*Volume 67 *No. 10 *Published by Christian Triumph Co. *Permit # 695 * December 2004 Contents: A Thrilling Christmas On the Frontier In My Opinion If Jesus Came to Your House Editorial Letters From Here and Abroad The Birth of Jesus The Best Christmas Gift Scriptures My Clue? Just Do! The Answers - You Will Find
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A Thrilling Christmas On The Frontier I remember a day one winter when the weather was unusually cold; our salary was paid irregularly and did not meet our needs. My husband, a minister, traveled from one district to another without an adequate overcoat. Our boys were well, but my little Ruth was ill, and none of us was clothed decently. I patched and repatched with my spirits sinking low. The water gave out in the well, and the wind blew through cracks in the floor. The people in the parish were kind and generous, but the settlement was new. Each family was struggling for itself. Just when I needed it most, my faith began to waver. Early in life, I was taught to take God at His word, and I thought this lesson was well learned. I had lived upon the promises in dark times, but now a daily prayer for forgiveness was all that I could offer. Christmas was coming, and the ice was thick and smooth. The boys were wishing for ice skates while Ruth wanted a large doll and insisted on praying for one. It was as though God had deserted
us, but I thought my husband seemed as hopeful as ever. The morning before Christmas, James was called to see a sick man. I put in a piece of bread for his lunch, wrapped my shawl around his neck and tried to whisper a promise; but the words died away. That was a dark, hopeless day. When James returned, I brought him a cup of tea, he took my hand, and then I wanted to tell God that His promises were not true. Suddenly there was a sound of bells and a knock at the door. When James opened it, there stood one of the churchmen with a box sent Express. He also handed us a turkey, a basket of potatoes, and a bag of flour. Without speaking, James opened the box and drew out a blanket with clothes packed underneath. James covered his face with his hands, and went into another room. I knelt down, my heart broke as all the darkness rolled away, and sweet promises flooded my soul once again. Later, we piled fresh logs on the fire and began examining our treasures. There was an overcoat, a cloak, warms suits of clothes, mittens, scarves, and a large doll. Close to it laid two pairs of ice skates. I burst into tears again, and James wept with me for joy. The next morning, the boys raised a shout and Ruth hugged her doll, “I knew it would be there, mama!� (an edited tract from Christian Triumph Company)
CHRISTMAS THOUGHT: The most important things in your house are the people! In My Opinion I've been asked to write an article for the Faith Messenger on the subject of "family and Christmas." In truth, I'm struggling with what to say. You see, this year my family will be spread from here to yonder for the first year in a long time. Only a few will be able to gather together, but much of this is by our own choosing.
In this time when some families are forced apart by the wars and threats of wars around the world, my family has chosen to move away from each other and spend Christmas in different places. I find that many families are this way. Some families have rifts they feel cannot be healed. Some families just don't like the way others behave. Some families have distance between them that is only a few miles in location but many miles in the heart. I have to ask one question: Why? Why do we value our own sets of opinions and ideals so much so that we would allow a rift, a grudge, an argument, a grievance rule the time we used to value spending with members of our family. Perhaps deep pain has resulted from some issue gone by and we don't quite feel we can let that go. Perhaps a family member has done something so awful to us that we can't get past that pain. Perhaps, however, it is merely a difference in morals, or political opinions, or lifestyles, or religion. So many family members sit in judgment of each other. They don't approve of this or that: the way someone in the family dresses, what they drink, if they smoke, how they vote, who they sleep or live with. For this kind of pain and family angst we can look to Jesus Christ for an answer. Jesus came to earth as a man, as a most holy man without sin. Who did Jesus choose to spend His time with? Think for a minute. We who have read even a little of the Bible know that among others, his friends were prostitutes, tax collectors, and thieves. He met them and He converted them. For Jesus it was easy. He didn't beat them over the head with his own beliefs or with the Bible, although He did wisely use the scriptures when needed, He loved them. He gently told them their wrongs and He accepted them as they were. The same love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness He offers us, He offers to the family members we think we can never forgive. We are not Jesus, though, are we? How can anyone who has pain or anger against a family member forgive or overcome their anger or pain? By turning to the God we know, trust and love. By praying for an answer. Maybe it won't be this year that God gives you that answer. Maybe another Christmas will pass with your family at odds with each other, but pray through. AS IN ALL THINGS, GOD HAS THE ANSWER YOU'VE BEEN
SEEKING. Listen to the gentle, quiet, kind and loving voice of God and then do as He instructs. I could have quoted a ton of scripture to back up the above opinion, but if you are an "old" Christian, you are undoubtedly familiar with the scripture that would support my view. However, if you are a "new" Christian, and you do not know the words from the Bible that would uphold this article, then please search the Bible for your own answers. All we need in this life is in the Bible and in prayer. Please remember that Christmas is about only ONE Gift. The Gift of Jesus Christ to show us a new way to live life to the fullest and reap the rewards God has in store for each one of us. No matter how frustrating we are to each other, God loves each of us. Bless you this Christmas. You and all of your family. 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
IF JESUS CAME TO YOUR HOUSE If Jesus came to your house To spend a day or twoIf He came unexpectedly, I wonder what youâ€&#x;d do. 2
Your mind and spirit feed? Oh, I know you‟d give your nicest room To such an honored Guest, And all the food you‟d serve to Him Would be the very best,
Would you take Jesus with you Everywhere you‟d planned to go, Or would you maybe change your plans For just a day or so?
And you would keep assuring Him You‟re glad to have Him thereThat serving Him in your own home Is joy beyond compare.
Would you be glad to have Him meet Your very closest friends, Or would you hope they‟d stay away Until His visit ends?
But-when you saw Him coming, Would you meet Him at the door With arms outstretched in welcome To your heavenly Visitor?
Would you be glad to have Him stay Forever on and on, Or would you sign with great relief When He at last was gone?
Or would you have to change your clothes Before you let Him in, Or hide some magazines and put The Bible where they‟d been?
It might be interesting to know The things that you would do If Jesus Christ in person came To spend some time with you. By Mrs. Lois Blanchard
Would you turn off the radio And hope He hadn‟t heard, And wish you hadn‟t uttered That last, loud, hasty word?
MERRY CHRISTMAS from Evelyn
We send loving greetings to our wonderful readers and supporters, in the Name of our precious Lord Jesus, who gave His life that we may be forgiven of our sins and have Peace with God. I am reminded of a song that says, in part, “If it wasn‟t for the Lord, tell me, what would I do? He‟s everything to me!” Evelyn Anderson God bless.
Would you hide your worldly music And put some hymnbooks out? Could you let Jesus walk right in, Or would you rush about? And I wonder-if the Savior spent A day or two with you, Would you go right on doing The things you always do?
If you have questions, comments, or need prayer or would like to donate to the Christian Triumph ministry, please send your mail to Christian Triumph, P.O. Box 5187, Corpus Christi, TX, or email christiantriumph@yahoo.com.
Would you keep right on saying The things you always say? Would like for you continue As it does from day to day? Would your family conversation Keep up its usual pace, And would you find it hard each meal To say a table grace?
“…I have seen the Savior of the world. He is the Light, that will shine upon the NATIONS… (Simeon speaks in Luke 2:32)
Would you sing the songs you always Sing and read the books you read And let Him know the things on which 3
Letters from our friends in other Nations.
God blessings! Yours labourers in Christ, Pastor Victor Osas Igbinumwen
Dear Beloved, …greetings to you in Jesus name. The ministry is situated in an idol worshipper‟s center that they always killed their first sons, daughter and stranger for rituals every months to please their gods. Many missionaries are killed by the community people too and it is two hundred and seventy five miles from the city. … Rev. Oghogho hold 7 days crusade and prayer conference in the community that brings revival to the community, marriage, education and business, burnt their idols and Quran and build a church in the ritualistic center, many accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and personal savior, but no Holy Bibles and gospel materials to grow, develop and establish on the word of God and to understand the mysteries of heaven. There are 6 churches around the community that the Muslim and its terrorist did not want it to grow in the full knowledge of God‟s word. We will be happy and gives thank to God, if Holy Bibles and gospel materials can be send to them …for easy reading and understanding for new converts that have the full course to worship God in truth and in spirit. Yours in Christ, Pastor Ayemisan Jeremiah Nigeria, West Africa
****************************************** Dear Sir/Madam, I am so glad to write to my fellow Christian of the lord. Reasons for this letter is that I want to inprove in my spiritual knowledge in the service of the lord but as you can see without good education there is nothing better you can in the world…I will be so happy to hear from you successfully. As an evangelist it is my die and need to preach the gospel, to others who are out of his grace. Yours Faithfully, Collins Kwaku Asare Ghana ---------------------------------------------------Dear Friends in Christ, We are sending you a box of used Sunday school material from the Community Church of God…Phillipsburg, Kansas…Thank you for all your efforts to send gospel literature around the world. In Christian Love, Doyle & Charlotte Rahjes
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Dear Brethren in Christ, Christian Greetings to you in the wonderful name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I was born again in a crusade organized by Evang. Bonnke… Some years ago, I belong to different secret cults. I am now a student of Isaiah Bible Institute…Many in the secret cults has given their lives to God and a prayer fellowship has been organized. In the school, we are informed by the President General to buy…Bibles, it is very expensive and no money to buy them…..the President says the needed Bibles will be useful to write our 17 project…the students in this institution has dedicated three days in every months to fast and pray for you. Help me over the gospel wilderness in Africa. I hereby request for the above Bibles…I will really appreciate it. Gospel books will be accepted too.
I am sending a donation to receive Spanish tracts. We really appreciate if you can send as much as possible because our City needs a lot of help and God is the only one Who can help us. Also, send them as soon as possible – will be greatly appreciated because we do not have any tracts left. God will bless you. Sincerely, Hector X. Hernandez, Pastor ****************************************** It has been a long time since I last wrote to you. I hadn‟t sold any of my mother‟s quilts so I hadn‟t had an offering from that. But I‟ll send something all the same. God has (as always) been very good to us here. He has given me a mission of caring and teaching our granddaughter for the past 5 years. 4
In your February FAITH MESSENGER, you were looking for poems. I have been given two from a dear friend of mine…poems are my delight just as they were for my mother…she made and sold quilts for the missions. I always ask the Lord to give me someone to bless each day. You might add a prayer for the young woman I saw at the Fair and felt I should tell her “Jesus loves you.” She smiled and said, “Oh, thank you.” …There are many opportunities if we are available to the Lord and have our meeting with Him as we arise each morning. God will bless your work as long as its done in His Sweet Name. Carol Tyler (Two poems by Char Livingston are in this FAITH MESSENGER).
They were badly frightened, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you the most JOYFUL news ever announced, and it is for everyone! The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord- has been born tonight in Bethlehem!” (Luke 2:8-11)
IMMANUEL (God with us!) The birth of Jesus means we are not alone! SOMEONE CARES! This Christmas season may find you in a warm, happy home. What a blessing! However, you or your loved one may be dealing with a serious health problem. You may be struggling with finances, relationships, grief, depression or despair. You may feel alone and unloved. Be encouraged; God is with you! (Immanuel). Because of Jesus, God‟s promises are for you. Christmas tells the joyful story of a baby first seen by the “everyday person” (the shepherd). This story calls out to us: “Every individual is of great value to God. Jesus came to this earth for everyone.” SOMEONE CARES! The birth of Jesus brought God‟s understanding into our world. When others judge and do not understand, Jesus reaches out to each one of us, regardless of our spiritual condition. In Matt. 9:10-13a, we read this event: “Later, as Jesus and His disciples were eating dinner (at Matthew‟s house), there were many notorious swindlers there as guests! The Pharisees were indignant. „Why does your teacher associate with men like that?‟ „Because people who are well don‟t need a doctor! It‟s the sick people who do!‟ was Jesus‟ reply. Then He added, “Now go away and learn the meaning of this verse of Scripture, „It isn‟t your sacrifices and your gifts I want – I want you to be merciful.‟” Jesus’ birth brings us out of a world of sin and sorrow. Jesus‟ mercy brings forgiveness and restoration to all who will receive Him. You are as important to God as any other person. Jesus told the story of the one lost sheep. “If a man has a hundred sheep, and ONE
****************************************** Dear Workers: …All my correspondence of the past (since the late 30‟s) has been with (Evelyn), and I‟ve always felt a closeness to her and to Brother and Sister Janes…their letters were always so helpful…also Brother Coleman has been an inspiration to me – his faithfulness at his age, helping in the office. May their mantle fall on the “replacements”…I pray (God‟s) blessings will continue to fall on all you dear workers. Sincerely, Mrs. Don (Rose) Hunt
As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home every day. THE BIRTH OF JESUS
“That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly an angel appeared among them, and the landscape shone bright with the glory of the Lord. 5
believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
wanders away and is lost, what will be do? Won‟t he leave the ninety-nine others and go out into the hills to search for the lost one? (Matt.18:12) Jesus came to show God‟s love for each person. Because of Jesus, we can now have a personal relationship with God, the Father. “Now God says He will accept and acquit us – declare us „not guilty‟ if we trust Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, by coming to Christ, no matter who we are or what we have been like.”
The birth of Jesus means our lives can change! From the manger- to the Cross- to the resurrection, Jesus created a way for us to restore our relationship with God. Reach out to the Savior of the World this Christmas season. He is calling you. He is waiting to help. SOMEONE CARES!
(Romans 3:21,22)
Jesus’ birth proclaims this message, “I am THE WAY – yes, and the Truth and the Life.” (John 14:6)
THE BEST CHRISTMAS GIFT by Char Livingston
“My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.” (John 10:10)
The angels sang the most joyous news, “The Savior has been born…for everyone.” There is hope! We never have to give up because we make mistakes or feel unworthy. We are uniquely valuable to God. God will bring change and stability into our lives if we but ask His forgiveness and His help. God will help us face our problems. As we pray for His guidance, answers will come. Caring persons will enter our lives and help us through the hard times. Matthew, writer of the New Testament, tells us of Jesus‟ compassion – a demonstration of God‟s great Love (for us). “And what pity He (Jesus) felt for the crowds that came, because their problems were so great and they didn‟t know what to do or where to go for help. They were like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matt. 9:36) Matthew was not only a historical person, he was also the close friend of Jesus. We think of Matthew‟s writings as just a “book” in the Bible, but they are more than that. Instead, this historical data is an eye-witness account of Jesus. Jesus‟ birth is a life-changing event! No longer are we “alone”. God is with us forever! Because of Jesus, God also assures us of an eternal Home in Heaven. “For God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son so that anyone who
Oh, what a Christmas gift Glory divine. Born as a baby and became Savior of mine. Lights up my life with truth and His grace And makes me whole by saving my soul. Oh, what a precious treasure To have and to hold. What a story to make sure It‟s been told. Oh, what a Christmas gift right from God‟s heart, Love, joy and peace will never depart If only we make Jesus King of our hearts. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still so He can help untangle the knot. Busy with Christmas? STRESSED? Here‟s a little something To bring you PEACE. Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need! 6
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 I am walking Through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, For YOU are close beside me, Guarding, guiding, all the way. Your 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. (23rd Psalm)
He gently touched my brow and said, I‟ll be there for you. I don‟t have a clue; I don‟t have a clue. He answered me in tender tones. It matters not you know, my child. Just Trust Me…For I DO! Poem provided by Carol Tyler From THE PEN ******************************************
“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him IMMANUEL which means „God with us‟”. (Matt. 1:21-23)
MY CLUE? JUST DO! I prayed…Dear Lord, what is in store for me today? I don‟t have a clue! He said…It‟s not for you to ask, my child, It is that You only do!
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I asked…Who will cross my path today? I don‟t have a clue!
CHRISTIAN TRIUMPH COMPANY WEBSITE Our website has been online for about one year. We offer links for donations including goods to the mission of Christian Triumph. Tracts, Bibles, and other materials may be requested online. A CD with music and conversation with Evelyn Anderson, Donna (her granddaughter), and Gwendolyn (her great granddaughter) is also available for a small fee. Christian Triumph Company keeps issues of the FAITH MESSENGER and the El Mensajero online. Additionally, there is a photo album of Christian Triumph family and friends. Website address: http://www.christiantriumphcompany.com
He said…It is not for you to know, my child, It is only that you do! I wanted to know… How will I pay my bills today? I don‟t have a clue! He said…That is not your concern, my child. I will see you through. I wondered…Why can others call you Lord, And do the things they do?
Faith Messenger A publication of Christian Triumph Company P.O. Box 5187 905 Bluntzer Corpus Christi, TX 78465
He answered…THAT IS FOR ME TO HANDLE, CHILD You know what you must do. I asked…How will I handle pain, Dear Lord? I don‟t have a clue… 7
Address Service Requested
A new friend recently said that as a child, she grew up in a home with alcoholics. Her poem reflects her personal suffering, but it also speaks of Immanuel (God with us).
THE ANSWERS – YOU WILL FIND By Donna Jean Masters
Life is weaved within a pattern. Events happen like colors of threads. We may not see as it‟s occurring At those times, there‟s nothing to be said.
All things come to those who wait, But only in His own time. He sees your heart and He‟s not hate; He‟s true love, not that childhood crime.
What you saw and what you felt, Will heal if given time.
He‟ll hold you in your darkness. He‟ll mend your heart and mind. He‟ll make up for their cruelness. The answers – You will find.
The steps to take, you take now, Soon you‟ll find THE WAY. He‟s there to show you how. Just take a step – day by day.
MERRY CHRISTMAS from the Christian Triumph Family Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Corpus Christi, Texas Permit # 695
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