*Volume 102 *No. 05 *Published by Christian Triumph Co. *Permit # 695 *MAY 2008
Contents: Missionary Family News Flash Spiritual Sister That We Might Know Growing Dim by Anita In My Opinion by Juli A Look at the Book of Matthew Abiding by Jo/ letters
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Missionary Family A Moment in the Making Of the Church of God in Peru By Narciso Zamora (Excerpt from his new book Walking Man: A Modern Missions Experience in Latin America) We started our work at Chacapoyas by distributing tracts at the park, on the streets and in the market. We preached the Word of God in those same places. We had no money coming in and only a small fund to purchase the baby’s formula each day. We would buy a one-liter bottle of milk for Gerson, who was then eight months old, and we’d cut it with water to make it last for almost a week. Our household goods amounted to a bed, a two-burner kerosene cook stove, some pots, pans and kitchen items, a sewing machine and the baby’s stroller. We had no other furniture – not even a chair to sit on. What were we to do? We needed food. My wife and I discussed at length the possibilities of what we could do to bring in some food. I had
walked all over the city looking for work in anything in which I had experience – baking, construction, selling goods – and still I found nothing. It was the worst moment for us as a young family. We called on the Lord of our lives, Jesus, as the answer to our problems. Despite our daily difficulties, we kept at our effort of preaching in the open air and handing out literature. Finally, I decided I would go out into the countryside to look for food. I took some of the plastics we had in the kitchen to trade for food items that wouldn’t easily perish. I left on a Wednesday morning very early toward the east. I carried with me a small package of tracts to pass out along the way. I walked seven hours and finally came upon some vegetable fields. In one field was a skinny man with a wide-brimmed hat who was plowing with yoked oxen. I greeted him and stopped for a moment to talk. I said, “I’m a Christian pastor,” and I spoke to him about Jesus Christ and the great sacrifice he made for us on the cross of Calvary. He told me that a professor had once told him that men weren’t created by God but by evolution and that the earth had evolved and man had resulted from that process. He said he had responded lightheartedly to the professor, “Well professor, if the earth evolved and from it came man, why are not men still popping up from the earth when you till it?” I was surprised at the weightiness of his answer, and there in the field standing by his yoked oxen with plow in hand, I asked the man if he would accept Jesus as his Savior. He replied that he had accepted Jesus as Savior some years back but he had never met another Christian since and he (Continued on Page 2) needed to study the Bible.
helped to lift the sack off me, we saw that the weight and the vines had brought blood to my shoulders. I was completely exhausted with barely enough strength to walk into the house; but I was happy because that day my wife cooked delicious corn and a vegetable stew. Glory to God! + NEWS FLASH: As an expression of our gratitude, we will be sending the book, Walking Man, without cost, to our Faith Messenger readers. Look for your copy in the future. (Paid for by an anonymous donor) Scriptures of Provision “Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the Lord delivers him in times of trouble.” (Psa. 41) “Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, Who daily bears our burdens.” (Psa. 68)
He invited me to stay the night in his home and said he would invite a group of people for me to present a Bible study. He also asked me to show him more about the Word of God. I accepted the invitation gladly and I sat at the edge of the field and waited for him to finish plowing. He put the oxen to pasture and took the yoke and plow home. We arrived at his house late in the day. I was starving and needed food. We had a dinner of hot vegetable soup with white corn and potatoes in it. As I ate, I remembered my wife and how she and our son needed food, too. Later we went out to visit the neighbors and invite them to a Bible study that night. Several households gathered to hear the message. I spoke to them of the sacrifice Christ had made to fulfill the Word. After everyone had left, I continued to chat with the family I was staying with about the marvelous Word of God until 3:00 a.m. I showed them scriptures to help them stay firm in faith. They were very excited and continued to ask questions. I gave them some literature I had that they could read and then pass on to their neighbors. We closed the long evening in prayer. The next morning, I told the family that I had some plastic wares that I wanted to exchange for food that doesn’t easily spoil. The brother told me I hadn’t needed to offer anything but to just ask because they had plenty for me to take home. I left the plastic wares anyway and they gave me a sack full of 40 kilos of corn, squash, peas, lima beans, green beans, potatoes, carrots, cabbage and more. I was so happy to receive that large quantity of food to be able to take home to my family. After breakfast, I threw that sack up on my shoulders and started walking. It was 7:00 a.m. when I started and within just a few hours, I was worn out – and the rest of the way was uphill! I had a mountain to climb, no exaggeration! I sat down to rest beside the road, then I went a short way into the woods and found some rope-like vines. I tied the sack with the vines in the middle, brought the ends of the vine around my shoulders, tied it off in a knot at my chest and I started off again. It was getting late in the day. I had nothing left. I was hungry and thirsty but my heart jumped when I saw the first sight of the city up ahead and I thought, “I’m almost there!” I got home around 4:00 p.m. and my wife ran out to meet me. As she
“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matt.6)
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The church met in that house for a long time, thanks to that offering. When she returned to Lima, Sister Evelyn told Pastor Bill Taylor of Colorado about our work in Chota and he was moved to leave money with Pastor Salomon designated to buy us a horse, saddle, hat, poncho, rubber boots, a saddlebag and a flashlight to protect me in all weather, day and night, on my way to various churches. +
SPIRITUAL SISTER Excerpt from - Walking Man By Narciso Zamora (Pages 91-92)
In January 1984, we were invited to a national conference and an inter-American conference. The Church of God welcomed us and we felt good about it – as if it were a natural fit. We stayed several days in the conference activities before returning to Chota. One of the American sisters who was in attendance at the conference, Evelyn Anderson from Christian Triumph Company, the same organization that had sent us many tracts and The Faith Messenger, decided she wanted to travel to our home with us and see the work there. After the conference, Sister Evelyn, some brothers from Colombia, and my wife and I traveled together to Chepen, where Pastor Nicolas lived, and stayed the night there. That night Pastor Nicolas put together a special service at his church and Sister Evelyn delivered the message. After the service, we said our good-byes to some of the others we traveled with as we were leaving very early the next morning. After breakfast, we traveled to Chiclayo and then on that same day to Chota – a total of 14 hours on the bus. Sister Evelyn brought with her a gift for us – a typewriter. It was one of the best gifts I’ve ever received and I was so grateful for that blessing. Sister Evelyn stayed with us for three days then we all traveled to the airport in Cajamarca so she could catch a flight to Lima. While she was with us, she took many photos and seemed to enjoy herself immensely. She marveled at the bright colors of clothing the young ladies of that zone wear – bright reds and blues. When we got to Cajamarca, we helped her buy her ticket and then had to stay the night because the last flight to Lima for that day had already left. Sister Evelyn stayed the night with my aunt, Marina Zamora, who took her to the airport the next day. I had to start back to Chota that night. Sister Evelyn became familiar with the situation of the church in Chota and she helped us with an offering to rent a house in which the church could meet and where my wife and I could also live.
Anna A wife for seven years and a widow until she was 84.
The prophetess, Anna, was in the temple worshipping day and night, fasting and praying. On the very day that Joseph and Mary took Jesus (to the temple) to be consecrated to the Lord, Anna saw them! She came to them, giving thanks to God and speaking about the Baby Jesus to all those who were waiting for a Redeemer. Just like Zechariah who was filled with the Holy Spirit prophesied - “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has come and has redeemed His people. He has raised up a Horn (symbolizes Strength) of Salvation for us…” Anna believed and also prophesied. God’s message and unlimited power ministers from any person who will trust in Him. + The following poem describes the struggles that Jesus suffered so that we might know God and tell others about His priceless Gift of Love. That We Might Know--He struggled to carry His non-ornamental cross up the Via Dolorosa (the road to the cross) That we might know--Of His impeccable obedience to the Father’s Will. He wore the braided, piercing crown of thorns--That we might know--An impenetrable Spiritual Kingdom was being established. The Gates of Hell could not prevail against it! (Matt.27:32) (Continued on Page 4) 3
(Continued from Page 3)
Growing Dim
(That We might Know---)
by Anita
He bore the tandem torture of iron spikes in His Hands and Feet--That we might know--That the toxic, tormenting, tyranny of Satan’s power was being broken.
Cataract is not the news I would welcome, but since it became a fact, I had to accept it. Cataract causes visual symptoms such a visual acuity with increased blurring of vision. Cataract extraction is one of the less complex and most successful operations in all surgery with the expectation of an excellent result. In thinking about people of older years, I remember some may become aware that they have gradually drifted away from Christian teaching, but even more than an eye can be restored, a heart can be restored to the Lord. If there has never been a time of yielding to the Lord, the promise is when they seek Him with their whole heart, they will find Him. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matt. 6:33) For those whose closeness to the Lord has become dim, it may seem hard to find the way, but remember, it is the will of our Heavenly Father, who will direct as one seeks spiritual guidance. More certainly is the possibility for a person to be restored to the Loving Lord than an eye is restored to better vision! At times, one may also feel that his or her child has lost all contact with Christian values which were taught; even so, the child has the potential of being reminded of early teachings and also can be restored. Parents are privileged to petition the Lord to remind their child of the way they should go. Parents can claim promises. Parents can see victories! “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6) Souls can be saved or reclaimed! What a privilege! Thankfully, each person has this privilege of “being sure of their salvation.” What a joy, peace (edited) of mind, and promise of heaven! +
He wore the purple robe of sadistic betrayal--That we might know--Of His Magnetic Inexhaustible Love. He endured the violent episodes of lashings, cursings, humiliation--That we might know--We have an inheritance into a Kingdom of enduring Peace. He released His stellar Blood from His split side--That we might know--Of His pure sacrifice. It is the ticket into the Father’s Presence. In His last desperate moments, He gave His priceless, precious, earthly breath and heart-beat and uttered, “It is Finished”! Salvation’s plan was complete!!! That we might know--That we have an imperishable relationship with the Father. A non-descript atmosphere prevailed as darkness covered the earth--An earthquake shook the environs---the saints came forth from the graves—(Matthew 27: 45, 51, 52) That we might know--All of this was evidence of God’s Authority!!! Sadly: There are many yet who do not know of His Inextinguishable Love! Succinctly speaking, It is still available for all who will accept it!!! - Maxine Tolbert Trigleth
MOTHERS’ DAY WISHES
God bless our mothers! God bless those who are apart from their mothers! 4
and sleep. Just like that it was over and he was calmed. It came to me today that we are like that with God. My daughter and I had been discussing earlier that night about how God doesn’t leave us, we leave him. She had said during our conversation that God had pulled away from her and she wanted to pray and ask him why he was distant from her. I told her I didn’t think that God pulled away from us, we pulled away from him. Now reread the story above, if you need to, and put your name in the place of Jimmy’s and God’s name in the place of mine. Sometimes we are exactly like that. I can think of several life events that would cause us to go into spiritual tantrums until we made ourselves inconsolable and after God did all he could, he would resign himself to just watch, heart hurting for us, listening and waiting to hear us calling him. In the story of the lost sheep and that of the prodigal son, the personality of God is shown not in the one who leaves, not in the one who walks away. God is portrayed in the character who seeks out the lost, the one who waits for the return of his beloved son. (See Matthew, Chapter 18 and Luke, Chapter 15) II Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” This scripture has to do with the second coming and why Jesus had not yet returned. Think about this: What if you were like Jimmy, a sweet boy normally, a laughing fun-loving darling little baby, but something happened and then you grew angry, sour or discontent. You took it out on God even though it wasn’t His fault; it wasn’t the fault of the Father of lights, the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17). Personally, I am glad God has not returned yet. Too many would be lost, including some of my close family members. If you are in that place, that angry doubtful place, please just remember that God is waiting for your return and if you look closely enough at your life, your daily life, you might even see how God is searching for you, calling for your return. Jesus loves you. He loves you and he wants you back. Pray for his help and his mercy and he will show you the way to be consoled, the way to calm yourself and to return to his embrace. Ask, merely ask, and he will answer (Matthew 7:7-11). (Cont. on Pg.6)
In My Opinion! Opinion! by Juli Last night, my grandson, Jimmy, threw a screaming fit for 45 minutes straight. He kicked; he screamed at the top of his lungs; he backed himself into corners; he pulled things down on himself; he hit things. He went from room to room doing this. Luckily, no one was home but him and me (he and his sister live with my husband and me, but his sister was at Great-grandma’s). I asked him if he wanted his “papa” (Grandpa James who works 3rd shift in a factory but is Jimmy’s best friend when they’re both awake.) I tried to comfort him by laying him in my bed and giving him the bottle. I tried to lay in his bed with him. I tried to lay him in both places alone. I tried to play with him in the living room, turn on the TV, give him his favorite toy…No matter what I did, I could NOT console him. He would hold his hands up for me and I would pick him up then he would push me away so strongly that once I almost dropped him. He would whimper and begin to stop screaming and I’d say something and he would start in again. I filled and refilled his bottle with drinks, but he didn’t want any of them. I am ashamed to admit, that after 30 minutes, I was so confused and frustrated that I even spatted him on the back end and told him that was enough! He didn’t scream more, he just screamed the same. He was quite literally at the top of his level of anger, pain, intolerance, fear or whatever was driving this emotional event. After the little spanking, I reconciled myself to the fact that this tantrum would have to be played out to its end and lay down on my bed, letting him continue without any interference from me. I just watched and listened. For a little while he was in the living room and he would sort of stop for a total of three seconds (I counted) and then start up again. Finally he made his way back to where he could see me through the doorway and sat down continuing on with his tantrum with only a minor abatement. I looked at him and said loudly (so he could hear me over his yelling), “Jimmy, do you want your papa (Grandpa James)?” He screamed louder, so I repeated it loudly and he continued to scream. I said, “Jimmy, Papa is gone! Papa is bye-bye. Papa is gone bye-bye!” He looked at me and in less than one minute he quietly came to the bed, lifted his arms and settled down beside me to drink his bottle 5
(In My Opinion – Cont. from Page 5)
7:19),
we read about a continual battle to do good, “For what I do is not the good I want to do…” Certainly, God alone knows those good desires of our hearts including the others which are not so good. Jesus’ new standard does away with all our claims of self-righteousness for we humbly must acknowledge that there is a colossal need for a Savior who alone can empower us through the Holy Spirit. Undeniably, like Paul, we must die to our weaknesses and find strength in Christ, “I am crucified with Christ. Nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” (Galatians 2:20) In Matthew 5: 21-22, Jesus describes a person who is angry with his brother. This anger is not the quick, short-lived emotion but one typical of much thought, lingering unforgiveness, and even a plan for getting even. Indeed this anger will be liable to the judgment court (a council which dispensed justice). The Word of God reminds us that “the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” (James 1) Thus Christ, our Final Word, commands that anger must be banished from life, especially the anger which continues to deepen. (Imposed anger coming from abuse can be helped through God’s healing and professional guidance.) Matthew 5: “…he who says to his brother, ‘You brainless one!’ (Raca) is liable to judgment in the supreme court…” This angry insult of contempt, described by Jesus, is indicative of a feeling of superiority. Anger born of self-importance and pride is in opposition to love and leads to a more serious judgment. Matt. 5, “…and he who says to his brother, ‘You fool!’ is liable to be cast into the Gehenna of fire.” Jesus states that such an angry, malicious person who seeks to destroy the reputation of another commits murder of the heart. Hurtful actions result in severe, negative consequences and so do thoughts! The word Gehenna means the Valley of Hinnom once used for “fire worship of the heathen God Molech, to whom little children were burned in the fire.” (Page 138, The Gospel of Matthew) It had become a place where garbage was cast, always burning with a fire, embodied with filthy smoke and long-living worms. Gehenna was an evil place, symbolic of Hell.
Or merely answer when Jesus knocks and he will show you the way back into his comforting presence (Revelation 3:20). + + +
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) Matthew 5: 21-48 In future issues of the Faith Messenger, we will be studying the above scriptures in sections; however, there is information we must first consider. Mark 1:22, “They were astonished at His teaching; for He taught them as one that had authority, and not as the Scribes.” Often Jesus quoted the Law to His listeners and even added His own teachings even though this Law was esteemed Holy, unchangeable, and eternal. Jesus claimed the power to add or to take away from the Law and in no way attempted to justify His right to do so. Jesus was His Own authority! In fact, Jesus is the final Word, and all other words and wisdom are inadequate. Section I Matthew 5:21-22: “You have heard that it was said by the people of the old days: You shall not kill; and whoever kills is liable to the judgment court. But I say unto you that everyone who is angry with his brother is liable to the judgment court; and he who says to his brother, ‘You brainless one!’ (Raca) is liable to judgment in the supreme court; and he who says to his brother, ‘You fool!’ is liable to be cast into the Gehenna of fire.” With Divine authority, Jesus put before us a standard that searches our very core being. Not only did He state that the act of murder is a sin before God, He added that a person who is angry with his fellow man - in thought - is also under judgment. Our thoughts are of great concern to Jesus. Truthfully, at times, when we face conflicts, our self-control may momentarily become unguarded, and we become angry. In Paul’s writings (Romans 6
In referring to the Valley of Gehenna, Jesus declared that no penalty is too brutal for a spiteful gossip who murders the reputation of another. In other words, this is “a hell-deserving sin.” (Page 138,
Jesus is pleased when we keep his word and abide in his love as he abides and keeps the Father’s word. Jesus desires this so his joy might remain in us and our joy may become full. May God’s blessings be yours this year. With love, One of God’s Grandmas. + Family Bible Story “Son, Why Have You Treated Us Like This?”
The Gospel of Matthew)
In the Old Testament, murderers were condemned. As well, Jesus’ new standard confirmed that angry, sinful thoughts are also under the judgment of God. Most of us know when our anger becomes a sin. Quick spiteful anger, out of control anger, and anger that schemes to hurt another person is sinful anger. (Thoughts from The Living Insights Study Bible
It was time for the family to visit Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. After it was over, Mary and Joseph returned home, but unknown to them, Jesus remained behind. For a day, Mary and Joseph traveled, thinking Jesus was with friends and relatives. Soon, they discovered he was nowhere to be found! In alarm, they hurried back to the city to find Him. Three anxious days passed, and suddenly they saw Jesus, sitting in the temple courts among the teachers, listening and asking questions. His understanding of God and His Laws were amazing to all who heard him. Mary and Joseph were also astonished but more so because of Jesus’ treatment of them. “Son, why have you treated us like this?” Interestingly, Jesus responded, “Why were you searching for me? Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” They did not understand. Jesus left His Father’s house and went obediently back home with Mary and Joseph. There he grew “in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” Luke 2:41-52
Charles R. Swindoll, General Editor)
Probably, all of us have “lost” our temper, only to find it again - imposed upon another person, and many times, our own family members. The Message of this lesson: Let’s be honest; we are imperfect and, sometimes, we get angry. Jesus will help us. We may need to repent and make amends. Being right with God requires being right with our fellowman, and, above all, it requires - taking ownership of our own anger. (Editor)
+ ABIDING By Jo
Jesus told us in the 15th chapter of John, “I am the true vine and my Father is the husbandman. Abide in Me and I in you, because the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abides in the vine; no more can you, except you abide in me and my words abide in you.” Jesus tells us that if we do this, then “you can ask what you will and it shall be done to you. Then my Father is glorified that you bear much fruit.” There is a chorus we sing that says: I’ve found a new way of living, I’ve found a new life sublime. I’ve got the fruit of the spirit. I’m abiding in the vine. Abiding in the vine. Love, joy, health, peace He hath made them mine. I’ve got prosperity, power and victory, Abiding, abiding in the vine.
+ Urgent Prayer Requests Please remember Daisy: “Please remember me in prayer. I met Brother Janes…when I worked at Gospel Trumpet Company.” Please remember Kathryn. Please remember Glenice. We send her our love and sympathy in the passing of her husband. Please remember the Christian Triumph Church, the workers and their outreach to the children and youth. We are praying for you. As we receive your letters, we always pray that God will bless and supply your needs. We value each person who stays in touch & those who read the FM. 7
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“God sets the lonely in families.” - Psalm 68
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