*Volume 94 *No. 07 *Published by Christian Triumph Co. *Permit # 695 *SEPTEMBER 2007
Contents: Welcome Back! The Mission – the Prophet A Word from Jo Faithful Missionary Partner One More Mountain A Poem by Jerry Bell A Look at the Book/Prayer requests URGENT REQUEST
1 2 3 4 4 5 6 7
WELCOME BACK! It is with thankful hearts that we welcome You back to the Sept. Faith Messenger and Christian Triumph Ministry.
Behind an unassuming table in a humble little work room, two missionaries labor. There they are packaging tracts for mailing as well as Bibles, books for the Spanish correspondence courses, used Sunday school literature, and other materials such as the Faith Messenger and El Mensajero. These two faithful workers, Vitalina and Elena, are zealous in sending the Gospel. Joining them, Pastor Israel comes through the door and also sits at the table to help with the correspondence courses and other matters. He and his wife, Vitalina, are dedicated to missions and the local church. In a small, plain adjoining room, Diana is managing the Christian Triumph office duties. Carefully, she is recording transactions, reading letters as well as working on the other responsibilities of a mission’s ministry.
We pray that your months of July and August were filled with God’s Presence. Our mission remains strong as we follow Jesus’ command.
“Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15) We stand accountable to our Heavenly Father, Faith Messenger readers & missionary partners!
Office at Christian Triumph (In addition, Diana’s husband, Steve, is volunteering with Christian Triumph as President of the mission ministry, and his leadership remains invaluable.) In Corpus Christi, Texas, one can find these dedicated and genuine persons coming to this little office, carrying on the work of Brother and Sister Janes and their daughters. The message of God’s love continues to go forth - with the valued help of Christian Triumph’s missionary partners. +
Just like Jeremiah, we are born for a purpose and for a special place in the Kingdom of God. “All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Psa. 139:16. If God has called you and His words are like a fire in your heart, how very blessed you are! If, however, your life’s journey has taken a wrong turn and you have strayed from your purpose – turn around and listen to God’s Divine words:
The Mission - the Prophet God spoke the following words to an Old Testament prophet named – Jeremiah. “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart…” Jeremiah was called by the Lord to fulfill a Divine purpose even though he was brought up in a nation that continually disregarded God’s will. As the people reveled (partied) in the corruption of the day, Jeremiah was instructed to warn them - that they must return to God. Sadly, Jeremiah’s warning was refused by those rebellious hearts; yet the message (the mission) remained true and real. History reveals that indeed God’s judgment fell on Judah because they did not turn around and seek God’s mercy and compassion. Even in danger and despair, Jeremiah continued to remain faithful although somewhat disillusioned. He risked his own well-being - to proclaim the words of God, and the 20th chapter of the Book of Jeremiah records some of his frustrations. “I am ridiculed all day long; everyone mocks me…so the word of the Lord has brought me insult and reproach all day long. But if I say, ‘I will not mention Him or speak any more in His Name,’ His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones…but the Lord is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail.’” Jeremiah’s - 40-year ministry was a lonely, yet passionate - Divine-assignment. He was denied a wife and children and even lacked the support of spiritual peers. Even the chief officer in the temple of the Lord had him beaten and put in stocks; however, Jeremiah could not keep from proclaiming God’s message. The highest officials in the land took their places at the entrance… of the Lord’s house and proclaimed that Jeremiah should be sentenced to death. This humble prophet’s mission was a calling from God, and his God-planned destiny was remarkably fulfilled regardless of all adverse circumstances.
“Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Jeremiah 6:16)
“If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve Me…” (Jeremiah 15:19) Do you have a mission – a message? Is God calling you today? PASS ME NOT “Pass me not, O gentle Savior, Hear my humble cry; While on others Thou art calling, Do not pass me by. (1st verse of song written by Fanny Crosby)
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. 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
Wherever you are while reading this Faith Messenger, God loves you. The Scripture tells us that He died for us while we were in sin. He is waiting to forgive, restore, and transform.
I Find My Worth in You, O Lord. I never did think too much of myself. It seemed just when life picked up a little, something devastating would happen, and my self-worth went tumbling down. I could not figure out if it was just me or did everyone else have that problem too? And then one day, a person asked me how I thought God looked at me? What did He see? And when I answered that question, I found + my self-worth+ In meditating on the “eyes of Jesus” - and how He was looking at me, I felt those Eyes of Fire pierce right into my heart….. Piercing with, surprisingly, - Deep Compassion. His look of mercy and forgiveness filled every corner of my life with happiness and self-esteem - (oh, not because I was good, but because He loved me in spite of myself.) Now, who would do that for someone who has no worth? I was forgiven and flooded with true selfworth! Furthermore, I could shout to the Heavens, “I am loved! I am loved! I am worthy - because of the cleansing blood of Jesus!” (Read John 3:16)
+ A Word from Jo: I AM ONLY ONE This is a title of a poem written by Edward Everett Hale. I am only one But still I am one. I cannot do everything. But still I can do something; And because I cannot Do everything I will not refuse to do something that I can do.
-anonymous
In the Old Testament Book of Jeremiah, we are reminded through the Divine Words of God that indeed – God will make us worthy and then help us succeed if we just trust: “… blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” (chapter 17)
This should become our motto for our Lord. Through God’s love in us, we can encourage someone- speaking kind words, give someone a hug or just care for their welfare. Because in these times there are plenty of negative things, we as the children of light, citizens of the Kingdom can speak out with positive words. I have heard Christians say that a particular person came into their thoughts, and they began to pray for them. Praise God for those who are sensitive in mind and spirit toward God. God uses these Saints to intercede for others. When we put God’s word into action, we are planting good seed and shall reap the harvest of blessings (divine favor) that God has for His children. Just remember…it only takes one to make a difference. You are special in God’s eyes; each one of us is unique, and God uses us in different ways. Remember to stay sensitive to His Spirit.
Remember this:
…the One who knows you the best Loves you the Most! (Thought taken from a Gaither song “I Am Loved!”)
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” (Jeremiah 29) 3
and pillar of faith as we continue the work of sending the Gospel to other nations. We thank Bennie and Beverly for all they have done to help in this ministry. We sincerely believe that Bennie is at HOME and AT REST.
With Love, One of God’s Grandma’s (edited)
+ Faithful and devoted Missionary Partner
A Poem by Byrum Lee ONE MORE MOUNTAIN I've climbed quite a few mountains in my time, And passed through some valleys along the way. But there's one more mountain that I must climb E'er I reach the land of eternal day. From a distance the peak seemed so very steep, But since I'm this near, I think I can make it. So, on the goal my eyes I must keep; I've come too far on the journey to quit. Yes, there's one more mountain that still lies ahead, And I must scale it e'er I lie down to sleep. Then, on that glad day when its summit I tread, I'll be with my Lord, so for me please don't weep.
In Memory: Bennie Eugene Cary
--Byrum C. Lee 03/20
September 16, 1913 – April 11, 2007
+ “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the (Home-coming) of His Saints.” (Psa.116)
John 14 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
“Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in His commands. His children will be mighty in the land; The generation of the upright will be blessed.” (Psa. 112)
“…a righteous man will be remembered forever.” (Psa. 112)
“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life.” (Rev. 22)
We extend our sympathy and prayers to Bennie’s wife, Beverly Cary, and to her family. Beverly remains our prayer partner
“Behold, I am coming soon…I am the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End….Blessed are 4
those who wash their robes, that they have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city…” (Rev. 22)
Then again, I know if tonight from my broken heart I do not die There is coming a morning I will not cry. Then we will be together again For this is a victory I intend to win Oh, Death where is thy sting, Oh, grave where is thy victory? The poem by Jerry Bell was sent to the Faith Messenger by Anita with these words: “He is the minister who held our revival…he is a great preacher!”
“Come! Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.” (Rev. 22) (Read John 3:16) Poem by Jerry Bell (03/12/07) In memory of his wife of many years If I die tonight of a broken heart It will heal the pain that’s been tearing me apart Since you were taken away I’ve had no peace night or day. The time of our separation Has left me with a sense of desperation. For now I can no longer touch and feel The one who made my life so real. They say that time heals all wounds you see But it’s just not the same with you and me For never has the depth of love we shared Been equaled or even close compared. They say there is a great gulf fixed But with the Blood of One that was nixed So with the stroke of God’s great pen He’s healed forever the hurt of men For that great wall of separation Will forever be healed by eternal restoration. Then once again I’ll touch and feel The one who made my life so real Right now we seem so far apart That I can’t mend my broken heart But it will only be a little while Though now it may seem an endless trial For our reward in heaven will be Far greater than the mind can see Our God who cannot lie declared the love we shared will never die It will pass the test of time for sure You see true love, it knows no cure True love never faileth It hopeth all things, Endureth all things, believeth all things True love knows no separation and will pass among our generations Because we’ve made God first Our love will forever last, And know no curse.
A true story from Anita A Little child Who Prayed. A few years ago, our little foster child and I were enjoying a cross-country journey by Amtrak’s Super liner train, the California Zephyr. In the Spectacular Sightseer Lounge car, we enjoyed the magnificent scenery from the large picture windows, even while eating our meals. One would think we didn’t have a care in the world, but in time that feeling began to change. As we explored the beauty and exciting history of the western frontier, we often went through tunnels, and it was inside one of these tunnels that we began to suspicion - there was a problem. The train slowed down and eventually came to a complete Stop! My little Ann (not her real name) climbed on my lap, and I, too, was feeling uncomfortable with the situation. “I smell smoke,” Ann said, and I wondered what I could to comfort and calm her. What could I do to even calm myself? Was it smoke or was it fumes that had accumulated in the tunnel? As I reminded Ann that at home we say our good night prayers, she began to pray. During her prayers, the train suddenly started and we moved along the tracks again. We never knew what the problem was, but what we did know is that after Ann began to pray, we were safe and on our way.
5
Ann learned that she did not have to wait until night for an evening prayer but any time was the right time for petition or praise.
Jesus told a story about this: “To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men – robbers, evildoers, adulterers – or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.’” Barclay writes in his book, The Gospel of Matthew, about a preacher who was once complimented on his good sermon. The preacher responded sadly that the Evil One had already told him that very same thing, just as he was stepping down from the pulpit. Are we not all tempted to have mixed motives – to stain our souls with pride? The beatitude says that if we are pure in heart, we will see God. “Seeing” begins in the heart. We make the choice to see the good in situations. We make the choice to keep our minds clean – refusing to listen to dirty jokes, profanity, and inappropriate language. We refuse to watch T.V. and movies which contaminate our mind and soul. We protect our hearts from corruption. By our actions, we determine if we are creating within ourselves a pure heart that indeed will some day be able to see God. This beatitude requires something of us, but it also promises a great meeting when we will finally see our Lord – face to face.
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6) (edited)
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 5:8 – “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” This scripture requires one to examine personal motives in life and in service to God. “The Lord says: ‘These people come near to Me with their mouth and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is made up only of rules taught by men.’” (Isa.29:13) Purity demands personal examination: Is my service to God given for selfless motives or for my own reputation or pious satisfaction? Is my church attendance a heart-felt attempt to meet and worship God or am I fulfilling some need for a religious deed? How few of us do things without mixed feelings and motives! Yet, this beatitude says that to see God, we must be pure in heart. It is by God’s grace and Jesus’ sacrifice that our hearts are cleansed; however, it is by our own choosing whether or not we keep our hearts pure. If we stray, it is then by our own sincere repentance, that God hears and forgives us. This beatitude requires us to stop and examine ourselves. Blessed is the person who examines his/her motives and requires purity of himself/herself – for that person shall see God. Personal responsibility for one’s own heart and soul is imperative, and, more than once, the words “Forgive me” will be spoken with tears.
October Faith Messenger: Matthew 5:9 PRAYER REQUESTS California: Prison ministry South Carolina: Prison ministry. Texas: missionary partners, a seriously ill daughter, others who need God’s intervention. 6
Oregon: a dear one recovering from hip surgery, other valued missionary partners. Missouri: a missionary partner who is ill. Idaho: an important ministry. Mexico: Gospel literature work in migrant camps. Nigeria: ministry to youth & less privileged. All Those - whose loved ones have gone HOME.
transformed and to put their trust in Him. Eternal souls have found answers to their most important needs. Even now, we are receiving a great number of requests for Portuguese tracts and many letters are coming from Brazil. The hike in the postage rates is a real and threatening problem to this ministry. Please pray with us that God will make a difference in this disturbing change as this decision will not only affect our mission work but many other groups. We will certainly keep our readers and missionary partners informed of this situation and then of possible ways to help. We are asking for your prayers that God will lead us in finding the answer. We believe He will! With appreciation – Christian Triumph Missionaries +
URGENT PRAYER REQUEST FROM CHRISTIAN TRIUMPH New Postal Rate Increases - Cause Financial Burdens for Christian Triumph Ministry. The Post Office has done away with the International Partial Postage rate causing a huge hike in the cost of sending literature. Bibles, tracts, used Sunday school materials, etc. sent to Africa in small packages used to cost $3.35 in postage but now have jumped excessively to $10.10 (International First Class Rate). As we understand, the International Book Rate for smaller packages has been discontinued by the Post Office! Christian Triumph (and, perhaps, many other non-profit agencies) was unprepared for this extreme hike in postage. Additionally, it appears that the public knew little of the coming increase. What about the increased postage for the Faith Messenger and the El Mensajero? Even now, our own Diana Beletic (Secretary for Christian Triumph) is researching this setback. She has contacted State Representative - Juan Garcia, the local post office, and also a Congressman. A letter to the President of the United States will follow the above contacts if help is not achieved. Diana promises to our partners and readers: “We are striving to find the cheapest rate for sending literature, and we will not rest until we do!” We speculate that postage for even the care packages sent to our service men in Iraq has also been adversely affected. Christian Triumph has been sending literature to other countries for many years. This mission work has brought HOPE to countless individuals throughout the world. God’s Word has led persons within these countries to become
CHAT TIME Thanks to each one who has written to us. We appreciate your good letter. We love hearing from you. Please remember that we pray for you and lift your requests to the Lord. Letters Dear Christian Friends, I look forward to getting my wonderful Faith Messenger each month…missionary work is so very important….K. Piper Dear Brethren in Christ Jesus We are your brothers in Christ, incarcerated in U.S.P Victorville. This prison opened one year ago. We have a Chapel library, but we don’t have much reading material. Help us to grow in our Lord Jesus Christ’ grace… Dear Friends at Triumph Christian, Thank you so much for the literature that you recently sent to us for the work in the migrant camps of Mexico. Your generous work is a great blessing to the Christians that we find among the poorest of Mexico’s poor working in the migrant camps. And it is also a means of reaching many who have not heard the gospel. Most of the adults among the Indian people cannot read, but many of 7
the children can, and your literature penetrates into those homes through them‌ Mcmullens
(Lamentations 3)
Thank you very much for the Faith Messenger. I enjoy them very much. Love, Hazel MORE LETTERS WILL BE SHARED IN THE OCTOBER FAITH MESSENGER. GOD BLESS YOU, EACH ONE. 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
Who, O God, is like you? Let us examine our ways Though You have and test them, made me see troubles, And let us return to the Lord. 8
many and bitter, You will restore my life again‌ (Psalm 71)
9