"LET THERE BE LIGHT" Ministries
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Volume #28                      January - March, 2023                        Issue #123

     "There are many precious truths contained in the Word of God, but it is 'PRESENT TRUTH' that the flock needs now." Early Writings, p 63.


Elder: robert sessler
E-mail address:  lightmin@terragon.com


ENTERING  INTO  LIFE

     “...if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.” Matthew 19:17.

     This Scriptural text reveals that if we would have life, then the commandments of God must be kept.  But what kind of life is this speaking about?
     “Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law.  For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.” Deuteronomy 32:46-47.

     These verses reveal that keeping God’s law of 10 commandments would preserve our life on the land of this earth.  But our life on this earth is not all that God’s commandments deal with.
     “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” Revelation 22:14.

     “...his commandment is life everlasting” John 12:50.

     These verses amazingly reveal that keeping God’s commandments would enable us to gain everlasting life!  As the commandments of God are connected with our life on this earth as well as with eternal life with God, then it is very important that we know how we are to keep God’s commandments so that we do not break any.  So with this in mind let’s spend some time examining this law of God so that we can know how He would have us keep each of His commandments and thus be able to enter into life.  

     God’s 10 commandments are found recorded in Exodus 20:3-17 and again in Deuteronomy 5:7-21.  Each commandment was very simply stated and was easy for all to understand, yet they were so broad and far reaching as to encompass all aspects of daily life.



The first commandment of God:

     “I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:2-3.

     This first commandment revealed who God was – the God which had delivered the Israelites from Egyptian bondage, and further declared that “no other gods” were to be chosen or worshiped by His people “before me”.  But who was the God that declared in the hearing of all the people that no other gods were to be before Him? Who was this Great I Am, the Lord God who performed all the miracles in delivering His people from Egyptian bondage, and who spoke these 10 commandments to some 2 million people gathered together at Mount Sinai?
     “Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.” John 8:58.

     This verse reveals that Jesus Christ was the Great I Am, the Lord God who had appeared to Moses, and to Abraham before him.  But the name “Jesus” was only given to Christ after He was born a human.  So then who was Jesus - the Great I Am - known as before He became human?
     “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made....He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.” John 1:1-3, 10.

     These verses reveal that before becoming Jesus in humanity, He was identified as the Word, who was not only with God in the beginning, but was also a God Himself.  He was the God who had created the world and all things in it, by the power of His word, and who had formed man in His own image (Genesis 1:26-27, 2:7).  But was this particular God only known as the Word?
     “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6.

     “Know therefore and understand, [that] from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince [shall be] seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks...” Daniel 9:25.

     “And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.” Acts 3:15.

     “And from Jesus Christ, [who is] the faithful witness, [and] the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood...” Revelation 1:5.

     “Him hath God exalted with his right hand [to be] a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.” Acts 5:31.


     All these inspired passages reveal that this mighty God who became Jesus Christ the Son of God in human flesh, was also known as Messiah the Prince, the Prince of peace, the Prince of life, the Prince of the kings of the earth, and a Prince and Saviour.  But what was this mighty God and Prince all about?
     “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John  1:14.

     This verse reveals that the Word, who was this mighty God and Prince, who also became Jesus the Son of God in human flesh, was full of grace and truth.  In fact, this mighty God was Himself the truth.

     “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6.

     “Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises [made] unto the fathers:” Romans 15:8.

     “If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:” Ephesians 4:21.

     So Jesus – the Word, was the truth, and He specifically came to minister the truth to the Israelites and to all humanity, because the truth was in Him.  But were there any other names that this Mighty God and Prince was called?
     “But I will show thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and [there is] none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.” Daniel 10:21.

     “And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people...” Daniel 12:1.

     These verses reveal that this mighty God, this great Prince, the Word, and the truth itself, was also known by the name of Michael before being born into humanity and becoming Jesus Christ the Messiah and Son of God in order to minister the truth to His people.  So Michael was this mighty God who was with God the Father in the beginning!  And it was to this mighty God Michael that God the Father had declared “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness” (Genesis 1:20)!

     So then is it really true that in the beginning there was the Almighty Father, and the mighty Lord God Michael, thus making two Gods and not just one?
     “But unto the Son [he saith], Thy throne, O God, [is] for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness [is] the sceptre of thy kingdom.  Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, [even] thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.” Hebrews 1:8-9.

     These verses reveal that Michael, who became Jesus Christ – the Son of God, is called to be a God Himself by God the Father!  Thus there are two Gods listed in this text – the God Michael, and His God the Father.  So then this Word who was a God along with God the Father in the beginning, and who then created the world through His own divine power, was Michael – the truth, the great Prince, the future Messiah to His people when He would be born into humanity becoming Jesus Christ the Son of God.  And even though God the Father is greater in authority than the God Michael, yet Michael’s power as a God is not lessened in the least degree by this fact.
     It was the mighty God Michael who put down the rebellion of Lucifer or Satan and his followers in heaven, and cast them all out.
      “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” Revelation 12:7-9.

     These and the other verses we read reveal that it was this mighty God Michael who defeated Lucifer and his followers in heaven; it was this mighty God Michael who created the world and all things in it; it was this mighty God Michael, the Great I Am, who was the Lord God who had spoken to Moses, who had worked all the great and marvelous signs, wonders and miracles in delivering His people out of Egyptian bondage; and it was this same mighty God Michael who was now declaring His 10 commandment law with His own divine voice to all of His people stating that they were to have no other gods before Him.
     Now in commanding His people to worship “no other gods before me”, the mighty Lord God Michael was not including the Almighty Most High God and Father who is definitely to be worshiped!  So then how do we understand this commandment stating there is to be no other gods worshipped but the Lord God Michael when both Michael and the Almighty Most High God are two separate Gods?
     The Hebrew word for “gods” used in this commandment is “elohiym” (Strong’s, word #430), which in this sense translates and means “gods in the ordinary sense”, or in other words pagan deities.  This means that Michael was not declaring in this commandment that the only God who could be worshipped was Himself and thus the Almighty Most High God of the universe was not also to be worshipped.  But Michael was declaring that there were to be no other earthly gods worshiped by His people but Him.



The second commandment of God:

     “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness [of any thing] that [is] in heaven above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me; And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.” Exodus 20:4-6.

     This second commandment revealed how God wanted to be worshiped, declaring that the people were not to make a graven image, or likeness of any thing in the heaven above, or in the earth beneath, or in the water.  This was because Michael was the great living God who had created and upholds all things and therefore was above all created things.  This meant that nothing which God had created could correctly represent all that He is.  So to make an idol or image of something which He had created, and then believe that this represents or symbolizes the Great I Am, would only work to lessen and limit God’s infinite majesty and greatness.  This idol or image of the created thing would be so far from the actual truth, and so far off the mark of correctly representing God, that it would only mislead souls into error and falsehood regarding exactly who He is.
     To make an image or idol “of any figure, the likeness of male or female, the likeness of any beast...of any winged fowl...of any thing that creepeth on the ground...of any fish”, or even of “the sun, and the moon, and the stars” (Deuteronomy 4:16-19) would only work to take the eyes of the people off of the Creator Himself and focus them instead upon the creation itself.  Thus the great and mighty Lord God would be made to appear no greater than the created thing which the idol or image depicted, and since the idol itself cannot speak, hear or answer because it is lifeless and dead, then people would be led to believe the same about God.

     In regards to any pagan image or idol that had already been formed, God further declared that He did not want the people to “bow down thyself to them, nor serve them”.  This was because just as a husband jealously refuses to allow the affections of his covenant bound wife to be shared with another man, so Michael stated that “I the Lord thy God am a jealous God” who also refuses to allow the worship and affections of His covenant bound people to be shared with another god of the pagans, and especially not with Lucifer whom all these pagan dieties ultimately symbolized and represented.
     This means that God did not forbid all images or statues or pictures from being made or possessed, but just those which were believed to be, or were worshiped as, a sacred representation of any god – including Himself.

     This further means that pictures, paintings, images or statues of who you refer to as “Jesus” are also forbidden by this 2nd commandment.  No one knows what Jesus actually looked like.  Thus any images of “Jesus” are just the artist’s best guess, and are not reality.
     To try and prevent His people from breaking this commandment, God did not allow the people to see His actual form, or any “manner of similitude on the day that the Lord spake unto you” (Deuteronomy 4:15), but to only see the fire that He was in and hidden by, as well as to hear His voice.  Michael knew that if the people saw His actual form then they would eventually be led to “forget the covenant of the Lord your God, which he made with you, and make you a graven image” (Deuteronomy 4:23) of what they saw the Lord to look like.  And for this same reason, when Michael became Jesus Christ in humanity, He did not allow any artist to copy His image in painting or sculpture.
     Now God further declared in this second commandment that He was the One who either punishes the disobedient, or blesses the obedient.  This is because as God is the Creator and Author of all things, then He has the right and authority to either bless or punish all things.  But instead of arbitrarily doling out these good or bad rewards irrespective of whether or not they were merited, Michael instead blesses or punishes according to the actions which people themselves choose to perform.

     In order to justly determine who is indeed worthy of reward based upon their actions, their actions must be compared to, or judged by, some standard.  And to be completely unbiased, this standard must be openly available for all to learn about, as it would be unfair to punish those who had no way of knowing that their actions were displeasing God.  This is one of the main reasons why the Lord God Michael was openly providing His 10 commandment law, by both speaking it in the hearing of the Israelites and then writing it in stone, so that they could understand this law to be the standard to which all His people would be judged by according to their works and actions in order to justly determine whether they deserve His blessings or His curses.  And it was not just the Israelites that would be held to this standard of law.

     Since Michael was the Creator of mankind and had openly declared His law, then all peoples of the earth would be held to this same one standard of law.  Thus any person could know what this righteous standard of God’s law was, could then compare their life to it and see for themselves whether they were pleasing or displeasing God – irregardless of whether they were Israelite or from another race.  And most importantly, if they found that their actions had been displeasing God by being against His law, would they manifest sorrow and repentance towards God for their sinful actions, and choose to change their life so that they could come into harmony with His law?  Would they plead for God to work within to bring about this miraculous change of life in them?  Or would they knowingly choose to continue breaking God’s commandments and stubbornly refuse to repent for all their sinful actions that have brought sorrow and displeasure to God and His curses upon them?

     So with God’s great standard of law within sight and knowledge of every human being, each would decide for themselves whether they would receive God’s blessings or His curses depending on what kind of life they chose to live.  And ultimately, each person would decide for themselves exactly what their own destiny would be at the final judgment – either eternal death or eternal life – by how they chose to live their own life after knowing about God’s great standard of law, as well as His willingness to forgive and change all truly repentant sinners.
     “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.  For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.


     Now in our next Newsletter we will continue examining more of these divine commandments of the Lord God so that we can see how we can enter into life.




MINISTRY NEWS

NEW MINISTRY ADDRESS

     Our new address is:
"Let There Be Light" Ministries
PO Box 1776
Albany, Oregon 97321

     Please direct all future correspondence to this new address. Our old Ministry’s phone will still be the same, and our e-mail and website address will also remain the same.
     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!



HEALTH - MEDICAL MISSIONARY WORK

     The Health and Medical Missionary work in the Central African nation of Zambia 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.



ONLINE  VIDEOS

     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 7,680 people who have viewed these videos, and over 96,000 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!



HOME CHURCH

     Come join with us in fellowship over your computer, smart phone, iPad, Kindle or land line.  To fellowship with us over the internet, type or paste the following link into your browser: http://zoom.us and download the Zoom App.  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 internet access, you can 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.

     We praise God for allowing us to gather together as one Home Church family in Christ Jesus, and look forward to having you also join with us!




MINISTRY NEEDS

     "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!



GENERAL FOREIGN MISSION WORK NEEDS

     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.


SPECIFIC MONTHLY FOREIGN MISSION WORK NEEDS

KENYA, East Africa:
M Printing and mailing expenses for booklets and tracts to Kenya.
     M Printing of booklets and tracts in Kenya.
     M Projector, screen, and evangelistic film for non-SDA outreach.
     M Mailing cartons of KJV Bibles and Spirit of Prophecy books.
     M Purchase of printing machine to aid in publication of present truth--$3,500.


PAPUA NEW GUINEA:
M Printing and mailing expenses for booklets and tracts to PNG.
     M Printing of booklets and tracts in PNG.
     M Mailing cartons of KJV Bibles and Spirit of Prophecy books.
     M Used SOP books.
     M Clothes to pass out to naked villagers.


PHILIPPINE Islands:
M Mailing cartons of KJV Bibles and Spirit of Prophecy books.
     M Printing of booklets and tracts in Philippines.
     M Printing and mailing expenses for booklets and tracts to Philippines.
     M Printing 100,000 tracts in Philippines--$1,450.


UGANDA, East Africa:
M Monthly operating expenses for the publication work already established there.
     M Mailing cartons of KJV Bibles and Spirit of Prophecy books.


ZAMBIA, Central Africa:
M Monthly operating expenses for the publication work already established there.
     M Donations of any amount to help with construction of a home–$12,000 total cost.
     M Mailing cartons of KJV Bibles and Spirit of Prophecy books.
     M Monthly operating expenses for Herbal and Health Clinic.


ZIMBABWE, Africa:
M Printing and mailing expenses for booklets and tracts to Zimbabwe.
     M Printing of booklets and tracts in Zimbabwe.
     M Donations of any amount to help with construction of a home–$12,000 total cost.
     M Mailing cartons of KJV Bibles and Spirit of Prophecy books.
     M Donations of any amount to help purchase a vehicle–$6,000 total cost.


     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.




LETTERS to "LET THERE BE LIGHT" Ministries

Dear ones,
     Heb 6:10-11.
     Christian greetings from ____ and church in the region.  The Lord is opening up for us to extend the message of present truth in S. Sudan. This country has been in war for many years (before) I came to understanding of the life Christ.
     Today I was linked to one brother by a sister in Philippines online. I followed him up and we are in contact busy linking me up to other people.  I am learning with them online and have got interest in our messages....God bless you.
B.J., Internet.


Hello elder Bob,
     1 John 3:1.

REWARDS ARE WAITING & ITS NOT FAR FROM HERE
     “Jesus would have those who are engaged in His service not eager for rewards, nor feel that they must receive compensation for all that they do. The Lord would have our minds run in a different channel; for he sees not as man sees. He does not judge by appearance, but estimates a man by the sincerity of his heart.
     “Those who have brought into their service the spirit of true sacrifice of self-abasement, are the ones who will stand first at last”. Counsels on Stewardship, p 79.

GOOD & LONG TIME FRIENDSHIP
     I’m really sure and know that I have a best friend on earth, but away from my homeland, and it’s none other but only you my beloved brother, elder and fellow servant for Christ Jesus.  You have been so kind to me since from the time we came to know each other. Our good Lord and Master bring us together during our good days for His purpose and that Superior God has still guiding you and us this far. Time is count down, but His promises will never fail.
     I have recalled back all the good works you have done for us ____ folks here in Papua New Guinea. All your wonderful efforts, resources and times are perfectly recorded by angels and rewards are waiting you in heaven and it’s not far-away. Keep looking up from where you are, we are ready for a new home now. We never forgot you, our daily prayers are still sounding in our rooms when times up for pray and this is the thing we will share with you every moment.

LAYMEN TRAINING
     We, ____ admin, medical & gospel workers, volunteer missionaries and church leaders will attend the three weeks training here at my church area dated from; January 16 to 04 February 2023. We are looking forward to welcome 125 laities from other regions and provinces.  This training is purposely to equipping every Bible worker to stand firm to meet the great challenges coming our way....
Acts 20:32-5.  Keep looking up my friend. B.K., Papua New Guinea.


Dear Elder bob sessler,
     Thanks a lot for the blessings of separation: if Abram had remained in his native country he wouldn't have used by Elohim.  "In order that God might qualify him for his great work as the keeper of the sacred oracles, Abraham must be separated from the associations of his early life. The influence of kindred and friends would interfere with the training which the Lord purposed to give His servant....His character must be peculiar, differing from all the world. He could not even explain his course of action so as to be understood by his friends. Spiritual things are spiritually discerned, and his motives and actions were not comprehended by his idolatrous kindred.” PP 126.1
     Life has been very difficult, even my water has been disconnected for some months, even power bill or electricity I'm failing to pay and (I’ve had) malaria on and off. I had so much depended upon the support..., I have sought for God's interventions, for (who) knoweth better if He has chosen the blessing of want/poverty that I take it without murmuring, for these situations are clearly seen in the Exodus of the children of Israel.
     Deuteronomy 8:2-3: “And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.[3]And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.”
     2 Corinthians 12:9-10: “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.[10]Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
     Otherwise, the Lord has enabled me (to) reach out. Last year visited hospital (and) prayed for someone who suffered stroke and couldn't speak.  The good (Lord) touched him and he regained his speak ability. This was instantly!  We (also) had a camp meeting, (and) prayed that God holds the rains until the camp is over, (and) He honored our request!
     There seems to be resurgence of the (false) doctrine of the Godhead, (teaching) "Holy Spirit is not God, but just the influence”, and struggle (against the doctrine) of belittling Jesus. And it's sweeping young men (as) someone is heavily financing.
     From 8th of January 2023 the good LORD opened opportunities to reach out.  We had a home to home outreach and open air meeting.  This was held in ____ Center.  We visited surrounding villages.  We ended by 15th January 2023. We would have prolonged our stay, but our food and other amenities were not enough to make us for more other days.
     Thanks for your prayers.
Yours In Christ Jesus, B.K., Uganda.


Dear brother in Christ.
     I am very glad to receive your article.  Thank you so much for your hard work for the Church....Please pray for us to do the work....
S.S., Srilanka.


Hello beloved servant of God.
     I would like to greet you in the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour.
     By the grace of God, I greatly appreciate the vision, faith and courage that God inspires in you to influence us as Christian leaders and impact the world so that human beings can walk in integrity...Fortunately we pray our God so that you are totally protected in the blood of Jesus Christ because your existence in this universe is useful for us.
Thanks.  J.B., Internet.


Dear Elder Bob,
     Greetings to you and all the brethren in faith.
     I write to report to you my co-workers and supporters in the missionary work, that our trip to Namibia 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 Namibia from the host brethren. Brother ____ and I traveled for two days using a public transport till we were picked from at ____ boundery of that country to the campsite at Elder ____ 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 boundery. After crossing the boundery, 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. This will only work once the Lord prepares transport money. Find the attached pictures of the same events.
     May the Lord continue blessing you for this support towards the work in Southern Africa.
Regards, B.W., Zambia.




CORRESPONDENCE FROM FOREIGN WORKERS


FROM THE PHILIPPINES

(Combination of 2 letters) Dear brother Bob,
     3 John 2.
     Hi! brother Bob, happy new year! How are you? I was so grateful and thankful to the Lord for His mercy and goodness to us throughout this past whole year of 2022. A lot of things happened, there were problems and trials that arised, but the Lord never forsake and (never) failed us, but helped us and took into blessings. Although there were some trials, but there’s a lot more good things that happened during this past year that we need to be grateful for.  Thank God for the life and health, for the time to serve Him and to correct our ways while probation still lingers and for the people that we love and met.
     I thank God for you brother Bob for being a strength and blessings and encouragement not only for us, but for others too. Thank you for your prayers, help and support for so many years. I pray that God will continually give you strength and health that you will be a continual channel of blessings to so many people.
     Anyway brother Bob about our work here, the Lord is opening a lot of work for us here and in different places. The work in ____ continues. We did a follow up work there to settle the brethren there in the truth and established in the Gospel Order. The Lord also opened the work in the nearby province of ____. There's one family there that we are working for. Every Saturday afternoon, we spend the half of our Sabbath there with them and we are doing a Bible study with them and doing children's ministry, because there's a lot of children there. We spent 2 Sabbaths there already....
     Also, we are travelling back and forth here in ____ and in ____ (our country site). Here in ____ we are doing visitation with those we see are interested to hear our message, and we are doing it also on the nearby town. Mostly, we spent our Sabbaths here in ____ with the brethren here. This January, I will be here in our country site because we will start to build our hall for the up coming camp meeting in July. We are now preparing everything for the camp meeting. (We are praying that you will come too ? ?). But we will still spend the Sabbath in ____ and will continue to visit the newly visited one in ____ every Sabbath afternoon.
     There's also an opening of work in ____. Some of the relatives of brother ____ there are now ready to hear the message of present truth. They are in the SDA church. They are inviting us to visit them this January. We will see what will happen. For now, we are in communication with them, and sharing to them the message through call. Please include all our work here in your prayers.
     The Lord is so good to us this few months. He has given us a lot of work in His vineyard and leadings us to the souls that needs help. Last January, we were able to meet new people and share the truth with them. Some of them are from SDA church and some are from other denominations. And from there we started inviting them to spend Sabbath with us and we study together. From then on and until now they spend their Sabbath with us. But sometimes, since we had opened a work also in other town in the nearby province, me and my husband leave them, and my son was the one leading them in the study and in their Sabbath worship. We need to divide our time to visit them both and study with them. This people in ____ are SDA also but backslidden, and we are encouraging them to go back to the Lord. They have a big family, having many children and grand children. They are all interested. We only spend Sabbath with them once or twice a month, because of our busy schedule, or sometimes we lack budget for our diesel.
     Last February 11, we had our whole ____ fellowship . All our brothers and sisters from ____ meet together in one place and worship the Lord together. Every fellowship that we do is a revival and encouragement for every members.
     One week after our fellowship, we need to go to ____, in ____, its an emergency call of work. I am invited to speak and do Bible study for four days to the people who attended in the wake of the dead love ones. Me and my husband went there. Although our expenses was so great, (we almost spent 20, 000 pesos, for our plane ticket and other expenses and we just owed the money), but we take the opportunity to go there to share the truth to the people there and encouraged and comforted those bereaved families to be strong in the Lord through God's truth and promises. Those people who attended and heard our message were so blessed and comforted and commented that they loved the messages and the songs. Some of them also decided to go back to the Lord and will start to be faithful in obeying the Lord and all His commandments. Praise the Lord that those people there come to a realization of the importance of serving the Lord while we have time, while we are still alive.
     After ____, we again visited those interests here and again spend Bible study with them. And during this week, we will become busy in the construction of our camp-meeting hall in preparation for our camp-meeting here on July.
     But this coming April 3-9, there will be having a camp-meeting in ____, in ____. We need also to go there. We hope that the Lord will provide all our needs for He's the one that promise in Heb 13:5 that He will not leave nor forsake us.
     Till here for now brother Bob. Please continue to pray for all our work here for the Lord. May God bless all of us especially all our little effort in extending His kingdom with many souls win for His glory. Take care brother Bob and God bless always.
In Christ, s.b., Philippines.


FROM ZIMBABWE, AFRICA

     Late in December 2022, I gladly reported during the camp that I was in Namibia where I attended a reviving six days camp meeting. This same year has been the fifth year I had last attended the Namibian camp meeting since 2018 due to various reasons among them; I had a three-year successful labour of raising a sister church in ____ province which was mid last year faced a major attack from the SDA church. The other reason for the break from attending both Namibian and Zambian camp meetings was the two-year world pandemic of the Covid 19 which came int effect late in 2019.
     However, the preparation for the trip to Namibia was not rosy for me due to lack of enough finances. Virtually I left my family without enough provisions for their welfare from my November support as I took a large share for the trip to Namibia. I used about US$160 for the trip in total from ____ (Zimbabwe) into Namibia via ____ (Zimbabwe)- ____ border (Zambia) and ____ (Zambia) -____ (Namibia) border. Although I started the trip on the 19th of December, with the hope of ever arriving at least late on the 20th of December, it was not to be due the badly damaged road of the Zambian side from ____, a 190km strip. We took 8 hours in that road to reach ____ and the border had already closed by the time I arrived in ____. I had to put up in a lodge near the border which further strained my meager budget. I then later crossed the border the following morning (Wednesday) but I reached the venue of the meeting late in the evening again.
     Dear brother, I must testify that the camp meeting which ended Monday 26, December 2022, had been very fruitful. It was indeed a time of revival for the participants. Four souls were baptized and had their names registered in the book of the Lamb. It was on a Sabbath when these 4 souls got baptized after good lessons on church unity and signs of the times. Indeed, the Lord is soon to come. We however partook of the Lord's Supper on Sunday evening as we were on the eve of breaking the camp....
     In addition, following their departure, our Zambian brethren had a stopover at ____, Zambia where they baptized one soul. I was talking to this new soul this morning and he is delighted to be buried with Christ, and he hopes to rise with him. Although this soul was looking forward to attend the just ended camp-meeting at the eve of his departure from Namibia, a family member had died in Zambia whose funeral he had to attend to. I have also been in touch with most of the brethren and I can report here that the ____ family, ____ family and ____ family arrived safely to their homes. Brothers ____ and ____ also arrived in their Zambian homes safely....
     Back home I took pains to give a detailed report to the brethren that I left home of the experiences that I went through while at the camp and the brethren were greatly blessed.
     May the Lord bless His church in this new year. Kindly take time to read the following quote from the book Our High Calling:
     “So, teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12.”
     “Another year of life is now in the past. A new year is opening before us. What will be its record? What will we each inscribe upon its spotless pages? The manner in which we spend each passing day will decide this question....”
     “Let us enter upon the new year with our hearts cleansed from the defilement of selfishness and pride. Let us put away every sinful indulgence, and seek to become faithful, diligent learners in the school of Christ. A new year opens its unsullied pages before us. What shall we write upon them? ...”
     “Seek to begin this year with right purposes and pure motives, as beings who are accountable to God. Ever bear in mind that your acts are daily passing into history by the pen of the recording angel. You must meet them again when the Judgment shall sit and the books shall be opened....”
     “If we connect with God, the source of peace, and light, and truth, His Spirit will flow through us as a channel, to refresh and bless all around us. This may be the last year of life to us. Shall we not enter upon it with thoughtful consideration? Shall not sincerity, respect, benevolence, mark our deportment toward all?”
     “Let us withhold nothing from Him who gave His precious life for us.... Let us all consecrate to God the property He has entrusted to us. Above all, let us give Him ourselves, a freewill offering.”
     “May the beginning of this year be a time that shall never be forgotten—a time when Christ shall come in among us, and say, “Peace be unto you.” John 20:19. Brethren and sisters, I wish you, one and all, a happy new year.” Our High Calling, p 7....
Kind regards, B.N., Zimbabwe.