*Volume 93 *No. 06 *Published by Christian Triumph Co. *Permit # 695 *JUNE 2007
Contents: My Father, the Pilot Storm Tossed Days L. Y. Janes God’s Grandma/Reflecting Him by Sara The Coal Basket Bible A Look at the Book Chat Time Gulls
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PILOT
Years ago, I was enthralled as I listened to a pastor who for several years had faithfully served the church. His executive responsibilities had taken him all over this country. As he concluded his message, he told of one of the most frightening yet thought-provoking experiences of his life. He had been on a long flight from one place to another. The first warning of the approaching problems came when the sign on the airplane flashed on “fasten your seat belts.” Then, after a while, a calm voice said, “We shall not be serving the beverages at this time as we are expecting a little turbulence. Please be sure your seat belt is fastened.” As the minister looked around the aircraft, it became obvious that many of the passengers were becoming apprehensive. Later, the voice of the announcer said, “We are so sorry that we are unable to serve the meal at this time. The turbulence is still ahead of us.” And then the storm broke.
The ominous cracks of thunder could be heard even above the roar of the engines. Lightning lit up the darkening skies, and within moments that great plane was like a cork tossed around on a celestial ocean. One moment, the airplane was lifted on terrific currents of air; the next, it dropped as if it were about to crash. The pastor confessed that he shared the discomfort and fear of those around him. He said, “As I looked around the plane, I could see that nearly all the passengers were upset and alarmed. Some were praying. The future seemed threatening and many were wondering if they would make it through the storm. Then, I suddenly saw a little girl. Apparently the storm meant nothing to her! She had tucked her feet beneath her as she sat on her seat; she was reading a book and everything within her small world was calm and orderly. Sometimes she closed her eyes; then she would read again. She would straighten her legs, but worry and fear were not in her world.” When the plane was being buffeted by the terrible storm, when it lurched this way and that, as it rose and fell with frightening severity, when all the adults were scared half to death, that marvelous child was completely composed and unafraid. The minister could hardly believe his eyes. It was not surprising therefore, that when the plane finally reached its destination and all the passengers were hurrying to disembark, our pastor lingered to speak to the small girl whom he had watched for such a long time. (Continued on Page 2)
Having commented about the storm and behavior of the plane to the little girl, he then asked why she had not been afraid. The child replied quietly, “Cause my Daddy’s the pilot, and he’s taking me home.”
the sick and for other needs. As well, I learned to depend on God for my income. While attending my church, some of us went to a special, inspirational seminar for a week; shortly, thereafter, the pastor said he was going on a trip and asked if I would preach some of our services for him. Glory to God! - God had indeed “destroyed me” but now was building me up again. Following this experience, I began to fast and pray for two weeks; then I was summoned to my pastor’s home. The pastor explained, “I believe God has told me to let you use the sanctuary to begin a Spanish ministry.” What a miracle! What an answer to the prayer and fasting! And now I knew how God was desiring to use me. Eventually, this newly formed Spanish congregation grew, and we moved into a bigger building, staying there for 13 years. And then we moved into another wonderful place of worship; in fact, it was the very building that I used to walk past when I was a little boy, carrying my shoeshine box. Those “storm tossed” days were followed by a rainbow; and indeed my PILOT has guided my ministry for over 25 years. And praise God – I am still going strong! - Pastor Adan Espinoza (edited)
AS WELL: Our Heavenly Father is our Pilot; And He is taking us Home.+ + + (email- edited) STORM TOSSED DAYS -by Adan Shortly after I was saved, I went to a youth service where a missionary from Africa was ministering. After the sermon, he made an altar call and asked persons who wanted to dedicate their lives to God – to come forward. I was one of those. As I knelt at the altar, I lifted up my hands and prayed, “Destroy ME, God, and make me ANEW!” And then my whole world began to change! First, I was fired from my job! Because I was different now, I would no longer drink with my boss - so – I no longer “fit in.” In finding another job at a convenience store, I was instructed to sell cigarettes and beer. But in doing so, I also handed out a Gospel tract. Very soon, I lost that job! In despair, I dropped to my knees, pleading with the Lord, “I don’t know what is going on, but I know that Your Words say, ‘In all things, give thanks,’ and ‘All things work together for good to those that love God, to those that are called according to His purpose.’” Right after this, a lumberyard called me to work, and I worked there for two and one-half years. Then, at a doctor’s appointment, I was told that I had Macular Degeneration; yet God in His mercy healed me from this condition. In response, I felt “called” to some special work and left my lumberyard job. Later, for the very first time, I heard God’s Word in Spanish at a Gospel tent meeting, and the young lady reading the Bible became my future wife. Just as I fell in love with the Spanish Gospel, so I fell in love with her. In the next few years, God began my spiritual education. While going from house to house, selling a Bible library, I continued to meet people who needed prayer. Often, I would pray for
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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. 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
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JESUS SAVIOR, PILOT ME Jesus, Savior, pilot me Over life’s tempestuous sea; Unknown waves before me roll, Hiding rock and treacherous shoal; Chart and compass come from thee, Jesus, Savior, pilot me.
L. Y. Janes
-Edward Hopper/John E. Gould
+ FOUNDER OF CHRISTIAN TRIUMPH COMPANY (“Papa” to his three girls)
UNCONDITIONAL LOVE Unconditional love, sent from heaven above, Jesus came just to prove that God is Love.
Because of the tract, What the Bible Teaches, Lyell Y. Janes, at the age of 19, left his parent’s farm to give his life in God’s service. Through his efforts and God’s blessings, the seed planted through the little tract has resulted in many Gospel tracts going forth throughout the world. After two years in preaching and in missionary work in Mexico, Brother Janes worked in the Gospel Trumpet Publishing House. On December 24, 1910, L.Y. Janes and Una Daley, a proof-reader, were married, then pastored at North Anderson for one year. Brother and Sister Janes were burdened for the Spanish work but applied to the Missionary Board for foreign work anywhere. They were sent to Jamaica to take George Olson’s place while they were on furlough in 1912. In Colon, Panama, they built the first Church of God building, working with the congregation, then later moved by faith to Panama City where they bought a printing press, carrying it up three flights of stairs to their small apartment and started printing and distributing tracts in Spanish, with great sacrifices and many tests of faith. In 1934, they moved to Corpus Christi, Texas, with a home-made trailer and started building. God worked many miracles just to get started and has worked many more miracles through the years, providing buildings and machines. (Excerpt - from The Story of a Tract, compiled by Evelyn Anderson) (edited)
Such incredible Grace, that He should me embrace, As I look on His face who took my place. Irrepressible joy is mine without alloy, Since I’m in the employ of Christ, my Lord. -Byrum C. Lee 04/2007
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Christian Triumph Mission Church ************************************* Editor’s Note: This June Faith Messenger will be our final issue for the summer - until the month of September. July and August are the two months we do not print this periodical in order to be responsible - financially. We shall miss you, our readers, but will look forward to meeting with you again in September. God bless and protect you. Christian Triumph Missionaries (We will still correspond by letters. Thank you.) 3
“BRING TO YOUR REMEMBRANCE”
Reflecting Him
The above text is taken from II Peter 1. The writer – Peter – was concerned about encouraging Christians to persevere. He talks about the unchangeable, permanent true knowledge for the believer, telling us also about great and exceeding, precious promises given to us – that we might be partakers of God’s Divine nature, qualities and love. Peter continues in verse 5 – 7 to add to perseverance: faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, Godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. These qualities are the Divine nature of God and His Son, Jesus. Verses 8 – 11 “for if these things be in you and abound, they make you that you shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” In contrast, “they that lacketh these things is blind and has forgotten what he was purged (cleansed) from.” Concluding with verse 10 and 11 – if we are obedient and practice His word – we “shall never fall and so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” Let us be aware of whose Kingdom we are a part of - by practicing these principals in our every day life, making right choices. -One of God’s Grandmas- Jo Blackerby (edited)
A while back I was walking our Husky-mix dog, Nika, on a leash. We were beside the fence on the creek side of our property, headed toward my husband’s workshop. The sun was shining brightly and we were enjoying the beautiful weather. I noticed something several yards in front of us that was reflecting the sun; it was sending large beams of light back toward the sky. I thought it was probably a large piece of glass or metal – the man who owned the property before us had multiple old cars and parts stored all over it. When Nika and I came close to the place where the reflections had come from, I was surprised to see that there was no big piece of anything; only a few small black bits of some unknown substance were lying there bouncing the sun’s rays heavenward. Similarly, there are times in life that we can feel like a nobody - just some minor part of creation that is not useful for very much. We may not see ourselves as a part of the “great scheme of things”; we feel more like useless debris than a diamond in the rough. But we have a great God who can use us no matter how we feel. If we are reflecting the love of His Son to others, we are doing immeasurably more than we realize. Sometimes it is those who feel the most insignificant that become major players in the kingdom of God. If you are feeling more like rubbish than something useful, remember that the Father of Light is shining down upon you. Make up your mind to spread that light to all those around you and realize that in so doing, you become a brilliant reflection of the love of God. You may never know the effect you have on others until you reach Heaven, but you can rest assured that the “Son-beams” you reflect will leave a legacy far beyond your wildest imagination! “SHINE Make ‘em wonder what you’ve got Make ‘em wish that they were not On the outside looking bored. SHINE Let it shine before all men Let ‘em see good works and then Let ‘em glorify the Lord.”
A little child with hopeful looks to her
eyes, Father.
Is he wise?
(Continued on Page 5)
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(Reflecting Him: continued from Page 4)
The Coal Basket Bible
credits: Music by Peter Furler, Lyrics by Steve Taylor 1994 Ariose Music Sung by the Newsboys on their “going public” album
The story is told of an old man who lived on a farm in the mountains of Kentucky with his young grandson. Each morning, Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading from his old worn-out Bible. His grandson who wanted to be just like him tried to imitate his Grandpa in any way that he could. One day the grandson asked, “Grandpapa, I try to read the Bible just like you but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Bible do?” The Grandpa quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and said, “Take this coal basket down to the river and bring back a basket of water.” With wonder, the boy did as he was told, even though all the water leaked out before he could get back to the house. The grandpa laughed and said, “You will have to move a little faster next time,” and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again. This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandpa that it was “impossible to carry water in a basket,” and he went to get a bucket instead. The old man said, “I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water,” and he went out the door to watch the boy try again. At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandpapa that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got far at all. The boy scooped the water and ran hard, but when he reached his grandpa, the basket was again empty. Out of breath, he said, “See Grandpapa, it's useless!” “So you think it is useless?” And then the wise elderly man added, “Look at the basket.” The boy looked at the basket, and for the first time, he realized that the basket looked different. Instead of a dirty old coal basket, it was clean. "Son, that's what happens when you read the Bible. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, it will change you from the inside out. (Continued on Page 6)
Scripture: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. …But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. That is why it is said: ‘Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’” Ephesians 5:8-10, 13-14 NIV By Sara Ray
(edited)
+ Psalm 103:13, “As a father has compassion on his children, So the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him; for He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust…but from everlasting to everlasting, the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children’s children – with those who keep His covenant and remember to obey His precepts.” Matthew 23: 9 “And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and He is in Heaven.”
John 14:6 – 9 “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you really knew Me, you would know My Father as well…Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father…’” John 14: 23 “Jesus replied, ‘If anyone loves Me, He will obey My teaching. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our Home with him.’” “Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be Your Name…” Matthew 6:9 5
(The Coal Basket Bible – continued from Page 5)
Emotions of pity or a passing thought of sadness are only the beginning of “mercy,” for “mercy” demands a deliberate effort of the will to understand and then follow with the appropriate action. Most of us are too busy- in a hurry- and often are just “feeling our own feelings” to take the time to enter into another person’s pain, mind, or heart. However, making a purposeful attempt to identify with the trials of another would certainly make a great difference in showing the wisdom of mercy. In fact, it would save us from those presumed “actions of kindness” that are actually insensitive. Remember the story of Mary and Martha when Jesus came to their home. At the time He paid that visit, the Cross was looming just ahead. Surely, Jesus must have needed rest and serenity. But Martha, “feeling her own feelings,” believed that He needed a clean house and a big meal. Mary understood Jesus very well; she identified with Him, and soon she was found sitting calmly by His feet. When Martha asked Jesus to do something about her sister’s (selfish) behavior, He answered her, “Martha…you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed…” And Mary was doing it! (spending time with Jesus, and, in this instance, showing compassion for Him.) Sometimes, our kindness comes from within our own mindset; and the other person has to put up with it whether he likes it or not. “Mercy” insists that we make the effort to “get inside the other person’s skin and do what is best for him/her.” In God’s Supreme desire to show His compassion/mercy for us, He became as we are: feeling as we feel, experiencing pain, weakness, exhaustion, heartache and tears. And in His Mercy, He died for our sins and paved the way for us to call upon His Name in our struggles and illness. (“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses…let us then approach the throne of grace…so that we may receive MERCY…in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:15-16) Jesus knows what we really need. Mercy also requires forgiveness for in the Lord’s Prayer, we read, “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” Throughout the New Testament, we read that only the merciful shall receive mercy. In becoming like God, we must seek to become compassionate and forgiving. (September issue of the Faith Messenger: Matt.5:8)
That is the work of God in our lives: to change us from the inside out and to slowly transform us into the image of His Son." Take time to read a portion of God's Word each day. It will make a complete difference!
+ A LOOK AT THE BOOK OF MATTHEW SERMON ON THE MOUNT Chapter 5 (Reference for this study comes from the Holy Bible as well as the book, The Gospel of Matthew, Volume 1 By William Barclay) Scripture: Matthew 5:7, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” In exploring this beatitude spoken by Jesus, I am reminded of a time that my Dad was in the hospital with a kidney stone. This condition causes acute pain, such that only a person who has experienced it could realize. Lying exhausted in his hospital bed, my Dad looked up at visitors who continued coming and then stood talking (at) him for many moments, relaying their own problems and life issues. I have noticed this situation happening in homes, nursing facilities as well as other places well-meaning persons visiting the sick and then talking about themselves for an extended time. Perhaps, we, as concerned visitors, should take a “look at the Book” and ponder the beatitude (verse 7) before making our next visit, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” The Hebrew word for “mercy” does not only denote sympathizing but also means “getting right into the other person’s skin until we feel as he feels.” As I watched my Dad become more exhausted with those who lacked deep, understanding mercy, I decided to put a sign on his door that would protect him. NO VISITORS! And, thankfully, he then closed his eyes and went to sleep. 6
I am not satisfied with just occupying a seat in my church. We need to prosper and prepare in order to help rescue those lost Souls, remembering always that “The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few.” -Maria B __________________________________________ Editor’s note: Recently, I was reading a brief, scientific article about “sea” gulls. It explained that there are about 45 different kinds of gulls, such as herring gulls, California gulls and ring-billed gulls. It has been noted that these birds have webbed feet and can swim well but seldom go out to sea. Although they may follow boats, hoping to get a bite, they do not fly out too far. Gulls can also be found near lakes and rivers. Their numbers are growing in these areas because of trash left behind by humans. And yet, their Great Creator made these gulls to fly more than 100 miles a day, if necessary, while going between their nests and food sources. Their long wings catch drafts, and they often glide. God made a very unique bird when he created the Gull - as only God could do! Below is a little humorous story about a person who mistakenly believes he also has God’s creative powers: God is sitting in Heaven when a scientist says to Him, "Lord, we don't need you any more. Science has finally figured out a way to create life out of nothing. In other words, we can now do what you did in the 'beginning.'" "Oh, is that so? Tell me..." replies God. "Well," says the scientist, "we can take dirt and form it into the likeness of You and breathe life into it, thus creating man." "Well, that's interesting. Show Me." So the scientist bends down to the earth and starts to mold the soil. "Oh! no,no, no..." interrupts God, "Get your own dirt."
From Anita: I am home again after my very wonderful experience at IHC, Interchurch Holiness Convention, held at the Dayton, Ohio, Convention Center. What a time of rejoicing, praising, and enlightening! It was great to hear the voices of some of the missionaries who were on the foreign field, represented at IHC by their parents. I can truly say from the depths of my heart that I was blessed with attending this 56th annual convention, beginning in 1952 and the 32nd convention held in the Dayton Convention Center. The days were spent in prayer, praise, preaching, music, fellowship and spiritual blessings. The General Secretary of the convention stated, “Our need of God can hardly be overstated. It seems the world around us is reeling from one crisis to another, and even the church world in general has apparently lost its way. But as our theme reminds us – rather than despair, ‘Look Up; Lift up your heads; your redemption draweth near.’ While we agonize over the chaos around us, let us personally take new hope and encourage our faith in the never-failing God Whom we love and serve.” - Anita Hennis (edited)
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CHRISTIAN TRIUMPH INSTITUTE It seems to me that times are getting extremely difficult, and that is why I decided to attend the Theology Institute of Christian Triumph. If you are not prepared, you won’t be able to take those lost souls away from Satan. First of all, we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit in order to help fill the Spiritual needs of others. Another reason is that a church with prepared members is a victorious church.
WE 7
LOVE
YOU!
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“Sing to God,
God bless
Sing praise to His Name…
our His Name is the Lord--
Dads!
A Father to the fatherless...” (Psalm 68:4-5) 8