the Grapevine
(Issue #18; May 1, 1997)
DO/TS
Copyright 1997 by The Family
The Grapevine
PO Box 4938
Orange, CA 92863 USA
e-mail: grape@ibm.net
The Grapevine consists of news and views from Family members, and is not intended to reflect WS policy.
kidbits
more cuties ...
* Kento, born to teen Tirzah. -- Japan
* Mika (girl), born to Rejoice and Andrew. -- Japan
* Miho (girl), born to Mercy and Gabe. -- Japan
* Ethan Scott Taylor, born to Joy and Noe. -- China
* Cherie Amour, 4th child, born to Faithy Singaporean and Matthew on March 13th. -- Thailand
* Maria Angelina, born to Flor and Sam Smiles. -- Brazil
* Pablo Daniel, 5th child, born to Heaven Love. -- Brazil
* Alison (boy), 1st child, born to Raquel and Alfredo (YAs). -- Brazil
* Maria Victoria, born to Hanna and Pablo. -- Venezuela
* Giuliana Lenci, born to Belen and Marco Vinicio. -- Colombia
* Kurt River, 2nd child, born to Crystal and Daniel (YAs) on February 25th. -- Russia
world news
Family contact points
USA
(From Trust:) Besides many calls to the Family 1-800 number from former members, Family friends, etc., we also receive six to eight phone calls per week from GP responders -- that is, people who received lit on the street, saw our WEB page, etc. We send packets of lit, along with cover letters and handwritten notes to each one, and pass their addresses and phone numbers to local Homes near them for follow-up. We also average five or six incoming e-mail messages daily, which we try to take care of as soon as they come in. Arrow (Alyssa) just joined our team and is going to be working with the 1-800 number and Family e-mail answering.
Thailand
(From ASCRO:) The Thai WEB site has been finalized and uploaded (in English and Thai). God bless SGA Daniel who worked hard, amid his other office responsibilities, to complete this! You can give the address of this site (http://www.thaifamily.com) to those who are interested, such as Thai friends or contacts who are interested in what the Family is doing in that country.
brotherhood
Vietnam
(From ASCRO:) Cephas was able to take the delegates' meeting videos into Vietnam, which was a miracle, as videos are seen as "Western propaganda" and are difficult to get into the country. The Vietnam team consists of seven adults, one senior teen, two JETTs and a baby.
Mexico
(From Ezekiel [of Sunny], Jason [of Cedar] and Jonathan W.:) We had about 70 attendees to the Mexico delegates' meetings (showing the delegates' videos), some coming from as far away as Guatemala and Costa Rica! After the meetings, several young people decided to change fields. Many headed to Central American countries which have almost no brethren. -- Pioneers! Another highlight was the wedding of Gabe (17) and Naomi (18)!
Mideast
(From Jim and Lily, [formerly Bani and Mercy]:) Our 12-day JETT/teen camp held during the end of March was the first of its kind in this part of the world! Many of our meals were provided by restaurant contacts within the city where the camp was held (there's no Home there). As many can testify, it can be difficult for a road team of four to six people to provision meals out. However, our "team" of 23 found ourselves with more invitations for meals out than we had nights available!
The Lord supplied an ideal location to sit at the Lord's feet, while partaking of the videos from King Peter and Gary. Many of the attendees received beautiful prophecies during this meeting, some for the first time. Boy, were we excited!
pioneering
Turkey
(From the Istanbul Home:) YA John (of Jim and Lily), YA Suzie (of Adam and Divina), Daniella (German) and John Trust made an inspiring road trip to the city of Bursa, at the foot of Mount Olympus. Upon arrival, we provisioned room and board for our three-day stay.
While having dinner the first evening, we met the sweet Hungarian sister-in-law of the hotel owner. She had converted to Islam when she married her Turkish husband. She confessed that she was having a hard time following all the rules of her new faith, and gladly received Jesus with us on a later visit to her house.
The following day we ventured up the Uladag mountain, Turkey's premier ski resort, frequented by Turkey's elite. We visited the hotel managers at this very modern ski village, and several took tools and welcomed us to return.
Being foreigners in a strange land, we stand out. It's easy to meet people, as folks like to strike up a conversation and practice their English. During such conversations we usually speak of our social work and various projects, and that then leads to us sharing with them about the Lord.
Though it's slower winning souls in Turkey than other "open" fields, we are finding the people very open to the Lord. Many do not want to have anything to do with religion, seeing the havoc that fundamentalism has wrought in nearby countries.
We visited factories on the outskirts of town to try to raise material help. One factory owner donated several cases of juice and tomato paste. At another factory, several managers took sets of our children's cassettes. Another team had a fruitful day going office-to-office with the tools, getting out 14 tapes and several videos to a school. We're inspired to test the water in other large cities here in Turkey. Pray that we can get the tools produced in Turkish!
[Fact Box: Bursa: A city of northwest Turkey west of Ankara. It dates from the third century B.C. and was a capital of the Ottoman Turks in the 1300s. Population: 834,576.]
Burma
(From Isaac, Ruth and Joanne:) To give you a picture of our work here, we thought we'd share one of our weekends with you. We'll begin with one Saturday morning, as we headed off to give our weekly English class at an orphanage and school for the blind. The conditions are desperately poor. Two meals are served each day, and everyone sleeps on the floor. The boarding/study fee for one year is only (US) $20!
Then Isaac took our three boys to a nearby lake, and they had great fun canoeing around the islands and racing each other. Daddy had warned them that they wouldn't be able to go to the lake again if they tipped over the boats, so each of the boys was extra careful. They all stayed afloat, except for yes, Daddy himself -- to the amusement of the people on shore who were relaxing in the lakeside restaurant!
In the afternoon, we went out with John-Paul and a colleague to a charity dinner that was organized for the blind school. After dinner, John-Paul brought his friend back to our house and we witnessed to this man further.
After Sunday sleep-in, devotions and lunch, some visitors stopped by to inquire about our kindergarten school. The grandfather had been a student at Eton, England's most prestigious boarding school, and was keen to get his grandchildren admitted to our English school.
While talking with these people, our friends George and Kelly came to visit. George came to collect 100 local language posters to send to a preacher in the mountains who had requested them for his Sunday school classes and witnessing activities in the mountain villages. We gave some clothes to George and Kelly, as they both each only have two shirts that they rotate when the other shirt is wet on the line. While Isaac was discussing the mail ministry with George and Kelly, another car pulled up in the driveway. -- More people who wanted to have a tour of the school, an explanation of our curriculum, and a cup of tea!
At nearly 6:00 p.m. we're ready for a little peace and quiet. But no, the Lord had other plans! A fancy car pulled up to the house. It was a doctor who is a specialist at the government children's hospital. We had called him earlier that day to request his help with the sick baby of a poor widow. He wrote a note to the hospital staff, urging them to give us full cooperation and assistance when we admit the baby, in case he is not there. After showing him our photo book he said, "You are so versatile! Just like the missionaries that used to come to Burma, only much better! I'll do anything I can to help you." He turned out to be a dedicated Karen Christian.
During our conversation with this doctor, the director of the blind-school -- who, like most of the school's staff, is blind himself -- dropped by with one of the head teachers to pick up the proceeds from the tickets we had sold at the charity dinner the night before.
As they left, our friend Rufus arrived with his wife, who is suffering from breast cancer and undergoing chemotherapy. It was her birthday, so they brought dinner to our Home and wanted to have a little party for her. We quickly wrapped a birthday gift for her, and John-Paul arrived a few minutes later with a chocolate cake. After dinner, we sang for her and showered her with hugs and encouragement. -- Bringing to a close our witnessing activities for the weekend!
legal and media
England
(From Gideon and Rachel:) The day the Heaven's Gate suicide news broke in America, Gideon appeared on national news in a general piece about religious groups, broadcast nationally and in the US. The same day we participated in a TV program in France on religious groups, which also was positive. Forty-five minutes after we returned from France, Rachel was off to the BBC studio for a live hour-long radio debate about religious movements. She was on the panel with Professor Michael Northcott (who got saved when the COG's yellow double-decker bus visited his school when he was 16!) and others. The program went well, and we were able to communicate the Salvation message and our beliefs about the Law of Love.
Europe
(From Abi, EURCRO Media Desk:) Although the Heaven's Gate cult suicides in the U.S. generated a lot of media interest and articles about cults in general, for the most part, there has not been much reference made to the Family. To our knowledge, only one negative article came out, in Spain.
find-a-friend
(From Paul Valour:) Our Ukrainian sheep, Andr, would like to contact American Ricky, who was in Ukraine during November '96, then moved to Hungary. E-mail: <pvalour@dndk.dp.ua>.
For anyone who would like to communicate with Michael and Lydia (in Mauritius): E-mail: alvin@bow.intnet.mu.
Praise French (formerly Colombe) would like to get in touch with Paul Newman, Olivia and old friends. Add: PO Box 7, Kao Seng, Songkhla 90001, Thailand.
Charity (13, of Lydia/formerly Mercy I.) would like to hear from Steven (French, formerly Nathaniel). Contact via: PO Box 1090, Jakarta 12010, Indonesia.
Yana Beloved would like to get in touch with Michael Fish. Add: Kazakstan, Almaty, P.O. 104, Index 480000. E-mail: tianshan@silkroad.almaty.kz.
Bianca would like to hear from Alison (16, of Simon and Felicity), last heard of in Canada. Add: P.O. Box 77, Jomtien Pattaya, Chonburi 20261, Thailand. E-mail: esbpete@loxinfo.co.th.
*
Abel and Marie Claire (formerly Jonathan and Mirth) can be contacted via: J. Birdi, P.O. Box 16255, Sarat Bose Rd. P.O. Calcutta - 700029 India.
babymania
-- By Jaz, Free Zine country
To be very honest with you, after about the first week of parenthood, Alec and I thought we had had about all we could take. We can laugh now in looking back at those moments of wrenching frustration, but they were -- and sometimes still are -- very real.
I think it was Bethy who reassured me that the first few months are the hardest. If you can make it through that time alive (and parenthood studies have proven that most people do), then you have a great and glorious conquest behind you. Of course, I don't know if after that it really gets easier, but at least you adjust to this type of lifestyle!
Sometime within those notorious months, our yearly Talent Night rolled around. Most of you have probably heard Elvis Presley's comic lament "Heartbreak Hotel." Well, as the special "young parents'" contribution, Alec, Bethy, Keana and I performed a revised version of that ballad, which went as follows (please note that some exaggeration has been used for the sake of humor -- it wasn't always that bad!):
WIDE-AWAKE HOTEL
Now since my baby's come I've found a new place to dwell:
Past midnight in the kitchen is the Wide-Awake Hotel.
I'm so tired, baby, I'm so tired,
Please go to sleep before I cry.
It's dark and it's deserted, but in the silent room
The brokenhearted parents all stand crying in the gloom:
"Oh, we're so tired, baby, we're so tired!
Please go to sleep before we cry."
The mother's tears keep flowing, the father's eyes are black.
They've been so long awake and rocking they could almost crack
"I'm so tired, baby! I'm so tired!
Please go to sleep before I cry!"
So if you wake from sleep one night and you want someone to tell,
Just come and join the chorus at the Wide-Awake Hotel:
"Oh we're so tired, we're so tired,
We're so tired that we could die."
Yep, I guess that's about the way it goes for a while! It seems that for some reason unknown to us grown-ups, most babies are born with the natural inclination to sleep in the daytime and they find the night is a great time to be awake! In reality, there's often not a whole lot that you can do about it. But here are a few tips and thoughts gathered from some of us barely-survivors.
* I've found that prayer is the very best baby-motivator. Try putting the little resister on your prayer vigil list, or ask for prayer at mealtime or devotions for him to get on a better sleep schedule.
* If you notice the baby takes a long nap in the late afternoon or evening and then feels fresh and lively into the wee hours, try keeping her awake during that time, so that she goes down later and is awake more of the time when you are. (Not that it's guaranteed to work -- when Kimberly was very small and we tried to wake her from the midst of that four-hour nap which began at six p.m., she would open her eyes, stretch, smile -- and go right back to sleep. That's where the first option comes in handy again!)
* If baby really doesn't want anything else but to be walked around in those wee hours, then resign yourself to the inevitable, and try to enjoy it (another tip I got from Bethy)! If there's another late-night lodger at the Wide-Awake Hotel, you can catch up on fellowship time. Or if you're alone, take some personal prayer or praise time, catch up on memory work -- or if all else fails, put on a video or some fun music to keep your mind entertained while your feet do the rocking!
* Sometimes a different position helps. For a while, Kimberly used to cry furiously when put in the traditional cradle-arm position for rocking to sleep. But when Alec pioneered holding her the opposite way, with her tummy-down along his arm and her head over his elbow, she was able to look around and fell asleep without even seeing it coming.
* If you're trying to keep a baby awake later into the evening in the hopes of a good night's sleep, but the baby is very tired, try giving him a ten-or 15-minute catnap to take the edge off the fussiness. Sometimes if babies are too tired they have a very hard time going to sleep -- as I'm sure you already know!!!
* Quite often once baby goes to sleep, she may wake up again after several hours crying simply out of hunger. If baby suffers from that oh-so-common "sleeping-a-few-hours-then-waking-up" syndrome, I've found that taking her into your bed and nursing back to sleep often works. (If your baby is a chupie-chomper, trying putting that back in first. If she still cries, then take her in bed for a nurse.) The lights are off and everything is quiet, so I usually just fall asleep with her on the breast, waking up a half-hour or an hour later to find her asleep too, and then I put her back in her own bed. A few times she's nursed and was still wide awake but seemed quite happy to lie next to us and wave her arms and legs around and "hack" as I call it (it's a mixture of gurgles, chomps and early coos). One time I left her between us, cooing away, and I woke up 40 minutes later and she was still at it!
That's babies! That's life! -- That's ... BABY LIFE!!!!!!
notices
Handymen wanted
Japan
(From the IVM set department:) Wanted! -- Enthusiastic, creative, and experienced handymen to help build sets for Treasure Attic, Family Fun and other filming projects! We have lots to do -- but only one IVM set handyman at present. Have a burden for the job? Read on! Following are a few points for you to consider:
-- We've found that those over the age of 18 have a better chance of staying longer in the country. We've also found that Britons, Canadians, Germans, and Australians seem to get extensions on their tourist visas (to a total of six months), whereas others only get three months. This means if you're not of one of the above mentioned nationalities and you are interested in coming with a long-term vision, your visa is something you'd want to pray about.
-- We ask all those who come here to bring landing funds (650 $US) with them, as well as funds for your first visa trip. The "enough funds for your first visa trip" is only if you're thinking about staying on longer than the three- or six-month visa you are granted (depending on your nationality).
We have two positions that need to be filled. If you feel the Lord calling you to help us, please write in today with a little info about yourself and what your burden is (to help long or short-term), as well as any previous experience you've had in the handyman business. Thanks! We're looking forward to hearing from you! Contact us via our IVM E-mail address: ivm@awa.or.jp.
Linking WEB sites
WS
(From WEB team:) We'd like to request that any Homes who have created their own WEB sites send in their WEB site address to WS (via our e-mail address - wspubs@ibm.net). Additionally, if you would like for us to create a link from our Family Home Page to your local WEB site, please let us know so we can consider it. This type of link would enable people browsing our Family Home Page to directly access your local WEB site for additional information on your local work, and would also provide them with local Family contact. The link would not work the other way around (from your site to the Family Home Page), unless you specifically build that in to your Home Page.
Turkish lit available
Ascro
We have a collection of approximately 85 pages of Reflections and other materials for feeding Turkish-speaking sheep, which can be ordered via ASCRO. Due to our ministering in a Muslim field, these materials have been re-edited and do not contain any direct Salvation messages.
If you have lived in Turkey in times past and have any old contacts, friends or sheep you feel would be worth a local follow-up visit, please let us know. One of the teams there would be happy to try and visit them.
think deep
What lies behind us and what lies before us are a small matter compared to what lies within us. -- Ralph Waldo Emerson
The HomeARC
-- By the WS computer team
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was on paper. And then the Word was made digital and dwelt among us on CD."
Introduction
WS Pubs really started when Mama, like a courtroom stenographer, began typing Dad's words right as he was talking. (In those days, she was the audience.) She used carbon paper to make several copies at the same time, which were mailed to the few existing Colonies. A file copy was kept. Later, Mama would record Dad's talks with the newly-introduced cassette recorder, and transcribe them. At TSC, a mimeograph stencil was cut (the ML was retyped), and copies (usually one per Colony) made for the now more numerous Family outposts. Eventually, TSC acquired printing presses to duplicate the increasing number of ML copies needed. These quickly became collectors items; a semi-complete set of MLs was any Family member's prize possession. When additional copies of the Letters were needed for pioneer teams, they were made on the latest technological marvel -- a first-generation wet-copy xerox machine.
It wasn't until the expanding number of loose MLs were compiled into volumes that computers came into the picture. ML Volume 1 and 2 (first printing 1976) were retyped into the "old phonograph" (ML #362, Volume 3), for typesetting purposes (not kept on file). In the early '80s, the WS Pubs teams began using Apple II computers -- and then later IBM-compatible computers -- to typeset the MLs and other pubs. Columns of printed-out text were pasted onto layout sheets. Corrections were done by printing out the replacement text, cutting it out and pasting onto the already laid-out pages, which were then shot on 35 mm film from which films were made and the pub eventually printed. It was not until around 1985 (the MLs were in the 1600s), when word processing software became more sophisticated, that the pubs were corrected and finalized totally on computer. From then on, WS began keeping more accurate and complete archives of pubs files on computer.
WS Pubs writers and editors found that they needed a quick and efficient way to refer to earlier pubs. Books like the various Indexes, the Pubdex, KWICs and the Daily-Dex were attempts to get a handle on our ever-expanding library of pubs. But what was needed was a master index program to efficiently access the pubs that were on computer. In 1983 Dad lamented:
"Do you know what you need almost above everything else right now? ... The burden I have is a thorough synthesized index of the MO Letters where you can look up any word or any subject that you want to know about and any name and find it and be able to make a study of it in the MO Letters. A really exhaustive index would be almost the most useful tool our Family could have!" (ML #1598:55,59).
Thus was born the need for two things: an accurate and complete set of pubs files on computer and an efficient program to access and index this data.
The Data
From the mid-1600s on, the MLs (and other pubs) were archived. (This is where the word HomeARC comes from: ARC for the Homes.) As pubs were finalized and sent out to the area print centers, copies were stored on disks. When a prototype of the HomeARC program (see "The Program" section) was being developed, these files served as the main body of data. The obvious barrier to an effective index and search program was the huge gap of missing (or inaccurate) files (e.g., MLs #A-1625 -- Volume 1 through GN Book 14!; and the early FSMs). The only way to catch up was to laboriously retype the missing files from the books!
Rather than keeping hundreds of Family members from their primary task of preaching the Gospel, and having these volunteers retype old MLs day and night, we realized that this was a job for the System, a l "Use It"! WS commissioned (your tithes at work! -- literarily sharing the know!) System typing companies in the Third World to type the missing MLs. God bless ASCRO and their teams in Manila and Bombay for helping make this possible (as well as the now spiritually well-fed System typists!). The results of three years of typing: about 1500 files of precious MLs, interspersed with typos and missing words -- but a super God-send!
Some computer-whizzes out in Family-land may wonder, "How come you didn't just scan the books, and then text-read the files?"
The WS Pubs HomeARC team's response: "Scanning and text-reading was not an option because many of the pages were printed out on old dot-matrix printers, and/or the characters were touching, plus underlines touched the letters, plus other problems would have made the files much harder to correct than the retyping errors mentioned above. Of course, the scan/text-read method is valid for clean, clear, printed pages."
So, what to do with 1500 retyped files, plus an additional 400 or so DB files in DB1 and DB2, and a few more hundred MLs that were already on computer, but were drafts, not finals? Altogether, about 2,000 files needed to be proofread and corrected -- a job nearly as massive as getting the typing done!
In this case we needed the help of Family volunteers -- lots of 'em! TTL for our dear CROs and their staffs and their Service Homes, etc., who volunteered to get Word time in two-man teams, one reading from the original ML, and the other following along with a printout of the computer file of the same ML, pen in hand, marking corrections. Later, corrections were made in the computer file, then the corrections were checked, and the file was sent back to the HomeARC team for formatting and a final check. The proofing was mainly to catch missing or wrong words, not to perfect the file, but if you do notice anything wrong in your HomeARC version, please send us an e-mail so that the integrity of our data can be always improving! Your correction may be immortalized on the next HomeARC CD!
Some examples of notorious typos caught before they got into the HomeARC range from the ridiculous ("Feed the flock of God" -- was rendered "feed the clock of God") to the dangerous ("I hate ugly sex" -- was typed "I have ugly sex"), and many more.
This proofing also took three years, and was done concurrently with the typing. -- In fact, it still continues, with just a few MLs left to do. There are many other old pubs that will eventually be proofed, D.V. GB our silent heroes and heroines, from whose labors we have all benefited!
The Program
The HomeARC program has been developed in stages over the past 10 years or so! Not only were most of the earlier MLs not on computer, but until recently, personal computers weren't powerful enough, so the first attempts at computerizing the Word were much different than the current Windows-based HomeARC.
The first attempts at computerizing the Word had to do with what we referred to as the "Quote Sheets." Many years ago, Apollos and Lois (Dawn) started the Quote Sheets in an attempt to categorize quotes from the Word, as these were the raw material used for writing various compilations, Daily Mights etc,. These quotes were originally sorted into categories such as Faith, Healing, Love, etc., and retyped by hand. As new Letters were published, Apollos and Lois would add various key quotes from each Letter to the appropriate categories, which meant typing them at the end of the respective Quote Sheets. Some quotes applied to several categories (there were eventually over 800 categories!); in such cases the same quote had to be typed onto more than one sheet. These Quote Sheets eventually became our first computerized Word index. Several different programs were developed -- first in dBase, then in BASIC -- to help in the processing of the Quote Sheet computer files.
This project took several years and ultimately resulted in the CAT Book Index, which was generated directly from these computerized Quote Sheet files.
About seven or eight years ago, personal computers started having enough power and storage capacity that we felt it might be possible to develop a program that could actually store many of our pubs on computer, and also be able to index them. The first attempts at this were a long ways from the HomeARC you recently received, but over the years we learned a lot about what worked and what didn't.
The HomeARC is actually the convergence of several different tools that were important to us. Computer security was also becoming more and more important, and tools for keeping our computer files secure weren't all that readily available, so we were also developing different programs for our computer security. The HomeARC combines many of these different tools into one program that is hopefully simple to use.
The HomeARC is written in the C++ programming language, and while on the outside it may look pretty simple, it is probably as large as many commercial programs. If you were to print out the entire HomeARC source code, it would take about 1600 GN-sized pages! Many commercial programs might have hundreds of programmers working on them, plus a large support staff to handle phone and e-mail inquiries. Well, we don't have a staff anywhere near that large! We only have a couple of programmers and a few trainees, all of whom have numerous other duties.
What's Ahead
The initial response to the HomeARC from your TRFs (some included here) was a tremendous encouragement to all of us who worked on this project. However, had we continued to receive only accolades, we would have been disappointed. Most computer users look forward to upgrades in both hardware and software. After the initial orgasmic response to the HomeARC, many of you became more familiar with it, and you realized that not all the MLs were in the HomeARC. We are thankful for this Godly vacuum for "more, more, more!" from Jesus' insatiable brides!
The HomeARC is really a massive reprinting project, and we felt it was better to get out what we had ready in the first version, rather than wait until it was complete. The HomeARC MLs are also undergoing a more thorough Pubs Purge, and for the first HomeARC, we were not able to prepare all of our pubs in time. Thus, the HomeARC team is pressing in to make more material available as soon as possible for the next HomeARC CD, which will have more MLs and pubs, scanned books and color posters, etc.
Please pray for those working on programming, planning, proofing, correcting, pubs purging, scanning, and checking the additional material for the next set of HomeARC CDs.
* * *
This was the most outstanding pub of the month, especially since we are not able to have a library due to security. Until now, we have only had two sets of Daily Breads, and the current mailings -- which we must destroy when we're finished reading them. What an answer to our needs and prayers! -- Matthew, Claire, Katrina and Maria, China]
Now it's so easy to dig into the Word. From the youngest to the adults, we are all getting into it and reading many Letters which previously we didn't have in our library. -- Gideon, Tamar, John and Joany, Hong Kong
What a phenomenal work of God! Abigail, our eldest daughter, who is deaf, is learning to use the HomeARC and read the Word. -- Happy and Charity, India]
It's fantastic! We were missing one of the Life With Grandpa books, so we had a children's devotions in front of the computer, and having the illustrations is another blessing. It's a dream come true to have all this at our fingertips! -- Steven, Angel and Simeon, Thailand
The HomeARC is our redemption. Our library was so limited. It's now arrived -- we love it! Whatta tool!!! -- Timothy, Russia
We use the HomeARC daily: for devotions, mail ministry, parent time and personal Word time! I can't tell you how flipped I am! -- Christie, Ukraine
Excellent search routines! Fast! Thanks to everyone who put together this tremendous tool! A terrific Christmas present! -- Oliver, Liz and Sam, Ireland
ladies and gents
she said: It's sweet when guys are there when you need them, whether it's to help with a heavy load or just for a hug, and they don't act like it's corny or inappropriate when you ask, even if they might think so. I've known a few guys like that, and their little acts of love and kindness are unforgettable.
One guy was teaching me about the computer. I was a real dumbo at first, but he not only gave me a lot of encouragement, but told me to call him whenever I needed help, no matter what it was. I know I asked a lot of dumb questions, but he never treated me like a dumbo and was always there for me. He also had a heavy workload at the time, but he never minded the calls.
-- anonymous female, Earth
he said: For the last few years I've lived in a part of the world where there are very few Family girls my age, and that has helped me to appreciate them a lot more. The things I used to look for in girls were mainly "looks" and "shape." That's not to say that I don't look for those things in girls now, but over the past year I've come to realize that, yes, there is a whole lot more to girls than that (Wow! Mega-revelation!). I believe every girl has something beautiful about them, whether it's their eyes, their body, their smile, or their character, although they may not be "the perfect gal." I'd say this is especially true of our wonderful Family girls.
I think many of our boys could benefit from learning that, and the girls would feel much more loved if the boys at least let them know that there is something about them that they like, though they may not be "in love" with them. LHM, I've hurt a lot of girls because they didn't meet my standards for physical beauty, though they had a lot of other beautiful things about them.
That would be something to try, boys. Take a girl that you don't particularly like or get along with well; list all the things that you find beautiful in her, and make sure you let her know. See what a difference it makes!
-- YA male, Somewhere out there
she said: I think what some of us girls need is vitamin B -- "Be Natural!"
I've come to the conclusion that if I'm really gonna have someone to love, it's gotta be out of real love, with the knowledge that the guy loves and likes me as I am -- character, looks and all. We're talking about real love here. Since the Lord made me as I am, I'm just going to be happy with that and "be natural!"
As far as excessive plastering of your face with make-up goes, I think the poor guy would get the shock of his life if he were to see his girl without her paint first thing in the morning! Ha!
-- R. (female senior teen), Europen
mama's mailbox
(Unless we have received prior permission from the author of the letter, only initials will be used in this section.)
Dearest Mama,
I'm so glad you're our "mother hen." When new mailings come in, I have this electric charge and excitement that I can hardly contain. I usually end up jumping up and down a few times for joy! Each of the Lord's Words are so precious. They answer my questions and fill me. The more you give, the more we want. Sometimes I feel so full that I can't absorb any more, but I want more and more. I want to comprehend them fully, to have them written on the tables of my heart. I read all the GNs at least twice when they first come out, and try to take notes.
I've never done anything "great" for the Lord like win a disciple or any kind of shepherding, but I've seen the Lord's hand in my life day by day in the little things. Such tender care has often amazed me and I feel unworthy of it. He truly is the best Husband there could be!
-- a female YA, Europe
Dearest Mama,
I love you so much! I want to express how much the New Wine has been changing my heart and life. There's an insatiable longing inside of me for more; the feeling I get is like being in love or super hungry. The Word has pulled me through these past months when I had nothing else to turn to. Every question was answered one after another as each new batch of mailings came. Please don't let it stop! They're life itself to me.
These past months I've lost many things that I loved dearly, but the Lord in His love and mercy has spared my heart from feeling so badly; instead I began to feel peace and hope. The problems are the same, but it's like He's given me an immunity to the distress and discouragement they can bring.
Thank you for your prayers for me and the prophecies you sent a few months ago. I still read them and get more out of them each time. It's all being fulfilled.
-- Keiko (20), Russia
your views on issues
Computer and phone security
USA
(From Abner [CRO]:) Since the Charter, security in general and phone security in particular has been pretty de-emphasized (perhaps too much in some cases). With our Homes becoming more open, we have made some good changes which have allowed us to operate, grow and change with the '90s. At the same time, we've noticed that our younger generation can tend to put down or disregard security concerns as their "paranoid elders" clinging to outdated beliefs. In actuality, we're not the only ones with concerns about privacy issues, encryption and data security, etc. Most corporations, and many organizations and private citizens are.
It seems like we need to make it cool to be secure rather than hanging all of our laundry out for all to see. A lot of young folks are on-line in "chat rooms," and while they affirm they are mindful to not to say things they shouldn't, it's easy to slip. I have been on-line chatting, and while I agree it has its benefits, it is also difficult to keep under control, just like a live phone call. I imagine it all adds up to a fair amount of information in the files of those who are "listening."
It seems it would be beneficial to educate the Family to the dangers of on-line chatting or e-mail (or live phone calls) so they can be more aware of -- and hence more concerned -- about security (not to mention the expense). Then it would come more naturally to practice "safe phoning" in their on-line communications.
Liberal or radical?
Portugal
(From Ruth, [17]:) Since the Charter, it seems some people feel freer to let their children try out things like sweets, candy, chewing gum, etc. If the parents have the faith for this, that's between them and the Lord. But I've seen some more liberal parents show a critical or condemning attitude toward the more "radical" parents -- those who "shtick" to what Grandpa has taught us along these lines.
I'm not a parent, but I think it's hard enough for a parent to try to keep their kids away from sweets, without having someone telling them that they shouldn't be so "radical"! It's one thing to let kids "try" something, but to completely open the doors to these tooth-rotters is being a bit too radical to the wrong side, in my opinion!
True bellwethering
USA
(From a VS:) I was encouraged to see the appeal given in the delegates' meeting videos to the YAs and SGAs to shepherd the younger generation being taken seriously by those in one city we just visited.
One YA said that she wanted prayer against going overboard with sports. She's a sports lover -- loves to play football, basketball and all other sports -- but confessed that this had carried over into too avid an interest in both playing and watching sports on TV. She began getting into the sports page of the paper, the news at night, knowing the latest on all the players, etc. This love for sports is something a lot of us get tempted with, especially in the States where sports is everywhere.
Seeing her younger brothers and sisters imitating her was the thing that convicted and made her want to reassess what she was spending her time on. She realized that the legacy she was leaving her younger brothers and sisters was mainly that of sports, and it wasn't enough. She stopped for the sake of the kids and tried to spend time with them in other ways: getting in the Word, praise times, etc., and her relationship with them began to change quickly. That seems a good example of real bellwethering.
Sign of the Son
Japan
(From Happy [Simon Peter]:) This Space City sighting by the Hubble telescope is far-out and thrilling (see GN 711)! This could be the beginning of all kinds of visible proof of the Heavenly Kingdom. The book of Revelation is full of angels coming down from Heaven and flying around the Earth, warning people of what is about to happen; these angels certainly sound literal and visible.
It says the AC is going to "open his mouth in blasphemy against God and them that dwell in Heaven" (Rev.13:6). Why would the AC be blaspheming God, Space City and its inhabitants, if it was not visible to all, or known by all to exist? This seems to paint a picture during the Last Days of Space City and/or angels possibly being visible in the Heavens. This then makes the rebellion of the wicked who follow the AC completely blatant and inexcusable.
It says in Revelation 17 that the AC and the ten kings "shall make war with the Lamb." It's pathetic to think they believe man's weapons would be any match against the Lord, but maybe Space City being visible in the physical realm leads them to believe that the Heavenly forces can be destroyed by physical means.
now that's funny!
Four engineers were cruising along the highway, when, for no apparent reason, the engine stopped and they coasted to a halt on the side of the road. They began musing amongst themselves what the problem could be.
The driver was a mechanical engineer. "I think the problem might be in the gear box," he said. The next was an electronics engineer. "No, I believe your battery must have short-circuited," he argued. The third was a chemical engineer. "Maybe it has something to do with the fuel composition," he questioned. The fourth was a computer engineer. He simply said, "Why don't we all get out of the car, get back in, and try again?"
-- courtesy of Darren (21), WS
what's up?
Through your help
China
(From Becky, for the China Mail Ministry:) We want to express our gratitude and thankfulness, as your help has enabled our China Mail Ministry to upgrade our equipment. Thank you also for taking the extra step to help Jeremy get out of his difficult situation. (Editor's note: Jeremy is being punished by the government with a huge fine, due to having a second child, which is forbidden in China. See Grapevine #9 for the full story.) We've been forwarding your support to him, and this has enabled him to pay 10% of his debt so far. Your prayers have encouraged Jeremy's faith and have comforted his heart.
(Excerpts from Jeremy's recent letters:) "My family and I really appreciate all of you, our dear brothers and sisters, who supported us so sacrificially through your prayers and donations. It has been a tremendous blessing. The Word of God has been such a strength to us and encouraged us to have faith in Him to face our broken lives.
"We also want to thank you for the milk and children's needs you sent us. My four-year-old daughter asked, 'Daddy, where did these gifts come from?' I said, 'They came from the uncles and aunties who believe in Jesus!' 'Where do they live?' she asked. I pointed my finger to the East and said, 'From there!' She looked at the morning sun and thought for a while, then said, 'Oh! I know! They live with the sun!' What a lovely answer, and how true!"
Meeting celebrities
USA
(From Andrew, Annie Grace and Maria:) We sell vegetables weekly from Andrew's family's farm, and at the same time personal witness to the many people who come to buy fresh produce.
Andrew had a chance to send a package of lit to Elizabeth Taylor when a sweet lady came by our stand asking Andrew to pray over the flowers she was taking to a woman caring for a sick friend. Andrew showed this lady our Reflections about faith, and a poster of Heaven. She exclaimed, "Oh, this is just what I needed for Ms. Taylor! Thank you so much!" We also met and witnessed to "Doc" (Christopher Lloyd) from Back to the Future when he came by looking for pumpkins.
Calling -- for men!!
Russia
(From Keiko, Masha, Maria, Sveta:) "And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before Me for the land" (Eze.22:30).
Many of us YA/SGA women in Russia are feeling the need for more young guys to help us get the job done. The guys that are here are few and far between, and in high demand in nearly every Home.
It's difficult to accomplish certain things because of the lack of men -- and their gifts and talents -- that play such a vital role in a Home. For example, going on the road with just girls won't do in Russia. Traveling is hard, and so is doing shows because we lack musicians; or fixing up our Homes because we lack a handyman. -- And many other things.
Some of us are getting weary in well doing from carrying a big load on our little shoulders and we miss the support of your strong arms around us to help us. Summer is on its way, and any challenge-seekers will find challenge here in Russia. We'll make a great team together and do our best to take good care of you -- in every way!
Missions day
USA
(From a Home in New York:) Once a week we have a "missions day." On that day our devotions is about missionaries, the kids' schooling is about missionaries, prayer vigil is for missionaries, etc. The children have "adopted" other children on the mission fields of China and Russia whom they are pen pals with; they also send them monthly gifts, and use that day to write them. We have begun approaching our contacts, giving them the vision to not only help our work here, but to help towards the work in other fields. This has been an inspiring turn of events in our Home and is very exciting.
New van - new studio
Indonesia
(From the Indonesian Service Home:) On a recent prayer day, we asked the Lord to supply the remaining $12,500 of the $20,500 needed for the new van that we'd been saving towards for a year. Soon the donations started rolling in: $500, $800, several donations of $1,000, and $3,000 from a friend who got an unexpected bonus at work! Now we only needed another $5,000 to get our van. We could almost smell the new paint! -- Ha!
Then our main supporter got his yearly bonus, and, since we had asked him to help towards the van as well as recording equipment for our local studio, he gave us $5,000 for the van and another $6,000 for studio equipment! Soon we were driving a 1996 Isuzu diesel van! It has been a tremendous blessing to the work and a proof of what the Lord can and wants to do to supply for His children!
By this time, we had begun building our local language studio. The Lord supplied sheet rock, plywood, insulation, glass, electrical wiring, light fixtures, etc. We met two men who said they would help us in selecting the proper recording equipment, with the best discounts in the country. We again went to the Lord and pledged that if He provided the funds, we'd use it to build the best little studio we could for getting the tools out in the local language. About this same time our king gave us $6,000, which was the bulk of what we needed to begin purchasing the equipment.
We went out by faith that day to get the equipment, but were still $1,000 short. While driving downtown we got a message on our pager to call home. Sure enough, one of our supporters said she would give us $1,000 for the studio, not even knowing how much we still needed! Wow! We rolled over to our friend's house and joyfully and thankfully picked up the rest of the funds. We are now set up and the Lord is doing wonderful things to get out our beautiful music in Indonesian to 150 million very receptive people.
Giving university lectures
Pakistan
(From Gideon:) Through a series of events, we met a young Muslim business executive and director of a large business administration college who was so impressed with our witness and the material we shared with him that he asked if I would give a series of eight two-hour lectures to 100 or so students (ages 18-27) on the theme of "Effective Leadership."
He gave me free rein to conduct the course, and the students gained credit for their Human Resource Development requirements. He paid us for each lecture, as a contribution to our work. We have already done four lectures which were well received, using material from our Family pubs, management books, and clips from our videos to illustrate lessons about teamwork and communication, etc.
We have found this to be a fantastic way to witness and reach these young intellectuals, so we are considering approaching other educational institutions to see if they are interested in our seminars.
Probation warning
USA
(From a Home teamwork:) Getting a warning from the VSs to meet the Charter requirements or be put on probation was actually a victory for us. Instead of making excuses of why we couldn't get enough Word time, we started concentrating on giving the kids the two hours per day requirement. It was hard at first, but after a few weeks, they are getting more used to the sound of, "It's Word time!" We're praying that this added Word will cause each of them to grow closer to the Lord.
letters to the editor
I wanted to congratulate L.V. in India on what he/she said on the topic of love (Grapevine #15), that age doesn't make any difference if you really love the person. For me it was never a question of age. In fact, most of my girlfriends have been older than me, some even up to four years. Look at Peter and Mama. She's older than him, and I'm sure it didn't make one bit of difference, since it was the Lord's will. "What God hath put together, let no (age) put asunder."
-- male (16), Europe
I noticed that in some of the supply testimonies, exact figures were quoted. I felt this was worthy of some caution, and it may be something to keep in mind when sending in testimonies.
-- Philip Martin, Belgium
(Editor's note: Please be mindful of this when sending in your testimony to the Grapevine. If due to your local situation or security, you would rather exact figures not be quoted, please do not include them in the testimony. However, if you have the faith for it, then we're sure the specifics are an inspiration to all, and more clearly testify to the Lord's provision! Mt.9:29!)
movie ratings
Movies Rated for Senior Teens and Up
DONNIE BRASCO (1997)
Johnny Depp, Al Pacino
Intense drama/character study based on the true story of an FBI agent who infiltrates the Mafia in order to gather information on their activities. Some scenes of extremely graphic violence; not for the faint-hearted.
Movies Rated for Junior Teens and Up
LIAR, LIAR (1997)
Jim Carey, Justin Cooper
Comedy about a lawyer -- a habitual liar with a history of broken promises to his young son -- who is bound by the boy's birthday wish to tell only the truth for 24 hours. Contains some crude and foul language in places, but also has a good message and lessons.
LOVER'S KNOT (1996)
Tim Curry, Jennifer Grey
Romantic comedy about one of Cupid's assistants, who is assigned to bring a young couple together and then to help them stay together. Good relationship lessons.
LOSING ISAIAH (1995)
Jessica Lange, Halle Berry, Marc John Jeffries
Tense emotional drama involving a custody case between a white family who adopted an abandoned crack baby, and the rehabilitated black mother who wants her son back. Many interesting points for discussion.
REBECCA (1940)
Laurence Olivier, Joan Fontaine
Psychological thriller, directed by Alfred Hitchcock, about a young bride who finds her wealthy husband still living in the haunting shadow of his first wife, who is dead. (Black and White)
Movies Rated for OCs and Up
ALASKA (1996)
Thora Birch, Vincent Kartheiser, Charlton Heston
Adventure drama about two young teens who embark on a search for their father after his plane crashes in the Alaskan wilderness. Some bad attitudes could be discussed. It would also be good to explain to young viewers the real-life risks of being in that type of survival situation and around polar bears, which are portrayed as friendly animals in the movie but are actually dangerous carnivores.
BEAUTICIAN AND THE BEAST, THE (1997)
Fran Drescher, Timothy Dalton
Romantic comedy about a beautician who is hired to educate the children of an East European dictator.
Movies Rated for MCs and Up
SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (1952)
Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, Debbie Reynolds
Musical/comedy set in the 1920s when Hollywood first began the transition from silent movies to movies with sound.
Non-Recommended Movies
LITTLE RASCALS, THE (Travis Tedford, Bug Hall; 1994)
RELIC, THE (Penelope Ann Miller; 1997)
rumor mill
Q: I heard that some of the PACRO VSs gave the teens permission to listen to System music as long as they read the Word. I was wondering if that is true or not.
-- Michelle (13), Thailand
A: (From the PACRO Office and VS team:) As far as we know, the VSs have never given permission to any of the young people to listen to System music. One possible way this rumor may have started is from a teen meeting here, where we held a question and answer session.
One question the teens had was whether or not they could listen to System music. We answered by saying that the answer to that question was already pubbed in the "New Music for a New Day" GN, and that it would be up to them personally and their Home to vote on what, if any, non-Family music they could listen to.
We encouraged them to stick to what the Lord said in the "Three Wells" prophecy -- that those who want to serve the Lord in the Family should refrain from letting any ungodly influences into their lives, through music or any other source. We explained that we could neither give nor deny them permission, as that was a choice that they and their Home would have to make.
Q: We have read that Juan (CRO) and Carmen are married. We are wondering if this is Carmen (SGA) seen on the Summit videos, or is it someone else?
-- Jonathan (16), ASCRO
A: You're right! This is Carmen (SGA) seen on the Summit videos. Juan and Carmen are married, and were just blessed with their second child, Carmen Marice.
Q: I heard that the Family met Michael J. Fox and he wanted to join the Family, but then we counseled him to stay as a king. Is this verified?
-- Taiwan
A: Dunno! We haven't heard anything about it.
fruitful fields
* Madagascar -- This could be your place! The people are of a Catholic background and are very receptive. After Peace and our Malagasy live-out won 30 souls in one hour, our goal is the worldwide soul shiner list! Not essential to speak French; Malagasy is easy to learn. We need laborers! -- Eman and Peace
* Turkey -- Though a Muslim country, it is quite open, with cities untouched since the days of the Apostle Paul. If you would like to work with us in close counsel and cooperation, then Turkey may be your cup of chai I mean tea! Write today. Perhaps you can help with our summer road team vision. Send clearance requests for Turkey via the ASCRO Office.
* Vietnam -- There is a team of only 11 in this promising country. The opportunities seem limitless! Vietnam is much like some cities in China; however, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is being modernized rapidly. People are simple, hungry for the truth and spiritually receptive. The only limit to CTP opportunities is time and personnel. Is Vietnam calling you?
ws news
In mid-April, Peter, James and Rebecca arrived safely in Thailand from Japan. God bless the Thai Family, who provisioned rooms in a nice hotel where Peter and team could rest for a few days, in order to recuperate and get some needed rest and refilling after their very full and busy visit to Japan.
Peter and team visited the ASCRO office, and held meetings with the NPC, PPC, Lit-Pic, FED and office teams. These included "strengthen the structure" meetings to discuss ways of servicing the Family better and what adjustments need to be made to our (WS) procedures in order to make their jobs easier and more streamlined so that they can do more for you, our Family! Peter also held a three-day meeting with the ASCRO teamwork, and was able to visit some of the nearby Homes for a time of fellowship and further meetings, both with the Homes as well as with the children's groups.
(Peter:) I am incredibly impressed with the Family here in Thailand. In my travels I have heard a number of people comment on how "conservative" the Family here is. I've had people tell me that the ASCRO area is like the "pre-Charter days," that no one has any rights, that leadership runs everything and tells everyone what to do and that the young people are "naive" and "behind the times" and are "so spiritual." Well, I've got news for you, that's not what I have found at all! I've found very dedicated missionaries who have the vision to reach the Thai people. The young people seem happy and full of the Spirit. They are inspired with the work they do; they are used mightily and are very needed.
I asked them about the so-called "restrictions," like not being able to have long hair or wear earrings, etc. Every one that I talked to explained that long hair, earrings, the "grunge" look and many other Western actions, activities and attitudes are not well received by the people of Thailand. When they hear that our people are missionaries and volunteers, they look at them like they do the Buddhist monks, and they expect them to hold to a very high standard. In order to reach these people with the Gospel, the Family needs to have a high standard, so they willingly forgo some of the things that others in other countries can do, for the sake of preaching the Gospel. If that is being "spiritual," then as far as I'm concerned, I wish more of our young people elsewhere would be "spiritual."
Our missionaries in the ASCRO area work in very conservative countries which do not accept Western ways. They are not, for the most part, Christian countries, and they have strong Eastern cultures. These countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Burma, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, the Mid-East and Turkey, require dedicated missionaries to reach the people. Those there must adapt to the local culture, they must "become one," which in many cases means dressing and acting a bit more conservatively than in Western, Christian cultures.
My experience here is that the Family in this area have become one. Many Family members here, both young and old, speak the language and daily go out to do CTP work, preach the Gospel, follow-up, etc. In order to reach the people they make certain sacrifices, but these sacrifices bear fruit. One sweet sister explained to me that she's talked with other Christians who have tried to witness to the Thai people and have had virtually no success, whereas our Homes have great success in reaching them. The difference is that we have become one. The local Family has let go of many Western ways and have adapted to the field, which has won the hearts of the local people.
So the next time you hear that the ASCRO area is so conservative, perhaps you can look at it in a positive light rather than a negative one. Realize that those there are sacrificial missionaries who have made a decision to reach their field no matter what the cost, even if it means no long hair, no earring, no "cool" styles, and less "freedoms." They are doing the job, they are reaching their area, they are preaching the Gospel and they are becoming all things to all men in order to win them. My hat is off to them! (end of comment from Peter)
King Peter's birthday
(Excerpts from reports from James and Rebecca to Mama:) The Homes here organized some fun united activities during our stay: we experienced some traditional Thai meals, charades, a rap song/dance presentation from the young people, and touching words of appreciation and love.
On Peter's birthday, we visited the Academy Home, as they had prepared a surprise celebration for him (successfully kept a total surprise)! -- A birthday performance fit for a king! First we went on a short tour, then had a nice buffet style dinner, over which various ones shared outreach testimonies.
There were about 80 people in attendance from the Academy and nearby Homes for the birthday celebration. The children's singing group performed a couple ofsongs, one in Thai costumes, and presented Peter with flowers and a beautiful card with prophecies from the DF Home. The teen group also performed several well choreographed songs. They originally started out as a "teen singing group," but they now joke that it's become the "young parents singing group" (ha!), as a number of them are mated and have kids!
Then the lights were turned down, and Joan (Endureth) came out dressed beautifully, and knelt down next to Peter and held his hand. She read your beautiful letter to Peter. (Note: Mama had sent Joan a personal birthday letter to Peter, which she requested that Joan read to him during this birthday evening.) As she read your letter, Mama, most people were moved to tears by the beautiful and tangible love felt in the spirit. It was such a beautiful evening!
Peter and team also visited three other Homes in Bangkok. At each Home, Peter held a meeting to share some prophecies the Lord has given for the ASCRO area, and for Thailand in particular. All were touched by the sweet messages of love the Lord gave. Each Home shared about their ministries, and it was exciting to hear how they are so faithfully reaching the precious Thai people. (end of excerpts from reports to Mama)
Peter, James and Rebecca headed back home at the end of April. Thank the Lord for His wonderful protection during this fruitful visitation trip. Please pray for Peter and team, who are tired and worn after two months of traveling and pouring out continually. They depend on your prayers!
-- News and Do's from the GPU's!
Now we all here at the G. P. U.
Wanna take a little time to share with U
How the Lord is a-workin', oh yes He is!
How the pubs R a buddin', and so is the biz!
We're gettin' great ideas from our Fam out there
The likes of which you ain't heard nowhere!
And we're cookin' things up and prayin' a storm
Findin' out which ones we can readily form.
We're busy advertisin' your CTPs and good works
We're starting to raise funds, oh, we're workin' like Turks!
Showin' all the Lord's wonders that He's doin' through you
So others can start sharin' and supportin' you too!
In the meantime, yes, there'll be stuff comin' out!
Now that the foundation is laid round-about
So the Word can be rolled, clear and free from all snags
And soon you'll be totin' new tools in your bags!
There's book number 1, about the signs of the times
Man, it's gonna really rock 'em, give sight to the blind!
And opus number 2 will also make it to you
'Bout Heaven and love beyond, gonna comfort and soothe!
And then there's other stuff comin', in the pipeline now,
Far-out tools that are really a wow!
More books will be comin' like new number 3
'Bout teens and relatin', gonna set'm all free!
We're also doing marketing, surveys, and more
Bro, there are oodles of new projects in store!
From videos re-packaged and revamped for today
To catalogues and brochures for a brand New Day!
But please bear with us, as this ain't no picnic
We're sorting out copyrights (and prayin' for the vic!)
But we're gonna make it, come highwater or, well,
-- Let's just say we'll fight 'til the bell!
So bye for now, we love and need you all so!
Your prayers and inspiration just make everything glow!
It's all gonna happen, so let's stay on the wall
'Till His Kingdom's established, and we hear that last call!
-- Love, Tim -- to U, from the GPU!
GPU
(From the GPU team:) Thank you, everyone, for your active participation in this new venture! Our writing team (of two!) is working on finalizing four new booklets. The first is now completed and heading for the production phase, with the second just behind it. We'll also be publishing a third booklet on relating to and communicating with teens, being written by folks at one of our WS production units, God bless 'em!
Our "marketing department" has been busy surveying the titles and covers for both these and other books, as well as a new GP tape/CD. Pray for our survey team, who faithfully approach hundreds of potential buyers of all ages and nationalities for their opinions, to see if we're hitting the mark and reaching and appealing to our "target" audience!
[In a box with "beyond gold" cartoon: (From Lily [of Paul], India:) We are a "joined family" with grand total of 12 children, most of them still young. I would appreciate if our large families and veteran mothers could share how the Lord helped them through these different challenges with their many children. Thanks! (Editor's note: Send them in!)]
Destined -- FTT #9
singer/music/lyrics
side a
* We Will See the Day: Nat, Emmanuel / Nat / Nat / Produced by Nat
* Days of Preparation: Vas / Vas / Peter A. / Produced by Jon A., Vas
* Upper Road: Katrina L. / Windy / Windy / Guitar by Philip / Produced by Andrew V.
* You Can Make a Difference: James Servant / James S. / James S. / Guitar by David Hungarian / Produced by Tim Hungarian
* You Will Always Care for Your Own: Hopie / Hopie, Andrew V., Martin / Hopie / Produced by Andrew V.
* Greatest Hour: Jeremy / Ben Canadian / Ben C. / Produced by Jeremy, Nat
* You're My Light: Simon Black / Produced by Byron
side b
* Don't Put Down Your Crown: Jeff, Andrew V. / John Listen / Guitar by Jeff / Produced by Andrew V.
* Golden Seeds: Katrina / Teddy, Nat / Peter A. / Produced by Nat
* Walk by Faith: Mark T. / Lead guitar by Pedro / Bass guitar by Pedro Mexico / Produced by Mark T.
* Come Fill Me: Peace Livingstone, Daniel / Douglas / Douglas / Guitar by David Hungarian / Keyboards by Douglas / Produced by Tim Hungarian
* His Love Is Worth It All: Francesco / Jerry P./ Jerry P. / Guitar by Makoto / Produced by Francesco
* Lady Maria: Simon Black / Sax by John Listen / Produced by Philly D.
support-a-missionary
We want to experiment with a new Grapevine feature. Along with the articles you've sent in, we've received several appeals for support for your various Homes and projects. Until now, we haven't printed any, but we'd like to try to open a little space for people to send in requests for support.
Undoubtedly every Home in the world could send in a legitimate request for support, and if each Home does, this column will not suffice. However, we wanted to create an avenue for your appeals, so we asked the Lord how to do it. Listed below is what He said in point form. Please use the following as a guideline, should you decide to contribute to this Grapevine section.
-- support appeals must be kept extremely brief
-- we cannot give any guarantees that all will be published
-- those on poorer mission fields have priority over Western countries
-- if you send an accompanying testimony of your work, it may or may not be published, so your appeal for support must be able to stand on its own
-- send in your postal and e-mail address, so you can be contacted directly
We wish we could publish everyone's full accounts, but as mentioned above, we will have to limit the number of requests we print due to the space factor. If you want your request printed, please keep it under 30 words. Thanks!
If you have already sent in an appeal for support, please re-send it, in accordance with the guidelines above. God bless all of you who will give to those who request. When we prayed about this column, the Lord said that "giving is the secret to financial security." PTL!
minor improvements
Personal interest in prayer
A few months ago on a Prayer Day we picked out a few prayer requests from the Prayer Flyer that were appropriate for the OCs to pray for. They took time to hear from the Lord and got some encouraging verses for these precious Family members. They each wrote a letter to one of the people, including the verses, and we sent them off.
Many months passed and we forgot about it, but last week we received two return letters from these precious ones thanking the children for their prayers and testifying of their healing. The letters came from two different countries, but both arrived on the same day! It was so inspiring to see how much the children's letters meant to them. The kids wrote them back the next day, and hope to start up a pen-pal type correspondence, since one of these was a child their own age.
-- Christina and Mary, Thailand
System school precautions
One outstanding feature of most of our kids I've met who go to System school is that they are quite into sports. In some Homes the kids ran in from school, threw down their books and said, "See ya later, Mom. I have to go to football practice." Or, "I have to go to music practice" -- or dance practice. And out the door they go. Then they come home later in the evening, do their homework, go to bed, get up very early and they're off again.
I talked to some of the kids, and most of them say they like their school studies, but they don't really like to go to school. They preferred having school at Home. However, they all say they like the sports, music and the "extras." Most parents admitted that it was easier for them to turn the children's care over to the school and all its activities, even though they struggled with battles that their kids weren't getting enough Family input.
However, as the days and weeks went by, they found themselves less and less concerned about making sure their children memorized or read the Word, or prayed regularly. They knew it was important, but because a school schedule can be so demanding, slowly these things were crowded out of the kids' lives.
I suggested to some parents that perhaps on the weekends they could spend extra time in the Word with their children and keep up with their memory and review and witnessing activities. It also seems important to pray with the children before school and have a cleansing prayer when they return home. Before or after doing homework, the kids could have a time to read something from the Word with their parents, and talk about how the day went at school, their interactions with other kids, etc.
Overall it seemed that once the kids started school, their schedule was demanding enough that everyone got caught up in it, and extra effort needed to be made to make sure the kids were getting their Word input and Family training.
-- Mary MOM, Europe
Back to the basics
The testimonies from the YAs and SGAs about growing up witnessing in the Family were beautiful and very needed (FSM 303). Sad to say, many of our young people have the wrong idea about witnessing these days, seeing it more as just a method to get funds. Where did they get this idea? Yikes! Could it be that we, adults, have been a bad sample?
We heard that in one Home there was a heavy emphasis on shiner prizes for monetary income. Therefore the kids were reluctant to ever give out a tool as a gift or for a lower donation, even if the person sincerely couldn't give what was asked. In this case, rewarding the kids financially made the children feel that was the reason for witnessing.
These kids have a battle going out witnessing, and don't have a real vision for our work or what the Family is all about. We asked them one time why we were going caroling at Christmas. They answered, "Because we need the money!" Lord help us! We told them that we didn't need the money and that we wanted them to go out for Jesus and let the world know that it was Jesus' birthday, and that we had the posters sponsored. They were so relieved and did really well -- and the Lord also blessed financially!
We are concerned about this problem of the adults teaching the kids or teens to poster and raise funds, but not really teaching them to witness. If the kids don't have a love for the lost, then why would they want to stay in the Family? -- That's what we are all about!
-- an adult woman, USA
The right motivation
We used to give shiner prizes to the children [when out witnessing] which helped them to have a physical goal they could aim for. When we recently took time with the Lord, He showed us that the children needed to graduate from that stage. The Lord encouraged us to feed the children the Word more, and to teach and instill in them the true motivation for why we were going out. After we forsook our shiner system the Lord blessed us with more souls, which was encouraging for the kids and adults!
-- Marco, Tabitha and Tim, Japan
Preparing for the End
One of the major personal benefits of the new Word is the vision to prepare for the End. Probably like other parents, I have asked the Lord many times to show me how to best prepare my kids for the AC events soon to come. Just as I have had to take baby steps in learning how to implement the new spiritual weapons of the New Word, with more prayer, praise, feeding on the Word, loving Jesus and prophecy, He has shown me how to simply employ all these right along with my kids. That's my responsibility to them, and the greatest influence I can be.
Even though I have been somewhat of a "slow bloomer" in some of these areas, I have found my younger kids readily go for it! At nap time I have taken time with them individually to hear from the Lord for their personal situations. They are eager and excited to participate and ask the Lord their questions. We've asked the Lord about their witnessing plans, what kind of pet to get and for encouragement. They're new bottles, super enjoy it and look forward to more.
I love how prophecy uses all the new ways of praise, claiming verses in prayer, and listening to His whispers. Maybe this is obvious to others, but I've been very encouraged to see and learn that simply following the new ways with my kids is the best Endtime prep -- for us all!
-- Sharon, Family Care
since the Charter ...
In the two years since the Charter, Shiloh and I have been able to do much more witnessing, including a three- month "Shove-Off" witnessing adventure in Russia. We're now working on returning to Russia, and five young people and another adult in our Home are also preparing to go to other fields.
Since the Charter, one of our main means of outreach has been postering, and the Lord has helped us to be a North American "shiner" Home on a number of occasions, and the worldwide poster shiners in September '96! Thank You Jesus!
-- Phil (of Shiloh), USA
When the Charter came out I was scared at first, because I thought no one would want to work with me, as I had been a shepherd for years and I was sure I had hurt a number of people. However, as time has gone by, I feel happier, freer and more certain than ever that the Charter is right!
Now I go witnessing because I want to, not because I have to. I have more fun with my children and teens. I read the Word because I know that I desperately need it, not because it's "Word time." I love my brethren more now because I deeply appreciate their commitment to the Lord; because they have chosen this way of life of their own free will!
-- Michael Jubilance, Finland
I feel we are much better off now, after the Charter, than before. Although we have our difficulties and setbacks, the Lord has done many big and small miracles for us this past year, fulfilling His promises, and making our Home a happy Home.
I think one thing I miss from the pre-Charter days is fellowship. I miss friends who left for other fields and I miss meeting new people and knowing what's happening in other Homes and fields. I guess that's the price we have to pay for having smaller Homes and scattering into many more cities and countries. But it's a blessing to have the Grapevine now, as it helps to fill this gap. -- And it certainly was an enormous blessing to see the Summit videos!
All this to say that I'm very thankful for the changes that have occurred in the Family, and though we go through some growing pains, where I live, at least, things seem to be going better than before.
-- Polish Faithy, Poland
Learning to live in smaller Homes has been a blessing, but we are also faced with new problems constantly. On the overall, though, being a smaller team has made things easier for us.
The schedule is very adaptable and can easily be changed at a moment's notice. We still have a lot to learn, but we're thankful that we don't have to learn our lessons in the midst of trying to raise support on a daily basis. The effect of not having to struggle so much with daily needs, money or food, has had a good effect on everybody. There is less talk of money around the Home; everyone has their needs met; witnessing teams don't need a pep talk to get out and raise funds, but can go at their own pace. Everyone is inspired about this change. We have seen the Lord bring in more funds than we expected, and our food standard has gone up too! Of course, we are having to do a lot of work, but we're glad to do it.
-- Jonas and Trust, Japan
Since the Charter has come into effect we have seen the Lord do marvelous things on our field and for our Home. We have learned needed lessons on unity, yieldedness and desperation. Through our various trials and the daily ups and downs of our communal life of faith, we've had to stay close to the Lord and His Word.
The Enemy has attacked us through sensitivity in receiving things from each other, criticism and negative thinking, etc. But when we attacked these machinations of the Devil head-on with honest and loving communication, the Word and united prayer, the Enemy has fled and we have become stronger and more tight-knit as a result. We've realized the importance of going to our brother or sister immediately if we have hurt or offended them, or if there is something building up between us.
-- Service Home, Indonesia
Since the Charter I feel that things are going better than ever, in that everyone has to take responsibility for their own actions and operate according to their own faith. Even if people are going through trials or having difficulties, this does not always mean that things are going wrong. We usually learn the most from our battles and hard times, and it makes us stronger for what lies ahead.
I find myself busier now than ever, with many things to attend to, new ministries, as well as getting ready to have my 3rd baby. There's a tendency to let the Word get crowded out and to think that it's a luxury to be able to sit down during "work period" to have some Word time if you've missed yours for the day, or for the last three days! But I have found that when I do stop to pray and read something, the Lord gives me tremendous peace and grace for the battles and tests of the day, and makes the work take care of itself!
I believe that everything depends on individuals' decisions and choices, and how much emphasis we put on following the Word closely in our lives. We need to strive to live it, let it change us and work in us, and ask for prayer to be able to live it and put it into practice!
-- female (24), Brazil
Do you have any comments on how things have changed -- for better or worse -- since the Charter? Write 'em up and send 'em in!
feedback
To all our wonderful Family singers, composers, musicians and studio technicians, from a 46-year-old FTT addict, who's Plugged In and Stirred Up, with a Hot not Cold Heart that's Aflame and Flying High -- THANKS FOR THE FANTASTIC TAPES!!!
P.S..: I'm Boldly 'n' Bravely Breaking Down the Walls, because we're In It Together. -- Tito, Europe
Thanks, Vas, for giving us some alternative relief. "Fifth Dimension" is the coolest yet! We're hoping for more in the near future. Two thumbs up to your style. You and alternative go hand in hand. -- But it's only Jesus, right? Thanks to all the studios for the FTTs. Your efforts are really appreciated. -- Canadian Team in Hungary
Desiring You added spice to life. -- Not only as a tape to help me love the Lord more, but it also added a touch of vocal variety. It's nice to know that not only are our younger folks getting great music, but our over 25-year-old musical pros of times past are still around and being musically vocal and rhythmic, contributing to this as well as the FTTs. Your music, too, can be classified as "heavy, man" (modern translation: mega-awesome). It's great that you haven't given up in your attempt to create music for this new day.
-- Sam (28), Europe
I think the FTTs are real cool! I am real inspired to see that the Family is able to put out such neat and on-fire music that turns even the most picky folks on! You are doing a great job! I love the new Desiring You tape. It's beautiful and one of my favorites.
On another note, sometimes we have dance nights and it's kinda' funny sometimes to dance to the Loving Jesus tapes for a "romance night" sort of a deal, so I wanted to put out a feeler to have more of this type of Family music, so we don't have to look around for System music for occasions like this.
-- Thai Eastern Seaboard
You guys -- the DC Band --did a great job on Dropped Out -- it's so much fun! Simon Black, I just love your voice and songs, and look forward to hearing you sing more often. A big hand to all you musicians out there! You're wonderful!
-- Christy (SGA), Europe
Desiring You is tops! Definitely my favorite Family production so far! It inspires me to love others, to love Jesus, and is great to dance by or listen to at any time! The music gets better all the time, and I love those sexy and moving vocals on songs like "My Ecstasy" and "The King's Proposal".--Two thumbs up! And thanks, PAS, for "I Feel Your Lovin'!" -- Made me feel it too! -- SGA male, Earth
international want ad
Down in Durban under the African sun
Is a Heavenly Home trying to get the Lord's work done.
There's outreach, children's homes and a prison ministry,
Not to mention Africa's busy PPC.
With so few of us and so much to juggle,
We sometimes find ourselves in quite a muddle,
Are you a driver, personal witnesser? Want to work with needy kids?
Or maybe you just like to hit the road and get out the vids.
Well, if this description seems to fit you,
Then here's what you should get up and do:
Get out your pen and write today,
Do it now! We need you, don't delay!
Yo man! Durban's "in the house," awesome and cool,
Don't forget your swimsuit, 'cause we've got a pool,
Seriously tho', there are so many, many sheep,
And such a ripe harvest the Lord needs you to reap!
Lots of love,
Nat (47) and Esther (41), Ben (21) and Tirzah (20), Lena (19), Tim (18), John (17), Cheryl (17), Jenny (16), Heidi (13) and Amy (10).
Add: PO Box 238, Durban 4000, Rep. of South Africa
E-mail: franz@eastcoast.co.za.
(End of file.)
Copyright (c) 1998 by The Family