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2 Peter 1:12


Dear Readers,

December 2004

“Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 1:2) I pray that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We certainly have many things to be thankful for. I have been encouraged recently by the way the gospel is spreading throughout the world. We are printing a few of these reports so that you can get an idea of the progress of the message throughout the world. As this year draws to a close I pray that each of us would make the decision to become actively involved in working for our Lord. We may not have all the resources available to others, but each of us has a mouth, and we can speak up for the Lord. Jesus said, “Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God.” (Luke 12:8)

In this Issue

The Progress of the Work in India

by Howard Williams

Reflections on the Election

by Allen Stump

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

by George McDaniel

A Prayer Request

Something for the Young at Heart

Africa Missionary Reports

New Radio Program

 


The Progress of the Work in India

by Howard Williams

In March 2003, Lynnford Beachy of Smyrna Gospel Ministries and I made a trip to India to share the good news about God giving His Son.

The brethren who hosted this trip were few in number, but were already introduced to the message through printed literature and personal email contact.

Our visit was mostly to the southern part of India, namely the state of Tamil Nadu. Since our visit we have kept in touch with the work and though things started out more slowly than expected, the work has been making steady progress there.

Brother Dharma Suresh Kumar, who was present at the first meeting, has taken the time to carefully examine the materials we took along with us for distribution. Today he is convinced of the truth and is doing his best, with the little means he has, to spread this truth. A few months ago we were delighted when he sent us translated copies of some of our tracts in his native tongue, Tamil.

Brother Suresh is a diligent worker who loves the truth and he has been photocopying these tracts from his own income, in order to share with others.

There are others in his area who have accepted the truth and who are now joining with him in spreading the truth.

There are also other brethren in different areas of the South who were also present at the meetings we had and they are spreading the word of truth through personal witnessing as well. We had a recent report that nineteen persons have been baptized into the truth.

We are doing our best to get the brethren to work together in a more united way. The uniting would include sharing literature and witnessing materials.

We solicit your prayers for these precious brethren who have to work under very difficult circumstances, living, as they are, in a country heavily influenced by the Hindu religion which threatens death to anyone who promotes a rival religion.

Witnessing2 BW Shadow paper BW Shadow Witnessing3 BW Shadow Witnessing1 BW Shadow Working BW Shadow Tracts BW Shadow

Tract duplicating and distributing

The work in India is great; there are over a billion people to be reached with this truth, but poverty is a big problem and there are many who exploit the gospel for financial gain.

We have tried to teach these ministers and Bible workers to have faith and trust in God to provide for His work, and I am sure that many are learning this lesson. So, if God impresses you to support or just to encourage the workers, you can write to:

Dharma Suresh Kumar
Living God Ministries
P.O. Box 23
Manapparai - 621 306
Tamil Nadu, India

E-mail: scasuresh@yahoo.co.in.

Phone: (011) 91-98-652-97935.

Letters from Suresh

(The following is an compilation from many e-mails received from Suresh. Some editing has been done for clarity and flow.    Editor)

Here our gospel work is going on in the middle of a lot of difficulties. Many pastors have called us “heretics” and “servants of Satan.” But we never worry about this.  Some of the field workers have gone back because of the opposition from these churches. But, fortunately, some new brothers have decided to serve in our cause.

We have now printed the tracts “Which God” and “The God of the Bible” in the Tamil language. We distributed the tracts on August 14-15, 2004, in many churches. This is the first time that we distributed a large amount of tracts. In Tamil Nadu we distributed in the cities of Trichy, Dindigul and Madurai.

In Tamil Nadu there are 25 districts. In every district there is a minimum of 50 churches. So now we think that every Saturday and Sunday we will distribute the tracts to all the churches, and in a short time we will spread the truth all over Tamil Nadu. Our goal, by the grace and guidance of God, is to distribute a minimum of 100,000 tracts by the end of this year. We believe that God will give us strength to achieve this goal.

We now have 2,000 copies of the tract, “The Truth About God,” printed in the Tamil language. We have printed a total of four tracts, “Which God,” “The God of the Bible,” “The Truth About God” and “Satan’s Deadliest Lie.” Now we are preparing the Tamil version of the tract “The Holy Spirit.” We print the web addresses of Restoration Ministry and Present Truth Ministry on all of the tracts. Next Saturday and Sunday we will go to other places to distribute the tracts.

In India, we checked the theology book of all Christian schools and churches. In that, the first and most important lesson is the ‘Trinity.’ That is the foundation of their faith. So, it is hard for them to accept the opposite message. We pray every day for these people to accept the truth. At this time, the Christian people are the main opposers of our message, not the Hindu nor other religious people, although they are dangerous. First, we must send the message to Christian people. We believe that God will turn them to the truth. Please pray for these people.

Editor’s Note: This is the same way Paul preached. He said to His Jewish brethren, “It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you.” (Acts 13:46)

I sent a book to a pastor who is doing a book ministry, and prints a bi-monthly magazine that goes to about 3,000 families. In the May-June issue he wrote about the complete death of Jesus Christ. In that article he wrote that Christ really died for our sins. Most of the Christians do not understand this. And he explains also about the relationship between the Father and Christ. I am really happy that the truth is now going to these people.

One time I was explaining our message to a brother. As I was telling him about the truth, suddenly he became angry with me, and started to attack me. Another brother caught him and I escaped safely. If any type of disturbance comes to us, we won’t stop our work.

We want to translate the message in Tamil and other Indian languages just as it is in the English version. I wish to translate into Kannada and Malayalam, two languages which I know. If you give us permission to print the tracts in other languages, we will do it to the best of our abilities. Please Pray for our gospel work and us in India. Thank you!

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Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

by George McDaniel

Insulin Resistance Part 4

In last month’s article, we discussed ways to decrease the body’s insulin resistance. Another way this can be done is by fasting. Going for one or two days without eating any food at all will quickly restore insulin sensitivity. This can be done regularly once or twice a month as part of the program to improve your health, along with regular exercise and appropriate dietary changes. Fasting has many benefits, including detoxification. Most people can fast for one or two days without any problems. Anyone fasting for more than three days needs to be under the supervision of someone experienced in it. There are many books available on the subject for anyone who is interested in learning more.

The spice, cinnamon, has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity. The compound most active in this regard is called methylhydroxy chalcone polymer (MHCP). It was found in one test to increase glucose metabolism twenty fold in fat cells in a test tube. Before you begin taking large amounts of cinnamon, you need to be aware that cinnamon can be toxic in large amounts, more than one teaspoon per day. The toxic compounds are found in the oil of cinnamon. MHCP is water soluble. If you want to take cinnamon in large amounts, first put it in water to dissolve the water soluble compounds. It can then be poured through a coffee filter or other similar filter. This will separate the oil from the water soluble substances. MHCP has also been found to be a good anti-oxidant.

Several years ago, I read that the trace mineral, vanadium, will increase glucose metabolism in cells. The form used was vanadyl sulfate. I don’t remember the recommended dosage. Cinnamon extract is available for sale at certain health product stores.

There is another harmful effect of glucose, and that is glycation. Most people are aware of the damage oxygen causes through the process of oxidation. Oxygen is essential to life, but it can also kill us. The same is true of glucose. Glycation is the same as oxidation, but is caused by glucose. When glucose combines with something else it is called glycation. Glucose has an affinity for proteins. It combines readily with proteins. Oxygen, on the other hand, has a affinity for fats. Fats are readily oxidized. Proteins are readily glycated. There are anti-oxidants that can protect fats from oxidation. The only thing that can reduce glycation is to take in less glucose in the diet.

The end result of glycation is called advanced glycation end products. This is abbreviated as AGEs. It is one of the causes of the damage that produces aging in the body. If the protein affected can be re-manufactured, the process is not so harmful. One example of this would be hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is found in red blood cells. Everyone has a small amount of glycosolated hemoglobin in their bodies. Red blood cells are replaced about every three months. This is a case where glycation has no harmful effect. In fact, doctors use a lab test that measures this to determine how well a diabetic’s blood sugar has been controlled.

The problem with glycation occurs when a protein is damaged that can’t be replaced readily, such as nerve tissue or collagen. This includes the collagen that makes up the matrix of the arteries. AGEs are destroyed by white blood cells called macrophages. Macrophages have receptors for AGEs When a macrophage combines with an AGE product, it sets up an inflammatory reaction. Inflammation is the basis for many diseases, including cardiovascular disease and arthritis.

Inflammation is part of the body’s natural response to injury. It is a part of the healing process, but in the process, surrounding tissues can be damaged. One of the substances the body produces as part of its defense mechanism to inflammation is C-reactive protein (CRP). A rise in CRP levels indicates inflammation. Researchers have found that CRP is a better predictor of heart disease then LDL cholesterol.

There is another source of AGEs: that is protein containing food that is cooked at high temperatures. Overcooked food becomes dry, wrinkled, hard, blistered, and discolored. The same process occurs in the body, whether it happens by having elevated glucose levels or by consuming food containing glycated proteins which occur as a result of improper preparations of the food.

Eating a food that has been fried to a crisp may taste good, but that food contains abnormal proteins and these proteins can be transferred to body structure. If these abnormal structures can’t regenerate, premature aging and disease occur. If you want to retain youth and health avoid frying and microwaving and cook foods at lower heat. Stay away from refined prepackaged foods with preservatives. These often contain AGEs even before you cook them. Instead, choose choice fresh fruits and vegetables and eat them raw or slow-cooked.

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(George McDaniel is my father-in-law, and has been a registered nurse for many years, which, along with much research, has taught him many useful health principles.    Editor)


Something for the Young at Heart

This month we are continuing a series of crossword Bible studies that are based on the “These Last Days” Bible Lessons. In order to maintain the flow of the study, this crossword puzzle is not split into Across and Down sections—Across or Down is indicated at the end of each line.

The Cleansing of the Sanctuary

TLD Lesson 16 - The Cleansing of the Sanctuary

  • Paul taught about righteousness, temperance, and ____ to come. Acts 24:24, 25—19 Across

  • God will judge the ____ and the wicked. Ecclesiastes 3:17—11 Down

  • We must ____ appear before the judgment seat of Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:10—13 Down

  • God will bring every work into judgment, even every ____ thing. Ecclesiastes 12:14—23 Across

  • In the day of judgment we will give an account for every ___ ___. Matthew 12:36 (2 Words)—18 Across

Note: “To him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.” (Psalm 50:23)

  • Judgment must begin at the ____ of God. 1 Peter 4:17— 15 Across

Note: “The house of God, which is the church of the living God.” (1 Timothy 3:15) “And if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?” (1 Peter 4:17, 18) “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:25)

  • The Father, has committed all judgment to the ____. John 5:22—17 Across

  • When Christ comes, He will bring His ____ with Him. Revelation 22:12—8 Down

Note: The judgment for all who have ever entered Christ’s service actually takes place before He comes. This is illustrated in Matthew 22 in the parable of a marriage which a certain king made for his son. Before the wedding begins, the king inspects the guests to see if all are clothed with the wedding garment (verse 11). Notice the parallel in Revelation:

    “Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.” (Revelation 19:7, 8)

    In the parable, having that robe determined whether one was accepted or cast out.

    “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21)

    “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment.” (Revelation 3:5)

    They “which have not defiled their garments,” but “have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb,” “shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.” (Revelation 3:4; 7:14)

    This character examination is performed by Christ in the heavenly sanctuary. When His investigation is completed, everyone’s destiny will be sealed. He will then announce:

    “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” (Revelation 22:11, 12)

  • God’s urgent message to people today says, “the hour of his judgment is ____.” Revelation 14:7—3 Down

Note: Paul spoke in terms of “judgment to come.” (Acts 24:25) The message for today is that “judgment is come.” (Revelation 14:7) When Jesus comes, “He hath judged.” (Revelation 19:2)

    This investigative judgment, which evaluates the lives of all who have ever professed faith in Christ, is completed before Jesus comes.  It should not be confused with the judgment of the wicked by Christ and His saints, which occurs during the millennium; or the final judgment and punishment of the wicked, which takes place at the end of the 1000 years. (See the crossword puzzle entitled “Preview of the Coming Age” in the October 2003 issue of Present Truth.)

  • Having your names ____ in heaven is more valuable than having power over evil spirits. Luke 10:19, 20—12 Across

  • The names of God’s people are recorded in the ___ __ ___. Philippians 4:3 (3 Words)—9 Across

  • God records our good deeds in a book of ____. Malachi 3:16—6 Down

  • Iniquity (sin) is also ____ before God. Jeremiah 2:22— 24 Across

  • In God’s ____ is written a description of everyone. Psalm 139:16—2 Down

Note: Everything we do is recorded in God’s books. Some of the direct or implied references to the heavenly books of record include Nehemiah 13:14; Job 16:19; Psalm 56:8; Hebrews 12:23; Revelation 13:8; 17:8; 21:27; and 22:19.

  • When the judgment is set, the books are ____. Daniel 7:9, 10—22 Across

  • People are ____ out of those things written in the books. Revelation 20:12—19 Down

  • If the books of record show that a person turned back to sin, he shall ___. Ezekiel 18:24—20 Across

  • Those who sin against God, He will ___ ___ of His book. Exodus 32:33 (2 Words)—7 Down

Note: “Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.” (Psalm 69:28)

  • In the judgment, those who do not have their names in the book of life will be cast into the ___ __ ___. Revelation 20:15 (3 Words)—10 Across

  • In Daniel’s vision Christ comes to the ____ of days. Daniel 7:13—14 Down

Note: This movement of Christ does not describe His coming to the earth, but rather to “the Ancient of days.” The same scene is described by the prophet Malachi. Notice the question that is asked, and its answer:

    “Where is the God of JUDGMENT? Behold I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his TEMPLE.” (Malachi 2:17 - 3:1)

    Revelation 10 describes the bitter disappointment of those who expected Jesus to come in 1844. (See the crossword puzzle entitled “Revelation Unseals Daniel’s Prophecy” in the November 2004 issue of Present Truth.)

    When He did not come, their question was, “Where is the God of judgment?” The Bible’s answer was, “The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple.” The Father and the Son moved, in 1844, into the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary to begin His work of investigative judgment, His final work before coming to earth to receive His bride.

    From Daniel 8:19 we learned that the sanctuary would be cleansed “at the time appointed.” Commenting on that, Paul says, “He hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world.” Acts 17:31.  The time appointed for the judgment was the fulfillment of the 2300 days.

  • During this time Christ will ____ the sons of Levi. Malachi 3:3—1 Down

  • He will ____ the names of the overcomers before His Father and His angels. Revelation 3:5—4 Down

  • The ____ of the overcomers will be blotted from their record. Acts 3:19—21 Across

  • In the old yearly service, an atonement was made for the people that they would be ____ from all their sins. Leviticus 16:30—16 Across

  • When the work of cleansing the heavenly sanctuary is finished, ____ of the wrath of God will be poured out upon the earth. Revelation 15:5 - 16:1—5 Down

Note: “And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.” (Daniel 12:1)

    “And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living.” (Isaiah 4:3)


New Radio Program

God’s Word—God’s Way, a ministry in Cleveland, Ohio, has begun a new radio program that covers much of the eastern United States. Pastor Willis Smith will be presenting the gospel message, including, among other topics, the truth about God, the Sabbath, and the Biblical view of death and hell. You can hear this program on 1220 AM and 1440 AM, Sunday evenings, from 9-9:30 p.m. EST. Your prayers for this outreach is very much appreciated.    Editor


Reflections on the Election

by Allen Stump

On November 2, the people of the United States elected the electors that elected George W. Bush to a second term as president. The popular vote count was approximately 59 ½ million (51%) for Mr. Bush and 56 million (48%) for John Kerry. Interestingly, both numbers were records. Mr. Bush received more votes than any winning candidate ever and was the first candidate to receive more than 50% of the popular vote since 1988 when his father was elected president. John Kerry received more than any loser before. In fact, Kerry got more votes than any winner or looser before him. However, due to the fact that the Electoral College, not the people by direct election, elect the president, if the state of Ohio had delivered 70,000 more votes for Kerry, we would be writing about President-elect Kerry now.

Media and Bush claim: Mandate

There have been few elections in recent years where the interest and passions were so high. Both parties worked hard to “get out the vote.” Mr. Bush, with much of the media, was very quick to declare that he had gotten a “mandate from the people.” It was called a “moral mandate,” a “fresh mandate,” and a “clear mandate” Richard Stevenson, writing for the New York Times called it “a decisive win.” Los Angeles Times writer Edwin Chen called it a “solid win.” Mr. Bush declared, “The people made it clear what they wanted”

The Republicans gained seats in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. With one, and possibly four seats coming vacant on the Supreme Court, including the chief justice’s position, the Republicans appeared to have run the table of this election.

Political Capital

President Bush declared that he had received consent from the people for his agenda. He stated,

I earned capital in the campaign — political capital — and now I intend to spend it. It is my style. That’s what happened after the 2000 election: I earned some capital. I’ve earned capital in this election, and I’m going to spend it for what I told the people I’d spend it on.

Mr. Bush said he would spend it on, “Social Security and tax reform, moving this economy forward, education, fighting and winning the war on terror.” Mr. Bush also noted that he would call for Congress to move speedily for tort reform to limit lawsuits awards against doctors.

The Real Difference in the Election

One thing very conspicuously absent from Mr. Bush’s remarks was any mention of the evangelical vote. President Bush said nothing about the rewards that the Evangelical Churches were to get for giving him their overwhelming support. Republican analysts had determined that in the 2000 election, there were four million evangelicals that did not vote. One of the goals of the Karl Rove-led Mr. Bush campaign was to get these four million voters out in 2004. In the 2000 election, Mr. Bush received about one half million less votes than Al Gore. In 2004 Mr. Bush received three and one half million more votes than Kerry; a difference shift of four million votes, the number of evangelicals that were targeted. While each party picked up some votes from almost every group, the real difference in the election was the evangelical vote.

Both Bush and Kerry called for unifying the country after the election. However, the truth of the matter is that this country is more divided than it has been since the civil war. While there may be neutral areas that both sides can work together on concerning the economy, the war on terrorism, and the war in Iraq, how can common ground be found on such passionate issues as abortion and gay marriages?

When Mr. Bush was asked at his November 4th news conference if the strong evangelical support he received raised concerns of the nation being divided among the religious and non-religious, Mr. Bush responded:

Yes, my answer to people is, I will be your President regardless of your faith, and I don’t expect you to agree with me necessarily on religion. As a matter of fact, no President should ever try to impose religion on our society.

A great — the great tradition of America is one where people can worship the way they want to worship. And if they choose not to worship, they’re just as patriotic as your neighbor. That is an essential part of why we are a great nation. And I am glad people of faith voted in this election. I’m glad — I appreciate all people who voted. I don’t think you ought to read anything into the politics, the moment, about whether or not this nation will become a divided nation over religion. I think the great thing that unites is the fact you can worship freely if you choose, and if you don’t, you don’t have to worship. And if you’re a Jew or a Christian or a Muslim, you’re equally American. That is — that is such a wonderful aspect of our society; and it is strong today and it will be strong tomorrow.

Some strict Evangelicals believe that from a Biblical point of view, such ideas are difficult to harmonize with the Scripture. What Biblical “unity” could there be where everybody worships who or whatever they choose, or doesn’t worship anyone or anything at all? Of course no true unity can exist. Conservative Evangelicals want the country to move more towards a government that resembles a theocracy rather than a republic. That is why the government cannot stay purely civil and keep the Evangelicals happy.

Moral Values the Decisive Factor

While the president was silent concerning abortion, he did later state that he would support a constitutional amendment to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman. In an NBC pole taken on Election Day, “Moral values” was the most important factor listed in the decision for the president. Of the 22% that said moral values were the most important issue, 80% sided with President Bush. Former President Clinton picked up on this speaking at Hamilton College in upstate New York. Clinton stated, “There was an astonishing turnout among evangelical Christians who said they were voting on the basis of moral values.”

Evangelical Expectations

Make no mistake, Bush owes the Christian right and they expect to see him pay up. In a letter of congratulations sent to Mr. Bush, Dr. Bob Jones, III, president of Bob Jones University wrote:

In your re-election, God has graciously granted America—though she doesn’t deserve it—a reprieve from the agenda of paganism. You have been given a mandate. We the people expect your voice to be like the clear and certain sound of a trumpet. Because you seek the Lord daily, we who know the Lord will follow that kind of voice eagerly.

Don’t equivocate. Put your agenda on the front burner and let it boil. You owe the liberals nothing. They despise you because they despise your Christ. Honor the Lord, and He will honor you. (Bob Jones III to President George W. Bush – November 3, 2004)

Dr. Jones has labeled “liberals” as those that “despise … Christ” and links them with “the agenda of paganism.” He tells Mr. Bush that he has “been given a mandate” and the people are expecting him to give the trumpet the “certain sound” they are expecting! Dr. Jones attached a postscript to his letter which read, “A few moments ago I read this letter to the students in Chapel. They applauded loudly their approval.” I confirmed this talking with a representative from Bob Jones University. The spokesperson said there was “a lot of enthusiasm from the student body” for the letter.

Dr. Bob Jones, III, is just not anybody. Mr. Bush campaigned at Bob Jones University at the invitation of, and with the support of Dr. Jones.

Tim Russert, of Meet the Press, quoted Richard Lamb, the president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission as saying.

“As we say in Texas, [President Bush] is going to dance with the one who brung him.… We haven’t come to this place to go home and not push our values and our beliefs.” (NBC News’ Meet the Press, November 14, 2004)

Speaking of the Evangelical social conservatives, James Carville, a democrat advisor said:

“They’re going to be at the table. And let me tell you, they’re not going anywhere. And that guy in Colorado Springs, Dobson, and Bob Jones and them, I guarantee you, they’re coming to the party, bro, and they want a seat at the table.” (Ibid.)

We will have to see if he will pay up and give the Evangelicals their “seat at the table,” but the Christian right is not willing to be taken for granted much longer. James Dobson sent out a letter saying He can no longer keep quiet. On the November 7 edition of Meet the Press, Tim Russert asked Karl Rove, “Is the president indebted to evangelical Christians?” Rove did not give a direct answer. Later Russert asked, “Is the president obligated to his support from the evangelical Christians to nominate people for the Supreme Court who would overturn Roe v. Wade?” Again Rove sidestepped the question for apparently political reasons.

The Supreme Court Factor

While many are looking at some of the proposed changes to the Constitution with fear and concern, it should be noted that the Constitution does not need to be changed if it can be reinterpreted. This is what makes appointments to the Supreme Court so important for it is the High Court that has the final say on any law enacted by the Congress.

With the recent revelations that Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, William Rehnquist has thyroid cancer and considering the age of the court, Mr. Bush may have the chance to appoint three, perhaps four justices, one of which will be chief justice. Mr. Bush has initiated an internal review of the pros and cons of nominating Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas as the chief justice if ailing William Rehnquist retires.

Social conservatives and Christian Evangelicals will expect Mr. Bush to choose socially conservative nominees. President Bush has stated that he wants judges who will make a strict interpretation of the Constitution and not be a judicial activist. Mr. Bush says that he will nominate “someone who knows the difference between personal opinion and the strict interpretation of the law.” While not saying that Roe v. Wade (the case that overturned the ban on abortion in the United States) is to be his litmus test, Mr. Bush has showed little inclination to seek a consensus candidate. Mr. Bush has stated that Justices Scalia and Thomas, arguably the two most conservative justices, are his two favorite justices of all time and that he wanted to appoint people like them. And in fact, with the nation being more and more polarized it may be impossible to find a consensus candidate!

Prophetic Implications

Revelation 13 describes a two-horned, lamb-like beast which makes an image to the composite beast mentioned in the first part of that chapter. Through Bible study, we believe that this second beast is the United States of America lead on by the Protestant Churches. We believe that through legislation and/or through the courts they will attempt to force their agenda upon the rest of the country. The main thrust of that agenda will be the exaltation of Sunday worship and the god of Sunday worship. (For a complete Bible study on this issue, please write and request the book, A Time to Choose.)

Will Bush keep his word and provide government for all people regardless of faith? Will he pay back the Evangelicals for their vote? Most likely whatever is done will need to be done quickly. Most analysts agree that if Bush is to spend his political capital, he needs to do it in the first 100 days. “Political capital is like a helium balloon – it weakens with every passing day.” (Mona Charen – The Washington Times) If Mr. Bush and Congress do not take action by the 2006 election, the president becomes a “lame duck” and getting anything accomplished will be difficult. Keep a watch on the next few months closing. As one Bible prophecy student noted concerning the last events of earth’s history, “Great changes are soon to take place in our world, and the final movements will be rapid ones.” (Last Day Events, p. 11) Truly “it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” (Romans 13:11)

In the mean time; Inspiration says, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2) “Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning.” (Mark 13:35)

And if we have not seen major developments in the next four months, remember what Paul writes, “For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.” (1 Thessalonians 5:3)

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A Prayer Request

Please pray for Esther McDaniel, Heidi Stump, Leon Holt, Leland Brummett, and Liana Manning as they are finishing up a mission trip to Africa. Due to security reasons, we were not able to make this news public before.

As many of you know, Sister Esther McDaniel has been working with great zeal to help support and establish orphanages in Africa. She and the others have been to the “Hope for the Children Center” in Kenya, ministering to the orphans and helping them with with the construction of new buildings.

Brother Leon Holt has been doing the work of an evangelist sharing God’s word in Kenya and Uganda. My daughter Heidi has been holding a vacation Bible school type program for the orphans and the village children. Leland and Liana have been tremendous supporters as well! They will return from Africa early in December. Please pray for the results of their efforts to last when they leave, as well as their safe passage home.    Editor


Africa Missionary Reports

Arusha, Tanzania

August 25th – September 5th, 2004—K. A. Kitomary

“Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.” (Timothy 4:13)

I started my missionary journey on August 25th, 2004. Pastor Kimamule came to Arusha as we had agreed. We started our first effort on August 26th, and continued until the 29th. The attendants were very grateful for the messages which delighted them. They unanimously expressed their desire to share the message with others. I left them some books and leaflets.

I made a few visits to share the message along the way to my next destination. After I arrived, we arranged the lessons to begin that evening. The meetings went well, with no disturbances, until the third day. On the third day we got a summons from the village administration stating that we had to answer charges concerning conducting a meeting. (In Tanzania, it is illegal to hold meetings, even in a home, without getting a permit from the government.) I told my hosts not to worry and I reminded them of our Lord Jesus Christ’s promise that when you are sent to court do not think of what to answer for the Lord Himself will provide you with what to say. We prayed, and after prayer we proceeded to the village headquarters to answer charges. It was true that we had no permit for conducting a meeting, but the meeting was conducted at someone’s home.

A government spokesperson started by saying that he had received a complaint that we had been conducting a meeting without a permit from the office.

My host answered, “I did not conduct a public meeting but I invited my friends to my house. Am I not allowed?”

The government spokesman said, “If that is the case, I also accept and honour God’s Word by attending meetings, and since you are working for the Ruler of the rulers, I dare not stop the meeting—just proceed! He said, “I myself secretly visited the place where you were preaching and teaching at night, and the words I heard touched my heart—you were giving excellent teachings. Even with these charges I fear to stop you from proceeding with the meetings. Let it be now that you have already been granted a permit from this office and from now on this office assures you security in case of any harm.

My host and I stared at each other, not believing the words we were hearing. I asked the government spokesman, “Were the people angry with our loud preaching or what?”

He replied, “I know when preachers are moved with God’s Word, they cannot be refrained from speaking loudly. I am telling you to continue to speak loudly so that people may hear your preaching because it is so good, that even those who cannot attend may hear from wherever they are.”

We heard that when the government spokesman hid the day before, with charges to capture us, there were ten other people carefully listening to what we were preaching.

We left the office with great joy asking ourselves on the way—“what is this?” I asked the host, “Have you seen God’s hand working?” He exclaimed, “I have witnessed it for sure! No sooner had we arrived home than a government lower rank officer appeared, wanting to know what my host had been told. He was a Muslim. He told us who had sent the charges.

That evening the meetings continued as usual, although few people attended. Others listened from far since they had been threatened the day before.

On the Sabbath day I continued with my teachings from morning to break time. In the afternoon, seven more people arrived and we continued to study till evening, ending the Sabbath.

My host decided to share this message and he requested me to assist him with frequent advice. I left him the following books: Who is Telling the Truth About God, From Babylon to New Jerusalem, This is the Church, The Love of God, and The Holy Spirit.

I thank God very much for this work, these legs, this mouth and these hands. I thank Him very much for protecting me from different dangers each day until my safe return to my family.

I want to give each of you my sincere thanks for your devotion to help morally and materially—I mean the aid which enabled me to travel to all these places; not only me but also Pastor Kimamule who entered Arusha town. God bless you for all of these things!

Uganda

September 24th, 2004—Fred Musungu and Alfred Mukhooli

Dear brethren, I greet you in the name of our only true God and His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.

We are glad that God is doing His work in these last days through His workers who have surrendered their whole lives and property for His work to see that God’s character is revealed in His people. And you are the workers who are enabling us here in Africa to reach our fellow poor members.

 We are very glad that Philadelphia ministry sent us transporting funds to attend to urgent calls we are receiving countrywide from many churches. I went to meet with one of our former sisters who had not met with us for a long time because she was transferred to teach in the western part of the country. She got news that we had left our former church, and yet we were the ones who preached to her to join that church. She wanted us to visit her so she can know what was wrong with us because she thought that we were getting lost.

I went and had Bible studies with her for one and half weeks about the trinity falsehood and its origin. She was surprised and at the same time happy for the studies, to discover that she had not yet found the present truth. She accepted the message with all her heart and life, plus her 6 children and her two neighbors. Your prayers for these two is highly needed for their husbands are typical Catholics who were not happy with our message.

 As Brother Mukhooli and I were about to go, we received another call from Sunday keepers who had read our tracts we give out with our mobile phone numbers. At the moment, three pastors and their congregations have accepted the message and have decided to take us throughout their groups as they are still studying prophecy, which they were very green about.

We are now in Eastern Uganda for a week’s Bible study with our former brothers, in one of their homes to avoid their leaders’ interferences in their buildings. The group is ranging from 15-20 as we are in the rainy season.

We have appreciated your generous help. May God bless you so much as you pray for us and for all of the meetings, that God can open their minds to know the truth.

October 1st, 2004—Fred S. Musungu

I greet you with the book of Galatians 1:3-5. Glory be to our only true God the Father and His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ! I am very joyous to let you know that through your prayers our heavenly Father has done wonders for Himself. I believe you were with us in spirit as we went on a missionary trip to Brother Julius’ home area in the mountains of Elgon. God has won for Himself a whole church plus their leaders, though some of them are still confused a little. But, as the church leader and the rest have understood the truth, I am sure God will enable the other to stand for the truth through your prayers. And they are eager to see Sister Esther and the others when they come. Now we have an open chance of reaching these people, even though their leaders, at first, hindered them from coming near us. But, the more they prohibit them, the more they want to know why. Great blessings to Philadelphia ministry for the funds for transport to enable us to reach these poor souls. We still need all of your prayers for the harvest is now ripe, but the devil is hindering us by poverty. May our heavenly Father be with you all!

South Africa

July 4th, 2004—Onward Makeche

I wanted to give a brief report of what the Lord has been doing for us here. Really, the doctrine of the Trinity has corrupted the correct view of our God. Now it is our duty to proclaim over the hills and the valleys, and lift up the standard of the Bible. There are many things, which we, as a people, are still holding onto, which are Babylonian teachings. How can holy things mingle with unholy things? Definitely, something is wrong. This is the time to tighten our belts and preach this message with courage and boldness even though friends are few and foes are many, but all the way my Saviour will lead and we will travel together.

We are trying to make translations into more African languages so that this message will fly. We have identified some brother from Burundi, and if he understands, we are working with him in the translation of some tracts to Burundi in their original tongue.

We held meetings in Hilbrow, a nearby community where we had an average attendance of 15 – 20 people per night. We did not get a camera on time that we take photos as we are depending on hiring and borrowing. We were not interested much on the numbers but on the quality and understanding of the message. People who attended understood and wanted more. During the campaign we distributed the leaflets, “Who is the God of the Bible?” “Which God?,” and “Satan’s Deadliest Lie,” and they received applause from the people.

We held another meeting in Yeoville, our community, where we invited our local church people. Some attended and many did not because they are treating this message as heresy. God has preserved the truth that all who need it will find it. Everyone who seeks shall find. Right now about 75% of the local church people are not holding to the corrupt doctrine of the trinity. The problem they are facing is that they are afraid of being cast out of the synagogue.

Soon we are going to another community again where we will teach on this subject. We are going to continue since this is just the beginning and we are still young in the ministry. My greatest wish is that we someday host a big camp meeting here in South Africa. I hope the truth will prosper though it is suffering violence.

We are also planning to hold another meeting in August. We are also going to have a three-week campaign and distribution of printed literature.

My stand has made my family members consider me lost and I pray that they also may understand the issue at stake.

Threats are coming from the people who are supposed to be the shepherds of the church, yes, even pastors. People think that they own heaven.

So we are still progressing as seeds of truth are being sown. The Lord will water. This message has to fly to every tribe, nation, language and kindred before probation closes.

August 18th, 2004—Onward Makeche

I greet you in the wonderful name of our Lord Jesus. Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.

 We are fine here and still prospering in the knowledge of our Lord. We are praying that we find the funds that we may do the work of the Lord. Currently, I am working and getting some funds to live. We are engaged is some minor campaigns.

The cassettes and your messages are changing the people. The message of the truth about God is currently changing the lives of the people and I am one of them.

My biggest wish is that one of the days we might host a camp meeting here in South Africa.

Is it possible that I work for the Lord only and not do any formal work because the fields are ripe and ready and I can hear the Master calling me.… You know I am so young but I desire to have my body buried for this truth.

We have discussed with people and many seem to think we are mad. We have targeted many churches.… Many are accepting the truth, except for the clergy. We are discussing the Godhead, the origins of the trinity and the love of God.

On Tuesday, we bought some time on the radio where the issue will be discussed nationwide. They do not want to give time on the air but I pray that this might be a success.

I will continue to send you some of the photos so you can see how the gospel is spreading in South Africa.

Thank you for the wonderful truth and love you have shown to us.

I am currently working as mentor, or project manager, in a very small organization so that I can have something to live on. I will give you much details in the next mail.

September 5th, 2004—Onward Makeche

We are currently looking for a place where we can have a camp meeting as we have started a radio program. The problem is that we are still so poor but, God will provide the means for the accomplishment of His task.

We have received the funds you sent. This has boosted our input for the work and hence I am totally surrendering all to Jesus. In the attached photo we see Brother Mphatisi issuing out invitations to people, inviting them for the meetings.

Pray for us that we might not sleep and that our love should never grow cold. We thank you for the extra support you give to us here that the work might be accomplished. We are spreading the message even in hospitals. People are accepting the message in beds.

Jhb Photo BW Shadow

October 5th, 2004—Onward Makeche

I would like to thank God for the assistance which you have shown to us and fulfilling my wishes. The love of the perishing souls is motivating us also to take a further step into proclaiming the message to all people, despite race, color or language.

We have managed to download God’s Love on Trial. The booklet actually had an impact in my life and is being liked by many. We are making copies and distributing them to various individuals. The report we are getting is that the book has uplifted them. I am also making a translation of “Who is the God of the Bible?” into an African language and then I will send it to you. We have contacted Burundi and we are now making inroads to the Ivory Coast. Do you have something in French? I think we have to try something in French.

We are making contacts about the idea of a camp meeting, we want to contact several individuals. We want it to stretch for one week. Things will change; the Spirit of God shall move people and many shall be awakened by the power of God. We are still looking for the provisions.

On the 6th of November we are going to another province and we are facing difficulties to penetrate the area. I am praying that the power of God might be revealed in the messages.

You have motivated me to work for the Lord so that in everything I am doing I think about the gospel. And this truth is reigning, though there are some difficulties which are good for our faith. May the Lord richly bless you and expand the ministry into the whole world.

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