March-April-11

There is an ever growing confusion and widening misunderstanding among our separated people and ministerial brethren over the issue of “INDEPENDENCE." Some believe that God’s people must exert their God-given right of independence at all times and under any circumstances, or they will become the robots of other men and the willing dupes of Satan. Others declare that no one is to be independent for any reason, but must just live the best godly life they can as an example for others to follow. So while one group believes that if you are not independent then you risk your salvation, the other group believes that if you do become independent then you are in danger of being lost. Since both of these positions on independence conflict with one another, then which position is the truth? The answer is neither of them. Both of these above positions are not correct to follow, because they are an extreme example of both sides of this issue of Independence.

So on the one hand, God’s work cannot be done without independence, but yet on the other hand if we have independence then we shall be overcome by the wiles of Satan. Is there a contradiction between these two testimonies? No, because these two quotes are speaking of two different forms of independence – one true and the other false.

“Now, please stop walking in this unsanctified independence and self-confidence, for it will prove your ruin unless you see the evil and repent of it...if you choose to make your own plans and go independently you will not have the Lord to go with you.” Manuscript Releases, vol 20, p 119-120.

The reason why Satan has been so successful in creating all kinds of trouble among our separated people and home churches worldwide is because they do not see and understand the clear distinction between the true and false forms of independence! And as long as our separated people remain confused regarding what true form of independence they should follow, and what false form they should avoid, then they will continue to allow the Devil to freely work his devious evil among them in creating all kinds of evil and havoc.

“The angels of God are in our world, and satanic agencies are here also. I am permitted to see the inclination of certain ones to follow their own strong traits of character. If they refuse to yoke up with others who have had a long experience in the work, they will become blinded by self-confidence, not discerning between the false and the true.” Testimonies to Ministers, p 501.

The true form of independence which heaven approves of is briefly stated in the following principles: That we are an independent agent who is responsible to God for our own actions and spiritual life – no one else can be blamed if we lose heaven. We are responsible to God to do our own personal study – no one else is to study for us. We are responsible to think for ourselves – we are not to be the shadow or rubber stamp of any person. While we are to ask for advice from others of experience, we are responsible to follow our own convictions – no one else is to be conscience for us. We are responsible to help ourselves – no one else is required to help when we are able. We are responsible for the performance of the work given us to do – no one else can be blamed if it does not get done. We are responsible for our own daily maintenance – no one owes us anything. We are responsible to maintain our integrity, moral righteousness, and obligations in the various affairs of life. And we are responsible to stand for God, His honor, and His truth regardless of the consequences. (List with references provided at this link: http://www.LightMinistries.com/SDA/True-Independence.pdf).

It can be clearly seen that this true form of independence centers around us as individuals, not in a selfish or self-exalted way, but in a noble unselfish manner which does not adversely affect others. This form of noble and sanctified independence can be traced back to the two great and foundational principles of God's 10 commandments – an independence which places God first and foremost in our thoughts, feelings, and actions, and then places our neighbors as ourselves. This form of true independence, which is founded upon love to God and then love of one another ahead of self, heaven highly approves of and which we are right to manifest and adhere to at all times as it will lead to complete sanctification and eternal life.

“...God's law is given to men as a hedge, a shield. Whoever accepts its principles is preserved from evil. Fidelity to God involves fidelity to man. Thus the law guards the rights, the individuality, of every human being. It restrains the superior from oppression, and the subordinate from disobedience. It ensures man's well-being, both for this world and for the world to come. To the obedient it is the pledge of eternal life, for it expresses the principles that endure forever.” Education, p 76-77.

The fruits borne by following this kind of unselfish independence are trust, confidence, fellowship, harmony, unity, order, and peace, and all these are founded upon love. And yes, I said unity. Believe it or not, following this God approved form of true independence will produce unity!

“God desires His people to be disciplined and brought into harmony, that they may see eye to eye. This does not mean that they are to yield up their individuality. Individuality should not be sacrificed, but it should be refined and elevated.” Pacific Union Recorder, December 5, 1901.

“There is at work a wheel within a wheel. Apparently the complication of machinery is so intricate that man can see only a complete entanglement. But the divine hand, as seen by the prophet Ezekiel, is placed upon the wheels, and every part moves in complete harmony, each doing its specified work, yet with individual freedom of action.” Bible Commentary, vol 4, p 1161.

“A life consecrated to the service of God will be developed and beautified in its individuality. No person can sink his individuality in that of another, but we are all, as individuals, to be grafted into the one parent stock, and there is to be unity in diversity. The great Master Artist has not made two leaves of the same tree precisely alike; so His creative power does not give to all minds the same likeness. They are created to live through ceaseless ages, and there is to be complete unity, mind blending with mind; but no two are to be of the same mold.” Mind, Character and Personality, vol 2, p 426.

“Unity in diversity is God's plan. Among the followers of Christ there is to be the blending of diverse elements, one adapted to the other, and each to do its special work for God. Every individual has his place in the filling up of one great plan bearing the stamp of Christ's image....One is fitted to do a certain work, another has a different work for which he is adapted, another has a still different line; but each is to be the complement of the others....The Spirit of God, working in and through the diverse elements, will produce harmony of action....There is to be only one master spirit--the Spirit of Him who is infinite in wisdom, and in whom all the diverse elements meet in beautiful, matchless unity.” Our High Calling, p 169.

As this true sanctified and God approved form of independence will be clearly manifested in the love, unity, harmony and oneness seen among all of God’s followers, then what are the principles of the other form of independence which is false and extreme?

The false form of independence which heaven condemns is briefly stated in the following principles: That we are responsible to God alone – no responsibility needs to be shown toward our fellow brethren. We are responsible to God alone for our actions – no one can hold us responsible, or correct, or censure, or discipline us for what we do, even if our actions are wrong and adversely affect our fellow brethren. We are responsible to spiritually unite with God alone – no one is to visibly unite with one another in church or in working capacity. We are responsible to believe and teach what we want to – regardless of what our fellow brethren agree is truth. We are responsible to follow our own way and do not need to seek or follow the counsel of others of experience. And we are responsible to center our interests in our own work – regardless of the work and interests of our brethren. (List with references provided at this link: http://www.LightMinistries.com/SDA/False-Independence.pdf)

So it can be clearly seen that this false form of independence also centers around us as individuals, not in an unselfish way, but in a selfish and self-exalted manner, which adversely affects others. This form of false independence, which is founded upon love of self and its exaltation above all others, heaven highly condemns and which we are not to manifest or adhere to at any time as it will lead to complete selfishness, corruption and eternal death.

“Satan has blinded their eyes and perverted their judgment; and unless every soul shall repent of this their sin, this unsanctified independence that is doing insult to the Spirit of God, they will walk in darkness. I will remove the candlestick out of his place except they repent and be converted, that I should heal them. They have obscured their spiritual eyesight. They would not that God should manifest His Spirit and His power...They walk in the sparks of their own kindling, and unless they repent, they shall lie down in sorrow.” Manuscript Releases, vol 3, p 191-192.

This unsanctified form of independence can be traced directly back to the first great rebel in heaven – Lucifer – who exhibited an independence which placed his own will and desires first and foremost in his thoughts, feelings, and actions, and placed God and others last or even unthought of.

“The fallen angel whom God had made covering cherub, was ruined by his selfish, independent will....Lucifer abode not in the truth. He fell from his integrity. Let everyone learn the lesson which he should learn from this wonderful history.” Sabbath School Worker, March 1, 1893.

The Devil was not content to keep this unsanctified independence to himself, but spread these same corrupt principles throughout the heavenly hosts, and it ended up deceiving 1/3 of all the heavenly angels. These deceived angels then warred along with Lucifer against God and His will, and were soundly defeated and cast out of heaven (see Revelation 12:4, 7-9)! Yet the Devil did not change, but brought this same rebellious independent spirit down to earth to tempt mankind to follow it.

Satan's original lie to Eve was based upon these same principles of unsanctified independence (see Youth's Instructor, July 1, 1897), and sadly both Adam and Eve chose to follow it. But it did not stop there either. Not only was this rebellious independence manifested by Lucifer, 1/3 of the angels, and Adam and Eve, but was also manifested by Cain (Signs of the Times, December 16, 1886); Pharaoh (Youth's Instructor, November 30, 1993); king Saul (Signs of the Times, June 1, 1888); the king of Babylon (Youth's Instructor, March 28, 1905); the prodigal son (see Signs of the Times, January 29, 1894), Judas Iscariot (Signs of the Times, June 5, 1884); and it is manifested today by all Laodiceans (Review and Herald, April 1, 1890). And it will continue to be manifested by many of our separated people and will ultimately cause their downfall, unless they can clearly distinguish between the true and this false form of independence!

“Satan understands that success will only attend unity of action. He well knows that independence, self-exaltation, and pride caused him to lose paradise, and he is constantly tempting others to rebel against order and discipline that they may share his fate.” Signs of the Times, July 29, 1880.

Those who follow this unsanctified form of independence are especially against any call for and movement towards a visible unity of each separated believer with each other. Even though this visible unity is based upon one biblical faith with Christ as our Head under the principles of truth found in John 17 and with Matthew 18 and Gospel Order established to guard and protect this unity, yet they continue to oppose it claiming that it will restrict their religious liberty and independence. Yet this excuse of avoiding unity for the sake of liberty and independence is just a well-disguised deception of the Devil himself!

“Satan well knows that success can only attend order and harmonious action. He well knows that everything connected with heaven is in perfect order, that subjection and thorough discipline mark the movements of the angelic host. It is his studied effort to lead professed Christians just as far from heaven's arrangement as he can; therefore he deceives even the professed people of God and makes them believe that order and discipline are enemies to spirituality, that the only safety for them is to let each pursue his own course, and to remain especially distinct from bodies of Christians who are united and are laboring to establish discipline and harmony of action. All the efforts made to establish order are considered dangerous, a restriction of rightful liberty, and hence are feared as popery. These deceived souls consider it a virtue to boast of their freedom to think and act independently. They will not take any man's say-so. They are amenable to no man. I was shown that it is Satan's special work to lead men to feel that it is in God's order for them to strike out for themselves and choose their own course, independent of their brethren.” Testimonies, vol 1, p 650.

Now to all reading this, I am loudly sounding the trumpet notes of alarm in hope that you will keep yourselves from being led to accept any excuses given to follow this unsanctified form of independence. I am earnestly sounding this alarm, not because this unsanctified independence message is being preached by those who do not believe the same truth as we do, but because this false form of independence is being advocated by separated Ministries and separated ministers who do profess to believe the same present truth that we do!

“At the present time we see God's people being scattered by every conceivable means....Is it possible that we should desist from fighting against the disunity that seems to be everywhere?...all our efforts to gather God's people into one belief system and one company are going against the will of God....What composed truth for the pioneers over 100 years ago is not necessarily present truth for today.”

But to all of those who may believe that we should just accept the fact that our disunity cannot be overcome because we are really going against God’s will in seeking to unite together, the God of heaven clearly states the following to you:

“Some have advanced the thought that as we near the close of time, every child of God will act independently of any religious organization. But I have been instructed by the Lord that in this work there is no such thing as every man's being independent....In order that the Lord's work may advance healthfully and solidly, His people must draw together.” Gospel Workers, p 487.

“There will be, among the remnant of these last days, as there were with ancient Israel, those who wish to move independently, who are not willing to submit to the teachings of the Holy Spirit of God, and who will not listen to advise and counsel. Let such ever bear in mind that God has a church upon the earth, to which He has delegated power. Men will want to follow their own independent judgment, despising counsel and reproof; but just as surely as they do this they will depart from the faith, and disaster and ruin of souls will follow. Those who rally now to support and build up the truth of God are ranging themselves on one side, standing united in heart, mind, and voice in defense of the truth.” Selected Messages, book 3, p 23.

As this is true, then why is it that we are having problems establishing unity in our ranks? Is it because God is trying to keep us from being united? Or is it because many of our separated brethren – especially ministers and workers – do not want to be united together in obedience to God's will? What is the real cause of the troubles in our separated ranks?

“The cause of the trouble it is not difficult to determine. The workers have been independent threads, when they should have regarded themselves as threads that must be woven together to help form the pattern. These things grieve the Holy Spirit....Unsanctified independence places us where He (God) cannot work with us.” Testimonies, vol 7, p 197.

So those who are controlled by God and are following the true form of sanctified independence will be found overcoming division and uniting together as one. While those who are controlled by self and are following the false form of independence will be found encouraging division and opposing any form of unifying God’s people as one.

"Those who continue to cry ‘unity’ show they still do not comprehend the words of Christ...Those continuing their search for unity have not eaten of the flesh of Christ spiritually. Though they profess to be His followers and doers of His word, yet they have not flushed the structural mire of a temporal kingdom from their minds....and unless they are broken on the Rock Christ Jesus, they will continue their quest for unity until Jesus appears in the clouds of heaven. They look for a tangible unity seen with the visible eye. But God's few faithful standard-bearers view unity with the spiritual eye...Satan is always warring for the mastery over the mind and keeping the mind dwelling on unity is leading many to frustration and finally perdition.”

“Many who profess to love God and keep His commandments are making void His law. God is greatly dishonored by the failure of professed Christians to reveal the unity that should be seen among His children.” Review and Herald, February 11, 1902.

“We are not to strengthen any evil work. Let those who have used their talents of influence in doing this, do so no longer. Let them not by pen or voice act on Satan's side of the question. In obedience to a ‘thus saith the Lord,’ let unity of action be seen.” Review and Herald, August 6, 1901.

“Well, when is this unity to take place? Are we to wait until we get home to heaven? No, it should take place right here before we leave this house. The melting power of God may be felt right here and the rough edges of our hearts are to be melted right down. From our hearts is to flow forth love, peace, and harmony.” Sermons and Talks, vol 2, p 15-16.

So those who are controlled by God and are following the true form of sanctified independence will be found trying to establish unity among themselves now to the point that it can be seen. While those who are controlled by self and are following the false form of independence will be found opposing any move towards establishing a visible unity among God’s separated people.

And I fear that if these individuals do not repent of their unsanctified independence and truly reform themselves to begin obeying God's will by seeking for true visible unity with their brethren, then they will receive the curse of Meroz, their candlestick will be removed, and another will take their crown!

“God does not design that His workmen shall stand apart as independent atoms....I pray that you may now, as never before, both ministers and church members, come up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty powers of darkness. Study prayerfully the 17th chapter of John. This chapter is not only to be read again and again, but its truths are to be eaten and digested.

“Are these words, of such import to us, to be always neglected? God calls upon those who claim to be His children to study these words, to eat them, to live them. Seek for unity and love, else the candlestick will be removed out of its place.” Pamphlets, #156, p 12-14.

“I believe, at this very moment, the gospel order that is being pushed by some in the Separation Movement is uncalled for because of the very few scattered sheep....Do you realize how much time and money would be wasted if we had to follow Matthew 18 to the letter...”

“The Lord has shown me that gospel order has been too much neglected and feared. That formality should be shunned; but in doing so, order should not be neglected. There is order in heaven. There was order in the church when Christ was upon the earth; and after His departure, order was strictly observed among His apostles. And now in these last days, while God is bringing His children into the unity of faith, there is more real need of order than even before; for, as God unites His children, Satan and his evil angels are very busy to prevent this unity and to destroy it.” Early Writings, p 97.

So those who are controlled by God and are following the true form of sanctified independence will be found establishing Gospel Order within their home church and united brethren. While those who are controlled by self and are following the false form of independence will be found using any excuse they can find to oppose the establishment of Gospel Order among God’s people.

“So the church has no business in forcing, basically its view or its will upon the members. Because liberty of conscience must be respected....We know that when it comes to doctrine, that God has given us as individuals the freedom to choose what we shall and shall not believe....and it is in this manner that they (God's people) will be united as a body...”

“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and [that] there be no divisions among you; but [that] ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 1 Corinthians 1:10.

“Jesus and holy angels are bringing up and uniting God's people into one faith, that they may all have one mind and one judgment. And while they are being brought into the unity of the faith, to see eye to eye upon the solemn, important truths for this time, Satan is at work to oppose their advancement. Jesus is at work through His instruments to gather and unite. Satan works through his instruments to scatter and divide.” Testimonies, vol 1, p 332.

“You must restrain the disposition within you of being original. You must lean upon the faith of the body or you will mar the work of God, and injure the truth....Unless there is order in these things there would soon be great confusion in our ranks. It is not in the order of God for one to feel at liberty to express his views independently of the body, another express his, and so on. If such a course should be taken we should not all speak the same things and with one mind glorify God. All of us have a part to act, but it is in union with the body.” Manuscript Releases, vol 3, p 262.

“‘But,’ you say, ‘should I follow the judgment of the brethren independent of my own feelings?’ I answer: The church is God's delegated authority upon earth....There is altogether too little respect paid to the opinion of members of the same church. It is the want of deference for the opinions of the church that causes so much trouble among brethren....A few persons may be as blind as the one in error, but the majority of the church is a power which should control its individual members....Unless the advice and counsel of the church can be respected, it is indeed powerless. God has placed a voice in the church which must control its members.

Therefore those who are controlled by God and are following the true form of sanctified independence will not be found believing and teaching doctrines which contradict what their fellow separated home church members believe, but will be found believing and teaching the very same beliefs – and the God of love and peace will be with them. While those who are controlled by self and are following the false form of independence will be found believing and teaching doctrines that contradict what his fellow separated home church members believe – and the devil of hatred and division will be with them.

The Lord is continuing to bless our TrueChurchofGod.info website. In the month of January we had 11,533 hits, which were generated by 1,415 visitors. In these Visitor Sessions, 4,115 documents of Present Truth were viewed, and over 333.35 million bytes of information were downloaded.

The Lord is also abundantly blessing our LightMinistries.com website! In the month of January we had 138,869 hits, which were generated by 22,010 visitors. In these Visitor Sessions, 39,318 documents of Present Truth were viewed, and over 19.21 billion bytes of information were downloaded.

We would like to encourage our readers to check out a website that is dedicated to providing a “voice” to the people who have joined the separation movement out of the SDA church, as well as out of all the other churches of Babylon. The website is www.SDRVoice.org. This site also publishes an excellent Magazine called “The Seventh-day Remnant Voice”. On the site you can view past articles of interest, and can also request to be added to their mailing list to receive future copies through your e-mail account for free.

For those who are not able to have a home church to attend and who miss the benefit of fellowshipping together with others of like faith, there is an on-line Home Church which meets every Sabbath at 12:00 noon Central Time. This is a live broadcast of one of our separated Home Churches in Indiana which is pastored by brother Nicholas Patula. Please feel free to come and fellowship with others of like faith and enjoy the spiritual uplifting experience. You can also stay after the church service and be able to chat with brothers and sisters, as well as visitors, from around the world. Many come away with their questions answered, their hearts uplifted and filled with gratefulness for all that God has and is doing for His people! If you would like to fellowship with us, go to www.RemnantofGod.org/pogmchat.htm.

TO OUR SUPPORTERS: Please know that "Let There Be Light" Ministries is not using your support to build itself up into a kingdom, nor are we trying to acquire expensive video, TV or shortwave facilities. But we are trying to spread the truth as quickly and economically as possible. Please also know that you have played an important part in helping spread the Present Truth into various parts of this world, including through the printed page, through the living full-time workers and ministers we sponsor, and also through our Web Sites on the internet. This is how the Loud Cry of the third angel will be spread, and is now being spread! If the Lord impresses you to help in these endeavors, your donations and prayers will be greatly appreciated, and not just by this Ministry. MAY GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU!

"Let There Be Light" Ministries is committed to the spreading of the full present truth gospel message worldwide, and has been doing so since 1986. This Ministry has operating expenses covering the areas of: printing, publishing, and writing of present truth books, booklets, tracts, and other literature; DVD, video and audio taping, production, and distribution; supporting several ministers and workers in foreign Countries; mail order – both domestic and foreign; traveling to hold meetings – both locally, nationally, and internationally; answering correspondence and questions regarding the message of truth; offering National and International Bible studies; sending free present truth literature to contacts in many poor Countries; etc.

Your gracious prayers and support is greatly appreciated and needed. Without the Lord's guidance, blessings, and your support, this Ministry could not continue to reach out worldwide with the precious message of Revelation 14:6-12 & 18:1-5.

May our God and Saviour continue to lead and guide all those who have helped us reach souls who sit in darkness with the precious light of gospel truth. May our supporters remember that they share in each and every soul who has been reached by this Ministry and converted to the Lord and His present truth!

We are currently supporting several workers in many different Countries on a monthly basis. We check into the economy of each area and supply a base support which is adequate depending on their situation, but not extravagant. This base support is to ensure that the monthly needs of each worker and family is met for that month so that the worker may devote full time to the ministry work. In addition to this, we are sending extra materials for evangelism, and money for printing, publishing, holding meetings, traveling, and other necessary areas in spreading the Present Truth in their Country. And as the work extends, especially will the expenses for evangelism expand. Whatever you can send to help in this necessary and vital area is greatly appreciated.

The work of spreading God's present truth is not to be limited, but must extend world-wide to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people before our Saviour can come (Matthew 24:14). What better way of spreading the Present Truth Gospel than by having workers who speak the native language, who reside in that particular Country, who can live and preach the truth, visit the interests in their homes, and spread the printed truth translated into their native language!

"Our publications should be printed in other languages, that foreign nations may be reached. Much can be done through the medium of the press, but still more can be accomplished if the influence of the living preacher goes with our publications....The Lord has moved upon men of other tongues and has brought them under the influence of the truth, that they might be qualified to labor in His cause." Testimonies, vol 3, p 204-205.

"Every opportunity should be improved to extend the truth to other nations. This will be attended with considerable expense, but expense should in no case hinder the performance of this work. Means are of value only as they are used to advance the interest of the kingdom of God. The Lord has lent men means for this very purpose, to use in sending the truth to their fellow men." Testimonies, vol 3, p 208.

Please be sure to mark all donated monies for any of the above Ministry or Foreign Mission needs. 100% of all donated monies will go where specified. Unspecified donations will go where needed. Thank you very much for making this evangelistic work possible, and may God's richest blessings attend you and yours.

Thanks for guiding about SDA pastor. We do not invite him any more, and mostly SDA pastor's got angry with this. I told our other church groups too about not inviting them any more, and SDA pastors do not like to support our church groups any more in any way. We are praying God as God is our provider.

Yes I do share with our church groups about your sent teachings as well sent to others and told them read the truth, and many are blessed with it as no one read that before here. Keep praying so we can reach many with real truth and pure teachings. We are praying to translate and use that material over here in Pakistan, we need much prayers and your guidance for that. Many souls'll be touched as we translate in local languages and print and distribute it here.

Keep pray as we are going to outreach in villages and we'll share with those families about truth as we find out in your teachings. We had a meeting of our pastors who are teachings and sharing the truth in different areas, pray for them, families and transportation and for those families and villages and towns where they'll go to teach the downloaded tracts teachings from your website as I shared with them. We need much prayers as we are facing some issues with old friends about teachings.

Question – I vaguely remember reading something in EGW’s writings about “Unions” being the problem that brings down the financial crisis in the end times – do you know what I’m talking about? [Editor’s Note: yes, and it is found in Selected Messages, book 2, p 142: “The trades unions will be one of the agencies that will bring upon this earth a time of trouble such as has not been since the world began. Letter 200, 1903.”....

I’m sure God is working behind the scenes to bring about prophetic events no matter what the politicians do. My family thinks I’m a fanatic since I don’t vote. I’m sure they will deliver me up in the end if I’m still alive. I completed a book just for them – soon to give them (they are mostly Catholics). Please pray for them.

I would like to tell you that in the past two years I have enjoyed listening to you when you have the sermon for Nic. Also I have found it very informative for myself when you explain some things after the sermon. I have also especially enjoyed the lessons on your site. I found them most helpful in explaining things when I needed to be closer to God.

Well, it has been a busy months, and I thank God for the strength and health He has given me. When people are busy doing their Christmas shopping, we were giving out tracts in the ____ and ____ area, we even managed to reach out into the interior in the bushes where people live in the heat of the sun, but we enjoyed it. And it was so sad to see that some of the families don’t have drinking water, they don’t have taps, and they depend on rain water mostly.

Brother ____...mentioned about the new members who are joining the ministry and wants a copy of the constitution. I told him that I will have to go and check with the registrar of title and send him a copy....the work here in Fiji is moving on, we need your prayers.

Our meeting with Tanzania proved a blessing, and we look forward [to] God helping us to cement this relationship. But our meeting with Rwandese cost us friends and brethren at ____. They inclined to [accept] their teaching [of] rejecting the Testimonies, saying they only apply to SDA alone in her fallen state, [but] not to any others. They too reject the truth concerning the eighth church, insisting that there can not be the eighth for there are only seven churches in Revelation.

Some Thoughts for the New Year: “The old year, with its burden of record, is fast passing away. The new year, with all its possibilities, will soon be ushered in. What advancement have we made in the knowledge of Christ during the past year? Are we prepared to show, more decidedly than ever before, that we are on the Lord's side? At this time, when the nations of the world are wavering between infidelity and idolatry, are we prepared to stand as faithful ambassadors for Christ? Shall we not, at the beginning of this new year, give ourselves and all we have to God? Shall we not listen to His voice, which calls us to a renewed contest, to a more thorough consecration of ourselves and our intrusted capabilities to His service?” {ST, January 2, 1901 par. 1}

The above dates has been planned from the beginning to run a village evangelistic meeting, church dedication, baptism and street evangelism by a small home church group of ____ village in ____ Province. When the appointed date has arrived, they were ready for the above programs and invite me to be their guest speaker.

I and my wife with two daughters and ____ have attended the program. That was a busiest week for me. At night I run the slide program and day time doing street preaching at ____ town from Monday to Friday. On Thursday we dedicate a small but beautiful church [and] more than 150 people have attended the occasion. And on the Sabbath day the...humble souls were baptized, and 14 people have made their decision for next baptism by joining rank and standing besides the baptismal candidates.

____ was a very little township set up on the stony hills and also a small Province in the country, but the Present Truth in that fields are moving faster. Number of churches is growing from place to place while 3 SDA conf/churches turn away in full and joined the SDR church mid last year! And also devil is stirring up SDA conf/ch. to persecute our SDR brethrens. The persecution is getting worse in that particular area.

While we were at ____ meeting, another street evangelistic series were arranged by leaders from ____, ____ Province who were attending the meeting. After two weeks from ____ program I return back to ____ town for street evangelistic series 700km Northern direction from ____.

Within the two years period SDA conference church used one of their blind preacher at ____ and ____ streets to preach against and cursed every independent ministries in the country. The blind person was a gospel minister for some years in the past, but lost his sight and turned into blind completely. [No one knew the cause of that blindness.]

The SDR brethrens from ____ were really annoyed and bothered by the preaching of that blind preacher. In order to defend the truth and make their stand clear in public from such accusations and condemnation, there is only one way and that is to preach in public on same streets to clear the minds of the people.

Our presentation topic on Thursday was about “Destruction of Jerusalem AD70”. And that day was not like the other days, because the listeners came from all directions and the crowds were doubled and packed. When I came to the conclusion part of my studies, the 2 police vehicles chase the listeners away with loud horn and alarm making their way to where I stood. 5 policemen with uniforms and arms and 8 SDA conference leaders got out from the vehicle and surrounded me. I knew that I will be arrested so I meditate to the Lord for strength and courageousness. To the surprise of crowds and me, a trained minister shout at me saying, “devil stop preached against God’s church, this is not your home town” as he paced towards me and pulls out a microphone from my hand. Police man said, “Young man you are under arrest.”

[We were] 50 Minutes in Police Custody. We read in the Scriptures, “But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues: and ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my name's sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.” “Kings, governors, and councils are to have a knowledge of the truth through your testimony.” RH April 15 1890.

In the courtroom a two police officers with Adventist conf/leaders strongly warned us not to preach again. But we quote few bible verses with SOP and defend the truth in front of the opposition. Finally another police officer admits & saying this: “I am sorry boys, this SDA conf...folks have bribe us to arrest you fellows”, and [then] he dismissed us. Next day I continued and finished my presentation, and return home.

New year 2011 is not like some previous years that came and gone with happiness and unity for the SDR folks here in PNG. Satan is working so hard to cause disunity among the believers [SDR]. Elder Bob; weeks ago I talked to you on the phone; I have visited a full time worker who [is] trying to lead some of our members away to unite with other defective ministries. I really thank God that after my second visit he admits [this] and [then after further discussion] every thing was settled....

Christian greetings as we have entered upon a new year! We hope and pray that as we enter upon another year, let it be with an earnest resolve to have our course onward and upward. Let our life be more elevated and exalted than it has hitherto been. Let us begin the year with an entire renunciation of self; let us pray for clear discernment, that we may understand our Saviour's claims upon us, and that we may always and everywhere be witnesses for Christ. We pray to God that He will help us to be faithful unto Him unto the end.

Anyway bro Bob, we just came back from our long trip in ____. We left home at the middle of December, staying for few days in ____, visiting some of our families, friends and brethren in the faith and spending Sabbath with them before going to ____ for the youth camp and then camp meeting. We really thank our gracious Saviour for providing us our needs though at first our faith has been tried very hard, but He still worked.

The youth camp and the camp meeting were being held exactly during the holiday season so that our minds, especially the minds of the young people, [would] be diverted from the pleasures of the world during that season. God gave us a great place during the camp, because the place were very relaxing, so many trees almost like a forest, away from the noise, bringing us closer to nature and to nature’s God. Everybody pitched their tent and thank God that He gave us a nice weather though we experienced once the rain but still fine. We were able to bring also our kids and two other young people with us. We were all refreshed and blessed during the two weeks consecration and gatherings.

During the youth camp every young people learned so many lessons for their growth as young Christians, and were encouraged to be faithful witnesses for God....During this youth camp, every talent of our young were being shown and used for God. Those 9 young people who undergo the training last June and who decided to enter into the missionary work, were given the opportunity and chance to speak in front. We ended the youth camp very refreshing and ready for the camp meeting.

We transferred to a place of the camp meeting, a bigger place and where there were cottages. We saw our brethren in Western ____ again. During the whole week we contemplate on God’s words. We reviewed the pillars of our faith, the prophecy of the final events and the preparations needed for Christ’s near appearing. But we studied also about the Gospel Order, because we see that if the church did not follow it the enemy will succeed in his efforts to perplex and trouble God’s people, especially in this last day, and unity will not be reach if every members of the church acts independently from the body of believers. It was a very blessed camp meeting. Also there were 13 persons who decided to be baptized and rebaptized during the camp meeting.

During the last few days of the camp meeting we were able also to have [a] worker’s meeting and meeting with the elders and representatives of the church. We talked about the plan for the progress of the work of God, especially for opening new fields of labor and the divisions of labour. We thank the Lord for guiding us in all our plans and for the willingness of everyone to cooperate in God’s work.

Please continue to pray for the churches here in the Philippines, especially for the work here. May God continue to guide us and help us consecrate our lives wholly for Him and for His cause. We also pray for you and for your work there and for all the brethren there in America and the whole world. May God continue to bind us closer in the unity of the faith. May God bless us all and may we all be ready for Christ’s soon appearing is my prayer.

Christian greetings from this way. I apologize for the delay in writing that side, I have been down with malaria and headache which would not allow me do anything. The Lord in His simple ways has been [a] blessing to us this past year. And many have failed to pass through to 2011, the cold hand of death and other physical ailments have been the experience of some, [losing] limbs and [contracting] several other disorders are a common place....

By the Sabbath, while traveling to brother ____, got involved in terrible car accident. I was sitted in the front, [and] we rammed into car before us. God being God, the Eyeh Asher of Old saved us, this is one miracle in thousands that are performed every second of our life. Broke the door to get out, an unbelievable reality for the cars front was a shattered to metals. The purpose of this journey was to baptize, for the brother in his sanitarium had shared eternal realities to some of his patients. Now brother ____ and wife, elderly people, they were glad to have known the truth for this time and begged for baptism...We went to the shores of lake Victoria, Luzira side...[We then] Strengthened those new members and a new the church in this place.

The next day I left for a Camp Meeting which was held at ____ Home Church ____. The subjects that were tackled were on reforms: false and true reforms, and the call of God [and] his rejection. So we as people must watch out so as not to become victims of this evil circle. Made some outreach to nearby places with brothers of this home church. They have translated a book in Luganda for evangelist purposes.

From there in ____ checked with the Riso-graph. We visited the place with Joseph...Got the first deposit and second deposit. All this funds have been banked, [as] we were still finding out more information. Otherwise he [owner] accepted the deposit of three million Ksh to give [sell] us the machine. This Sabbath I will be that side, and the coming week God willing we shall have the machine!

Thanks a lot for your prayers, your efforts to see this work spin to another level of getting printing work done this side and the funds to make us reach out. Elder, by God’s grace and our strong will, this machine will print out the work of materials that are in agreement the ministries we agree with in faith and practice. [Editor’s note: may God be praised, and may He also bless the usage of this machine to garner an abundant harvest of precious souls!]

I would want to say thank you very much for the great support you gave over my trip to Namibia. Right now am in ____ with the brethren [there]. One of things they called me for was to give them guidance in the church registration and the constitution, with past experience in my country.

We had our first meeting from 09;00hrs to 19;00hrs today, Sunday. But when we reached at the issues pertaining to church registration and all that is required, we face some misunderstanding amongst us. And so we stopped the meeting for prayers, as you know the devil is not happy with this programme. Please kindly remember us in prayers that as we shall [again] look at this point on Tuesday evening, [that] we may have progress.

Barely two months ago while seriously engaged in my daily lot of translation, a thought suddenly flashed through my mind of how I may speed up my work. I thought of working such booklets like GOD’S TRUE CHURCH and SUNDAY WORSHIP to mention but a few, those that share the same tittles as tracts by nature which I completed some months ago. At that moment I must be frank that I was working on the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION STANDS, and as if tired by the act of first scribbling on paper by hand and then transfer the work to the computer, had [the] thought to do something much easier.

Therefore, I thought to quickly scan through those booklets to see if I can simply copy and paste the information from tracts to booklets [so that] perhaps I may finish them as quickly as possible. I began by comparing the True Church booklet with its tract to see if the contents were alike. Even though the contents were not all that 100% the same, but I particularly noticed something in the booklet which closely drew much of my attention. It dawned to my mind that ever since I came to know this booklet, I had not seriously studied it or had not attempted to study it at all, for I was found wanting by its contents.

I had taken it for granted that the information contained therein was that of the home churches being the true church of God. This misunderstanding had also negatively affected me on how I distributed it. Some time ago I thought more oftenly why “LET THERE BE LIGHT” MINISTRIES took pains to print large quantities of this booklet instead of such booklets like THE IMAGE OF THE BEAST, THE LATTER RAIN AND LOUD CRY OF THE ANGEL OF REVELATION 18,etc.

I had foolishly deceived myself the entire course of my life that I was in the true church of God while blindly referring to some denominations which I once became connected myself with. The booklet clearly laid before my eyes the truth about this issue that I saw my lost condition as never before, even as I was tenderly seen by my loving Saviour - bare, unfruitful, unrepented, in my natural condition and not in a born again experience and hence automatically out of the true church of God.

From the day that I read this booklet and understood it, I did not remain the same again, and I began to actively agitate my fellow brethren [on] the necessity of studying it [also]. This also has positively changed the way how I looked and understood some related issues pertaining to the true church. For the past two months this subject and more especially Christ whom I found out of this study became the theme of my conversation, discussion, preaching and teaching. I have a merciful God who has been so patient with my erring soul for a long time. [Editor’s Note: Praise God for opening your eyes to the truth as it is in Jesus!]

I must confess that I have been helped and I’m humbled. I have been relaxed in a false sense of security fooling myself that I was indeed a child of God, only to discover that I had not been that at all ever since. This led me to retrace my footsteps back and even how I had translated the tract before without being convicted of its truth....

I have and am still finding it very difficult to download the tracts in their format, hence I am appealing to you first to help me with the money to open the new postal address - a permanent one, then you do the formatting for me and try to send each copy of the translated tracts to me that I may do the photocopying in large quantities for distribution myself....