Latest News Flashes!--No.258
DO/TS 4/97
By WS Staff
1. STATS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS!
From the WS Stats Office
Since questions about how to interpret stats often come up in your TRFs, and methods of keeping stats vary from Home to Home, we thought you might find it helpful if we listed some common questions and our answers, along with some relevant quotes from the Letters:
Q: Do we count each poster or piece of lit we give to people as a personal witness?
A: Dad originally asked us to count each piece of lit as one personal witness. He did say that in some poor countries the lit gets passed around to many people, so it was really up to your faith how many personal witnesses you counted it as. But later we built into the world stats a formula whereby each piece of lit distributed is automatically added in as part of our total witness, as follows: Personal Witness + Mass Witness + Number of Pieces Distributed = Total Witness. As far as how you count it on your stats, you should just count it as lit distributed, and then your TeleTRF program will automatically add the number of pieces distributed into the total witness. (If you use a paper TRF, your CRO office will automatically add the number of pieces distributed as personal witness, so you don't need to add it yourself.)
Q: Do people who see us postering but who don't get a poster count as mass witness?
A: It depends on whether they are being witnessed to or not. It doesn't seem that those seeing you distribute posters are really receiving a witness--your testimony of Jesus or the Family--so in most cases this wouldn't count.
Q: When counting personal witness, do we count it as the following: the number of people witnessed to multiplied by the number of people witnessing?
A: Personal witness is the number of times a personal witness happens. It is not necessarily the number of people personally witnessed to. If two of you personally witnessed to the same person together, then it is two personal witnesses. If two of you personally witness to two people at the same time, that's four personal witnesses--two by one person, two by the other. If two of you personally witness to two people together on one day, and then again to the same two people the next day, that's eight personal witnesses. However, see Dad's comments in ML #1837:4, following the next question, where he says "Truly personal witness is one on one, or maybe two or three. Beyond that, you can't get very personal!"
* Question: If two visit three members, how many should we count as personal witness, 3 or 6?
Answer: You each witness to three, so you each get credit for three [meaning 6 altogether]. A bit confusing, I grant you, but that's stats!--It's like our worldwide total witness to date: It's now about 40-some billion, when there are only about 4 billion people on Earth! So there's bound to be some duplication, and we have to take that into account when evaluating the real figures ("Answers to Your Questions!--No.9," ML #1643:26, 10/83).
Q: When presenting the Salvation message or some other message from the Word to a crowd, is it personal or mass witness?
A: Mass witness.
* Question: Is singing Family songs in restaurants counted as personal witness or a mass witness?
Answer: Mass--unless you sit down and talk to'm personally afterward ("Answers to Your Questions!--No.9," ML #1643:198, 10/83).
* Question: We are counting our busking audience who hear our songs and preaching for 15-20 minutes as a personal witness. Is this right?
Answer: No, this is still mass witness. Truly personal witness is one on one, or maybe two or three. Beyond that, you can't get very personal! (ML #1837:4)
* Question: Showing slides, e.g. "Tommy," to an audience of 100 people, wouldn't that be considered the same as lit output?
Answer: No, it's mass witness ("Questions for Dad from TRF Reports," ML #1837:2. 8/84).
Q: What is 1 page when counting lit pages? (The pages of the "Somebody Loves You" or "To You With Love" tracts are much smaller than the pages of Mountain Streams, for example.)
A: Dad said that 1 A5 (GN size) page or smaller should be counted as 1 page; but 1 page larger than A5 size should be counted as the equivalent number of A5 pages. Thus an A6-size tract, 4 pages long, would count as 4 pages. An A4-size pub, 4 pages long, would count as 8 pages.
Q: Do both A3-size posters and A4-size posters count as 8 pages?
A: Yes. This may seem in contradiction to the last question and answer, according to which an A4-size poster should count as 4 pages--since it equals 4 A5-size pages. The reason it counts the same as an A3-size poster is to make it standard so that all posters, whether A4 or A3, are counted the same. Otherwise it gets a little confusing! (Another reason is that it's the same picture and the same text as the A3 size--only reduced to a smaller size. So they're equivalent as far as contents go.)
Q: Regarding "mail" personal witness: Do we count the number of letters sent or the number of people they are written for (or the number of people we know will read the letter)?
A: Count the number of people who will receive the witness. For example, if you are writing to a family of four, all of whom you expect to read your letter or lit, count it as a personal witness of four.
Q: Do mail ministry letters count as lit out, and do the number of pages of the letters count as lit pages?
A: No.
2. FORWARDING SPECIAL GIFTS RECEIVED VIA THE TRFs
From EURCRO
Dear Family,
GBY! We love each of you dearly and uphold you and your work and ministries in our prayers!
We have received quite a number of comments, suggestions and questions regarding the distribution of special gifts sent via the TRFs, which we'd like to answer in this LNF.
One of the main concerns brought up by many is the amount of time it takes for a special gift sent via the TRF to reach its destination--one and a half to two months. Many of you have asked if there's a way to speed up the process.
Just in the EURCRO area alone, we forward an average of 350 special gifts a month, and it's quite an undertaking to make sure that each of these gifts reaches its destination safely. Most of the gifts are for Homes in Russia and the EE, and the weak infrastructure in many of these countries often contributes to slowing down the gift.
To explain a little more in detail, it takes about one month from the time the gifts are sent via the TRF for us to receive the special gifts list from the other CRO areas, as it takes time on their end to process the TRFs, for checks to clear, etc. Then once we receive the gift list, it takes about another two weeks to get the gifts off to the appropriate ABMs, who in turn pass them on to the Homes and individuals to whom they were designated.
WS does the service of sending special gifts completely free of charge, and does not charge the recipient of the gift for any of the bank fees incurred along the way.
If you are looking for faster ways of receiving gifts from your donors, you may want to consider receiving your gifts directly. This could either be via a bank telex or other services such as Western Union. Western Union levels a 5% charge, but sends the funds instantly. Here in Europe one can send a Western Union transfer from any major train station without having a bank account.
A little tip for those sending special gifts via the TRF: It greatly helps us when forwarding gifts if the information regarding where to send it is as complete as possible. For example, if you only address your gift to "Luke, Russia" it might take us a little time to figure out which Luke the gift is for, and we may even need to write you back asking for more details. Please include their last name (Bible name) if you know what it is, and if you know what city the recipient of your gift is in, please include that, as it will help ensure your gift reaches the right person as quickly as possible. For example, "Luke, Vladivostok, Russia." If you can include their Home number, that would be even better.
We pray this helps to explain a bit more clearly the way we process gifts sent via the TRFs. Of course, we want to do whatever we can to speed up the process, and we have looked into this on our end, knowing how important these gifts are to you--our precious, dedicated and faithful front-line soldiers!
May our wonderful Lover and Husband, Jesus, continue to bless and keep you and make you a blessing to many!
Much love,
Your EURCRO Office
3. SHOWING THE CVC MANUAL TO NON-FAMILY MEMBERS
Now that most Homes have their CVC manuals, some are asking the question: "How freely can we show the CVC book to non-Family members?"
When explaining the CVC program to the GP, we suggest you first of all give them the "General Introduction" (page iii to viii of the CVC manual). If you wish, you could photocopy these pages for interested people. It gives a quick overview, and explains what the program is. If the person inquiring has only a superficial or general interest in our teens' education, these few pages may suffice.
When considering the question of showing the whole CVC manual to outsiders, we wondered if the Reading Lists might draw too much attention to our DO lit. Since giving DO lit to non-DO members is an excommunicable offense, we were concerned that it would put you on the spot if you showed your CVC manual to outsiders, and they then asked to see some of the Letters listed. Yet, we did want you to be able to use your CVC program to testify of the education your teens are receiving, and to show it to friends, relatives, investigators, etc.
We weren't sure how to reconcile this dilemma, so we brought the question before the Lord, and below are the answers that He gave. In a nutshell, He said that it's okay for you to show the full CVC program to those who inquire. If some people ask more questions about the Reading Lists, you can even show them some of the Letters (chosen selectively) and let them look at or read/skim through them, though you can't give these Letters to them or let them take the Letters with them. (Giving DO pubs to a non-DO member would be an excommunicable offense.)
(Jesus speaking:) Behold, this is a new day, and I do new things. For it is My will to get more of My message out, so that more people everywhere will know the truths of My Spirit. It is a day of pouring out, not a day of hiding and keeping in the closet. And even the hidden truths, which were in the closet before, do I now wish to bring out into the open so that others may see and know, so that your light may shine forth, so that the Words of David may shine forth like never before. This is how I am leading, and this is how I am guiding. Have I not even guided you to put more of My Words on the Net [our Family Web site on the Internet], so that all may see, so that the world may know and understand the truth that I have given unto your Father David? Hide not your light under a bushel, but put it on a candlestick, that it may give light to all.
There are many truths in this educational program for the children. Be not afraid to show these truths when asked, for they are of Me; they are My Words. They shall not bring you harm. You must use wisdom and discretion, but if asked, be not afraid to show, for My truth shall speak in the hearts of those who see. All of My Words are not for all, but My sheep hear My voice, and to those who inquire more deeply, I do wish to reveal more of My truth. You must not give an open door for all to see all My Words, but if there are select inquirers, you may show them portions, so that they may see and know the spiritual truths that you are showing unto your children. They may not agree with it or believe it, but nevertheless the truth shall speak to them.
Perhaps the Homes can photocopy certain Letters [or portions of Letters] in the CVC course to show along with it, in case they are asked for more details about what the Reading Lists are. They are not to give these out, but they could show them, as that is within the limits and bounds of My Word and laws [the Charter]. They can major on pointing out the program overviews ["Courses Available" and "Certification Requirements" sections].
The Homes may show the full program, and I will protect their security. And if there are those who inquire deeper, I will put it in their hearts to know and understand the truths that I am revealing unto My children through the Words that I have given through My David. This will not be widespread, but you may satisfy the curiosity of those who inquire. The Letters may not be given unto them, and you can say that they are for members only, but they may be shown unto them if necessary and if the questions get that far. But choose wisely which ones to show, according to the situation. (End of message from Jesus.)
(Dad speaking:) You should caution them that although they can show the full CVC course to those who inquire, they should be selective who they show the Reading Lists or any MO Letters to. The Lord will use it as a witness for those who are His sheep, as a means of showing them the wealth of truth that He has poured out in the Letters through the years. Praise the Lord! God bless and keep you praying and seeking Him! I love you! (End of prophecies.)
Here is a summary of the main points for you to keep in mind:
* This is a new day of pouring out, so we should not be afraid to show the CVC program.
* Suitable Letters may be shown to non-Family members, but not given to them. (You can explain they are for members only.)
* Be selective who you show the Reading Lists or any Letters to.
* Use wisdom and discretion; choose wisely which Letters or portions of Letters to show to those who inquire.
* This is not an open door to show all the Letters, but if there are select inquirers, you may show them portions.
God bless and keep you all as you begin to use the CVC program in your Home. Remember that the program is basically a way to document the training that many teens and young people have already had or have as part of their everyday life in the Family. Once you take the time to look over and understand the program, you'll see there's not much extra to be done to make it happen in your Home. Go for it, teens!
4. MORE ON THE CLE PROGRAM
In the near future, God willing, you should be receiving an advisory prepared by our Family CLE distributors covering some of the questions and problems that have come up with those ordering the CLE program. God bless our CLE team for their diligent work in filling the orders, communicating with CLE, and keeping the program going for our Family.
Since the advisory is not yet ready to send to you, we will list here a few of the key points that you should be aware of if you use the CLE program. These points are covered in full in the advisory, so when you receive it, please be sure to read the full sections that particularly apply to you. If you have further questions on these points, or others, please address them to our Family CLE distributors (G.T., 15106A Frederick Road #274, Rockville, MD 20850-1162, USA).
Love,
Your WS FED team
Summary of Key Points in CLE Advisory:
* Beginning January 1, 1997, all Family orders will receive a 20% discount on Lightunits and Answer Keys! Supplementary items and catalog items remain at 10% discount.
* CLE has extended their 20% discount for the Family to apply year round, but because they are very busy during their high season, they strongly discourage ordering during that time. It's best to do your ordering before July 15 or after September 15.
* Before placing your order, please make sure you have reviewed the CLE advisories and Sales Terms and Policies.
* Previous CLE materials and advisories sent to the Homes are:
-- FUN 30 (plus a small color brochure entitled Christian Light Education, the 8-page Home Study Options, as well as an order form for the diagnostic tests)
-- FSM 277 (plus CLE's Ordering Instructions for The Family, Sales Terms and Policies and The Family's CLE Order Summary)
-- FUN 37
* Orders, letters and phone calls from Family members for CLE must be made via the Family distributor. Please do not send orders, letters, Quick Correction Forms, or make phone calls directly to CLE. (Exceptions to this are those of you who are enrolled in the Full Program who are calling for scholastic assistance. See below for more details on this point.)
* Although it is free, CLE will not automatically send you their new yearly catalog. You must request it on your order form.
* Do not return any material with a total value of under $100 to our Family distributor's office or CLE. Please read CLE's Sales Terms and Policies agreement with The Family, where their return policy is fully explained. Before returning materials, you must receive a "Return Merchandise Authorization Number."
* It is your (the recipient's) responsibility to file a claim with the postal service or shipping company for all lost or damaged orders.
* In our present agreement with CLE, we do not qualify for their normal rush order service.
* CLE has structured the shipping rates to the Family to favor bulk orders.
* Do not send the Quick Correction Form directly to CLE. Mail it to our Family distributor's office.
* Make your bank checks or postal money orders payable to "Christian Light Publications."
* Please make sure that your check is in US dollars and is drawn on a US bank.
* Our Family distributor's office often finds that the prices of orders they receive are not calculated properly, and therefore they are not able to send all the materials that have been ordered. In order to compensate for possible miscalculations, whenever possible, please round the funds you send up to the nearest $5.00 above the total cost. (See also the "Price Changes" chart on the next page.)
* Please do not send personal checks! Unfortunately, as previously explained in FUN 30 and FSM 277, pg.4, Christian Light Publications will not accept personal checks from you or your relatives. Such payments will be returned.
* CLE will accept payment by credit card from the following credit card companies: Visa, Mastercard, Discovery and Novus. (Do not forget to give the credit card company name and expiration date.)
* CLE will now ship via airmail overseas if payment is made by credit card from one of the above companies. The cost of airmail shipping would approximately double the cost of your order.
* It is suggested that you order Scope and Sequence if you are interested in taking some of CLE's electives, as it gives a very detailed description of each elective. Scope and Sequence is now available in two volumes, grades 1-8 and grades 7-12. (Each volume is $2.00, or $3.00 for the set of two.)
* There have been a lot of questions about CLE's "Full Program." For free information about the Full Program and CLE curriculum, request from CLE their Curriculum and Resources for the Christian Homeschool booklet (# 219990).
* When students who are studying under the Full Program complete the required subjects, earn the required credits, and pass the tests, they can receive CLE High School diplomas.
* Full Program is not a correspondence course where you send the student's work into CLE. Instead, the parent is trained in the use of the CLE curriculum, in how to test and place students, how to help the student progress through their materials, and how to grade and correct their work.
* The $100 Full Program fee is only for one individual (biological) family. (Effective immediately is a new foreign rate of $115 for anyone living outside of the US.)
* A new category in Full Program is a "Supervising Full Program Family" which can be responsible for another family's children's scholastic training and reporting to CLE.
* If you are on Full Program, you will not be able to renew your Full Program status until you complete your CLE Teacher's Training. Your renewal date depends on when you enroll. See full explanation in coming advisory.
* Teacher's Training for the second parent of Full Program Families is available for $35.
* The $35 fee for a second parent's Teacher's Training can also apply to someone else in their biological family, or living in their household working as a tutor along with the trained parent.
* In our Family agreement with CLE, it is only Full Program parents who are supposed to communicate directly with CLE, and that is only regarding their scholastic questions. Any questions about your order or shipping must come through our Family CLE distributor's office, just like any other Family members who want the Family discount on their CLE materials.
* Beginning in February 1997, Full Program parents outside of the US and Canada will be able to communicate with CLE via fax. CLE's fax number is: 540-433-8896.
* "Rush Order" service for Family members does not mean a rush shipping! You are paying for your order to be processed ahead of others, which could save only a few days' time. With "Rush Order" you only receive a 10% discount on Lightunits and Answer Keys, instead of 20%. Shipping costs and the 10% discount on supplementary items remain the same.
* For Full Program students in high school, the upcoming advisory will provide more instructions on CLE's high school program, and how to obtain back scholastic credit, as well as an Application for High School Credit form. ?
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(Undiscounted) Price Changes (as of February 1997)
Old Price
New Price
Item
14.60
16.50
ABC Readiness Series
12.95
13.95
Accounting Business Simulations
245.00
260.00
Accounting Teacher Materials
38.25
45.50
Accounting Textbook, Century 21
2.10
2.30
Adventures with Books
57.95
59.95
Basic Auto Service and Sys textbook
2.10
2.30
Bible Pictures to Color
4.25
4.75
Bible Stories to Read
2.60
3.50
But Not Forsaken textbook
25.50
28.95
Carpentry textbook
2.10
2.30
Counting with Numbers
2.10
2.30
Do It Carefully
29.95
33.95
Electricity Teacher's Material
69.50
79.95
Electricity textbooks
13.45
13.95
Elementary Dictionary
.15
.25
Elementary Report Card
2.10
2.30
Everywhere We Go
4.45
6.95
Excellence in Teaching with the 7 Laws
2.10
2.30
Finding the Answers
4.25
5.25
FT 100 Student Attendance Report Form
.15
.25
High School Report Card
35.50
39.95
Keyboarding Textbook
12.50
12.95
Keyboarding WP App Guide
59.95
67.50
Kin Tac Cards--Manuscript
9.95
13.95
Math 900 Solution Key Handbook
Copyright (c) 1998 by The Family