Oct-Dec-22

This plain statement from our Lord Jesus reveals that all of God’s followers will encounter offences. But what does “offences” mean? The Greek word for offences is “skandalizo”, and it translates and means “snare, cause of displeasure, occasion to fall or stumbling, offence, stumbling block” (Strong’s Exhaustive Greek Concordance word #4625). Now this word is connected with the word “kampto” which translates and means “to bend” (Strong’s word #2578). So putting all these meanings together reveals that offences will come, or in other words, unpleasant situations will occur that will be a cause of displeasure, and these are a snare to try and lead us to bend away from standing firm for the Lord and we will then be in danger of stumbling and falling away from the truth.

Now just what kind of unpleasant situations can these offences be referring to? Well, actually anything which disturbs our peace or lessens our happiness can fall into this category. This means that any unpleasant occurrence, displeasing event, or unpleasant person which disturbs our peace or annoys us can be termed an offence.

This means that these annoying situations can be anything from a mosquito seeking to drain your blood while you are trying to sleep and then it hides when you turn on the light, to your car breaking down while your traveling. Unpleasant occurrences can be anything from stubbing your toe, to your water pipes bursting in your house. Displeasing events can be anywhere from your power going out at night while your in the shower, to a disaster affecting you or your property. Unpleasant persons can be as simple as noisy energetic kids while your trying to sleep or study, to nasty neighbors suing you for their profit. Any of these unpleasant things will tempt you to bend towards becoming annoyed, upset, angry, impatient, because your peace has been disturbed. But if you react in an unchristian way, then you have bent so far from standing firm for Christ that you have actually fallen into the Devil’s snare and are no longer living the truth. So you can see that all these annoyances are really designed to cause you to fall.

As this is true, then God could easily prevent any of these unpleasant snares from coming to His people, yet instead He has chosen not to. But why? Why doesn’t God prevent these offences from coming to us?

"...if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 1:6-7.

These verses reveal that manifold or various temptations or trials or unpleasant occurrences are necessary - even though they cause us heaviness, because they work to get us prepared for the appearing of Jesus Christ! This means that if God prevented these offences from occurring then none of His people would be ready for Christ to come and would be lost! It is because God loves us and desires us to be saved, that He is not going to prevent these unpleasant situations from happening to us! So as the Devil brings these displeasing offences as a snare to lead us away from Christ, God will instead use these disturbances to get us ready for heaven! But it all depends on how you respond to these unpleasant things.

For example: If you are driving along and someone purposely cuts you off and nearly causes an accident: how would you react? Would you praise God that no accident occurred, then forgive that reckless driver and not get angry? This response would keep you from falling into this snare of the Devil. Or would you react with anger, tell that reckless driver off, or try to do the same reckless driving back at them? This response would reveal that you have bent away from being a Christian and have fallen into the Devil’s snare.

This then means that each one of us will have to struggle against manifesting an unchristlike character to any annoyance, disturbance, offence, unpleasant situation, event, or person throughout our lifetime. But being Christ-like everyday in every situation, through every event and with any person will indeed be difficult and a real struggle.

"...we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer..." 2 Thessalonians 1:4-5.

So these annoyances should not discourage us, because God is allowing these to remove all detrimental traits and rough edges from our character so that we may become smoothed and polished to shine as a precious gem for our Lord God and King. You know, it is only as we experience the dark tempest that we more greatly appreciate the sunshine! It is only as we endure through these annoyances that we can see and feel our helplessness and realize our need of God’s divine grace and strength and help in order to gain the victory over our fallen tendencies and weaknesses and become saved in His kingdom!

Each of us have undiscovered traits of character that can only come to our attention through these offensive trials. So God allows His people to be sorely tempted that they may see these unchristian areas in their life and then learn to flee to Him for help to overcome, and if they overcome then they are that much closer to heaven and eternal life.

Now if we know and understand what God is lovingly attempting to do for each one of us, then how should we handle these annoying situations, occurrences, events or persons that are tempting us to bend and fall away from being a Christian? Let’s investigate into some of the lives of God’s followers in the past and see what they went through and how they handled it.

In 2 Kings chapter 5 is brought out that Syrian forces entered into an Israeli town, captured some Israelites and took them to Syria as slaves. One of these slaves was a young girl. Her master was Naaman who was the Captain of the Syrian forces which conquered that city and enslaved her. So then how did she respond to all of these displeasing events?

This young girl manifested sympathy for Naaman, who was afflicted by leprosy, and suggested that he should visit Elisha so that he might be healed. So instead of this girl revengefully allowing the man responsible for her slavery to die of leprosy, she instead was one of the main reasons why he was healed. This reveals that instead of becoming angry, bitter, revengeful, spiteful, feeling sorry for herself, and just a rebellious terror to others, she determined to follow God and be just the opposite - to be kind, considerate, helpful and the best slave she could be through her particular life’s struggles.

In Genesis chapters 29-35 is brought out that Jacob was tricked by his uncle Laban, as well as his bride Rachel, into marrying Leah whom he did not love and did not pay a dowry price for. In order to also marry Rachel, Jacob then had to serve another 7 years. After serving these years, Laban hired Jacob to tend his flocks, but then self-servingly changed Jacob’s wage contract 10 different times over the years. So then how did Jacob respond to all of these displeasing turn of events?

Jacob did not seek revenge, and did not treat Laban as he had been treated. But instead Jacob determined to make the best of these life struggles by following God’s instructions to the letter. This then allowed God to take control of these unpleasant situations, and He then was able to greatly bless Jacob with wealth, while greatly reducing the wealth of Laban.

In 1 Samuel chapters 16-31 and 2 Samuel chapters 1-8 is brought out that David was falsely accused of being a traitor worthy of death by his father-in-law, was driven from his home, hunted down everywhere he went, had to move from place to place because of spies reporting his locations, and had his innocent acquaintances murdered. Yet David did not become revengeful, or mistreat his wicked father-in-law, but instead showed him kindness, mercy and respect. God allowed all these annoying tests to occur because He planned to exalt David into becoming a ruler in a great kingdom - if David would remain a Christian through his particular life’s struggles.

In Genesis chapters 37, 39-47 is brought out that Joseph was harshly treated by the brothers he loved, was threatened with death, then betrayed and sold as a slave. Yet Joseph did not fight back. He did not seek to escape from slavery while on the road to Egypt. He did not act rebelliously to try and prevent himself from being sold to Potiphar. After being sold he did not seek to destroy Potiphar’s possessions, but instead worked his best to make his master’s property grow in wealth. All these things reveal that Joseph had accepted his lot and then determined to make the best of the situation and become the best slave he could be with God’s help.

Even after becoming a model slave, Joseph was then falsely accused of a great crime, and unjustly thrown into prison. Joseph had every reason to become angry, bitter, revengeful, spiteful, feeling sorry for himself, and a terror to others, and yet he was just the opposite. Satan wanted to destroy Joseph’s faith in God by bringing all these offences against him. But God allowed all these annoying tests to occur because He planned to exalt Joseph into becoming a ruler in a great kingdom - if Joseph would remain a Christian through his particular life’s struggles.

In Daniel chapters 1-3 is brought out that Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah were taken captive by king Nebuchadnezzar, forced from their homes, taken to Babylon and then their names were changed into Babylonian names. Daniel and these 3 friends determined that they would make the best of their displeasing situation by obeying God no matter what, allowing Him to take care of their situation. And God allowed all these annoying tests to occur because He planned to exalt Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah into becoming rulers in a great kingdom - if they would remain a Christian through their particular life’s struggles.

In the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John is brought out that Jesus had the greatest unpleasant occurrences of anyone in the Bible, the worst displeasing events, the most unpleasing people to disturb His peace and annoy Him, and yet He remained Godly through all these life’s struggles. God allowed all these annoying trials to occur because He planned to exalt Jesus into the greatest ruler of all kingdoms - if He would remain faithful to God through these life’s struggles. Jesus did remain faithful to God and this makes Him our greatest example to look to of how to remain a follower of God while being annoyed by the Devil and his agents - even unto death - through all of our life’s struggles.

So dear ones, don’t try and stop God from getting you ready for heaven! Don’t murmur or complain or grumble because of the annoyances or unpleasant situations, events, or people you have to endure through. But instead work along with God in perfecting your character, and be joyful all the while this purifying work is being done.

"FORASMUCH then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God....Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you...Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf." 1 Peter 4:1-2, 12-14, 16.

"...we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." Romans 5:3-5.

"...to comfort you concerning your faith: That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know." 1 Thessalonians 3:2-3.

Dear ones, instead of trying to flee from these annoyances of life, or complaining that they have come at such an inopportune time, instead patiently endure them, be joyful and glory in them, knowing that God is lovingly working to purify your character in preparing you for heaven and the new earth where there will never be any more annoyances, displeasing events, trying situations or unpleasant people to disturb your peace.

"For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried. Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins. Thou has caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place (heaven)." Psalms 66:10-12.

And that is exactly what God is doing with each one of us. So you can be happy that God loves and cares enough to get you prepared for heaven. And more than just this! As with David, Joseph, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, Azariah, and Jesus, God is getting you ready through similar life’s struggles with similar annoyances, temptations, trials and snares so that you can reign over a great kingdom “as kings and priests unto God” (Revelation 1:6, 5:10).

So when little or big annoyances come to you in your particular life’s struggle, receive these with joy and overcome them all in Christ’s blessed name, strength and grace, knowing that God is bringing you one step closer to heaven and eternal life with Him who loves and cares for you so much!

We specifically chose 1776 as our new Box number because it’s recognized as the time of separation and independence of the people of America from the tyranny and oppression of England and its corrupt leadership. So in like manner, this number can also symbolize separation and independence of God’s people from the tyranny and oppression of all fallen apostate churches and its corrupt leadership. And may God quickly hasten His people out of Babylon and into His kingdom of righteousness!

The Health and Medical Missionary work in the Philippines and Zambia and elsewhere is continuing, but needs more support to meet the demand for herbal and natural materials for treatments. To the glory of God, precious souls are receiving valuable instruction on health, as well as natural treatments for various ailments as funds permit. Praise God for His healing grace, and the testimonies for the glory of God.

We again solicit and greatly appreciate your prayers and continued support in furthering this great Medical Missionary work, especially for precious souls to be won to Jesus Christ through this mighty entering wedge of Health Reform.

Many of our present truth videos are currently on the world-wide web for anyone to freely watch and study through. All these videos can be found listed on our website under Online Videos (http://www.LightMinistries.com/SDA/id1245.htm). You can also find these present truth videos on our YouTube channel - Let There Be Light Ministries (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqfJdqkw4QDXEuSyEQe7SgQ).

Currently we have over 7,450 people who have viewed these videos, and over 95,000 minutes have been logged, and with God’s blessing and your prayers many more to come. Please keep this great evangelistic outreach endeavor in your thoughts and prayers, and may God lead 1000's more precious souls to watch these and become convicted on the Present Truth before it is too late!

You are invited to come and join with us in fellowship, and you can do so over your computer, smart phone, iPad or even Kindle. To fellowship with us, type or paste the following link into your browser: http://zoom.us and download the Zoom App. Once it is downloaded, then go to: https://zoom.us/j/4663248724, follow the simple instructions and you should be logged into the room - it's that simple! But if you happen to have outdated computers/devices then instead use this link: https://zoom.us/wc/join/4663248724?pwd=. If you have any problems, visit our Technical Support page at: http://www.lightministries.com/HC/id20.htm.

For those who have no computers or who are unable to access the internet, you can also join our live Home Church fellowship over the phone, and we will be able to hear you speak to us! In the USA dial 1-408-638-0968 or 1-646-558-8656 or 1-669-900-6833 or 1-929-205-6099, or if you are in Canada dial 1-647-558-0588. After being prompted punch in the Meeting ID code: HOMECHURCH# (466-324-8724#). You will then be automatically connected to listen to our live Church Service. Please be aware that these are NOT Toll Free numbers. If you live in a different country and would also like to join with us over the phone, then please contact me for a number to dial within your country.

"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 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 workers in 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.

Please financially help us to continue supporting our current ministers and workers on a consistent basis, so that the spreading of the truth will not be interrupted but can quickly lighten this dark world with the glory of God.

"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.

Warm Christian greetings to you in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ who is soon to come. I hope and trust the Almighty God is looking after you very much for the miraculous work you are doing by proclaiming the PRESENT TRUTH MESSAGE which is needed in these last days of the earth's history. Pass my warm Christian greetings to your beloved family and the entire members of your Ministry.

Dear brother in Christ, we're in much need of Bibles and Spirit of Prophecy books for these souls who are hungering and thirsting for God's word, but they cannot afford to purchase Bibles and Spirit of Prophecy books on their own especially in remote areas and villages, especially Great Controversy books, Desire Of Ages, Patriarchs and Prophets and Prophet and Kings, and Christ Object Lessons....It's paining me to see these souls who are hungering and thirsting for God's word, but they cannot afford to purchase...

May the Lord of blessings be upon you, and may the good Lord add more funds in the pockets where these support are coming from. Three Angels' Messages must reach everyone around the whole world and followed by Fourth Angel’s Message, then Jesus Christ will come soon....

I would like to greet you in the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour and wish you an excellent week which closes the month of November 2022. God is truly wonderful who makes us live in this world, He brings us out of the net that the wicked have stretched out for us with tricks and malignancy.

I write to report to you my co-workers and supporters in the missionary work, that our trip to ____, a neighboring country for the camp meeting, was successful by the grace of God. We at last received money for our transport to and from ____ from the host brethren. Brother ____ and I traveled for two days using a public transport till we were picked from at ____ border of that country to the campsite at Elder ____’s farm.

The Lord took lead of the camp by providing very strong and faithful messages. We also baptized four brethren, - two sisters and two brothers. We also had the Lord's supper. We finally concluded the camp meeting on the 26th December 2022, with a spirit of unity and reconciliation.

On the 27th December 2022, brother ____, I and another brother from a different country Zimbabwe, were escorted to the borders. After crossing the border, brother ____ and I meet other brethren of another new home church at ____ who were waiting for us so that we could go and baptize a brother who was ready. The loving Lord helped us till we walked to the great Zambezi river where this soul got baptism.

Thank you for your prayers, and we again requesting you to help us with enough transport money to go there for another baptism of three souls which are undergoing Baptism lessons at the same ____ home church on the Zambian side....

Last week I was in ____ for a camp meeting organized by the group that recently came out of the conference hierarchy. It was a blessed season of study. Let's pray that God helps many more see the present truth....

To God be the glory, now and for ever, Amen. I arrived well after 17 hours of land drive, and immediately asked to take a Bible Study lesson. The day has ended well. Coming from the Highlands, I find this place extremely hot for me, with a cool breeze in the evening. We're actually along the Indian Ocean coastal line. We'll be here till 18th December. Pray for and with us for God's special camp blessings.....

We finished our camp meeting with blessings. Praise God. I left for home same evening, reaching ____ at 3:30 am. I took a van for ____ at 5:52 am but it was ill-fated. It lost control, swerved to the right, hitting the bank of the road, and falling on its left side. This happened at 6:40 am. Oh, the Lord is good, we came out safely! Some had minor injuries, but personally was unhurt. Even so, we took different ones reaching home by 5 pm. Oh, I thank God!

My local church (____ ____ Church) will hosting an evangelistic program next week 6-12 November and we will raise up our signpost. During the program we've planed to distributes number of 3 Angel tracts in English & Tok Pidgin.

About our work here, we are continuing doing our missionary work here through the leadings and providence of God. Last September 11, we went to ____ to meet our brethren there for the first time. Although we just meet and communicate through text or call, but we haven't met them in person. And through this channel of communication we were able to talk about the truth, our doctrine and beliefs. Before the pandemic, we had a plan to visit them and hold a camp meeting there. That time we had our plane ticket already, but sadly the pandemic came and we were not able to travel to ____ that time. Thank God that its not strict anymore and we are now free to travel.

So during our stay in _____, we meet and talked with the brethren and hear and see their situation there. So during our stay there and during the camp meeting there, we helped them established in the Present Truth and in the Gospel Order. There's a lot of independent individuals there who is entering their church and presenting to them doctrine which is not a Present Truth and not a test. They dwell more on the little things making it great. And some of the brethren there was deceived.

Our stay in ____ was limited only, and we saw that there's a lot of work to be done there that we haven't able to do because of our limited time there, and there are areas and people there that we need to visit to help them and reach them also and be united with us. We just visit only the brethren in the central part, but there's in the other part of ____. ____ is great area of missionary work. That's why we are planning to visit them again this ____, God willing.

We are planning to build a church there (please help us) so that there's a place where they will gather especially every Sabbath and they will not be scattered anymore. One of the brethren there offered his vacant space there where we can built a church there....And once we have built already the church there, we can planned a work for them, like evangelistic meetings or crusades there. So please help pray for this brother Bob.

After our ____ work, we held our regular Fellowship with all the brethren here in ____. It’s the gathering of all brethren here and we are doing it every after two months. And we are happy and blessed to see them again after our travel....

My brief update goes like this: Beginning of August 2022, we started publishing a monthly Newsletter by the name Loud Cry Herald....Plans are also underway to mass reproduce these Newsletters and some other materials for distribution...This is one of the most important initiatives that the Lord has blessed us with post-Covid 19 era, and the most important is that as church leaders in Southern Africa, we have now found each other.