July-September-05

The name “ARMAGEDDON” strikes terror and foreboding in the minds of many. Some imagine a great world war surrounding the Middle East. Others envision an Antichrist battling for world supremacy. Still others do not know what to believe or expect.

The word “Armageddon” itself translates “a symbolic name” (see Strong's Exhaustive Concordance, #717). It is actually made up the combination of two Hebrew words; “har” (#2022) which means “a mountain or range of hills”, and “megiddow” (#4023) which is a place in Palestine. Now this Pallestine valley of Megiddo is not very big, and therefore cannot possibly contain all the armies of the world battling each other! So you can see that the word “Armageddon” is a symbol, and does not represent a literal place where a huge war occurs in the Middle East. Yet the Scriptures do indeed teach that there will be an immense battle which involves the whole world!

This battle and controversy will not be fought with literal weapons, such as guns, tanks, aircraft, or armed forces. But will be fought, has already begun to be fought, and will continue to grow in intensity until every person in the world becomes involved.

“And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. Behold I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.” Revelation 16:13-16.

As can be seen, the Scriptures teach that this battle is fought between two main forces: God, Christ, and His clean or righteousness followers, versus the Devil, evil spirits, and his unclean or wicked followers. So the battle of Armageddon is a symbol describing this great controversy and conflict raging between God and Satan--between truth and error. And this spiritual battle will eventually involve every person on earth for each must decide whom to follow--either Christ and truth, or the devil and error: either eternal life with Christ, or eternal destruction with Satan.

“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” Revelation 12:7-9.

Even though the Devil was cast out of heaven, he continued his warfare against Christ and God on this earth. For nearly six thousand years this conflict has ebbed and flowed. But the final battle to be waged in this great controversy, the point towards which all events have been tending, is what the Bible describes as the great day of God Almighty--the battle of Armageddon. This final battle between truth and error is clearly portrayed in Revelation Chapters 12, 13, 14, & 18. And all humanity have entered into this battle today.

Since Armageddon is a symbol describing the spiritual battle between truth and error, what are the weapons the Devil uses in this great conflict? Things likened to frogs which came out of the mouth of the Dragon, Beast, and False Prophet. Now frogs catch their prey with their tongues, and what comes out of the mouth involving tongues are words grouped together into statements of belief. So these three entities catch their prey by speaking or teaching various doctrines of error.

For those who desire to follow Christ and the truth, it is of the utmost importance that we clearly identify who the Dragon, the Beast, and the False Prophet are so we can avoid being deceived by their various false doctrines and thereby lost.

As is revealed in Revelation 12, the Dragon is primarily Satan. And what statements of erroneous belief and false doctrine have originated out of Satan's mouth? Various spiritualistic, paganistic, and occultic teachings which many kingdoms of the world have been established upon--including the ancient pagan Roman Empire. While many believe paganism to be a thing of the past, there are still millions today who are involved in its heathenistic beliefs and devil worship.

The primary feature of the pagan religion is the worship of nature. Since the most exalted form in nature is the human body, and most particularly the mind, man is led to worship the powers of the mind and thus to exalt human opinion above divine revelation.

All of the great ruling powers of earth also demonstrated the fact that in paganism, church and state were not separate— but were united together. In Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome, the state was always used to support and give force to the pagan religion of the time. Time and again laws were enacted and civil power was used to enforce the worship of pagan deities and false beliefs.

Today, as well as in ancient times, the spirit of exalting and worshiping human opinions, institutions, and tradition; the spirit of worldliness; and the craving to unite the church with the state in order that the church might be strengthened to enforce her dogma and decrees, is the spirit of the Dragon. And this spirit will grow more and more prominent until it culminates in the great time of trouble for God's people.

“Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.” Isaiah 26:20-21.

It is not only this unclean spirit that is working today through humanism and other vain philosophies--exalting the human above the divine, exalting error above the truth--but there is a second unclean spirit which comes out of the mouth of the Beast.

In Revelation 13, the Beast which arose out of the ruins of pagan Rome; the Beast which united herself with paganism in order to increase her numbers; the Beast which ruled for 1260 prophetic days (Revelation 12:6), or 3 ½ prophetic years (Revelation 12:14), or 42 prophetic months (Revelation 13:3)--each totaling 1260 literal years (see Numbers 14:34; Ezekiel 4:6), is none other than the Roman Catholic Church.

This great religious system of Catholicism exalts the organized church above the individual conscience, and when there is a conflict between the Bible and church creed, the latter always assumes predominance over Bible truth. If there is a disagreement between a person's conscience and church dogma, the church through it's tradition and opinion always takes preeminence.

In contrast with this domination by church rule, Paul commends the noble Bereans because “they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” Acts 17:11. Nowhere do we see Paul asking the believers to accept doctrine on the basis of Apostolic authority, but rather he commended them for searching the Scriptures for themselves to confirm the truth of what they had been taught. The idea of God's word as the supreme authority and rule of life is the religion and truth of the Bible.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

The third unclean spirit is the spirit of the False Prophet. A prophet is one who claims to have received messages from God, and then claims to be God's spokesman in relaying these messages to the people (see Numbers 12:6; Deuteronomy 18:22). A false prophet would then be someone who purports to be speaking for God, when in reality he is not (see Jeremiah 14:14).

The False Prophet cannot refer to the papacy, for it has always claimed to accept tradition above Bible revelation and the right to change God's commandments at will. But the various churches of Protestantism have professed to follow the Bible and the Bible only as the basis of their faith and doctrine. Yet we see them following in the footsteps of Rome by exalting tradition and human opinion above the truth of God's word! They are therefore a false prophet clinging to, and speaking forth, error and yet claiming it is God's truth!

While differing in some aspects, Protestant churches are all uniting together upon points of doctrine which they all agree upon, and are more and more resembling Roman Catholicism. But when, in the pursuit of her desired goals, this False Prophet of Protestantism follows in same footsteps of Rome, and unites with civil power and uses the State to enforce her teachings and trample upon the rights of free conscience, she will also become an Image of this Beast (see Revelation 13).

By rejecting truth, people are rejecting the Author of truth and preparing themselves to take the Devil's side in this last great conflict. By persistent refusal to accept the authority of God--the Lawgiver, and to obey His laws, men, women, and children are binding themselves to the great apostate in lawlessness.

No error strikes more directly against the authority and government of Heaven or is more opposed to the dictates of reason than the idea that the law of God is no longer binding. Law is the basis of all government, and it is completely without reason or support to believe that the Ruler of the universe has abdicated His responsibility and left us without His law! Whether the Devil can get you to cast aside God's law altogether, or only reject one of it's precepts, the result is the same. He that offends “in one point” manifests contempt for the whole law; his influence and example are on the side of transgression; he becomes “guilty of all” (see James 2:10). Wherever the divine precepts are set aside, sin ceases to appear sinful or righteousness desirable.

The Scriptures declare that the spirits of devils will work mighty miracles that deceive almost the whole world, and then gather the people together for the last great battle. The focal point of the conflict will be the law of God, particularly the Sabbath, which points to the Lawgiver as the only Creator and hence to our inherent obligation as His creatures to render Him obedience. It is the work of the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14:6-12 & 18:1-5 to counter this attack on God's law by presenting to the world the worship due to God as our Creator.

With the three-fold union of the Dragon, the Beast, and the False Prophet, all the people of the earth will be forced to unite on the platform of error against God and the truth of the Bible. And those who do not follow their decrees will be killed. Thus through the deceptive doctrines and teachings of this three-fold union of spiritualism, Catholicism, and Protestantism, all the inhabitants of the earth will be brought to decide for or against God and His truth.

“And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” Revelation 13:15-17.

Now there is an ever widening confusion and misunderstanding among Christians over the identification of the Mark of the Beast. Many have been taught to believe by various ministers of most every denominational church, that the Mark of the Beast of Revelation 13:16, 14:9, 11, 20:4, which is received IN our hand or IN our forehead, is to be identified as being a credit card, or lazar mark, or a chip implant, or National Identification Number, or giant computer, or some other literal thing. Connected with the above is the belief that if any of God's people possess or are in any way connected with the above items, then they have received the "mark" of this beast and are lost.

But what exactly is this "mark" of the Beast? The Greek word used for "mark" is "Charagma" (#5480), and it translates "stamp (as a badge of servitude), mark." So the mark of the Beast is a stamp or sign or seal or badge of servitude to some power or being. But what is the Mark of the Beast, and how do we receive it? In order to know this, we must know whom the Beast represents.

The Beast which is connected with this "mark" refers to the Roman Catholic Church (for more information please write for our study on The Beast and the Little Horn). So the "mark" has something to do with the papacy. As worship is the main issue listed in connection with this Beast (see Revelation 13:4, 8, 12, 15, 14:9, 11, 20:4), so the "mark" of this Beast is connected with the issue of worship. Then what could this "mark" of Catholicism be?

"Protestants...accept Sunday rather than Saturday as the day for public worship after the Catholic Church made the change...In observing the Sunday, they are accepting the authority of the spokesman for the church, the Pope." Our Sunday Visitor, February 5, 1950.

"It is well to remind the Presbyterians, Baptists, Methodists, and all other Christians, that the Bible does not support them anywhere in their observance of Sunday. Sunday is an institution of the Roman Catholic Church, and those who observe the day observe a commandment of the Catholic Church." Priest Brady, in an address, reported in the Elizabeth, N.J. "News" of March 18, 1903.

"It was the Catholic Church which...transferred this rest (Saturday as the Sabbath) to the Sunday....Thus the observance of Sunday by the Protestants is an homage they pay, in spite of themselves, to the authority of the (Catholic) Church." Monsignor Louis Segur, "Plain Talk about the Protestantism of Today," p 213.

"Of course the Catholic Church claims that the change (from Saturday to Sunday) was her act. It could not have been otherwise, as none in those days would have dreamed of doing anything in matters spiritual and religious without her, and the act is a mark of her ecclesiastical power and authority in religious matters." Letter from H.F. Thomas, Chancellor of Cardinal Gibbons.

So the Catholic Church changed the original day of worship from Saturday to Sunday, which is the mark or seal or sign of the Beast's authority and power! As this is true, then Saturday must be the mark or sign of authority and power to someone else! But to whom? The God of heaven states:

"Moreover also I gave them My sabbaths, to be a sign between Me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them....And hollow My sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between Me and you, that ye may know that I am the Lord your God." Ezekiel 20:12, 20.

Saturday is the Sabbath day of the Lord God, the seventh-day which He has blessed and made holy (see Genesis 2:2-3), and which is the mark or seal or sign of His authority and power. God has chosen this memorial day of creation above all the rest for all His people to worship Him on, and He even told His people not to forget this fact, but to remember it.

"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and hollowed it." Exodus 20:8-11.

Here we see the difference between the mark or seal or sign of God, and the mark or seal or sign of the Beast. The God of heaven states that "the seventh-day [or Saturday] is the sabbath [or worshiping day] of the Lord thy God" Exodus 20:10. But the Beast states:

"Sunday is a Catholic institution, and its claims to observance can be defended only on Catholic principles...From beginning to end of Scripture there is not a single passage that warrants the transfer of weekly public worship from the last day of the week to the first." The Catholic Press, Sydney, Australia, August, 1900.

"...prove to me from the Bible alone that I am bound to keep Sunday holy. There is no such law in the Bible. It is a law of the Holy Catholic Church alone. The Bible says `Remember the sabbath day to keep it holy.' The Catholic Church says, No. By my divine power I abolish the sabbath day and command you to keep holy the first day of the week. And lo! The entire civilized world bows down in reverent obedience to the command of the Holy Catholic Church." Priest Thomas Enright, Redemptorist Catholic College, Kansas City, Mo., lecture "Sunday in History", p 56, February 18, 1884.

So the mark or seal of the God of heaven is worshiping the Lord on Saturday--His Sabbath--according to God's fourth commandment. In doing this, it is a sign that we show that we love, serve, and worship God. While the mark or seal of the Beast is worshiping on Sunday--the day of the sun or of the Blazing Star or Lucifer, his sabbath–after it is enforced. In doing this, it is a sign that we show that we love, serve, and worship the Beast and Lucifer.

Thus the Mark of the Beast is NOT a literal mark, NOT a lazar mark, NOT a credit card, NOT an implanted chip, NOT a National ID Number, and NOT a giant computer, but it is a symbolic mark! Although all of the above items may be used to coerce and force us to bow and worship on Sunday, yet they are not the Mark of the Beast. This symbolic mark will not be ON, but will be either IN the forehead--signifying mental acceptance, or that you believe Sunday is the sabbath. Or IN the hand--signifying service, or that you may not necessarily believe Sunday is the sabbath, but you will go along with it anyway.

It is a fact that the papacy claims the power to change God's fourth commandment law from worshiping only on Saturday to worshiping only on Sunday as God's special Sabbath day. Thus anyone who knows this truth, and yet chooses to worship on Sunday instead of Saturday as God's true Sabbath day, especially after it is enforced by law, are bowing to and worshiping the papacy instead of the God of heaven. Thus they will receive the Mark of the Beast which destines them for the seven last plagues and the lake of fire (see Revelation 14:10-11, 19:20). For anyone to then claim that the "mark" of the beast is anything other than Sunday worship, is deceived and is leading souls to destruction.

We know that God never forces the will or the conscience, but Satan constantly resorts to varying degrees of force and cruelty in order to gain the control of those whom he cannot otherwise seduce. Through fear, or by actual force, Satan endeavors to rule the conscience and to secure homage to himself. To accomplish this, he works through both religious and secular authorities, moving them to enact and enforce human laws which defy God and His law.

Once again, as in Daniel's day, an image will be raised, much as was the golden image upon the plain of Shinar (see Daniel 3). The issue is the same--the law and honor of God. Just as the music and imposing display worked to secure popular support for Nebuchadnezzar's image in ancient Babylon, in this final conflict there will be miracles to deceive. Anciently, when all lesser inducements failed, there was the fiery furnace waiting to persuade the conscience. In a similar manner the commandment-keeping people of God face the loss of all worldly support, and ultimately death itself, as the price for their faithfulness to God and His law. Only those whose faith is founded upon the sure Word of God will be able to stand amid the near total apostasy.

But at the darkest point in earth's history, when in the final stages of this battle of Armageddon it appears that the forces of evil must surely prevail and God's obedient remnant people must soon seal their testimony with their blood, God's followers will be delivered and all the workers of iniquity will be destroyed. Christ Himself comes to save His obedient and faithful followers and take them home!

“And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.” Daniel 12:1.

“Thou shalt bring down the noise of strangers...the branch of the terrible ones shall be brought low....He (Christ) will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of His people shall He take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it. And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us: this is the Lord, we have waited for Him, we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.” Isaiah 25:5,8-9.

It is for YOU to determine today which side YOU will be found on in this great battle of Armageddon between God and Satan--between truth and error. There will be no neutral spectators. Each person will be found in one of two positions. They will either join the lawless in making void God's law, or will be among those faithful who live by every word of God, and who keep all of His commandments.

“And if it seem evil unto YOU to serve the Lord, choose YOU this day whom ye will serve...but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the Lord…” Joshua 24:15-16.

We have just written and printed up a new tract which reaches out to the world with the truth about the resurrection. The title of the tract is "Life After Death". To all on our mailing list, we are enclosing a copy of this tract, which is available at this Ministry for a suggested donation of only $.08 each. It is hoped that after you have read through and examined this tract that you will see a need to spread this tract to all in your community.

The Lord is continuing to bless our TrueChurchofGod.info Web Site. In the month of April we had about 11,577 hits, which were generated by about 3,246 visitors. In these Visitor Sessions, over 6,286 documents of Present Truth were viewed, and over 547 million bits of information were downloaded.

In the month of March we had 9,764 hits, which were generated by 2,452 visitors. In these Visitor Sessions, 5,896 documents of Present Truth were viewed, and over 495 million bits of information were downloaded. So for these past 3 months, over 1.5 billion bits of information were downloaded from our Gospel Truth Web Site by over 8,000 visitors!

The Lord is also abundantly blessing our LightMinistries.com Web Site. The month of April was our best month yet! We had 170,281 hits, which were generated by 29,019 visitors. In these Visitor Sessions, 70,540 documents of Present Truth were viewed, and over 9.14 billion bits of information were downloaded.

In the month of March we had 142,246 hits, which were generated by 19,332 visitors! In these Visitor Sessions, 63,007 documents of Present Truth were viewed, and over 11.59 billion bits of information were downloaded! So for these 3 months alone, over 31 billion bits of information were downloaded from our Present Truth Web Site by over 71,600 visitors! MAY GOD'S HOLY NAME BE PRAISED FOR EVER!!

Please remember to keep in prayer our one hour radio broadcast every 2nd Sunday of each month. These broadcasts have the potential to reach several million listeners since it is broadcasted over Satellite, AM/FM radio, Micro, and even the internet. Copies of these broadcasts can be found at www.RemnantofGod.org/tpb-archives.htm or www.LightMinistries.com/id14.htm. Your continued prayers are appreciated, and are working! We extend our appreciation to brother Nicholas Patula of Presents of God Ministry for making these live interview broadcasts of present truth topics possible, and God is indeed blessing!

For those who are not able to have a home church to attend and who miss the benefit of fellowshipping together with others of like faith, there is an on-line present truth home church which meets every Sabbath at 12:00 noon Central Time. This is a live broadcast of one of our separated Home Churches in Indiana which is pastored by brother Nicholas. Please feel free to come and fellowship with others of like faith and enjoy the spiritual uplifting experience, and also be able to chat with them after church! If you would like to fellowship, go to www.RemnantofGod.org/pogmchat.htm.

"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 and workers in foreign Countries; mail order--both domestic and foreign; traveling to hold meetings--both locally, nationally, and internationally; answering correspondence and questions regarding the message of truth; offering National and International Bible studies; sending free present truth literature to contacts in many poor Countries; etc.

Your gracious prayers and support is greatly appreciated and needed. Without the Lord's guidance and blessings and without your support, this Ministry could not continue to reach out worldwide with the precious message of Revelation 14:6-12 & 18:1-5.

May our God and Saviour continue to lead and guide all those who have helped 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 met for that month so that the worker may devote full time to the ministry work. In addition to this, we are sending extra materials for evangelism, and money for printing, publishing, holding meetings, traveling, and other necessary areas in spreading the Present Truth in their Country. And as the work extends, especially will the expenses for evangelism expand. Whatever you can send to help in this necessary and vital area is greatly appreciated.

The work of spreading God's present truth is not to be limited, but must extend world-wide to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people before our Saviour can come (Matthew 24:14). What better way of spreading the present truth gospel than by having workers who speak the native language, who reside in that particular Country, who can live and preach the truth, visit the interests in their homes, and spread the printed truth translated into their common language!

"Our publications should be printed in other languages, that foreign nations may be reached. Much can be done through the medium of the press, but still more can be accomplished if the influence of the living preacher goes with our publications....The Lord has moved upon men of other tongues and has brought them under the influence of the truth, that they might be qualified to labor in His cause." Testimonies, vol 3, p 204-205.

"Every opportunity should be improved to extend the truth to other nations. This will be attended with considerable expense, but expense should in no case hinder the performance of this work. Means are of value only as they are used to advance the interest of the kingdom of God. The Lord has lent men means for this very purpose, to use in sending the truth to their fellow men." Testimonies, vol 3, p 208.

Please be sure to mark all donated monies for any of the above Ministry or Foreign Mission needs. 100% of all donated monies will go where specified. Unspecified donations will go where needed. Thank you very much for making this evangelistic work possible, and may God's richest blessings attend you and yours.

I am writing this letter with the several number of reasons, but I would like to mention only one or two if possible. I am one of Seventh-day Adventist member, but they teach something different to Ellen White's vision. They changes so many things. They also reject the books of Daniel and Revelation which was the pillar books in our church. So that all the church services are come to (be) unenjoyable. So please, I ask the Ministry to assist me in spiritual way, because as far as I know, God is King, as the book of Isaiah said. I will never turn in other way to leave His way....

The proposed meeting next year is a very welcome idea, and there is hope that many are willing to come. But the aspect so far is that: the possible alternative is to have two meetings if possible, one for the North and one for the South. All the arrangements were left in br. ____ to co-ordinate with the brothers in ____....

The issue that is so high on the agenda to be discussed is the issue of church organization and church order as I learn from others...They thank you for the offer from both of you and hope you will be able to make it for this meeting. There is a need for other issues to be made clear that others may find their answers. I hope that will enable others to observe what is truth and how it can be applied to our hearts. It is my desire too that this will be possible. There is hope in this, and it will open many doors to others and some of the other topics that are not clear can (then) be made plain....

I thank GOD ALMIGHTY for what HE is doing for us here in ____. The Lord is working for I have received three new men from 3 different churches who have vowed to GOD that they will do the will of GOD with their teams which they are having. While this is (going) on, 2 members of one family are denied the right to worship. They are a mother and her son. The husband is separating the moment. Please more prayers are needed for this members. Please (help us as) ____ is waking up. Please help us reach those who are in need. We need booklets like Protestant History, WCC/SDA, Controversy Over Rev. 18, besides that city life is so high and am requesting you to assist us with fare so as to reach everyone in their houses....

May God be praised for being good to all people in the world. He has raised (up) instrumentalities who (He) is going to use to bring many of the Maasai people to the faith. I had a problem how I was to reach the Maasai people, but through Christ's guidance in ____ the centre has been opened there and we have more than four men indigenous of the land who are doing great work of influencing many of their tribe to the field. (Editor's note: praise God indeed!) This tribe are pastrolism believing in many herds of cattle. Their faith is centered on cows, but when I presented new light to them, they (saw that they would) have to die (to self and pagan beliefs) in Jesus. They have given the piece of land (for a church), but they can not be able to raise a simple structure for worship. They are requesting to have (a church to) where to gather during sabbath to worship our Creator. My request is the church needs Kshs 400,000 to complete their structure. Whoever can be merciful to this new brethren can donate to assist them (to) have a church for worship. May our good Christ move in each one of you to assist bearing in mind God is the one who will appreciate and bless your helping....

As you see these (things) begin to come to pass raise up your heads for your redemption draws nigh, so said our dear Saviour. The events in the recent past have more than ever confirmed the last message of mercy, that not long hence our Beloved will come and will not tarry.

With such promises as these we are more than comforted in spite of our surrounding circumstances. We are two from the ____ camp, whereby brothers ____ and ____ led in sermon and sanctuary lessons respectively to great revival. We are again back here at ____ with our house to house work. Thanks for the carton of booklets I received yesterday, hoping to receive more of the Sabbath ones as Why are Protestant...

Thanks for the second mailbag of booklets that we have just received today. It so encouraging so. Praise be to God who supplies with all our needs. Thanks too for the newsletter which so pertinent as to our times. We just thought it would do to remind you of our planned effort here to try to reach and arouse many others that we have not been able to reach through our house to house ministry. WE NEED MUCH PRAYERS, AND THANKS SO MUCH FOR WORKING WITH US BOTH IN MATERIAL AND SPIRIT DEAR BROTHER. PRAISE BE TO GOD FOR ALL THINGS. It scheduled for ____ thru' ____. Our humble request is that if it will impress our brothers out there to share with us the burden, their willing donation is appreciated already to the glory of God. As well, we will need the single tracts to hand out while a little liberty lingers.

Of interest also is that our other co-ministers still are doing without Study Bibles and the Spirit of Prophecy library sets, 7 and 3 respectively. We continue praying for you brothers for all the heavy work that God in His mercy has been pleased to lay upon your shoulders.

The work across the centers is somehow amiss. A spirit of criticism, striving, accusation and judging others has apparently been exhibited among us. As workers we have tried to set these things right. Hence we have been forced to travel from place to place....We need special grace for all this.

In ____ the gospel work is still on. We are looking up from where our divine help comes. Ahead of us are two important things (meetings), camp, and the effort. Former for ____ and the latter for ____. Its worrying us what shall become?...We are only awaiting the leading of the Providence to show us what, thus our burden is there laid. We shall be grateful for whatever God shall do in His wisdom.

....Water, water, everywhere...It's in our teeth, bones, blood and cells, tissue, urine, fat and perspiration, muscles, mucous, saliva and skin. Water. On any given day, our body is filled to the brim with it as much as 50 quarts of water which we mostly take for granted. But if we lost even 8 or 9 quarts of it, we'd probably also lose our lives.

That's how important water is to a well functioning body. And with a loss of just 4 or 5 quarts, we're in danger. Our muscles begin to atrophy, our skin shrivels up we become exhausted to the point of collapse, and our body's life sustaining systems start to shut down. Water keeps our body cool; our skin supple, our blood, kidneys, liver and intestines free of toxins and our joints flexible. Does your body favor and drink at least 8 glasses of water daily?...

To report - Acidosis - 2 people; Eye problem - 3 people; Pneumonia - 3 people; Ulcers - 1; Skin itching - 2; Numbness - 1; Fevers - 7; Night sweating - 1; Fatigue - 1; Heart problem - 2; Infertility - 1; Sciatica - 5; Sore throat - 1; Coughing - 5; Emetics - 1; Enemas - 4; Boils and carbuncles - 1; Headache - 5; Lumbago - 1; Shock - 1; Sore mouth - 1; Stomach problems - 5; Wound - 2.

Sister ____'s health is recovering fast to my amazement, and my right hand also improving, praise God! If everything goes smooth, I may send you the printed copy of the booklet "Golden calf apostasy" next week. Regarding the visit to those ladies quite a distance from my home, I had prayer with them & also given them each a copy of SC, may these books inspire them and lead them to our present truth. Please remember them in your prayer.

On the 10th ____, a young evangelist, ____ travel to ____. There he met ____, one of our main evangelists who works in ____ & ____ ____. After a street preaching in ____ town for week and half, both travelled by speed boat to ____. ____ said, "we stayed with one of the new interests called ____ from the SDA conf/church for one week and encouraged them (with) Bible studies and on the Sabbath we worshipped in a little house.

Lawrence, the minister of Manguara SDA Conf/church, wrote a letter that week and informed us to hold a public forum to debate and clear the stand the Lay Ministry have taken, for he thinks that we were causing confusion in their community. He set the date as 4th May for that forum and he invited all his fellow workers, pastor Linus, their District Director, and representatives from Mission Executive Committees and local churches to attend that meeting.

The big crowd gather that day, composed of Adventists and non-Adventists. We appointed village recorder as chairman, and SDA Conference raised 10 agendas for discussion that day. ____ said, "As we commenced and came to the 3rd agenda item on 'Women Ordination' the disturbance erupted from the Executive man. With strong harsh voice he struck the table twice with spirit of frustration, saying that the woman ordination is not the main issue. After the interruption, ____ and his family stood up one by one in front of the public to declare their stand with tears.

After the meeting, ____'s father gave a big hectares of land to the Self-Supportive ministry to build our new church there. Day after...Michael and I set out a schedule for visiting the church members and backsliders and to give Bible studies during our stay there.

Early morning on the 12th of May, ____ said, "I left ____ and cross over the big river to the next neighboring (village) by the SDA Conf/church. As I entered the home of this couple and started greeting them, the elder of SDA Conf/church there already recognized me. Immediately he rushed toward me angrily, shouting and swearing at me saying, 'Who gave you permission to enter this village? Is it your village?' With cursing and swearing he didn't give me a chance to say a word. He came and forced me to leave that place.

"As I determined to leave that place, another angry voice was heard, (and) as I turned toward that direction, I saw that District Missionary, Daniel Malales, a tough looking man. He pointed toward me saying, 'You! You will die right now! You called us pagans and infidels, and did criticize us.' And he rushed to me and punched me down. He grabbed a big stick, dry wood, and landed it on my head while (I was) still on the ground. I dragged myself up with all my strength as blood gushed out of my skull and roll down my face and body. I staggered out of the village and they both chased after me, throwing sticks and stones at me.

"Another layman ran in to rescue me, but that missionary swung his long hard wood into his face (as well). Soon the whole village of Kilarum heard the noise and ran down with Michael. When they saw me staggering toward them, they grabbed their knives, axes, and were about to rush to the attackers. But then ____ and I stopped (the) whole (band of) villagers, telling them not to take revenge, for the Lord Himself will take our revenge."...

Since the Laymen stepped in (this area some) two years ago with the present truth, the work has been spreading out as wild fire. The numbers of (home) churches are now increasing. Now they are requesting for more Bibles (in Pidgin and English), booklets, tracts and used SOP. Sabbath tracts in Pidgin are badly needed in those areas....

It was on the 22nd of ____ that we (____ and his team of workers) left for ____ for evangelistic programme. It took us 12 hours to sail on the rough sea toward ____ direction from ____ port. Elder ____'s family and church members were expecting us. When we arrived, we were happy to see that God's flocks were still faithful to their stand....

When we began with our first night (of evangelistic meetings), three quarters of attendees were not from our faith. Men and women, kids, young and old, all were excited. Every night as people listened to life-giving word from the Holy Bible, their feeble hearts revived to (take their) stand for the Lord, their hope sprang ready to witness to others what they heard.

According to their commands (comments), they said, "We learned many truth which we never learned before. We praise the Lord for His wonderful truths are now reaching such people living beyond isolated areas with primitive standard of living." Today God is calling His people to come out from darkness - Zephaniah 2:1-3.

Next day on Sunday, a small historical church was dedicated, while invited guests and friends, members of our faith, with large multitudes, attended our (evangelistic) programme. Our historical church was built just 100 meters away from (the SDA) Conference church!

A few former (brethren) and the present leaders from the Conference church were very busy to (try and) shut the gospel light away from the people. They are fully drunken from the wine of Satan. They are all mad, ready to commit murder. They threaten their (own) members, both young and old, not to attend our meetings, even not to say hello to us when we meet on the way. Warning them if they saw anyone attending a single night meeting then he/she will be disfellowshipped (see John 12:42-43). Brethren, you know what happened? Every night (of our evangelical) programmes, half of the Conference members (were) being faithful (to) attend (our meetings), some in dark corners, (and) some in front of (the) pulpit!

(But with some of the SDA members) they threw some stones in the crowds, but (a) stone hit nobody. They bribed some of seditious (men) to kill us, but next day the boys admitted to someone and informed us (of the plot). They (even) prayed in church to their God's (to arrange) for disturbance and cursing (of our meetings), but nothing happened. Satan is a defeated foe. We are serving a living God!...

Non-Adventists and Adventist peoples were satisfied to have their copies of tracts, booklets in Pidgin and English. Few English/Pidgin Bibles were presented to needy ones. We are requesting you to uphold those faithful members here in ____ historical church in your prayers to stand bravely to meet and overcome trials and persecution.

The work that I’m focusing (on) now is branching out in God’s grace. Through house-to-house effort the work is enlarging, though some of them who were at first willing to have Bible study have lost their interest, but they were substituted with others who are more interested to hear Bible truths in their homes. Especially those people who have attended our tent effort, which I visited last month, they are willing to continue studying with us. I’m praying for God’s providence in this work, and if this work will have fruits (then) may God’s name be praised!

The work in ____ City where I’m working is going fine. Last month I have been there with my family to encourage them to continue in the truth and to keep His commandments for this is the whole duty of man. They are planning to have tent effort there and to invite their neighbors to hear truths for our salvation. May God bless these plans and to have it work.

Brother Bob the work here is enlarging. Many whom I was working in the past that seemed no fruit, are now calling me, just like a brother whom I labored (with) years ago, now they opened their doors for my visit. Years ago I have given them a complete set of our booklets from your ministry, and it is now beginning to have fruits. May they continue in God’’s grace.

The camp meeting was generally good and a great blessing to all who were there. The brethren who attended were from the different parts of ____, ____ and ____. One youth represented their home church in ____, and from ____ were several brethren. We stayed there for almost two weeks including our travels. We have feasted on the truths and by God’s grace we were convicted to appeal to some of our brethren who have backslidden in health reform, who went back in eating flesh, to renew their covenant with the Lord to remember how they have received and heard the message of reformation in the beginning of the work and to hold fast. I saw hearts were softened in God’s grace, and are now willing to go back to reform their diet. (Editor's note: Praise God!).

According to the words of the prophet we appealed to them that “It is a sad thing when people claiming to be reformers cease to reform” and though “We may have long followed the narrow path, it is not safe to take this as proof that we shall follow it to the end,” “It is as truly a sin to violate the laws of our being as it is to break the ten commandments. To do either is to break God's laws.” Those who transgress the law of God in their physical organism will be inclined to violate the law of God spoken from Sinai. And through God’s providence great was the blessing that was poured out in this gathering and we went home after the camp meeting with joy in our hearts.

Eleven souls were baptized and have testified of the marvelous workings of God in their lives. I pray for these souls that they may continue in the faith as Mrs. ____ who was even imprisoned for nearly sixteen years, but her faith dimmed not until she won the martyr’s crown. I pray also for the elected officers to act their part for the advancing of the work of God far and near. And also for the new missionaries who decided to join the march of God’s soldiers to enter into new territories.

We did also hold our council meeting at night and sometimes in the morning and noon. We talked about organizing and elected new officers like deacons who will truly work for the cause of God, who will take care of the general welfare of the church not only in name but especially by their efficiency. We also encouraged our brethren to recommend who they saw fit to be tried to become missionaries. We got many recommendations, but we asked those appointees of what they could say in regard to their appointment. Some refused because of secular reasons, some were undecided, but many were whole-heartedly decided for the cause of God. The church gave the said appointees twelve months trial (see EV 686-687). These appointees are to give full proof of their ministry. If after laboring for twelve months in evangelistic work, a man has no fruit to show for his efforts, if the people for whom he has labored are not benefited, if he has not lifted the standard in new places, and no souls are converted by his labors, that man should humble his heart before God, and endeavor to know if he has not mistaken his calling. In all these works may God’s name be praised!...

Next week, by God's grace, I will be travelling to ____ with one of our brothers here to hopefully open some new souls most probably his relatives there. And I thank God for just in time I got the money you sent to pay for some of my liabilities I used to spend for the previous month, and the money left I will use for my travel to ____.

I am certain that God will surely take care of the rest of my expenditures for the following weeks. I know that He knows all our needs especially for the coming training for the newly appointed travelling workers. They will be staying here in ____ so I could share with them the knowledge that I have that they can use in the field. After about two months they will go out to open new fields as their practical training.

Brother Bob, I have some sort of financial problem right now because I wasn't expecting that I will be shouldering the fare of my companion, because as of now I have no extra budget for long travel like this. I have given nothing for my family when I leave except a money for buying rice for their food, I hope that you understand. But nevertheless we're already here to share the present truth to his relatives and I still have to include in my budget the other expenses here like food and stuff. And that is basically the reason why I needed to ask from your ministry an extra budget now because I wasn't expecting that my budget would cost much more than I was thinking before I went with him....I am very grateful to you and your ministry and to the people who keep on sending their support. May God ever bless you!...

I am glad to be back home after a tiresome journey. Actually I just arrived yesterday after a two-day and three nights travel by land as well as by sea. I am so thankful that the Lord had been so good to me especially when I was doing His work at ____ City, a place in ____ on the ____. I also thank Him for taking care of my family when I was away and for providing for their needs for more than three weeks.

The work in ____ was blessed by the Lord, seven souls accepted the present truth and they are from the SDA church. Several non-SDA's were also able to hear the last message of mercy and I am praying that they too would humbly give themselves fully to the Lord. We started working there after having rested for one day. We were able to share God's word to more than five families. And then we also visited nearby places for other souls that were referred to us by our own brethren. Please include these souls to your prayers that they may be strong in the Lord. The seven members of the SDA church desire to submit a separation letter to their local church so that their names may be listed out from its record....I am looking forward to go back to ____ to continue the work we had begun until the brethren are strong enough to stand for our faith, of course by God's help....

A lot of (other) souls who are hungering for truth are now being opened through His guidance. Last time I met a policeman while walking home and in God's direction I was able to meet this policeman and talk to him about our Lord and our faith. We tackled a lot of topics in the Bible, and in God's grace last fellowship he attended our Sabbath worship. He send me a message last days and being thankful for our message. I gave him a copy of Great Controversy and Steps to Christ. I also gave him at time we met the tracts about "The Truth About Hell". You know brother bob he is very thankful for those books he is reading, specially the Great Controversy, and relayed some of what he has read. Please include him in your prayers, and also the brethren in ____ whom I visited last month. They send me a message that they are looking for my visit in some other time. Praise God for all this, may His name be praise....

I am now focusing my work with the new souls that accepted the message. I am also keeping in touch with the new converts in ____ thru text messages. I mailed a copy of a resignation letter to the SDA denomination as an answer to their request. They made several copies of it and distributed the letters to several church members. It was like a bomb that exploded! That is why they have been waiting for me to get there sooner. I also went to a nearby city and I followed up the work to one family that heard the message years back. They are also waiting to study with me anytime, praise God!

We just came back from camp meeting in ____. Though we were very tired from our very long travel, yet we came home blessed and refreshed again by the Holy Spirit. It was so nice and a great encouragement for every one of us to see once again our beloved brethren there in ____ who are still standing in the truth though every one passed through different trials and test. A lot of youth attended there. The theme of the camp meeting was about "Church Organization". We make some plan for the progress of God's cause in accordance to His will and based on the New Testament type of organization. Some are appointed also to be workers for the Lord, and some are elected as deacons in the church. Workers and members devoted their talent in every department or line of work such as in medical, publishing, welfare and ministerial. Though we make plan as this yet the success of God's cause depend upon the Lord and the united effort of every church member. Though we are lacking at this time, but we are holding the rich promises of God. We are praying that God will bless all our plans for the advancement of His cause.

Also I want to inform you that there are two families added in the church who regularly attending Sabbath worship and who are trying to follow the light that they received. Another two families also observed Sabbaths with us. We hope that these precious souls will continue in following the light and may our dear Lord help them to be firm in the truth....

About my work, I'm doing it to the best I can and through the guidance of God's Holy Spirit. I am now sending you (followed after this letter) the finished translation of the booklet, "Fires and Plagues of Fanaticism, Part 1." Please check it out, and if you find some problems with it, please let me know. I am doing the second part of it now and I am editing my translation on "Image of the Beast".

Also, as of now, we'd been sharing to our cousin and to his wife the precious message of present truth. And he is convicted of the truth we'd been sharing to him. He is now attending Sabbaths with us for almost two months now, and if his wife is here, he bring it also with him. He is born Adventist and was a long time backslider. And after a long time that we didn't see each other, God open the way for us to see each other again. And from that time, me and ____ encourage him to come back to the Lord and renew his vow with Him and to leave his sins and obey God's commandments. He is still in the process of learning the truth. We hope and pray that he will continue what he has started. Please pray for this souls too.

I believe that the Lord is really coming very soon. All the prophecy concerning the events before His coming were fulfilled already. We can see now in our world all of these fulfillments that tells that Christ is really coming very soon. What we must do is to get ready and be prepared of the coming great event and great trials. We must put on the whole armor of God, and be zealous in His work. May He finds us all faithful unto the end is my prayer.

By this missive I bring to your knowledge that there is some one selling a video projector, (and) this can be used as entry wedge and something that gathers people to listen to the message for the present time. We hired (rented) one to ____ (and) we're able together over 1000 souls to listen, so there is hope if used for the glory of the Lord. If funds are available it will be great tool and means to reach the benighted souls. Very few people have access (to) it (and it) is always something out place or rather new (that attracts people). It is a Telex Firefly TMP 350. She is offering it to us at one million (Ugandan) shillings (about $575 US)....

On 21st ____ the long awaited visit to ____ came to reality. Some people we had shared the truth with through present truth booklets and talked to, arranged that we visit their church. The enemy worked out issues that without the Lords help it would have been difficult for us to make that visit. The Bus we boarded broke down, it took almost one & half hours to put it (back) to (being) road worthy. We reached late for the service in that place (and) another arrangement was made (so) that we speak in the afternoon which chance came to me. The church was filled to the brim, the roof being of iron sheets (and then) with the heaven’s above under heavy rains it was difficult for my words to go beyond the next person. But Lord was gracious that (the rains stooped for some time, save it was getting too late. The subject was: Is the SDA Church Babylon? (I) opened with Ezekiel 5:5-12, which speaks of Israel being too steeped in evil (more) than the nations that the Lord uprooted before them. And promised judgment for such an apostasy....Which clearly spoke of the spiritual condition in that Church...

On our way back we boarded a van not knowing that it had no light, wipers were not functioning. It was...the plan of the enemy of souls to destroy us, and it was heavily raining and too dark to take such risks. But all in all our heavenly Father turned his (Satan's) plans to naught. The Lord has made us to stand, though some are growing week and weary as we advance through the storm.

Thanks a lot for the support and work monies without which it would too difficult to press ahead. God bless the hands that give and more blessing for those who are praying for us (as) we live amidst challenging times -- the very injury time of the devil, and ironing time for the children of God. So we really need the spirit (of) discernment (more) than any other gift of the sweet Spirit of the LORD.

...On 23rd...I got 5 M-Bags from the Post Office. There are still more M-bags in the Post Office which is awaiting clearance, when funds will be available I will clear them....I have done a lot of tract work visited ____ and ____ with booklets.

I’m looking forward for the help I requested to finish the building. The God of heaven should touch the hearts of the brethren and sisters that side, (as) this will be a mile-stone in the work this side and else where. The burden (of) renting will have been done a way with.

We are fine though with so many discouragements. Yesterday we shifted to the new farm place. Things are not good with my family in the (present) place and the house we have been renting. We took all our belongs to the farm only remaining with very few.

Tomorrow brs, ____, ____ and I accompanied by Sr. ____ will be leaving for ____ for an international meeting for one week, and then for other missionary programmes after the meeting. We can not continue to stay at that place, but have decide to live a mobile life for the missionary work sake. We will be at the farm as the many village, and be moving for few years in different places as we make also the last preparations for the farm materials too....Kindly pray for us as a family and for the team travelling for the missionary work in a different country....

I write to report to you how the Lord has been so good with me in the missionary work for these months. In the first month I had two trips to ____ where we also had good time with the church there, and then we also had crucial meetings to plan for the year’s work.

During the very time in ____ I had good time to speak to the homes churches there over the days in which we are living and the Lord blessed as with big lessons on how the Lord God His working with the Holy Spirit in these last days....It was from this time that our eyes were open to see the way we need to work in these last days. We prayed with the intention that the Lord may use us according the way He wants us to do His work to reach the outreached in different areas of our country, and also outside the country. Pray with us we are preparing to enter ____, one of our neighbouring countries, where there is a call. Br. ____ will lead the group going there....

In the same month a call came to me from the church in ____ where Br. ____ wrote to invite me and others brethren to go and attend a minister’s meeting where other plans for the missionary work at the international level was to be planed. By the grace of God the church in ____ provided the transport money for two brethren, Brs. ____ and ____. With the usual support you sent Sr. ____ and I were able to use it.

Elder Bob, it was on the day we reached home from ____ that at night thieves broke in while we were sleeping and got some properties worth USA $500. By then in the day we were trying to prepare for the very trip to ____. We could not understand till we just praised God for keeping our souls as these thieves even entered into all the bedrooms while we were all deep into sleep. To be honest with you Elder, it is really a draw back. Nevertheless, we are encouraged by Paul’s voice; What will separate me from God? Is it "these properties", hunger, trouble, lack of money? Paul says NO, in all these we uplift God.

Elder Bob, after this my wife and I have thought of leave this town as to go and live a mobile life [MATTHEW 10;22]...for the sake of taking the message in different areas which the Lord has given us. We left our remaining properties and our children at the near by farm with my Father in-law. PRAY WITH US ON THIS ISSUE. WE ARE STILL LOOKING TO GOD, YOU AND OTHER BRETHREN FOR HELP IN ANY WAY. GOD HELP IS OUR PRAYER....

Thank you, for the support and for the help to the expense of Joy's sickness. It is now becoming so hard for me to be telling some of the great situation (I) am passing through cause it is like it is too much now....my last born daughter ____ is in hospital, and she been found with so MANY sores in the flesh near the lungs and heart. My dear Elder, my thoughts are confused with the great things going on in my house. So far so bad, WE NEED TO PAY FOR HOUSE RENTALS FOR SIX MONTHS and other bills and all these things are still coming again. Meanwhile allow me to go and rest till tomorrow, things are not well with me in mind, just weeping with my God. Pray for me PLEASE, things are too hard for me.

To be honest with you Elder, all what I have got for my support will go on (towards paying for) these problems, and especially that we are just from that big tragedy where some of our things were stolen, ____ sickness, and ____ twice in hospital, and things are so expensive here now. It is true am fighting with the devil...but am not discouraged, but only weak....

I have been down for two weeks, (and) up to now I still have great pains. I have two bad teeth which are bad, and they are really paining and headache due to the same. I cannot be on the computer for a long time and not even walking for a long distance....So we are just praying that the Lord will keep us.

Almost many things are on still in the missionary work. As I was supposed to be co-ordinating for the coming up international camp-meeting in ____, but I am in trouble (sick). I want to go and remove them (my two teeth) at the hospital, but it is costly and we are in financial crisis due the past situations. However, we still appreciate for your great care in all the assistances you are rendering to the family.