March-April-01

As we had discovered in our September - October, 2000 Newsletter, God clearly tells, commands, and requires all of His people to gain the victory over every temptation, over every sin, over every character defect, and to be perfect as Christ was perfect on this earth. But how? How can we accomplish all this and become spotless and perfect in character? There is only one way. And this one and only way is not found on earth. Nor is it found inherently within our own hearts. This one and only way is found solely through Jesus Christ!

But many will declare; "Well, that is very easy to say, but how do we perform it?" So, what is the practical process in which we can overcome all sin and perfect our characters in righteousness? This then brings us to the fourth in this issue of salvation, or the issue of How to Overcome. What is the practical process in which we may be perfect through Christ?

"Satan seeks to bring us into temptation, that the evil of our characters may be revealed before men and angels, that he may claim us as his own....The enemy leads us into sin, and then he accuses us before the heavenly universe as unworthy of the love of God." Mount of Blessings, p 116.

The Greek word "lust" (#1939 in Strong's Concordance) translates "desire." So every man is drawn away of his own inward desire and enticed to yield to sin. So these temptations originate from within each of us. Why? Because each person, since the fall of Adam, has inherited a fallen sinful nature. And it is from this natural internal source that Satan tempts us to give in to these natural sinful desires and commit sin.

"The strongest temptation is no excuse for sin. However great the pressure brought to bear upon the soul, transgression is our own act. It is not in the power of earth or hell to compel anyone to sin. The will must consent, the heart must yield, or passion cannot overbear reason, nor iniquity triumph over righteousness." Maranatha, p 225.

"It is a thought that should arouse Christians to greater zeal and earnestness in overcoming evil, that every defect in character, every point in which they fail to meet the divine standard, is an open door by which Satan can enter to tempt and destroy them; and, furthermore, that every failure and defect on their part gives occasion to the tempter and his agents to reproach Christ." Testimonies, vol 5, p 472.

None of us wish our Saviour to be reproached by the Devil and his agents because of our failure to get sin out of our lives. And yet, when we choose to sin, this is exactly what occurs! Every time we choose to sin, we in effect give Satan permission to reproach our Saviour! Then how, brothers and sisters in the same precious separated faith, can we overcome all temptation, no longer choose to sin, and stop allowing Satan to reproach Christ?

First, we must recognize that we are being tempted, because if we do not spot the temptation then how can we know that we are in danger of committing sin? After we recognize that we are being tempted, then we must also recognize that we are weak against the power of Satan, that we are powerless to resist the devil's bidding, and that without a greater power then Satan we will surely fall into sin. This understanding is key to overcoming sin!

"God's children never claim to be perfect, because they are often weakened by temptation, but they honestly strive for the victory. Satan tempts them to throw away their hope, because they fall under temptation; but they may be reassured by the words of Christ, `I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.'

"Him that cometh to Me, I will in nowise cast out." He came not to save men in sin, but from sin. And all who feel their need of a Saviour, and come to Him believing in His power, will gain the victory over sin. `As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God.'" The Signs of the Times, February 24, 1898.

"The Spirit of Jesus Christ ever has a renewing, restoring power upon the soul that has felt it's own weakness and fled to the unchanging One who can give grace and power to resist evil. Our Redeemer has a broad, comprehensive humanity....The feeblest cry of human suffering never reaches His ear in vain." Spalding and Magan, p 107.

Once we recognize that we are being tempted and that we are weak and powerless to resist, then and only then do we begin to feel our need of the grace and power of Christ and trust in Him to aid us in overcoming the temptation and not commit sin. Thus we begin to understand that without Christ we are and can accomplish nothing.

"All that God requires is simple trust--to drop into His arms with all his weakness, and brokenness, and imperfection, and Jesus will help the helpless, and strengthen and build up those who feel that they are very weakness itself. God will be glorified in his affliction, through the patience, faith, and submission exemplified by him. Oh! this will prove the power of the truth we profess; it is consolation when we need it; it is support when every prop of an earthly nature, which has been a measurable support, is removed." Testimonies, vol 2, p 99.

"There is a mighty power in prayer. Our great adversary is constantly seeking to keep the troubled soul away from God. An appeal to heaven by the humblest saint is more to be dreaded by Satan than the decrees of cabinets or the mandates of kings." SDA Bible Commentary, vol 2, p 1008.

"Satan attacks us at our weak points; but we need not be overcome. The assault may be severe and protracted, but God has promised help for us, and in His strength we may conquer....The precepts and promises of God's word will arm you with divine power to resist the enemy....Satan will be baffled and defeated when he finds the heart preoccupied with the truth of God. We need also to be often found at the throne of grace. Earnest, persevering prayer, uniting our human weakness to Omnipotence, will give us the victory." Our High Calling, p 14.

Prayer: something so simple to perform that even the humblest and most inexperienced follower of God may use it in combating sin. And yet prayer is so powerful that even the weakest believer in the truth can utilize it against temptation. Yet, there is no power at all in the prayer itself! Prayer itself cannot save anyone from the power of temptation. The power to overcome sin is not found in the prayer itself, but the power is found in the One whom we direct our prayers to.

Without the realization, that only in Christ can the strength be found to overcome temptation, our prayers are useless and but a hollow form against the power of the Devil. It is only as we realize our weakness and flee to our loving and strong Saviour, fervently pleading with Him to grant us the power to overcome the strong foe, that Satan can be defeated.

"Satan knows better than God's people the power that they can have over him when their strength is in Christ. When they humbly entreat the mighty Conqueror for help, the weakest believer in the truth, relying firmly upon Christ, can successfully repulse Satan and all his host....

So when we are tempted, and we recognize that we are weak and cannot resist on our own, and we send up our prayers to Christ--pleading with Him to grant us His strength to overcome, then what do we do? We must believe that our Saviour has heard our prayers, and must have faith that He will grant us all the strength necessary to overcome.

"The Christian life is a battle and a march. But the victory to be gained is not won by human power. The field of conflict is the domain of the heart. The battle which we have to fight--the greatest battle that was ever fought by man--is the surrender of self to the will of God, the yielding of the heart to the sovereignty of love. The old nature, born of blood and of the will of the flesh, can not inherit the kingdom of God. The hereditary tendencies, the formed habits, must be given up." The Signs of the Times, May 18, 1904.

"I saw that the great condescension for man has been made. Jesus condescended to the shameful death of the cross, and now man in his turn must condescend and bow. He must yield up his will and pleasure if he would follow in the only road to heaven. I saw that God would not compel any to be saved. Jesus has made the great sacrifice, and if man will freely, gladly accept it; if he will choose life, he can have it. But his life must be one of continual yielding." Spiritual Gifts, Vol 2, p 278-79.

After we have submitted or yielded or surrendered our will to God, and have chosen to follow God's will and not our own, then what are we to do? Will God overcome for us? No. We must then exercise faith. We must put forth earnest efforts, resolutely resisting the temptation and the Devil before we will gain the victory in Christ's strength.

"The power of God, combined with human effort, has wrought out a glorious victory for us. Shall we not appreciate this? All the riches of heaven were given to us in Jesus....God has resources of power of which we as yet know nothing, and from these He will supply us in our time of need. But our effort is ever to combine with the divine. Our intellect, our perceptive powers, all the strength of our being, must be called into exercise. We must co-operate with God in this work of salvation. If we will rise to the emergency, and arm ourselves like men who wait for their Lord; if we will work to overcome every defect in our characters, God will give us increased light and strength and help." Youth's Instructor, January 4, 1900 (p 439-440).

"When Christ would define the advancement possible for us, He said, `Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.' This advancement is not gained without effort. The Christian life is a battle and a march." The Signs of the Times, May 18, 1904.

"We have before us a warfare,--a lifelong conflict with Satan and his seductive temptations. The enemy will use every argument, every deception, to entangle the soul; and in order to win the crown of life, we must put forth earnest, persevering effort. We must not lay off the armor or leave the battlefield until we have gained the victory, and can triumph in our Redeemer. As long as we continue to keep our eyes fixed upon the Author and Finisher of our faith, we shall be safe. But our affections must be placed upon things above, not on things of the earth. By faith we must rise higher and still higher in the attainment of the graces of Christ. By daily contemplating His matchless charms, we must grow more and more into His glorious image. While we thus live in communion with Heaven, Satan will lay his nets for us in vain." Messages to Young People, p 104.

"Christ knew of the long years of conflict to be waged between man and his subtle foe. He is the refuge of all who, beset by temptation, call upon Him. Temptation and trial will come to us all, but we need never be worsted by the enemy. Our Saviour has conquered in our behalf. Satan is not invincible. Day by day he meets those who are on trial, striving by his wiles to gain the mastery over them. But they have a Helper who was tempted in all points like as they are, and who knows how to succor them. Temptation is not sin; the sin lies in yielding. To the soul that trusts in Jesus, temptation means victory and greater strength." Signs of the Times, December 10, 1902.

"Behold the Son of God bowed in prayer to His Father! Though He is the Son of God, He strengthens His faith by prayer, and by communion with heaven gathers to Himself power to resist evil and to minister to the needs of men. As the Elder Brother of our race He knows the necessities of those who, compassed with infirmity and living in a world of sin and temptation, still desire to serve Him. He knows that the messengers whom He sees fit to send are weak, erring men; but to all who give themselves wholly to His service He promises divine aid. His own example is an assurance that earnest, persevering supplication to God in faith--faith that leads to entire dependence upon God, and unreserved consecration to His work--will avail to bring to men the Holy Spirit's aid in the battle against sin." Acts of Apostles, p 56.

"Man is Satan's captive and is naturally inclined to follow his suggestions and do his bidding. He has in himself no power to oppose effectual resistance to evil. It is only as Christ abides in him by living faith, influencing his desires and strengthening him with strength from above, that man may venture to face so terrible a foe. Every other means of defense is utterly vain. It is only through Christ that Satan's power is limited. This is a momentous truth that all should understand. Satan is busy every moment, going to and fro, walking up and down in the earth, seeking whom he may devour. But the earnest prayer of faith will baffle his strongest efforts. Then take `the shield of faith,' brethren, `wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.'" Testimonies, vol 5, p 294.

"Each one has a personal battle to fight. Each must win his own way through struggles and discouragements. Those who decline the struggle lose the strength and joy of victory. No one, not even God, can carry us to heaven unless we make the necessary effort on our part." Testimonies, vol 5, p 345.

"We give evidence of the sincerity of our prayers by the earnestness of our endeavors to answer them, to overcome the sins which strive for a place in the life. Our prayers will be ineffectual unless we continually strive to correct that which is wrong and unlovely in our lives. If we ask God to work for us, and then make no effort to conquer self, our prayers will rise no higher than our heads. God helps those who co-operate with him. We can obtain forgiveness only through the blood of Christ. His atoning sacrifice is all-powerful. But in the struggle for immortality we have a part to act. Christ will help those who pray and then watch unto prayer. He calls upon us to use every power he has given us in the warfare against sin. We can never be saved in inactivity and idleness. We might as well look for a harvest from seed which we have not sown, and for knowledge where we have not studied, as to expect salvation without making an effort. It is our part to wrestle against the evil tendencies of the natural heart." Youth's Instructor, March 5, 1903 (p 562).

So after we recognize the temptation, we must also recognize that we are weak, then pray for God to help us overcome, then yield and submit ourselves to God to do His will and not our own, and then put forth the efforts needed to resist the temptation. It is only at this point that God recognizes our sincerity and sends the grace and power through Christ, which then works in us, combining with our feeble efforts, to aid us in advancing until we will have gained the victory. Thus the 4 key steps in overcoming sin and temptations are:

A practical example of this process can be seen in the following example. A health reform believer wakes up at midnight with the thought about the package of soft, chewy, sweet dates they purchased and placed in the refrigerator earlier that day. Now they know that they should not eat in between meals, and that it is wrong to do so (see 2T 374; CD 180). Yet they continue to dwell upon the thought of the delicious taste of these dates. Finally they decide that they would go into the kitchen and get a cold drink of water. On the way into the kitchen they see the refrigerator, and again picture the dates inside, only now the dates have grown in sweetness and chewy-deliciousness in their imagination. They then decide to open the fridge door and take a quick look at the dates. Oh, they look so delicious! They finally decide to just smell them, and then only to take a small bite to see if these dates do indeed taste as wonderful as they believe. Soon the whole date is being chewed in their mouth, and with one eaten why not more!

In the above example, when was sin committed? The sin was not committed until the date was in their mouth. All the many prior steps which led up to the date being placed in their mouth, were temptations or enticements designed to lead them to eating between meals and committing sin by disobeying God's will. Of course, the best time to resist the temptation was at the very beginning, while they were still in bed. At the first suggestion to do wrong, is the easiest to overcome through God's strength and grace; every other step towards the sin becomes more difficult to resist. But even at the point where they smelled the dates, they still could have overcome the temptation and not committed sin.

What they should have done at the very beginning was to recognize that they were being tempted to break God's will; then pray to God for the grace and strength to resist; then submitted their will to God, and firmly resist the temptation; and then they would not have committed sin. But we must all pray before we try to resist any temptation, because if we do not pray, then we are actually trying to resist it in our own strength!

"If you look to, or trust in, your own ability, you will destroy the effect of actual effort. God alone can give the victory, and he will vindicate the truth, if men will not take credit to themselves; God will do honor to those who live not to self, but to him." General Conference Bulletin, April 1, 1895 (p 502)

"He who is trying to reach heaven by his own works in keeping the law is attempting an impossibility. Man cannot be saved without obedience, but his works should not be of himself; Christ should work in him to will and to do of His good pleasure. If a man could save himself by his own works, he might have something in himself in which to rejoice. The effort that man makes in his own strength to obtain salvation is represented by the offering of Cain. All that man can do without Christ is polluted with selfishness and sin; but that which is wrought through faith is acceptable to God. When we seek to gain heaven through the merits of Christ, the soul makes progress. `Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith,' we may go on from strength to strength, from victory to victory; for through Christ the grace of God has worked out our complete salvation." Faith and Works, p 94.

"Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed (Christ) remaineth in him, and he cannot sin, because he is born of God....We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not." 1 John 3:6-9, 5:18.

"The Saviour took upon Himself the infirmities of humanity and lived a sinless life, that men might have no fear that because of the weakness of human nature they could not overcome. Christ came to make us `partakers of the divine nature,' and His life declares that humanity, combined with divinity, does not commit sin." Ministry of Healing, p 180.

"The Son of God came to our world in human form to show man that divinity and humanity combined does not commit sin. He is our pattern. Through Him we may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." Manuscript Releases, vol 8, p 291.

"As the enemy worked to overcome the Saviour, so he will work with the human family today. But in every time of trial and difficulty, remember that Christ has passed through similar experiences, and He came out from every trial without a stain of sin upon His character. He came to show what every member of the human family may become trough His grace. He understands every difficulty that we must meet, and He stands ready to strengthen those who struggle with Him against the powers of evil. He waits to hear and answer their prayers." Upward Look, p 245.

What a glorious privilege and honor granted to us that we might be united with our God! We are not called to fight this battle alone, but Christ has promised to fight it with and through us! And if we suffer by crucifying self in order to do God's will, then we would be suffering with Christ!

"The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Romans 8:16-18.

"The command is not, Let him that glorieth glory in himself, but in God. For sinful men, the highest consolation, the greatest cause of rejoicing, is that Heaven has given Jesus to be the sinner's Saviour. When Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit, there was no hope for the sinful race; but Christ offered to take the sin upon himself. He offered to go over the ground where Adam stumbled and fell; to meet the tempter on the field of battle, and conquer him in man's behalf....It was not for himself, but that he might break the chain that held the human race in slavery to Satan. He saw that man had become so weakened by disobedience that he had not wisdom or strength to meet the wily foe, and this is why the Son of God takes upon himself man's nature, and, gaining the victory in our behalf, brings to us divine power, that, combined with human effort, will enable us to overcome." Review and Herald, March 15, 1887 (vol 2, p 119).

"God Himself has pledged to help you in every determined effort you make to regain your manhood (from sin). If you accept His help, you will become a bright and shining light in the world, and will at last hear the benediction, `Well done.'" Signs of the Times, January 30, 1901 (vol 4, p 166).

The time has come for us all to arise and shine, for our light has come, and the glory of the Lord has indeed risen upon us! It is definitely time for us all to proclaim forth a risen and righteous Saviour throughout all the earth in the Loud Cry tones of Revelation 14 and 18, which will awaken all who sleep and bring on the crisis of the Sunday law and the ending of this great controversy!

"All are to hear the last message of warning. The prophecies in the book of Revelation, chapters 12 to 18, are being fulfilled. In the eighteenth chapter is recorded the very last call to the churches. This call is now to be given." Upward Look, p 277 (Manuscript 75, September 20, 1906).

"The third angel's message is swelling into a loud cry, and you must not feel at liberty to neglect the present duty, and still entertain the idea that at some future time you will be the recipients of great blessings, when without any effort on your part a wonderful revival will take place." Selected Messages, book 1, p 190 (Review and Herald, March 22, 1892).

"The time of test is just upon us, for the loud cry of the third angel has already begun in the revelation of the righteousness of Christ, the sin-pardoning Redeemer. This is the beginning of the light of the angel whose glory shall fill the whole earth." SDA Bible Commentary, vol 7, p 984 (Review and Herald, November 22, 1892).

"And the message for today is: `Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen....Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues, For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.' Revelation 18:2,4,5. The time is not far distant when the test will come to every soul. The observance of the false sabbath will be urged upon us." Prophets and Kings, p 187-188.

Dear ones, don't you see what time we are living in today? We are living in the time of the giving and the swelling of the Loud Cry! Don't you see what honor God is holding out to each one of us? The blessed honor and privilege to have a part NOW in helping to swell this Loud Cry message which will bring on the crisis of the Sunday law and the ending of this great controversy! Then, what are we waiting for? Let us all arise and shine, for our light has already come, and the glory of the Lord has already arisen upon us! Let us act upon and follow this precious message ourselves, separating from all sin and from all connection with corrupt churches, and take this precious life and death message to the world so that this earth can indeed be lighted with the glory of God as the waters cover the sea!

It is no longer time to listen to the words of men who tell us to remain inactive and be mute until the time of the Sunday law. It is no longer time to give heed to and obey these ministers who refuse to follow the truth themselves and also refuse to preach the present truth message of the Loud Cry of the angel of Revelation 18 to others! Let us go forth in obeying this truth, coming up to the help of the Lord, and leave these men behind if they still refuse to join us. Let us raise our united voices in calling other precious souls to Jesus and away from all sin and determined sinners, that life may be theirs in Christ, instead of death because they remained connected with sin and fallen churches of Babylon! Time is a wasting, and souls are perishing for want of this present sealing truth! No longer allow the perversity of blind men to keep you diverted from arising and giving this precious Loud Cry message! No longer allow this message of Revelation 18 to struggle against the determined foes opposed to its advancement, but give this message now to all parts of the world!

"The message of the angel following the third is now to be given to all parts of the world. It is to be the harvest message, and the whole earth will be lighted with the glory of God. The Lord has this one [last] call of mercy to [give to] the world, but the perversity of men diverts the work from its true bearing, and the light has to struggle amid the darkness of men who feel themselves competent to do a work that God has not appointed them to do." Last Day Events, p 78 (Letter 86, June 18, 1900).

"The truth for this time, the third angel's message, is to be proclaimed with a loud voice, meaning with increasing power, as we approach the great final test....We stand as the remnant people in these last days to promulgate the truth and swell the cry of the third angel's wonderful distinct message, giving the trumpet a certain sound." 1888 Materials, p 1710.

Will you be among these "remnant people" pictured above whose job it is today to spread forth this last message of mercy, giving the trumpet a certain sound, continuing to swell the third angel's message into, and to further increase the intensity and volume of, the Loud Cry of Revelation 18 until the whole earth is lightened with God's glory? Or will you be among those who sit back and continue to give the trumpet an uncertain sound, hindering this last message of mercy because you are deceived into waiting for the Sunday law to come before you arouse to action, and thus risk being passed by and lost with others taking your crown? It is time to choose whom you are going to follow--God, and give this message now; or men, and wait until the Sunday law? May we all think very carefully on this!

Our marvelous miracle-working Saviour is definitely not sleeping, but is very much active in setting in motion the advances necessary to seek and to save those who are in darkness, and in gross darkness. Through some dearly beloved brethren, this Ministry has been enabled to engage in two massive and aggressive evangelistic projects. These projects involve the printing of 10's of thousands of our booklets, as well as 100's of thousands of our tracts! Oh, may our God be praised for His great mercy and goodness to us, as unworthy as we are (Luke 17:10)! Both the booklets and the tracts will all be distributed world-wide, to help our people to seek and to save the lost! We would greatly appreciate your continued prayers for these evangelistic projects, so that the heavenly angels will go before hand to prepare precious souls to receive the truth, that the Holy Spirit will bring firm and irresistible conversion to their hearts, and then empower and strengthen them to obey the truth, in coming out from all sin and from all corrupt churches in order to be with Jesus and His true separated remnant people!

For those who have already visited our Web Site, we are continuing to update it with more present truth material--especially in different languages. In the Booklet section, we were able to recently add 7 new translated booklets in 3 different languages! We now have the booklet on "The Glorious Everlasting Gospel" in Dutch. In the Philippine language of Tagalog, we have added the booklet "Jeremiah--the Message Then is the Message Now". And in French, we have added 5 new booklets "The Character of our Father", "The Glorious Everlasting Gospel", "Identifying and Escaping Laodicea", "Protestant History--1840-1844 & Beyond", and "The World Council of Churches and the Seventh-day Adventist Church". May God be praised for allowing these important present truth materials to be translated and available on our web site for any to read and download for free from most any place around the world!

There are other of our present truth booklets and materials already translated, which we have not yet placed on our web site. Some of these completed translations are in the languages of Chinese, as well as the Indian dialects of Tamil and Hindi. In order to place these non-English character languages on our web site in a clear format, we will need to completely re-develop our web site, which we plan on accomplishing in the near future--Lord willing. There are other of our materials currently in the process of being translated. All of this humbles us, as we see what God is accomplishing! Our deep heartfelt appreciation goes out to our God, and also to our fellow co-workers, brothers, sisters, friends, and other loved ones who have made this translation work possible! May many precious souls be converted to God and harvested out of Babylon and from all error to increase the kingdom of our righteous Saviour Jesus Christ for His glory and to hasten his soon return!

The Lord is continuing to bless our Web Site more abundantly as each month goes by! In the month of January, 2001, we had 15,416 hits, which were generated by 3,390 visitors, who stayed an average of 11:31 minutes each. In these Visitor Sessions, 4,076 documents of Present Truth were viewed. While most of these visitors were from America, we also had visitors from Australia, Argentina, Canada, Egypt, France, Germany, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, Qatar, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. All our visitors downloaded over 13,000 files, which totalled 637,823,000 bits of information!

In February, 2001, we had 17,276 hits, which were generated by 3,571 visitors, who stayed an average of 15:33 minutes each! In these Visitor Sessions, 4,672 documents of Present Truth were viewed. Again, while most of these were from America, there were also visitors from Argentina, Australia, Canada, Egypt, France, Germany, Mexico, Netherlands, Peru, Puerto Rico, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom! Over 14,500 files were downloaded from our Web Site, which totaled an amazing 645,759,000 bits of information! So the combined total for these past two months is that over 1.2 Billion bits of information were downloaded from our Web Site of Present Truth materials by almost 7000 visitors! Brethren, we again continue to marvel at how God is greatly blessing our efforts at spreading His Present Truth all over the world. MAY GOD'S HOLY NAME BE PRAISED FOR EVER!!

We again extend our heartfelt gratitude for all the donations unselfishly sent to this Ministry, and we say thank you to our God, and to you our supporters, for allowing us to continue working for God in extending His Present Truth message more fully throughout this world. Eternity alone will reveal the amount of souls won to the Lord Jesus through all the gracious self-sacrificing gifts donated to this Ministry. May God's richest blessings be showered upon you all in all that you do for His honor, praise, and glory in these last hours of earth's history.

"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 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 several workers in many different Countries on a monthly basis. We check into the economy of each area and supply a base support which is adequate depending on their situation, but not extravagant. This base support is to ensure that the monthly needs of each worker and family is 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! Please financially help us to continue consistently supporting our current ministers and workers, so that the spreading of the truth can quickly lighten this dark world with the glory of God.

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.

As the year 2000 comes to a close we find prophecy being fulfilled as we study scripture and get to know our heavenly Father better and better. And which tells us not to trust no man. We are to have no comfort in man, for Christ sent us a Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to comfort & guide us in this world of turmoil....We pray that you and your family will keep the Comforter close to the treasure house of the mind.

This past year upon reading the 1888 Materials along with Series A & B we understand more of the struggle of Ellen White who tried getting the true message into the minds of finite, stubborn, stiff-necked people: which is still & even more visible, as men are putting their trust in man...

We need more faith that we, along with the Lord's help, to be among the faithful 144,000 with no guile in our mouth. Those who put trust in erring fallible fellowmen and their devisings are crippled spiritually. They are leaning upon a broken reed, and that gives Satan an opportunity to introduce himself. Just as soon as man is placed where God should be, he loses his purity, his vigor and his confidence in God's power. The redemption of the human race was planned that man, fallen though he was, might be partaker of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. This is our prayer that we partake of the divine nature so we can be united with Christ. May Christ('s) divinity be seen in our humanity....

It has been over fourteen years since that July in 1986 when we first heard the message that you bear. What a wonderful day that was when the Lord impressed ____ to ask us to attend your meeting there in that little church in Marquim, Oregon. Praise the Lord He deemed us worthy to hear the message...And that He has kept us in the "movement".

It is so sad to see the falling away, where the meeting places were filled now there are but a faithful few, and there are new people coming in...And how much worse is the teaching within the structure today that it was back in 1986 when we first heard this message....It staggers the mind to see how the organization has stopped revealing the man of sin. How sad for the follower of that corrupt system.

Well, we've entered a new year. What will it bring? How much longer will it be until Jesus comes? It can't be much longer. But the question is, Will we be ready? Are we ready? Are we doing our part to hasten His coming? I know we can all do better. May the Lord help us all to do our part....

Greetings to you all in Jesus' precious name. I received the Newsletter which I believe the Holy Spirit impressed upon your Ministry to deal with, a most urgent and needed clarification. "The True Church of God". Who and what constitutes God's true church. This study makes for an excellent handout....

I received your note a couple weeks ago with the request to send copies of the SDA/Rome fraternization I had mentioned to you in a recent letter, to ____ in Portland. I just mailed her a copy of the packet I put together a few years ago on the Baptism, Eucharist, Ministry meeting, which also includes documentation on other SDA/Rome entanglements....

I'll have to admit that I almost went into shock when I read your comment with my letter in your current newsletter, stating that anyone who would like to receive copies of that documentation could let you know, and you would pass them along to me. But I recovered within a few seconds....(Editor's note: I didn't mean to shock you : ) but your information is quite valuable, and you have done a good job in your packet. I sincerely hope that more will write in requesting it soon!)

I didn't mind that you mentioned that copies would be available to anyone who wanted them. I'm glad to provide information on the church disaster to any SDA who is willing to read it; many, possibly most, church members are in a comatose Laodicean state and appear not to be aware that anything is wrong in their "beloved church"....

I always get a lift from reading your Newsletters. I see how God has blessed your ministry by the constant outreach and help to so many in so many places. The letters to the ministry are a special source of joy--it takes time and effort to sit down and write a response and share a bit of oneself. My prayers are with you and all who seek truth. I pray also that God can reap a mighty harvest from the "seed" planted....I thank God for blessing me with such a son.

I am Bro. ____. Brother please continue to send me the newsletter about your ministry "Let There Be Light". You know, I changed resident temporarily....Last February 26, 2001 I moved to London, England, temporarily to work, so, I'm adjusting with the place, most esp. to a different culture. People here are mixed like the United States; they come from diff. Countries and backgrounds. I am use to do missionary work in our Country....As of right now I worship alone especially on the Sabbath because I do not know yet the addresses of our brethren here. (Editor's note: If any of our readers know of any awakened brethren in London, please let me know soon and I will forward their address on to this dear faithful brother.) Once I observed the S.D.A. church here...I felt that the Spirit of God is lacking. They preach their own opinion & often used anecdotes--TM, p 318. They do not use the Spirit of Prophecy anymore....Bro. Bob with regards to this matter I would like to ask you to please send me the addresses of our brethren here in England home church and the telephone if you have them so that I could cooperate in working with them in preaching the 3rd angels. Also to unite with them in fellowship....It is difficult to be alone without fellowship of our beloved brethren. I hope you understand my situation.

I am praying that God be with you to guide you always, to guide others also to the Fountain of truth. I am always praying for your ministry that the Lord will be the One to great (guide) yours steps, & praying that you will grant me what I'm asking you, as a beloved brother to me. Without your pamphlets, maybe I am (would not be) in the truth today.

May God be praised for His work in Fiji is moving forward and steadily. More people are coming to us now, a couple with six children have now joined us and they are now fellowshipping (in the) home (church). Another couple with their children have also come forward and are now joining the ____ Home Church. In the miles away from ____ more souls are joining up and I thank the Lord for it that we will be harvesting more souls to Christ soon.

Two weeks ago two elders from the SDA challenged me in the city, they had with them the Last Message of Mercy in Fijian, which they have not yet read but pick from here and there. They were making a lot of noises and attracting more attention from a lot of people. I left them talking (didn't interrupt them) as much as they can until they are finished. I then began to explain (the truth) to them slowly but surely, by the time I came to the end they were very quiet, and they told me that they have come to know the real truth. One of them is joining us this week. Praise God, the work can be made easy only if we do our part properly first and God will do the rest....

Last week was a very sad week for me because I lost a true brother who have been a strong supporter and also one of the very first people who have joined me in this Ministry, have passed away. Brother ____ died from a very short illness and was buried in his village, in the interior due to financial difficulties the family was facing. I and some other brethren got together and dig deeper into our pockets to pay for his coffin. He (is) survived with his wife and two children. His wife told us that before he went to sleep he talked about his faith in the Lord and the ministry. Although we have lost a brother in ____, but the Lord has given us more people to replace him. Yes, I say praise the Lord and glory to Him in the highest....

Yesterdays Fiji Times showed something that raised my eyebrow. I was not surprised at all as prophecies are now being fulfilled. It was under this heading "Methodist Back State Plan". "The issuance of the permits for the establishment of churches in the country is a matter strictly for the government. The Methodist Church said many churches in Fiji stemmed from breakaways of the main denomination. A spokesman for the Assemblies of God Church agreed that the controlling body would be the Council of Churches."...The ministry proposed that if the teachings of (any) new church were against the practices of the Vanua (the chiefs and people) then permits should not be issued (them)....

There are moves within the (SDA) church and also from outside to prosecute me regarding the Fijian version of the Last Message of Mercy....The great central church in Suva had a business meeting two weeks ago. The meeting was to discuss the booklet Last Message of Mercy and myself. A friend of mine was there and he came to advise me. I told him to tell them that I am ready to meet them in court anytime. I praise God the work is really going forward....

We see lots of literature go through here, some to be distributed right here where we live and the rest goes to other parts of Fiji. We know that the Lord will have a harvest, but we must plant seed. Jesus and His Holy Spirit have prepared the hearts to receive ahead of us, but we must act our part, whether it be knocking, passing out literature on the street corner or personal testimony person to person....

The prayer meetings between the SDA, Catholic, and Methodist (churches) is moving forward. The President of the SDA (church--Jan Paulsen) have been preaching in the Methodist pulpit during this prayer meetings. Yes the prophecy is being fulfilled. When I asked them (SDA) why do they go to the Methodist Church? They said the Lord now wants to have one fold only. So they are now combined together....

I thank God for conducted the communion service in ____ with all brethren of ____ and ____. We gathered in a hill place under a tree and had our communion service....We returned back from that hill place in the evening and in night 8 p.m. we could reach another village which is interior of the forest area where the wild animals habiting. Myself and brother ____ along with ____ went to this forest area and visited one family and returned back at 10 p.m. Last evening of Sunday only I reached my hometown of ____ ....The travelling experience was very comfortable....

Just now I returned back from ____ the capital city of ____. I thank God for He has made me to meet some souls there; and we may have to conduct a meeting of series to them. For this I have to make arrangements as early as possible. At least for fifteen days I have to stay there. We expect we may gather at least 500 non-SDA souls to listen the present truth. Please pray for this meeting....

I try my best to be economic in my expenses of ministry. What to do to meet the needs of home churches? I have to provide them worship place, mats or tarpaulin to sit. Some of this needs I am meeting with the money you are giving for my travel and salary....So far I have never even purchased a washing machine or refrigerator for my home. My wife is washing our cloths by hands only. I am having only four pants and four shirts. I am spending money only for the purpose of ministry. Some of the expenses I can't avoid, as it is my basic need....

I realize because of shortage of funds our printing works are moving slowly. We need STEPS TO CHRIST in Tamil for first entering way to non-Adventist. We need 22 lessons for educating our people in truth. Our work cannot move fast unless we have all such printing materials. I pray to God...to get funds through the projects. I hope in Lord Jesus He will open the way to get sustaining our ministry in India....

The earthquake is continuing in India in other parts also. Really I enjoy too much when I see the fulfillment of the prophecies and realize we are nearing our eternal home. What a great joy it is to enter into heaven through Jesus. Our spiritual experiences are upgraded more than the previous days when we stay with SDA church....

Please pray for the public meeting, which we are going to have in the month of ____. Recently one SDA pastor met me and told that the SDA church in India is more afraid of our ministry than the SDA Reform movement, as we are teaching the truth effectively than the SDA Reform movement....The president of India and GC of SDA Reform movement, Dr. Suresh Kumar himself, is attending to the SDA church...In India the SDA Reform movement is already loosed their reputation due to their disunity and fights....I know very well the SDARM...I understand them very well that God's presence is not with them as their organization set up is similar to the SDA church....

The Lord has gracefully led through another year, the past has passed into eternity, we now look forward to His leading this year. We now know and understand the signs of the times, that the Lord might not wait longer. But one question lingers, have we done all that we can possibly do? Have we heeded the word of God already given to us in the Scripture and Spirit of Prophecy? This is the challenge I have had as I have been reading "What might have been?" in 8T 104-106.

Our Camp meeting went on as scheduled....After the Camp meeting, having been together representatives from all parts of the country, we drew up a suggested work program for the whole year, to be accepted and endorsed, altered or set aside by Heaven as it will deem fit. It looks like this:- CAMP MEETINGS (FIVE) EFFORTS (10)....There will be a total of 21 speakers going round these meetings, but not mandatory all of them. Of these, only a few are on support, the rest are self-supporting, and many dependent on circumstances prevailing at the time. Our only courage though is that God provides for His work....

I thank God greatly for His care He has bestowed upon us through the year 2000, which was so difficult. It is a century ago since the Seventh-day Adventist (church) said bye to the Holy Spirit's call at the door. (Editor's note: see Battle Creek Letters, p 55-56 for this quote). It is my prayer that we may do that which our church failed to do...We want to go home by the grace of God.

I am thanking my God greatly for He is opening (the) way for the entrance of the truth to His people. Last year's program ended well with it's last camp of December. Since the turn of the year, this new year has started with new opening and calls. There is truly a new spirit working this year. May the Lord revive and inspire all workers in His vineyard with a holy zeal that we may proclaim the loud cry with a clear and fresh mind.

I thought I could have rested this month, but (to) my surprise calls have not given us a chance to rest. Here we have no place to rest. This year's program is more tight than last year's. We have discovered that market evangelism will enlighten a lot of people, for it has already made work cheap (less expensive) that here we meet people of all churches listening to the present truth. We have been tied up with this work and we see its fruits.

I thank God greatly who is giving us wisdom and power to continue declaring the present truth. The time has come that every child of God must vindicate his true colours. Our salvation is nearer than when we started to believe. Reported events everywhere shows clearly that it is time to look up for our salvation draweth nigh....

The work here is going forward even though the mainstream church is offended. We were recently welcome to the S.D.A. church to tell them where we are according to prophecy. After entering the church and presenting the message, the church was divided (in) to two. People saw the truth. We hope some will separate and join God's people in the open field....The eyes of the people are being opened....

I am sorry of being late reporting his month...This is due to much working. Since we were at ____ effort we have not rested. From these we had a fast for one week after that we went to ____ for a week also. So it was yesterday we finished. Next week we shall have a youth seminar. After that we go back to ____ (for) follow up.

(The following is the) Medical report. Muscle cramps - 3 people. Sciatica - 1. Piles - 1. Cool feet - 1. Numbness - 1. Fever - 3. Spleen - 1. Malaria - 2. Night sweat - 1. Nausea and vomiting - 1. Flu - 1. Poisoned - 1. Chest problems - 2. Eye problems - 1. Bed wetting - 1. Stomach cramps - 2. Sweating - 1. Vaginal disorders - 1. Menstrual cramps - 1. Gas - 1. Heart burn -1....

(The following is the) Medical report. Asthma - 5. Appetite - 1. Bronchitis - 4. Coughing - 5. Stomach cramps - 1. Nausea and vomiting - 2. Heart trouble - 1. Ulcers - 2. Sciatica - 1. Muscle cramps - 3. Gas - 1. Colic - 1. Digestive disorders - 1. Heart burn - 1. Sore throat - 1. Hay fever - 1. Malaria - 3. Sinus congestion - 1. Bad breath - 1. 36 people both men, women and children.

Greetings from Malaysia. How are you now over there?...we are looking forward for a better year to work for the Lord to hasten His second coming again. I'm pleased to inform you that I had finished the input of Bible studies (in Chinese) a few weeks ago and the input of the WCC and SDA had already started. I will send you the printed copies and the disk as soon as possible, hopefully in a few weeks time....

I also finished an article "Introducing Bible" which I think may help non-SDA's to better understand the booklet "Everlasting Gospel" if it were read together with the booklet. The other booklet "WCC and SDA" is well on its way, your prayer for my work here is very much appreciated....

We have also seen the reason of Outposts and Country living, though its not easy....Both for Namibia and South Africa we are keeping up strong, yet, we still have many obstacles that will need a clear mind to discern the (difference between) the two ways. The Camp meeting was good and generally elevating from the low lands of earth, and a help (to keep) from binding us with worldly unions (uniting with false brethren) and wrong groups. There is a cry of bribes (that we are working for the SDA Conference) as it was in the time of the destruction of Jerusalem. This is how many are looking at us and not (examining) the truth (we preach). This was an eye-opener to many of us, that without the Holy Spirit you can do nothing (to awaken the people).

We have learnt the hard way when it comes to finances and rejection, because the work we are doing is more dealing with soul saving. We find it difficult to tell people that are looking for money from us that we need (are interested in preparing) their souls for heaven and teach them to study the Bible and practice the truth there revealed....Just at this (realization), they all go or draw back, especially at the garden (Sanitarium). Many are looking for employment in that direction (and not to learn the truth)....

We have our obstacles in various lines and the first one and the most difficult is the question of unity in our different talents, doctrinal discernment, reproof, correction, how to give and receive reproof, etc. These are a major concern to me though we have not yet suffered any major setback over this matter of one pulling apart from each other, yet it is very clear that many are cherishing this spirit....Matt. 18 has been spoken of, yet many are so fearful to follow this Bible outline. This is in general and I would like all our brethren, especially in Namibia and South Africa, to think over these matters...I also would like all in other Countries to think over this matter that we may not drink from the spirit of ruling others. We need to rule ourselves...

Our Medical Missionary work is still very far from blending with the gospel...for we are still struggling with understanding the physiology of the body and then the nutrition aspect of it. The next is the herbs that are needed, we have not yet started growing these herbs...Some (more) education is still (needed, and the lack of it is) an obstacle in this matter....Anyone with the knowledge over this aspect (of getting herbal seeds, planting them, growing them, harvesting them, and using them), please send us how....I plead with our brethren in the faith to think over this....

I would like to thank God that we have been preserved all of us, except Br. ____'s son, Bro ____'s daughter at birth, who passed away in 2000. All have been protected by God though some of us have suffered many illness, yet we have passed through to 2001. I believe it is for a good reason that God saw it fit for all of us to come to this year for a special purpose in our characters. This one, I will term it an achievement for us to see the protection of God, and in return praise Him for that blessing.

I would joyfully say like the blind man of John..."What I know is that He (Jesus) opened my eyes, and I see!" Many of us have seen what this man saw. This is the biggest achievement to all who have seen this. If you have not seen this before, please pray that you see this and the message of separation will be very clear to you, also the one for unity. I would stand with this man for Christ, and this is for all who see. Praise God! Brethren, to see the difference (between error and truth), is the best achievement we can praise God for, for we are not walking blindly like the Pharisees, Sadducees and those who were bribed to prophesy even when Roman soldiers were around Jerusalem (to stay in the church and not to separate)....

The truth has reached many though slow. We only praise God. He knows who are His sheep, (and) these must be called out and, through the offerings and tithes of the honest brothers, we have reached (some of) those souls that needed that truth in the past year, and sown the seed for those who are to be called in this (new) year. These funds made it possible for us to receive the materials, communications, travelling and sharing the truth....Through this, we have learnt to be patient with those that provoke us and those who just try (or test) us....

The next is that of our garden (at the Sanitarium), we have really improved and we have tasted our produce as from December, to now. Some of the first crops (vegetables), bush fruits, we have used for the first time. And the brethren who were at the camp meeting tasted some (of these) and also tasted what Country living is....With the little tools we have seen what God can do if we trust Him. This is one achievement towards the Medical Missionary work. Should we hold on, I hope we shall produce our own food and raise an income and also raise the standard of God's word....

We have hope that the Lord will help us overcome (more). Though, we have a problem that is fearful; Brother ____'s home is being put on watch by unknown people. This is very fearful for we could not figure out why would people come (and) video camera (record) his home and when seen by people, these people drives off. This is one issue that is being shown out right at the beginning of the year....This has given us hope to keep close to God until He allows (whatever if anything to happen)....

Hopefully we're going to have two Evangelistic meetings, one in South Africa and one in Namibia in ____. Pray for these meetings to be a success for the Lord's name and law to be exalted. (Also) to keep the Medical Missionary work...(in prayer) in teaching many local people how to grow their own food and how to prepare these foods, in a simpler manner....And lastly that we may be obedient and be sealed and lastly to be taken up to meet our Redeemer Jesus Christ in the air and inherit eternal life.

May our dearest Saviour Jesus Christ keep us strong through His Holy Spirit that we may refuse to be discouraged--Isa. 42:4, and that we may be ready now to say NO to the papal institution or Sunday worship or Mark. Remember us in your prayers. Greet your family and all the brothers and sisters world over. Hold on, hold fast, that our crowns be ours. Let us not give up, but strive with all our might to follow the foot prints of our Great Leader Jesus Christ on the narrow-pathway.

First of all we would like to thank you for the fund you sent to be able for us to brought 6 bibles, to be given for those newly converts. Last Jan 28, I ____ went to ____ to give follow-ups to those people there who are interested in hearing the truth. I already distributed the bibles to the newly converts & they are very happy for their new bibles, they want to extend their heartfelt thanks to you (Editor's note: and also to our supporters who made it possible) for helping them in having bible. I was also given an opportunity to share to a lady who is an Adventist the real condition of the church now and the message the Lord wants to give. She gave me her address and I will visit her again....

The Lord has been & always been so good to us this past days. He is blessing us (and) the work here. There's a lot of work that needs to be done now. Both in the SDA's & unbelievers are opened now. We've been sharing to one big family of Adventists here in ____. They invited me to speak every Sabbath in their home. May God help and bless all our effort that it may bring forth fruits. Tomorrow early morning I will be leaving for ____. Please pray for this too....

Anyway, I've been very grateful to God & to you my brother, because of the work that I am in now. Translating is a very nice & a blessed work. Since I started the translation work I was very blessed, not only that my vocabulary improves, but most especially it helps me to be more familiar and firm in the truth. I almost memorize all the quotations that I am translating with. May God continue (to) help & bless me in this kind of work. May God impart to me the wisdom & knowledge that is from above to translate booklets into Tagalog correctly.

I wish also to thank you for at long last finding moments to write me such words of encouragement. Your message came at the time I most needed it. I am zealously engaged wholeheartedly to this work....I am certain you received also the tract on separation (which I completed). I have it already in French....Bob, you see, not only the French speakers need our messages of separation. The surrounding English speaking countries are equally ignorant. I now write my tracts in both languages....

Bob, something happened some weeks ago when I sent a tract I wrote about separation to Mike Casey. Immediately he reacted strongly and very bitterly. He wrote among other thing: "I don't believe in separation but preaching the three angels' messages to the populations." In fact, I was seriously shocked, surprised and disappointed....

The booklets you sent in and tracts I wrote on separation are creating great interest and a desire to come out of the S.D.A. organization, not only in Togo, but across the region. I often receive invitations to consolidate families in their desire to separate....The past two months, about 1695 copies of booklets were distributed. Then I need to follow up the distribution with my very presence....Last week, I gave out 438 "Abomination Stands" Three days later, a whole congregation required my presence next Sabbath to personally talk with them despite the opposition of church leaders. The place is just 49 km away....

Please note carefully. In Togo, and the surrounding countries, Catholics, Presbyterians, Methodists and Baptists and S.D.A. churches are such that when a member decides to embrace Present Truth, he or she is automatically counted out of all sympathy. His life and entire well being must depend on his new found faith. When he falls sick, troubled, or when death do occur, it is left with the leaders of his new found faith (to come to the rescue or bear the financial expenses). This has been my condition since 1997.

On several occasions I had to bear almost all the funeral expenditure of a brother's mother or father's death. Many would like to embrace the truth, but these are the fears they always have. "What will happen if I fall sick?" "When I am in trouble who will help?" "At death, who will bear the cost of my burial?" Just the past two months, I was given the charge of two funerals. Three weeks ago, a brother's mother fell sick one early morning, I was called in to take her to hospital, 4 days later she died. That was the time you sent in my last translation funds. I had to spend $175 on this. One other member fell sick. I bore part of the fees $50. A Catholic landlord ejected one member of ours out of his land for preaching the Babylon message. I had to help him settle down somewhere ($100). These types of calls keep coming in from various areas (and if I should not respond in helping them because I do not have any more money, they believe that I am keeping the money for my own purposes)....

Believe me Bob, the whole separated brethren consider me as a cheater, a liar, a selfish man, who keeps all for himself and nothing for the groups. It is widely circulated that your ministry is paying me $100 at the conversion of each individual to Reform. This is particularly the slogan among S.D.A. churches. Sometimes when I drive through a village I could see people painting at me and saying, "He is cheating members of the churches to get money"....What stories they narrate! "The man has a secret." "He has

I have some encouraging news for you. In the evening of Tuesday, 12 March, a man (an Adventist) was sitting under a mango tree in my house waiting my arrival. As I packed the vehicle, he rose to great me warmly. Then he said, "I am sent to call you to talk to Adventists brothers and sisters who are seriously contesting the current doctrines in the S.D.A. church. Come along with some of your booklet and the tract `Where is the Remnant of God's Church.' I immediately gave him 30 each of our booklets and 100 tracts about the Remnant church. The following day, the S.D.A. leadership sent a message to me not to venture into their church. I then sent a message to the brethren to find another place for the meeting. There are similar agitation across the churches, not only in Togo, but all around wherever Present Truth material go.

In a recent publication, the Sahel Union of the S.D.A. church, ordered its laity not to teach the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation until they are told to do so. I believe the fire of truth will burn across French speaking Adventists. I shall write you after the meeting. I am not afraid at all. Pray for me.

Greetings from 2 Peter 1:16 "For we have not followed cunningly devised fables..." but like those of Berea we have searched the Scriptures daily whether those things were so (Acts 17:11). This is what turned the world upside down (Acts 17:6) even the truth as it is in Jesus Christ. Like Luther, the chosen instrument of God to tear off the garb of hypocrisy from the papal church (and) expose her corruption and errors, (so) the funeral dirge may be charged, but we are sending our agonizing prayers to heaven. The present time is the time of overwhelming interest, for the powers that be are set out to blot out those who keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus Christ.

Nevertheless, one week after our evangelistic series in ____ we were called, for the cold hand of death had claimed the daughter of one of those who had believed the message. God in mercy set up a stage for the same liberating truth to be presented at the funeral, one miracle performed, for we prayed Him to stay the clouds and He did it. And this I have observed Him do several times....Before these friends (were) fully settled in the truth the leaders of their former churches threatened them with imprisonment and calling me all sorts of evil names. We know very well that any one who runs from the ranks of Satan must be ambushed, for the Scriptures say "yea and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" 2 Timothy 3:12.

After some time (two weeks) I visited that same place and the membership had doubled, Praise the Lord. They are still worshipping under a fig tree, but they are earnestly praying that if iron sheets, bricks and cement are bought for them they would provide timber labour and the rest of the items through their small savings....

We have been meeting with brother ____, these friend is passing through difficult times in his life. Ever since he believed the present truth, the former church friends are blaming his loss of bicycle, not being able to fend for his family, the huge debt burden, (all) on his new found faith. He is earnestly requesting for any financial assistance if it is possible.

The spirit of war is abroad in our country, the political unrest--this is due to presidential campaigns....During the campaigns the religious leaders of most of the major churches have been meeting together in order to pray for the candidate of their choice. One of these meetings was held in the S.D.A. church. Those represented were from the Muslim, the Orthodox, the Roman Catholic and most of the Protestants. The thread between the State and Religion has been cut. Thus putting God's true people in constant danger. Soon they are going to use civil authorities to persecute the faithful....

3 days from the above date (I) visited ____, (but) he was not feeling well due to fever. I had wanted us to team up (work together) for the Lord's work for a certain place to reach out for Jesus, (but) it was impossible due to his health position.... 3rd March (I) visited ____ and he promised to join the home church and (get) ready for baptism. I have 5 souls in the baptism class.

Never-the-less I have a problem. Brother ____ who has been assisting us (in the work) has deserted us seeking for employment. This has created a big gap (in the Lord's work) for I am now held-up. I am praying that God raises up some other person to take up his (vacated) position.

I write to report to you about my monthly activities...In the first place I would want to praise God that made it possible to spare my work and His work in general. The month of December 2000, was a month of testing God and seeing how this message needs to progress through these great opposition. These days were hard for me because struggling to find a way to go to Namibia.

The trip to Namibia here where I am today was very hard because my passport was not ready and I was really troubled, but praise God everything was okay at last. I have attended this good camp meeting which has been a great challenge to me and my brethren in Zambia ____. I tell you Elder Sessler, it was also a great challenge to most of the brethren because my lessons and contributions answered many brother's questions and more seed has been planted. May I also report to you that many brethren were really amazed to find that the same message of separation going on in Namibia is the same in Zambia. I really want to thank you too more greatly to introduce us these present truths and for the contribution of support to God's work and for our families.

Please kindly bear this that after strong quotations from some brethren from the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy, Romans 6:1-4 (Ms 148, 1897) and from many quotations, I decided to be rebaptized because I saw that my first baptism was done just because I was able to memorize the 10 commandments and answer to a few questions, not knowing what God says about it. Colossians 3:1-14.

Now pray for me as never before because I can foresee many troubles and oppositions in this work as I go back to Zambia. Be informed that Br. ____ (our worker in Namibia) and I will be travelling to ____ to meet another brother who wants more biblical support of separation message....

Thank you, brethren for the prayers which made it possible to allow me move (to visit) Namibia and back to Zambia in good health. Elder Bob may I report to you that my trip to Namibia was a good one cause I had a good time with my brethren (there) even after Camp meeting.

After the Camp meeting Br. ____ and I had another trip to ____ where I had gone to put our tract which I had translated to our local language so that I could put it on the computer at brother ____ house. I was just there for two days and when tried to communicate home, I was told my wife ____ was very sick and that I was to leave for my Country. My brother, it was not an easy situation because we were to leave for ____ after this computer work, but before I could even go further in this work, this call came and I had no alternative but to rush for these sickness.

Praise God my brethren in ____ made there quick contributions to see me leave and when I reached ____ , a journey of about 4 days, I had find my wife ____ sick. This time I had different prayers talking to my Creator in a special way. I tell you the God we are worshipping is a true God. Thank you Elder to introduce me to this God whom we never met as a family (before). The people who saw ___ when she was serious sick can't understand how she has continued to live. The word which they are producing from their mouths is that "God truly liveth". Finally, ____ has been found with the disease called Epileps and so she was told to be on medical treatment for more than a year.

Please brethren help in all the ways to see if we could treat this disease through nature remedies and prayers. (Editor's note: I know of no time-tested natural remedy for this disease. If any of our readers know of any herbs or natural treatments in place of the necessity to be on medical treatment, please let me know.) Brother ____ of Namibia has suggested to us if we could take ____ to Namibia so that she can be on liver and colon cleansing, but at the moment I don't have any money with me. Moreover, after ____ had started recovery, my second born 5 years old girl was also down by malaria till after 3 days admission and treatment with God's secret treatments that is when she is okay. Brother Bob I have really undergone a very hard test of which I have again learnt how God is working with His gospel workers.

God be praised, because even when these things are taking place His work is also progressing. May I report to you that after Elder ____ renounciation of being SDA member, his first born daughter passed away in this third week of January, 2001. Elder, all these things have really taught me a lot especially myself whom the whole SDA members in ____ says I am the causer of making this man leave the SDA church. Thank you God, the man is still standing in the truth and January's support has really helped in this funeral. And may I also let you know that our home churches in ____ really expanding even when hard things are taking place.

So far so good, (this same) Elder ____ was called to give an account on separation message in one of the SDA small churches. Praise God, after these truths were presented a good number of prominent Elders have decided to pack their bags and so they are (now) with him in the home church! The number (of members in all our home churches here) is growing, but we need a lot of help to see ourselves more busy distributing these last messages as per your letter...

We really need to work as never before, but in Zambia we are very poor. The motor bike we have been using is still (broken) down. Please brethren I ask you in the name of Jesus all over the world, all those in this truth and all those who are supporting this truth to help us speed up this work. We need a quick transport such as a small van, even a second had one which is costing $2000 U.S.A...help us to speed up God's last message of mercy. I write this to you Elder Sessler with the hungry heart because soon or later the beast will strike and we shall have no means to see us through this truths. Please ask other brethren to help us and consider our request. God be with you....