Nov-Dec-98

There is an ever widening confusion and growing misunderstanding among our separated people over the issue of "INDEPENDENCE." There is, of course, a true sanctified independence which is approved of heaven, as well as there being an unsanctified independence which is condemned of God. And the lack of a clear distinction between these two forms of independence has allowed Satan to create all kinds of trouble among our people and home churches worldwide!

True sanctified independence which heaven approves 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. 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. It can be clearly seen that this sanctified independence especially centers around us as individuals, not in a selfish self-centered way, but in an unselfish manner which does not adversely affect others.

This kind of noble 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 our neighbors as ourselves. This independence, founded upon love to God and 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. The fruits borne by this kind of unselfish independence are love, trust, confidence, fellowship, harmony, unity, order, and peace. And it is clearly seen in the unity, oneness, and functioning of the Godhead. Yet, there is another kind of independence which is unsanctified and extreme.

This unsanctified 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 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--regardless of the counsel of our brethren. And we are responsible to God alone and must center our interests in our own work--regardless of the work and interests of our brethren. It can be clearly seen that this unsanctified independence especially involves our relationship to others, not in an unselfish way, but in a selfish self-centered manner which adversely affects others.

Such unsanctified independence may be thought of as loving God supreme, but in reality it breaks God's law because it esteems self and places it first and foremost in our thoughts, feelings, and actions, and our neighbors last or unthought of. This kind of independence heaven highly condemns, and which we are not to manifest or adhere to as it will lead to complete corruption and eternal destruction. The fruits borne by this selfish independence are hate, distrust, envy, jealousy, dissension, division, disorder, strife, and rebellion.

The devil was not content to keep this unsanctified independence to himself, but spread these same corrupt principles throughout the heavenly hosts, and it deceived and leavened 1/3 of all the heavenly angels. These then warred in union with Satan against God's will and were cast out of heaven (see Revelation 12:4, 7-9)! Satan was still not content, and brought this same rebellious independent spirit down to earth.

Satan's original lie to Eve was based upon these same principles of unsanctified independence (see Youth's Instructor, July 1, 1897). 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 Laodiceans (Review and Herald, April 1, 1890). And it will continue to be manifested by, and cause the fall of, many of our separated people until they wake up and clearly distinguish between the true and this false independence!

Those who follow this unsanctified independence are especially against any call for, or movement towards, a full and complete 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 John 17 with Matthew 18 and Gospel Order to guard and protect this unity, yet they oppose it by charging that it will restrict their religious liberty and independence. And our unsuspecting people are being led to accept and follow this unsanctified independence, not because it is preached by those who do not believe the present truth, but because it is being advocated by separated Ministries and separated ministers today!

A separated minister in the Eastern part of America believes and teaches this in his newsletter: "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."

"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.

If these individuals do not repent and obey God's will and seek for true visible unity with their brethren, 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.

Another separated minister from farther South in the Eastern part of America believes and teaches this in his newsletter: "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..."

But God has this to say regarding the above statement: "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.

"The order that was maintained in the early Christian church made it possible for them to move forward solidly as a well-disciplined army clad with the armor of God. The companies of believers, though scattered over a large territory, were all members of one body; all moved in concert and in harmony with one another." Acts of the Apostles, p 95-96.

Another separated Ministry in the Western part of America believes and teaches this in their newsletter: "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 God says: "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.

Why is it that we have so many problems 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.

Another separated minister farther South in the Western part of America believes and teaches this in his tapes: "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..."

But God states this regarding whether we are all to independently believe and teach what we want to regardless of our brethren, or whether we should be in union with each other having one faith with gospel order protecting this unity: "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.

"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.

"I saw that this door at which the enemy comes in to perplex and trouble the flock can be shut. I inquired of the angel how it could be closed. He said, `The church must flee to God's word and become established upon gospel order, which has been overlooked and neglected.' This is indispensably necessary in order to bring the church into the unity of the faith." Early Writings, p 100.

"`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.

In fact, it is because our people are not united together in one body, under one faith, under discipline and being responsible to one another, that fanaticism is rampant in our midst and false teachers are allowed to remain among us! "Had professed Sabbath-keepers...earnestly sought and labored to be in union with the prayer of Christ, to be one as He is one with the Father, Satan's work would have been defeated. If all had sought to be in union with the body, the fanaticism which has brought so deep a stain upon the cause of present truth...would not have arisen, for it is the result of drawing off from the body, and seeking to have an original, independent faith, regardless of the faith of the body." Testimonies, vol 1, p 327.

"...the work of God is not committed to men who feel it their privilege to move out on their own independent judgement, to preach whatever they please, and to be responsible to no one for their instructions or work. Let this spirit of self-sufficiency once rule in our midst, and there will be no harmony of action, no unity of spirit, no safety for the work, and no healthful growth in the cause. There will be false teachers, evil workers who will, by insinuating error, draw away souls from the truth. Christ prayed that His followers might be one as He and the Father were one. Those who desire to see this prayer answered, should seek to discourage the slightest tendency to division, and try to keep the spirit of unity and love among brethren." Review and Herald, May 28, 1888.

So the great majority of all the problems, as well as false teachers, among our separated people and home churches is because we have not followed God's will and are not united together as one under one faith in Christ. Yet, when those who want to do God's will try to awaken our people to the necessity of coming together in a visible unity under one faith in Christ so that Satan, along with these problems and false teachers, may be eliminated from our ranks, many of our fellow ministerial brethren rise up and declare: "This is popery! This is hierarchy! Do not unite together as one or stand together under one faith because God wants us to be solely united with Him in a spiritual union, but not united together with each other in a visible union!" But God has already warned His people that just such a cry would be leveled against this true call for unity among us!

"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 perfect 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 devoted 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 God's order for them to strike out for themselves and choose their own course independent of their brethren.

"God is leading a people out from the world upon the exalted platform of eternal truth...They will not be at variance, one believing one thing and another having faith and views entirely opposite, each moving independently of the body." Testimonies, vol 1, p 650.

And do not let any separated Ministry or minister or laymember try to get you to believe that God desires His people to remain divided, disorganized, and independent of one another in faith and work and fellowship, even if they do quote a testimony from Sister White which seems to substantiate their position, because they are only twisting the quote to say something which Sister White never intended. So says Sister White herself:

God does not want His separated people to be enlisted in the ranks of Satan's army, to advocate his erroneous doctrines, manifest his unsanctified independence, and mislead souls to division and destruction. But Christ wants all of His true separated people to enlist in the ranks of His army, to advocate His pure doctrines, to manifest His sanctified character, and to lead souls to Jesus and unity and eternal life.

"An army would be demoralized if they did not learn to obey orders of the captain. Each soldier must act in concert. Union is strength; without union efforts are meaningless. Whatever excellent qualities a soldier may possess, he cannot be a safe trustworthy soldier if he claims a right to act independent of his fellow comrades. This independent action cannot be maintained in the service of Christ.

"Self-restraint is essential to be exercised by every Christian if they answer the prayer of Christ. He is not a good soldier who will not submit his own judgement and his own ideas to preserve unity of action....The meekness and lowliness of Christ always leads to unity and hence to strength in united action." Manuscript Releases, vol 5, p 373-74.

"Those who belong to Christ's army must work with concerted action. They cannot be faithful soldiers unless they obey orders. United action is essential. An army in which every part acts without reference to the other parts, has no real strength. In order to add new territory to Christ's kingdom, his soldiers must act in concert....He calls for a united army, which moves steadily forward, not for a company composed of independent atoms." SDA Bible Commentary, vol 4, p 1146.

"In spite of all the good qualities a man may have, he cannot be a good soldier if he acts independent of those connected with him....Take a strong team of horses. If, instead of both pulling together, one should suddenly jerk forward and the other pull back, they would not move the load, notwithstanding their great strength. So the soldiers of Christ must work in concert, else there will be a mere concourse of independent atoms....In union is strength. A few men and women who unite together, having the glory of God in view, will be growing in strength and wisdom, and gaining new victories." Signs of the Times, September 7, 1891.

God is not so much concerned with the numbers of those who unite together, but is concerned that they do unite! The question is: Which army do you choose to enlist in and fight for? It will be plain for all to see exactly which army you have enlisted in and which general you are fighting for. All they would have to do is to examine the position you take and advocate in this issue of unity, one faith, and Gospel Order!

"The two great powers in controversy are working, one from beneath, the other from above. Every man is under the secret influence of the one or the other, and his acts will reveal the character of the inspiration from which they proceed. Those who are united with Christ will work always in Christ's lines. Those who are in union with Satan will work under the inspiration of their leader, opposed to the Holy Spirit's power and action. The will of man is left free to act, and by action is revealed what spirit is moving upon the heart. `By their fruits ye shall know them.'" 1888 Materials, p 1508.

"Where there is unity there is strength. United we stand, divided we fall. It is the special, declared plan of the enemy of Christ and man, to break up the church into independent factions....He loves to see discord and want of harmonious action in the church." Review and Herald, July 10, 1888.

Not one of our separated people, whether they be ministers or laymembers, will ever make it into heaven until they knowingly give up their unsanctified independence, stop opposing a visible unity and oneness among our people, and instead work towards a complete and full union with one another in one faith with Christ as our head! "A self-confident, independent spirit will never enter into the kingdom of God." Selected Messages, book 2, p 216. And why can't such make it to heaven? "You would act an independent part in heaven as you have acted on the earth." Kress Collection, p 152.

God is trying to fit His people up in righteousness and make them ready for eternity with Him by leading them to be one in purpose, one in faith, one in work, and one in unity. Yet, separated ministerial brethren from both the East and West Coasts of America are determined to stop this from happening, and our separated people are caught right in the middle of this controversy! But God has a clear purpose in calling for His true separated people to be united together as one. God is actually desiring to perfect our characters through our coming together as one and prepare us for translation! And those who oppose this visible unity are working to keep our people connected with sin and character defects, lose out on translation, and are thereby working their own selves out of a home in heaven! "Perfection of character means perfection in unity. `That they all may be one,' Christ said, `as Thou, Father, art in me, and I in Thee' (John 17:21). What possibilities are before us. Shall not our faith grasp them?" Manuscript Releases, vol 11, p 179.

"...they should not take on an independent spirit, but as followers of Christ be subject one to another. This is the very means that God has ordained that one shall have influence over another and all be transformed and molded after the divine Pattern, that all the believers in Christ are to be sanctified through the truth." Manuscript Releases, vol 15, p 357.

"There is order in heaven, and it is to be imitated by those upon earth who are heirs of salvation. The nearer mortals attain to the order and arrangement of heaven, the nearer are they brought to that acceptable state before God which will make them subjects of the heavenly kingdom and give them that fitness for translation from earth to heaven..." Testimonies, vol 2, p 697-98.

May our separated brethren, especially those Ministries and ministers who are opposing or who are not advocating a complete visible unity in one faith among us, wake up, become converted, and stop their opposition or lack of interest. "I call upon you, my (brethren), in the name of the Lord to unite with us, to close every door through which Satan would enter to cause strife and alienation among brethren. Let us counsel together. There has been altogether too much moving in one's own independent judgement. Self-sufficiency and self-esteem lay at the foundation of the greatest trials and discords that have ever existed among the people of God. The angel of God has repeated again and again, `Press together! Press together! Be of one mind, of one judgement! Let God be your Leader! Follow His footsteps!'" Manuscript Releases, vol 20, p 369.

May our separated brethren, especially those Ministries and ministers who are opposing or who are not advocating a complete visible unity in one faith among us, accept this invitation and unite with the rest of us, that we all together may fulfill Christ's prayer and lovingly help each other perfect their characters. May we earnestly labor and press together until we are of one accord, of one mind, of one heart and soul and body, with Christ and the advancement of His kingdom of righteousness foremost in our thoughts. May we all become trustworthy soldiers in God's army and arise and shine in a united front, that we may fill this earth with the glory of God. Then this great controversy can end, and we can then enjoy each other's companionship forever in heaven by the side of our Lord and God. All this will be possible only when we have achieved this blessed oneness and harmony on this earth! We are moving forward in God's strength, will you be left behind?

In our last Newsletter we mentioned that we were on the Internet (our E-mail address is lightmin@terragon.com). We have since received e-mail messages from separated brethren around the world! It is indeed a quick, inexpensive, and effective way of communication with our fellow brethren in order to answer their questions, concerns, or help remove their loneliness--especially those who are across the ocean from us.

Also, as mentioned before, we are seriously contemplating opening a Web site so that we can place the present truth where it could be quickly and easily accessed throughout the world. One brother has graciously offered us information on how to do so which we greatly appreciate. Please keep this endeavor in your prayers for God's direction and guidance.

We have mailed several more boxes of the French translation of The Will to our worker in Togo. He reports that these booklets are awakening people to the deception that the SDA church has practiced over them regarding their part in overcoming sin. We have also sent several thousand of our various tracts, including the tracts enclosed in our last Newsletter, to our contact workers in Kenya, Togo, Uganda, and Zambia. We have also sent copies of our tracts to our workers in the Philippines so that they can print up as many tracts as they need in reaching out to others.

As already mentioned, we are working in the area of inexpensive tracts for evangelistic outreach. We are including in this mailing two of our latest tracts dealing with the judgment, and the difference between God's 10 commandments and the Ceremonial law. We hope that many will be able to utilize these tracts in their evangelistic outreach efforts. In addition to the thousands of tracts we have already sent abroad, we are planning to continue sending thousands more to our workers in foreign Countries to pass out to the masses. Please keep this important tract work in your prayers that many more souls will be won to God and His kingdom of righteousness.

The Lord has been so merciful and gracious towards this Ministry. We have indeed been blessed and greatly encouraged to know that our readers and supporters are behind the work we are doing in spreading God's present truth around the world. Through your continued support, you have allowed this Ministry to continue supporting our current foreign workers, as well as to sponsor another new worker in a new Country!

We are now sponsoring a worker in Malaysia. He is currently working in translating our booklets for SDA's as well as non-SDA's into Chinese! He has finished the booklet "The Abomination of Desolation Stands" and is now working on "The Glorious Everlasting Gospel." Please keep him in your prayers for God to greatly multiply and bless his efforts so that Malaysia, as well as all the other Chinese speaking Countries may be lightened with the glory of God.

Please continue making this translation work, by all or our workers, an important and special object of your daily prayers--especially for our workers to speed on their way with the present truth to lighten the darkened hearts of their people. There is little chance that we could travel and personally speak these different languages ourselves to these peoples. But we can still be involved in the witnessing of the truth to these foreign peoples by the giving of our prayers and means to translate the message and then have the workers place these precious messages of truth into their hands! Time is so short, and soon our money will not be so readily available or so easily sent abroad as it is now. Let our people awake and arise to the occasion and not be found holding on to more than God wishes them to during this time. Let their treasure be invested in the bank of heaven, and not be found tied up in the banks of the earth as figures on paper.

"Let There Be Light" Ministries is devoted to the spreading of the full present truth gospel message worldwide, and has been doing so since 1986. This Ministry has monthly operating expenses covering the areas of: printing, publishing, and writing of present truth books, booklets, tracts, and other literature; video and audio taping, production, and distribution; supporting several full-time ministers/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; ongoing National and International Bible studies; sending free present truth literature to contacts in many poor Countries; etc.

May our God and Saviour continue to lead and guide all those who have helped this Ministry reach out to 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 9 full time ministers/workers in 5 different Countries on a monthly basis, and a part-time worker in 1 other Country. 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 adequately 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 and visit the interests in their homes, and spread the printed truth translated into their common language!

Printing machine? Please note: we have mailed, both by surface and air, many boxes of present truth materials to all of our workers, but only a very few of these boxes have been delivered to our Kenyan workers (and some were mailed last February!). We are therefore asking the Lord, as well as our readers and supporters, if there is a necessity to purchase a printing machine for our Kenyan workers to print all the materials they need (as well as being able to supply our other African workers with materials). This way the printed truth can be almost immediately available and will not be limited by the slow mail system. The total cost of securing the printing machine in Kenya will probably be around $8000. U.S. all factors included. And thereafter there will be the need to send extra monthly printing expenses for supplies. Please let us know how you feel regarding this possibility, and we will all pray that God either opens or closes the doors according to His perfect will.

The following brothers you can put on your mailing list for the Newsletter. They have accepted to walk the narrow path with us. Pray for us too that we may not leave the narrow way but to keep on going until at the end--entering the New Jerusalem to be with Christ-evermore....I hope they too will learn and bring souls to the Lord.

We lack more of your video cassettes and audio tapes. But the few that we got we have multiplied. The SDA church leaders have started attacking us from their church pulpits... Pray for us that we may not fall into a controversy with them, but keep to the positive as Jesus was, who is our Example.

I want to thank you for the monthly Newsletter and the videos you've sent me since I moved down here, and thank you for the tapes and the tracts and studies. I hope to be able to use them soon....I was very disappointed to not be able to get to camp meeting. I was looking forward to seeing everybody and fellowshipping with all of you. It is spiritually uplifting to be with fellow believers. Of course your letters and prayers and phone calls are a big encouragement, too.

I hope that you might have not forgotten my name...my mother was compelling me to work in S.D.A. church...Now my mother has realized that the work with S.D.A. church will not accomplish the will of God. And also, it was my plan to work among S.D.A. people and tell the reformation principles to them. Now I have gathered a small group of people to favour with our reformation (separation) work.

I don't know if I have ever mentioned this to you or not, but several months ago I started taking God's words inside the Prisons and now there are 3 firm believers in the Sabbath and the Law of God. They are so hungry for His word and I lack the material to feed all them all. I do what I can and I'm believing God to bless my efforts. Sir, if you have any extra writings of Ellen White around, Spirit of Prophecy, anything you can send me, please sir, I urge you to. Pray about this and if the Lord will that He may place this burden upon your heart to aid in anyway possible. (NOTE: a parcel of materials has already been sent).

I would like to inform you that this message which I have read in these booklets have made my heart to burn with zeal of the Holy Ghost and I have gone flat out preaching the message of separation. The problem I have is that of financial and means to use when I go to preach since I travel many kilometres on foot....

Greetings in Jesus' name. Thank you for faithfully following the high calling given you. Your Ministry and the message of truth you are providing to a dying world is a true blessing from the living God. The harmony of the Gospel is presented so clearly and precisely. Any truth-seeking Bible student can verify the authenticity of the message of present truth.

Bro. Bob, the tape (video) about "Christ vs the Churches" you sent had been washed off (erased) by one of my SDA brethren. He borrowed the tape and after seeing it with a few others decided to wash it off. I was later told that they hated the message. But anyway that clearly showed me that the truth hits home...

I have been photocopying your booklets and sending them to all friends I know of esp. those SDA youths who are so blinded by the devil in following their leaders advices of not to leave the church or they would be lost. They've been told that the only thing that matters was for them to be attending church....

Another delusion that most of these separated (independent) brethren are caught in is that they believe that the SDA church is still the true church though weak and full of abominations it will be sifted and purified and the remnant will go through. They still call themselves as "Independent" of the SDA church....

In this last days when the Lord is finishing this mystery as it was prophesied by the prophets, we fear so much and are much sorrowful as to what is going on in this dark world. Pentecostal spirit is swallowing up almost all churches. This fanatical spirit is a hindrance to the advancement of the work of God, but my joy is that the Lord is revealing openly this cunning spirit and we are admonished to rebuke fanaticism whenever it is seen and...to be left to die a natural death. May the Lord help us to notice all sorts of fanaticism. The Newsletter dealing with that teaching is helping me so much....

I have been in ____, the work is not bad there, people are being added. As from ____, we shall be in the border of Kenya and ____ where we shall conduct an effort. This is a new center established there. It has seen the error of Dreams and Visions and have separated from that sect. We were with them in 1995, December, (and) we told them the error of the message of Jeanine and left them. We were so much happy when they came to our Center and told us that they have seen the truth of what we had told them about Dreams and Visions. Now we are working together with them while helping them see the truth more clearly and (to) differentiate truth and fanaticism.

Glad to write to you again....As yet I have not had a house with power. There was a bankers strike...which paralyzed the whole banking system. This affect us (could not draw out support money sent) and even made me a house that would served us well...I missed it for lack of funds at hand. I'm still praying that the Lord might provide one.

How far is the Kiswahili translation? We are eagerly waiting for it. In many places Kiswahili is the only language of communication as English can not be understood. Even so, the English copies are also doing us good in our outreach meetings. So far, we have only received Jeremiah, and Bible History of Separation bk. 1 & 2....

I praise God for the work going on here and this also I will inform you. Since there is a need for everybody to engage in the work in order for God to recognize it with an outpouring of His Spirit without measure (ChS 253), our brethren have organized a singing group that give messages through songs in the sick bed and to everyone who is interested. Others are teaching in the school giving Bible lessons from grades one to six. There are some also who have started enrolling in the Bible correspondence and presently we already have a lot of enrollees. With your support, we bought some Bibles for the interested ones. While we are on the field, I praise God that the brethren are doing their part as a living church (6T 435; GW 352). We have entered new places...

(Please note: Our separated Filipino brethren who have come into unity under Gospel Order, are together enjoying its atmosphere of peace, love, and union in one faith among them. But they are not being left alone and are having to meet various opposers of this Gospel Order who try to prejudice minds against it and divide the brethren--especially those who have had church action taken against them because of their continued unrepented actions. These satanic attacks have had little lasting effect upon our united brethren. But now individuals, who once lived in the Philippines, are carrying on their warfare and attacks from America and are trying to involve and prejudice our American separated brethren against the Gospel Order in the Philippines. The reason we have briefly given you this background information is because the following correspondences from another of our Filipino workers is surrounding the confrontation they had with one of these individuals who resides in America but who briefly went back to the Philippines since our last Mission report from there. May our separated brothers and sisters awaken and realize that Satan is coming full force against unity and Gospel Order among us, and is even using separated individuals to do his evil bidding--"By there fruits ye shall know them.")

I'm home and we've just concluded the first National Workers meeting, the first Camp meeting in Visayas, and our confrontation with James ____ in Aklan. The workers meeting and the Camp meeting was held in ____. During the confrontation, we have pinned down James on two issues, about Gospel Order and health reform. I'm sure that James will not show all the details in his video all that transpire on that day, but I'm sending you the voice tape so that this rebel cannot escape.

Actually, all the brethren (in Aklan) sympathized with him that moment because their minds were poisoned by James through personal attacks...But God miraculously intervened of which no human words could explain. All the brethren from Aklan and Sibuyan decided to go back to the fold and decided to no longer recognize James and all who sympathized with him. To show their sincerity they affixed their signatures on the Council of Mindanao and Luzon's decision in cutting off James and Willy (from fellowship in our home churches). How did it happen? I will tell you on my next letter. I'm sending you a copy of this document bearing the signatures of the brethren....

"`Go forward.' We should obey this command, let the result be what it may, even though our eyes cannot penetrate the darkness and though we feel the cold waves about our feet....To obey the commandments of God is the only way to obtain His favor. `Go forward' should be the Christian watchword." 4T 26-28.

To all human appearance, it seems that we are already defeated during our trip to ____ City (in Aklan). We got an information from one of our brethren in Aklan that James & Cristy was already there & all the brethren were sympathizing with him. We meet this crisis with full force, eight workers from Luzon, twelve from Mindanao & three from Visayas. We just want to show James, Willy, & the whole host of their unbalanced & fanatical movement what is true unity, and what does it mean to have a concerted effort.

As what I have stated in my first letter, we have pinned him (James) down on two issues that were discussed. On health reform & Gospel Order. But because of unsanctified sympathy, the brethren in Aklan & Sibuyan though sincere were blinded. We leave that place the following day with a sorrow in our hearts, but still trust in God that He will do the battle for us. Now heres the miracle of all miracles.

The night after our confrontation, brother ____ of ____ while about to sleep in bed heard a voice & felt a cold wind blowing over his body. Thinking that this voice was from God, brother ____ responded & said; speak Lord, for thy servant heareth. The pretended still small voice answered; `Go with all the brethren to the Camp meeting in ____ (because at first they have already decided not to attend) and tell those two guys (mentioning my name & the name of brother ____) to stop cutting off people from the fold or disfellowshipping (even though it was a united church action). The mysterious voice also told brother ____ that all those circumstances that I have been quoting (from Sister White) during my lecture on health reform was not from God but from Satan....

I told my co-workers to pray for me, and thank God after my presentation (during the Camp-meeting) three of them...confess to the congregation how deceived they are by the errors & fanatical ideas of James. The following day we shared to them about outside appearance (dress reform), unity, fanaticism, the judgment, etc. And by God's grace all of them decided to go back to the fold. What a tremendous manifestation of God's power. Everywhere in the meeting voices were heard, not now the voice of the devil, but the voice and words of heartfelt confessions & apologies. Everybody forgives everybody, and once again the true spirit of love & unity was felt by everyone....

I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of the booklets. I strongly believe these booklets will trigger a wide interest in the work. Most SDA members seem to be awakening to the importance of the Spirit of Prophecy Writings. I am greatly rejoiced. Most of them do come to my place to read S.O.P. books, and even copy portions of them.

At the end of the week, I shall settle down to continue the work of translation. I received the pack of 10 Video cassettes just a week after you mailed them. Few days later I received the one cassette in a yellow envelope. I was greatly moved as I saw you speak on the screen. How I wished to shake hands with you. May God bless you as you struggle to bring erring ones to the path of salvation. The cassettes fully revealed to me the extent the apostasy in the church fallen.

I have received the letter from Zambia, written in French. I have translated it content. In fact, Elder Bob, this letter clearly portrayed the dilemma in the French speaking Seventh-day Adventists. The same problem in all French countries...reading materials all in French. I have tried to reply...There is the need to intensify our translation work....

I received the books you mailed sometimes ago....The arrival of the translation of the WILL greatly rejoiced me in a special sense. I immediately proceeded to the distribution among S.D.A. friends. What a response! I cannot describe the interest the booklet is creating. One brother after reading the booklet has this to say: "We have been slaves to the Church leaders for so long." Now I wonder what will happen when eventually the other booklets are translated?...

Thank you for the fax....The Lord has worked His way. Doors have opened and I have shared the good news of the kingdom with several people, even some coming to my place, mr. ____, ____, and ____. I'm studying with them, they are non Adventist....some other peoples want (to) take a free Bible Correspondence Course mostly those given the booklet Everlasting Gospel. Elder you may give (the Bible Study Course to) those...or send the study this (way) so that they can take it from me.

The situation this end is not all that good mostly the financial side of it. The brothers ____, ____ and ____ (none of whom we are currently supporting) are in a dilemma of being thrown out of the places they are renting for their months are over due. It will be to cheat God not (to) say that they are (a) great help to the spread of the gospel this way. They have evangelized and there is (a) group of believers in new area ____. But our greatest problem is that we stay in ghettos or places where there are so many people in area per person here, noise is a (problem). It makes place unacceptable to carry out undisturbed worship, so this new group will need (about $10 US) per month (to find an acceptable place for worship)...

I thank you for the video tape "That They May Be One," the support, and all deliberations (the work you are doing) in Africa and the rest of the world. May the Almighty bless the hands and pockets that have given for the progress of the work in the whole world. Amen....

Two weeks I have been away from home and our small group. Brother ____ place has been my pivot point and from thence I moved with brother ____ to different homes in the outskirts of ____. Painful to record (that) most of our people and those we visited are H.I.V. positive and strains or types are different that calls for different outreach....

The Sabbath of 10th-oct-98 there was a big (SDA) youth gathering some place called ____ and one brother made an outflank through them and gave out some booklets to some friends. One lady was from Rwanda. She took six different copies, and a pastor by the names of Livingstone T., one of the Departmental Directors of Eastern Uganda Field. He was greatly surprised concerning the apostasy of the church. After reading some titles of the booklets he was also left with some booklets. Truly most of the leaders this way know little concerning the condition of the church.

Many people have made the needful exodus due (to) the booklets, but there is need of special arrangements or else confusion will eat up the work. Elder, I need your counsel (NOTE: brotherly love, unity with Christ and with each other, and Gospel Order will prevent much of the confusion from entering in).

The experience (in) the ____: these people, after hearing and receiving from us, they were planning to arrest us. What saved us was (that) the Central Uganda Field Leader, after them pinning him (after they plied him with questions so he could not evade answering), he told them thus--that they joined the World Council of Churches because they wanted to be exempted from high taxation so as to save their massive institutions around the world. It was for that they did not further their plans (to arrest us).

I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ with great hope that you are fine....I am telling you that the fire has been set ablaze. So far in my area we are seven who are continuing with Home Church and many more are yet to be added to the group. I conduct Bible studies frequently, lay preaching and visitation, evangelistic meetings, personal witnessing, and praying for the brethren....

I visited some brethren whom I had (lent) one of the books you sent to me...Praise God, because the whole group of 12 adults and 18 children have decided to work with me in order to sound the "loud Cry." All these are Adventists who have received the message of separating from sin and sinner (SDA organization) and they are having Home Church also. So alot of books are needed...

In the last two weeks of the month, ____ and ____ and I had a trip to _____ District, 220km from ____ town. There we had Bible studies with some residents who after requested for more time especially using a video show. There are about 200 SDA members, but only one brother with the truth about SDA church. Hencefore he wants us to go there again for more Bible studies. We had promised them to be there by the end of this month.

Elder Bob, I want to tell you that really I have discovered the mission God gave to me. It's a pity I wasted alot of time in the previous years. I now enjoy this Gospel work...The number of home church members is increasing every month. At my home church the number has gone up by three more Elders and two more children....

Now, I received the first parcel (mailed) July 28, on 12-10-98 that contained booklets, indeed the books were/are evenly loaned and given to the church members. Another exciting wonder is that I have also managed to buy the appliances (color T.V. set and video player/recorder) you told me to and hence I have more requests in and out of ____....Since many people are now requesting for video shows seminars, kindly send as many as possible--video tapes--by airmail. The work has now reached its pointing time and we have a number of requests and invitations....

To be faithfully enough, the work is big because we have a lot of requests to go and present this message. Please pray for us as we are just young men like the three Hebrew boys who stood for the truth. And that we are even failing to reach some of these distant places outside ____.