the grapevine
(Issue #38; March 1, 1998.)
kidbits
darling dumplings
Sergi, born to Luz Angela and Gabriel on November 26th.Spain
Angela, 1st child, born to Russian Katya and Victor on December 15th.Russia
Joshua Promise, 3rd child, born to Angela and James on December 20th.Ireland
Kevin Christopher Willem, born to Beth and John on December 28th.Belgium
Nicholas Lief, 7th child, born to Lise and Peter, on December 30th.USA
Evana, 1st child, born to Joan and Eman on January 2nd.USA
Perla, 2nd child, born to Hungarian Smile and Albanian Christian on January 2nd.Albania
Amaris Pearl, 6th child, born to Abe and Libby on January 5th.England
Baby (no name given) born to Faith and Paul on January 5th.Denmark
Kevin, 2nd child, born to Joy and Isaac on January 9th.Belgium
Yaroslav, 2nd child, born to Russian Eva Faith on January 9th.Russia
Rebecca, 9th child, born to Lily and Samuele on January 13th.Italy
Thomas, 7th child, born to Lily and Franz on January 23rd.Kenya
Pablo, 2nd child, born to Paula and Amos on January 25th.Brazil
Cedric, 1st child, born to Sara Sunshine (daughter of Matthew Canada) on January 25th.Brazil
tidbits
new laborers January, 1998
Christy (21, Russian) joined in Russia, in December.
Simona (23, Russian) joined in Russia, in December.
Gavin (South African) joined in South Africa.
Suzy Catacomber (25, Russian) joined in Russia.
Gabriel (37, Chilean) joined in Chile.
Sara (42, Brazilian) joined in Brazil with two children.
Virginia (32, Brazilian) joined in Brazil with one child.
David (32, Venezuelan) joined in Colombia.
support-a-missionary
17 catacombers in training! 70 visitors a week! Need Help! Harvest plenteous but the funds few! Sent help to: Vladivostok c/o: Francis P., via PACRO.
If you would like to support us in China, please send your gifts to Chris and Ruthie in China (PACRO), via your TRF. God bless you!
take note all Grapevine readers
(From the Grapevine girls:) We're sorry that we're going to have to skip the March 15th issue of the Grapevine, and will resume publishing with the April 1st issue. We'll miss getting the Grapevine to you, but don't quit sending in your contributions, as we'll pick right up where we left off, and resume our regular schedule! See you then!
thanking
--for your spirit story contributions
Tim (Spain), Jonathan A. (11, Thailand), Esther and Vicky (Russia), Ray Jolly (Japan), Marie (ASCRO), Peter Picture and Esther (Japan) and Claire (of Matthew, China).
backtracking
In Grapevine #37, the Members' Only web site password for the month of March was mistakenly labeled as being the password for February; it was, however, the correct password. Our apologies! Please find below both the March and April passwords.
on the net
Family Web stats report (January 1998)
from the WS Web team
1. Family Web stats:
a) 757 megabytes downloaded, about 24MB per day!
b) The Family site was visited 3,156 times, averaging out to 101 people per day!
c) 305 visits on the "Members Only" site!
2. Work completed and uploaded in January:
a) More songs completed and added to the Songbook section of the "Members Only" site!
b) "Our Founder" section of the main site has been completed! 50 new photos of Dad and Tribute redone.
3. Work in progress:
a) Short audio clips of songs from new FTTs, for the "Members Only" site!
b) New look for the Home page!
c) Lots to add to the Members Only site! Overflow pubs articles, END, WinePress, and more.
Members' Only web site
March UserID: March
March password: tables*window
APRIL UserID: April
April Password: street!ocean
think deep
Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while and leave their footprints in our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.
brotherhood
China
(From Jeff:) Taiwanese Rachel and I have now been traveling in China for the past five weeks. It has been a thrill to meet all the precious missionary families here! Each team is so unique and has wonderful stories to tell of sheep won, miracles of supply, open doors and new challenges, etc. We have also had a few fun witnessing adventuresone where we met a two-time Olympic Gold winner for China, who took us out for a Chinese dinner at a fancy restaurant! He is now a successful Chinese yuppie, but very hungry for the things of the Spirit!
This has been one of the most inspiring visitations I have ever been on! Usually in visitation, we come across problems with disunity, serious personnel problems, or lack of inspiration, but visiting here has been totally the opposite. Everyone we have met so far is very excited to be here, and loves the field and the opportunities that are before them. They wouldn't trade this experience for anything else! Many are making major efforts to learn the language, and it is encouraging to see the progress in this area.
The last time I visited China was in July '96 and at that time we had a small delegates meeting with about eight people. This time we had a delegates meeting with 30 people in attendance; almost all the teams now in China were represented by at least one delegate. There were also representatives from the Chinese Lit-Pic and the Taiwan Music Studio. We watched most of the videos from the Moscow meetings with Peter, and were able to hear from the Lord on some very important topics: how to find the balance in witnessing and security, how to inspire our junior teens and JETTs, and direction on what tools the Lord wants us to use here.
We are going to try to have regular meetings, especially in these early stages of pioneering this vast harvest field! Most teams are very isolated as they live on their own with just their own personal family, so Family fellowship is a wonderful treat and reward to them for all their labors of love.
studio news
DCS
(From the DC Studio team:) Now with the loving Jesus and praise songs completed, we've been able to move on to the new witnessing album we mentioned in Grapevine #33. We're about halfway done with the 11 songs this album will consist of. PTL! It's been exciting so far!
Vas has been touring for the last month and a half with the Heart to Heart concert tour in India, but before he took off, he recorded a few heavy/beautiful/heart-touching new songs for the album. Simon Black will make a guest appearance on this album, as he did on Dropped Out. We're looking forward to wrapping up this project in just a little bit, cover and all. Please keep this project in your prayers!
JAS
(From the JAS team:) Salutations from the world of music and musicians. With Christmas being long passed, it'll suffice to say that we had a great time performing two live band Christmas gigs for Family friends, sponsors and contacts. On our studio's completion list are three new tapes, FTT#12, In the House, and two new GP adult CDs, Famine for Love and Betting on Tomorrow.
Francesco is on an all-time high these last few months, producing at a record-breaking speed. Andrew V. finished two Techno dance songs ("Rhythm of Your Heart" and "Dance Some More") for an upcoming "all fast" dance tape, and has been helping IVM by redoing the audio for all the old TAs (for TV broadcasting).
We'll have to interject a short advert here for our Philly D. who's dying to produce FTT music, but is currently extremely occupied in his TA profession of audio sweetening. He does all the ADR, mood music and sound effects, basically every fragment of audio that you'll hear on a final production of a video [presently working on the EMV!!]. He produces a song every now and then in his spare time (when he gets spare time), and has found such a moment and produced a couple of dance songs for our upcoming dance tape.
Martin just finished an FTT song, "Take Me Now," (featuring Chris the vocalist and John saxing) after a long interruption period of shows and other such effects. John L., is currently working on five different songs, and diving into the world of live recording once more with two of them: "Big Change Coming" and "Love Constraineth Me," which he recorded at the Tokyo studio home. God bless Jerry, though busy with being father to his 12 kids here, he's also managed to get his productions in, and is currently working on five songs also.
The future of '98 promises to be an active span, with the prospect of producing many a new tape. We love you!
legal and media
International investigation
(From Esteban and Amor, Tenerife:) In a phone call we received from the commissioner we've recently been meeting with, he mentioned that he received some reports from INTERPOL about the Family, warning him that they are going to start a campaign against the Family on an international level. He said that this investigation from INTERPOL is serious as it's on an international level and that he pays more attention to this than other accusations.
In our later meeting with him, the commissioner talked about the French parliamentary report on cults, which had been given to him by INTERPOL. He warned again that there is going to be a big campaign against the Family in Europe. He said he didn't know for sure whether it was coming from INTERPOL or the ACM and media, but that a colleague coming from Brussels had told him this.
(From Mama and Peter:) Please pray against this possible INTERPOL investigation of the Family. When we asked the Lord about it, He said:
(Jesus speaking:) I am the Guardian of all My children. I am the loving hands that guard the flame of My anointed onesthose whom I have called and chosen to proclaim My message. I will not allow you to be harmed by any man. Even if all the forces of the world's intelligence pull themselves together a great and wise army, yet are they no match for the intuition and forewarning that I can give you through My Spirit. So you have no need to fear. Only watch, be prayerful and guard yourselves about with spirit helpers and the protection of My Spirit. You can do this by staying in My perfect will, and by loving and serving Me to the best of your ability. I will do the rest.
Many words these enemies of Mine do speak, and many of them are but hot air. Yet they do desire and attempt to stir up trouble indeed, and in time more will band together against you, My children. Yet even in that time, and now, will I keep and protect you as you look to Me. Take heed and listen to the whispers that fly on the breath of the wind, for I give you advance notice of the plans of your enemies, that you be not caught in their snares. Never fear, for I will protect you, My dear ones. Rest in Me, your powerful Guardian. (End of message from Jesus.)
Please also pray for protection for the Home in Tenerife, and that the latest accusations will not have negative repercussions for them or their children. Thankfully, some clips from our press release and positive articles have been printed in the media there.
Josue and Trust (in Spain) are also undergoing a media storm battle (not directly related to Tenerife), and a possible investigation. Please pray for their wisdom and protection, and that the allegations against them will come to nought.
pioneering
Taiwan
(From Chris [of Ruthie]:) To tell you the truth, when I made my first trip into China, I was a bit apprehensive because of all the stories I'd heard about China. The first experience of walking down a Chinese city street was new and excitingthe open-fronted shops with their intriguing Chinese signs; the itinerant food peddlers and street barbers, each with their distinctive cries; the powerful smell of trash mingling with the pungent odors of strange spices and greasy stalls; the dense crowds of poor and well-off people, mini-skirted young women and countless bicycles lost in the traffic. All this formed an indelible first impression.
When I arrived, I was surprised at how easy it is for foreigners to enter the country. After a relaxing ferry trip, the customs officers truly make it easy for you. Let's say that you came without a visa. Well, they will give you 30 days from the start without any question. You don't have a photo? Never mind, they have a Polaroid right there. The cost: $20. Pretty good start for a road trip.
Staying at the Family Home was a tremendous blessing. I was able to observe life in China from an outsider's point of view, and profit from their experience. The Word, prayer and hearing from the Lord for every little thing was greatly emphasized and the spirit was one of great unity and commitment to the field. The Lord was obviously working and bringing in the sheep to minister to. The children were happy and have found fulfillment in going to a Chinese school where they have made outstanding progress in learning the language. They miss their former friends and field, but they are aware that being in China costs something and they're bearing their cross daily like brave little soldiers.
One of the highlights of the trip was visiting my friend stationed in the cold northeast. For three years, he has been preparing the way by his sample of dedication and willingness to do God's will at any cost. It is truly a sight to see how the staff at the Chinese hotel where he is the manager loves and are loyal to him. All the waitresses are eager to give him their morning kiss and hug, which is quite outstanding for Chinese who are somewhat conservative in their relations with foreigners. Y. has truly passed on the Lord's Spirit to the staff, and he has become their confidant.
S., a Christian stewardess, has grown especially close to him and often asks questions about the Lord and the Bible. Y. gave her a Bible for her grandmother, which I brought with me. S. jumped for joy at the sight of it, as the last Bible that her grandmother possessed was from the year 1900. To understand why the Word is so treasured in China, you have to realize that in some areas, 100 Christians have three Bibles to share between themselvessometimes less. It's still common for Christians to copy the Word by hand daily.
I was constantly in demand. All kinds of people would boldly approach me to practice their English, or just out of curiosity. Chinese are great onlookers, and it took me a few days to accept having three or four people listening to my conversations or plainly interrupting. One day I was sitting on the bench near a university, when a bouncy young student sat down next to me and introduced herself. She let me know that she would like to stay with me for the day and insisted on being my guide and translator. I was visiting a few schools that afternoon and I didn't know how other Chinese would interpret this foreigner's friend. Anyway, she was faithful to her promise and stuck with me for many hours. She finally received the Lord and we promised to keep in touch. I left her my English Bible, for which she was extremely thankful.
Truly, the sheep are looking for the Shepherd in China, and I haven't seen such spiritual hunger in a long time. I met many other Chinese Christians, and they all understand the privilege and the cost of being one of God's children. They understand persecution and suffering for the Lord very well; it is the hallmark of their faith. However, they have had very little teaching on the practical application of the Bible in daily living, family relationships, finances, marriage, discipline and relations with children.
If you feel the call of China but are not sure, just go there for a visit and you will quickly find out. You will be following in the path of the other missionaries of the past several hundred years who have sacrificed their lives in order that the good news might be shared with the Chinese people. Since then the Lord has opened a wide door for us to move to China. If you would like to support us, please see our ad in "support-a-missionary" in this Grapevine.
Cameroon
(From the Cameroon team:) This month the Lord helped us to lead three more young men from the prison to the Lord. One of them, Souris ("Mouse"), is a street boy who came to Juan when he was sharing some Word with a few other boys. Souris started attacking Juan verbally about the things he was saying. After some simple witnessing about the reality of the Lord's love for each of us, he accepted the challenge to "pray right here and now, and find out for yourself!" Now he is always eager to have more input from the Bible. He does not know how to read well, so he likes it when we read and explain things to him in simple terms.
The Lord did a special miracle for F. (one of the boys at the prison who is saved). He was going through an especially trying time and he "blew his top," fighting with some of the other boys and officers around him. His punishment was 25 days in the dungeon. Juan went to see him and also some other Liberian boys from the man's common section (known as "the jungle" within the prison grounds) who he witnesses to. The sight of this special cell was quite foreboding. It is a roomnot very bigwith 30 people. The heat is unbearable, there's only a pot for a toilet, no means to wash up, hardly any food, and ongoing beatings.
F. was going through it because he realized how he had really blown it, and was now having to pay for it. The Liberians were in a worse predicament. They had been there for four days and were getting beaten up all the time by the dungeon's "chief" because they didn't have any money to give him. One of them had bad malaria and none of them were allowed to sleep lying down, or hardly ever sit down, as there wasn't enough room for everyone and they were foreigners.
Juan left some money with a couple of trustworthy folks to help the boys in that cell, and had a word with the "chief," humbly pleading to stop beating the Liberians, and giving him a bit of money for them. It took quite a while for us to shake off the looks of utter despair that we could see on the faces of these boys as they peered through the few cracks between the bars of the tiny window at the top of the door (their only source of air, by the way!). We really prayed for them and asked the Lord to do a miracle.
As it turned out, the next day the Minister for Social Affairs was visiting the prison and they had some entertainment. F. is a member of the prison's soccer team, so was relieved of his punishment to play. Once out, he stayed out! The Liberians were also released shortly thereafter. We truly thanked the Lord for this miracle, and F. is now much more broken and humble than before. Many people here are in prison for a very long time before they are even brought to trial. F. has been in jail for 10 months waiting for a court date. Please pray for him and the others, who are so desperate to get out!
find-a-friend
Fay Fisher wants to contact Paul and Angela S., and others she's lost contact with. E-mail: family_ivs@ibm.net
Joy (of Ben and Mary), Daddy James would like to hear from you. Esther Newlifeyou recently sent us a giftplease write. Michael and Lisa (formerly Frank and Pandita), please contact us.James and Joanie. Add: P.O. Box 5027, GPO, Bangalore-560001, India
Felicia Michelle wants to contact Katrina (formerly Leah), last in Brazil. Also Becky (of Andreas and Kitty, Italy). E-mail: KenLara@online.ru. Add: 630058 Russia, Novosibirsk A/R58.
Rafael (of Juan and Maggie) would like to contact Michael (of Arnie and Acqua). E-mail: juan.carol@camnet.cm. Add: J.Carol, BP 8370, Yaound-Cameroun (Africa).
Heidi (of Esther) would like to contact Natalie (of Simon and Renee). Add: P.O. Box 238 Durban 4000 South Africa. E-mail: <franz@eastcoast.co.za>.
Chris YA (English) would like to hear from David and Joanna, and also Douglas (Hungarian). E-mail: mersun@ibn.net.
Rosa (of Nehamiah and Sara) would like to contact Kate (of Santiago and Lydia). E-mail: PuppetTeam@aol.com. Add: A.P 16 Celaya Gto., Mexico C.P. 3800.
Cheryl (of Summer) would like to contact Maria and Leilani (of Lance and Davida). Add: P.O. Box 238 Durban 4000 South Africa. E-mail: <franz@eastcoast.co.za>.
Martin LeBlanc, please write Beth Fountain urgently! Add: Cx. Postal 799, cep. 85851-970, Foz do Iguau, Brazil. E-mail: wfh@fnn.net Attn: Christina M.
babymania
by Jaz
Developmental Dilemmas
My baby son Robby is learning to crawl now, and is very active. He doesn't like to stay in the same place for long, so we try to expose him to new experiences; for example, watching mommy doing laundry or household work, etc. After six months of only breastfeeding, he now is eating some solid foods like apples, bananas, whole-wheat bread.
But I'm a little bit concerned about whether he is developing properly. He's my first child, and in my country there are certain standards, like the baby should be sitting alone at six months, etc.From Matthew and Mary, Hungary
(Jaz:) Robby sounds like he is an active, happy baby! TYJ! An important thing to remember is that every baby develops at their own speed, and it's not a good idea to compare between them. For example, here in our Home, Olivia and Trevor were both walking before their first birthday, and they did not crawl much. Kimberly was an active crawler, but she is only walking now, at 14 months. On the other hand, Kimby started talking (at least understandable syllables) at seven months, whereas Olivia didn't start saying words until she was over a year old. Each little person has their own specific schedule, mapped out Above.We've just got to acknowledge that He has the reins and trust that He knows what He's doing!
Here are some excerpts from an article on the subject.
Most new parents are subject to some rather intense emotions about any developmental disparity they findor think they findbetween their own children and the neighbors' kids. Babies represent a powerful blend of enormous hope and profound uncertainty. When we're not looking for a sign that we have a budding genius or a star athlete on our hands, we're coping with the overwhelming fear that something may be seriously wrong with our child. Thus, parents may spend the first year of their child's life focused on every milestone as a key indicator of their baby's health and developmentand will be deeply concerned whenever another baby seems to outpace theirs.
"As much as I try not to get pulled into comparing my children to other kids, it can be so hard not to," says Laura, mother of two. "It's especially hard since my sister's little boy is only two months younger than mine. Even though we're close, we've always been a little competitive, and sometimes I see that sibling rivalry creeping into our discussions about our children. I constantly remind myself that child development is not a race to see who arrives first at the milestones along the way."
Experts agree that constant comparisons are counterproductive, as well as anxiety-producing.
"It's inappropriate to compare one baby with another. Babies should be compared with themselves," says William Sears, M.D., a pediatrician, Baby Talk magazine adviser and author of several baby and childcare books. "Individual progression is more important than the specific timing of developmental milestones," Dr. Sears says. "When a parent is worried that her baby is not sitting up or crawling or walking, I advise her to closely observe the baby and note any change or progression toward a given milestone. If no progress has been made over the course of three months, then there is cause for concern.
"I think the motor development of a baby is more a reflection of her temperament than of anything to do with intelligence. You have very active babies with very persistent, strong-willed temperaments. These tend to be the very early walkers and crawlers because they can't wait to go places. But you have your rather laid-back babies, who are more content to lie or sit there and enjoy what they see instead of what they can get their hands on. Those babies will probably walk and crawl a little later. Both are normal."
Parents shouldn't prod their baby toward early attainment of a particular milestone or feel they must engage in developmental exercises with him. "Instead," Dr. Sears says, "parents should think of themselves as facilitators. By playing with their baby often and providing enticing toys, parents can create an optimal environment in which the baby will develop to his fullest potential."
(Excerpts of an article by Lisa Spooner Wahlgren, Baby Talk magazine.)
gaining givers
Last month we only had $20 extra, so we sent it to Nigeria. This month we had about 50 times that and are able to get our computer and printer fixed. We've waited for so long for a new printer and computer upgrade. We'll also be able to send more to Nigeria, PTL!
Reuel, Perla and Elias, USA
We used to help some brethren on a mission field, but now they are here preparing to go to another field, raising support, and they're giving us 50% of their income. We also took in an SGA who is about to give birth, thinking that we were going to be helping her, but it turns out that she is helping us in witnessing with our young people with innovative methods, and is being a real good sample to them. You never lose by giving!
Martin, Ester and Daniel Newman, Brazil
mama's mailbox
Dear Mama and Peter,
I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the encouragement and prophecy you sent me. The prophecy [from Paulo, her mate who just passed on after a serious bicycle accident, see Prayer List #50 is really amazing. So many things are just like Paulo, the kind of things he says, certain expressions like "physically speaking," "earthlings," "the things we didn't really get," even the mention of his little "speech." He'd always say that whenever he'd share lessons with Family peoplehe'd say "my sermon" or "my speech."
Also his mention of Dad, as Paulo loved and admired Dad greatly. Also, the mention of the older girls taking it harder, which they did; I guess because they're more aware of what it means to not have Daddy around in the flesh anymore. It must be all the prayers for us that we've been pretty much in the victory about this. Also amazing is the mention of Raquel (7), because of all my younger kids she's the one who comes and tells me she really misses him and feels sad that he won't be around anymore.
Something that I really liked is the part: "He [Jesus] sees and understands the intents of the heart, and He goes straight to the heart for His information. Now I [Paulo] get to be like that too. I get to really understand and I think that's going to be part of my job in helping the Family." This part "now I get to be like that too" was really amazing because Paulo was always a bit intolerant of others, although he really wanted to learn to be more understanding, and this shows that he's learning that.
It was so encouraging to hear from him, as at first it was very difficult for me to say yes to the Lord about letting him go, and the Lord only took him when I said yes. I just couldn't figure out how I was going to live without him, as I depended on him a lot and I really loved him. Even though we had our arguments, the Lord was helping us to get along better and in this last year we had made quite a bit of progress. The day before the accident we spent some beautiful time talking together; it made us feel so good and I was really happy that the Lord was giving us a breakthrough to victory in our relationship. But we still had a ways to go, therefore I had a real battle with condemnation when the Lord made it obvious that He was going to take Paulo. I felt so sorry that I hadn't loved him more, as he needed and wanted so much. My consolation was to know that in Heaven he'll always be deeply loved and that he'll be in the Lord's arms forever and will never doubt His love again.
To me, the biggest lesson in all of this is "love your brother while he's still around." When I compare all his faults to not having him around at all, his faults dwindle down to where I can hardly see them. My eyes were opened to the full realization, I believe, that the greatest purpose in living is to love the Lord and others; love is truly the only thing that counts. So, by the grace of God, loving others to the best of my ability will be my goal for the rest of my life.
My dear sweet Mama and Peter, I love you and always will. I'll be forever grateful for the precious Words of the Lord you feed us so faithfully.
Julia, Brazil
"Just Go!In '98!"
An Overseas Missions program for teens
USA
(From Ado and Kanah:) In 1997, in the Western USA, Kanah and I helped organize a total of 19 activity road trips for teens and JETTs. A combined total of over 350 teens and JETTs participated in these trips throughout the year. These included road trips into Mexico, a computer seminar, a horse-care camp, a witnessing camp on the streets of San Francisco (Haight-Ashbury), a Family History excursion to Monterey and Carmel, California (they located Grandpa's high school photo in the Monterey High yearbook), plus hiking and camping trips to the Grand Canyon and Yosemite National Parks, bicycling trips on islands in Vancouver, Canada, and Washington State, and a climb to 10,200 ft. up Mt. Rainier. Each activity was special in its own way, with many positive comments received from JETTs and teens, as well as parents.
For the new year, the Lord has led us to organize an overseas missions program for teens entitled "Just Go!In '98!" The general idea of this program, which is open to young teens in North America, is to take a group of eight teens to far-flung mission fields for 30 days to give them a taste of the missionary life in a foreign country. We have met many teens who have expressed their desire to go overseas, but don't know which country to go to or if they'd fit in when they got there, and so were hesitant to go. This program gives teens an opportunity to see the field firsthand, meet other Family members and get a taste of the missionary life.
Our first team leaves for India at the end of February with an aggressive itinerary plannedto travel nearly 4,500 miles throughout India and visit a number of Family Homes in five major cities. These trips will also be educational, as each participating teen is required to keep a travel journal which will include: (1) a daily log; (2) a chart of witnessing stats; (3) a chart of travel destinations, listing the modes of transportation, kms and miles traveled; (4) a reading list of pubs on India from the CVC; (5) brief essays written about the government, religion, language and culture; (6) a comparative study of the costs of basic items there compared to the US, daily wages, exchange rates, etc.; (7) a photo log of places visited to document their travels; (8) and of course, a memory project for the whole trip. Most of the material in their travel journal will qualify for credits in courses from the CVC.
Other countries that have been chosen as possible destinations for the "Just Go!In '98!" program are Nepal, Russia and China. There are so many teens that really want to go to far-flung mission fields. Most are just waiting for a way to go, someone to go with, or someone to help them launch out. How can you help get our teens to the mission field?
movie ratings
Movies Rated for Adults and YAs Only
WINGS OF THE DOVE, THE (1997)
Helena Bonham Carter, Linus Roache
Drama/character study about a young couple rich in love but poor in money who see a way that they can "have it all." Not an uplifting movie, but has many interesting points for discussion on living the true Law of Love vs. selfishness. See prophecy on this movie.
Movies Rated for Junior Teens and Up
GREAT EXPECTATIONS (1998)
Ethan Hawke, Gwyneth Paltrow, Anne Bancroft
Contemporary adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic. Love story/character study about a young man who gets a chance at his dreamsincluding his all-consuming love for his childhood sweetheartthrough the help of a mysterious benefactor. Somewhat off-beat and artsy; interesting portrayal of the effects of bitterness.
Movies Rated for JETTs and Up
OUT TO SEA (1997)
Walter Matthau, Jack Lemmon
Comedy about two old men who sign up as dance hosts on a cruise ship, hoping to meet prospective wives. The dialogue between the main characters is more positive than the "Grumpy Old Men" movies. Entertainment only.
Movies Rated for OCs and Up
BORROWED HEARTS (1997)
Roma Downey
Sweet drama about a struggling single mother who is asked to pose as her boss' wife to help him close a business deal. Some of the relationship and separation issues may need to be discussed with young viewers.
Non-Recommended Movies
SPAWN (Martin Sheen, D.B. Sweeney; 1997)
movie reviews
The Wings of the Dove
(Jesus speaking:) Love, pure love, is a many-splendored thing. But when fraught with selfishness and fear, it can ruin and harm more than it can help. This movie has good lessons on keeping your motives and your heart pure, yet they are lessons learned the hard way. It shows how without Me, even the best of intentions can come to naught. It sends a clear signal of how important it is that you spend time with the Master in order to get the Master's power to love.
It is a true-to-life story, and not all such stories are the happiest or the most inspiringbut the lessons that can be gleaned out of such real life circumstances can prove valuable to many. This movie is not for everyone, and if watched in a light-hearted or casual spirit it could disturb some, while if watched prayerfully in a discerning manner, it could help and teach valuable lessons.
This dear girl tried to share in love. Even though her original motive might have been tainted with selfishness, she truly did love her friend. But then again, here is where the best of intentions are nothing without My Spirit and My love and My power. She couldn't do it in her own strengthotherwise it could have been a great victory, and a beautiful experience for all. Those who watch this movie must see that living in love and sharing in love is not something that you can try to work up or do in your own strengthit's just being a channel, a little duct that My pure waters of love can flow through to touch some needy soul. (End of message from Jesus.)
Discover Africa! Part II
Excerpts of logs from Aaron and Joshua (YA), Lagos Home
Guinea
[Capital: Conakry. Population: 7 million. Official language: French (there are also eight national languages). Eighty-five percent of the population is Muslim. Guinea is one of the wettest countries in West Africa. Money US$1=1050 Guinea Franc.]
Guinea is a large country with many cities to pioneer. An American Peace Corps worker told us northern Guinea is beautiful, with mountains, plateaus and waterfalls for the nature lovers, and cooler weather.
Conakry is a sprawling suburban city, much like a north African city. It is surrounded by the ocean on two sides and has very beautiful coastal scenery. The standard of buildings varies. You can have a very nice house, then right next to it have a rundown building.
We landed in Guinea in the late afternoon with no contacts and very little knowledge of what to expect. Someone gave us a lift to the Novotel, one of the nicest hotels in town, where they put us up for five nights. The Managing Director, who was a French man, was a jewel. It seems like all the sweetest French people have moved from France and are now living in Africa, ha! Each one we've met seems so broken and receptive, really caring for the people of these nations.
Guinea is predominantly Muslim, but from our witnessing in Conakry we found the Muslims here to be very relaxed about their Islamic values and very open to us talking about God, Heaven, and Jesus. They were always very thankful for our prayers and tracts. We provisioned two free tickets on Air Guinea, and it seems that all kinds of witnessing and provisioning is wide open. The Guineans are a very receptive people. For this field you will need a French speaker on your team.
Cost of Living: You'll pay rent of $500 or more a month outside the main part of the city; inside the city rents are $700 and up. Electricity works (a real plus), but is very expensive. But all of these prices are subject to provisioning the prices down. Foods are average priced. Fuel here is a bit high for Africa, at 70 cents a liter. E-mail is available, and communications are very good.
Visas: Visas cost about $50. Once in the country, you'll find the immigration people to be sweet, but at the border they can be a bit tough. It seems that long-term visas are not an easy thing to obtain. When we were there we checked out getting registered as a charity or nonprofit organization, as that would make acquiring visas easier. It seems like registering is easier in Guinea than in most countries, and teams going there might want to pray about that as a possibility.
Things to watch out for:
Guinea has received much communist input in the past, and you can sometimes see it when dealing with people. We found some people to be very suspicious of us, and any teams would need to be prayerful with these types of people, who could cause unnecessary trouble.
Family Home Potential: Guinea has great potential for a Family Home. Be prepared to have a bit more money when landing in Guinea. Teams would want to send a scouting team to find accommodations. (We have a very good hotel contact for a scouting team to stay at.) Guineans are the Latins of Africa in music and culture. You love them and they'll love you!
Gambia
[Capital: Banjul. Population: 1 million. English is the official language; people also speak Wolof. Money: US$1=10 dalasi.]
Our entry into Gambia was very smooth and easy. Their new airport is now in operation and is very organized. Immigration was no problem at all; they just glanced at our passports, stamped us in and said, "Welcome to The Gambia!" To conserve on money, we decided to hitchhike into town from the airport. The first car that passed by (a Lebanese man) picked us up and drove us straight to the hotel.
Facts about the country: Gambia's main industry is tourism; it has the most tourism in West Africa. Money goes a long way in Banjul. It's a very small place, but very special. Gambia also has some of the nicest beaches in West Africa, with lots of tourists to witness to.
Eighty-five percent of Gambia's population are Muslim. Everyone we met was very receptive to our witness. All forms of personal witnessing and provisioning went well. Everyone speaks English.
Cost of Living: The price of living is very low. Food is fairly inexpensive, basically the same cost as food in America. Electricity is $150 a month.
Standard of living: Every type of food item is available, as well as western living essentials. Water should be boiled and filtered. The roads are pretty good. The phone service works well.
Family Home Potential: Banjul is ideal for a Home with children, as the people and the spirit of the place are very peaceful. There are plenty of open doors for CTP work. Tool distribution is a very big open door. All the tools would go great. You'd also have 5,000 tourists weekly from all over the world to witness to the year round.
Senegal surrounds Gambia, so teams could base in the cheap capital Banjul and reach out to parts of Senegal. One of the airline companies bases out of Banjul, which would be a route for road teams to Mali (Burmako). We've met the high-ranking officials of this company and they were very sweet and helpful and would probably help the Family travel on their routes.
Gambia seems like it would be super for a team looking to make a long-term investment into reaching the top and being able to invest in them and their country, as well as reaching out to Senegal, Mali and Guinea-Bissau.
Senegal
[Capital: Dakar. Population: 7.7 million. French is the official language, but most people also speak Wolof. Dakar is one of the cooler, breezier spots in West Africa. Money: US$1=CFA 540.]
Wow!An African paradise! We came to Senegal overland from Banjul. The moment we got out of the bush taxi in Dakar, we stuck out our thumb and a new car pulled over and took us to one of the best hotels in town; they immediately opened the door for our stay. We met one precious person after another.
Dakar is a bustling modern city mixed with a bit of a North African atmosphere. Eighty-five percent of the people are Muslim. For those interested in nature and scenery, you'll be happy to know Senegal has some great game reserves and beaches.
Standard of Living: Every item is available in Dakar; the prices are a bit cheaper than Europe. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment is $600 a month; more if it is located in the city center. The electricity basically works all the time, and electricity bills are the same as living in Europe.
Other parts of Senegal outside of Dakar seem to be very backward and totally opposite of Dakar, although we haven't seen them all.
Things to watch out for: We would not advise walking around at night in Dakar, as there seemed to be a lot of petty thieves in the tourist areas of town.
Family Home Potential: Dakar is definitely one of the most potential cities in West Africa for families or SGA teams. The Family was in Dakar 20 years ago and did fantastic.A totally untouched country ready and willing to open her arms to you. (When we crossed the border from Gambia into Senegal, I heard cheers and spirit helpers saying, "We're so glad you came! We've been waiting for you for such a long time!") If the Lord shows you to go to this needy field, you won't be alone. There are plenty of Heavenly helpers waiting to assist you in Senegal.
We found it very easy to witness to the people we met. Provisioning was a real open door also. We were only there for a day and a half, as the time for our trip was running out. Senegal has incredible possibilities for Family members to reach these precious people; from Dakar a team could also reach out to Mali and Mauritania.
There are lots of opportunities for CTPs in Senegal. Tool distribution would go very well here. We did not have a chance to get out the tools, besides the posters, which people loved!
AfricaIs it for you?
(From your Africa pioneers:) When you hear about pioneering Africa, most Family members are not so keen on the idea, especially those with children. For the most part, Africa has the reputation of being a dangerous place with unstable governments, disease and crime, and also lacks some of the western conveniences (telephones and electricity that always work, clean water that you can drink, etc.). It is true that many African countries have these problems to certain degrees, and you should be prepared for them particularly if you have children, but most African countries make up for their problems with blessings that far outweigh their difficulties such as:
Very receptive people.
Wide-open door with provisioning totally untouched. If you enjoy provisioning, come to Africa!
Virgin fields that have never heard the words of David.
Tool distribution (you'll never have enough tools to get out, they go so fast!)
A totally open field, unquenchable. The more Word you get out, the more the people want it. Tools go like hotcakes.
The cost of living is lower than the rest of the world.
Many countries to choose from, and plenty of room.
Open doors for your children to play a major role in your witnessing.
People are thankful for your being in their country.
Some of the most needy CTP projects in the entire world are here.
House help (servants) are a blessing to free you to do even more on the field. (We have a cook, nanny, driver, and an all-around house help.)
Reaching the top is very easy to do.
Africa is incredible!Full of beautiful and wonderful places to enjoy with your family.
As for the inconveniences, most of us have been challenged by them to find solutions, even though we are based in one of the most difficult African fields, Nigeria. The Lord just has to do that much more!
Crime: If you looked at the statistics you'd find crime to be small compared to most western cities. Much of African crime happens in isolated parts of the city. Just as in any big cities around the world, there are sections that are better to stay out of at night, or you are asking for it. Well, the same is true for Africa. Crime is not on a rampage. However, as anywhere, you do need to stay prayerful.
Disease: It is true that there is malaria and some other diseases that go with this area of the world, but it does not stop thousands of Western businessmen from coming to Africa annually, or the hundreds of NGO workers that come to these shores, many bringing their families. You are more exposed to these illnesses than you would be in other countries, but the Lord can also protect you from them, or quickly heal you should you contract any.
Medical Facilities: This is a weaker area for most African nations, but the Ivory Coast and Senegal have Western standard hospitals. Every nation in Africa has top-notch expatriate doctors whose services can often easily be provisioned.
Unstable governments: Is a government ever that stable?Ha! In Africa there are a lot of changes in government. In case you need to flee in Africa, you can easily go from one country to another in an emergency situation. The embassies in these countries really take responsibility for their people and will evacuate you for free if things ever get that bad. If the Lord brings you here, He'll keep you safe.
Home support: Many Family members imagine that you must have home support to venture into Africa. It does help, but it is not a necessity, as the Lord can raise up different avenues in each country for support. The Lord is just waiting for the harvesters, and He'll take care of their supply lines. You can compare it to the world's embassies, where an embassy staffer coming to this part of the world is paid much more because the country is more difficult. The Lord seems to work the same way. The more difficult the field, the better He seems to take care of us.
Preparations: In praying and deciding to come to an African field, expect some troubles. Everyone who has come this way has had many obstacles that got in the way of their coming. For many it stopped them completely; for some it only delayed them. Our advice is to not look so much at the problems involved; refer back to what the Lord told you about going to Africa in the first place. That will help see you through.
Other tips: All West and Central African countries require yellow fever vaccination cards. This is a must, as otherwise you will find yourself or your children getting a shot upon arrival at your destination. Most books about the region say that you need cholera shots to enter these countries, but from our experience this is not asked about at borders. We were sure thankful we had our vaccination cards, though.
Dollars are best in most countries, but in the French-speaking countries French currency goes further. French banks are generally all represented in the French colonies, so transfers are easiest if you have an account at one of them in Europe.
Most hotels have airport buses which will take you for free to and from the airport to the hotel. They were a big help in coming to a country for the first timeone less thing to think about. Especially good if you have lots of stuff!
If you are coming to Africa there are some very good books that will inform you about other areas regarding your traveling in Africa. One such book that's always helped us is the Lonely Planet series.
There is a whole world waiting for someone to pioneer! Millions here to bring the words of David to! Who will go?
Tip of the day
A Fast Find-Next
In Word, when searching for a word or phrase with the "find" feature, you can search for the next occurrence of that word or phrase simply by pressing Shift-F4. That's simpler than having to bring up the "find" dialogue box each time, or having the dialog box on screen all the time blocking your view.
letters to the editor
In comparison
Dear female YA in India,
I read your article in the Mama's Mailbox column in Grapevine #35. It almost made me cry! I live in an area that has quite a few teens and YAs; it is a fairly easy field, comparatively speaking. But (like most young people), I also ocasionally battle with the trial of not having enough fellowship or enough guys, etc. But hearing about what you've gone through really made me count my blessings and thank the Lord for all the fellowship I do get. I'm also one of those people who needs someone to lean on or talk to, and I thrive on encouragement. I know what it's like to not have someone that you can really talk to. But it's so encouraging to know that there are teens and YAs who, despite hardships and extremely difficult conditions, are still sticking it out in the Family. Your sacrifice and dedication are a huge encouragement and sample to us all! Keep it up!
female (senior teen), South America
Commend the VS
I wanted to commend the VS that sent the "Your Typical Stereotype" article (see Grapevine #35). Being a national myself, I have heard and been the subject of many derogatory comments, made by not only foreign young people but adults as well. I grew up on the field and never thought it was strange that English wasn't my first language or that I couldn't speak it all that well, so it was quite hard when I went to a teen combo and was constantly put down because I didn't speak English so well and because I was born in Brazil.
If these teens have such low opinions about us nationals, then I don't even understand why they're here in the first place. I love the people of my country and it hurts to hear derogatory comments about "us natives," as we are sometimes called.
And as for freaking out on the blond haired, blue-eyed guys, hey, I'll take a moreno dark-haired, dark-eyed guy any time! I agree wholeheartedly that we need to see each other not as from this country or that country, but as the Brides of Christ. We're all the same in the Lord's eyes, and the color of our skin doesn't determine our place in His Kingdom.
female (YA), Brazil
Re: Part of the Rainbow
I agree with John (see "All part of the Rainbow," Grapevine #32) that it is important for us to keep working on "Bridging the Gap" between the CM/FM family.
Recently one of my teens shared that when she went from FM to CM, many people congratulated her for having the courage to come back to the Family (leaving her with the impression that not everyone accepts Fellow Members as a real part of the Family). She said that she was bewildered by this as she feels that she has never left the Family.
For us FMers, the main difference in our lives has been living as a single family, instead of communally. Other than that, our lives haven't changed much. We still make the Word, prayer and witnessing our main priorities. We are very thankful for all of the strengthening, feeding Word which envisions us to keep fighting for God and enables us to train our young ones in the way that they should go.
We are, of course, thrilled that as our teens come of age they are choosing a life of missionary service on foreign fields. (Even though we miss being with them, of course, as all parents do.) We are grateful to the CM Family who have opened their Homes and hearts to them and helped them to find places of service. GBT!
Let's remember that when teens make their transition from FM to CM, that they do so with the love and support of their FM families, and that after all, we are all members of the same great Family, no matter whether we are CM or FM. "So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another" (Rom.12:5).
Anne (of Tony), Australia
Re: The good things
I really admire the ones who write in letters or notes, honestly sharing their thanks or the good and loving things that have happened to them. The Grapevine is a great forum to share opinions and ideas, but I'm most touched by the sincere letters of the heart or reactions to others' letters or experiences in the Family. When I hear these encouraging things from others via these letters and comments, it makes me want to be more like His loving disciple too.
Phoenix, Thailand
Re: Sharon's testimony
The "Thinking of Leaving" Open Forum was very inspiring for me. I could really relate to Sharon's (of Gary) testimony, and I truly agree that it's worth it all to hold on! I was very encouraged to know that someone else went through it too, as I did!
Anna Joy, Tahiti
Mama jewels on gossip
to a young staff member
Through the first 23 years of my life, before I joined the Family, my parents were pastors of small evangelical churches. As such, they were constantly called upon to give spiritual counsel. In the course of listening to their flock, they learned all the problems and divisions amongst them, all the gossip, all the "infighting," heard the criticisms and all the sins of their parishioners. If the guilty one didn't confess it to them, you could be sure that someone else would. Well, people everywhere have problems; we have them in the Family, too, but I guess we should understand. But the point that I wanted to make was not how bad the church people are, but instead how my parents, while I was growing up, never repeated that gossip to us, nor talked in front of us about people's bitternesses toward each other nor their complaints against one another.
As much as I and my sisters would have loved to have been filled in on the latest "scandals," my parents were always very careful to shield us from anything that would taint our attitudes toward others or cause us to negatively label them or to become bitter against them. At the time I thought that wasn't fair of my parents to treat me like such a child, but in retrospect I am very thankful that they did. It's difficult enough for adults to handle negative input about people without letting it affect them, but for children and young people, if you're filled with all kinds of critical thoughts about people, it's even more difficult to obey the Lord's command to think on the good, the pure and the things of good report, and the things that are true, honest, just, and lovely. While we're dwelling on the negative we certainly can't be thinking anything very positive, and it often generates distrust, suspicion, criticism, disillusionment and discouragement.
So if you have to hear things about people that are not very pleasant, try not to share them with others, unless it's necessary to report it to your shepherd or your overseer as your duty to be your brothers' keeper. Why be guilty of passing on gossip, or indeed anything negative to the wrong people that will be hurtful to the folks about whom you're talking, as well as to those you're telling it to? It's certainly not something the Lord can bless you for. So whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
I'm wondering ...
Q: In the recent "Victory Review '97" (GN764) there is a list of new books which have been or are now being pubbed and worked on. In paragraph #44 there is a list of these new books. Our question is: What books can the FM Family expect to receive? In paragraph 43 it says that 10 of these books should be in our hands by now, but we have received only two of the mentioned books (From JesusWith Love #1, To JesusWith Love #2). Would it be possible to let us know which books we should expect to receive, and which ones are not for us? Thanks!John and Trusty, Japan
A: It's possible that in some areas the book shipments have been delayed, but you should be getting an order form soon from your SC. Here is the listing of books from the first printing (mentioned in the "Victory" GN) which are available to FMers to purchase:
Kidz TK 1
Kidz TK 2
Kiddy Cat Book
Junior Lifelines
Junior DB Vol.1
Hope TK
From Jesus--with Love #1
To Jesus--with Love #2
what's up?
Left untouched
Indonesia
(From Marie:) During our very fruitful and inspiring Christmas outreach season, most all the people we met were thrilled and receptiveChristians, Muslims and Buddhists alike. However, one day while going office-to-office we noticed that a brand new building had already been partly occupied so we thought we'd give it a try; we didn't realize, however, that it was part of a large complex that belonged to the Central Bank of Indonesia.
We were directed to the 21st floor, and though the floor was only partly occupied, the lady in charge called all the people on that floor to come and get tapes, videos and Christmas booklets. Then they enthusiastically led us up to the 23rd floor, straight to the head of the building. The head lady looked shocked and very upset, even after our low key intro. To the astonishment of the others, she sounded the buzzer to summon the security guard and instructed him to get us out of the building. The security guard was apologetic and smiling, and we left on a good note with him and the others.
That was Friday. On the following Tuesday, the front page of the newspaper had a picture of that same building, announcing the tragic news that the 23rd floor and up had been thoroughly burnt in a fire that resulted in 20 casualties and many more injured. The 21st floor wasn't touched!
Childcare initiation
Russia
(From Mary MOM:) (Editor's note: Mary had gone to Russia to hold a childcare seminar and spend some time helping and training our young Russian mothers.) Guess what? The morning after I arrived in Moscow I delivered a baby! Vicka (a sweet national) and I were the only ones Home; everyone was out provisioning, taking care of business, or in other cities. Anyway, Vicka greeted me with, "I think I'm in labor!" She waswith her first baby! She called her midwife, as she was going to have a home delivery, and the midwife told her to stay in touch with the timing of the contractions, and that she would get there as soon as she could.
For the next six hours I helped Vicka with her breathing. We couldn't call any of the other Homes because of security (we don't call direct between Homes since the new law went into effect), and I couldn't go to get any help because I didn't know where the other Homes were! (I thought for sure that someone would show up! Also, since it was her first baby, I thought we would have until into the night before the baby would come.) The midwife was busy with another delivery and didn't arrive until half an hour after the baby was born!
I was never so shocked as when I saw that baby coming out! Her labor only lasted seven hours!I sure did pray! It was born in the water bag, so I had to break that; then the cord was wrapped around the baby's neck, so the Lord showed me how to guide the cord over the head. Then I had to get the baby to breathe! I turned him upside down and rubbed his little back, and he was just fine! I later delivered the placenta and left the cord intact for the midwife to cut.
TTL, finally Jonathan (her husband) arrived while the baby was coming out, and then the midwife arrived! My initiation to the childcare needs of Russia! What an experience! It is the first baby I have ever actually delivered.
Peruvian first lady
Peru
(From Tito, Rosi and Maria Clara:) We sang for 700 orphan children in the government palace, with the first lady of the nation in attendance. All 700 children received Jesus.
And it snowed
India
(From Happy and Charity:) Joshua and Luke, deaf members of our Home, really wanted to go on the road. While praying about where they should go, we got a very specific prophecy that named the state and cities. We have other catacombers in those cities and we felt it would be a good time for Joshua and Luke to witness there, and also to pass on some of their training to these deaf catacombers.
The amazing thing was that at the time of prayer someone in the Home saw a hillside covered with snow, and two boys walking along postering. The city we had received in prophecy does get snow, but only in January. The boys left in high spirits and the Lord did a miracle to encourage them that they were in the right place. Guess what?It snowed! For the first time in 50 years there was snow on the first of December! It snowed the day they arrived. They came home inspired, with 1,100 posters out and 900 souls won!
It's worth it!
Italy
(From Philip:) One super cold, snowy day, I took time to hear from the Lord in prophecy. Even though it was late, it turned into a very inspiring, fruitful outreach day. It's been amazing to see how the prophecies I receive before going on outreach are fulfilled. It's so encouraging! I write out the prophecies in a little memorandum notepad I carry in my back pocket. Even though it takes a little time, it really works!
Big Apple soul doctors
USA
(From Gerson:) New York may be the home of cold-hearted stockbrokers, merciless lawyers, tough cops and foul-mouthed gangsta rappers, nevertheless, amongst the mayhem and confusion of the "Big Apple," two people are seeing to it that several "soul doctors" are sent to needy regions while at the same time taking care of their own. For over a year they have helped many "soul doctors" (a.k.a: Family missionaries) off to their destinations, mainly Russia. This winter six more will go.
As they wrapped up a very active Christmas season, five Russian returnees and one "stranger in a strange land" will soon to be going on to practice their profession in Thailand and Russia, thanks to Victor and Love. By providing room and board, they allowed us to raise the funds we needed.
God is a God of miracles, but sometimes these miracles happen in slow and regular ways. The NY motorists became the miracle by donating their change to our buckets. At several stoplights every day during December, people from many colors and nationalities gave willingly. All the way up to Christmas Eve we put in the hours through wind, rain or snow. Several supermarkets opened their doors for Victor and Love to balloon. Seventy turkeys donated by a local company were given to a shelter for the Christmas dinner. The Lord also provided the use of two cars. At home or abroad, being a "soul doctor" always makes Christmas a lot of work and good fun!
Tangible results
Venezuela
(From Emanuel:) Since we prayed to release our spirit helpers, the Lord has truly done miracles in our Home's witnessing and provisioning. Although we are still struggling to hear from Him step by step, and we are fighting against the Enemy, our old ways of doing things and the arm of the flesh, we are determined to listen to Him first in everything.
This month we were able to reach more supporters and key people. On the provisioning side, the Lord opened the following doors: a donation of 4,500 diapers monthly, which we use for the local Family, as well as CTP; six boxes of sanitary napkins monthly; 100 loaves of wholesome bread weekly (for Family Homes and CTP); 300 towels, which we shared with the Leper Center. We thank the Lord for all His blessings!
Getting out the message
USA
(From Charity, Claire, Julie and Phil:) One of our Home's major avenues for getting out the posters is through "street-lighting" or postering to cars while in traffic. Julie and Jonathan (YAs) gave a young couple in a car a "Lion, Dragon and Beast!" poster, and the husband eagerly gave a dollar donation for it. But before the light changed, the wife called Jonathan over and gave him a check for $15 and said, "We read a little of the poster you gave us. It's about what the book of Revelation talks about, right? Here, take this check and keep up the good work!" Others are recognizing us more and often give us bags of clothes on the spot. It's encouraging that people are taking notice and seeing how we are genuine, plus everyone who helps gets a poster! There's no mistake that we are missionaries and have a message to get across.
Never forget a sheep
Russia
(From Ela:) Six years ago the Family held a seminar in Moscow attended by people from all over Russia who had written in response to the posters distributed, many of whom came thousands of miles to meet us. Many had never met a Family member before, but had simply received a poster from a relative or friend, and decided to write in. Among these people was little Galya, then a 13-year-old girl, who received a poster and wrote in for more. She persuaded her mother to come with her all the way to Moscow from their village in Siberia to attend this one-week seminar. She loved the Word that was shared as well as witnessing with us. Her dream was to become like us: a missionary serving the Lord fulltime. I kept her address and we wrote each other through the years. She was also able to read most of the lit we have translated in Russian, which I sent her via mail. She and her mother also distributed thousands of posters in small towns and villages near where they lived, which the Family would ship to them on a regular basis.
Six years later, we passed close to her city on the way home from a road trip, but we didn't have enough money to actually go to her city to see her. Galya called us and said that her boss had given her a week off from work as well as plane tickets to come to see us.
It was amazing to see her after so many years, and now grown up. We had lots of time to talk, read the Word with her and explain more about our work. We saw Galya's love for the Lord and the Word had grown deep with time and she still wants to be a missionary. Right now she is studying economics and has a good job with an airline, but she would like to spend a month with us to work together more and pray about the possibility of serving the Lord fulltime. Seeing Galya was a reward. It encouraged us to keep writing the sheep we've once met, and reminded us to never underestimate the power of mail follow-up.
your views on issues
Young channels
Japan
(From Jo, 18:) I was greatly encouraged when my mom recently wrote to tell me how my 11-year-old brother, Sammy, had gotten a prophecy and it had come true. I remember thinking a couple of months ago how it would probably be even easier for younger children to hear from the Lord about specifics, as they are often blessed with more simplicity and faith. But, in a way, I doubted that children could be clear channels.
So this really encouraged my faith, and I want to say that I very much admire my brother for stepping out and sharing what he got from the Lordand of course my parents for encouraging him to do so. GBT! Let's try to encourage our younger brothers and sisters to use these new weapons that the Lord has been giving us. After all, "Out of the mouths of babes"! TYJ!
Unwanted contagion
Russia
(From Mercy, 24:) This is a plea to everyone: Please let's inform people passing through about contagious sicknesses that are in the Home. It's happened to me a few times that no one said anything about an illness, or proper safety measures weren't applied; consequently we got the diseases as well, when it could've been avoided. It would simply be loving for all Family members. Thank you!
Ugly mission field?
Brazil
(From an adult:) I wonder why sometimes the "American way" or how things are in the States is considered "nicer" or "cool" when Dad always preached the opposite in the Letters? Sometimes there is a spirit that Americans and perhaps other First World citizens are superior to the "natives." It's come to a point where some of the national young people feel inferior to the others if they don't speak perfect English, or if they are not aware of the latest from the States. Thank God they aren't!
It's funny, because you don't see many nationals getting bothered when foreigners come to our country and speak the language with a heavy accent or not perfectly correct, or if they are not totally aware of the national news or traditions. God bless most of our American and other brethren that come to the field; they become one, try to learn the language, appreciate the provisioned food, and don't complain about bad services or things that are disorganized, etc. If everything was as perfect as it is in a First World country, probably the people wouldn't be so sheepy!
Sometimes us nationals wonder what kind of missionaries some people are when they keep complaining or making fun about things on the mission field, come across as superior or imposing, and still have the attitude that we are supposed to feed them, supply contacts for all their needs, speak perfect English, etc. Please, if you are a foreigner on a mission field, be thankful and try to be appreciative of the country's hospitality. After all, missionaries come to serve.
And national children (anywhere in the world), you are not inferior at all. Don't feel pressured to act a certain way. Dad never wrote a Letter talking about the "Ugly South Americans" or the "Ugly Asians." Despite wrong influences that sometimes creep in, we are all Kingdomites and are a loving Family! It's pretty amazing that so many different people can live together, so let's fight these annoyances and keep the love strong!
Spiritual encounters
France
(From Joh [of Milcah]:) Sometimes when I pretended to be or do a certain thing, a spirit took control. I just read Mama's Memos #6, the section about "Imitating Homosexuals." I've never pretended to be a homo; I can't stand these female spirits. I've had too many encounters with the real ones, in their sickening oversexed drive for conquering new boys to add to their laid list, to ever want to pretend to be one. But a few times I've actually felt a spirit take control, to where I had to make a strong concerted effort to snap out of it, calling out to the Lord to help me.
I've always liked to do theatre and skits. I enjoyed acting out things like being crazy, drunk, etc., and could imitate it quite well. Sometimes before I received Jesus, to show off, I would playfully stumble around pretending I was a crazy schizophrenic. On one such occasion, suddenly I had no more control of my pretence, but felt carried away in itas if I was really in this state. After this, I became more careful about how much I got into it. However, I had to have a real scare before I realized how dangerously real the spirit world and its spirits are.
Simple and cheap
South Africa
(From Thaddeus, Esther and Katiuscia:) On a trip, we provisioned meals at different restaurants along the way, and in our four days, we heard a few not-so-favorable comments from the owners of some of these restaurants. It seems that many owners have been more than happy to help the Family on different occasions, but some have been offended that the teams have chosen some of the most expensive items on the menu.
We would suggest that when provisioning meals, to check with the person in charge exactly what they have the faith to supply your team with, or else go for the cheaper meals. Sometimes restaurant owners do want to spoil us, God's ambassadors, and will say, "Have whatever you like," or if you do order a cheap burger, they will say, "Don't you want this or that?" and then we can, in full faith, go ahead knowing that they don't mind. Otherwise it would be a good policy to take something simple and cheap. What do you think?
East vs. West
Nepal
(From Jesse, 19:) It has been a real blessing for me, coming from the US, to participate in singing and witnessing to sheep, during the shows we've done here for Christmas. In the West I hardly ever had the opportunity to do those things. Here I felt like I was accomplishing more to help others instead of just fundraising all Christmas season. It's been a whole new experience for me. It feels like the "olden days," with all these precious people who appreciate us so much, and so many of them getting saved.
Doing CTPs at Mother Theresa's Home and the Carpet Kids Home has been a nice experience, helping out and feeling useful. I feel like a mountain man here in the most mountainous country in the world, going out of the norm a little bit but enjoying the thrill of it. It's hard and a little tough, and there aren't so many commodities and comforts as in the West. Yet it's worth the small sacrifices we make! God bless the ones who have been here for so long. They have a beautiful work going here and I believe their fruits will be long-lasting.
grapes of thankfulness
My wife and I want to send a great big THANK YOU to Peter and Selah in Sweden. At the beginning of '98 we found ourselves in a difficult situation since we were "homeless," as far as living in a Family Home. They answered our desperate plea and helped us join their Home for a short time. God bless you for all that you do for His work.
Steven and Rose (Polish) with kids, Poland
Thanks to our dear provisioners, David and Heidi from the Warsaw Home, we got our most urgent needs met. The Lord used them mightily last year to bring a lot of supplies from Switzerland and Germany, which were a real blessing to our Home and to other Homes in the area. We are so thankful for your thoughtfulness and love.
Phillip, Kasia, Magda and Veronica, Poland
Recently we received a donation from another Home here in Russia in reply to our financial help/personnel wanted ad. Finances are not usually a copious entity here in Russia that you just pick up and give away. The amount they gave us wasto the centthe exact amount that we needed. We bequeath our many thanks to Lisa, Mila, and the rest of the Ufa team. Our gratitude is beyond words!
Eva, LJ, and Nina, Russia
We worked together briefly when they came to India, but it was the beginning of a wonderful, long-lasting friendship. We had good times, rough times, and interesting times. They left India. Our kids grew up. They became grandparents. Ten years later they still faithfully continue to support us with their gifts, prayers and friendship. David and Merryheart, thank you for your love.
Fruits of the new wine!
your assessment of recent pubs
From Jesus With Love is absolutely TERRIFIC! PRICELESS!! It's what I've always wanted to havea book with compiled encouraging words from Jesus. Every one is so amazing! Real feeding! God bless all those that worked on it!
Godfrey, USA
The From Jesus With Love booklet has become my companion. I've read it front to back and am on my second run. It speaks to me like I haven't experienced a publication doing so before. I know it's not the physical book, but the dynamic Words really are alive!
S. (SGA male), USA
During my W&R, I picked up the "Mining for Jewels in Africa" FSM to read in a rather nonchalant way, not expecting that it would have any sort of impact on my day. Once I started reading it I couldn't put the mag down! It was like eating popcornvery hard to stop once you start, ha!
Hopefully, without any preaching, these brethren's works should speak very loudly in the ears of those who may be choosing the path of Western comforts. Here we have young adults and YAs [FGAs too!] carrying the great responsibility of reaching an enormous country with a teeming population; the stats are astonishingfour out of ten blacks in the world are Nigerian!?
Congratulations to those brave pioneers who pictured their activities in Africa with as much enthusiasm and positiveness as probably it takes to perform the task. I have been on that road when pioneering Brazil, and know that all these victories come with the high cost of failure, disappointment and hardship.
Tiago, Thailand
Family of 12 pioneers Turkey!
Turkey
(From Jim and Lily:) After ten years in India and Pakistan, we set out to re-pioneer Turkey in post-Charter June of '95. (Two of our ten children were born in Turkey, in '79 and '80.) It was with great excitement, anticipationand at the same time trepidationthat we stepped out, wondering how we would be able to manage in a new field with such a large family and a new language to learn. Our family was joined by Sam and Ruth from Belgium, and several weeks later, Mark and Tab, who had worked with us in the subcontinent.
Moving into a much smaller Home where everybody needed to pitch in on outreach, childcare, provisioning, and just learning to be a holy hole has been a worthwhile experience for our large family. Our three eldest, John (21), Joy (19) and Tommy (18), were instrumental in pioneering a CTP ministry with the deaf in Istanbul, and that has been a major key to establishing the work here. Also the YAs and teens (some of whom joined our Home later) have helped in other CTPs as well, teaching English at a local orphanage and delivering food to them weekly.
With only nine FGAs in this country of over 60 million (and one, Lily, away 50% of the time over the last year and a half, helping with the Heart to Heart concerts) we have relied heavily on the help and support of the second generation. A few of the YAs might be moving on (as of writing this, John SGA is working at the Hungarian PPC), but we thank the Lord for the experience in working together the last two and a half years. Everyone is learning to give and take, and by God's grace and mercy, we continue to put Him and the larger Family first.
At present, there are three Homes in Turkey, with potential for several more Homes in Istanbul, (pop. 14 million) and other neighboring, western-oriented cities. If anyone has a burden for the fertile fields of Turkey, please write to us for more information via our e-mail address: rainbow@service.raksnet.com.tr or via ASCRO.
How God supplied for our move to the mission field!
India
(From Abner and Marie:) After closing our big Home in Europe, we settled for temporary housing with a small team. By faith and taking into consideration the schooling of our children, we decided to go witnessing half the day, and take care of schooling our children during the other half, while trying to raise funds to go to the mission field.
During the first months we were only able to set aside 1,000 francs. After three months of slow progress we got desperate and received one 1,000 and one 2,000 franc donation in the mail, PTL! After that it was going slow again for another three months, when the Lord showed us to concentrate on follow-up, as well as cut the child support money we were receiving, which was a further step of faith.
The Lord really began blessing us; we got our visas and a donation of 20,000 francs for CTP in India, a $5,000 donation, and some pledges for home support. We also provisioned a container to ship all our stuff, including furniture. Six weeks prior to our departure, Abner's father passed away, and through that we received an additional $8,000. The Lord came through! It was amazing and totally miraculous!
ws news
Feast Days
Along with the rest of you, we enjoyed the wonderful days of our Family feast. In the evenings we enjoyed the added treat of watching some inspiring home videos from you, our precious Family.
On February 18th, we all partook in "The Day of Renewal" as the team scheduled to lead our morning get-together brought the vision outlined in that GN to life before us. Enter David and Nicole, dressed in typical Mama and Peter attire, and Francis (as Michael the archangel), who acted out the entire scenario, while Darren, Gabe and Joseph Reader narrated.
Then little papers (cut in the shapes of clothing: pants, dresses, skirts, shirts, shoes and socks) were passed around to all, and we all took a moment to write down a list of our "extra apparel"the weights and sins that easily beset us. Once we had done so, all our "extra garments and accessories" were gathered together into a pile, and zapped! We then said the pledge of commitment together, arm in arm, and enjoyed a happy praise and love feast, while rocking out to the latest FTTIn the House!
Birthday celebration
Mama and Peter joined the staff for the Family birthday, and we all enjoyed a nice meal together and time of fun and fellowship, and some stories of former Family birthdays with Dad. After a time of testimony sharing and home-related chit-chat, Mama talked about ideas she had for future pubs and Peter showed the staff the updated GP Family web site. It was lots of fun to go through the revamped and beefed up section on Dad ("Our Founder") which now includes lots of photos as well as sound clips of Dad's Letters (with him speaking), which we enjoyed very much. We also got to look at the new Members' Only web site for the first time. We closed the evening by allowing Dad the opportunity to give a birthday message to all of us (in prophecy), and then enjoyed some delicious cake! Happy birthday, dear Family!
Book giveaway
In June of 1996, the giant WS book clearance sale was set in motion, and over the months of October and November, our SC folks around the world worked at preparing and sending off as many of the ordered books as were available. This project was quite an undertaking, but TTL, the giveaway has now been completed and all the books have either been sent to your Homes or are on the way. The grand total of books ordered and sent out was 160,000! It's been a big victory to get these out of storage and transferred to your Homes and hands, where they'll do the most good. In trimming our stocks, we've also been able to cut storage costs, and can now use these funds for other purposes.
Keana and Trevor
Keana (Techi) and Trevor have now returned to their Home, ending a wonderful six-month visit with all of us. We'll miss you, Keana and Trev!
Flying far flying cheap
If You're Ready, Set, and Flexible, Try Low-Cost Air Flights
The Christian Science Monitor; January 28, 1998
BOSTON Flying to Mexico from the East Coast for less money than a bus trip across the country isn't possible, right? Well Carlos Albuquerque does exactly that four times a year.
Mr. Albuquerque, a student and scuba diver who dives regularly off Cozumel, Mexico, has found a more consistent source of discount airfares than typical airlines offer.
Dubbed "space available" or "stand-by" travel, it's an option offered by two travel agencies, New-York based Air-Tech Ltd. and Airhitch.
The concept is simple. Often planes go out with empty seats either because the seat never sold or a passenger didn't show up at the last minute. Air-Tech and Airhitch match travelers up with those empty seats. Albuquerque can fly between New York and Cancun for $200 round trip.
There's still the risk of a flight filling up at the last minute. And travelers have to be prepared to make concessions. Yet both agencies have a success rate of 96 to 98 percent in getting customers to their destinations on the first attempt.
For those with a flexible schedule and shallow pockets, it can be a bonanza. You can fly one way to Europe from the Northeast for $169 anytime of year. It doesn't matter when you go, when you come back, or if you buy the ticket a week before you want to leave. It's the same price.
Both Air-Tech and Airhitch have similar systems for arranging space-available flights. Passengers purchase a flight pass and indicate a three- to four-day window when they want to fly. About a week before the travel window, the passenger calls the agency and gets a listing of possible flights. At the airport it's just a matter of exchanging the pass for a boarding card if the flight still has seats.
Air-Tech Offices:
Tel: (USA) (212) 219-7000
Fax: (USA) (212) 219-0066
Internet: http://ayrton.eideti.com/aerotech/airteltd.html
Airhitch Offices:
Tel: (USA) 800-326-2009 or 800-397-1098
Internet: www.airhitch.org
(for worldwide information)
still to come:
cute kids (peanuts 'n' raisins)
newdayz comic
peculiar people comic
shine on
TEAMWORK
Per Adult
Total
SOUL SHINERS FOR JANUARY '98
Samuel/Rosita, Mexico
4,000
8,000
David/Alma, Mexico
2,137
6,411
Joy/Isaac/Ruth M./Juan S., Mexico
1,875
11,250
Juan/Sara Pescador, Venezuela
757
3,030
David/Promise, Costa Rica
750
1,500
Madras Deaf Home, India
741
2,965
Christian/Marco/Gabriel, Albania
738
2,952
Chris Newman/Gentle Newman, USA
500
1,001
Samuel Siervo/Rosita Siervo, Mexico
402
805
Daniele/Christine, Italy
350
700
POSTER SHINERS FOR JANUARY '98
Christian/Marco/Gabriel, Albania
3,687
14,748
Michael/Maria, Japan
2,065
4,130
Jonathan/Clare, Japan
1,096
3,290
Timothy F./Rejoice E./Dove F., USA
1,048
6,291
Peter Servant/Crystal Servant, USA
1,036
4,145
Abner/Promise, Japan
938
2,814
Jose/Priscilla, Mexico
750
1,500
Matthew/Joy/Arturo/Miguel, Spain
700
3,500
Francis Mountain/Joanna Rose, USA
676
6,090
Peter/Christina/Mihai, Romania
675
2,700
TAPE SHINERS FOR JANUARY '98
David/Promise, Costa Rica
200
400
Michael/Charity/James/Maria, Philippines
79
395
Daniel/Dora/Laura, Switzerland
74
373
Tim/Esther, Italy
70
140
Tim/Rachel, Sweden
66
200
Andrew G./Crystal/Angela Dr/Maureen, USA
65
325
Gideon/Ruthie, Italy
56
112
Stephen/Esther/Mark/Rebeka, Russia
55
275
Pedro Fisher/Maria Fisher, USA
52
104
John/Marianne, South Africa
51
102
VIDEO SHINERS FOR JANUARY '98
Peter N./Joy N., Mexico
50
200
Abner/Esther/Andrew/Katie, South Africa
41
165
Jesse/Joy/Angie, Brazil
30
120
Matthew/Mary, Taiwan
24
123
Davide/Joan, Italy
20
62
Jose/Celia/Joana/Isabel, Brazil
20
185
Gideon/Ruthie, Italy
20
40
Tommy/Promise, Taiwan
18
113
Jimmy/Joy, Taiwan
17
35
Gabriel/Jemima, Brazil
17
52
[End]
Copyright (c) 1998 by The Family