"LET THERE BE LIGHT" Ministries
September - October, 2003
"There are many precious truths contained in the Word of God, but it is `PRESENT TRUTH' that the flock needs now." Early Writings, p 63.
Elder: robert sessler
E-mail address: lightmin@terragon.com
The Family Unit
What is a family unit? A family unit is a group of people who live together in a household. Now just how important is the family unit?
“That family, properly conducted, is a favorable argument to the truth, and the head of such a family will carry out the very same kind of work in the church as is revealed in the family. Wherever severity, harshness, and want of affection and love are exhibited in the sacred circle of the home, there will most assuredly be a failure in the plans and management in the church. Unity in the home, unity in the church, reveals Christ's manner and grace more than sermons and arguments.” Evangelism, p 342.
So the fitness for God’s church starts in the home. But it is more than this: the fitness for heaven starts in the home as well!
“God would have our families symbols of the family in heaven. Let parents and children bear this in mind every day, relating themselves to one another as members of the family of God. Then their lives will be of such a character as to give to the world an object lesson of what families who love God and keep His commandments may be. Christ will be glorified...” The Adventist Home, p 17.
As the fitness for both God’s church and heaven begin in the home, let us more closely examine a family unit which can be made up of father, mother and children, and see how God designs it to be arranged.
A family unit is based upon government in two major areas: one dealing with matters in religious areas and the other in non-religious areas.
In regards to family government in religious matters: God the Father is the Head of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 11:3). And the Head of the church, which is composed of men, women and children, is Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23, 4:15-16, 5:23; Colossians 1:18, 2:10). So the head of every man, woman and child, which they are always to obey in every religious issue – no matter what relationship they may have with any other human being, is Christ.
Hence no one has any right to demand obedience of any other human being, irregardless of age or relationship or authority, when this command goes counters the command and will of God! Why?
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all they soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.” Matthew 22:37-38.
“...Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” Matthew 4:10.
So you mean that even children can disobey the direct command of their parents if it counters the commands of Christ? Yes! Why?
“For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:26-29.
Thus in Christ there is no distinction between one human being versus another! Why? Because all men, women and children are the property of Christ and thus are on an equal basis of importance in Him, for God is no respecter of persons (see Acts 10:34; Colossians 3:25; Romans 2:11; Ephesians 6:9; 1 Peter 1:17).
If you should find yourself being commanded to do anything which goes counter to God’s express will, then remember these words:
“Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye....(for) we ought to obey God rather then men.” Acts 4:19, 5:29.
“Beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake...Fear them not therefore...Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 10:17-18, 26, 32-33.
So let us remember that in all religious areas, we ought to obey God rather than men.
In regards to family government in non-religious matters: the Head of Christ is God (1 Corinthians 11:3). The Head of every man is Christ (1 Corinthians 11:3). The head of every woman is her husband (1 Corinthians 11:3). And the head of every child is their father and mother (Exodus 20:12; Leviticus 19:3; Colossians 3:20).
Now why, in non-religious matters, is Christ the head of every man but not of every woman?
“...forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is of the man. For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.” 1 Corinthians 11:7-9.
This is speaking of the creation of man and woman in the garden of Eden. Adam was created first, and the woman was created out of Adam and for Adam. Now does this fact give any man the right to mistreat women? Not at all.
“Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.” 1 Corinthians 11:11-12.
This is speaking of all men, since Adam, are by necessity born through the woman. So, in this instance, both men and women stand on an equality with each other because they both need each other in order to have life. Thus God in His wisdom has seen to it that there is no basis in truth for any man to mistreat any woman in any area. And God in His wisdom has also seen to it that there is no basis in truth for any woman to mistreat any man in any area – be that man her husband or any other man (see these principles in 1 Corinthians 14:34-35; 1 Timothy 2:11-15).
But why, in non-religious matters, is the head of every wife her own husband?
“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the Saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.” Ephesians 5:21-24.
“Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well...” 1 Peter 3:1-6.
Now does the above fact give permission to every husband to lord it over his wife, or to mistreat her in any way because she is to be subject to him in everything? NO! In fact, if the husband does mistreat his wife in any area then God will not hear his prayers!
“Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.” 1 Peter 3:7.
So since the wife is to obey her husband in non-religious areas, does this mean that the wife is to be a silent partner without any say in any decisions which are to be made in the family? NOT AT ALL!
The husband and wife are united together as one flesh through marriage. As such they are bound to each other as equals. They are to try to see eye to eye on every issue so that there may be peace, harmony and unity in the family. But when there is a disagreement between the husband and wife on any decision which needs to be made, the final decision is left with the husband. But this also means that any consequences resulting from this decision also rests upon the husband!
“The husband is the head of the family, as Christ is the head of the church; and any course which the wife may pursue to lessen his influence and lead him to come down from that dignified, responsible position is displeasing to God. It is the duty of the wife to yield her wishes and will to her husband. Both should be yielding, but the word of God gives preference to the judgment of the husband. And it will not detract from the dignity of the wife to yield to him whom she has chosen to be her counselor, adviser, and protector. The husband should maintain his position in his family with all meekness, yet with decision.” Testimonies, Volume 1, p 307-308.
Hence God in His wisdom has seen to it that even though, in non-religious matters, the head of every wife is her husband, there is no basis in truth for any husband to mistreat, or to lord it over, his wife in any area.
“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.” Colossians 3:18-19.
“Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.” 1 Corinthians 7:3.
“God has ordained that there should be perfect love and harmony between those who enter into the marriage relation. Let bride and bridegroom, in the presence of the heavenly universe, pledge themselves to love each other as God has ordained they should. Let no draught of unkindness chill the atmosphere of love which should surround them. The wife is to respect and reverence her husband, and the husband is to love and cherish his wife. As the priest of the household, the husband and father should bind his wife and children to his heart. The wife should feel that the large affections of her husband sustain her before her children are born, and after their birth he should co_operate with her in the management of the little ones, who should be wisely, tenderly, and lovingly educated.” Bible Echo, September 4, 1899.
Why, in non-religious matters, is the head of the children their father and mother and not Christ?
“Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” Exodus 20:12.
“Children obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be will with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.” Eph 6:1-3.
“Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.” Colossians 3:20.
So for the children to honor, respect and obey their father and mother, God states that this is well pleasing unto Him, and that He will bless these children with long life upon the land which He will give them. And what land is this? The new earth. And how long will their days be? Eternity. But it is more than this.
In rendering loving obedience to the instructions of their parents, they are learning the vitally important lesson, and preparing the way for them to love and obey their heavenly Father! With this above point in mind, it is absolutely necessary for parents to understand that if they do not teach their children obedience then they are leading them directly to destruction. Because if children do not learn to love and obey their parents then there is little chance that they will learn to love and obey God!
“Children who are under strict discipline will at times have dissatisfied feelings. They will become impatient under restraint, and will wish to have their own way, and go and come as they please....And parents need to watch and counsel their children, and decide for them, and show them that if they do not yield cheerful, willing obedience to their parents, they cannot yield willing obedience to God, and it is impossible for them to be Christians.” Testimonies, vol 1, p 391.
But it is essential, that when parents are teaching their children to obey, that they do not become arbitrary in commands; that they are consistent with their commands; that they follow the family rules themselves; and that they avoid provoking their children to anger, so that they will not discourage their children but may nurture them towards the Lord.
“Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.” Colossians 3:21.
“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4.
In Part 2 (November - December), we will examine what are the duties of Fathers, Mothers, and children in this family unit.
MINISTRY NEWS
We have been so busy lately that we were unable to get our Newsletter for September-October out on time. So again we are combining this Newsletter with our November-December Newsletter. And starting next year, we will be mailing our Newsletters out each quarter--or four times a year. We again apologize for any inconvience this may have caused our readers ad supporters.
In cooperation with brother Nicholas of Presents of God Ministry at www.RemnantofGod.org, we have begun converting all our Video Sermons into DVD. As our master video copy of each sermon is converted into DVD format, the picture quality comes out better than even the original video master! We currently have "The Two Most Important Parables of Christ -- The Ten Virgins" as well as "The Wheat and Tares" on DVD. Soon we will have other sermons converted. If any of our readers are interested in obtaining any of our sermons on DVD, please let us know. We are offering them for the same suggested donation of our Video Sermons which is $15 each.
We are also endeavoring to place all of our audio sermons, from both video and cassette recordings, onto our LightMinistries.com web site. We have already recorded many of our sermons into our computer, and will be placing these on our web site as we get them prepared. This way the important subjects dealt with in these sermons will be more readily available to help in awakening our sleepy people.
We also have audio sermons available dealing with Bible subjects for the world on our TrueChurchofGod.info web site. We will be recording more present truth sermons for the world as time goes along. Your prayers in all these important areas of outreach are most appreciated!
The Lord is continuing to bless our Web Site as each month comes! In the month of June we had 42,800 hits, which were generated by 8,797 visitors, who stayed an average of 20:24 minutes each. In these Visitor Sessions, 19,115 documents of Present Truth were viewed. While most of these visitors were from America, we also had visitors from Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Dominican Republic, France, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, Qatar, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. All our visitors downloaded over 35,106 files, which totalled 1,435,496,000 bits of information!
In the month of July we had 49,385 hits, which were generated by 9,373 visitors, who stayed an average of 15:19 minutes each! In these Visitor Sessions, 21,960 documents of Present Truth were viewed. Again, while most of these were from America, there were also visitors from Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Panama, Peru, Philippines, and the United Kingdom! Over 39,051 files were downloaded from our Web Site, which totaled 1,741,814,000 bits of information!
In the month of August we had 60,940 hits, which were generated by 9,663 visitors, who stayed an average of 16:26 minutes each! In these Visitor Sessions, 22,718 documents of Present Truth were viewed. Again, while most of these were from America, there were also visitors from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Finland, France, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, Philippines, Poland, and the United Kingdom! Over 41,674 files were downloaded from our Web Site, which totaled 1,923,396,000 bits of information! So the combined total for these past three months is that over 5.1 billion bits of information were downloaded from our Present Truth Web Site by over 27,800 visitors! MAY GOD'S HOLY NAME BE PRAISED FOR EVER!!
This new Web site on the True Church is produced strictly for the world in mind, although even SDA's can be benefited. Since this site was first put on the Web up through September 3, 2003 we have had 67,505 hits, which were generated by 12,227 visitors. While most of these visitors were from America, we also have had visitors from Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, China, Cocos Islands, Colombia, Croatia/Hrvastska, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mauritus, Mexico, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Venezuela, Virgin Islands, and Yugoslavia. These visitors downloaded 1,370,000,000 bits of information.
TO OUR YOUNG ADULTS: there are some new Chat Rooms available for our young separated believers to talk and share with each other. The room "Eternal Youth" is specifically for pre-teens. The room "Teen Room" is specifically for teens. There are also other present truth chat rooms available, including a chat room on health, for any who want to meet and share together. All of these chat rooms are operated by our fellow separated brothers and sisters and can be visited by going to www.RemnantofGod.org/pogmchat2.htm.
We continue to praise our God for allowing this Ministry to do this humble work. We also extend our deep appreciation and gratefulness to all those who have helped us to continue doing this work. We ask for your continued prayers and support in this most important work for these last days, so that Jesus Christ may be uplifted and glorified in this dark world. Please know that all our supporters share in all the souls won to the Lord through these efforts!
MINISTRY NEEDS
"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!
GENERAL FOREIGN MISSION WORK NEEDS
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.
Please financially help us to continue supporting our current ministers and workers on a consistent basis, so that the spreading of the truth will not be interrupted but can quickly lighten this dark world with the glory of God.
"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.
SPECIFIC MONTHLY FOREIGN MISSION WORK NEEDS
FIJI Islands:
M Printing and mailing expenses for booklets and tracts to Fiji.
M Printing and mailing expenses for booklets and tracts in Fiji--about $100 monthly.
KENYA, East Africa:
M Printing and mailing expenses for booklets and tracts to Kenya.
M Printing our booklets in Kenya--$2000 for 10,000 copies ($0.20 per booklet).
M Projector, screen, and evangelistic film for non-SDA outreach.
M Several different herbs, plus shipping--for our medical missionary worker there--$250.
M 2 good PA Systems for evangelistic meetings--$300.
MALAYSIA:
M Printing and mailing expenses for booklets and tracts to Malaysia.
M Purchasing of Chinese Bibles--$7. each.
NIGERIA: West Africa:
M Printing and mailing expenses for booklets and tracts to Nigeria.
M Purchasing and mailing of Bibles and Bible Study Lessons.
M Video projector for evangelism outreach--$3000.
M Purchasing of several boxes of Ministry of Healing books--$150 (THIS NEED HAS BEEN MET, AND THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO THE DONOR!).
PHILIPPINE Islands:
M Boxes of 1884 Great Controversy books for non-SDA outreach.
M Printing and mailing expenses for booklets and tracts to Philippines.
M Printing tracts in the Philippines--$100.
UGANDA, East Africa:
M Printing and mailing expenses for booklets and tracts to Uganda.
M Printing and mailing expenses for booklets and tracts in Uganda.
M A good PA System for meetings--$600.
M Bibles and Spirit of Prophecy books to purchase and mail.
ZAMBIA, Central Africa:
M Printing and mailing expenses for booklets and tracts to Zambia.
M Portable generator for evangelistic meetings--$650.
M Computer for translation work--$600.
M A printing press or Risograph Duplicator to spread the printed truth throughout all of Africa.
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.
LETTERS to "LET THERE BE LIGHT" Ministries
Thank you very much. No let me explain that. My wife and I have been going to the SDA (church) for 4 years now. The one thing that we learned was how to find the truth in the Bible. What a powerful tool it is.
By learning to find the truth in the Bible we have found that the SDA is not the remnant church. Your views about the denominations is exactly as we believe now. We broke from the SDA about 7 months ago now and we have been studying in our home and we have learned so much more. Thank God. Our thoughts have been like the views you have posted for about three years. We were just unsure on how to deal with our feeling and what we were learning, but since that time we have given everything to the Lord as instructed and we have heard His call and are following Him.
We are excited to find at last people that feel the same we do. We thought we were losing it for a while. Now we are so comfortable that some of the SDA are asking us why we are not attending anymore, and we have given pretty much the same view to them as you have. Some are listening....Our hearts are very warm while reading your web site. All of our thoughts and prayers have been bang (right) on. Your site just confirmed what we are experiencing. The Lord does work in mysterious ways.
Thank you so much and God bless all of you.
R.&R.D., e-mail.
Dear Bro. Bob,
Thanks for sending me faithfully your present truth, and to note more workers are getting involved in the gospel Ministry. The end-events of the world is shouting persistently from this war going on and how far it can go, no one knows except that God is holding the winds of strife until the sealing is over, right?
Somehow, we have nothing to fear for Jesus assured us not to be troubled for better things are yet coming. Beyond war, diseases, pain, sickness, death, divorces, economic collapse, etc., better promises are yet to come. Amidst the tempest/turmoil from global chaos, etc., the book of Revelation speaks peace. Jesus will soon come...Let us look forward eagerly to be celestial celebrities and live with Jesus forever and ever.
Keep up the good work and God bless you.
In the blessed hope, L.D., Canada.
Dear Bob and Family,
I hope the Sesslers are still doing well and receiving God's blessings. We are doing very well. Our Ministry has grown to such an extent that we can hardly keep up with it. (Editor's Note: Praise God!)
We send out literature to about 70 Adventists every month. Many of them have separated from the SDA structure and are serving the Lord faithfully. Many of them have established home churches and gain a great blessing from the literature we send them. Others are on the point of separating. We supply them with the literature and other materials and then pray that the Holy Spirit will do the rest.
What we especially like, is the fact that my friends share the material with other Adventists who share it with others. And so it goes on. They also reach out to non-Adventists. I constantly receive requests for more literature. I am a very busy man!
I received your bag of literature today. Thank you very much. I really appreciate it. I have a number of people who will use the material gladly and profitably.
A lot of dissatisfaction has crept into SDA churches and my friends can supply earnest souls with the necessary material to counter apostasy. And it works! Many SDA pastors do not like me. I don't mind. I serve a Lord who would like people to study the TRUTH and accept it....
My photostat machine is giving me a lot of problems--its overworked! We will have to attend to it. At the same time both my video machines developed problems. We hope to have them repaired soon....
Remember, we are praying for you and your family. Please give them all our regards--from both me and ____. We fondly remember our visit to you. Regards to the Cains too.
Christian greetings, E. & D.B., South Africa.
Dear Brother Bob,
We sure appreciate the work the Ministry is doing. Keep up the good work. We are praying for you and the family and those who are receiving the gospel through the Ministry.
Your friend in Jesus, J.R., CA.
CORRESPONDENCE FROM FOREIGN WORKERS
FROM FIJI ISLANDS
Dear Bro Bob,
1 John 3:1.
May I once again greet you in His wonderful name and may His peace, love and joy be with you always. Thank you very much for the support and it came just in time and praise God for it....
The Methodist yearly General Conference has already started two weeks ago and it still going on and also the Assemblies of God Church has also having their yearly General Conference since last week...I tell you that there is a lot of activities going on here in ____ for the past three weeks....Thousands of tracts, booklets, pamphlets, books, etc., etc., were distributed out to the people everyday. We visited their camps, churches and the places they are meeting, distributing our literatures to them.
I have been meeting a lot of people, sometimes I was invited, sometimes they come to meet me in town or I go to their houses even when they see me in the city. They will come to meet me and ask questions. This is why more people are now fellowshipping at their very homes. Just this morning before sending this report to you, I spend almost an hour with two Fijian couples explaining to them the truth for this last day touching on a lot of subjects. I have been receiving telephone calls and letters from people around Fiji asking me questions on what they want to know about the Ministries and the truth of today.
I visited ____ in the beginning of this month and met a brother who wants to be our contact there. I have sent to him cartons of tracts, booklets, etc., etc., to help to distribute our literatures there. As I have also told you that we have also established a contact in the ____ Division too, who will also distribute our literatures there. (Editor's Note: Praise God indeed!)
Translation on the booklet "Will You Answer Christ's Prayer?" is coming along fine and the translated booklet "Why Are Protestants Bowing to the Pope?" will (be) sent to you in two days after the final check...
May God continue to bless you and yours.
Your servant in Christ, B.A., Fiji.
FROM KENYA, EAST AFRICA
Dear Bro Sessler,
The Lord is leading His work, on 31st August, we finished the camp meeting of ____. Believers praised God for the pointed message which they received from the ministers who were officiating during the camp meeting. Also, they promised that from that day they will change their life so as to attract many souls to the faith.
You know, the Eastern Province is dominated by Sunday keepers and on our way to ____, we presented the Sabbath truth to the travellers whom we were travelling with. Many were moved to hear such message, but at the same time Satan was provoked and moved in one man who wanted to fight us. But the conductor and travellers defended us. The man alighted on the way with many curses which he received from his tribal men ad women. At the end, we alighted at ____ where men and women who were traveling with us praised God for hearing such message for their first time.
The work of salvation is on, (and) double effort is needed, and God needs men who are fully devoted into this course...
I received August and September effort (support). It made easier the journey (expenses) to ____ and it will help my travelling to Western part of Kenya where I am going to answer calls from my brethren.
May God bless you.
Yours in the Lord, S.O., Kenya.
Dear brethren,
Christian greetings.
We are just from this year's camp meetings at ____ and ____. ____, ____ and myself were in ____, whiles brothers ____, ____ were at ____....The camp was one of the most blessed in recent years. God has taken the (work) in His own hands, and we saw this on Sabbath. A group of brothers and their families stepped forward to link up with (us) in this glorious message, when their pastor told them no more to present the third angel's message as that would cause discontent with the Catholics! Remember these brothers and sisters in your prayers.
However, the devil tried to spoil this wonderful work by hindering ____ to attend. Thieves had broken into his house in ____, while he as ministering, and stole everything with exception of a few old clothes, mattresses, beddings, utensils, and all! But thank God he had courage enough to come to meeting on Tuesday....Here is indeed a needy case among us.
Thank you for your constant prayers and moral support and encouragements.
I., Kenya.
Dear Br. Bob,
1 John 3:1
Praisings and glory to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has given us the daily breath and life eternal. The month of August was tough or hard, but we praise God because we are through (it).
The medical report: cuts - 1 person; cough - 5 people; digestive disorders - 1 person; fatigue - 2 people; sterility - 2 people; nervous - 1 person; sore throat - 3 people; ulcers - 2 people.
Meru camp meeting was nice and unique of itself because it was like a new movement being born. We had a good number of new members who separated from ____ SDA church, so we enjoyed being together.
Of the things which were stolen from my house (while I was away just before the Meru camp meeting) was of about Ksh 104,550 (about $1,300 US in materials). I've tried to trace but I've recovered nothing as yet. The policemen (are) asking something small to assist, but I am not the kind. I leave everything for God to solve. I need prayers as I go through this hardest situation. (Editor's Note: we are indeed keeping you in our prayers, and will send what we can).
May God bless you.
Yours in service, P.N., Kenya.
FROM MALAYSIA
Dear Elder Bob,
"We are nearing the close of this earth's history; soon we shall stand before the great white throne. Soon your time for work will be forever past. Watch for opportunities to speak a word in season to those with whom you come in contact. Do not wait to become acquainted before you offer them the priceless treasures of truth. Go to work, and ways will open before you." 7T 16.
Sorry for my late report. How are you? I pray that all your ministry work will be under the divine guidance and protection of our wonderful Lord despite those unfavorable circumstances such as electricity failure. May your work there continue to flourish and help speed up the last day gospel far and wide.
I would like to let you know that I have finished the translation and input of about ten of those set of tracts that you sent to me months ago. (Editor's Note: may God be praised!) I don't know how to format like the original, they were done with A4 (paper size), this will suit the input of Chinese character. Most can be done in one double page, but some have to use 3....One operation system of my computer got crashed and need to be fixed before I can do some further format, proof-reading and print-outs. I will mail you the whole set of tracts as soon as they are finished...
May the Holy Spirit strengthen us in His work in the short remaining days! Richest blessings upon your Ministry too!
In His service, V., Malaysia.
FROM NIGERIA, WEST AFRICA
Beloved Elder Bob,
My greetings come to you from the book of Romans 8:16. Praise God! This Scripture brings peace and joy to my soul and I hope it does the same to yours and as well as to those around you.
I pray that the good Lord is blessing your work for Him just as He is blessing mine here. Our Mighty and merciful heavenly Father has wrought tremendously here again this month. However, before I share my testimony, kindly permit me to share with you the following inspired statements...
"The work of Christ was largely made up of personal interviews. He had a faithful regard for the one-soul audience. From that one soul the intelligence received was carried to thousands." Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 115....
"In Christlike sympathy we should come close to men individually, and seek to awaken their interest in the great things of eternal life. Their hearts may be as hard as the beaten highway, and apparently it may be a useless effort to present the Saviour to them; but while logic may fail to more, and argument be powerless to convince, the love of Christ, revealed in personal ministry, may soften the stony heart, so that the seed of truth can take root." Christ's Object Lessons, p. 57....
It was my pleasure and privilege to see the above fulfilled to the letter when the Lord permitted me to host one of the Baptist church pastor...I have been studying with the man since last year when the Lord allowed our paths to cross....
Upon receiving the above last call (from him), I recognized the providence of God in this and I swiftly went after him and brought him and his daughter into our home/ministry....
It was a sweet experience for me each day as I sat with him studying our beautiful third angels messages and health reform messages....Lots of questions were asked and answers were given to his satisfaction. Although, he has not openly confess that he accepts the Sabbath truth but he has not condemn it either. The seeds of truth have been graciously planted into his mind and I believe the Lord is still working to cause them to germinate and be fruitful in his life....
They left this place on Sunday 17th of August as vegans and an attitude to investigate our "Present Truths" further. They pledged to God in their prayers to continue practicing all that they have learnt. I also promise to keep in touch. Glory be to the only One that deserves it.
In relation to door-to-door outreach and Bible correspondence work, our heavenly Father continues to bless His work and our efforts. Many souls were reached for Jesus. We have received seventeen responses so far and by faith, we are still looking forward to more. Some of our current students sent in their "finished lesson study booklets" and we have eleven at hand for marking or grading. Praise God!...
I shall be looking forward to hearing from you soon. May our efforts and lives continue to hasten the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. May God richly bless you in all that you are doing for Him.
Your servant in the Lord's word, S.A., Nigeria, West Africa.
FROM THE PHILIPPINES
(Combination of 2 letters) Dear Bro. Bob,
3 John 2, 1 John 3:1....
As of now I have finished already two more other tracts, but I can't send to you it now. Our computer got some trouble and defects almost two weeks now. I didn't yet input those translations into our own computer because of those problems. I now just renting a computer here. But as soon as the computer get okay I will send it to you. I am now concentrating on translation, writing it in a notebook. I have finished the tracts "Curse of the Law" and "Two Laws?" and will start other tracts again....
Anyway, last Sabbath we held our monthly fellowship here in ____. Sad to say that not all our brethren here in ____ were able to attend. Our brothers and sisters from one island can't able to come because of the stormy weather. During Sabbath afternoon, we went to our elder brother in the faith who is very sick. We visited him and his family giving some words of encouragement and help. Please include him in your prayer. (Editor's Note: He is in our prayers along with all my other precious brothers and sisters).
The Lord is so good and merciful that He is always there in our side. He always gives us the strength we need during time of trials and temptations. I praise Him for what He has done for me, for His goodness and loving kindness. May He find us faithful unto the end.
Till here for now. May God bless you, your Ministry and your family always.
Sister in Christ, S.B., Philippines.
FROM UGANDA, EAST AFRICA
Elder Sessler,
Precious greetings in Jesus' name. After some good time I take this chance to write that side as (to) the work of God.
The times have been very troublesome, brother Oluge passed away some time last month. This is the brother who gave the unfinished church building in ____, he alone had believed the present truth in the clan. Some brothers and sisters have been bed ridden, but thanks be to God (as) they are getting better.
As per the work, the Lord hath opened up avenues for His work to extend His kingdom of grace to those who have opened up their doors to the boundless grace of the blessed Redeemer. Books and tracts have been taken by brothers to different stations. We have over-heard people defending the Sabbath, who do not seem to attend any church, this I believe has been due (to) the silent messengers.
God willing in the near future we (are) planning to hold open air meetings in different places as the Lord shall lead us. Stand with (us) in your prayers for the work of God in Uganda and other parts of the world....
Yours in Christ, K.I., Uganda.
FROM ZAMBIA, CENTRAL AFRICA
Dear Elder Bob,
I count it a blessing to report to you that the work of the Southern countries is going on fine. I praise God the unity He has put among us.
In this month of August I was asked by the church to send letters to brethren in this faith around our country to come and attend the camp meeting. Brethren in Namibia and South Africa were ready and...came driving. This gave us a very big courage...
Elder Bob, I want to report to you that this camp meeting was really a great blessing due (to) the messages which came at the right time. These were awaking messages and after the brethren left back, it has left a lot of dust (solemn thinking) among us. A great revival is taking place in the home churches. Praise God (that) two prominent elders from the SDA (church) who attended the meeting are in the home churches now. Besides we have two families from the SDA (church) who are also with us in ____ home church.
Now due to these truths which are going on, the devil is really on some of our leaders. Praise God that others like elder ____ has stood like Paul to bear and take these truths. And a lot has already been done and we are only down (hindered from spreading it farther) by (lack of) the support. That is why I am praying to God that through you, others may raise and give support to elder ____, and help us to see this truth go. Many many are now coming to this message and the work is big....
Now elder Bob, I pray that you (will) pray for me as never before cause (we) are really in great trouble by my family and my own wife. The devil is on me over life and just wanting to kill me. I am just living by Paul's encouragements, 2 Corinth. 12:7 and thank you for (the) verse 8 & 9--here I stand, not me by Christ only. And to this situation today I commit my spirit into God's hands that if I die anytime from now I may meet Jesus when He will come again. Ps 31:5. I am not afraid anymore if this is my CUP I have to take it. I end up here as my tears drops. (Editor's Note: please know that you are indeed in our prayers and thoughts, so you are not alone without tender human sympathy, my dear brother!)
Elder Bob, pray for me. Ps 129:2; Ps 31:15; Ps 27:4....
Your fellow servant in the gospel, W.M., Zambia.
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