Nov-Dec-08

“Christ came to John exiled on the Isle of Patmos to give him the truth for these last days...telling him to send it to the churches. This instruction is to be the object of our careful and prayerful study; for we are living in a time when men who are not under the teaching of the Holy Spirit will bring in false theories.” Manuscript Releases, vol 20, p 150.

So it is the duty of all Christians to carefully and prayerfully study the book of Revelation. Especially is it the duty of those whom God has called to proclaim His truth, to open up the correct understanding of the messages contained in the Revelation so that God’s people can be better prepared for the events of the last days. This duty of both the individual Christian and the minister is necessary because there are those who misinterpret the teachings of Revelation and then spread around their false theories, which traps precious souls in error. And is there any error which is safe to believe – even if it is just a little error?

So there is no error that is safe to believe. It doesn’t matter how long this error has been taught; it doesn’t matter how many people believe it to be true; and it doesn’t matter how small it might be. Any error is harmful, dangerous and will bring confusion and dissension into the midst of God’s people, and this includes the subject of the churches mentioned in Revelation.

That is why we are going to investigate exactly how many churches are described throughout the book of Revelation. Are there only 7 churches, or are there more than 7? Since God Himself decided to mention all these churches by name in the book of Revelation, which is one of the most important books in the entire Bible regarding the events of the last days, it is of the utmost importance that we discover what these churches symbolize, represent, who they may apply to, and how many there are.

But to mention the possibility that there are 8 churches found listed in Revelation, and not just 7, is almost speaking blasphemy to some people! They accuse you of teaching false doctrine, of trying to spread division and dissension among God’s people, and seem ready to cast you out of their midst. But is there really only 7 churches listed in the book of Revelation?

Since this subject can arouse great resistence and opposition, it is particularly necessary to find out exactly what God’s inspired word has to say regarding all of these churches. That way we can stand firmly upon a Thus Saith the Lord, and if any should then refuse to accept our firm position, then we can leave them to argue with God, and move on to reach out to those who are hungering and thirsting for the truth.

In Revelation, chapters 1, 2 and 3, there are listed 7 different churches by name. The first church spoken of is Ephesus, the second is Smyrna, the third Pergamos, the fourth is Thyatira, the fifth is Sardis, the sixth is Philadelphia, and the seventh is Laodicea. You will notice however that the Bible does not give a number to any of these churches at all. Ephesus is not listed as being the #1 church, nor is Laodicea listed as being the #7 church. Giving each of these churches a particular number is done by people counting their order of appearance. So just because Laodicea is listed as the last of these 7 churches of chapters 2 and 3, does not make it the last church spoken of throughout the remaining chapters of Revelation! It is very important to understand this point. Just because Laodicea is listed as the last of these 7 churches, does not make it the last church spoken about in Revelation!

Now these churches of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, etc., literally existed in Asia at that time Revelation was written, and John was directed to write down specific admonitions addressed to each one of these churches. But were these specific admonitions written just for the benefit of these 7 Asian churches? No, so then how are we to interpret what these specific admonitions mean for each of these churches?

Many have been taught to interpret these 7 churches in a particular way, and will oppose any other interpretation as instantly being in error because it is differs from what they have been taught. But God’s true people do not want to ignore truth just because it opposes how they may have been taught in the past – especially if this truth is backed up by God’s inspired word! So then what does inspiration reveal to be the correct interpretation of what these 7 churches represent?

“The names of the seven churches are symbolic of the church in different periods of the Christian Era. The number 7 indicates completeness, and is symbolic of the fact that the messages extend to the end of time, while the symbols used reveal the condition of the church at different periods in the history of the world.” Acts of the Apostles, p 585.

The time period for the name of Smyrna, which means “myrrh or sweet scent”, is taught to be from approximately 100 ad - 313 ad. This is when the Christian church was enduring persecution – especially from the Roman state, as well as from those in their own ranks who had embraced false doctrines. This persecution was because of their firm and unwavering stand for God and His truth.

The time period for the name of Pergamos, which means “exaltation or elevation”, is taught to be from approximately 313 ad - 538 ad. This is when the Christian church decided to compromise its faith and then accept into her membership only half converted pagans. The true Apostolic faith became corrupted, and then this apostate religion was embraced and upheld by the state of Rome through Constatine, which led to the birth of the Roman Catholic church and the exaltation of the man of sin.

The time period for the name of Sardis, which means “prince of joy”, is taught to be from approximately 1517 - 1798. This is when the great Reformation of Protestantism, based upon the message of justification by faith, was freeing thousands of people from the falsehood and superstition of Roman Catholic tradition and popish bondage.

The time period for the name of Philadelphia, which means “brotherly love”, is taught to be from approximately 1798 - October 22, 1844. This is when the message of the soon advent of Christ was convicting people of their sins, bringing them to repentance and conversion from it, and encouraging all to help each other to get ready for His soon coming.

And the time period for the name of Laodicea, which means “judging the people or a people adjudged”, is taught to be from approximately October 22, 1844 - 2nd coming. This is when those who had embraced the Advent message gradually fell away from their original zeal and love for Christ and His soon return, allowing pride and love of the world to envelop them, and then fell back asleep in this time of the Investigative Judgement.

Since inspiration does not plainly declare when each of these 7 church name time periods begin and end, then these above dates are not fixed in concrete and are only approximate. So just because the SDA church teaches that a particular church period – say Philadelphia – began or ended at a particular time, does not mean that it really did begin or end at that time. So these time periods are approximate, and should not be viewed as absolute facts of truth.

Now I want to bring up another important point. How many physical groups or churches of God were existing during these different time periods? For instance, how many physical groups or churches of God were existing during the period for the name of Thyatira – or from around 538 - 1517? There were the Waldensians, as well as the followers of both Wycliff and Huss, etc. These groups were raised up and used of God to accomplish a particular purpose at that time period.

Now, how many physical groups or churches of God were existing during the period for the name of Sardis – or during the Reformation Movement from around 1517 - 1798? There were the Lutherans, Anabaptists, Calvinists, Huguenots, Anglicans, Presbyterians, Puritans, Quakers, Mennonites, Brethren, Moravians, Methodists, Baptists, etc. These groups were also raised up and used of God to accomplish a particular purpose at that time period.

Since there were several different groups or churches which God was using during these church name periods, especially during the Reformation Movement, and there was very little contact, if any, between them all, then this shows that there can be more than just one group or church which God has raised up and is using during these last days! Thus the belief that each church name period has only 1 chosen group or church of God existing in it, and all the others groups or churches that are living up to all the light they have are not being used of God, is completely false.

As God had 7000 faithful souls that were unknown to Elijah, while he thought that he was the only faithful one existing (see 1 Kings 19:14, 18), and as God had another symbolic 7000 faithful souls that were unknown to the apostle Paul (see Romans 11:4-5), so God has plenty of faithful souls in these last days who may be meeting together in groups or even churches that are unknown to any of us. Yet because they are living up to all the light they know, then God considers them to be just as much His people as those of us reading this Newsletter. I am not talking about any of the churches of Babylon, but about those which are unknown to us.

So if God’s people will remember these above facts of truth, it will help them avoid the trap of the Devil in 2 major ways: 1) – it will help them to avoid the belief that they are the only faithful people of God existing in these last days who may be gathering together in groups or in church capacity, and 2) – it will help them avoid the belief that if any should refuse to unite or join with them, then these should not be considered as true followers of God.

But it is also true that there is only one true church of God and not many different churches of God. Yet when we speak about the TRUE church of God, we are not speaking of a literal visible church that is made up of a particular group of people gathered together into one body. But we are speaking about a spiritual church that is only made up of individual Christians who are faithful to God. This is because we are saved as faithful individuals in Jesus Christ: we are not saved in groups or in churches.

"God has a church. It is not the great cathedral, neither is it the national establishment, neither is it the various denominations; it is the people who love God and keep His commandments. `Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them' (Matt. 18:20). Where Christ is even among the humble few, this is Christ's church, for the presence of the High and Holy One who inhabiteth eternity can alone constitute a church." Upward Look, p 315.

"Christ would have His followers brought together in church capacity, observing order, having rules and discipline, and all subject one to another, esteeming others better than themselves. Union and confidence are essential to the prosperity of the church." Testimonies, vol 3, p 445.

And this call from God for His people to unite and organize together in church capacity does not just apply to the SDAs and their church organization, as some also want you to believe in the hardest way, but it applies to God’s separated people in these last days just before the closing of this world’s history!

"Oh read the prayer of Christ for unity, 'Keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are' (John 17:11). The prayer of Christ is not only for those who are now His disciples [back in Christ's day], but for all those who shall believe on Christ through the words of His disciples, even to the end of the world. Jesus...looks down the lines two thousand years to His church which would be in existence in the last days, before the close of this earth's history." Manuscript Releases, vol 1, p 355.

“There was order in the church when Christ was upon the earth; and after His departure, order was strictly observed among His apostles. And now in these last days, while God is bringing His children into the unity of faith, there is more real need of order than ever before; for, as God unites His children, Satan and his evil angels are very busy to prevent this unity and to destroy it." Early Writings, p 97.

It is this fact that God’s united people love one another, more than any other – including more than the message they preach, which proves to the world that God has indeed sent His Son Jesus Christ. This is because such love and unity in church capacity, which is constantly maintained by His followers under any and all circumstances, is known to be impossible by the ways and standards of the world. Yet it is not impossible with the divine help, grace and strength of Jesus Christ!

But this convincing evidence to the world that God has indeed sent His Son Jesus for their salvation will never be given or seen until God’s followers manifest this love and unity among themselves, and this love and unity among God’s followers will never be achieved until they come together in church capacity. So while they remain independent atoms from each other, this dark and sinful world will continue to grow more evil, and this is just as the Devil desires!

So this first interpretation backed up by inspiration, is that each name of these 7 churches represents a different period in the time extending from the Christian church down through to the second coming; and that it is only the church name that represents each period, not the message to the church. We also found that inspiration establishes that God has faithful souls all over the earth; that His true church is made up of individuals, not groups; and that God would have His people today unite together in church capacity in order to bring about the love and unity necessary to perfect character, and to let the world see that God has indeed sent Jesus Christ to save them from sin.

Now to whom were these 7 messages given? Were they given to church buildings? No. Were they given to church organizational structures? No. These messages were given to those making up God’s professed people. That is why each of these 7 messages ends with “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” Church buildings and structures do not have ears, only individuals do. So we can see that these messages represent 7 different characteristics manifested by individuals who all claim to be God’s followers. Thus all 7 of these messages can been seen today being manifested in the lives of those claiming to be God’s people, which means that these messages are not limited to any particular time period!

“...the number of the churches--seven--indicates completeness and is symbolic of the fact that the messages extend to the end of time, and are enforced today; while the figures used are symbolic of the state of God's professed people...” Manuscript Releases, vol 1, p 372 (Manuscript 81, 1900).

It is these church messages that apply to the individual followers of God, and not that these messages apply to the particular church which these followers may or may not be connected to. It is very important for all understand this. In this second inspired interpretation, these messages apply to the Christian believer, and not to the church which they may or may not be connected to.

“The call to the gospel feast is first to be given in the highways. It must be given to those who claim to be in the highways of Christian experience--to the members of the different churches. "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." Revelation 2:7. In these churches there are true worshipers and there are false worshipers. A work must be done for those who have fallen from their first love, who have lost their first zeal and interest in spiritual things. We must bring the warning before professed Christians who are transgressors of the law of God. To them the message must be given.” Testimonies, vol 6, p 76-77.

“The message to the church at Ephesus is a close, decided personal testimony to them for leaving their first love, and an earnest call to repentance, lest their candlestick be moved out of its place. We need to heed these words of warning, and repent of our sins.” The Home Missionary, November 1, 1897.

“The supreme love which sister Palmer has ever had for herself has stood directly in the way of her spiritual advancement, and if continued, will surely prevent her perfecting a Christian character. Sister Palmer is deceived in herself. She thinks she is in a favorable condition before God, when the message to the Laodicean church applies to her.” Pamphlet #138, p 48.

So in this second interpretation, these 7 church messages do not apply to the corporate body or to the denominational church itself, but it applies to the individual Christian believer. The inspired testimonies just quoted plainly indicated that the message to the Laodicean church applied directly to sister Palmer as an individual Christian, as well as the message to the church of Ephesus applied directly to professed Christians and to individuals who needed to repent of their sins. So you can see that these messages apply to all Christians irregardless of church affiliation, and it doesn’t matter whether they are Sunday-keepers or Sabbath-keepers; whether they are church members or separated and independent from all churches. Each and every Christian individual will exhibit characteristics represented by at least one message to these churches, and thus they can know exactly what they need to do in order to be saved and not condemned.

Yet, in regards to these 7 church messages, you will also notice that most, but not all, of these contain messages of condemnation from Christ! For instance, those represented by Ephesus had left their first love or Christ, and were fallen: those represented by Pergamos were content to remain connected with those believing and promoting false doctrine; those represented by Sardis were hypocrites, trying to appear as Christians who were alive for God, while their works proved them to be dead; etc.

Out of all these 7 church messages, only 2 characteristics – that manifested by Smyrna and by Philadelphia – did not receive any condemnation. All the other 5 church characteristics received the warning: “except thou repent and overcometh”. Thus if you should discover that you are manifesting any of the characteristics of these other 5 churches, then you know that you must repent and overcome these particular characteristics through the strength and grace of Christ in order to avoid being condemned and lost. But why didn’t Smyrna and Philadelphia receive any condemnation? Lets find out.

“And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou are rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.” Revelation 2:8-11.

So those Christians represented by the message to Smyrna are those individuals who have the above characteristics and experience. They endure tribulation, poverty, imprisonment, and are persecuted by those who call themselves Jews, in other words those who call themselves God’s followers. Yet they remain faithful unto death, and they will indeed receive a crown of life at the first resurrection!

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” Revelation 3:7-13.

As those Christians represented by the message to Smyrna were faithful unto death, who do you think are those individuals represented by the message to Philadelphia? They would be those who remained faithful to God during the hour of temptation that tried all the world; those who remained faithful while being persecuted by the synagogue of Satan, and who did not deny Christ while all the rest of the world did; those who patiently endured all temptations and trials and yet still held fast their faith and kept their crown of life, patiently waiting for the soon coming of their Lord. In other words, the message to Philadelphia would represent the 144,000 who did not see or taste of death, who remained alive as the only ones for God still on the earth, who have the synagogue of Satan come and bow at their feet, and who also see their glorious Lord come in the clouds of heaven (see Acts of Apostles, p 531, Selected Messages, book 3, p 427; Review and Herald, April 19, 1870 (vol 1, p 94); Review and Herald, April 29, 1875 (vol 1, p 163); Prophets and Kings, p 227; Great Controversy, p 649-650).

You will also notice that those Christians who are represented by the message to Smyrna and also to Philadelphia are both persecuted by a group of people represented as the synagogue of Satan. This Satanic church is a group of liars who call themselves Jews – or the followers of God, but they are actually the servants of the Devil. Who do you think compose this particular group of liars and deceivers who make up Satan’s synagogue?

“You think, that those who worship before the saint's feet, (Rev. 3:9), will at last be saved. Here I must differ with you; for God shew me that this class were professed Adventists, who had fallen away, and ‘crucified to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put Him to an open shame.’” Word to the Little Flock, p 12.

“The great army of evil is constantly working to gain the victory for Satan. The synagogue of Satan has come out to contest every step made in the advancement of truth. Will those who profess to believe the truth join the powers of darkness? You have done it, but not all.” 1901 General Conference Bulletin, April 5, 1901, p 86.

So this Synagogue of Satan, this great army of evil and darkness, also includes Seventh-day Adventists, and in fact some of the SDA church leadership had already joined this Satanic group way back in 1901! How many more of the church leadership do you think have joined today – over 100 years later?

So those liars who make up the Synagogue of Satan are “professed Adventists who had fallen away” from the truth of the 3 angels’ messages, yet they still claimed to be the true followers of God. While those who are indeed the true followers of God, because they live and spread the 3 angels’ messages, are persecuted by these Satanic deceivers! Talk about someone being blind to their true condition! Yet their blindness was their own fault, because they did not love the truth, but had pleasure in continuing to live in sin (see 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).

So this second interpretation which is backed up by inspiration, is that the messages of the 7 churches do not apply to the corporate body or to the denominational church itself, but it applies directly to the individual Christian believer; that these messages are not limited to any particular time period, but are all applicable today; that only those Christians who exhibit the characteristics of either the message of Smyrna or of Philadelphia will be saved, while any of those exhibiting the characteristics of any of the other 5 church messages must repent and overcome these or they will be condemned.

Dear ones, thank you so very much for responding to our call and in sending your support to this Ministry through your prayers and gracious donations. We received enough donations to be able to send full support to our workers in the various countries, which we have not been able to do for the past several months! Thank you so much, and you have helped to lift a big load off my and their shoulders at this time! Please continue helping as the work is growing and is not stagnating, and may God bless you richly and abundantly in these last days of earth’s history.

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 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 Patula. 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.

TO OUR SUPPORTERS: Please know that "Let There Be Light" Ministries is not using your support to build itself up into a kingdom, nor are we trying to acquire expensive video, TV or shortwave facilities. But we are trying to spread the truth as quickly and economically as possible. Please also know that you have played an important part in helping spread the Present Truth into various parts of this world, through the printed page, through the living full-time workers and ministers we sponsor, and also through our websites on the internet. This is how the Loud Cry of the third angel will be spread, and is now being spread! If the Lord impresses you to help in these endeavors, your donations and prayers will be greatly appreciated, and not just by this Ministry. MAY GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU!

"Let There Be Light" Ministries is committed to the spreading of the full present truth gospel message worldwide, and has been doing so since 1986. This Ministry has operating expenses covering the areas of: printing, publishing, and writing of present truth books, booklets, tracts, and other literature; 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.

May our God and Saviour continue to lead and guide all those who have helped us reach souls who sit in darkness with the precious light of gospel truth. May our supporters remember that they share in each and every soul who has been reached by this Ministry and converted to the Lord and His present truth!

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.

Thank you so much for the great work you are doing in sharing the Last Day Message of Separation. Jesus is coming very quickly. We need your prayers in these last hours of this earth’s history. Please pray for our families and friends that we are witnessing to. We are keeping you and your Ministry in our prayers too.

I hereby send my gratitude and thankfulness to you and your Ministries for the booklets and pamphlets that you have sent then, but mostly I am very, very thankful for giving the book “The Abomination of Desolation and Church History....My joy was like a child when I got this book and discovered the truth I never knew before.

And I hereby make a request that you sent to us here in Lesotho one of your missionaries if it is something you can afford... (Editor’s note: it is already in the works!) It is because here we have experienced and encountered a very distressful situation with the SDA church leaders, and the controversy started when we preached about the Sabbath and the Beast, and we were told to be less vocal about these teachings because they threatens the people. And then we started pinpointing some errors that are now stealthing (creeping unnoticed) in the church.

In 2004, less than 20 brethren and sisters were disfellowshipped from the mainstream church. After this, we started a home church and we still do the church service, but we need guidance to do the right thing. We need people who had experienced what we had experienced so that we can share what we have. We need to know how to conduct a home church. And I hope with your Ministries we get the help we need. We need training lessons so that we can do the work of our Lord Jesus Christ with much care and respect.

This last few weeks was a learning week for me. I say this because (I) know there is plenty I have to learn by reading especially by Spirit of Prophecy. I came across one of the books “Life At Its Best” by E.G. White. There are some very good topics that I am learning from, and I thank God for showing me the right way at the right time.

In the last two weeks we were giving out tracts in the ____, but (with) the tracts I can see and witness how the people are hungry for the word of God, because when they were a few metres away from us their hands are stretching out for the tracts, but only a few who come up asking questions like what ministry is this? And what is the message about? Well I just answered their questions, but they accept the tracts. It was the “God’s Last Message of Mercy to the World” tracts, we were giving out that day.

I have already translated it and today I am taking it to be photocopied, also with “Latter Rain and the Loud Cry” booklets. Yesterday I went to visit a lady who is a member of our Ministry, she was so happy to see me. She was fine, but a little bit of cold and flu, and we had a good time encouraging one another in the word of God....

I was sharing with my neighbour here, Indian lady, this people worship idols but they believe that there’s a God, and I was telling her if you believe there is a God in heaven then why can (are) you worshiping idols, it has no ears no eyes and can’t hear you because its dead. She always like to listen, she’s such a nice lady, but I am explaining slowly to her, and please we do need your prayers.

Last month we traversed ____ Kenya, coming in contact with the first Kenyan contact for Sabbath Rest (fanatical group of God does not kill theology). He was very excited to meet us as Remnant from another corner of the country. We shared with him to some extent, but not deep enough for the time then. He and his team requested for another meeting in which we can further examine our principles. The meeting is scheduled for Oct. 9 at ____. He has since quitted the Sabbath Rest, and joined Remnant. Pray for us to see eye to eye with them as we meet.

We appreciate the support which goes a long way enabling us to meet the calls we get. However it is not too much to say that given the inflation after the troubled elections, much of this goes to transport. Our prayers are that when the Lord sees it fit to increase it, we shall be even more grateful....

Eight SDR churches already established in ____ that is located in far isolated mountain villages...There are more than 6 hundred faithful members plus children upholding the present truth and waiting for the soon coming King. (Editor’s Note: May God be praised!) They have 3 Evangelists, 1 Missionary with some volunteer laymen full-time serving the Lord in their appointed pastures.

I am invited to speak (there) in the Camp (Meeting). 57 men, women and youths from ____ accompany me and family and we were arrived late (in the) evening at the Camp site after the tiresome journey. Pulpit was erected and decorated with colorful natures in the center of the village. I was very delighted to see over 500 faithful members were already at the Camp area and they’re preparing and expecting me to start the meeting.

At night I spoke about the events that connected with Christ’s coming from the projector slide show. Pictures that appeared on the sheet from the projector slide is attracting and forcing the multitudes out from their homes and crowded at the Camp site watching and listening to the end time messages. Majority of people living there, including young folks, were very low in education, poor in good health and living standard. But (I’ve) seen no any opposing signs from them like as others in past programs; instead they support us with foods and with high respect. It is my joy to quote from the book of Isaiah. Lets see what he says here. Isaiah 11:10-12: “And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people....And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.”

During the week days, my wife get organized with some ladies and they visit some homes of older age couples and widows, orphans and sickly people and praying with them and give them some of the clothes, towels and cover sheets to small kids and adults as well. Clothes I purchased with the funds that your Ministry has allocated and specified on that purpose. Also some of the foods and clothes were giving away some weeks earlier in my own District.

Sabbath was another blessed and blissful moment that we come across. 17 backsliders follow the pathway of the Prodigal Son as they return back to the fold as the Holy Spirit convinced them through the messages that (were) presented during the week. They walk up and stand in front of audience and I pray over them.

I would like to share my grateful heart and say thanks and appreciating you and LTBL Ministry staffs and supporters that you are sharing God’s wonderful present truth across the world through Publication, Newsletter, Evangelistic and Camp Meetings, and funds that you wired to various workers in different countries which keep us alive and active in God’s vineyards. Once again, thankfulness to God and His Holy name is glorified forever.

For 20 days I’ve been enjoying many blessings during my stay in ____ city Camp with the faithful believers. Representatives from other Provinces came by plane and ship to attend the Camp. The week before the Camp, at early hours we divided in threes and moved from street to street doing street evangelism, and at the evening hours we do the combined preaching central areas and reminding the public for the coming Camp Meeting and its locations.

When the Camp Meeting begins, we have seen the great results came out from the work that has been done last week on the streets. At the end of the week, we baptized 13 souls. After ending the large meeting, I begin another meeting in the settlement outside of the city and below of 200 people attending night programs.

About what happened to our meeting, all of the recognized workers here in the Philippines were able to come and attend that meeting. We spend one whole week there in a house of our brother in ____, but we had started our meeting on Tuesday because we still waited some of our co-workers who were not able to come on time. We had studied, reviewed and discussed some of our stand like about Church Organization, Church Discipline and Gospel Order, Tithing System and some of the personal issues that brought some misunderstanding between workers.

About Church Organization, we do believed in Church Organization, but we still firmly hold that the order and system that was maintain in the early Christian church, in the time of the Apostles, and in New Testament Scriptures which was the simple form of organization should be maintain in our church now and the one that we should copy and follow where no king to control but Christ as the head of it and all are brethren. Reference: TM 489, 6T 116, TM 489, LLM 464, AA 91, 196 etc. (Editor’s Note: Praise God and Amen!) On the Church Discipline and Gospel Order, God requires that order and system be observed in the conduct of church affairs and we need to enforce it in our church, but we need to follow the rules laid in the Scriptures in Mat 18. Ref: AA 96, Ev 318, UL 136. On the truth about tithing system, we know that the tithe is for the support of the God's ministry or ministers, and it is through direct giving. We thank the Lord that we had come up to the unity of faith and we had also settled and understand the personal issues, it is just a misunderstanding and lack of knowledge about the issue. Praise God that we were able to come to the unity of faith through His power. May God continue to bless, guide and lead His people not only here in the Philippines but all throughout the (world and to bring us) into the unity of faith that we may receive His promise and fulfill the prayer of Christ and may be a blessing to the world....

Just this last Sabbath, we held our fellowship in ____. All of us were very happy to see each other again after two months. We invited also our workers from ____ and 5 youth who are training to be a future missionary. During Sabbath, we studied Church Organization and Gospel Order and some encouraging and strengthening message. And on Sunday, we (me and brethren from ____) decided to visit our former sister who backslide from the truth. We walked 4 kms from the place that we were staying to reach this sister because there's no way of transportation there. And as we reached their house, we hugged her and really happy to see her again. We talked to her and encourage her to go back to the Lord and receive Him again. And she said that we should pray for her. I hope that God will soften the heart of this sister so that she will decide to serve the Lord again. As of now, our brethren and the youth are here in our house in ____. We are visiting those former brethren who went astray and also we are teaching and sharing to our young missionaries the fundamental doctrines and pillars of faith that they should have and equip for themselves. This coming Sabbath, we will spend our Sabbath with our brethren in ____ and will visit also a man who is interested in the truth.

Also bro Bob, about the translation work, I’m doing the second part of Let There Be Light-Bible Separation-Part 2. I’m on the middle part already. Please continue to pray for us here especially for our work here that God had entrusted. May God's name be glorify! God bless you, your family and your ministry!

Since He saved me and He has done the same many times than I can remember, from child hood have suffered different troubling disorders in the very first years of life. I was bewitched (had spells cast on me, but) not once did I lose my life. My mum tells me (that) in and out of hospitals was the trend of (my early) life. There was a time when a deadly viper [snake] was found in the same blanket with me (all night) that was (only seen in the) morning (but) I was unhurt. Five times, when I tried to go the cultivate the rice gardens, (I) met with deadly snakes, (but it was) all through His mercies and compassion (I) was saved. One time (I was) knocked down by speeding cyclist (and) left for the dead, but I was not yet...all this shows His wondrous mercies. To His own (it was) that He came (to) save....

We met at elder ____ (at his) Home (Church). It was a beautiful Shabbat [Sabbath]. From thence got calls to visit ____ on the 26th/Sept/2008. They have a special Revival meeting on that date. I have put it to God in prayer and believe even with limited funds I will make the journey. Your prayers for the Lord’s work are greatly needed.

The great Lord has been so good for me in the missionary work this year, and as brethren from Zambia this year has been a great help in our mission. We thank you God that the long waited Risograph Machine has been bought from your support there and with the support again we have started the printing work. Soon we will tell you the number of copies we have printed with the first support over the printing programme.

Br. Bob, August 2008, 18-23 was another special time for the united brethren in Southern Africa to hold up an International Camp Meeting which took place in Namibia. Br. ____ and (I) set for the trip on the 15th. As we reached ____ my brother realized he had left his Passport (at home), and we communicated (back) home where we were assured that it was to come the following day with the other bus. We had not enough money, and so we spend our night at the station where another puzzle had happed. My brother's shoes was stolen. The following day the Passport was sent, but the bus that took it had a breakdown on the way, and so the brother just went back (home as I could not delay any longer). So I went to Namibia alone from Zambia, but (was in company) with King Jesus – who did great miracles.

The topics that where assigned for Zambian brethren were all given to me, and the good Lord spoke the message that was touching to my soul, and hope with others as some said. We had brethren 12 from Zimbabwe, 4 from South Africa including my old beloved mother Sr. ____, 1 from Zambia and many from the hosting Country Namibia. Br. Bob the last Sabbath at the Camp came and I was told to give the last concluding message. I tell you the Lord is so wonderful if you accept to be used. He spoke a message (through me) that ended up with a call, and more than 10 of us came to the altar either renewing their faith and covenant with God, and others giving themselves to the Lord for the first time.

The book COL (Christ’s Object Lessons) was used at the very last call from pages 205-9. What a great day it was as many of us ended up with tears dropping after this call. My beloved brother, continue praying for us especially the group that gave themselves to Christ on that day. I will scan the footnotes for you when I have money.

Right now am in ____ and I have just received a call from the brethren in ____ who are in the meeting which I have missed due to (lack of) transport money, and they say I should be getting ready for another missionary trip to ____ for a week and half days. This programme will start on 24th Sept. 2008. It is my sincere hope that the great Lord will provide means so that I should not miss this trip. Pray for me I really want to go and do the great work that my Lord has given me. What a lovely privilege to work under His wings. Kindly help me to see me on, on this date....

For two Sabbaths I was in a new field with my brothers from ____. It is a distance of 300km one way from ____. This is the area where br. ____ stays. In this place br. Bob, I want to report to you that it is a country place and the people in the area who have accepted our truths are really very serious and are old people with the great vision.

When my brothers went there first, they baptized 8 souls, and now this time we had three new elderly people from the SDA church who joined the home churches and a full family of about 5 members who have started the home church at their home. Two were rebaptized and these people need SOP sets for their libraries and further research. The great Lord help us in the presentations of the lessons so much that all who came to attend never thought of going back (to the apostate church)....Br. Bob, the field is ready for our separation message of mercy, but the (lack of) means have really become a big trouble for me to continue performing this work well, especially the medical missionary work which is really accompanied by the three angels’ message. What am I going to do next, as things appears to be so hard?

We have just realized that the message has now reached a very correct (critical) time when the receivers are ready for it, because of the unchristian activities taking place in (their) churches. Please, what can we do for this good time to be used rightly? Means have become a biggest hindrance... I appreciate the donation made for the Risograph machine which started it’s work and some of the materials have been printed, also we need more than this as the field is very big and demanding, but the trouble again is that the master, ink and others major materials for the printing work is finished (all used up) and it is again off (no longer running). Please I humbly ask our donors to help this printing work to continue as we need to take some of these materials to Malawi and other countries again. I will wait to hear from you brethren on these requests....

I had as yet resumed my operations, but for now am recovering from the injuries at home. I praise God also that His hand is working so mightily for me here as I also have begun to face difficult times regarding my faith. Hold on my brother onto the Lord Jesus as signs of the times are already telling that He is nigh at hand. The New World Order is gaining ground even in the area in which I am living, as the clergy of the fallen denominational churches have finally intensified their efforts to force me into their ministerial fraternity under the guise of unity.

It’s also important to note that I have begun to give ministerial studies to one of our number so as to prepare him for this duty in the near future. This work is progressing well and I pray that the Lord will educate His worker that responsibilities may be shared. It’s also my pleasure to express my sincere gratitude to you for receiving a parcel of 8 DVDs and I am strongly persuaded that this will go a long way in seeing the work here in Zimbabwe prospering.