*Volume 79 *No. 02 *Published by Christian Triumph Co. *Permit # 695 *FEBRUARY 2006
Contents: Loved Forever! Just a Little Humor New Feature Announcement Letters The Least of These The Least of These Grandma’s Apron
1 2 3 3 4 5 6 7
LOVED FOREVER!
Valentine’s Day is a celebration of romance and love; it contains the bits and pieces of Christian and Roman traditions. A sketchy history indicates that a priest named St. Valentine may have inspired this day of giving. One such historical legend suggests that he selflessly rescued Christians from Roman prisons where they were experiencing torture. Another story tells that he was in prison and actually sent the first Valentine greeting revealing that he was a caring, honorable and even romantic person. In honor of this special day, I would share the precious memory that Brother Lyell and Sister Una Janes, the founders of Christian Triumph Ministry, were one of the sweetest, most spiritual couples that I have ever observed. Because I worked and lived with them in my youth, their relationship was of great interest to me. I watched as they smiled at each other, spoke quietly and gently together, walked arm and arm through
the printing plant, and at the end of the day spent personal time together. Almost every evening, Brother Janes would take his dear wife’s arm and begin their walk around the block near the office. They would visit as their beloved cats came along with them. Even more significant than my memories is the promise that they are now together with Jesus for all eternity. Romantic love is exciting, but it is delicate and needs awareness. Agape love is of a different kind; this love is a spiritual outpouring of oneself. It comes from a giving heart that looks for little reward. Some of the following are the unselfish and caring words that it speaks: “I value you.” “Your feelings and thoughts are important to me.” “I care about your well being.” “I am very sorry, I would never hurt you intentionally.” “You have achieved your goal, and I am so proud of you.” “I see your smile, and I am interested.” “I believe in you always.” “I will be your devoted friend as long as you will have me.” “I will always defend you.” Our God’s love to us is as thoughtful; it is immeasurable and everlasting. In a song written by Frederick M. Lehman, the third verse sings out to us that mankind can never understand the depth of God’s affection. “Could we with ink the ocean fill And were the skies of parchment made, Were every stalk on earth a quill And every man a scribe by trade. (continued on Page 2)
The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly. They appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with very long handles and each found it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful, but because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths. The holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering. The Lord said, "You have seen Hell."
To write the Love of God above Would drain the ocean dry, Nor could the scroll contain the whole Tho stretched from sky to sky.” Love is a gift. It requires no payment. It is honest and sincere. Whether single, divorced, widowed, or married - God’s love is for YOU every moment of your life! Celebrate! YOU ARE LOVED FOREVER!
They went to the next room and opened the door. It was exactly the same as the first one. There was the large round table with the large pot of stew which made the holy man's mouth water. The people were equipped with the same long-handled spoons, but here the people were well nourished and plump, laughing and talking. The holy man said, "I don't understand." “It is simple" said the Lord, "it requires but one skill. You see, they have learned to feed each other while the greedy think only of themselves.”
ASSURANCES OF LOVE! Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need! He lets me rest in the meadow grass And leads me beside the quiet streams. He restores my failing health. He helps me do what honors Him the most. Even when walking through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, For You are close beside me, Guarding, guiding all the way. You provide delicious food for me In the presence of my enemies. You have welcomed me as Your guest; Blessings overflow! Your goodness and unfailing kindness Shall be with me all of my life, And afterwards I will live with You forever In Your home.” +
(INTERNET)
Faith Messenger Permit #695 Periodical Paid at Corpus Christi, Texas Published monthly, except July and August. POSTMASTER SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO:
Christian Triumph Company P.O. Box 5187 905-909 Bluntzer Corpus Christi, Texas 78405 *********************** L.Y. Janes, Founder (deceased); Steve Beletic, President; Israel Hernandez, Vice-President; William Anderson, 2nd Vice-President; Diana Beletic, Secretary/Treasurer; Una Collins, Asst. Sec./Treas.
(JUST A LITTLE HUMOR) A holy man was having a conversation with the Lord one day and said, "Lord, I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like." The Lord led the holy man to two doors. He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in. In the middle of the room was a large round table. In the middle of the table was a large pot of stew which smelled delicious and made the holy man's mouth water.
This periodical is issued without charge in the name of the Lord Jesus to help inspire child-like faith and maintain Christ-like simplicity among the people of God. To send donations or for your FREE SUBSCRIPTION, write to the address above or contact Christian Triumph Co. at christiantriumph@yahoo.com. Or see us on the web at christiantriumphcompany.com
2
staff who often seeks her advice. Donna’s understanding of her great grandfather’s vision is precise, and she requires accountability in all business matters. John Schillinger is the Webmaster for christiantriumphcompany.com. John willingly volunteers his time in producing this informational website. As a full time student at the University of the Ozarks, part time employee for the Housing Authority, husband and dad, John still continues to bless this ministry with his professionalism. In 2003, John left the U.S. Navy to pursue a career in teaching and will accomplish his goal in 2007. These two dedicated workers greatly contribute to the success of this ministry which focuses on Matthew 28: “ … go and make disciples in all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and then teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you; and be sure of this – that I am with you always, even to the end of the world.” – Jesus. --Another missionary staff member -coming in the MARCH issue – Una (Anderson) Collins, Asst./Sec. Treasurer) ----------------------
NEW FEATURE Just Who Are the Christian Triumph Workers? This New Year, the Faith Messenger will reintroduce to our readers those persons who loyally carry on the God-given vision of Rev. L. Y. Janes. Lyell Janes, his wife, Una, and their three daughters, Evelyn, Edith, and Lois invested their lives in sending God’s Word throughout South America, Africa, the U.S.A. and other countries. They faithfully worked many hours preparing the literature for distribution as well as helping with the correspondence, administrative duties, traveling, and other responsibilities. Throughout the years, many outstanding volunteers and employees assisted in this eternal endeavor. These along with the generous partners of Christian Triumph have brought this evangelistic ministry into the New Year of 2006. The following are two of the present Christian Triumph workers: Left to right: Back row – Donna Schillinger, John Schillinger, Middle row – exchange student, Luisa, from Colombia, Gwendolyn, their daughter.
ANNOUNCEMENT: Christian Triumph Theological Institute (905-909 Bluntzer & Ruth, Corpus Christi, TX) Opens its doors to the Christian public of Corpus Christi and the surrounding cities who desire to enrich their knowledge in the study of the word of God. Enrollment will be held from January 30th to
February 3, 2006 and after. Donna Schillinger is the great granddaughter of Lyell and Una Janes. She is fluent in the Spanish language and proficiently creates the layout for the Spanish periodical, El Mensajero. Donna uses her capable bookkeeping skills in the administration of Christian Triumph funds. As Editor-in-Chief of Hearing Health, a publication of the Deafness Research Foundation, she brings experience and wisdom to a missionary
Enrollment and commencement of classes will be February 4, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. Please call the phone number below if beginning classes after this date. “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105 For more information you may call (361) 888-5621. 3
great demand we lean on the Lord who gives souls, and in brothers that with generosity support us with this material. We thank you beforehand, and desire to maintain closer communication you. We pray that God continues to help. Sincerely, Pastor J. Diaz D.Gomez Palacio, Durango, Mexico ***
LETTERS FROM SOUTH AMERICA Dear Director of the Bible Institute, My beloved brother in the faith of our Lord Jesus. It is a great opportunity to greet you, and desiring great success in preparation of new students for the work of our Lord. The purpose for me writing is to ask to be a student in the Bible Institute, so that I may be more prepared to serve the Lord. My father is a pastor and I help him in the church, and with the young people. I have felt in my heart to study this course, thanks to Brother Agustin Cueva who recommended I take these courses, since he is an ex student of your institute. I will be grateful to complete your first book and take this first important step in my life. You sister in the work of our Lord Jesus, L. S. Cotrina -Cajamarca, (PERU, S.A.) * Dear Brothers in Christ, It is with pleasure that I return my contact with you after so many years. I would like to ask you a favor in the name of Jesus Christ, if possible to cooperate with me and my jobs of evangelism here in Brazil. We need literature for evangelism in prisons, Hospitals, doors to doors, on streets in and out of towns. Brothers, my jobs are together more than 100 churches and congregations all over Brazil. We are going to evangelize thousands of souls who are perishing on sins out of salvation, and we are responsible for this. We have been helped by Ministries from the United States, and we have saved many souls. We already had your help some years ago. God Bless you. Your Brother in Christ, C. Nogueira (Brazil, S.A.) * Beloved Brothers, We send you these lines to bless your lives and your labor in spreading the word of God. We are a growing congregation that through the fulfillment of the great commission, we look forward to please the kingdom of God in this region and then the rest of the country, or wherever our Lord sends us. We ask that you send us material to evangelize, especially tracts to distribute around the homes, due to the
Dear Ones at Christian Triumph…, I wish all of you a blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with many blessings…I save all my copies of the Faith Messenger and read it the minute I receive it in the mail. It is so interesting I cannot wait to read it. God bless every one of you is my every prayer. In Christian love, K. Piper * Dear Ones at Christian Triumph…, I am so thankful to be able to have a small part in the sending of literature to hungry souls everywhere…I would like you to send me the book, God Almighty! HIS WORD for Christians, Jews, and Moslems…The book has been very helpful to me. I am …still learning about how wonderful our God is and to know His Word will not go out void. Sincerely, Your Sister in Christ. M. O’Keefe * Dear Family at Christian Triumph, I do pray this will be a fruitful season for the Lord this next month when we celebrate His birthday. The older I get, the more important it is to get people saved. We know we only have one life and what we do with it means everything. “He that winneth souls is wise”. I hope we will all be wise as the New Year approaches. Love, Your Sister in Christ, B. Cary * …Thankful for your letters…the Lord bless every effort that is being made there for the salvation of souls…I love every one of you. I will close wishing you all good health, happiness now and in the future. Love and prayers, M. Aungst * 4
NEW AUTHOR
(Editor’s Note: In response to a letter asking why “Happy Holidays” was used on the back of the December Faith Messenger, please let me assure everyone that it was simply an innocent greeting chosen to unite our Christmas and New Year’s wishes. The Faith Messenger is prepared for distribution more than one month in advance of its mailing. (The December Faith Messenger was composed and edited the last of OCTOBER.) Therefore, knowledge of the conflict regarding Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays was unknown. Please do, however, accept our apologies. Christian Triumph’s belief in the birth of Christ as Savior resounded in the December Faith Messenger as well as in every other issue of the periodical. Christmas is certainly a celebration of God’s loving gift (Jesus) to each one of us. We joyously proclaim that this Good News is definitely the reason why Christmas is MERRY! *****
THE LEAST OF THESE "Jesus loves the Little Children, All the Children of the world. Red, and yellow, black and white, All are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the Little Children of the world." I wonder - how can we sing these words and yet close our eyes to the needy children so near us? Yet, those words above were not my thoughts or concerns many years ago. At that time, my doctor was explaining about a serious physical problem, and surgery seemed the most practical solution. However, being unable to bear children in the future would be one of the consequences. How could I possibly bring myself to face this sorrowful news? Fortunately, someone kindly suggested the possibility of adopting and certainly God and time helped to partially relieve the pain and disappointment. As the following days passed, our comfortable home and spacious yard brought us much pleasure and gratitude, but still we had no children. Then we decided to begin the process of adoption. On the steps of the adoption office, the tears flowed freely because the paperwork, the long wait for the proper procedures to be followed, and the anticipation of “what might be” began to take its toll. At last the time for the home study was near, but I had decided to cancel the plan, feeling that my husband and I would be content to live without children. A friend came to visit and while viewing our home, she suggested that we, at least, keep children. That sounded like an acceptable solution to our problem. After contacting the (then) Welfare office, (Now) Office of Family andChildren, regarding Foster Care and arranging for an appointment to present our home, we were well on our way. This decision has resulted in more than 30 years of sharing and caring for these precious little jewels who have brought immeasurable happiness to us. (continued – next page)
COMING in March – BIBLE LESSONS A Gustnado - One evening, my children and I were shocked to see a strange, long, thin, funnel cloud hovering in the sky. It appeared too slim for a tornado, but its presence was somewhat threatening; thus, we alerted the weather channel. In time, we were told it was a Gustnado. a swirling mass of wind filled with dust. Never had I seen such a sight before; yet, there it was, and I was an eye-witness to that story. Similarly, Matthew, the collector of Jesus sayings was an eye-witness to the report he gave in the book of Matthew. Matthew left his job as a tax collector to follow a man who interested him like no other. After Jesus ascended into Heaven, Matthew was encouraged to write down all that he remembered in his walk with Jesus. As an eyewitness, his account is credible and powerful. NEXT FAITH MESSENGER ISSUE A LOOK AT THE BOOK Of MATTHEW 2006 5
and unloved? What is meant by Matthew 25:35-36, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me. I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” There is a song that says "He washed my eyes with tears." Truly I can say - my sadness and tears were small compared to the joy, gladness and blessings I have received from offering my home to foster care. My heart rejoices! Another little song goes something like this: "I'm, oh, so unworthy, yet, I’m a child of His care. For His love teaches me that His love reaches me everywhere." Psalm 113:9 - "He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the Lord." We may not receive the promise to be birth parents, but we can become a joyful mother of children as foster mothers. The following is one of the dictionary definitions of Mother--vb.: to be or act as a mother to. I'm thankful for all of our wonderful foster children. My prayer is that all of them will make it to Heaven. Life there is better by far than what this world has to offer!
Matthew 25:45, "He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me.’” What does this scripture mean by "least?" We may think of stature, and, yes, these little people are often small of stature, not even big enough to help themselves as their needs may be. Many children may be "least" when it comes to proper training. The parents’ sinful habits and often their immaturity prevent adequate training for their little ones. Given the opportunity, however, children will grow and mature; it is a joy to watch their progress! Some of these children may be "least" when it comes to having enough self confidence to venture out among those who make fun of them or consider them to be less than acceptable in society. But, give them a chance and rejoice with them as they later become self confident enough to look up and smile! They may be "least" when it comes to knowing how to handle everyday activities. Knowledge of hygiene, food, clothing, study habits, home security, love, training (and the list goes on) indicates their lack of information. But, when offered the opportunity, they can surprise you. The very Name of God, other than used profanely, may not be in their realm of thinking! The fact of Who God is may be a mystery to many of them. At this present time, it has been about a year and three months since the last foster child left our home. At our age, it seems impractical to relicense and take more children. We are thankful for those years we were privileged to have these children with us. Their love has a whole different meaning than it did many years ago. For some parents, the joy of children may be the child's accomplishments, maybe the child's good looks--"just like their Dad or Mom," or perhaps the thought of security as the parents age. No matter what the reason for wanting children, the fact remains, that children seem to add so much to the home. Does God expect us to think of only our own children and ignore those who are left needy
By Anita, (former foster parent). + Editor’s note: Many thanks to Anita for sharing this very important story about children. Life is full of choices and caring for children is one of the most serious. (“Where is the man who fears the Lord? God will teach him how to choose the best.” Psa. 25:12) “And Jesus prayed this prayer: ‘O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding the truth from those who think themselves so wise, and for revealing it to little children. Yes, Father, for it pleased you to do it this way!...’” (Matthew 11:25-26) “Jesus called a small child over to Him and sat the little fellow down among them, and said, ‘Unless you turn to God from your sins and become as little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven…’” (Matthew 18: 2-4) 6
When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.
I don't think our kids know what an apron is. The principal use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath, but along with that, it served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the oven. It was wonderful for drying children's tears, and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears.
When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch, waved her Apron, and the men knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner. It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that "old-time apron" that served so many purposes. THERE IS NO LOVE LIKE A GRANDMA’S!
From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven.
BLESSINGS!
When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids. And when the weather was cold, Grandma wrapped it around her arms.
The Top Ten Predictions for 2006
Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove. Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron. From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables. After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls. In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees. 7
1. The Bible will still have the answers. 2. Prayer will still work. 3. The Holy Spirit will still move. 4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people. 5. There will still be God-anointed preaching. 6. There will still be singing of praise. 7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people. 8. There will still be room at the Cross. 9. Jesus will still love you. 10. Jesus will still save the lost. +
Faith Messenger A publication of Christian Triumph Company P.O. Box 5187 905 Bluntzer Corpus Christi, TX 78465
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Corpus Christi, Texas Permit # 695
Address Service Requested
“…We are able to hold our heads high no matter what happens and know that all is well, for we know how dearly God loves us, and we feel this warm love everywhere within us because God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.” (Romans 5:5)
“When we were utterly helpless with no way of escape, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners…” (Romans 5:6)
8