*Volume 125 *No. 09*Published by Christian Triumph Co. *Permit # 695 *NOV 2010
Contents: The Woman at the Well....Home Page Diamonds in the Rough ........... 2 A Family of Mentors ............. 3 Hopeless ........................4 MY True Story .................... 5 Special Song by Peggy, The Ark.. 6 Left Side of the Ark............. 7 Prayer requests ................. 7
Tired and thirsty, Jesus and His little band of followers came near Jacob’s well which was more than 100’ deep. It was midday, and His followers went ahead towards town to purchase some lunch. As Jesus rested, He looked up to see a woman walking the long distance from the town to this outlying well, yet He simply asked her for a drink. The woman was astonished! She was aware of the barriers between a Jewish man and a Samaritan woman. In fact, Rabbis didn’t even converse with women, especially those of an inferior religious society. But Jesus broke the barriers! He visited with the woman just like a friend. In His humility and patience, He
answered her questions without condemnation or a sense of religious superiority. Nor did He exhibit racial or gender prejudice. Truly, here is a picture of God ….loving the world. As Jesus spoke simple truths to the woman, she began to be aware of His acceptance of her. And in doing so, she began to see her Self in His presence. Interestingly, He neither shamed nor blamed her for having five husbands as well as living with another who was not her husband. Her honest transparency was valued. Curiously, as Jesus talked with her, the woman’s personal perception of her own life became altered. She, perhaps, began to see that her world of debilitating choices was confusing and without foundation. And, perhaps, she began to reason that not only her unique identity but how she lived her life was what counted before God. As Jesus witnessed her enlightenment, He knew exactly what was within her heart – and there, in the depths of her Being was the promise of a great missionary. (Continued on Page 2)
In receiving His love and mercy, the woman found purpose and selfworth, even enough to share with those who willingly condemned her. In finding the Messiah, the woman left her past and ran into the future, telling the Good News of Jesus and His power. It is so remarkable that in knowing Jesus, we are able to say, “Look at who I was….and, now, look at who I am. Just see what God has done for me.”
That the diamond really flashes, And becomes a special gem.
(FM Editor & William Barclay’s The Gospel of John)
“I’ve spent a long time in sin’s prison…with the arrival of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ’s being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation.”
Maxine Trigleth
Every saint has a Past… Every sinner has a FUTURE! … Sin’s Prison
DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH I’ve seen some diamonds in my time, That sparkle with great flair. They’re worn with much expense and pride, And handled with great care. The beauty of the stone is held, In the crafter’s artful hands, With skilful eyes he calculates where, The hammer’s blow must land. As the diamond is divided, By the hammer’s fateful blow, Its value is increasing in a monetary flow.
(Paul)
Romans 7, 8
The Message
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); Israel Hernandez, President; William Anderson, Vice-President; Fred Pena, 2nd Vice-President; Diana Beletic, Secretary/Treasurer; Una Collins, Asst. Sec./Treas.
I’ve seen some people in my time, Who are diamonds in the rough. Their lives hold great potential, For the things that are in the plus. But until the master craftsman, Has the freedom to remold— Their lives will lack the purpose, That He intended to unfold. It is when we in submission, Bow to the breaking that’s within,
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
little laugh that no one could ever forget. And, thus, my new life began with a family of mentors. I not only lived with them but built my work ethics on their values and principles. Their training has successfully guided me through more than forty years of diverse employment, and, at last, as I edit the Faith Messenger, their technical advice continues to ring in my memory. I remember their prayers, day and night. I remember their patience, kindness, and Brother Janes’ gentleness. As a supervisor, he never raised his voice to me one time, but he did laugh once when I really messed up. Mentors teach, and his method was to explain it once (or twice) and then allow the employee to do the job, as he patiently watched. Mentors guide. Both of the Janes as well as Evelyn Anderson, their daughter, guided my work and did their best to guide my life.
Brother & Sister Janes A FAMILY OF MENTORS By the editor of the Faith Messenger Pictures from Paul Schmoll
I was seven when my Dad drove us through the top of T E X A S on the way to California. He worked at Caterpillar in Illinois, and we were on vacation. I was barely eighteen when I entered Texas for the second time, and curiously, once again, because of my Dad. My high school graduation, unknown to me, meant the realization of his passionate dream: a full time Pastoral ministry. Unfortunately, it also meant the loss of mine. My dream was to be a missionary-teacher, but in quitting his Caterpillar job, Dad found that he could not help me enter college. A few weeks later, I tearfully boarded the bus and rode 1,000 miles to Corpus Christi, Texas, as a stranger and a new employee of Christian Triumph. The door flew open, and Sister Janes’ smile welcomed me like no words could have. “Is this our girl?” she asked with excitement. Around the corner rushed her husband, L. Y. Janes, with a delightful
(Evelyn)
Mentors tutor. Many times Evelyn would teach me new jobs and new methods. I liked learning from her clear instructions. 3
Just in my later years have I realized how much this family of mentors helped form the positive aspects of my life. I am grateful! And never once did I ever hear of their judgment or condemnation when my life took a turn for the worse. To this day, I love them dearly! And now, in writing a new English tract, I acclaim their belief in me and know that it is because they and God never gave up, that I am now the editor of the Faith Messenger. Following is the new English tract, ready for distribution. I am hoping that it will help someone who has not only suffered the effects of child abuse but who may have followed a wrong path on their journey. Many times the Church and Christians rush to the side of those who are suffering with physical illness (as well they should). Yet, there are brothers, sisters, and friends sitting right beside us who have experienced great tragedies in other ways or are - even now. We forget that the world of a child or even an adult is made up of many people, some of them, perhaps, hurtful and cruel. My prayer is that God will bless us with spiritual insight so we might be aware of those with unbearable burdens. And God help us to be less judgmental and more understanding. Often adults who “act out” through addictive and confusing behavior are simply little abused children who have not established their own true identity. Their healing can occur by the
effectual mercy of God with guidance from professional counselors. There is Hope for anyone who has made mistakes (or sinned, if you will). Otherwise, what HOPE would any human being have? This tract, along with the tract, MY TRUE STORY, by Pastor Espinoza (on page 5) is free and available for the asking. We trust they both will minister to those who have felt let down and left out of our religious world. HOPELESS! I sat in my car, holding a bottle of pills, wondering how many it would take to end this hopeless life I was living. I felt such despair! I wondered what had led me to such a place. Young, newly divorced with children, I was once again trying to escape my past, yet finding a similar future. As a young child, I had embraced great dreams of becoming a missionary, yet the abuse I was then suffering would soon desecrate such a worthy goal. Child abuse fractures the healthy “self,” and personal choices often result in dangerous consequences. My life had indeed been one risky decision after another, including changing locations, and this time – to a rural area with a dismal future. At last, I sat alone – weeping, recounting the pills, while facing a life and death decision. Hopeless! No one was there to listen or help. No one was there, that is, except the great “I AM!” The Giver of Life still had a Divine plan: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to
4
going to NCO school and graduating with honors. Then my anger, drinking, and fighting grew worse as I sank into the deep hole of darkness. Leaving the Marines with an honorable discharge, I soon received my second DWI and knew that I was in trouble. Caring people suggested that I go to church. My intentions were deceitful but I thought, “Maybe if I receive God’s help, I will not go to jail; then I can just leave God’s Presence.” I found a church where a nice man walked with me into the service. After the sermon, the Pastor asked who needed help. I raised my hand and was told to come to the altar for prayer. The next Sunday, I came back, returning to the altar while thinking, “I had better go again just to make sure that God heard me.” This time, though, the Pastor asked me to repeat the sinner’s prayer, “I repent of my sins. I ask you, Oh, God, to forgive me and cleanse me with the blood of Jesus.” I did not want to say this prayer, but I found myself repeating these exact words. Afterwards, the Pastor took my hand, lifted me up and said, “YOU ARE SAVED!” I asked, “Just like that?” He answered, “Just like that!” At that very moment, the Holy Spirit’s voice commanded me, “Serve Him!” (Serve Jesus!) The next morning on my knees, I raised my hands and prayed to God, using the Name “Father”, never having done so before, “Father, I thank you for taking me out of that dark hole!” Remember, there is no darkness that can ever keep YOU from coming into God’s marvelous light! (Read I John 1:5) – Pastor A. Espinoza Christian Triumph Company, PO Box 5187, Corpus Christi, Texas 78465-5187
harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11-14) On that country road in one crucial moment, God instantly broke through space and time, with a gentle whisper: “As long as you have one breath left, you have HOPE!” Deeply moved, I knew that God intended to help me, while providing opportunities for healing. The lid went on the bottle! I returned home with God’s promise – safe - within my heart. Many months later, after prayer and professional counseling, I finally experienced a transformation in my “inner-self.” With God’s support, I climbed out of the Black Hole and into His Redeeming Light. The childhood guilt was correctly placed on the perpetrators, and I gradually changed from a victim into a flourishing, individual. A new beginning! Amazingly, once again, I entered into the ministry of missions! Hopeless? Never! “With God, all things are possible.” It’s a promise! (Mark 10:27) NEW TRACT MY TRUE STORY My story begins as a three-year-old child, living with my sister; my parents were separated. In time, my Dad decided that I should live with him, but when he came to get me, I began sobbing, crying “No!” Suddenly in anger, he furiously threw me onto the bed and left. At age seven, Mom took me to her house where I witnessed my stepfather brutally beating her. At 15, I could no longer tolerate his cruel behavior and began protecting my mother. In two years, I joined the Marine Corps, doing very well, eventually 5
3. Those I loved –well, they forsook me The way that people often do. I stood alone with none to help me. I suffered all of it for you.
From Peggy in NJ: Once in the Faith Messenger you invited people to send in articles. I pray you will accept this, for there are so many hurting with divorces and people just abandoning their families. There seems to be a lack of commitment. ...I have an urgency to share this song with the world, and I feel God wants me to start with you:
(Chorus) I came to heal the brokenhearted To cleanse the wound and take the pain. My child, won’t you come unto me And let me make you whole again? 4. I rose triumphant over all my suffering! And triumphant you can be. For on the cross I took your sorrows And now, my child, just lean on me.
SPECIAL SONG By Peggy 1. My dear child, right now I see you Your sad eyes so full of pain You’re so hurt and brokenhearted You think you’ll never love or trust again.
For I came to heal the brokenhearted To cleanse the wound and take the pain. My child, won’t you come unto me And let me make you whole again? For I will make you whole again.
(Chorus) I came to heal the brokenhearted To cleanse the wound and take the pain My child, won’t you come unto me And let me make you whole again?
(Please write Christian Triumph if you wish to contact Peggy about her song.)
2. You’ve been so hurt and you’re still hurting I know just what you’re going through. I was deceived, despised, rejected By those I love and trusted, too.
Commuting to work the other day I passed a small community church whose congregation was standing along the side of the road holding up “FREE PRAYER” signs, inviting passersby to pull in for communal prayer. Strangely drawn to the scene, I crossed two lanes of traffic, cutting off some very upset motorists and pulled in. Ignoring the honking, and snide remarks about the validity of my
(Chorus) I came to heal the brokenhearted To cleanse the wound and take the pain. My child, won’t you come unto me And let me make you whole again?
6
If I stumble with my words; if I choke up and start to cry and can’t speak the words; if I begin to fear I’m not saying the right words or being specific enough – it’s all right, because God knows. He knows what is in my heart – even when my tongue can’t say it. Even my simple moans are heard and understood by God. Please don’t get me wrong. Joining elders, Prayer Warriors, other Christians – even other churches on one’s behalf is a good thing. In fact, it is a great thing. Joining in unity to praise and glorify God brings me peace and comfort. And knowing that they are praying on my behalf brings me confidence and empowerment. Matthew 18-20 says, “For where there are two or three gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Knowing that the simple act of gathering in prayer can bring us closer to God is comforting, empowering and truly awesome! It doesn’t matter if we gather in a church, a tent, a dining table or on the side of the road in a drive-through prayer line – God is there and he hears ME. – SHERRY RODDY
driver’s license and reference to a Cracker Jack Box, I pulled into the drive-through prayer line and promptly asked their assistance praying for a child our congregation has on our prayer list. Rejoining the commuters, I wondered what possessed my quest for additional assistance in my prayer needs. Realizing that all too often I find myself turning to the “elders” and seasoned “prayer warriors” of the church for prayer help because I feel unworthy of God’s attention. Or that my prayers won’t be strong enough, worded correctly or just plain inferior to theirs; or because I feel I’ve “gone to the well” too many times. My mother-in-law is a true “Prayer Warrior”. The family teases regularly that she has access to the “Red Phone” to God. If you need a prayer answered, get Mom to pray for you. And, if at any time in your life you have asked her to pray for you – she is, to this day, still praying, unless you told her the prayer was answered. How many times have we followers of Christ asked someone to pray for us, or someone we love? Or asked to be added to their prayer list, because we felt an additional arsenal of prayers was needed – ours must not be strong enough because it hasn’t been answered yet. Has a so-called “non-believer” asked you to pray for them because they felt your relationship with God was stronger than theirs? They use the excuse that “they’re not in church every Sunday”; “they haven’t tithed enough”; or . . . well, you get the picture. Narrowly escaping a traffic accident, and immediately beginning to praise God for his deliverance and my protection, I realized that Jesus’ selfless act of sacrifice was my personal “red phone” to God. I don’t have to earn my worthiness to turn to God in my time of need. I have the same power in my prayer that the prayer warriors have. Albeit they are more experienced and may sound a little more eloquent than mine, but God hears, answers and implements my prayers just the same – Jesus guaranteed that.
PRAYER REQUESTS 7 year old Haley who has a mysterious illness. Charles W. (illness) Elvira and her husband Donna and her friend, Maxine Idell’s younger brother Evelyn Anderson and the Hernandez family …. Paul: My parents were good friends of both Brother and Sister Janes and the Anderson Family. I have pictures dated back in the early fifties…My sister lived and worked with the Anderson family…right out of high school. I can remember running the folding machines for the tracts…thank you for doing the Lord’s work. *Christian Triumph Church had a full house, with approx. 25 kids. Made my day, Diana *Up coming issues: more pictures, Anita, Jo, Byrum, more letters, the book of Matthew, More news from Africa and Donna in Brazil. 7
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
“Oh, give thanks to the God of heaven, for His loving-kindness continues forever.� Happy Thanksgiving!
Psalms 136: 26 (The Living Bible)
8
9