Jan-Feb-02

"When Jesus rises up in the most holy place, lays off His mediatorial robes, and clothes Himself with the garments of vengeance, the mandate will go forth: `He that is unjust, let him be unjust still:...and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be.' Revelation 22:11, 12.

"Man's great danger is in being self-deceived, indulging self-sufficiency, and thus separating from God, the source of his strength. Our natural tendencies, unless corrected by the Holy Spirit of God, have in them the seeds of moral death. Unless we become vitally connected with God, we cannot resist the unhallowed effects of self-love, self-indulgence, and temptation to sin.

"It is not only at the beginning of the Christian life that this renunciation of self is to be made. At every advance step heavenward it is to be renewed. All our good works are dependent on a power outside of ourselves; therefore there needs to be a continual reaching out of the heart after God, a constant, earnest confession of sin and humbling of the soul before Him. Perils surround us; and we are safe only as we feel our weakness and cling with the grasp of faith to our mighty Deliverer." Testimonies, vol 8, p. 314-316.

Whether this storm be of persecution, opposition, oppression, trial, temptation, or of Satan's wrath, we must be in earnest to prepare ourselves to meet and endure it. Let us also realize that if we should be overcome during any of these above storms, this does not mean we are lost forever--although that could very well happen. The timing of these storms is while Jesus is still interceding for us in the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary, and so we have the assurance that Jesus will help us in every time of need. Yet this glorious comforting truth does not shield us from experiencing these storms!

"How often the disciples' experience is ours! When the tempests of temptation gather, and the fierce lightnings flash, and the waves sweep over us, we battle with the storm alone, forgetting that there is One who can help us. We trust to our own strength till our hope is lost, and we are ready to perish. Then we remember Jesus, and if we call upon Him to save us, we shall not cry in vain. Though He sorrowfully reproves our unbelief and self-confidence, He never fails to give us the help we need. Whether on the land or on the sea, if we have the Saviour in our hearts, there is no need of fear. Living faith in the Redeemer will smooth the sea of life, and will deliver us from danger in the way that He knows to be best." Desire of Ages, p 336.

The reason why God allows these storms to hit us before probation closes is to show us the areas in our lives where self still has a presence. These areas of self shut Jesus away from us and therefore we have no Refuge or assurance of salvation. So God is not bringing His people through these trying times needlessly, but is allowing these storms of varying intensities to come to us for our eternal good. This is not to discourage or destroy us in the least degree, but to lovingly remove all detrimental traits from our character so that we may have these rough edges cut away, become smoothed and polished to shine as a precious gem for our Lord and King. Besides, it is only as we experience the dark and raging tempest that our appreciation of the sunshine can grow! It is only as we experience the storm that we see our utter helplessness and feel our need of help! And all God's people will indeed experience these storms!

"God sends trials to prove who will stand faithful under temptation. He brings all into trying positions to see if they will trust in a power out of and above themselves. Everyone has undiscovered traits of character that must come to light through trial. God allows those who are self-sufficient to be sorely tempted, that they may understand their helplessness." Testimonies, vol 7, p 211.

"Trial is part of the education given in the school of Christ, to purify God's children from the dross of earthliness. It is because God is leading His children that trying experiences come to them. Trials and obstacles are His chosen methods of discipline, and His appointed conditions of success. He who reads the hearts of men knows their weaknesses better than they themselves can know them. He sees that some have qualifications which, if rightly directed, could be used in the advancement of His work. In His providence He brings these souls into different positions and varied circumstances, that they may discover the defects that are concealed from their own knowledge. He gives them opportunity to overcome these defects and to fit themselves for service. Often He permits the fires of affliction to burn, that they may be purified.

"God's care for His heritage is unceasing. He suffers no affliction to come upon His children but such as is essential for their present and eternal good. He will purify His church, even as Christ purified the temple during His ministry on earth. All that He brings upon His people in test and trial comes that they may gain deeper piety and greater strength to carry forward the triumphs of the cross." Acts of the Apostles, p 524-525.

"It may be that much work needs to be done in your character building, that you are a rough stone, which must be squared and polished before it can fill a place in God's temple. You need not be surprised if with hammer and chisel God cuts away the sharp corners of your character until you are prepared to fill the place He has for you. No human being can accomplish this work. Only by God can it be done. And be assured that He will not strike one useless blow. His every blow is struck in love, for your eternal happiness. He knows your infirmities and works to restore, not to destroy." Testimonies, vol 7, p 264.

Thus we can expect varying intensities of storms to come to each one of us, and it is through the suffering we endure, that we can learn the lessons taught. In doing this, we will be more prepared to endure the next storm, and the next, until we are fully prepared to meet our Lord when He comes again and together to enter into the kingdom of heaven. But if we do not prepare, then we will be nothing more than a play thing of the storm, to be tossed around wherever the winds blow, to be finally wrecked on the rocks before we reach the harbor. But knowing and understanding what God is lovingly attempting to do for each one of us, how should we respond when these storms of affliction and suffering come?

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

So instead of trying to flee from these storms of suffering, or complain that they have come at such an inopportune time, we should patiently endure, be joyful and glory in them, knowing that God is lovingly working to purify our characters in preparing us for heaven. Remember, "all things work together for good to them that love God..." Romans 8:28.

But the greatest danger against our readiness for, or enduring through, any of these approaching storms, as well as our greatest danger to losing salvation, is the destructive enemy of SELF. It is self that leads you to become impatient, or to be unhappy and miserable, or to seek to flee away from or fight against these storms, instead of weathering the storm in the strength and arms of Christ Jesus--your Refuge (see Isaiah 25:4).

This clearly shows that you cannot hold on to self and to Jesus at the same time! Either you are clinging to self in any one of its many tenacious and corrupting areas, being without a refuge during the storm, or you are found hid in the Refuge, and are without any self appearing. In other words, either you have crucified all self and are hid in Jesus alone, or you have crucified Jesus and are hid in self alone! Thus self is the greatest enemy we face, and it is seeking to bar each one of us from gaining everlasting life!

But the last and most violent of all the tempests is the storm of God's wrath--the seven last plagues. This storm occurs only after probation is forever closed for every person on this earth, and this terrible storm is gathering ferocity and is heading straight towards this world. If you have not allowed self to be conquered and destroyed through the lessons learned during these previous lessor storms, then Jesus will not be your Refuge during this final and terrible tempest, and you will be forever lost. But must every last particle of self be crucified and mortified out of us in order to be completely hid in Jesus, be protected during the storm of God's wrath, and gain everlasting life? How was it with Jesus?

Jesus was completely self-less in all that He did! He performed His Father's will and not his own (Psalms 40:8), at all times and in every place (John 8:29). In fact, Jesus so completely and perfectly revealed his Father through every act of His life, that no one knew Jesus Himself as a person, but only the Father! (see Matthew 11:27; John 5:19, 8:28, 14:9-10.) Yet, as completely selfless as His life was, He was still tested in one last area, and this was to the greatest extent possible for humanity to be tested.

"Read the record of Christ's suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane. Never before or since has so fearful a strain been brought upon a human being as that which God permitted to be brought upon His Son at this time. It is not possible for His suffering and distress to be exceeded; for He was bearing the sins of the whole world; and in all His suffering He gave an example of absolute submission to the divine will....He laid off His royal robe and kingly crown, and clothed His divinity with humanity, that He might live in our behalf a life of sinlessness, and on the cross make an atonement for our transgressions. He consented to take the body of humanity. He could have refused to be thus humiliated; but it was to suffer humiliation and death that He came into the world." Signs of the Times, August 9, 1905.

"It was in the garden of Gethsemane that the mysterious cup trembled in his hand. Would he drink of the bitter portion and save a lost world? or would he forbear and let it perish? The destiny of the fallen race trembled in the balance. If he drank of the cup of suffering, he must open his breast to the griefs and woes and sins of humanity. He prayed, `O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.' He had said to his disciples, `My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death.' His suffering almost extinguished his life. The drops of blood beaded his forehead, and dewed the sod of Gethsemane. `His visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men.' When he fainted as in death, an angel came to the divine Sufferer, and offered him the cup of consolation to strengthen him for the conflict." Signs of the Times, November 25, 1889.

The cup trembled in the hands of Christ, and He sought three times to forbear drinking it to its very dregs. Yet Christ did not allow self to control Him, but fully and completely submitted to do the will of His Father--even though His entire human nature shrank from the future storm which He was called to voluntarily pass through! Thus if there was any bit of earthliness left in the human nature of Christ, it was completely burned away from His character during this fiery experience in the garden of Gethsemane. Once this was accomplished, Christ showed Himself to be so completely submitted to God's will, self was so fully and completely crucified in Him, that not the least particle of it was left alive in His humanity.

Christ was so fully hid in God that even though He knew that He would have to drink the cup of God's wrath to the very last bit, thereby tasting the second death for every person; and even though He had no assurance that God would accept His offering as being a sufficient and perfect sacrifice for the whole human race, which meant that He might never rise from the tomb and be forever separated from His Father, yet Jesus committed Himself to God. Jesus was fully hid in His Father and allowed nothing to break His hold or cause Him to slip away from God as His mighty Refuge! And like with Christ, a similar "Garden of Gethsemane" experience, where the last bit of earthliness will be burned away from God's final faithful people, will take place before Christ can come, the dead can be raised, and heaven can be gained!

"The assaults of Satan are fierce and determined, his delusions are terrible; but the Lord's eye is upon His people, and His ear listens to their cries. Their affliction is great, the flames of the furnace seem about to consume them; but the Refiner will bring them forth as gold tried in the fire. God's love for His children during the period of their severest trial is as strong and tender as in the days of their sunniest prosperity; but it is needful for them to be placed in the furnace of fire; their earthliness must be consumed, that the image of Christ may be perfectly reflected.

"The season of distress and anguish before us will require a faith that can endure weariness, delay, and hunger--a faith that will not faint though severely tried. The period of probation is granted to all to prepare for that time....Those who are unwilling to deny self, to agonize before God, to pray long and earnestly for His blessing, will not obtain it. Wrestling with God--how few know what it is! How few have ever had their souls drawn out after God with intensity of desire until every power is on the stretch. When waves of despair which no language can express sweep over the suppliant, how few cling with unyielding faith to the promises of God." Great Controversy, p 621 (Spirit of Prophecy, vol 4, p 438-439).

"Yet to human sight it will appear that the people of God must soon seal their testimony with their blood as did the martyrs before them. They themselves begin to fear that the Lord has left them to fall by the hand of their enemies. It is a time of fearful agony. Day and night they cry unto God for deliverance. The wicked exult, and the jeering cry is heard: `Where now is your faith? Why does not God deliver you out of our hands if you are indeed His people?' But the waiting ones remember Jesus dying upon Calvary's cross and the chief priests and rulers shouting in mockery: `He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He be the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him.' Matthew 27:42. Like Jacob, all are wrestling with God. Their countenances express their internal struggle. Paleness sits upon every face. Yet they cease not their earnest intercession.

"Could men see with heavenly vision, they would behold companies of angels that excel in strength stationed about those who have kept the word of Christ's patience. With sympathizing tenderness, angels have witnessed their distress and have heard their prayers. They are waiting the word of their Commander to snatch them from their peril. But they must wait yet a little longer. The people of God must drink of the cup and be baptized with the baptism. The very delay, so painful to them, is the best answer to their petitions. As they endeavor to wait trustingly for the Lord to work they are led to exercise faith, hope, and patience, which have been too little exercised during their religious experience. Yet for the elect's sake the time of trouble will be shortened." Great Controversy, p 630-631 (Spirit of Prophecy, vol 4, p 446-447).

So the people of God will have to drink from the same cup that Christ drank from! The difference is that Christ drank to the point of tasting death for every human, while the faithful remnant people of God will not have to drink to the very last dregs of this cup. But they will have to drink right up to this point, and then this cup will be given into the hands of the wicked to finish drinking the last dregs and suffer the second death!

"Therefore hear now this, thou afflicted, and drunken, but not with wine (but with trials, suffering, oppression, etc.): Thus saith thy Lord the Lord, and thy God that pleadeth the cause of his people, Behold, I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling, even the dregs of the cup of my fury; thou shalt no more drink it again: But I will put it into the hand of them that afflict thee; which have said to thy soul, Bow down, that we may go over: and thou hast laid thy body as the ground, and as the street, to them that went over." Isaiah 51:21-23.

Please do not miss THIS VITAL POINT OF TRUTH: the final remnant people of God not only drink from this cup of suffering, but they also voluntarily lay their bodies down on the ground and allow the wicked to walk all over them without a word of remonstrance or one act of resistance! Why? Because they have so fully and completely crucified self, that the last bit of earthliness has been forever consumed away from their character--just like with Jesus!

"Standing as man's representative at Pilate's bar, he suffered the cruel sentence of death to be passed upon him by unreasonable and wicked men, and answered not a word to their accusations. The Majesty of heaven was brought as a lamb to the slaughter; and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth. When the poor sinner inquired the way of life, Jesus did not remain silent; but when condemned to the most ignominious and cruel of deaths, he had not a word to say. He was not silent because he was guilty; for he was the embodiment of purity and holiness. He could have delivered himself from those who came to take him in the garden of Gethsemane. A few words from his lips sent the murderous throng reeling to the earth, as if smitten by a bolt of the wrath of God. But he suffered humiliation, agony, and death in silence...He was not compelled to do it, but he volunteered..." Review and Herald, June 23, 1896.

"He suffered himself to be taken by the murderous throng, and was dragged from one tribunal to another. Although Isaiah had written, `Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of peace,' yet he was now mocked, derided, spit upon, scourged, and maltreated. Was he innocent?--Yes; but innocence does not save men from persecution when the evil one controls the minds of their tormentors. Jesus is our pattern. He has given us an example that we should follow in his steps. Many will have to pass through scenes similar to those through which Jesus passed." Signs of the Times, November 25, 1889.

The faithful people of God have so fully mortified self that none remains to rise up in defiance and remonstrate against their oppressors; no proud self remains to fight against their unjust persecutors; no self-love remains to rise up in seeking to escape from death which surely awaits them! The remnant are so settled into the truth that they cannot be moved. They have so fully committed their souls unto their righteous and loving Judge that whatever He should allow to happen to them, they voluntarily accept and humbly submit to it in order to give all the glory they can unto their Mighty God regardless of the cost--even if it should mean that their lives must be sacrificed!

These remnant faithful few followers of God have overcome all self, all sin, and all obstacles--no matter how daunting to their perceptions or impossible their outlook. And because they have done so, they are symbolized as the "lively stones" which make up God's House or Temple (Isaiah 62:1-3; Revelation 21:9; 1 Peter 2:5). They have made themselves ready and have become the "bride" and "wife" of Christ--their Bridegroom (John 3:29; Matthew 25:1-10; Isaiah 62:5; Bible Commentary, vol 7, p 985-986; Revelation 19:7-9). They have become His true "glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing", because they are "holy and without blemish" (Ephesians 5:27; Song of Solomon 4:7), and clothed in the wedding garments of His righteousness (Isaiah 61:10; Matthew 22:8-14). They have received the seal of God (Revelation 7:2-3, 14:1-5), His name or character has been written upon them (Revelation 3:12; Sons and Daughters of God, p 370), and they are called by the new name of "Hephzibah" (Isaiah 62:4). They are "as a link in the chain let down" from heaven to the earth, and are "one with Christ" (see Desire of Ages, p 417). They truly are "kings and priests unto God" (Revelation 1:6), can "stand in the sight of a holy God without a Mediator" (Great Controversy, p 425; Early Writings, p 71), and can sit with Christ on His throne (Revelation 3:21)! They are indeed the most perfect image and representation of Jesus Christ this earth has ever seen, and have "an experience such as no other company have ever had" (Great Controversy, p 649-650)!

But they were only able to obtain this exalted position, as "unprofitable servants" as they are (Luke 17:10), because they were willing to humbly tread the pathway of self-denial, enduring through all the storms and tempests, letting God burn away and consume all areas of self, and they patiently allowed the Master Craftsman to precisely and lovingly chisel and polish away all unnecessary material from their character in order to produce a bright sparkling gem. And after God has done all this work during the most wicked and trying period of this earth's history, and has made up 144,000 living and glistening jewels which all reflect His glory, but none of their own, He will not forget them nor allow the wicked to destroy them, but will personally spare and grant them their place in His kingdom and His temple (Revelation 7:15; Early Writings, p 19)!

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

Oh brothers and sisters, this bright and glorious future reward of spending eternity with our Lord and God and reflecting His glorious loving character to the entire universe throughout eternity is spread out before you! The only question is: Are you willing to crucify every bit of self in His strength till it be forever mortified? Are you willing to patiently endure all the storms by tenaciously clinging to the Refuge instead of self? Are you willing to strive with every ounce of your being to obtain it? For His name sake, are you willing to suffer?

As mentioned before, we have purchased new Web production software and have been busy reformatting our Web site so that it can load in quicker for our visitors. We have finally finished the change-over, and you can view the new site at www.LightMinistries.com. When visiting, you will notice that we have added new sections which are especially designed to reach out to the world with the message for this hour, as well as increasing other sections with new materials. We now have some of our sermons on audio files for you to listen to, a section exposing the erroneous doctrines of the Beast, and an enlarged section on the Sabbath/Sunday controversy--which we know is beginning to intensify in this world! We praise the Lord, and we thank all those as well, who have made this Web site a reality in reaching out to the world with God's present truth gospel message!

The Lord is continuing to bless our Web Site! In the month of November we had 16,987 hits, which were generated by 3,708 visitors, who stayed an average of 10:38 minutes each. In these Visitor Sessions, 5,976 documents of Present Truth were viewed. While most of these visitors were from America, we also had visitors from Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Spain, and the United Kingdom. All our visitors downloaded over 14,700 files, which totalled 758,679,000 bits of information!

In the month of December we had 17,127 hits, which were generated by 3,887 visitors, who stayed an average of 13:42 minutes each! In these Visitor Sessions, 6,554 documents of Present Truth were viewed. Again, while most of these were from America, there were also visitors from Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Columbia, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, and the United Kingdom! Over 14,600 files were downloaded from our Web Site, which totaled 790,192,000 bits of information! So the combined total for these past two months is that over 1.54 billion bits of information were downloaded from our Present Truth Web Site by over 7,500 visitors! MAY GOD'S HOLY NAME BE PRAISED FOR EVER!!

We are continuing to publish and distribute thousands of our present truth booklets and tracts to our workers throughout the world. To the glory of God, we have reached another mile-stone in this publishing work. We have crossed over the 10 million mark! That is right, to date 10,476,700 pages of present truth material have been published, and nearly 10 million of these "silent preachers" have already been distributed around the world!

We continue to praise our God for allowing this Ministry to do this humble work. We also extend our deep appreciation and gratefulness to all those who have helped us to continue doing this work. We ask for your continued prayers and support in this most important work for these last days, so that Jesus Christ may be uplifted and glorified in this dark world. Please know that all our supporters share in all the souls won to the Lord through these efforts!

TO OUR READERS AND SUPPORTERS: Please know that "Let There Be Light" Ministries is not concerned with using your prayers and donations to build itself into a kingdom, but is concerned with getting the Present Truth into the hands of the common people quickly, effectively, and wisely. Instead of working towards acquiring expensive video and T.V. production equipment, satellite or shortwave facilities, we would rather use the Lord's money in publishing and distributing materials which give the full present truth gospel, as well as supporting many full-time foreign ministers and workers in various countries around the world who have proven themselves to be reliable and stable. With their monthly support and present truth materials supplied them, these ministers and workers then have the ability to more effectively spread the spoken and printed truth, establish the people in it, and carry this precious truth into the very homes of those who sit in darkness. This is how the Loud Cry of the third angel will be spread, and is now being spread! If the Lord so impresses you to help in these endeavors, your donations will be greatly appreciated--not just by this Ministry, but by many others as well! MAY GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU!

"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 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; offering 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.

I am sixty-four years old and had never attended church until I was forty-eight. I didn't know what denomination the church was until after I started attending and believe that a church was a church that taught the Bible. For about twelve years I listened and then started reading, no, I began studying the Word for myself.

This first experience of church was in an Assembly of God church and after I began my own studies, I found many discrepancies from what was being taught, and what I was reading. Not being able to keep my mouth shut (Editor's note: praise God!), I started expressing my concerns. Well, needless to say I have disassociated myself from the Assemblies of God and have been studying the Word at home.

My wife still attends the AG church and is high profile since she is in the choir and does solo's and participates in all the programs that are put on by the church. That is not a problem in our relationship to one another, but I definitely feel it is a problem between her and God because in my studies I have learned that there are many false teachers within the AG. Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland, Kenneth Hagin, Fred Price, Rod Parsley and the rest of the name it and claim it bunch!

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Thank you for the mail with the information for this time of our life of earth's "Last Day Events", and of the interesting work that your organization is doing for Jesus in the various parts of the earth....May God bless more abundantly that we can help more to further this His work to the people's of the various parts of the earth who want's it now.

We the little company among the various little companies here in Trinidad meets in homes of the saints to worship on Sabbath days. We are doing fine though we are small in number. But we know that our God is not interested only in numbers, but He is more interested in the quality of that number if they practice in His truth and righteousness. May God help us all to be sincere in doing God's will....

It's been quite some time since we wrote to you....We think of the good times we had together in the meetings when you visited with us here in our home! It's been several years since we have had any meetings. The reason, or part of the reason, being many in our group who use to meet together for church have gone into variant doctrines--Sacred Name, Feast Days, No Holy Spirit as a Person, etc., others have moved....There are only 4 of us meeting together....We greatly appreciate all your work....

Please pray for us & for our children & grandchildren to stand firm for God & this blessed truth. (Editor's note: I will do so, and I appreciate your prayers as well.)...____ is basically retired & others are doing most all the work. He would like to sell the business. Do you know of any good Physical Therapist who would be interested? If not to buy, then to work.

We formed the...Group in order to penetrate the other denominations using the Biblical Health messages which have been rejected or adulterated by the professed S.D.A. ministers....Moving to unreached areas (for evangelism) is a problem--because permission must be given by the Conference leaders or else the Government police is called to interfere with any unauthorized meetings....Deceit and forgery is rampant amongst the leaders. We know all these have to happen, but we need to work. Our motto is, "Matthew 28:19-20".

I can understand how much pain you are now going through and the ministries as a whole, I know we are going through a very trying time, but I am sure that the Lord will not abandon His ministries and true servants. The result of what happened in New York City on September the 11th has spread around the whole world and everyone can now feel the pinch of it. Yes, the Lord is trying out His true people. We in Fiji have been praying everyday so that God may touch the hearts of people in America to pour their silvers and gold into the ministry to enable His present truth of today to reach the four corners of the earth....

Brother ____ was knocking at our door on the Sabbath (last) month while we were praying. He brought along his wife and three children. A strong Seventh Day Adventist, and he is now convinced that there is nothing left in the Church. He has been reading our translated booklet, and they came here on Sabbath to learn more about it. After listening to my explanation, they were convinced and now they want to join us. They have invited me to visit them to their home which is 12 miles away from the ____ city. (Editor's note: Praise God!)

At the ____ Bus Station, about 30 people sat together and sharing the word of God for three days last week. We were stopped by the police on the last day and were told not to assemble in this manner without permit. I have been explaining to them about "What is the Church" and they were all interested in what I was telling them. I gave them booklets, tracts, magazines and pamphlets, etc., etc. I was taken to the Police Station for about an hour and later released. I promise you that I will do this again.

On the 28/12/01, I packed cartons (of) booklets, pamphlets and magazines and flew out to the Island late in the afternoon. On the Sabbath we spent together with my daughter and with 3 other girls and also my sister-in-law. These girls are doing a wonderful work in the Island. After the Sabbath they went to see the Methodist minister in the Island (to ask him) if I could be given a chance to speak in their church on Sunday. They came back to tell me that I have been given (permission) to preach on the divine service at 10am on that morning....

The church was full on Sunday morning and I was encouraged to preach to them the Loud Cry Message. Beginning on Revelation 14 and Revelation 18, centering on the righteousness of Christ. On Sunday night the Methodist Church and their minister came to visit me. (As a culture) bringing food and fruits, etc., we shared good news that night and they left me at midnight. On Monday evening I was invited to be the guest in the Island's New Year Celebration....I have been given the freedom to come to this Islands by the manager anytime I want to and the people there are very happy about the messages....

(There took place the) ____ Carnival three weeks ago where we filled the street of ____ with the tracts, booklets and magazine, from the ____ main bus station to the end of the city council's park. We made sure that each person should have a tract on (in) his/her hand for all those people who comes to the park....

In this ____ city a SDA family has joined us. This family is containing four members...The son of this family, Mr. ____, was working as leading lay evangelist in SDA church and due to the disappointments he met with the SDA church he stopped attending their church. Now the Lord has led me to meet this poor family and encourage them. Yesterday I was giving Bible study to this family for long hours. Many other SDA people are inquiring about our messages.

I think our work in India must be fastened (sped up) little more. For which I have made a plan of ministerial project. I am planning to appoint ten workers and speed up the work. Let us appoint 5 workers to ____ and 5 workers to ____. Among these three workers are ready to go to the field of ____. Some of the brethren have come forward to work as full time workers. These brothers are getting studies from us for long time....The remaining seven workers I am searching prayerfully. The Lord will bring them surely. The Lord of heaven will help and speak into the hearts of the sponsors to support these poor workers to sustain them with salary. (Editor's note: it takes just $40 US per month to supply the salary of each of these workers!) When this project of ministry is executed, the work will be fastened in India. Please help us to execute this plan.

In next morning of today which I was in my bed, my elder son ____ shoted (fell quickly down) from the toilet; soon my wife rushed up to the toilet and found my son fell upon the soap dish shelf which was made of stone, and (he) started bleeding with lot. Immediately brother ____ came and took my son to hospital....The doctors diagnosed my son as repeating of his paralyzing of left ventricle (in brain) which he had already when he was 1+ year (old). We got him treatment for ventricle blood clot and paralyzed of right side....Whenever I plan for the ministerial project immediately the satanic attack is enforced too much. Only the prayers of my beloved brother yourself and brethren of our faith will save us. (Editor's note: we are definitely praying for you and yours and the work there, my dear brother!) Satan is very ferocious upon our work and workers. Let us pray more and more till we get the blessings from the truthful God of promises....

The ashamed news of this city is the South India Union president of then time of few years back--pastor Gnanaraj Kore has committed adultery with an prostitute in a hotel and caught by the police and he paid Rs.60,000 alone for the bribing to the police. No publics are appreciating this SDA people's activities here (because of this occurrence). In this condition our Ministry is recognized by this publics of this city is (because) when we say we are separated from SDA church. We can not witness to this world for Christ when we stay within this fallen SDA church. This must be realized by the leading men...Our principle must be to witness only for Christ not for the church....

After I came to this new city of ____ we found this city is facing the water scarcity. The great wonder done by our Lord is in our house from our bore well, we are only family (that) is getting the water, when other people are going far away to fetch a bucket of water. Is it not the wonder done by God to His children?...

The work is in progress here by God's grace. One family from SDA church having membership for last forty years have joined with us in last Sabbath morning. They are four members in their family. The local (SDA) church pastor is teaching his church members the power of witchcraft and saying (to) them that he can take them away, against the word of God, from (by) this witchcraft. This SDA people came and asked me the biblical base for deliverance from the witchcraft....Now this SDA people are stopped going to their churches and coming to our home church. Thank God for this soul winning....

Today morning before I got up from my bed a man named brother ____ came to my house. He had a long discussion with me and laid his overwhelming thoughts upon me. He is a SDA seminary graduate of senior course. He is 43 years old and very good evangelist. Two years back he was terminated from his work of accountant as he raised his voice against the leaders of the SDA church. For last two years he suffered lot--even for his food....The souls belonging to Christ are coming to us. The Lord has taken the ministry on His hands. Many more lay men are coming to me. Please pray for these poor souls. We have to do great (much more) work in India. The Lord must help us to do this ministry successfully. He only should supply our needs of money and other materials. He should talk in the hearts of our supporters to help India through their means....

The months of October and November were relatively free as we did not have much programmed (scheduled) efforts. This gave me time for personal work/ministry around my area of residence. My wife works in a Catholic school, but she has had Sabbath off all these days. I picked on giving on PAS (on the grounds of this Catholic school) (a) one hour Bible study on the book of Revelation in the evenings (in one of their buildings). Reaching on chapter two "Pergamos and Thyatira", complaints trickled in from the Catholic monastery around, that the message should stop. But it was not official in any way. We continued. The area priest threatened to evacuate us if we did not stop, but not official even then.

Then they found a place to fix us through my wife who has been working in their school since 1995. They suspended her on November 9th till her case be discussed by the board of governors....So far, to date she is at home; we are praying that God might open for us another door, if our work here has been done (finished). Remember us in your prayers....

There are two new centres now here in ____, very strong, who have separated just three months ago. God is helping them so much that now the S.O.P. Library (3 volume set) you sent to us are not enough for us, for they are needed by every centre-- each one need to borrow for a week or two some amount. If God provides that more copies be found, we shall praise the Lord so much. (Editor's note: each 3 volume set costs $159)....

I'm thanking God greatly for His mercy to His people. The light of God is penetrating everywhere. Apostasies in the churches are growing and opening the eyes of many to see. But while others are seeing, some, who had seen the light early (on), and (are) fast loosing sight of the truth because they were controlled by excitement....

Nice & happy to hear from you again! Owing to the high cost of living in Hong Kong & your support funds were not enough, plus a lack of computer to input my translation, I determined to come back to my home country (in Malaysia). I had finished the translation of "Transmutation of the 3 Angels" & "Our Most Important Need Today". Praise His wonderful name! I'm now in the process of translating another booklet "The Controversy Over Rev. 18" while (also) busy inputing. There are a few booklets remaining, please send them to me at your earliest....Although these are available on your web page, it saves me lots of time for downloading & printing them out....

Last Sabbath afternoon we had the privilege to visit a certain family (non-SDAs) for Bible study. Their son is a nurse...He has been studying with us and has shown great interest and lately has accepting the pillars of our faith. He felt the burden of sharing this message with his family and girlfriend too, so he arranged for us to visit them....

Bro. ____ made a public apology to all our brethren here during our fellowship, and we were all so happy about how things are going now. Sister ____, in ____...has decided to separate from Grover's group and is now fully united with us in the Present Truth. Most of the brethren in that area are also in union with us now. God is surely binding His people together once again in and through the Present Truth. (Editor's note: may God be praised for His merciful kindness!)

God is continually doing great (things). He is showing us that He is still the One taking the reins, and He is still with us. Grover and his group are now teaching that it is okay to eat fish and meat...We knew and have found out (that) their members and even their workers here in our place who eat fish and meat now. This group already lowered the standard especially in health or dietetic reform. The history and fall of the Israelites in the wilderness life are now repeating with those who were once (a part of) God's Church. We pray that this will not happen unto us and that God will help us to be faithful to all the light and truth that He gave us until the end.

During Sabbath, we begun our Sabbath service and after lunch two brethren decided to be baptized. The one is a sister who was an Adventist and she's in the present truth already for about three years. The other one is a brother, whose name is Bro. ____ (the one I told you about in my last letter). This brother is convicted up the light that he received. Let us pray that this new members in God's Kingdom will continue to be faithful until Jesus comes....

Dear elder and friend, I am one with you. Be of good courage; keep on the work. I am doing the little I can also to spread the truth. From the 25th to 31st December, the SDA church is holding a camp-meeting just in my locality, only 200m away from my home. I am actively getting ready to distribute as many booklets (as) I can. It is estimated that more than 13,000 Adventists will attend. May we live to see the triumph of God's eternal truth....I am of the opinion that this is a golden opportunity to give a decisive blow. If leaders of the church had known I have reform (present truth) materials to distribute, they would have cancelled the venue of the meeting. I have written a special tract in French entitled "OUR JOURNEY TOWARD THE NEW JERUSALEM". It is all on separation....I shall be the happiest man on earth to see these hundreds or thousands go home with will (this) precious truth on separation. The "fire" will sure(ly) be kindled never to quench. I have with (me) many of our booklets (Abomination, Jeremiah, Responsible, Golden Calf, the Will) this is the time to empty the stock....

As proposed (in) my last report to visit Kenya, we did so. We went not knowing who were are going to meet. In special arrangement (we) met with pastors (non-SDA) over 30 in number and other people. We laboured to bring the truth and the condition of the churches. We had training sessions and there after questions and discussions were done. Great interest was aroused in some, but had bitter opposition with others. I realized how terribly we had put our lives in danger. We were threatened with arrest, told stories (of) how missionaries have been vandalized that side.

These meetings took place at ____...Below are some of those with their address', (and) if our ministers that side (Kenya) can make efforts, they should by all means reach some (of) those souls. (Editor's note: I agree, and the information will be sent to our Kenyan workers). The most interested among them was Rev. Pastor Raphael...He suffered an attack by those of the opposition (and) he was forced out of the meeting. The other was Pastor John...Elder Martin...is crippled (and) he encouraged me by telling me I should not fear but reveal the whole truth for he was ready to believe...

We have been called to the camp meeting by ____ which will begin on 15th Dec., 2001. Your prayers for our safety is greatly needed. And most members would like to go but they are lacking transport, they are requesting that they be helped with transport to & fro. Thanks for the support however small. It greatly helped me (and) the Ministry....May our heavenly Father bless the hands that have given funds to up hold its labours. (Editor's note: a hearty amen to that!)

We (are) having great difficulties for most of those who had believed have gone back, save for (in one home church--a) Brother ____. He is having frequent visitation, but still (is) praying under a big tree (where he meets for church services). He is (also) praying if some brothers would stand with him (and) put up a shelter (for the home church). The iron sheets are (already purchased and) there, but what remains is to stand (up the) walls. Friends, come to help of Lord by what ever little that God convicts you to give help, (and) thanks.