the grapevine
(Issue #40; April 15, 1998.)
tidbits
the newest additions
Joe, 4th child, born to Rose and Joseph.--Japan
Natale Nakita, 4th child born to Elizabeth and Aaron on August 3rd.--Nigeria
Nicole Natasha David, born to Sunshine and Sammy on December 18th.--Mexico
Nicole Christine, 1st child, born to Russian Pauline and Sonny on December 21st.--Russia
Mikayla Lynn, 1st child born to Gentleness on December 28th.--Russia
Michael Kevin, 1st child, born to YA Malika on January 1st.--South Africa
Crystal, born to Luna and Pablo on January 1st.--Spain
Anthony Colin Prince, 3rd child, born to Pandi and Al on January 15th.--Japan
Alvyn Pierce, 3rd child, born to Jewel and Aaron on January 18th.--Taiwan
Richie Alan, 4th child, born to Joy and Ben G. on January 24th.--Hungary
Sonja Florence, 1stchild born to Esther and Albanian Jonathan on January 25th.--Hungary
Vera, 2nd child, born to Russian Clare and Stephen on January 26th.--Russia
Katherine, 10th child born to Jemima and Jaz on January 26th.--Finland
Eduard Gabriel, 2nd child, born to Romanian Julia and Victor on January 31st.--Romania
Jad Alan, 6th child, born to Marie and Oli on February 8th.--Nigeria
Sammy White, 1st child, born to Russian Victoria and Jonathan on February 10th.--Russia
Baby girl (no name given), 9th child, born to Renee and Simon on February 11th.--Greece
Marion, 1st child, born to Henrietta and Henri on February 17th.--France
Matija Q., 3rd child, born to Flower and Gabe on February 20th.--Hungary
Ashley Rain, 3rd child, born to Sarah and Daniel Arrow on March 2nd.--Russia
Francesca, born to Esther and Thaddeus on March 7th.--South Africa
tidbits
new laborers - January/February 1998
Christina (Romanian, 24) joined in January.--Romania
Grace Smile (Polish, 20) joined in February.--France
Francesca Livingstone (Hungarian, 23) joined with her son Benjamin (4) in February.--Hungary
David Brave Heart (Kazak, 25) joined in February.--Kazakhstan
Joshua Heart (Romanian, 21) joined in February.--Romania
Timothy and Rosa Maria (Brazilian), joined in February with two kids.--Brazil
Nehemias and Rosa (Swiss and Brazilian), joined in February with three kids.--Brazil
Simon and Abigail (US and Brazilian), joined in February with eight kids.--Brazil
Felipe and Juliet (Brazilian and Dutch), joined in February with five kids.--Brazil
Paulo and Cristina (Brazilian), joined in February with seven kids.--Brazil
Pedro and Sara (Portuguese and Brazilian), joined in February.--Brazil
Pablo and Cielo (Colombian), joined in February with five kids.--Colombia
Esther (Brazilian), joined in February with one child.--Brazil
Josue (25, Chilean), joined in February.--Brazil
David (18, Dutch), joined in February.--Brazil
getting hitched
YAs Abner and Nichole got married this month! The Lord supplied all the needed food, dresses, attire and decorations for this team effort, and it was a happy time of fellowship for everyone.--Switzerland
think deep
The true nature of a heart is seen in its response to the unattractive.
News Flash: Just Go - In '98
--Overseas Mission Program for Teens
USA
(From Ado:) During the month of March, a team of eight teens from the US and Canada (five 14-year-olds, one 15-year-old, one 16-year-old, one 17-year-old and two adults) toured India. Another 16-year-old, who lives in India, joined us for a while. We visited seven Family Homes in four major cities, traveled over 3,500 miles in 105 hours by train, participated in or visited seven different CTP projects, witnessed personally at a girls' college (100 souls were saved in two hours), saw the Taj Mahal, had a VIP tour of the Indian Parliament, and met at least 46 Family young people plus lots of precious kids and FGAs.
When we left, three teens from our team received permission from their parents to stay in India for six months, and several other teens decided to return to India soon. We have a bunch of testimonies coming your way soon about the many, many wonderful opportunities awaiting in India--a place with unending potential. Don't miss 'em!
brotherhood
South Africa
(From Lisa:) This is the end of February, and the Lord has supplied the most spectacular place for the first Family youth camp in Africa! It's at a nature reserve at the famed Cape of Good Hope, outside of Cape Town. Young people from as far away as Kenya and Mauritius have been able to join us, so now we are around the 60 mark, all personnel included. The camp will last for one week. The main theme for the camp is the missionary call to reach Africa, and already pioneer teams to virgin territories are being planned! The practical implementation of our 1998 goals is the other main topic!
There is quite a bit of wildlife around here, being that we are in a nature reserve, and baboons are plentiful! They have really been a nuisance since we got to the camp. On the first day a couple of them actually found their way into the pantry and snitched grapes and dried fruit, and made a mess. The team was in the dining room right next door having lunch, and they tried to chase them out, but the baboons weren't very impressed or scared! The ranger told us that now that they knew we had food around, they would be coming back.--And sure enough, the next morning a whole troop was there; again one of them found his way into the pantry and feasted on apples. Ben was in there and tried to chase him out, but the baboon was pretty bold. The next day they came back again after lunch, while most of us were out for get-out, and tried to get in. They messed up a girl's handbag, which was right by the window, and ended up jumping on another girl, probably trying to push her aside to get in the door. The baboons' fingers left three bruises on her arm, but thankfully the skin wasn't broken. Also Tirzah was walking between the houses with some grapes, when again a baboon jumped at her. Thankfully, we saw it happen and someone rushed to her aid.
The ranger was there and saw that all our reports were founded, so he came back with his shotgun and we had to stay inside for over three hours while he stalked the baboons. He was very cautious and didn't want to hit anyone or anything besides the baboons, so it was a painstaking process of hide and seek while the baboons sneaked around the corners of different buildings, trying to find an open window or door.
At one point we were having a hard time keeping some of our dear boys harnessed, as it was of course great fun for them. From early morning they ran around with brooms and sticks, as self-appointed guards, and sneaked out of their rooms to see the ranger get the baboons with the shotgun! My, what a racket! We were super thankful when the ranger finally got a good shot at the gang leader and peppered his poor bottom. We were able to have good prayer together against any further attacks or hindrances of the Enemy, and also give all a little pep talk about listening up and calming down. It was just so much excitement, you can't really blame them! Maybe the Lord allowed this to happen to make the camp even more memorable, ha! This morning it was all quiet, PTL!--No baboons, and we pray it will stay like that!
on the net
Family Web stats report (February 1998)
--from the WS Web team
1. GP and Members Only sites
814 megabytes were downloaded from the GP site. That's about 32.5 MB per day!--An increase of about 8 MB a day from last month's 24 MB per day!
118 megabytes were downloaded from the Members Only site!--Zines were among the favorite pub to download, with 40 downloaded in 25 days of February--1.6 Zines each day.
The International Family site was visited 3,457 times, or an average of 123 per day!--Two more visits per day than last month, TYJ!
The Members Only site received 991 visits!
2. Work completed and uploaded in February
Uploaded the latest Zine, as well as Wine Press (the former members pub) issues 1-3.
New Home page was uploaded!
A new section was added--the Overflow section!--Finally, a place for good incoming material from the Family that there isn't enough room in the pubs for! Check it out!--News articles, testimonies, and more!
3. Work in progress
Short audio clips of songs from new FTTs, for the Members Only site!
New Family history section is being designed for the main Family site!
Additional songs for the Songbook on the Members Only site!
Spanish GP Family Web Site (January-February '98)
--www.lafamilia.org
1. January Web Stats Report
a) 182 MB were downloaded--about 6 MB per day.
b) 882 people visited the site--about 28 people per day.
2. February Web Stats Report
a) 167 MB were downloaded--about 6 MB per day.
b) 1,060 people visited the site--about 38 people per day.
3. Work in Progress
a) Creating a "meaty" section with more pictures of Dad
b) Adding new FARs
c) Adding Dossier to "meaty" section
d) Adding MO Letter condos to "meaty" section
e) Adding more sound clips to CD section
Spanish "meaty" and "milky" Web sites
SACRO
(From SPALIM:) We are happy to announce that we have recently opened a "meaty" Spanish Web site, which in addition to the material included in the main "milky" site, will include a section on "Our Founder," with pictures and some ML condos, and also a Legal Dossier section.
The addresses for the two Spanish sites are as follows:
"Milky" Spanish site: www.lafamilia.org
"Meaty" lengthier Spanish site: www.lafamilia.org/lafamilia
The "milky" site address is the one that is now printed on all Spanish GP publications. But if you know somebody who is very interested and hungry and you feel that he could benefit from the "meaty" site, please don't hesitate to refer him or her to it. That's what it's there for! Check it out sometime!
Please notice also that, unlike the English site, the "milky" Spanish site has the shorter address, while the "meaty" one has the longer one.
Comments from the GP
--on our Family Web site
Melanie, Philippines - I think your Web site is very cool and truthful, not like the others. I think the contents are very important and useful for going through life. Godspeed! I love you.
Elizabeth, USA - I have read for hours on your site, and would like very much if you would send me more information on how I can join the Family or at least support you. I know that communal living is right for me. I know it takes a lot of sacrifice and responsibility, but I would really like to visit or something. You seem so peaceful from your photos.
Someone - I read your letter about dying [perhaps "The Greatest Fool"]. Like the king, I feel that I have lived a good life and have been kind to others. Thank you for not being like those "hell, fire and brimstone" people that make you feel bad about being good. Thanks and see you There
Serge, Switzerland - I would really like to meet Family members in Switzerland. I was looking many years for you.
Joao, Brazil - Can I join you in your activities here in Brazil? I got to know your organization in November 1997, when some teenagers stopped me at a traffic light and gave me a small message of peace with God's Words. I really want to be one of your contributors here in Brasilia.
Jennifer (Pandita), USA - I was a member of COG years ago. Belte and Ruth were my first shepherds. Sometimes I really miss the Family. I feel the Lord has something very special for me to do in the future, and I feel He is and has been using me now. I'm a nurse in the operating room and have been doing this for many years, but I feel a big change is about to happen in my life, and my daughter (19) and I often talk about it. I really feel like I need the fellowship of the Family. Is there anyone close to me I could get in touch with?
Someone, UK - I've slowly been copying your lit and have come across some interesting lit, like the Love Charter, the Word Curriculum Booklet and the poster book. In my search for the truth, I've read and listened to all sorts of Christian teachings, but up till now, yours is the nearest I can find to true Bible Christianity, hence I am spending so much time downloading as much literature as possible. I know that from the first day I met one of your missionaries, that my life and that of my children changed. May both God and Jesus bless you and your work.
pioneering
Zambia
(From Philip and Meekness, Namibia:) At the beginning of March we decided to make a witnessing trip into Zambia. One of our friends donated a VW van for our missionary work, so we packed it up with 10,000 posters and tracts, some videos, tapes and CDs and six people. Off we went! We knew that this trip was a big event. We had heard stories about Zambia and we honestly weren't sure what to expect but the Lord knew!
A week prior to departure we came before the Lord to listen to His instructions and get His directions for this trip. We had specific questions that we wanted to ask the Lord about, and He gave super specific answers, which completely blew our minds!
He told us the exact route we should take, and told us which borders to cross. We also asked the Lord if we should get visas to other countries beforehand. He said to go one day at a time and to not get the visas beforehand, but just for the country we were planning to go to first. We were so thankful for this counsel, as during the trip we decided not to go further on, but to come back for another trip into surrounding countries. If we hadn't listened to the Lord, we would have lost funds on getting those extra visas, by trying to "be prepared" beforehand.
Just a few hours before our departure, our two-year-old got a high fever and we didn't know what to do. We stopped everything and asked the Lord about it. The Lord said, "Go ahead; the fever will be gone today!" So we went by faith, and the fever dropped on the way! (Of course, if you ever find yourself in a similar situation, ask the Lord what is His will for your situation.)
The Lord had also told us in prophecy that He would keep us from sickness and danger. Zambia is the land of malaria and yellow fever, and many people still die from these diseases, but the Lord kept us and our kids safe! We felt that it was because we were giving out the lit and winning souls! We stayed for a few nights on the banks of the Zambezi river, and the Lord miraculously kept the mosquitoes away!
We traveled a few thousand kilometers, through four countries (Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia), crossing two major rivers, Zambezi and Okavango. We went by tar roads, gravel roads, sandy, bumpy, safari and "holey" roads. We got two flat tires, crossed a river on a ferry boat, were stuck in midday city traffic for three hours, and slept in the safari bush, as well as huts and four-star hotels. On our way we saw elephants, eagles, vultures, antelopes, Baobab trees, African wild dogs and the magnificent Victoria Falls--108 meters high!
Out of all this, the most touching sight was to meet the people of these lands. They are humble, hungry, sweet, friendly, thankful, willing to take the lit, listen to the Word and accept the Lord into their lives! Over 40 people got saved, and we were able to distribute 10,000 posters and tracts! The Endtime message went out like hot cakes! Many letters have since come in from sheep we met while in Zambia, requesting more lit! We were so flipped out to be able to give out the Words of David in this thirsty land. During this trip, the Lord broke our hearts to do more and witness more while there is still time.
Thanks to Philip at HPPC for his faithful service, Andrew and Hanna in Zimbabwe, for receiving our band of six in their happy Home, and cheers for the Family team that went to open a Home in Zambia!--Steven and Christina, GBY!
babymania
--by Jaz
The Princess and the Pea
When Kimberly was 11 months old, I stumbled upon a perplexing situation. She had finished her dinner one night and was crawling around the carpeted living room floor. As I was meanwhile trying to finish my own dinner, Kimby noticed this and came begging for some of my food. So I was giving her little bites, and then I gave her a pea. She took the pea and purposely threw it on the ground.
Now the showdown started! I asked Kimby to pick it up; no response. I sat her down in front of the pea and asked her again. Still nothing. Then she started dragging her hand along the floor near the pea, as if she was trying to pick it up but couldn't (although I knew that she was well able to). Coaxing, cajoling, ordering--nothing worked. She would not pick up that pea!
I then felt myself to be in a great dilemma. I had directly asked her to pick it up, and she was obviously being stubborn, so I felt that if I backed down I would be showing her that stubbornness paid off. On the other hand, my method of holding out didn't seem to be working either.
So I settled in for the long haul and we sat there together for about 20 minutes, as I kept asking her and I was going to have her sit there until she did it. Finally she started to cry and get hysterical (it was also nearing her bedtime), so finally someone else took her out and talked to her about it. (So that it wouldn't be me "giving in.")
Well, this incident left me rather perplexed: What should I have done? What did I do wrong? A little while later I asked the Lord for His counsel on this situation, and here is what He said. While this may apply to some situations you may face in the care of your little ones, please remember that just as every child is different, so the Lord tailors His counsel and instruction differently for each one. This is not meant to be "across the board" childcare counsel on how to handle your toddler, but rather a true life example of how the Lord answered my questions, and helped me understand my daughter better! Please seek the Lord personally if you encounter something similar with your child.
(Jesus speaking:) In the case of your young one, the direct confrontational approach is not a good one to use. She responds best to upbeat, positive encouragement, exuberant directions, and a happy, smiling face. In this case where she dropped the pea, you would have been better off to take her hand in yours and pick up the pea together, telling her, "Please don't throw food on the floor. Let's pick it up together." After you had done that a few times, she would have gotten the point and learned not to do it. Perhaps at that point, once she obviously knew what you wanted her to do and how to do it, if she still refused, that might be a time for you to require her to do it herself.
I know that she knows how to pick things up off the floor, so in that respect, yes, perhaps she was holding out. But see it through her eyes: All of a sudden she was plopped down and she saw her mother looking at her with a stern face. At first she didn't really understand what was going on and why mother was frowning so much. Then Mother says to pick up the pea, and she at first wasn't really sure if Mother wanted her to, or if she was so angry that maybe she was telling her not to. This confused her.
Then after a while she became hysterical and was so confused that it didn't matter what you did. By the time you tried the more upbeat approach, it was too late. What was done was good, as it would not be good for you to just give in and say, "Okay, I'll pick up the pea for you." But if someone else takes her out and also explains the situation with a mild correction, then it is not you, the mother, giving in, but the scene has been changed.
This is not to say that firm correction is wrong.--Not at all! Firm correction is needed very much, even at this age. But the methods are greatly varied from age to age. When you are teaching your young child or baby a new thing, you have to do it positively. If you sat before her with a scowl on your face and said, "Say 'Mommy'!" Do you think she would say it? Of course not. She knows how to say Mommy and says it all the time, but because you seem so stern, it's confusing and she doesn't know what to do.
You've also got to take into account the circumstances. This was the first day of your weaning, and so she was a little bit more on edge than normal. She was a little touchy and sensitive, and perhaps even wanted to get a little extra of your time and attention. She was seeking a way to keep you interested in and focused on her, and that could have played a part in her naughtiness as well.
There are so many factors to consider in children's behavior, and these on-the-spot decisions are not always the best ones. But just seek Me, and try always to put yourself in the child's place, feel their feelings, and think what they would be thinking. And remember to go down far enough--right to their level, not to the level of an older age group. (End of prophecy.)
find-a-friend
German Joy (formerly Natalie) wants to contact John and Rejoice (formerly Daniel and Pamela, last heard of in Argentina). Also, Jonathan Chipmunk (last heard of in India). Add: Petra Lutgebuter, Casilla 41-0063, Lima 41 PERU. E-mail: ASfamilia@computextos.com.pe.
Michael and Joy (formerly Rainbow and Simon) would love to hear from James Servant and Siloam (formerly Zeb and Siloam). E-mail: Mic7Joy@Aol.com. Add: P.O. Box 924804, Miami, Fl. 33092.
Martin (Troy LaBlanc), please contact Feli (Alaska)and Dolly (San Diego)ASAP. E-mail: rainbow@service.raksnet. Awaiting your swift reply.
David, Johanna and Zagreb Home would like to hear from James and Anna, formerly in Zagreb. E-mail: family_ivs@ibm.net.
Joey (aka Malika) of Eva, and Miracle (aka Maria) of Joe and Dove, please contact Charlene (aka Christina G.) of Matthew and Marie. E-mail: chip03@glasnet.ru.
Jasmine (13, Thailand) would like to contact Andrew and Marie in Taiwan. They have three kids. Contact her via ASCRO.
Paloma Blanca (Venezuelan), Seriah (Praise) is looking for you. Add: Seriah Myers, Apdo. 5-993, Guadalajara, Jalisco - Mexico C.P. 45042. E-mail: Amber4J@aol.com.
Mark 16:15 (in the US) please contact Peter and Joy in South Africa. Add: P.O. Box 990045, Kibler Park 2053, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Ruby Happy wants to contact Joy (Greek), last located in India. E-mail: bubu@blossom.moldova.su. Add: P.O. Box 4069 MD2001, Chisinau, Rep. Moldova.
Tina Triskal, please contact Celeste (lived with her in LA). E-mail: denise1@usa.net. Add: OBITELJ, P.O. Box 262, Split 21001 Croatia.
backtracking
In Grapevine #36, under "Kidbits" we announced Quency's birth, 6th child, to Trusty in Japan. Our error!--It should have been listed as her 10th child! God bless you, sweet Trusty--one of our queen mothers!
what's up?
Kids pass us up!
Ukraine
(From Mary:) It's amazing how our kids pass us by. Now Joanna-Marie (6) has also started getting prophecies, so all of the kids have the gift and are practicing it! Thank you, Mama, for your sample and encouragement!
Area day school
Mexico
(From Chris, Celeste and Sonnet:) We've recently shared our burden to help start up a day school for the area. This has been hinted at by others locally who have been struggling and unable to properly school their own children. We brought it before the Lord, and He gave us an encouraging prophecy that it would be a unifying factor and a cohesive force--even if we were only able to do it for a little while. He said it would amaze us what a little love could do, and that we shouldn't strive for perfection or be achievement-oriented.
We felt the burden to rent a little house that is now available on the property where we park our motor homes. The local reaction was very supportive, and everyone seems quite thrilled and excited and wanting to do all they can to help. We plan to have school four days a week, from 9 to 5. We will start with OCs and JETTs, as we have only two teachers, but will advertise for more teachers and, hopefully, bring in YC/MCs as well.
Dad's photo
Pakistan
(From Stefan Newheart:) A new friend came over, and during our conversation he kept looking over where Dad's color photo was placed on the other side of the room. He said, "I am sorry I can't concentrate on our conversation; I am distracted by the photo of this man. Who is he? Some sort of a guru or spiritual leader? Can I go see it?" After getting close to it, he said, "There is so much light coming from the face of this man; he must be a man of God!"
More on "the surprise birth"
Europe
(From Mary MOM:) In Grapevine #38 there is a testimony from me about the birth of a baby in Russia. Had I known this would be published in the Grapevine, I would have paid more attention to highlighting SGA Jonathan's participation in the birth, and other important details.
I was quite impressed with how involved Jonathan had been with Russian Vicka's (his wife) classes with their midwife in her prenatal care. He was so supportive of his wife's desire to have a home delivery, and when he came home from provisioning on the day of her labor, he filled the bathtub as she had wanted to deliver in the tub. Vicka, by that time, didn't want to move from sitting on the floor, so he set up the bed with the proper pads and designated sheets. They had all the needed supplies (as they had been instructed in their prenatal classes with the midwife), which made it very easy to get the bed ready for the birth. No sooner had he made the bed, than the baby was born.
As the baby was coming out, Jonathan called out to me, "Check the cord around the neck!" Sure enough, it needed to be loosened for a safe delivery. The Lord was speaking to him, leading and guiding him during this important event, and I feel it is largely due to the fact that he was so involved and interested in the baby's birth. After the birth, he again was so helpful by being very encouraging to his wife and attentive to the baby.
I feel it is very commendable that this young first-time father had so much faith and trust in the Lord during this time, and that he showed so much concern and attention towards Vicka and the baby. He had also been working very hard for several days provisioning at the food fair, and then to get home in time to support his wife emotionally and spiritually for the last steps of her birthing was so beautiful to see. Their bonding together after the baby was born surely will contribute to better understanding all around in their parenting.
After being in Russia and seeing how difficult it is to find situations for birthing that are conducive to our ways and faith, it made me admire them so much for their faith and courage to trust the Lord. They not only had faith and courage, but they were both diligent and prayerful to do the research needed to find the midwives, to research the laws (and find that it isn't against the law there to deliver at home), and to faithfully attend the midwife's classes. These prenatal preparations really paid off, and the Lord gave them the desires of their heart with a natural and easy home delivery! So, although the birth of the baby was a surprise to me, having just arrived, they, Vicka and Jonathan, were nevertheless very prepared.
In praying afterwards about why the midwife wasn't able to show up and why I was the one to help Vicka, the Lord said it was because He wanted to encourage Jonathan and Vicka by having everything go so naturally. Also, He wanted their situation to be an encouragement to others that "it can be done"--that the Lord can lead and guide others to good doctors, hospitals, and even midwives. Also to let others see that He will mightily bless those who do everything they can to prepare for the very best delivery, and then He will do the rest and have His perfect way. So, with this added testimony, I hope this does set them up as samples in this respect: Their prayerful, diligent and faithful preparations really paid off!
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 mistaking the fact that we are missionaries and have a message to get across.
A sweet gesture
Lithuania
(From Mercy:) As a fruit of "Dad's Christmas Message for 1997," our two daughters, Angie (20) and Marianne (16), gave us a special Christmas present. One evening, they set up our caravan very nicely with a heater, candlelight, pizza and wine, and offered to take our three younger kids and the baby for Family time and bedtime so that Byron and I could have a special time together. It really touched our hearts, and we had a super sweet time all to ourselves.
"Freedom Works Award"
USA
(From Ahlai:) On March 5th, the Family in DC was awarded the "Freedom Works Award" by House Majority Leader Dick Armey. Armey established the Freedom Works Award to celebrate freedom by recognizing individuals and groups who take personal and private initiative instead of recommending reliance on the government. Past recipients have included Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith (for his work in educating at-risk youth), and "Touched By an Angel" producers. So you can see the miracle and blessing of the Lord in our being given this prestigious award.
Our team who went to receive the award consisted of Lisa, Brian, Sam L. and myself. It was a thrill to sit in the gallery of Congress, looking down at all the Representatives from all over America listen attentively to House Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-Texas; one of the most powerful men in America) give a tremendously positive speech, singing the praises of the Family. He detailed our CTP works, and our "Milk for Many" CTP project of delivering two tons of milk a week to the needy. Here is an excerpt of the speech and press release that was posted on his WEB site:
"It warms my heart to see these young people doing all they can to help people in need. A sincere calling to service of others and the personal reward such activity brings motivates them, not because they were drafted by AmeriCorps or even because they were trying to meet some local community or state mandated requirement for charity. These young people exemplify the kind of genuine service and sacrifice I had in mind when I conceived of the Freedom Works Award." This was televised live on C-SPAN.
Then came the actual presentation of the award and picture taking. Then Majority Leader Armey asked us to come to the mike and seemed very eager to hear what we had to say. We were able to pack a lot into our acceptance speeches, expressing our gratitude to the Lord and to our friends and contacts, and our pride in being members of the Family. It was really no holds barred as far as being a religious entity, a by-faith 100% mission work.
After we were done speaking, Majority Leader Armey turned to the rather simple Democratic Congressman from our local district and said, "The way they took that mike, I'll bet you're glad they went into service rather than politics!" Ha!
We were also presented with a press pack of the event which will be passed to 440 Senators and Congressmen--it's like a local pub that Congressmen pass to their peer group keeping them up on all their good works. It included a press release, our local Family brochure with photos and a blurb on our local work, and two or three recommendation letters from food pantries, shelters and the Salvation Army thanking us for the last six years of our faithful service to them. We were also told that the DC cable stations would be following this with feature shows and/or articles, which is standard for the recipients of this award. PTL!
(More on the Freedom Works Award on Dick Armey's website at http://freedom.house.gov.)
Still an open field
Latvia
(From Michael:) You may have heard about the persecution that took place over a year ago in Latvia (when the team here had to leave the country). It seemed that after that, no one was turned on about coming to work here again. You might say that our coming here was just by "blind faith" in prophecy and doing what the Lord told us to do. However, we've found Latvia to be a very open, fruitful country with a lot of potential for a variety of ministries. The contacts and faithful friends received us very warmly, and they have continued helping and supporting us.
We have made several faith trips, one of which was to an especially poor region of the country. We met the head of the local hospital who had been in touch with the Family previously. She was full of words of admiration about how the Family has been active there in the past. We did a show for all the patients of the hospital, and 75 people prayed to receive the Lord. Together with a Home in Sweden (God bless dear Peter and Sela in Stockholm), we organized the shipment of very needed medical equipment.
We also received large numbers of wheelchairs, canes and crutches at this same time. We didn't know how to go about distributing them, so we prayed and shortly thereafter we received a call from the head of the Disabled People's Association. He was not only very grateful for the equipment we passed on to him but, being a Christian himself, he wanted us to personally witness to all the recipients of those items.
We feel that Latvia is definitely a fruitful field with very good response to the message. The Lord told us that there is still a lot to do here.
2Tim.2:2 and computers
Pakistan
(From Stefan Newheart:) Computer literacy was very low among the adult population in our Home. To remedy the situation and bring our ranching up to date, we had some evening and W&R sessions, to teach the very basics. It has been an encouragement to our FGAs that they will not get left behind. 2Tim.2:2 has been a weak area in our very busy Home, where to make time for this or other training requires a bit of sacrifice. However, we know that with such sacrifices God is well pleased!
ideas and tips
Open teamwork meetings
We opened up our teamwork meetings this month and had anyone come who wanted to. We prayed a lot about the progress we had made, and planned what we wanted to see happen now. It generated a lot of prayer power, and got people more stirred up to take initiative. The others who joined in our teamwork meetings were very helpful and faithful prophets in different decisions and situations we were praying about. The teens got more involved with generating new ideas.
--Ilia, Christina and Hannah, Russia
Whole Home out
We have started something fun. The whole Home, young and old, goes out together once a week and we all poster and personal witness right downtown. Everyone enjoys it!
--Peter, Sela and Emmanuel, Sweden
notices
Family Care and Kidz Biz e-mail
(From FC team:) New e-mail address: Any e-mail for Family Care or Kidz Biz can be sent to "kidzbiz@ibm.net."
Any snail mail for Family Care or Kidz Biz can be sent to the Grapevine address--"Grapevine, PO Box 4938, Orange, CA. 92863 USA" with "Attn: FC" on the line below it or in the lower left corner of the envelope. Thanks!
Portuguese HomeARC!
--A dream becomes reality!
(From SACRO:) We're happy to announce that the Portuguese HomeARC has been completed, duped, and is now on the market! Many thanks to the dear brethren who worked day and night (literally, sometimes!) in order to get this invaluable tool into your hands.
The CD with the Portuguese HomeARC'98 also includes the HomeARC in English and Spanish! That's the HomeARC in three different languages on just one CD!
Apart from the English and Spanish HomeARC, this first edition of the Portuguese HomeARC contains the following pubs in Portuguese: The Bible, over 1,000 MLs, DBs 1-10, 120 FSMs, 30 DFO/TS GNs, 64 Hope mags, 20 Kidz mags, the DO and DFO MOP, Word Basics, Raise'm Right (what's been finalized to date), The Home Educator, Victory in Babylon, Christian Digests, the GP Daily Might and parts of DM2, Childcare Handbook Volume 1, the Statements, Media Advisories, PENs, Viewpoints, Heaven's Library, Family in Action, Power and Protection, FARs, Outlook, Memory Book, Executive Counselling Correspondence Course, and Treasures.
To receive your own copy of the Portuguese HomeARC for only US $5.00 plus mailing cost, please place your order via your Continental Office!
E-mail delays are not denials
WS
Have you ever e-mailed WS?--Meaning either WSPubs, HomeARC, Mama, the Grapevine, Zine, etc.? Let's say you asked a question in your e-mail, and then a day or two later you got a little note of acknowledgement back, which let you know that your e-mail had been safely received. That was comforting, but there was no answer to your question! Here's our explanation:
Please understand that the e-mail secretary does not always know the answers to your questions. We receive questions and files from a multitude of sources daily, and in most cases, they have to be forwarded on to the right person in order to be answered. This takes that priceless commodity called time. When your e-mail is received, the secretary will send you back a little note, so that you can rest assured that your e-mail was received. However, it still gets passed on. Baring any slip-ups, your question or request will be taken care of, or answered if necessary, as soon as possible. We love you and appreciate hearing from you! Thanks for your patience.
mama's mailbox
Dear Mama and Peter,
Just previous to the Feast, I had been having quite a rough time of things. In the past, I had thought of myself as a fairly dependable and faithful Family member, having worked in a shepherding position for almost all of the 26 years of my time in the Family, including five years as a teen shepherd.
Our Home is quite a challenge, with about 15% FGAs and the rest SGAs. With the added factor of my wife being away 50% of the time over the last year and a half (helping with special projects), my having to hold a System job (for visa purposes), and the other adult in the Home doing full-time outreach, I found myself getting more and more weary in well doing. I am also the main local-language speaker in our Home, driver, etc. I began to feel quite overwhelmed and overburdened, and began to even wonder if we should consider moving on to a more established field.
There had also been some problems with unity in our field between the Homes, and I began to wonder if it would be easier to adopt a "grin and bear it" approach to our unity here on our field.
The Feast mailings were so convicting, but when I read the section "It Does Relate To You" in "Overcoming the Generation Gap" (ML #3161), I initially battled with that. I wanted to receive it, and yet I couldn't help thinking that my personal situation and the particular problems in our Home and field were so different and far away from what you were describing to the worldwide Family. The happy ending, after reading more, praying more, and yielding more, is that the Lord just did it. I don't know how He did it, but He changed my way of thinking. TYJ!
Last night after the Pledge of Commitment, the Lord led us all to have a short "marriage ceremony" as well. We rephrased some of the Feast mailings, and added two quotes from the Book of Hosea, and both generations took turns saying the below vows to each other. It was a very special time.
"I love and need you. I'm so thankful and privileged to call you my Family, and I'll stand with you and fight by your side in sickness and in health, in poverty and in plenty, in times of peace and in times of persecution. I'll take the good with the bad, and hang on to the Lord with you, till death do us part. But even then we won't be apart, for we'll finally be united as one in that great, terrific Marriage Supper of the Lamb, when we'll finally know what it means to truly be One Wife, wholly and completely united as one with our wonderful Lover and Husband, Jesus. Praise the Lord!
"And I (of the ________ generation) do betroth thee (of the ________ generation) unto me forever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgement, and in loving kindness and in mercies. I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the Lord."
Thank you for your great love and concern for all of us. It just shows that you, Mama and Peter, are definitely in touch with the Homes and the grassroots! Though I did have battles at first, after yielding more, it seemed to me as if you, Mama and Peter, had come to visit our Home and had taken walkie-talkies with me and all of our Home members, and then sent our Home some "very specific and personal" counsel in the mail.
--your grateful son, Asia
Dearest Mama and Peter,
I wanted to especially thank you, Mama, for the beautiful and life-changing lessons you shared in the Feast pubs. It's so refreshing and is helping me to learn what yieldedness to the Lord is all about--without fear, but in complete trust--knowing that He will only take me one step at a time.
After being in the States for over two years, landing in Mexico has been so life-changing and wonderful for me. I've received so much love from the Family since being here; it's been overwhelming and has brought tears to my eyes several times. Being with young people who love the Lord and the Family has been strengthening and so much fun. There is such a vacuum here, and a big, big need. I felt like I was on a team again, playing in the Olympics.
The battles in the States have been so big. At times I felt like I wasn't going to make it and that the Lord was through with me, but I can see more clearly than ever that it's been good for me. I feel that I've been running with weights, and since being here my weights were taken off and I feel like I am flying! By His grace and by learning from your sample, Mama, that I don't have to fear, you've given me courage once again to trust Him fully for my life.
--K. (female), Mexico
Mama jewels on purpose for afflictions
--to a staff member
I'm so sorry about all your afflictions, Honey, but I was very encouraged, as you certainly must have been, to hear what the Lord had to say to you. It's really a great compliment when the Lord can give you battles like that and know that you're going to get all the mileage out of them that He wants you to--that you're going to really fight and grow and learn from them. Don't you think it makes it a lot easier to take, too, when you know the reasons, and when the Lord has encouraged you and persuaded you that it's worth it to keep going and to keep fighting?
The Lord is very interested in keeping us going, because if we fizzle out, we're not going to be able to continue in our big job for Him. So it's well worth it to keep our machines oiled with the oil of the Spirit, so we're not grinding and creaking and bumping along, or squeaking, like my stepper (small exercise machine) was doing today. I said, "Well, I can't be using this at night as it would certainly wake the folks in the next room. It's got to be oiled first." So, God bless the boys, they took it away and oiled it for me.
Even though it sounds so terrible, with all of that squeaking and squealing and rubbing and friction, it's amazing how a little oil can completely eliminate all that! Even though it sounds as if it's about to fall apart, all it takes to correct the problem is just a little bit of oil and it's as good as new! I think we should learn a lesson from our machines.
Education visit and tips on schooling
England
(From Rachel [of Gideon]:) We recently had our fourth visit from the Education authorities since we have been here in Dunton Bassett. This year was different, as we had two new inspectors who did not know us so well, although they had prepared themselves by reading all the previous reports. Before the inspectors visited the school groups, I spent half an hour explaining to them all about the Family, our beliefs, and education methods, and also about the persecution we've had.
One of the inspectors, a woman, sat in on older group of teens, JETTs and OC's science class with me. For this we carried out an experiment in the kitchen with our science set, which comes complete with burner, test tubes, funnels, chemicals and instructions. We had bought this for the equivalent of $4 at a car boot sale [flea market]. All the children were involved in this, and although the younger ones do not understand all the complicated details and formulas of the chemical reactions, they love to watch chemicals change color with heat. So we find it is a valuable group activity. The children wrote up the experiment later, and answered questions from the inspector on what they had seen.
We also had a group discussion on the effects of smoking. Some of the children had already completed a project on the subject, and we'd found an article in the newspaper that day which discussed the dangers of cigarettes and active and passive smoking. The children then drew a giant cigarette and listed all the poisons contained in it.
We showed the inspector all the different schemes of schooling which we use--CLE, BEKA, and British National curriculum. He looked through all their work, and then the children showed him around the classroom, while discussing the various art projects, models and technology designs they had recently completed.
The inspector asked each child to read with her, and the children were extremely enthusiastic to show her what they could do. She commented that they were delightful children and were either meeting the national curriculum standards (which are higher than the American grades, as British children start school at age four), or are advanced for their ages.
We always encourage the inspectors to critique our teaching and our curriculum so that we can improve, and it is interesting to note what they mention. One was an over reliance on workbooks, although we do use a wide range of materials and lots of practical work. They also encouraged us to use a wider range of reading schemes. We in fact use several reading schemes, but this is a good tip not just for inspections but also for our children, as not all children enjoy or make as much progress with a specific reading scheme as other children do.
It can be very helpful to be sensitive to when a child is becoming bored with a certain reading scheme. Some clues can be not looking at the words, rocking back and forth, and taking longer than would be expected to read a book. I have even seen children read the book upside down in order to not be bored! The Beka reading books are excellent, as they offer interesting story lines with positive meanings, and we often use other material like this as soon as the children feel confident with a basic vocabulary.
As usual, the inspectors showed only passing interest in workbooks and paid far greater attention to creative work (e.g. essays and art projects) and well-organized folders of the children's work. They are interested in well kept records of the children's work, but obviously want to see the actual work most of all. The inspectors like to involve themselves in our classes and always ask the children questions about their understanding of the class or the work they are doing, so it is a good idea to prepare the children a little if you are going to cover something new. They also expect all the work to be marked [graded] up to date.
They also asked about social contact, and we showed them pictures of the children all over the world on excursions. Our children also go to scouts and ballet. When asked if we had taken the children to any museums or castles, we were able to say that we had taken them to cathedrals and castles in Spain (when we were on our road trip during the last term, ha!).
All in all, they were very impressed with the children and their education, and had no hesitation in recommending that we continue to home school our children. PTL!
letters to the editor
Re: Over-50-year-olds
I would like to comment on Lisa's report about her visit to a Home in Europe where a couple, both 51-year-olds, stayed (see Grapevine #15, "Understanding Age").
I am also 51 years old. I felt encouraged and comforted when I read this report. She mentions how the couple would often go to their room right after dinner and not help with the dishes. I have found myself doing the same thing. I get very tired by this time of the day. My health is not so good either, so even though my mind wants to stay and be a help, my body can't seem to handle the noise level, etc., so I usually take one of my toddler grandsons and go to their room.
She mentions that some of the younger brethren in the Home have had trials about this. I don't know if anyone in my Home is having similar trials about me, as no one has ever mentioned it; my shepherds are very sweet.
I have a little testimony that shows another side of the coin. When we have meetings, videos or fellowships in our lounge/living room, I usually have to ask one of the children if I can trade chairs with them, and sit in one of the comfy chairs. The circulation in my legs isn't so good, so if I sit on a hard chair for a long period of time, I feel very uncomfortable and often have a lot of pain. It's humbling to have to ask for someone to trade. One day I took the time to explain to the children the reason why I ask them. After that, one of our 12-year-olds would always offer me his chair. I was so touched by it that I gave him a little shiner prize.
I think that good manners is one area our teens and children (not all) and some adults are a little slack in. I believe if we have more honest, loving communication, it would help both generations a lot. It's sometimes humbling, but that is good for us.
--Sarah C., Thailand
ask-a-midwife
--by Rose Midwife
Q: I have a young baby (under six months old) and I am pregnant. Is it advisable to continue nursing my baby? If so, is there anything I should know? Some people said I should stop right away, and others said they'd nursed while they were pregnant with no ill effects. Generally, is it okay or not? I couldn't find much in the pubs about it.
A: This depends on the baby and the mother. You can nurse while pregnant, but you have to eat really, really well. Some babies won't nurse, as the milk sometimes changes taste with the pregnancy, and sometimes the mother's nipples are too sore to nurse. Assuming that your baby didn't wean himself with the change in the taste of the milk (at about five or six months the taste buds kick in; before that he won't notice the change), and assuming that your nipples are okay to nurse, we'll go on.
If your baby is over six months, he is probably eating some solids by now and getting less of all he needs nutritionally from you. If your baby is under six months, he is probably getting all (or a major portion) of his nutritional needs from you. What this means is: How you eat makes all the difference in the world! If you're going to be feeding three people, you must eat really well!
If you're under 21 and pregnant, you need to eat 125 grams of protein a day. Then when you're nursing you would need to eat 150 grams of protein per day. If you're nursing and pregnant, you need to eat 175 grams of protein a day!--Unless your baby is also eating solids, in which case 150 grams would be okay.
If you're over 21, you need to eat 100 grams of protein a day while you're pregnant and 125 grams of protein while nursing. So while pregnant and nursing, you would need to eat 150 grams of protein a day, unless your baby is eating solids also. Eating all this protein is also in addition to the other foods you need to eat each day, your four to six servings of fruit and vegetables, four to six servings of grains and breads, and your liter of milk (which can be counted for 32 grams of your protein).
Also remember: If you don't include sufficient carbohydrates (starches, which are found mainly in grains, legumes, and tubers; and sugars, which are found in plants and fruits) or fat in your diet, your body will convert protein to glucose for energy, so even the increased amounts of protein listed above will not be sufficient for you and your baby. (See FSM #313.)
Q: Do you have any advice for women who are pregnant but still nursing? What foods are most important? Do you need to increase your milk intake?
A: See above answer. You will need to increase your protein. You could increase your milk intake, but you shouldn't go over two liters of milk a day or you might get too much calcium, which could cause calcium deposits in your body.
Q: How does the nutrition chain work? If you are pregnant and nursing, who gets the nourishment first?
A: First the unborn baby, then your body, then the nursing baby.
Q: I read in a book that if you are nursing a baby when you get pregnant, your milk changes at six months and the baby will stop nursing because it tastes funny. Is that true? The last time I got pregnant, I weaned my baby when he was 11 months old. This time I've continued to nurse (during the night only) my daughter who is 14 months old, and I am four months pregnant. My new baby is the right size and all, so I am wondering if it is okay to go a little longer.
A: Sometimes your milk changes; but not everyone's does. It's okay to keep nursing your baby as long as you like. Because she is 14 months old, she is probably getting all her nutritional needs met by the food she eats during the day, and mostly nurses for comfort and closeness. The thing to watch out for is that you get enough rest and don't get too rundown while you're pregnant.
Q: Is there any way to keep your breasts used to nursing so you don't have to go through the same trials each time? I tried the washcloth plan and lanolin and it is okay, but it still takes a while to get to where it doesn't hurt.
A: Even if you keep nursing from birth to birth, your nipples might still be tender with your new baby, as younger babies suck a lot harder than older ones. Some moms might not have any discomfort; others will. It's just the way your body works. Lanolin is about the best thing you can use for your breasts. Also, don't wash them too much after your baby is born, as this dries them out and makes nursing more painful.
Dancing with Jesus (LJ #4)
Singer/Music/Lyrics/Producer(s)
side a
1. With All That's Within Me (5:22)
Daniel L./Martin/Martin/Martin
2. That's How He Feels (5:35)
John L.
3. No One Loves as You Love (4:26)
Hopie/Andrew V./Andrew V./Andrew V.
4. Come Take My Love (5:02)
Jerry P./Jerry P./Jerry P./Jerry P.
5. Kiss Me (4:29)
Lara/Daniella/Daniella/EAS
6. Let's Make Love (5:16)
Vas/Vas, Windy/Vas/Vas, Godfrey
side b
7. Everlasting Love (4:05)
Katrina L./Katrina L., Martin, Andrew V./ Katrina/Andrew V.
8. I Hunger for You (3:55)
Mark/Mark/Mark/Mark
9. One and Only (4:38)
Heidi/Heidi/Heidi/Johan, Tigo
10. In the Morning (4:30)
Jerry/Jerry/Jerry/Jerry
11. Come Closer 4:00
Paulo, Pedro/Paulo/Micah/Paulo
12. Desire to Love (3:47)
Heidi, Tigo/Heidi, Byron, Tigo/Heidi, Byron, Tigo/Byron, PAS
13. You Fill My Empty Nights (4:31)
Micah, Emmanuel/Ezra/Ezra, Jeremy/Emmanuel, Jeremy
your views on issues
Exception or rule?
Italy
(From Samuele, Sabrina and Stephano:) The Charter says to avoid junk food, food and drinks with high sugar content, etc. But the amount of junk food in many Homes always seems to be increasing. This is not the exception, but is becoming the rule. How can we preach to the kids to not eat junk food when we are the first ones to give it to them? It's easy to provision junk food, but shouldn't we try to have more faith for healthier foods?
Being dress-wise
South Africa
(From a Home teamwork:) One young woman entering the country was only given a one-month visa upon arrival. The officials are not usually so tight, and we feel that the main reason might have been that she was dressed in tight black clothes with a lot of dark make-up, several earrings in each ear, and silver jewelry, etc., and it didn't go over very well. It might be helpful for others to stress the "unwiseness" of dressing like this when going through borders. She should've gotten six months instead of one, and now the stamp is in her passport for other officials to see.
Instant acknowledgement
Czech Republic
(From Dave, Jan and Rosemarie:) We've found it to be a help when receiving e-mail if we right away mention that we got their message and that we'll be getting back to them. Many times we've sent important messages and have never heard back, not even gotten a confirmation that those on the other end got the message. We also blew it a few times and didn't answer for quite sometime ourselves, and it hurt some folks, to whom we profusely apologize. LHU!
So we made a promise that when an e-mail message comes in, the person who picks it up would send a return message right away, letting the person know that we received their message and to thank them, then we would log it as either "needs reply" or "already replied."
Foul language
Latvia
(From Michael, Katrina and Charity:) Our four older kids (11 through 15) started having big problems with being very foolish and using very foul and perverse language. Sad to say, this language was even worse than that of the average children their ages in the System! (Of course it also spread down to our smaller kids.) This was heart-breaking! We knew that we had to hit this problem head on, and we took three steps to attack it.
1. united Word and prayer
2. constant supervision
3. more activities and witnessing
We had desperate, united prayer with the kids. We parents also took a little time every day after devotions to pray specifically for our kids, as suggested in "How to Keep Our Teens." We also heard from the Lord unitedly about this problem, with our teens and JETTs present, and He said in prophecy that TV and cartoons were partially to blame for it. We've since cut off all TV and cartoon watching, except for rated movies a couple times a week and daily news. Wow, it really felt good to get rid of that loud, unwanted, and overbearing "visitor" (the TV)!
Of course, we always have a daily meaty devotions, but we've recently had some meaty devotions with the kids on the subject of foolishness. This has really helped, since the Word is powerful and doesn't return void! The Enemy was totally exposed and sure doesn't like the Word! At this time we saw that we couldn't leave the kids unsupervised alone, even for a few minutes! We started having an adult with them always--during quiet time and before bedtime, and not leaving them idle or unsupervised.
This has been a real help, since as soon as they were alone, this foolish and perverse language would pop up within minutes. We started filling up their evenings and quiet times with activities and united Word classes. Needless to say, this has kept us few adults plenty busy, and all hands on deck! It was a real battle! We've also made a push on taking our JETTs and teens out witnessing more! It also goes without saying that one or two hours vigorous daily get-out is a must!
Even though we're still having occasional battles, the main victory has been won. We're really desperate to fight for, to win and keep our JETTs and teens for the Lord! Our kids, despite their problems, are the best and really worth fighting for! PTL!
Heaven's Library Q&As
Q: I'm an artist. I would like to contribute my talents to illustrating Heaven's Library stories. How do I go about this?
A: Send our Heaven's Library team a message! Let us know what kind of art you specialize in, send some samples of your artwork (if you have any on hand), and let us know if you have access to a scanner and e-mail.
We have already received a number of responses from Family artists from the four corners of the world! Thanks to all of you who have offered to help with artwork for the spirit stories. DV, we will be getting back to you with further details. However, it may take some time to select and prepare the stories to send to you for artwork. Of course, you can always pray down a story, and send it to us along with illustrations! WLY!
Q: In the Grapevine "thanking" section, does the Heaven's Library team only thank the contributors of the stories they are going to print?--Or do they list the contributors' names for all the stories that they receive?
A: We thank and list everyone's name who sends in stories, not only those whose stories get printed. Which means if within a month or so of sending your story in, you still haven't seen your name listed in the "thanking" section, that means that we have not gotten your story. Missed messages do happen! Please re-send, as we have no way of knowing that we missed your spirit story! Thanks!
thanking
--for your spirit story contributions
Peter Picture and Esther (Japan), Angela Dream (USA), Peter Shepherd (Mideast), Priscila Fisher (Moldova), Mary Sao Paulo (Brazil), Meekness (Namibia), Andrew Greeneye (USA), Timothy (Far East).
Health Is Wealth
Note: The medical advice in Health is Wealth has been garnered from a number of sources: Dad's counsel, medical books, FED departments, veteran parents, Family nutritionists and practicing doctors, and from your tips and personal experience. We will not be able to exhaustively cover each subject, but we will try to cover the basics. This column is not meant to be a substitute for seeking professional medical advice if you are ill--and most of all, seeking the Lord each step of the way! In keeping with Dad's counsel and our Charter guidelines, each Family member is responsible to pray and act upon their own faith regarding their health, and when necessary, seek a doctor's professional counsel. A practicing Family doctor in the USA, Chris, has kindly agreed to go over these columns for medical accuracy.
APPENDICITIS
The appendix is a narrow, tube-like piece of gut resembling a tail, located at the end of the large intestine. The tip of the tube is closed; the other end joins the large intestine. It can be up to 10cm (4 in) long and about 1cm (5/8 in) in diameter.
It is found only in humans, certain apes and wombats. Other animals have an organ in the same position that acts as an extra stomach where cellulose (the fibrous part of plants) is digested by bacteria.
Facts about the appendix seem to contradict each other. It seems to act as a watchdog for infection at the lower end of the gut. Like the tonsils and adenoids, it contains numerous lymph glands for the purpose, but if it becomes inflamed, appendicitis results and the organ may have to be removed. On the other hand, the appendix does not seem essential to health. It can be eliminated at an early age and has shriveled up almost completely by about age 40.
Appendicitis can occur at any time, but it is rare under the age of two, more common among teenagers and increasingly rare again over the age of 30. Why it reaches a peak in youth is a mystery.
Causes
The entire history and incidence of the condition is baffling. It was relatively unknown until the late 1800s and still is in Asia, Africa and Polynesia. But in North America, Europe and Australia, appendicitis is now very common.
The reason is probably related directly to changes in our eating habits. The modern western diet has become so refined that it now lacks sufficient fiber, or roughage. This deficiency causes the food to slow down in the intestines. This sluggishness can lead to blockages which may be a cause of appendicitis. Food residues occasionally collect in the appendix and form an obstruction.
The inflammation results from a bacterial infection that causes the appendix to swell and fill with pus. An early symptom of appendicitis is intermittent pain in the navel region. This becomes more severe and, within hours, localizes to the lower, right-hand corner of the abdomen. The abdominal muscles tighten, and the person loses his or her appetite and becomes nauseated. A slight fever is usual, as is constipation. (The inflammation, however, may on occasion trigger diarrhea.) The lower abdomen is tender. Touching increases the pain.
Q: If appendicitis is suspected, what should be done?
A: Do not give a laxative. A physician should be consulted. Failure to seek prompt medical attention could result in a burst appendix. In mild cases of appendicitis, the inflammation may subside by itself.
Q: What should I do first?
A: If your child complains of an abdominal pain for more than a couple of hours, lay him flat on his back and examine his stomach. Press gently a few centimeters to the right of, and just below the navel. Pain on gentle pressure, and a sharp pain when you suddenly remove your hands, are characteristic signs of appendicitis.
Don't give your child anything to eat or drink before consulting a physician. If an appendectomy is necessary, it will be performed under a general anaesthetic and may be delayed if your child doesn't have an empty stomach.
(See ML #2068 for more of Dad's counsel on appendicitis.)
support-a-missionary
Home in the heart of Siberia (all nationals, with little kids) needs your monthly support ($100) toward the rent. Contact RU023 through Russian ABM.
open forum
--the "blessing in disguise" of partial excommunication
For awhile I have been really out of it and getting into all kinds of trouble. I was talking back to my mom and being mean to others, going on dates and smoking out with guys just to be cool, even though I know that I shouldn't have been doing that.
Then I got talked to by a couple of my shepherds and I started to read the Word more; the more I read it, the more I wanted to read it. Now I feel so, so much happier! I found out that I don't need boyfriends, sex, or even make-up to make me happy--happiness comes from the inside. And I'd like to say I'm sorry if I made anyone feel bad in the past. Keep going for God! I love you!
--Michelle (15), USA
I have never been partially excommunicated, but a while back I was placed on probation. I was 15 at the time, and had overstepped the sex guidelines. When I first heard about my "punishment," I was totally and completely crushed! Yep, I just couldn't believe that good lil' me had actually received this "undue humiliation." I kept pinching myself, hoping I would wake up. But lo and behold, it was a reality.--Something I, not anyone else, had brought on myself.
I was hit with the most incredible thoughts. "Oh, why not end it all? You're no use to anyone!" Then all of a sudden it was my parents' fault, my shepherds' fault (for not preventing it), the guy's fault, and on and on. Then I felt that I must be the only teen (at least in this galaxy) that had ever been on probation.
The happy ending to my story is that, hey, I've now discovered that I wasn't the only teen in the Family to go on probation; I've even lived to tell the story. So if I (the sensitive wreck that I am) could make it, so can any of you out there who are, or will (God forbid) ever be placed on probation or partial excom.
Guess what?--It even helped me to become a more mature senior teen. Yep, I've now changed and I'm so happy that I was placed on probation. So all in all, there is hope for you too. You'll pull through. So fight on! It won't last forever.
--female senior teen
When I was 8- months pregnant, I needed to return to my home country (Australia) to have the baby. After my son Jayden was born, I went through many battles feeling lonely and depressed, but I hung on to the fact that I would be returning to my previous Home as soon as I could. Upon hearing that they couldn't accept me back, and not being granted clearance to another Home that I had written to, I felt that I had come to the end of my rope; as much as I had tried to hang on, I wanted to do something to help me get through it all.
I got a night job and entered into the whole nightlife scene, and broke many Charter rules. I started to come up with my own views on things, and got into the "open-minded" way of thinking--there is no right or wrong, etc.--and things that go against many standard issues that the Family stands by. Although I still loved the Family and I knew that the Family was where I was meant to be, I felt that I had to fill the loneliness and depression that I was feeling. So I turned to drinking, working, and being out at night to ease the pain of uselessness that I was feeling.
After a couple of months of living like this, I heard that there was going to be a senior teen/YA meeting; I felt that it was a good time to clean my slate and start anew. I confessed all that I had done to our visiting CRO and went to the meeting, which was a great source of encouragement and strengthening.
When first being put on partial excommunication (for the Charter rules I'd broken), the main thing that I had a hard time with was reading through the Babes' Basic course, as I felt that these were Letters that I had read a billion times and I didn't think that I would be able to absorb anything because of my familiarity with them. When I started to read the first Letter, "We Are It!" it took me about a week to get through it as I would get bored and feel like I wasn't getting anything from it.
Finally I prayed and asked the Lord to show me something new and to give me a desire for the "Old Wine." When I finally finished the Letter, I was so turned on by it; it was as though I had read it for the first time! When I would say to someone, "Did you know that the Letter 'We Are It' is actually saying that we are the last generation? We are the chosen ones to see the end of the world--did you read the prophecy in it? Isn't it incredible?" They would just look at me like, "You didn't know that? Haven't you been in the Family all your life?" Ha!
With each Letter I was strengthened more and more, and I just loved the time I had to read through all the basic Letters. It really did bring me "back to the basics." It firmed my foundation in the Word and the Family, and I found it so much easier to accept anything that the Lord had to say. I forsook all my previous conclusions and views on things, and made the decision that if I was going to be in the Family, I needed to accept everything that the Family believes by faith and join in wholeheartedly. It was a decision I had to consciously make, and I couldn't be happier that I made the right one. The Lord then worked everything out for me to join a wonderful Home and to be in a wonderful ministry with loving shepherds.
Though I made many wrong decisions, the Lord used it all for His purpose, and I just can't express my thankfulness to Him enough for all that He has done for me. He has given me the joy of motherhood, and has shown me so much love through others that it just makes me want to do all that I can to pass that love on to others. Being a single mom, being on partial excom, and experiencing the different things that I did has helped me to have a greater understanding and love for others, both in the Family and in the System.
I really do feel the Lord's love through those that help to make my life easier. A few of those people that I would like to thank for their love and support are: Florence, my faithful and wonderful friend, for sticking by me through it all; Josh, who has shown Jayden and I such an incredible love and is a special part of my life; China, who is a wonderful teacher to Jayden and a great friend; and of course to my wonderful parents, family, and Uncle Jeff, for their unconditional love, and for showing so much faith in me. You're the best!
-- Heidi (19), Japan
I'm so thankful for the love and faith which was shown me even when I made mistakes and had to be put on partial excommunication for breaking the rules, fooling around with an outsider and trying drugs.
Not being able to read the New Wine was the biggest trial of all--a total heartbreak--and I never realized how much I needed and desired the latest Word until I didn't have it anymore. You never appreciate your blessings until they're gone, and that was certainly true in my case. I guess if I had been able to read all of the Word then it wouldn't have been a sacrifice for me at all because I didn't mind losing my Right of Mobility--as I was completely happy where I was--and the sex side of things wasn't a big deal.
The victory in all this was that I was able to read practically all of the Letters from the Babes Basic Course and found treasures new and old that I never saw before. It was so inspiring to see that all that the Lord was saying in the New Wine is what He's basically been saying all along, but we can just be so "thick" sometimes so He has to keep repeating Himself. Missing out on all the new prophecies, though, was definitely not easy, but I sure looked forward to and appreciated the Word feast when my PE time was up.
The good news is that I really learned a lot and I can honestly say that I'm thankful for the things the Lord taught me through it all. The Lord has brought a lot of good out of these seeming trials and failures in my life. One of the most wonderful things was that He drew me closer to His side than ever before. It was also humbling, which is always good for me--Ha! The cherry on the top of the cake is that during that low period of my life I received the best gift in the world--the gift of prophecy. This gift just keeps getting better and better and I wouldn't give it up or trade it for anything.
If you're on PE, I'd suggest, as a fellow friend who has been there and done that, that you ask the Lord to give you the gift of prophecy, if you don't already have it. It's well worth it! Or if you have it, strive to use it more than ever before and I'm sure you'll find great comfort in the Lord's arms and the will to fight on as you hear His loving, personalized words for you. Together with Jesus, you can turn an event in your life that seems like a defeat, into an unforgettable victory for which you'll be eternally grateful.
--a young woman, now in Mama's Home
grapes of thankfulness
There are two young people in our Home that I love so much and am so thankful for! We've lived together for a couple of years, and it seems that now our paths may be leading in different directions. In our situation, there hasn't always been a lot of fellowship for them, and the day-to-day life can sometimes become dreary, yet they have stuck and have been cheerful fighters! They have helped us with our six sweet rascals, and have loved them, taught them, changed their diapers, cared for them at night, and been their friends. WLY, Angela and Stephan! You're the best!
--Faithy (of Paul) Czech Republic
To John and Esther's Home, SACRO:
I wish there was a way to do
Just something in return,
For the many times you showed me
Understanding and concern,
For helping me to get to this
Exciting, needy field.
My heart is filled with happiness
Over all the fruit it yields.
I know your love, support and help
Was always sweet and true,
So with these lines I'm writing here
I send my love to you!
THANK YOU!
--with lots of love, Praise E.
This is a long-overdue note of thanks to a very special lady who took almost full-time care of five "spirited" kids many, many years ago.
Auntie Rejoice, we'll never forget the love, care and attention you gave us, helping to make us what we are today: happy, healthy and even occasionally productive young adults. You disappeared down the rabbit hole about nine years ago, and though we don't know where you are, we wanted you to know we remember it all; the good training, the time, and especially the love.
Rejoice--queen CC worker, teacher and 2nd mom--you're in our thoughts and prayers.
--Love , the Rudow Family
Dawn (22, Amber), Suzy (20), Adrianne (19), Nikki (17, Becky), and Chris (14), HCS, Japan.
movie ratings
Movies Rated for Senior Teens and Up
SPHERE (1998)
Dustin Hoffman, Sharon Stone, Samuel L. Jackson
Tense thriller about a crew of scientists who are assigned to investigate a mysterious wreckage found underwater. This movie is not to everyone's liking and you should have good prayer before and after watching. Not for the faint hearted. Beware of violent or disturbing scenes (two scenes in particular where the girls go out of the ship).
U.S. MARSHALS (1998)
Tommy Lee Jones, Wesley Snipes, Robert Downey Jr.
Action-thriller sequel to "The Fugitive," with similar style and content--the U.S. Marshal from the last movie is assigned to pursue a fugitive assassin. Entertainment only.
Movies Rated for Junior Teens and Up
MAN IN THE IRON MASK, THE (1998)
Leonardo DiCaprio, Jeremy Irons, Jon Malkovich, Gerard Depardieu
New version of the classic by Alexander Dumas, featuring an evil King Louis XIV, his imprisoned twin brother, and the three musketeers. Entertainment, with lavish costumes and sets.
Non-Recommended Movies
SHE'S SO LOVELY (Sean Penn, Robin Wright Penn, John Travolta; 1997)
movie reviews
Sphere
(Jesus speaking:) This movie is a very sugar-coated package. For ones such as you, who have received so much truth and so much knowledge, such a wealth of riches and treasures, to you it [this movie] seems almost frothy and superficial. But for those of the world who are so devoid of all spiritual nourishment, it does contain some positive values. It gives a message about the spirit world--albeit in a candy-coated sense, it still acknowledges in a scientific way the existence of a superior being, something that is beyond the power and comprehension of man.
Down through the ages man has proven time and again that he can't handle power. It corrupts him--it can take a decent heart and turn it against Me and Mine because the power of this world is given unto Satan, to give to whomsoever he pleases. What the sphere was offering was that power--the power to wish something and make it come to pass, the power to do anything--that's what man longs for. The folks in this movie made the right choice and admitted that they weren't capable of handling that kind of responsibility. There's some good message in the movie because of that, but it's not to everyone's liking. Some people may feel that it's not worth it to sit through all that to glean one lesson, but it's not harmful if watched in the right spirit and with a guarded mind, able to choose the good and eschew the evil.
Be cautious and discern whether this is the movie for you, being mindful of certain scenes which could be disturbing to some. Put a strong caution in the blurb, so that those who ought not to watch it may refrain, and not be tainted by the burden of fears of the Enemy. (End of excerpts of prophecy.)
prayer request
Please pray desperately for Gabe (19, of Peter [Angelo] and Sarah), who fell 30 meters while mountain climbing in Switzerland. He sustained multiple fractures to his face and skull, and is in a coma. He was operated on immediately to relieve swelling on his brain. The doctors say it is a miracle that he survived the fall. However, it is hard for them to say whether he will survive or how much brain damage there could be.
Please pray for the swelling in his brain to go down, for his blood pressure to come down, for his brain and eyes not to be damaged, and for him to come out of the coma; for finances toward the intensive care that Gabe's injuries require; for Angelo and Sarah's encouragement, and for Gabe's eight brothers and sisters.
(Jesus speaking:) I have let this happen for a reason, that My children everywhere might pray and be more on-guard about their actions. The Devil is out to destroy you and your service, and will stop at nothing to get his way. Be vigilant and prayerful in all that you do. Don't take unnecessary risks just for the fun of it. You need to be on your toes and looking out for potential ways in which the Enemy can slip his attacks in. Nothing happens without My permission, but I expect you to be prayerful and careful.
Pray for Gabe, that he might fully recover. He needs your prayers and strengthening. He fights so many battles as he lies there tossing and turning in the spirit, blocking out the voice of the Enemy that seeks to overwhelm him. Fight in prayer and in fervent crying out to Me and I shall deliver him. I will strengthen him and give him the victory. Fight in prayer! Even if your ministry seems small and insignificant, you can still engage in the most important ministry there is--prayer! (End of excerpts of message from Jesus.)
fruitful fields
Would you like to be part of an exciting CTP mission in the fascinating field of Nepal?! Well you can, right where you are, and here's how...
As mentioned in our recent "Family in Action" article (No. 15), here in this extremely needy field (rated the second poorest nation in the world!) we have a CTP program of some sort going on virtually every working day. One of our main CTPs, that is also hopefully allowing us long-term visas, is with the National Disabled Association. We teach in its school, help sponsor educational and medical supplies, support various village and vocational programs, etc.--we do what we can with our very limited personnel and support.
One major project that we desperately need your help on is with the sponsorship of costly hospital equipment for a newly built 30-bed orthopedic hospital. The estimated cost for this is several thousand dollars, and we could certainly use your help if you are in any position to assist us in any way. Do you have any hospital equipment contacts--or know some concerned doctors who could direct you to such sponsors--or have any donors that would consider a gift?
Our project, Family Volunteer Services of Nepal, is an officially sponsored project of the Family Care Foundation, and thus gifts from US taxpayers to FCF, designated to our project, would be tax-deductible. It's a real need in this poor underdeveloped country, and would be a good testimony to show these sweet people the Lord's love and care. Can you help? Please write today for more details (we can send you necessary letters of request, photos, documents, even video footage if it will help). WLY!
Address: Mr. Jo Himal, GPO Box 5741, PCN No 80, Thamel, Ktm, Nepal, or e-mail: fvs@unlimit.com.
--Josiah, Jewel and Home (for the Nepal Re-Pioneers)
cute kids
When my sister Anja (pronounced "onya") was 7, my relatives took my brothers and sisters to an amusement park where they have an old-fashioned train ride. While you're on the train, "bandits" hold up the train and pretend to rob you. After the ride, Anja asked, "Daddy, how did that man know my name?" He said, "What do you mean, Honey?" Anja said, "Well, he came up to me and asked, 'Got a nickel on ya? Got a dime on ya?'"--courtesy of Joy Rose, Mexico
Our YCs are very faithful to clap for the cook every day after eating lunch. One day, however, Susan (5) was sitting in the corner looking very down. When I asked her what her problem was, she showed me her finger; apparently there was a tiny scratch on it. (It was so minute that I couldn't see it!) I told her that I could pray for it and then I tried to cheer her up, without much success. She finally blurted out in despair, "But I won't be able to clap for the cook today!"--courtesy of Libby (14), Thailand
We have a weekly project-time schedule posted on our bulletin board, and the YCs are very faithful to follow exactly what it says to do. One day I asked Susan (5) what was on the schedule for project time today. She told me what it was, and I explained to her that it wasn't really possible to do that today. After giving her another idea for a project we could do instead, she answered very seriously and matter-of-factly, "But we cannot disobey the board."--courtesy of Libby (14), Thailand
Other files included in this issue:
Peanuts 'n' Raisins (the credit for this is: --Christos (of Maggie and Mathew, Thailand.)
Dialog:
Caption1: Mommy! I look handsome -Wanna see?
Caption2: Go look in the mirror!!
Peculiar People
Dialog:
Caption1: It's a miracle!
Caption2: What's a miracle?
Captoin3: Just like when Jesus fed the 5,000 by multiplying one boy's lunch!
Caption4: I just put one fork into the dishwater
Caption5: And pulled out 15!
The New Dayz
Dialog:
Caption1: It's not that we don't like playing Quizorama with the JETTs
Caption2: Right!
Caption3: It's just that it tends to get a little
Caption4: One-sided!
Caption5: Umis it Bildad the Shuhite?
Caption6: We've got it! Isaiah was the prophet during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah. (Isa.1:1)
Caption7: Yes!
Score board: JETTs 59, Adults 3
(End)
Copyright (c) 1998 by The Family