Faith Messenger December 2014

*Volume 78 *No. 10 *Published by Christian Triumph Co. *Permit # 695 * DEC 2014

Contents: Christmas Greetings…...…………...2 His Presents….…..……..………2 - 3 A Double Miracle………….…...4 - 5 Living Large in Peru…… ..………. 6 “Home” Missionaries.. .....…………7

THE BIRTH OF JESUS THE FULFILLMENT OF PROPHECY

Matthew 1:2o-23: ...an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 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.” NIV Isaiah 53...He [Jesus] grew up like a tender shoot...a man of sorrows and familiar with suffering...he was pierced for our transgressions...he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him...we all, like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all... NIV

2 Peter 1:19-21 “...but when you [we] consider the wonderful truth of the prophets’ words, then the light will dawn in your [our] souls and Christ the Morning Star will shine in your [our] hearts. For no prophecy recorded in Scipture was ever thought up by the prophet himself. It was the Holy Spirit within these Godly men who gave them true messages from God. The Living Bible

I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star. Rev. 22:16

HIS PRESENTS

By Anita

Gerald, my husband, and his Father farmed together, and I worked in an office in Indianapolis. Before being married, we searched for a mobile home to place on his parents’ farm. This had some advantages: it would keep Gerald near his work, fewer purchases would be necessary, and it would be a nice size for the two of us. However, after searching, nothing seemed to be the best buy. A new mobile home might depreciate after it had been lived in; it would not be practical during (see Page 3)

Christmas Greetings from Christian Triumph May God bless you this beautiful season.

Jesus’ loving message still calls to every person who needs a new beginning or another chance to live a glorious life: Come! Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.

Faith Messenger Permit #695 Published monthly, except July and August.

POSTMASTER SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: Christian Triumph Company

Rev. 22:17 NIV

Revelation 22: 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…

P.O. Box 5187 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.

The best gift God has ever given us is His chosen One: Jesus Christ.

In Him we find forgiveness and freedom from our mistakes or wrong choices. He leads us into new ways of living as He fills us with a love that makes every day “Christmas.”

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 ChristianTriumph.org

Editor

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the tornado weather which is prevalent in Indiana, and there would be some expense in getting it set up, such as the septic tank, electricity, water and the list could goes on.

Another idea seemed more appealing.

His Grandparents old house still sat on the family farm and was in good enough condition to warrant some overhaul.

So Gerald and his Dad went to work taking off old wall paper in one room, applying beautiful blond paneling in the front room as well as another type in the family room.

We then went shopping for new furniture. The brown couch and chair went well with the walls; add Walnut colored end tables and a coffee table, along with floral drapes and tweed carpet, and, now, we had a very attractive front room.

Soon after our wedding, his father gave us a nice dining room set, and a lovely china cupboard to hold the china my parents gave us as a wedding present. We were happy. All this made possible a comfortable beginning in our new married life.

A lovely home, a nice car to drive and financial stability almost always appear to be an ideal beginning in life. And, yet, there is much more needed for quality living! We read in the scripture about an incident in a nice home where Jesus often visited.

The happening goes as follows: And she [Martha] had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone?

Therefore tell her to help me.”

And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10 It is from this account that we learn that choosing Christ's presence at home or otherwise, even in our busy times, is essential in every walk of life, not only on this earth, but in the life to come. Jesus’ presence and presents make all the difference in living and they are eternally important.

While searching for appropriate presents this Christmas, please remember to ask for the greatest Gift of all – for your own precious self - as well as for others. Jesus’ Presence and presents will bring lasting Joy and Peace to every person or family who will receive them.

“His” Presents I have come that they may have life and have it to the full. John 10:10 NIV …to all who receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – John 1:12 NIV You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Psalm 16:11 NIV

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33 NIV Merry Christmas! Gerald & Anita

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thought I could cut it to fit our kitchen space, so began to bid. Due to its odd shape, I was able to get it for about the same price as the previous smaller sink. I really anticipated working it over with a sawzall to be able to make it fit. It sat in the storage area while we dealt with the next problem.

A DOUBLE MIRACLE Christian Triumph Sanctuary/ Community Center Update

By William Anderson

The building project that we have been praying about, for over two years, has seen significant progress in the last two months. While there have been many challenges, there have been many answers to your prayers. Two are noteworthy enough to be classified as miracles from God, in my mind.

We needed an equipment room above the office – storage – nursery area at the end of the fellowship hall. Brother Israel Hernandez, president of Christian Triumph, had purchased the lumber materials for the floor. We had ordered a drop down stairway to provide access to the upper room, and I thought I had helpers lined up to do the installation of the floor and stairway. (The stairway weighed 250 pounds and was to be installed 10 feet in the air.) The helpers didn’t pan out.

We made the decision at the start of the project that we would like to have a kitchen in which to prepare meals for the elderly and also for church dinners and special functions. In the city of Corpus Christi having a legal kitchen means having a triple sink to properly sterilize the cooking utensils after use.

Coincidentally, this summer, I joined a school auction website, and within two weeks, there was a beautiful triple sink up for bids. When I began bidding, I coincidentally noticed the name of one of the bidders strongly resembled the name of a Christian school in the valley which was also building a kitchen for their school. Thus, I dropped out of the bidding while hoping we would be able to find another deal at a later auction. They won the auction at a very reasonable price. I saw the sink I had wanted in a later photograph of their kitchen.

OK, what’s the miracle about that. Well, I came from Houston with no idea of how I was going to get the floor or the staircase installed but was sure that it was going to happen this weekend. The coincidences start to add up: First, I seldom eat breakfast, but this morning I invited my daughter, who attends college in Corpus, to breakfast.

Second, we went to What-a-Burger, passing McDonalds, my favorite breakfast spot.

Third, she was in a hurry but decided to go inside to eat with me anyway.

Fourth, Rob went to the Post Office near What-a-burger, but it was closed, so he stopped in the restaurant for a cup of coffee.

Fifth, Evelyn and I sat at the table next to Rob. Page 5

A month later, at another auction, I saw another sink. It had drain boards on both sides and a preparation area as well.

Those features normally cost hundreds of dollars more on a stainless sink.

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Sixth, while waiting for our food, she asked me who was going to help me with the work, and I told her I had no idea, but was praying about it.

Seventh, Larry Dial, a young man who had been working in Texarkana as a contractor had arrived in Corpus on the bus at midnight and spent the night at a local shelter. He had been invited to Corpus by his friend, Rob, but now had little money and was praying for work.

Eighth, Rob heard Evelyn and I talking and said, “I have a friend who needs a job. He is honest, big and strong, and a hard worker…just down on his luck right now.”

(Please pray for a legal vent hood for the kitchen. That’s the most expensive piece of equipment in a legal kitchen, when you include the hood with fire extinguisher, intake and outlet blowers, and installation.

This will take a Triple miracle. Also, please continue praying for the workers and contractors who are working sacrificially to complete God’s house.)

When that many coincidences add up, I call it a MIRACLE! A day later, I returned home to Houston, the staircase mounted in the rafters and Larry lined up with a place to stay (an answer to his prayers), and instructions to finish the floor, which he did the following week.

And the sink – what’s the miracle about?

This weekend, we completed the sink installation.

Check out the picture. The sink fit the space EXACTLY, like it was custom made for this kitchen. That’s Larry beside the sink. I call them our DOUBLE MIRACLE. Thank you, JESUS.

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In the next Faith Messenger, Elena Merida will report on the trip and her first impressions of Peru.

Living Large in Cajamarca, Peru On October 27, Christian Triumph’s Elena Merida and Donna Schillinger, along with five others from the United States, traveled to Cajamarca, Peru, to deliver the Women with Purpose conference in three locations and work on the building of the Church of God in Cajamarca, Peru.

The group successfully prepped the structure for the roof so that, on the day after they left, a swarm of Peruvian pastors and laypersons – some 35 people – descended on location to pour the cement roof to first floor (floor to second floor), one wheel barrel load of cement at a time.

An amazing time was had by all.

They learned a lot, worked hard, visited many congregations and generally exhausted themselves in the high altitude environment. “My motto for mission trips is, ‘We can sleep when we get home,’” jokes Donna Schillinger (who was actually the last one up every morning, sleeping in sometimes until 7 a.m.!)

“These trips are always incredibly packed with all kinds of sensations, from new experiences to sights, sounds, tastes and smells. They are excellent for getting a person out of a rut of daily routine! You’re acutely aware you’re living. And it’s living large when you’re doing Kingdom work.”

Women in Bambamarca carved out a day to take in the Women with Purpose conference.

Donna Schillinger and Elena Merida work with the children in Sunday school at the Church of God in Cajamarca, Peru.

Many thanks to those who went and those who helped!

Praise God for a good trip!

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said so finally crossing the street, she ask if her son could ride with us. Well, believe it or not, that helped everything – both boys were ready to go then and jumped in the car.

Unfortunately, the defroster for the windows was not working and only cold air blew, creating a film over the windshield. I have learned in these anxious moments to call immediately on our Father God. While my mind said, “You are in trouble!” my heart said, “Trust in the Lord, and He will answer in His time.”

But this time, I had no time, and I barely drove 5 mph up the street, wiping those windows while the sun caused a blinding glare. I no longer whispered my prayer, the boys heard me plea for help.

And then, while repeatedly turning the defroster on and off, I finally felt that wonderful warm air! The boys now heard words of praise - thanking God - in the Name of Jesus.

We made it safely to school on time – God’s timing – God’s way. And aren’t both of those always just perfect! He hears and answers His “home” missionaries, also, with miracles!

Many prayers were said those two weeks while trying to partially fill the significant shoes of a Mother.

As the old saying goes, “My hat is off” to those who feel called to travel but equally to those who remain at “Home” caring for families, the home church, or those who need a helping hand.

Bless you, our friends! Have a sacred, peaceful Christmas as you celebrate God’s words: I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. Jeremiah. 31:3 NIV

“HOME” MISSIONARIES

By Editor

When I say “home” missionaries, I mean, really, “home.”

Did you ever wonder who takes care of the family when an evangelist, missionary, or singer hits the road or flies in the sky to answer his or her calling?

Well, there’s a good chance that the ones who stay behind are true “home” missionaries as well and deserve a lot of credit for doubling up on several duties.

When I was keeping my Mother on Hospice, God gave me a special verse to remember (I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me. NLTranslation) and while helping with Donna’s family (when she went to Peru), these words resounded in my heart, often. There, I witnessed her husband, John, arising early, fixing their son’s lunch, and preparing for his own day of teaching in the public school. He was caring for others as he did many things to help, especially when returning home in the afternoon.

What was my job? Truthfully, one part was setting the alarm and keeping a school schedule while learning to “merge” into busy traffic again – very difficult for one who lives in the sticks.

One morning went like this: I didn’t hear the alarm so woke up late and rushed around, thinking I’ll never make it! My little sleepy trooper found it hard to get ready and move faster on such quick notice, but he did well.

I kept asking God to help us, just in case. It was a cold morning, and I ran out to warm up the car. Suddenly, the neighbor across the street began to call and to talk. I couldn’t hear a word she

Merry Christmas!

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Faith Messenger A publication of Christian Triumph Company PO BOX 5187 Corpus Christi, TX 78465

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Little Baby down from heaven, I love you, By the Father to us given, I love you; Star of hope for every nation, I love you, Angels gave Thee Thee adoration, I love you.

Carrie B. Adams 8

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