolate on it, too? But I'd better write it down, 'cause you won't remember it." He said, "I will, I will." So he goes into the kitchen and comes back half an hour later with a tray of bacon and eggs. "I knew I should have written it down," she said. He said, "What's wrong?" She said, "You forgot the toast."
what's up?
Meeting the president
Ecuador
(From Marcos, Faith and Jessica:) A close friend of ours owns a nice restaurant here in this city. One day he told us that President Abdala Bucaram of Ecuador would be eating lunch there. He invited some of us to come to the restaurant when the president would be there. Angela (17) and John Daniel (JETT) exchanged a few words with the president and gave him a package containing a Christmas card, tape, tracts, a Family magazine, FAR, etc. He seemed grateful and happy to receive it. (Editor's note: This was before Mr. Bucaram recently lost his post as president.)
Education visit
England
(From Gideon and Rachel:) At the end of December we had our fourth annual visit from the Department of Education. This year, one of the inspectors, Glen, was new. Lynn, for whom this was the fourth visit, told him, "You never know what to expect! You should see Becky (15). One minute she'll be doing a science experiment, and the next she'll be up singing and dancing around the room!"
As usual, they chatted with the children, observed the classes in action and looked at their work. Glen was very impressed with what he saw in the younger children's group. He said, "The children can't help but be motivated in that room!" Lynn enjoyed telling Glen about all the other visits they had made to the manor. She seemed to remember every detail of the impromptu plays, songs, dances and discussion groups with a great deal of pleasure.
Postering plenty pays
USA
(From James [VS]:) The Detroit Home has a very good work going, and they are doing very well financially! -- All from parking lot postering by old and young. When the weather gets freezing, they discreetly witness inside the malls and it goes pretty well. They ask nearly everyone they witness to if they would like to pray, and they win a lot of souls. Most everyone in the Home goes out witnessing in the afternoons for a couple of hours, and on Saturday they stay out late.
Because they distribute so much and their lit orders are so large, they can ask for whatever title they want and the SC can do a print run just for their Home.
They have been able to build up a large Home buffer ($12,000). They have a nice '93 Ford maxivan that they bought when it was only one year old, and paid it off within 18 months. They also have a late-model station wagon and a nice Ford minivan.
Other than that, they don't look rich at all, as most everything else in the Home looks pretty used -- the furniture, their computer, etc. Everything is clean, though, even the boys' room! The whole Home is austerity-minded, and last year they spent only $2 on food! They have good provisioning, and also give away large surpluses of food weekly. Their children are obedient and seem to enjoy their outreach. The Lord has blessed their witnessing with a 16-year-old catacomb girl who hopes to join the Family soon!
Call for a violinist
Italy
(From Peter [formerly Angelo] and Sara Violin:) We sang for the vice president of the People's Republic of China, and for the ambassador of China to the Vatican. A restaurant hired us to play for a banquet because the vice president requested a violinist. It was a large banquet, but the vice president and ambassador were in a separate room with just six people and us, so we were able to play for him in private for a few hours and he was very kind and receptive. The next week the ambassador went back to the restaurant and asked for us, so we are going to see if we can visit him.
No visiting hours
Brazil
(From David and Lilly:) A key we've found with some of our closest friends is to have no more visiting hours, but to always be there for them when they need us. It's not always possible, but every opportunity has proven to be the golden one for us and for them. A few times after our Bible class or video, our goodbye chat has turned into a heart-to-heart talk that has brought them much closer to the Lord, and they're very thankful for the time we were willing to spend with them.
One of our successful friends wants to buy some gym equipment for our Home so he can come to our Home for his workout three or four times a week, instead of going to the gym, which is a very worldly place. He has been spending his weekends with us and asks to sleep at our Home often, where he helps with the kids, washes dishes, etc.
The tip here is to provide our friends with fellowship when it counts the most: during the times when they would be fellowshipping with the System, such as over the weekends. -- Those are the times when the System has its biggest appeal, during their leisure hours!
Helping hands project
France
(From Tim, TS:) I'm single, have no kids, and am self-supporting. I've had a lot of training in handyman, childcare, etc., and have recently been involved in what turned out to be quite a fruitful ministry.
The idea behind this ministry was to make myself available to other TS families in their time of need. For example, during Joy (of Stephen) and Mary's (of Abel) pregnancies, I helped out in their Homes. I was part of Johannes' team during their trip to Romania, and did wallpapering in two different Homes. Along the way I fixed things, gave computer classes, took kids out, went witnessing and provisioning, cooked meals, etc. It is an exchange. You are bringing something into the Home, and the Home is helping you with food, sleeping arrangements, fellowship, counsel, etc.
Some services that can be offered are: handyman; computer work (upgrading, teaching); childcare, giving a break to the mothers or teachers; staff; witnessing partner; driving; and training and passing on your skills to the JETTs and teens of the Home.
Junk food fast
USA
(From an SGA couple:) My husband and I had gotten into eating junk food quite a bit. We didn't have a lot of conviction about it, and would let our kids get it for "shiner prizes." I started to get convicted about it, as all the kids wanted were sweets and their appetites were getting perverted. I knew they were seeing a double standard, as they would see the "White Sugar" song on Family Fun and my three-year-old would ask me, "Isn't this white sugar?" We made a commitment to get a victory and went on a complete junk food fast! The Lord has helped us as a family to get the victory and we want to keep it up!
babymania
-- By Jaz, Free Zine country
Here I am, and all ready to answer the big question: What am I doing writing this column? Well, I've always liked being with children, although babies were never my strong point. I could never understand what made them tick, or how on earth you could keep from losing patience with their seemingly unpredictable and sometimes inconsolable crying. -- Guess what? Often I still don't!
Seriously, though, babies are a very large part of many of our lives! I have recently joined the parental ranks with my now-three-month-old, Kimberly Chanel -- and, judging from the "great expectations" section of the Grapevine, many more appear to be joining those ranks every day!
When the Grapevine crew first presented me with the idea of doing this column about baby care, I was real excited about it. But then I got a bit worried: What are people going to think of me? What if everybody thinks I'm trying to promote myself as a big authority or a self-appointed baby expert?
I don't want you to think that, and that's why I am telling you about this trial, so that you can know that I really am just a normal person, like everyone else. But I did think it would be fun to have a section especially dedicated to our new generation of baby-boomers. A "voice for motherhood" -- and fatherhood, as Mama put it. Maybe if it prospers we could even expand to a full mag, who knows?
Well, I guess it'll become whatever the Lord helps us to make it as we go along, but here's what I've been thinking of so far: What if you're a new mom, are out in a pioneer situation and you don't have many or any baby-help pubs with you, and you're the only mother in the Home, so there are no wise heads to give you experience-based counsel? Or what if you do have the books, but aren't quite sure where to start or how to use'm to find the ideas or counsel that you need? Or what if you have discovered a great solution that you think would be very useful to others, and could save them going through something "the hard way," like you did? Or what if you have a question that you have been asking everyone you could, but no one seems to have come up with a satisfactory answer? What if all the books you read say one thing, but your baby seems to do another?
In all those cases, you could just write in to this column, and present your question, or offer your solution. How does that sound? I haven't had too much experience besides hands-on with a feisty little three-month-old, but there are quite a few happy mothers around here, and maybe if we all get our heads together and research the answers in the Word, Family pubs or other helpful childcare materials, we might come up with some useful tips. What do you think? If you're for it, then start that input coming; the sooner the better!
We want it to be fun reading too -- not just a boring list of do's and don'ts, so please share any personal experiences you have had that are interesting or amusing -- and I'll share some of mine with you! Let's keep it personal!
To kick off this column, let me offer a few words on the subject of occupying infants. When Kimberly was first born, the main thing she did was sleep. As the weeks passed, though, she started being awake more (no, really??). Yes, it's a fact. I don't know why it was such a big shock to me, but what do you do to occupy a one- or two-month old? They can't crawl, they're too young to play with toys ... what can keep 'em happy?
Let me say that I had virtually no ideas, so I dug around in the pubs and ran to question some mothers who had successfully survived this stage, and here are some ideas that resulted, which you could try if you have been stumped by the same. And if you've got more that I wasn't enlightened to, please contribute 'em for all to partake of!
The key here, as I see it, is that variety is the great pacifier. Find out about how long your baby's attention span is (you can tell it's over when the noise level in the room goes up), and switch between different activities. And of course, different strokes for different babies -- not everything that my baby liked will do for yours, and vice versa!
* Lying on their backs with a bare bottom [this gives their little usually diaper-clad area some nice fresh air -- especially helpful if they have diaper rash! -- and lots of good "kicking" exercise, and a chance to study the ceiling!]
* Try placing different interesting and bright things around the baby while she's lying on her back. Kimberly loves arching her back and head to try to see something bright that was right behind her.
One fateful day, with one eye on my computer screen and the other conducting periodic checks on the happy gurgler on the bed, I noticed the room had gone unusually quiet, apart from effortful groans and a scrambling of little socks on the bedspread. I turned to see that she was arching her back, curiously trying to get a better upside-down look at the big red plastic ball that was directly behind her. She was very intent at this sport for quite a while, till finally my innate motherly compassion took me by storm, and I figured maybe I should lend a helping hand.
I moved the ball over beside her where she could see it easily, and, with a feeling of having done the world a great service, I went back to my typing. (If she liked it that much upside-down, she'll be ecstatic to have it right next to her, right?!) Great was my shock then to hear the wail rise like a siren after just a few seconds. Then I saw that the challenge of trying to see this nearly-out-of-sight object comprised a great deal of the fun in itself! So I moved it back behind, and she continued her great educational experience. Of course, at other times when she was feeling more tranquil, she greatly enjoyed having a book, toy or dolly nearby while she was on her back or side as well.
* If baby is bored with a lying down position, switch to a sitting-up one for a while -- either in a baby chair, propped up with pillows, or safely tucked in the corner of a couch near you.
* Play a music tape for fun and input! Or SING! (Kimberly loves sitting propped up on a pillow or a couch-corner, watching her father play her songs on the guitar.)
* If you have a wind-up swing, they're very relaxing and soothing for babies, giving mom many happy free/work moments!
* Try a roll-pillow! (You can make one by rolling up some foam about a meter wide and 15 cm in diameter. Tie it into shape, then sew a simple pillowcase to fit over it. You might want to put a cloth over the pillowcase to save changing it every time it gets soiled with spit-up, though!) Drape the baby over the pillow, with tummy or chest on the roll (arms on one side, legs on the other). Then you can put things to look at on the other side of it -- open books (watch that spit-up!), a mirror, plastic flowers, stuffed animals, colorful pictures, etc. (Check out Activity Book III, pgs. O8, O15, O20, O21 and O24 for more ideas relating to roll-pillows.)
* I first put Kimberly in the walker at about 2-1/2 months, and she really likes it. At first she just hung blissfully in midair, appreciating the different viewpoint she got of everything. Then we lowered the seat to where her feet touch the ground, and now she has started scooting for herself! (Just be sure that your baby is placed in securely, padded with towels or whatever as needed, so they don't flop forward or back and bonk themselves.)
* Baby exercises are lots of fun for baby and parent. (See Activity Book #3, pp.O4 and O29.)
* Bath time (if this is pre-tried and enjoyed) can give an extra shot of zest into those tired-evening hours when the cranks begin to roll.
* Mobiles, music boxes and hanging/moving things are a great delight too.
* If your baby is a book-lover, reading books can be lots of fun to do together. Kimberly has loved looking at books since the first month! Her attention span is currently about 2-1/2 kiddo books (or about five minutes, and sometimes less), but she is very attentive to each page up till then.
One time I was reading her the "baby quotes," which I had colored and collected into a big folder-book. As I read each quote, I'd scoot the book a teeny bit so that she would be looking at the right picture. There's almost 50 of those quotes, though, so by the time I got near the end I was getting a bit bored. So I got the bright idea of skipping one of the sides, and just reading the one that was immediately in front of her, and then turning to the next page. But it didn't work! As soon as I read the first side, I turned the page, but she turned her head over to the other side, waiting for that quote! "Ha, Mom! You can't fool me!"
* Having a mirror nearby (well-fastened or positioned so it cannot fall on the baby) is also a good way to keep the baby occupied.
open forum
(From Jenna:) Here is the wrap-up on the topic of single mothers! Very interesting input from all of you - let's put some of these good ideas into practice in our Homes, what do you say?
We had the burden to move from the US to India, but because of the expense of tickets and landing funds for us and our five children, we didn't know if we could manage it. A single mother in our Home with three children also wanted to go to the field. To our natural reasoning, it seemed that if we helped her, none of us would make it anywhere, as it was a large sum of money to raise at a time when we were barely managing to pay our rent!
On our monthly prayer day we prayed desperately for funds to get our family to India. However, when hearing from the Lord later that day, He showed us that if we would invite this single mother and her girls to come with us, He would supply enough for all 11 of us to get to India! So we did, and they were a big help and blessing with all the preparations and care of the children. Within only four months all 11 of us were in India! It really does "pay" to obey the Lord and help our single mothers!
-- D. and A., India
Although there are presently no single parents in my Home, and I can't help them physically, I've decided to regularly uphold them in my prayers. I believe that prayer changes things, and that the Lord can use even these little prayers.
-- M. (adult woman), Africa
Sometimes us girls (in particular) get riled up when the subject of single moms comes up, and I think we can tend to have a bit of a System attitude about it. I agree that men should take more responsibility for the children they father, and that the ideal is for the parents to get together, at least for the children's sake. At the same time, I don't think we should look down on every man that doesn't marry the mother, thinking he's out of it or selfish. Maybe the Lord showed them it wasn't His will. There's probably a lot we don't see. Sometimes we get into an "it's all the guy's fault" type of attitude when it's really a two-way street. It does take two to tango.
If we all follow the counsel in "Go for the Gold" wholeheartedly, praying, seeking the Lord and counseling together before jumping into something, then the situation with our single moms -- at least the future single moms -- would be solved, or at least a lot of it would be.
-- D. (female, 23), USA
I feel so blessed, fulfilled and cared for in this busy, little Home with folks I love and feel very close to. Of course little problems crop up, as anywhere! If I feel my kids aren't treated fairly and I'm open and honest about it, things get changed. I've seen that it pays to hear others' opinions and explanations, as I then realize certain decisions that hurt me were not intentional, but just blunders of the mind. I do pray that my kids get closer to others besides me.
The only trial which is a constant battle for me is loneliness, especially when the day is done and I know couples are having love-ups, talk-times and decision-making. It gets rather lonely. It's not just a need for sex (though it would be nice too), but more for someone to be special to.
-- A. (single parent)
All of my children have different fathers (all Family members), and it's hard to understand why the daddies of my children haven't wanted to have anything to do with their kids. It has been especially hurtful when the father was someone I had been close to or who had prayed for me to have their baby. During the time I was a single mother, it was not only hard physically without a daddy, but the spiritual support was lacking also.
The things that have happened relating to my children have served to break me and taught me to forsake bitterness, so all things are working together for good. I did put it all behind me, and the Lord blessed me with a mate who is everything I need and desire for my children.
God bless all the sacrificial dads, like my mate, who are laying down their lives to help. And to all of the "lost" fathers: I think some of you are missing out on a lot of joy by neglecting to be even a small part of your children's lives.
-- adult woman, USA
When on the field in Southeast Asia, I was helping a single mom with her two kids for awhile. I'm sure she was happy for my help and so was I, as she helped me with my needs, ha! I would have been happy to get mated to her, but it didn't work out. So single moms, if you receive help from a single brother, don't let him go. And you single brothers in a Home -- you can be a father figure for her kids.
-- Z. (adult man), France
I agree with all the Letters that talk about taking good care of single mothers and their children as our own. I certainly feel that is the ideal we all should strive and pray for. From my personal experience these last few years I feel that some people (granted, not all) have taken that as an excuse for a form of laziness.
As a married mother, I feel almost guilty for having a husband. My husband was extremely busy and I had to handle our children alone just as much as a single mother would have to. When my husband was around, he was under pressure to be with the other single mothers, to the point where there was never enough he could do for them. Still, because I was "married," I was left with running of the Home, JJTs, meals, etc.
In all fairness, with healthy able-bodied mothers -- single or not -- we all should share in the load, otherwise it's still not the One Wife vision. If only the single mothers can ask for help and aren't themselves expected to help, the load on the married mothers is quite heavy.
I know this doesn't apply for all single mothers. I know some who did their share of Home responsibilities and did not make everyone feel guilty about their "load in life." I guess if the Lord allows someone to be a single mother, the best thing is to accept that cheerfully, just as marriage is not always easy and we have to do the best with it also.
-- L. Japan
As a single mom for five years, with five young children, I'd like to express my gratitude to all the daddies who took time to teach and train my children, to correct them, to take care of them when I was on faith trips sometimes for several weeks at a time, etc. As many "problems" as we think the Family may have, it's still many times better than anything else I know of.
During several years when my husband and I were apart, I was very busy and often on the road in the mission field of Thailand. I had trials about not being able to spend more time with my children, but there were always daddies (and mommies too) who invited my kids to join their own children for activities.
Peter spent parent days with me and my children, taking them for outings, even joining us for parent-teacher meetings. Tim, who was on the teamwork (outreach and JETT shepherd), had fun get-out times with my boys, and spent hours talking with them and trying to help them get the victory when they were naughty.
Years later my boys clearly remember these times that were spent with them -- when uncle John Fix-It played a game of tag and chased them all throughout the house, or built a teepee for them; when they were sick with chickenpox and he stayed up building Lego houses and playing board games with them. Micah sang them funny songs and played baseball with them; Thai Gideon told them interesting stories about when he was a young boy in Thai school.
They also remember Stephan, who made a special snack for them with hot-dogs, French cheese and French mustard, after visiting his relatives in France. The kids still talk about David Komic, who was full of fun ideas for skits and activities, who drew amazing and amusing pictures on the white board to illustrate his classes. Cephas caught big lizards with his bare hands and kept them in a bucket (to the horror of us girls) to show them to the kids. He's been some kind of hero for years in the minds of my boys.
I later moved with my four youngest children to Malaysia, where we lived and worked with French John and Meekness and their eight children. Whenever John and Meekness took their children anywhere, they always took a couple of mine (and sometimes all of them). We would take turns with the children, talking with them or taking them places.
John (a new disciple from Malaysia) would take my boys on hikes to the fitness park or to the beach, and played hide-and-go-seek games with them in the forest. He invented a fun game that the children played on the floor with fortresses, ships, treasures and all. He and the kids worked together for months to build a large cardboard castle on the balcony.
Although we faced many problems with housing, support, outreach and personnel, my children hardly remember any of the problems; but they have spent many happy hours recalling all the exciting events they experienced in those situations. The biggest thing our children have learned is that there are always uncles and aunties who love them and are willing to see them through whatever battles they may be facing!
The Lord has seen fit to put my husband and I back together again, for which I am very thankful. But I'm also thankful for the times when my children and I learned valuable lessons through having to learn to work with and depend on other Family members.
-- Ruth (of Isaac), Burma
I have seen different kinds of single moms. There are the ones who have accepted motherhood; who consider it their life's calling to raise their kids. They don't dump their kids on the Home, but show appreciation for any help they receive from others. Such sisters are a blessing in any Home. Even though they have a big cross to carry, they carry it cheerfully, sacrificially and humbly. They don't just depend on "the Home" to supply all their needs. Even if they don't bring in finances, they are saving and austerity-minded. They train their kids to be soldiers for Jesus by being a sample of it themselves. In the Lord's eyes, such yielded sisters must be some of His great queens.
I've also seen the demanding ones, who have a hard time yielding to the high calling of motherhood, and prefer to feel that their kids are everyone else's responsibility. It seems that no matter how much you do for them, it's never enough. They have a harder time being happy and finding a Home that is happy to have them, so naturally they might feel: "Everyone considers me such a burden. Doesn't the Charter say that we need to take care of our single moms? What's wrong with the Family?" It could be their own attitude that makes it harder for others to feel like helping them.
Then there are the inexperienced ones who need more help, support and shepherding to uphold the Family standard with their kids. The Bible says to "support the weak" so they can be strengthened.
I would like to encourage single moms that when things seem to go wrong, it pays to trust Jesus and yield and fight, instead of blaming circumstances and conditions. I was a single mom with three little ones, and didn't get a mate until my youngest was a JETT. Although I spent many nights praying and crying myself to sleep because I felt lonely, helpless, desperate and incapable of raising my kids, I can truly say that through it all I learned to lean on Jesus and to trust in His Word. I learned to be a soldier, because the only way to make it was to fight!
-- female, Romania
To have someone spend time with my children and truly love them like they are their own would make me happier than anything else. When my little one is fussy, to have someone come and take her and just be a daddy to her, like I see other daddies do with their kids, would thrill me. To see a brother take my JETT for Word time, a fun get-out or to talk to her just 'cause he loves her and understands her need for a father figure would bring tears to my eyes.
I long for friendship, someone to invite me on a walk (male or female), someone I can laugh and have fun with. It would be nice to have a little free time or to get a massage. It would be nice for someone else besides my JETT to let me finish my dinner before my toddler is racing around the house. I often feel lonely and I think many people equate that with a need for sex, when it's often just friendship I need. Sometimes I just need to feel -- as my children do -- that we're special and important to someone.
I feel our YA and SGA guys could do a little better in being gentlemen to single moms and having a bit more compassion and understanding that we can't rush around as fast or "split" at a moment's notice with a little toddler. How nice it would be if they noticed that my hands were full and picked my little one up or helped me. I'll do my best to be a gentlewoman too!
-- Renee, USA
My mom is single, so as you can imagine, I have a lot of feelings on the subject. I feel that single mothers aren't respected or considered as much as two -parent families. In our Home the children do not listen to or obey the two single mothers we have. They often tease, play tricks and talk back to them, whereas they behave with the couples.
Our two single moms do a lot for our Home and it hurts me when I see them talked down to or not given the same consideration as couples. One single mother takes care of our YC group all day, every day (except Family day) without complaint. My mom provisions three days a week, witnesses the other three days and does pick-ups every other Monday.
Sometimes on video nights people reserve seats for the couples or for those coming Home from witnessing, or people will save plates for the mommies and daddies, but no one thinks of the single parents. These little areas are definitely a place to start as far as making our singles feel more loved and cared for.
When I was younger, I used to feel left out on Family days, because all the families would go out for the day, but we didn't have a car, so it didn't always work out for us. Now that I'm older it's a different story, but I see other kids (of single parents) going through the same thing and it breaks my heart.
-- female (17), USA
We girls are responsible for the results of our decisions. The girl shouldn't necessarily expect the guy to support her, 'cause, as far as I see, she was in on the act and is just as responsible. Anyway, money isn't gonna help you cope with the psychological stress of having your child ask you, "Why don't I have someone to call daddy, or a lap to sit on like the other kids?"
Kids will not see money as a parent and it will not stop the asking. I might be wrong, but being the daughter of a single mom myself makes me see things differently. Come on, let's give the guys a break! We females enjoy sex too.
Kids are not handicaps and definitely no punishment. The Lord gives them to those who He knows will be able to handle them, and are strong enough to give them the love and care that two parents can give. I know my mom has done a great job!
-- P. (female, 16), Mexico
Having grown up as the child of a single mom pioneering India when we were all very young, I experienced how difficult it can be. As the eldest, I was aware of the hardships my mom faced being a single parent. Sometimes other Homes didn't respond so enthusiastically to the idea of taking us in. Since we now have so many single moms in the Family, I heartily agree that we need to take steps to protect and help our single moms and to make it easier for them. Maybe as a whole our attitude needs to change to where it would be the rare exception -- not just the easy way out -- to not get married. If God gives you a baby, He might just be trying to say something.
-- R. (married SGA female), Thailand
I can't help but feel that our single moms come across a bit demanding at times, not always doing what they can do to help themselves or the Home, but instead looking to see what others are going to do for them.
My mother was a single mom. I was born when she was 16 years old and she had my brother two years later. My dad died around that time. I grew up in a country where welfare does not exist. It was rough physically at times and we learned to do without a lot of extras. My mom had very little help in taking care of us and also had to hold a full-time job -- but it made a fighter out of her. Sometimes I think our single moms don't realize how good they have it in the Family!
-- an adult woman, Mexico
I am a single mom with five kids, but my life changed when the Lord touched the hearts of a sweet couple with two teen girls to adopt us as their own family, even at the cost of some personal sacrifice. They were ready to go to the mission field, but waited for us so we could go together. Now we're a big team, and they can't find a Home as easily as before, but I know the Lord is blessing them. Thank God for my precious Family! My kids are much more secure and happy.
-- F. (adult woman), Italy
I was encouraged that Mama is so concerned about the welfare of single moms. I am a single mom and have been tempted at times to feel like I'm a burden. It's not the Home in general that makes me feel that way, but I have gotten comments from teens and YAs -- when I'm not able to do as much as everyone else -- that I shouldn't have "jumped without a parachute" (referring to birth control). I'm sad to see that attitude, and I don't think the teens will understand until they have kids of their own.
Becoming a mother has helped me see the other side, and has given me a heart for kids and parents. I've always loved kids, but I never realized before how much it hurts a parent when you tell them their kids are "brats" or that you don't want to take care of them. Having a baby has helped me to grow up and has given me more insight.
-- P. (female, 21), USA
In my Home we have a number of single moms, and I'm happy to try to help them and their kids. I have dates with a number of them and my wife is very good about it.
I've noticed that in the GNs there's a lot on the men needing to help the women, but I think something needs to be said to the single moms about understanding the male/female thing. In Dad's Letters (see Male or Female), he explains how females want security, a husband, provider, a father, etc., while what the man wants is sex.
The single moms could try to make themselves look a little more pleasant sometimes. If a guy is taking care of their kids and helping them, it would be nice if they put a little spunk into their love life. It's nice when they try to be attractive and put a little effort into giving the man what he wants when he's giving them what they want.
-- adult man, Japan
I have worked with many single mothers. Sometimes it takes a lot of work, but God has never failed to bless it, and my photo album is full of pictures of big things that happened when working with single mothers. I married a single mother with a couple of kids. The kids and I are very close and I greatly admire the strength I see in her.
-- M. (male), USA
My mother is a single mom with seven children. She has done a tremendous job of raising us. We're no angels, but we all love, admire and respect her, the Lord and the Word. -- That's quite a feat!
I always considered her a wonderful mother, and knew that it was tough raising us on her own, but only in recent years -- when I discovered how much of herself she has sacrificed to love, care and provide us with all of our needs -- did I realize that she is a super mom (as are other mothers like her)!
We often don't see the prayers, blood, sweat and tears that our mothers put into the raising of their children. The simplest gestures of love and kindness are a breath of fresh air for our mothers who literally serve their little ones 24 hours a day, not to mention their Home responsibilities!
I know what my mother appreciates the most are people who take the time to pour into her children; to stop and greet them, give them a hug or kiss; acknowledge them, encourage them, talk to them. Can't we do that for our single mothers? Can't we do it for our children?
-- anonymous female (22)
tidbits
new love gifts ...
- Christian Derick, born to Celine and Andre. - Hungary
- Artur Robert, born to Jenny and Jan. - Russia
- Dominika Follow God, born to Laura and Adam. - Russia
- Sammy, born to Eva and Jan. - Russia
- Victoria Flor, 11th child, born to Paloma and David on January 1st. - Sweden
- Jordan Tracy, born to Joanie (18, of Samuel and Florence) and Tracy (17, of James and Jenny) on January 8th. - USA
- Baby girl (no name given), 9th child, born to Jewel and Chris on January 27th. - India
- Ryan Gabriel, born to Michael and Lydia on February 7th. - Mauritius
- Ania, 1st child, born to Russian Nadia (24) and Russian Andrew (23) on February 15th. - Russia
new laborers ...
- joined in December '96 and January '97
- Russia - Vitali Newlife (25), Ukrainian.
- Russia - Lily Diamond of Dust (19), Russian.
- Russia - Lisa Daniela (22), Russian.
- Hungary - Peter and Pearl (both 22, Hungarian couple)
- Ukraine - Aliosha (19, Russian)
- Ukraine - Ben (17, of former members Daniele and Cristina)
- Romania - Angela (21, Romanian)
- Romania - Maria Jesus Lover (42, Italian)
- Romania - Grace (22, Romanian)
- Zimbabwe - Edmore (18, Zimbabwe)
- Courtesy of David, EURCRO Office
find a friend
- For friends old and new or anyone who has a vision to come to the mission field of Namibia, Africa, please contact Phillip and Meekness. E-mail: phlmeek@iwwn.com.na.
- Philip (Kenyan) would like to get in touch with old friends. I joined in Najpur, India. A former member, Michael (Kenyan), joined a couple of months later, but due to 10:36 problems returned to Kenya. Contact us both at the following address. Add: Philip Kenyan, P.O. Box 58282, Nairobi, Kenya. E-mail: KenFam@Form-net.com.
- To the Dutch translators of Statement of Faith: Fantastic job, anointed work! Please e-mail Daniel Dutch at: James@Eridan1.Kiev.ua.
- Michael (Czech) is looking for the address of a sister named Leah (a.k.a. Claire/Pearl). She moved from a Home in Germany (Idar, Oberstein) to Northern Germany in 1991. Contact Michael via the EURCRO Office.
- Chantal Ducharme, please contact Angela S. Add: Nagymaros Pf.30 2626 Hungary.
letters to the editor
In response to the article "Have you been persecuted?" (see Grapevine #7, Letters to the Editor), I would like to say: "Yes, I have been persecuted!"
I was 12 years old during the Argentina persecution. The American consulate was constantly coming to see us, and had I wanted to, I could have left the Family then and there and gone to live with my grandparents in the US, which we were encouraged to do. They did disgusting physical tests on us, faked my psychological test and said I was emotionally unstable.
It would have been so easy to leave, but I stayed because I wanted to be in the Family. I definitely "know what I'm here for." My brother (16) and step-sister (13) picketed the streets in Chile. My step-sister was interviewed by TV crews, crying as she spoke, standing up with full conviction for the Family.
When we teens go out witnessing we tell people that we're out to make the world a better place and do something for others. People admire that and constantly commend us for what we're doing and the conviction we have. They often mention how rare it is these days to see teens doing this type of work.
The teens in our Home help to raise a large part of the funds. So please don't label us as "dead weight" and "not knowing why we're here." I know why I'm here. I'd give my life for the Family, and Mama and Peter, and I'm not ashamed to stand up for what I believe.
-- Lisa (16), Brazil
I was so happy to read about the shove-off idea (see Grapevine #9), and that more young people are stepping out by faith to poorer mission fields. When visiting the States last year there seemed to be hundreds of young people stuffed in the States (could be an exaggeration, but there were a lot!) without a vision and perishing.
In talking with some of them, they were not so keen on moving out of their cozy Home and away from their computers and stereo decks, back to a mission field. Many of them had been to India or some other far-flung place years ago, and when I merely mentioned the geographical area, they'd get flashbacks of drinking hot boiled water, eating dahl (lentils) and rice three times a day, and having to endure the heat of summer with no fans. The whole idea scared them to death.
But the worst part was when I told them I was going to pioneer Nepal. Some laughed and told me to get real; some cried and asked me to stay in the States; others asked why I was going 20 years behind the times. It was discouraging, and if it hadn't been for a few young people who did encourage me, I wouldn't be in this exciting far-out field today.
The point I'm trying to get across is that it seems that many young people have lost the missionary bug, and are feeling laid back in the comfort of the West, while there are ripe harvest fields waiting for more laborers and only a few of us working night and day to bring the Gospel to the millions. Please come and help us!!
-- Paula (16), Nepal
ladies and gents
he said: I think a lot of girls -- and guys for that matter -- have become overly conservative, being the wild and controversial group that we are. I don't mean being irresponsible for our actions or having a flippant attitude about sex. I'm talking more about having a freedom of the Spirit where folks are not inhibited to be around one another, so you don't have to fear that when you're just being yourself others will take it to mean something else.
I've met some girls that are a good sample of Letters like "Revolutionary Women" or "Mountain Maid," etc. But on the whole, probably due to us guys not showing appreciation or treating the girls like they want to be treated, a lot of our girls have become conservative or standoffish to where it's difficult to talk freely or intimately -- unless it's lesson sharing -- for fear of appearing to be "coming on" or something.
Being a married man, I've experienced that single YAs and SGAs tend to be standoffish or conservative with you after you're married, which shouldn't be, since we're all one Family. We should be able to show affection and communicate and act freely with our peers -- married or not -- and live more One Wife.
-- SGA male, Tropics
she said: What are the first things a girl looks for in her "Romeo"? I guess one of the first things that often comes up is that big word -- SECURITY. Some of you guyz probably wonder what exactly that entails ... no, it's not just strong arms (although that's pretty sexy, ha!).
In the early days of the Family, you were expected as a couple to be able to head out and start pioneering your own work. Nowadays, I feel that us girls would like to be able to rely on "our guy" if ever we were in a similar situation.
In some ways, it seems some of us young people have gotten used to life in comfy Home situations. -- But could we as a married couple ever survive on our own with our children? Some of our parents have had strong relationships due to the fact that they had to learn to live, work and survive as a team without depending on a lot of help from others.
We realize that some of these things require experience, but hey, boys, all we're asking for is some willpower! I guess when it comes to the crunch, it's not just your computer knowledge or how well you play basketball that counts!
Boys, please don't get us wrong, we think you're great!!! Thanks for putting up with us girls!
-- two YA girls, Russia
he said: It would definitely make it easier on the boys if girls weren't so partial. We all know it shouldn't be this way. Still, it seems some girls tend to judge guys from the outward appearance, ones who "aren't so talented" in their eyes. Or the girls are too proud to receive help when the guys try to be gentlemanly.
Within the Family, in different parts of the world, some places may be a bit more free and wild; others learn to adapt to the local customs of being more conservative and it becomes a part of them. If you're on the conservative side, you may look at the free side and wish for more (which in spirit we can have, PTL!). One side has the advantage of going slow and getting it right, whereas the more "free" ones may see the conservative ones as being inexperienced, but they too learn through their mistakes. My opinion is that it's better to have too much fire than none at all.
-- anonymous male, Earth
she said: I feel that the Lord wants to use our young men to show our girls His love and concern, and I've seen some very sweet and mature YAs who, because of their gentlemanly ways, are quite loved in return! I've heard comments from girls, "Oh, I wish more boys were like so-and-so -- so sweet and loving and encouraging."
It's good to envision the boys about how important they and their behavior are, so they will let the Lord use 'em inside the Family. "Charity begins at home."
It goes for the girls too, to be willing to be the Lord's vessels of love for the boys, to encourage them when they do well, and to help them through communication, etc.
-- D. (female), Turkey
cute kids
*
While visiting a Home, I was introduced to the children as Uncle Teddy. Being a new face, I was expecting that some would not remember my name. We were all having fun playing together during parent time, when little Suzy called out to me, "Hey, Uncle Grizzly!" -- Courtesy of a WS staff member
*
Marianne (4) asked one of our YA boys how many wives he would like to have. He replied, "I think I'll stick to one!" She walked away satisfied, repeating his answer: "61!"-- Courtesy of ASCRO
*
Claire (5) asked, "What day is it today?" I told her it was Friday. She looked down at her plate and said, "That's why we're having fried eggs." -- Courtesy of ASCRO
*
I congratulated Stefan (4) for cleaning his room by saying, "I knew you could do it!" He responded, "Well, funny things do happen." -- Courtesy of Ruth (17), India
*
One of the teen girls wanted to be sweet to Emanuel (4) and said: "Emanuel, you're so cute!" Emanuel began to laugh. She asked, "Emanuel, why are you laughing?" He responded, "You didn't know?!"
*
Pietro (4) wanted to use his daddy's comb. Stefania (5) replied, so concerned: "You can't use daddy's comb because you're going to get mold (meaning dandruff)!" -- Courtesy of Andrew and Ruby, Italy
ideas and tips
Seasoned with salt
In an interview, Celine Dion (a famous singer) said that before performing she always gargles with a mixture of warm water, salt and baking soda. Then she eats a cracker before she goes on stage. This produces saliva, which keeps your mouth from drying out from nervousness.
-- Matthew, Canada
Praise 'n' prayer
We had difficulty remembering to pray for Mama and Peter, so we decided to do it after every Praise Time. So now we do it several times a day!
-- John and Maria, France
Prophecy boost
Recently when I was having a battle, my sister (17) and another teen girl (16) decided to get some prophecies for me, and gave them to me all typed up real nice. It was such a boost and help for me. Their sample really strengthened my faith. It doesn't matter how young you are, the Lord can speak to you if you have faith!
-- female senior teen, Russia
backtracking
Maybe you caught this already, but it looks like in Grapevine #13, we reversed the credits on the lyrics and melody for Breaking Down the Walls. Sorry about that!
(From Matthew, WS:) In Grapevine #14, the article "Are You Eligible?" outlined the new guidelines for our Shine On shiner reward system. We wanted to clarify one point, which is that we should have used the words "16-and-up" rather than "voting members."
The reason for this wording change is to not give Homes that have voting-age members on partial-excommunication or new disciples (not yet counted as voting members) an unfair advantage. In the case of shiner rewards, status doesn't really matter: Whether or not a disciple is partially excommunicated or is a new disciple, etc., they are eligible to witness. Also, TS Homes qualify for the shiner rewards, but don't have "voting members," since they don't have to adhere to the Charter.
In summary, in order to be eligible to win the shiner rewards, you must fulfill one of these two requirements:
* have at least four members 16 years of age or older in your Home
* have a minimum of two members 16 years of age or older and two children
shine on
TEAMWORK
PER ADULT
TOTAL
SOUL SHINERS FOR FEBRUARY, '97
David/Alma (TS), Mexico
1,182
2,365
Peter/Joy Newhope (DO), Mexico
715
1,431
Emanuel/Joy/Heidi/Clara (DO), Venezuela
533
3,200
Dan/Abi/John (DO), India
391
3,126
Pablo E (TS), Chile
260
780
Servant/Phoebe Holyhole (TS), Mexico
233
700
Delhi Deaf Ministry Home (DO), India
223
890
J.B./Abby/Fanny/Jazmine (DO), Mexico
193
965
Josue/Maria Fiel (TS), Mexico
183
1,102
Nehemias Swiss/Rosa (TS), Brazil
177
355
POSTER SHINERS FOR FEBRUARY, '97
Philip/Meekness (DO), Namibia
1,083
2,165
Shiloh/Steven Lion/Phil/Katrina (DO), USA
888
8,887
Timothy F./Rejoice Eve/Dove F (DO), USA
844
5,913
Abner/Promise (TS), Japan
666
1,332
Francis/Joanna R/Maria N/Melodie (DO), USA
653
7,193
New World BB (DO), Japan
652
2,609
DPG (DO), Japan
632
2,529
Andrew Gr/Crystal/Angela Dr/Maureen (DO), USA
610
3,664
Pines Home (DO), Japan
562
3,377
Victor B/Love/Luz (DO), USA
556
2,783
TAPE SHINERS FOR FEBRUARY, '97
Andy/Becky/Joan/Francis (DO), Russia
150
1,500
Pablo E. (TS), Chile
118
356
Richard/Julia (TS), USA
101
203
Ben Fisher/Harvest Gold (DO), USA
86
173
Josue Miguel/Abigail M/Justin G (DO), Costa Rica
72
362
Andrew Gr/Crystal/Angela Dr/Maureen (DO), USA
57
347
John/Beth (DO), Belgium
49.5
198
Samuel/Clara (TS), Spain
49.0
98
Jonatan/Clara/Abner/Felicidad (DO), Colombia
47
191
Jay/Nina (TS), USA
47
189
VIDEO SHINERS FOR FEBRUARY, '97
CTO (DO), Taiwan
32
130
Oceanview (DO), Taiwan
27
110
Nat/Esther/Ben/Tirzah (DO), So Africa
26
213
Francisco/Paloma/Vicky (DO), Ecuador
25
150
Emanuel/Rubi/Pablo (DO), Ecuador
23
115
Cephas/Clara (DO), Brazil
22
44
Joao/Maria (DO), Brazil
21
43
Jimmy/Joy (DO), Taiwan
20
60
Philip/Meekness (DO), Namibia
19
38
Ana Ceu/Estevao/Sara (DO), Brazil
18
149
End of file.
Copyright (c) 1998 by The Family