W W W. I T I S W R I T T E N .CO M
SPRING 2015 A CHRISTIAN MEDIA MINISTRY
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Mission: Mongolia Evangelism in Gig City
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IMPACT Edmonton
on the cover
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Edmonton From April 11 to May 9 the Revelation Today evangelistic series, the final event in a three-year-long citywide project, is expected to reap a harvest that has been sown for many years.
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Director’s Desk
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Staff Highlight
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Mission Report
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Escrito EstĂĄ
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My Place With Jesus
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Community Connection
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Devotional
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Evangelism in Gig City
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impressions magazine SPRING 2015 ISSUE 1 EXECUTIVE EDITOR John Bradshaw EDITOR Annalyse Hasty ART DIRECTOR Michael Prewitt GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ariel Warren Copyright © 2015 by It Is Written. All rights reserved. It Is Written and My Place With Jesus are registered trademarks and/or service marks of It Is Written, Inc. Escrito Está is a trademark of It Is Written, Inc.
connect with us www.itiswritten.org BUSINESS HOURS M – Th, 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. EST SUBSCRIPTIONS impressions@iiw.org It Is Written, P.O. Box 6, Chattanooga, TN 37401-0006 423-362-5800 SOCIAL MEDIA facebook.com/itiswritten twitter.com/itiswritten pinterest.com/itiswritten
calendar
SPRING 2015
April 11 — May 9
Canada
Revelation Today series in Edmonton, AB
See page 16 for details. June 12 — 14
USA
John Bradshaw speaks at Wisconsin Conference Camp Meeting in Westfield, WI
June 16 — 20 John Bradshaw speaks at Michigan Conference Camp Meeting in Cedar Lake, MI
June 28 — July 1 IIW exhibit at NAD Ministerial Convention in Austin, TX
July 2 — 11 IIW exhibit at 60th GC Session in San Antonio, TX
July 23 — 25 John Bradshaw speaks at Central California Conference Camp Meeting in Soquel, CA
July 31 — August 2 John Bradshaw speaks at British Columbia Conference Camp Meeting in Hope, BC
notes
save the date
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Resources
2015 Partnership Events See page 27 for dates and locations.
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Planned Giving
October 9 — 24
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Partnership Highlight
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Tributes
Revelation Today series in Chattanooga, TN
See page 24 for details.
COVER PHOTO: JONATHAN SHIM AERIAL PHOTO OF EDMONTON (TOP): COURTESY OF THE CITY OF EDMONTON.
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Director’s Desk online as cutting-edge interactive studies, and why My Place With Jesus—our ministry to our younger friends—is being updated. God has added a number of young, outstanding, talented individuals to our staff to make It Is Written more effective John Bradshaw in sharing Jesus than ever before. Yet while Speaker & Director it is important that It Is Written move with the times, it is imperative we move as everal decades ago, a well-known God leads us. That’s a vital principle for musician sang that “the times, not only ministry, but also for our lives. they are a-changin’.” Now we send In my personal devotional time recently video around the world from our phones I was struck by a passage I read in 2 moments after it has been recorded; Chronicles. Asa, Judah’s king, had faithfully now the news is talking about the followed God, the Bible saying that development of driverless cars. It “the heart of Asa was perfect” seems the future has arrived. (2 Chronicles 15:17), and he led In recent months, change Israel to emphatic victories. “Evangelism has been a constant But when confronted later is still our lifeblood. at It Is Written. In in his reign by the armies August we relocated to of Israel, King Asa hired …It Is Written is Chattanooga, Tennessee, Benhadad, the king of committed to sharing and by the grace of God Syria, to come to the aid we have secured land of Judah. But even victory and proclaiming the on which to build new over Israel wasn’t evidence word of God …” offices. God is building the of God’s approval of Asa. It Is Written of tomorrow. God reminded Asa that This copy of Impressions magazine just as He had given him victory represents another exciting development. over the “huge” Ethiopian army, He could Our magazine again has a new name, a have delivered Asa from Israel. Asa had new format, and will come to you quarterly failed to follow God’s leading. Although so you can know more about what God his own ingenuity resulted in victory, it is doing through your It Is Written. did not result in the blessing of God. “Yet as things change,” another musician Human wisdom is no match—or once sang, “the more they stay the same.” substitute—for total dependence upon Although It Is Written is in a new physical God. Asa’s plans weren’t wise because they location, we are still undergirded by the weren’t God’s plans. In ministry, and in values and the mission that have guided us our personal life, it’s right to plan and to for nearly 60 years. Evangelism is still our think, to be creative and to do our best. But lifeblood. Whether it be personal or public only when we rely on God’s guidance can evangelism, It Is Written is committed to we expect the very best outcomes. Human sharing and proclaiming the Word of God, plans, independent of God, cannot prosper. not only in English, but also in Spanish with Thank you for your continued prayers our powerful Spanish ministry, Escrito Está. for It Is Written. God is building the It Times do change, which is why our new Is Written of tomorrow, and as He leads, Bible Study Guides will soon be available we can anticipate His blessing.
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FUTURE of Mongolia ONCE A NATION OF NOMADS, MONGOLIA IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY URBANIZED. A COMMUNIST COUNTRY UNTIL RECENTLY, MONGOLIA HAS NOW EMBRACED DEMOCRACY. AND WHILE THE TRADITIONAL MONGOLIAN WAY OF LIFE STILL EXISTS, IT IS BEING LIVED BY A STEADILY DECREASING NUMBER OF PEOPLE. MONGOLIA IS EMBRACING THE FUTURE. But what will that future look like? And how big of a part will God play in the future of Mongolia?
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n Acts 1:8, Jesus said, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” If you ever go to the uttermost part of the earth, I believe you’ll find that it looks a lot like Mongolia. Mongolia is sandwiched between northern China and Siberia, almost the same size as the combined areas of California, Nevada, and Oregon. More than half of its nearly 3 million inhabitants live in Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar, a city that has grown exponentially in the last twenty years. Once the dominant nation on planet earth, Mongolia is experiencing dramatic change. Twenty–five years ago, there were four Christians in Mongolia, just four, in that whole, vast country. Today there are 50,000, and while that might sound like impressive growth, the reality is that only 2.5% of Mongolians are Christian of any kind. Or to put it another way, 97.5 % are non-Christian. A large number are Tibetan Buddhist, some are Muslim, but precious few are Christian, and in general Mongolians know very little about Christianity.
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I asked a group of young people God has unmistakably led us to share Jesus I met in Ulaanbataar what they in the land of Genghis Khan, the Mongolian knew about the Bible. They had emperor who led the country to control a no idea who David and Goliath fifth of the world’s land area and a quarter were or who Cain and Abel were. of the world’s population. Mongolia is Only one girl was able to tell a country whose former glories are past, me anything about the Bible. but whose best days certainly lie ahead. Official numbers state that Jesus Himself said that He would not there are more Christians in Saudi return to the Earth until “this gospel Arabia per capita and also in of the kingdom will be preached in North Korea than in Mongolia. all the world as a witness to all the Currently, Mongolia is very open to the nations” (Matthew 24:14). And “all” gospel, and gospel workers can minister includes Mongolia, a land which, 25 safety. Although churches don’t have the years after communism ended there, is same freedoms that they do in a country still full of potential and promise for like the United States, churches evangelism and soul-winning. exist and can experience Much has been done growth. The need in in Mongolia to advance Mongolia is immense, the proclamation Mongolia and opportunities to of the three angels’ is a country whose share Jesus exist, which messages. Churches is why It Is Written have been built former glories are has launched and a solid church past, but whose best Mission: Mongolia. organization is Over the next three in place. Along with days certainly years, It Is Written will others, It Is Written lie ahead. be working with church has already begun leadership in Mongolia. evangelistic outreach.
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Many people living in Ulaanbaatar still wear traditional Mongolian garb, pictured below. However, as the country continues to adopt Western culture, less are seen living the traditional lifestyle.
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for building projects. Bible workers are needed who will conduct and coordinate outreach and train local church members to effectively share their faith. So often the church plays catch-up, laboring in more difficult circumstances because opportunities to labor in markedly better circumstances were neglected. We do not want to neglect the opportunities God is giving us. This is the time for a concerted mission effort in the uttermost part of the earth. Thank you for your prayerful support of Mission: Mongolia.
Are you willing to be a part of Mission: Mongolia? If you’re willing to minister in Mongolia on a shortterm mission trip, builders, health workers, gospel workers, and support staff are needed to be the hands
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and feet of Jesus in a land of wonderful opportunity for the Gospel. If you choose to support financially,
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your contribution will fund the proclamation of the Gospel and the sharing of health principles. To learn more go to itiswritten.com or use the envelope included in this magazine to mail your gift.
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PHOTOS: ALEX BRADSHAW
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However, just as the doors that were opened in Eastern Europe after the fall of communism soon swung back on their hinges, evidence suggests the same will take place in Mongolia. The country is changing rapidly, and it is imperative God’s people share His Word in Mongolia while there are still favorable circumstances for doing so. Locals report that as Mongolians stream into the crowded capital city they are losing their openness and friendliness, making them harder to approach with the good news. Western fashions and pop culture are altering attitudes, and the boom in the mining industry is bringing to some a level of affluence that, more often than not, closes people to the Gospel. Many fear it will only get more difficult to share Jesus in Mongolia. Mongolians wrestle with a wide range of serious health challenges, so medical missionary work will be a significant component of Mission: Mongolia. Healthcare workers are needed to conduct clinics in community service centers and people who are willing are needed
Staff Highlight
BY ANNALYSE HASTY, Editor
Charles Reel TREASURER
Every organization strives to assemble a good leadership team— people to lead the company boldly and wisely toward its purpose. At It Is Written, a great leadership team has been brought together by God to lead this organization into the next chapter. Since July of 2014, Charles Reel has served on that team as treasurer. Fulfilling more than just the role printed on his office door, Charles serves as a treasurer, office manager, and all around supervisor at It Is Written. He spends his days covering a wide array of responsibilities all while adding his own brand of humor. His cheerful approach is backed by 15 years of treasury and managerial experience and a keen problem-solving ability, which has been a necessity, considering he joined the team in the middle of a cross-continental move. “One of the biggest challenges we have faced is moving from California to Chattanooga. Most of our office staff is new,” Charles said. “A lot of my job has been managing the transition. It has been a challenge to keep all the processes going.” However, these challenges have not kept Charles from enjoying his new job. He said that working for a singularly focused organization is unlike any job he has experienced before.
“One of the great things about It Is Written is that unlike a conference office or union office, we have one focus,” Charles explained. “A conference or union is a multifaceted organization. Each department has their own independent needs. We are a single faceted organization, where everything is about evangelism. So you can keep coming back to that same question: How does this support evangelism?” This singular focus makes Charles’ job as treasurer simple, he said, and provides him many opportunities to see God working. “It is just about being a good steward of the money that is entrusted to us,” Charles said. “We just have to work toward maximizing our resources, which are not unlimited, but are always provided. It is great to see how God takes things and multiplies them in ways we cannot imagine.”
Charles and his wife Karla have two children, Cameron (16) and Kasondra (18), and after a five-year mission service term in Guam, have settled in Ooltewah, TN.
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Mission Report
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here are places in the world where evangelism is considered impossible. It Is Written doesn’t shy away from these places because the Great Commission tells us to go to “all nations” including the difficult places. At the end of 2014, we packed up our suitcases and headed to two impossible cities: Geneva, Switzerland and Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.
Geneva, the city of John Calvin. A place where great zeal for the Bible once existed but now has been replaced by a zeal for money and more money. As the five participating churches prepared for the series of meetings, many wondered if this whole project would not be an act of futility because of the environment. One thing, though, that money cannot buy is assurance in an eternal future of peace and joy. It’s something that only comes from Jesus, and it is free. Thus, the organizers decided to call the series of meetings, “Hope for the Future” (Espoir pour l’avenir), in anticipation that people would be drawn to hear a message about true hope. To the thrill of our faithful church members, on opening night over 400 people gathered in a rented hall in the heart of Geneva to hear John Bradshaw, through a translator, succinctly describe the prophecy of Daniel 2. The energy we felt as people were leaving was palpable. The normal trend for these types of meetings is for attendance to decline night after night. Not in Geneva—attendance grew. 10
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CITY SKYLINE VECTOR BY ARTAMP.COM
Right: Pastor John Bradshaw participates in a baptism following evangelistic meetings in Kota Kinabalu. Far Right: The Holy Spirit worked miracles of grace as hundreds of people came out to hear the everlasting gospel in Geneva, Switzerland.
“…the overflow room had to be used so the more than 700 people in attendance would all have a seat.” On the final night of the series, the overflow room had to be used so the more than 700 people in attendance would all have a seat. It was a miracle. One man heard about the meetings on the radio and decided to attend even though he would have to ride the train an hour one-way. In spite of the distance he kept coming back because he just couldn’t get enough of what he was learning. At the end of the series, like the many others present, he took his stand for Jesus. Kota Kinabalu, on the island of Borneo, is a difficult place to do evangelism for a very different reason than Geneva. Kota Kinabalu is in a Muslim country where there is no separation between church and state. Proselytizing is consequently strictly prohibited. In addition, it is illegal for a Muslim to become a Christian. In spite of this huge challenge, our church members are committed to evangelism and, thus, invited It Is Written to conduct a series of meetings in their city. In order to comply with the laws of the land, the series was called a “Family Education Seminar” and
advertising was primarily done by word of mouth. On opening night over 500 people were in attendance. On closing night, just like in Geneva, attendance had grown. Why? Because people have a “nameless longing,” as Ellen White calls it, for something better than whatever the world has to offer. John passionately walked the audience through beautiful Bible texts. Many hearts were touched, including the heart of a government official who attended the meetings with her husband. On December 21, the last day of the series, 50 wonderful people gave their lives to Jesus and were baptized. It was the best Christmas gift ever. Lives were forever changed in the impossible cities of Geneva and Kota Kinabalu, by simply pointing people to Jesus. There’s power in the spoken word. Yves Monnier is the Director of Evangelism for It Is Written. He schedules and oversees all of the ministry’s evangelism projects around the world.
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Escrito Está
Cuba: A FUTURE FUTURO CON OF HOPE ESPERANZA Escrito Está Impacts Havana with the Gospel Message To learn more about Escrito Está and watch TV programs and devotionals in Spanish, visit www.escritoesta.org PASTOR ROBERT COSTA is the speaker for Escrito Está, It Is Written’s Spanish program. He also serves as associate ministerial secretary for global evangelism at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists in Silver Spring, Maryland.
“Where can I get a Bible?” the young man asked. He had been waiting to speak with me after the meeting, and was now looking expectantly with hope in his eyes. He’d never had a Bible, he said, and his greatest wish was to be able to read one. His name was Pablo, and as we talked, he told me about his desire to know more about God, about Bible prophecy, and especially about the second coming of Jesus. I promised I would find him a Bible. As he walked away, a woman approached me and asked, “Pastor Costa, can you tell me what you and that man discussed?” When I looked surprised, she added, “He’s my son, and until this week, he had no interest in God. Since he’s been attending these meetings, he has changed completely and can’t seem to get enough.” When I told her he’d requested a Bible, she began to cry. This happened recently in Havana, Cuba, where Pastor John Bradshaw and I traveled to present a Bible-based, Jesus-centered evangelistic series focusing on key points of doctrine, something not often seen in Cuba.
The series was titled Futuro con Esperanza (A Future With Hope), which has deep significance for the people of a country who desperately need hope. From March 6 to 14, Pastor Bradshaw preached and I translated his presentations. People were on the edge of their seats— literally—not wanting to miss a single word as they felt God’s Spirit in a most powerful way. Those not sitting were standing—in the aisles, in the balcony, looking in through the windows, and cramming into the church. Every night six buses brought people from different parts of the city to attend the meetings. The presence of the Holy Spirit was palpable as John presented each message. There was power from Heaven in his words, and the people felt it. They came forward every night, making decisions for Jesus. “We have never heard the prophetic Bible message presented like this before,” said Pastor Anoldis Mato. “Many groups come to
The presence of the Holy Spirit was palpable as John presented each message. Cuba. Some bring musical programs, others share Bible studies, but these presentations are powerful, clear and practical!” One widespread practice in Cuba is Santería, a form of voodoo which is endorsed and encouraged by the government. Pastor Bradshaw’s clear message on what the Bible says about these practices and the state of the dead made a huge impact in the hearts and minds of the people. The needs in Cuba are great. In many ways, it’s a country frozen in time and isolated from the rest of the world, but the people are warm and friendly, eager to learn more about God. Many things that we take for granted in America are scarce in Cuba. When we traveled to Cuba we were asked to bring
the simplest items—like shoe polish, toothbrushes, and even pencils so that people could fill out Bible study cards. Another rare commodity is the Bible. That’s why Pablo was so anxious to get one. Both John and I left most of the contents
Every night, six buses brought people from throughout Havana to hear Pastor Bradshaw preach.
of our suitcases with grateful people. The average monthly salary in Cuba is $18. However, more than the material need is the spiritual need of the people. They’re hungry to learn more about God, and to have hope for a better future. By the close of our meetings, we had come to love the people of Cuba, and we felt their love in return. At the close of the series, 42 precious people gave public acknowledgment of their decision for Jesus through baptism. We left Cuba knowing there is a future of hope for them, because there is always hope when God comes into a life and changes the heart. Please continue to pray for the work of Escrito Está. Right now, Pastor Bradshaw and I just got back from a country-wide caravan series that covered all the major cities of Bolivia, every day preaching in a new location. The church leaders in Bolivia tell us thousands of people are right now studying the Bible in small groups and were impacted by this event. Jesus is coming soon, and we have to tell it to the world! SPRING 2015
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Resources
It Is Written
Bible Study Guides
King David described the Bible as being a “lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). The It Is Written Bible Study Guides will lead you on an in-depth study of the Bible. Important subjects will open up to your understanding, and you will encounter God’s promise of peace and eternal security. These 25 lessons feature a simple fill-in-the-blank format, with an answer key included. The complete set is available for only $9.99 (plus shipping). Visit www.itiswritten.com/biblestudy
To order, please call toll-free 1-844-974-8836 E-mail us at orders@iiw.org, or visit store.iiw.org 14
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Cancer:
Is There Hope?
Thousands die of cancer every year, begging the question: are there things we can do to help prevent cancer? Dr. Neil Nedley, president of Nedley Health Solutions, answers these questions and reveals simple and effective ways to reduce your risk. Be encouraged as Pastor John Bradshaw shares his own personal journey with cancer. Yes, there is hope. Available for $19.99 (plus shipping).
Easy-to-understand lessons to guide you step-by-step into a deeper understanding of the Bible and God’s amazing plan for you.
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Cover Feature
BY ANNALYSE HASTY, Editor
IMPACT Edmonton E
dmonton is the capital of the Canadian province of Alberta. Known as “Canada’s Festival City,” it hosts a variety of festivals each year. In 2015 however, one of Canada’s largest cities will be hosting a different kind of gathering—one centered on the joy of a new life in Christ, rather than the passing pleasures of this world.
A Multi-Year Project From April 11 to May 9, John Bradshaw, Speaker/Director of It Is Written, will preach at the Revelation Today evangelistic series in Edmonton. This series, as the final event in a three-year-long citywide project, is something this heavily secular city has never seen. Called Impact 2015, it is expected to reap a harvest that has been sown for many years. “This project is unique because it is a multi-year project. The It Is Written series is one exciting 16
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component,” said Keith LaRoy, the Outreach Coordinator for Impact 2015. His job is to manage a team of seven full-time Bible workers and assist pastors and churches in the greater Edmonton area. Keith facilitates outreach activities including distributing Bible study enrollment cards and running small groups. He believes that the city of Edmonton is ready, that the prework has paved the way for people from diverse backgrounds to receive Christ during the meetings.
PHOTOS: JONATHAN SHIM
“This city is young and affluent compared to the national average. As a result, the vast majority of folks are just not interested in spiritual things,” Keith said. “Politically, economically, socially, religiously, I believe that this series could not have better timing. Nothing has ever been done like this before in Edmonton. I sense that God is trying to get people’s attention in this city.” A Community Effort John Murley is the chairman of the Greater Edmonton Ministerial Association. He oversees all the pastors and Bible workers in the greater Edmonton Impact 2015 is expected to reap a harvest area. He explained that three years ago he and the that has been sown for many years. members of the association spent a day in prayer wondering how to reach the people in Edmonton. That is when Impact 2015 was born. Top: President of the Alberta Conference, Elder Wiebe, prayed a blessing on the four new church “Over the last three years we have been plants in Edmonton. preparing this major citywide series,” John said. “There are 18 churches involved. Bottom: In January, John Bradshaw spoke to over 2,000 people at a rally event for Impact 2015. All of the pastors, elders, church board SPRING 2015
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members, the Conference, the Canadian Union, and even the North American Division are on board and supporting.” Over 370,000 Bible study enrollment cards have been distributed in the city and over 390 cards have been received. Nearly 300 people have already been baptized and four new churches have been planted during this process. Leaders of the project feel that all of this early success in such a secular city can be attributed to prayer. “We have some very, very dedicated prayer warriors. They have been organizing prayer groups across the city in various churches and homes for over one year. They have weekly prayer phone lines. It is incredibly encouraging to be able to forward prayer requests to this team from the front lines and see God answer prayer!” Keith said. “This whole project has been bathed in prayer like I have never seen any other project!” The Lord has blessed the effort and preparation of the people involved in this project. One man in the area sent in an enrollment card requesting Bible studies. A Bible worker followed up and
Photo: Courtesy of the City of Edmonton
Over 200 individuals in Edmonton are engaged in Bible studies because of the Impact project.
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eventually invited him to a small group. “He thoroughly enjoyed the Bible lessons and the small group. An older man, he has a heart of gold, and the Holy Spirit is placing in him a zeal for souls,” Keith said. “He is now witnessing to all of his friends
“This whole project has been bathed in prayer like I have never seen any other project!” and family about God’s goodness, inviting them to different programs and events.” Stories like this one are happening all over the city of Edmonton. In preparation for the series in April, a rally was held in January where John Bradshaw spoke. Over 2,000 Adventists attended the rally, united in mission. “The momentum for this series has been building across the churches for a long time. People are excited,” Keith said. “The messages that were shared at the rally definitely added to the inspiration that has been building.” Embracing the Mission Because of the work that has been done for Impact 2015, leaders of the project hope that evangelism will become a part of church members’ everyday lives. They feel that sharing their faith is what God asks His people to do, and hope that lifestyle becomes a lasting practice for members, constantly looking for souls for the kingdom. “I believe Jesus is coming very soon. I think that the lifeblood and mission of the church is to invite. Our role is just to invite and provide opportunities. The Holy Spirit does the convincing,” John said. “This series has given us a chance to train the people of our churches to be in a spirit of evangelism—to understand the role they can play and the importance in teaching people about the love of God.”
Planned Giving
Her Faith
HONORED
C
Would you like secure fixed payments for life? If you are looking for a way to secure your future, a charitable gift annuity is the answer. Not only will you be reaching people with the Gospel, but you will receive the security of fixed payments for your lifetime backed by our promise. Now is the time to lock in a rate based on your age. To find out your payment rate and learn more about establishing a charitable gift annuity, please give us a call.
onnie and George lived in western Nebraska with Connie’s aging parents. From time to time Connie’s dad and George would buy farm land at an auction, then lease the land for grazing or wheat crops. The family loved the Lord and His work. Being in a very small town, they greatly appreciated the spiritual blessing of media ministry. In the course of time Connie’s parents passed to their rest. Soon, Connie too became very ill and realized that she might not recover. George called an attorney to quickly prepare a will for Connie. She knew she wanted to bless the work of God, so she told the attorney she wanted to give a 150acre parcel to It Is Written should she pass. Unfortunately, she didn’t live very long. George had the pleasure of assisting that attorney in getting that 150-acre farmland into the treasury of God to reach sinners and transform them into saints of God. Rather than growing strong cows for slaughter, Connie and George’s investment is now being blessed by God to grow the family of God for eternity. God moves in the hearts of His children to return to Him some of what He has blessed them with. Connie honored her creator and redeemer with her blessings. Will you do the same?
PHONE E-MAIL WEBSITE
800-992-2219 plannedgiving@iiw.org www.HisLegacy.com
This information is not intended as tax, legal, or financial advice. Gift results may vary. Consult your personal financial advisor for information specific to your situation.
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My Place With Jesus
A Priceless Treasure Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. MATTHEW 10:31
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e had just arrived at the guest house, which was kindly provided for us while away from home for a speaking appointment, when my children first heard about the kittens. The owner told us that their cat had about five kittens, but had them hidden to keep them safe. It was like a game of hide and seek, and of course, my children searched for the kittens every day. They would follow the cat—hoping to find them—but they never did! Then, a day or so before we returned home, the owner found the kittens in a large pot just outside the patio doors. My children were so excited! Any plans that were made for that day no longer took priority. The day was full of excitement with five little kittens to play with! As my children played with the kittens, we began to notice that the mother cat was not around. How did the babies get there? And where was their mother? She MELISSA BRADSHAW is the Director of Children’s Ministries at It Is Written. Melissa and her husband, John Bradshaw, have two children and live in Collegedale, TN.
was not responding to their cries. After not seeing any sign of the mother cat all day, we found a box and put the kittens in it for the night. Sunday came and we were ready to go home, but what were we going to do with the kittens? The mother cat had vanished, and the owner couldn’t take responsibility for the baby cats. We were going to be returning to that same town the following weekend, so we decided to take the kittens home and bring them back a week later. That would give the owner time to make arrangements for the kittens’ care. And it would mean we would have five kittens for a week! What a busy, fun, and tiring week that was! Because those little kittens didn’t have a mother, we had to feed them, clean them, and look after them. Matthew 10:29 tells us of Jesus’ love and concern for helpless little animals, “Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground
apart from your Father’s will.” And as much as Jesus cares for His little creatures, you can be sure He loves and cares for you even more! In Matthew 10:31 Jesus says, “Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” The kittens were adopted by families who loved them, and they became strong, healthy cats. And God—who loves you and cares for you—will watch over you and help you grow and be healthy. Remember to thank God every day for His kindness and love! DOWN
Meet Dexter the dog! Visit myplacewithjesus.com for more great stories and activities for kids!
Cat Crossword ACROSS 1. 5. 6. 7. 9.
A cat’s feet are called… Sometimes they do this with their claws. A cat would chase a… This is something they like to do during the day. Cats like to play with a ball of…
2. Something cats have on their face. 3. What a young cat is called. 4. A cat with lots of fur is… 6. A dog will bark, but a cat will… 8. What sounds does a kitten make when it is happy?
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Community Connection
Opening Doors In partnership with It Is Written, SALT teaches participants to share their faith effectively in their local community and abroad.
“Ye are the salt of the earth…” Matthew 5:13 KJV
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ive years ago, Pastor John Bradshaw became Speaker/Director at It Is Written. I would later learn that one of his first passions was developing an evangelism training school. “If we’re going to finish the work, we need a place where we can offer training in evangelism,” he would muse to his colleagues. However, it seemed impossible because investing in a brick and mortar school and hiring teachers would be too expensive for the ministry. So John made it a matter of prayer. If it was going to happen, God would have to work it out. What John didn’t realize was that a similar vision was being birthed on the campus of Southern Adventist University. I was a professor in the School of Religion, and for a number of years I had dreamed of having a practical training program to teach students to share their faith, give Bible studies, and effectively engage in their 22
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local church. An MBA student, Michelle Doucoumes, shared that same excitement and together we created a program that would enable students to receive hands-on evangelism training while getting full academic credit. We had just one problem: We didn’t have the resources to pull it off.
World-renowned faculty members teach classes, and It Is Written gives scholarships and evangelism opportunities. Then it happened. In a random but providential call, I spoke to John Bradshaw who told me that he was coming to our campus the very next day. We discovered that my passion for an evangelism training school was also his passion. We
PHOTOS: COURTESY OF SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY DOOR GRAPHIC DESIGNED BY FREEPIK.COM
had the classrooms and the teachers that It Is Written needed and they had the resources that were vital to us launching this program. God put it together! Within a few months, the SALT (SoulWinning and Leadership Training) program was born. This powerful program enables anyone of any age, from any discipline to learn skills to share their faith. The short summer intensives and the longer semester programs give hands-on skills
in awakening spiritual interest, sharing Bible studies, gaining decisions, and deepening spirituality. World-renowned faculty members teach classes, and It Is Written gives scholarships and evangelism opportunities. It’s a winning combination. Little did we know when we launched this program that God had a deeper reason for this partnership. Within a year of SALT launching, It Is Written was looking for a new home. It became clear that Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Southern Adventist University were a great landing spot. Since the move, SALT and It Is Written have been able to work closely together. This year, we are doing a large city-wide evangelistic series in Chattanooga with over thirty churches and thousands of lay people involved. It’s a massive effort involving health,
Bible work, literature evangelism, community service, an archaeology seminar, and most of all prayer. At a recent rally for the event, people had to be turned away because the place was so packed with lay volunteers. Training is taking place at churches across the city and the build up to the series is unbelievable. The partnership between SALT and It Is Written is making this event even
more impactful on the lives of people we reach, and on the lives of the students and volunteers. God created this union at the perfect time, bringing people with passion for evangelism together to do His work. We are excited about what lies ahead, knowing that God will continue to lead in amazing ways. To find out more about how you can get involved, visit www.southern.edu/salt or www.itiswritten.com/salt ALAN PARKER is the director of the SALT program as well as director of the Pierson Institute of Evangelism and World Missions at Southern Adventist University.
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Feature
EVANGELISM in
The first city in the Western Hemisphere to offer one-gigabit-per-second fiber Internet service is headed for a new kind of breakthrough.
“As we embark on our 60th year of ministry, It Is Written continues to find new ways to deliver the Gospel.” Chattanooga’s updated riverfront accurately represents this growing and dynamic city, which will host It Is Written’s global event.
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rom October 9 to 24 John Bradshaw, Speaker/ Director of It Is Written, will host Revelation Today— The Mysteries Revealed series, a two-week exploration of the Bible’s book of Revelation. The event will stream worldwide nightly, except Sundays and Thursdays, from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Wait a moment… A Revelation seminar? From Chattanooga? Transmitted to the masses? By It Is Written? That sounds familiar! True enough. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the groundbreaking NET ’95 series, presented by Pastor Mark Finley in Chattanooga. Though the prophetic message and location are the same, the similarities end there. This time, the message will be transmitted in high definition exclusively via the Internet, delivering an excellent signal, free of charge, to any TV network or station who
In preparation for the local aspect of this event, It Is Written is aggressively plowing the land and planting gospel seeds in Chattanooga— some of which are starting to bloom! We recently received this report from one of our local Bible workers: “I had less than 30 minutes until my next appointment and didn’t want to waste my time knocking on one more door. Nevertheless, I did, and Alicia invited me in and eagerly took the Bible study guide in her hand. She said to me, “God has been telling me I need to get back into studying His Word. I believe He sent you to help me.” We set a regular time to study together but she missed appointments and didn’t return my calls. Frustrated, I decided to check on her one last time. We connected. She told me she had been watching a channel that carried It Is Written, that she believed the programs had truth, and she had been convicted about the Sabbath. “What do you think about the Sabbath?” she asked. I was speechless but inwardly doing cartwheels. I shared that I was a Sabbath keeper, and her eyes filled with tears. “Now I KNOW God sent you to me!” she exclaimed.
wishes to air it … anywhere in the world. A channel in India could take the signal, add a several-second delay, provide real-time translation, and overlay local contact information at the bottom of the screen. Even more exciting is the new multifunctional smartphone app that will allow millions of people to watch anytime, anywhere—and connect with local churches, or each other, for further conversations, study, or baptism. “As we embark on our 60th year of ministry, It Is Written continues to find new ways to deliver the Gospel,” John Bradshaw said. “The app will obviously allow users to watch the program live, or at a later time, but it will also facilitate interaction with our featured guest experts. For example, I may interview an archaeologist via Skype during the program. A viewer could tweet or text us a question in the middle of the interview, and receive an instant answer,” John explained. It Is Written believes that it is such an important and exciting time for revitalizing the church’s evangelistic efforts. “We hope every congregation, and possibly every member, will utilize these resources to stream the program and offer local hospitality. All you need is an Internet connection and a screen of any size,” John said. Visit www.itiswritten.com to learn more about Revelation Today—The Mysteries Revealed. SCOTT STEWARD is a freelance marketing professional. He is working with It Is Written on the public relations effort leading up to the Revelation Today—The Mysteries Revealed event in October.
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Partnership Highlight
A Rich Inheritance Giving for the advancement of His work
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ur Partners are an integral of your parents’ faithfulness to God! part of It Is Written. Without I understand your family joined the their support, we could not church when you were a young boy? effectively continue sharing the Gospel Jim: Yes, we lived on a farm in Iowa. We of Jesus Christ with the world. didn’t belong to any church, but my mother Retired pastor and evangelist, Jim Griffin, would read to us from the Bible and other and his family have a long history with Christian literature provided by an It Is Written. After Jim’s mother old gray-haired gentleman. This passed away, he wrote a heartfelt man would tirelessly walk up letter to It Is Written and said: and down the dusty roads “She [my mother] loved selling Adventist literature. It Is Written and I am honored He would often stay in our to donate in her memory. home and study the Bible She wanted to live until Jesus with our family. One day, came, but was laid to rest this he invited us to attend an past month at the age of 93. evangelistic meeting in Albia, Earl and Hazel Griffin Her greatest joy and purpose Iowa. At the conclusion of the in life was to give of her means to series, we joined the church. hasten the coming of Christ. More than 20 Nancy: Is that why your parents became years ago… she said, ‘Jim, if the Lord lets us live such strong supporters of evangelism? a little longer, we will have given $1,000,000 Jim: Yes. My parents were thrilled with to help share the message of the coming of the truths that we learned and wanted to do Jesus.’ The Lord let my parents live many more something to hasten the coming of Jesus. years and she always kept her promise to give.” The first summer after joining the church, The Griffin family is an example of the we went to camp meeting at Cedar Falls. dedication of those who long for Jesus to On the last Sabbath, they had a service to come and are committed to spreading the raise funds for evangelism. A wealthy farmer Gospel message. Nancy Costa, writer for stood up and said, “I want to be the first to Impressions, had the privilege of interviewing pledge $100.” That statement became my Jim and learning about his family. mother’s goal in life. She would often pray, Nancy: Jim, I still remember the day “Lord, if you will give me a way of making we received your letter, which touched money, I will give it for evangelism.” our hearts. What a wonderful testimony Nancy: I understand things changed for your parents when they were in NANCY COSTA is a Planned Giving their late 40s. What happened? consultant with It Is Written. She Jim: My mother loved people and was lives with her husband, Robert, in Silver Spring, Maryland. often found helping neighbors who were ill. Often she would say, “I would love to have a nursing home where we could care for 26
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PHOTOS PROVIDED BY JIM GRIFFIN
people who have no family to care for them.” have a history with It Is Written. Some years later, a small 19-bed nursing Jim: Oh my, yes! I was ministerial director home came up for sale, and the owner was for the Arkansas-Louisiana Conference willing to finance, so my parents bought it. while George Vandeman was the speaker. Just three years later, God blessed and they We arranged for It Is Written to broadcast were able to build a 95-bed skilled every week in the major cities. I had nursing and rehabilitation center. one of the follow-up crusades in Nancy: That must have been Baton Rouge, and many were hard work! Is that how God baptized. A great number finally answered her prayer of our interests came from to provide her with funds It Is Written’s program. for the work of evangelism? We loved all the speakers, Jim: Yes, it was. I can assure and I’m amazed at the you of this—she kept her quality of programs John promise to care for people who Bradshaw is producing. Jim Griffin could not care for themselves, and Nancy: Any closing thoughts? her promise to use the income God Jim: My mother’s motto was: provided to help hasten the coming of Jesus. I live to give. She loved saying, “Do your Nancy: Jim, I understand that not giving while you’re living and then you’ll only your parents, but you yourself be knowing where it’s going.” If you would like to be our featured donor or would like to recommend someone for an upcoming issue of Impressions magazine, please e-mail us at impressions@iiw.org
JOIN US
Partnership Weekends
Gatlinburg, TN
Call 1-800-479-9056
2015
or visit www.itiswritten.com/partnership for more information or to register.
Gettysburg, PA
Portland, OR
Palm Springs, CA
Monterey, CA
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Gatlinburg, TN
“I look forward to seeing you at Partnership!”
September 11–13
November 6–8
December 4–6
September 18–20
November 13–15
September 25–27
November 20–22
—John Bradshaw, It Is Written Speaker/Director
TRUTH LIVES
PROCLAIMING CHANGING
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Tributes and Memorials IN MEMORY A Abrams, Edna by Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Bischoff Achilles, John by wife Gay Achilles
Burrescia, Guiseppe by daughter Caterina Genovese
France, Lee by daughter Carla Rachals G
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Gal, Troyan by Rebecca Beardsley
Loughridge, Bob and Jenny by Condal Williams
Canaday, Edna by son William Warcholik
Aldred, Bob by brother Larry Aldred
Carpenter, Conrad by daughter Carmen Bartow
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Chaj, Vivian by Rita Vital
Baybarz, Myron by in-laws Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Bischoff
Cheheid, Eduardo by son Gabriel Cheheid
Becher, John by Terrie D. Becher
Christensen, Muriel by Rita Vital
Best, Clyde Jr., Clyde Sr., and Gladys by Donna Best
Cloud, William by wife Tess Cloud
Bidwell, Harriet by Jim and Judy Culpepper Bobbrow, Hy by Janice M. Valvano Boskind, Sidney and Wynn by Dr. and Mrs. Andrew Boskind Bowen, Edwin by wife Joan Bowen Bowman, Clara by Marion Monroe Judith Mohr
Conway, William by Franklin and Alice Hendricks Crimens, Janet by daughter Georgia VanDruff D Dave, Esther by the Dobson and Dave family Davis, Chip by Barbara Daniels Davis, Eliza by son Robert Davis
Gann, Betty Jo by son David Gann Gann, Jesse Donald by brother David Gann
M McMillon, Doris by daughter Gail Bogle-Munson
Green, Gorton by Richard L. Green
Mikhail, Insaf by Azmi Mikhail
Gust, Minna by daughter Sabina Ersel
Morgan, Margaret by grandson Sean Bell
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Halvorsen, Don and Donna by son Raymond Brandt
Nichols, Gus and Julia by son Merlin Wittenberg
Hammer, Francis by daughter Judith Metzen
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Hardin, Barton by Mr. and Mrs. Donald Myres Hefferlin, Dr. Ray by Rita Vital Hoogenboom, Ari by Rita Vital K
Dryburgh, Janet by Geraldine Hill F
King, Willie Sr. and Emma by son Larry King
Bush, Alan F. by wife Thetis Bush
Fossdahl, Virginia by son Dennis Fossdahl
Knittel, Dr. Frank by Rita Vital
impressions
Lutz, Angie by Art and Pam Gaskell
Golke, Elsie by Tony and Jeannie Krause
Bradburn, Julia Rempher by Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Fish
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Lorenz, Virgil by Geraldine Hill
Oquendo, Bernarda by Cecilia Oquendo P Pacchino, Rosemary by mother Dorothy Pacchino Palsgrove, Carol by John Palsgrove Partridge, Jack and Alma by daughter Alma Partridge Pendleton, Leon by daughter Connie Pendleton-Barnes
If you would like to give a donation in memory of someone please go to giving.itiswritten.com/give or use the enclosed envelope to mail your donation.
Pinke, Mr. by wife Joyce Pinke Pitts, Dr. Gerri by Rita Vital Poole, Merlin by Wanda Poole R Roach, Bob by Jim and Judy Culpepper Roberts, Bob by Thomas Scoggins Roberts, Les and Norma by Mary Ella Johnson Ronning, Eugene by Norma Dyke Ruf, Barbara Butler by Rita Vital S Singleton, John W. by Miranda Singleton Smith, James by children John and Carole Smith Smith, John B. by grandchildren John and Carole Smith Stankoff, Zane by Christine Stankoff Steed, Roda by Ruth Haller Sullivan, Sally by Jim and Judy Culpepper
T Thomas, LaVon by Mr. and Mrs. James Land Thompson, Lois by Rita Vital Thoresen, Dr. F Douglas by Elder and Mrs. Arden Mote Thoresen, Laurel by Jack Blanco, Rita Vital Tillman, Elbert by daughter Carla Rachals Titus, Lillian by Phyllis and James Morgan V Velasquez, Josiah by father Robert Velasquez W Warren, Phyllis by sister Patrice Williams Weisz, Bernice by Mr. and Mrs. Donald Myres Widicker, Leo by Mr. and Mrs. Donald Myres Williams, Royce by Simone Constant, Randy Wright, Patricia L. Stevens, Pat Lawson, Marta Marcano Willis, James, Sr. by William and Carol Onuska
Wilson, Lois N. by Alvin Wilson
Emde, Brad by Shelly Shaw
Wilson, Loretta by Rita Vital
Ferral, Jake by Judith E. Jones
Wolff, Cindy by Steven L. Blake
Halvorsen, Ron by Betty Weakley
ANNIVERSARY
Kolonova, Olga by C. John Mckenney
Drieberg, Justin and Ivy by Dunstan Girton White, Dr. Ernest and Mary by daughter Heidi Nelson
Kovel, Hannah by Rhonda Kovel Lambert, Kevin by Melissa Lambert
BIRTHDAY
Lewis, Kenneth and Idalyn by daughter Marj Simons
Ford, Dr. Wendell (91st) by Lynelle Wright
Ocheltree, Edna by granddaughter Kerstin Swope
Ingram, Bobby, Joel, and Vita by Robert Ingram
Maddox, Dr. Spencer by Gwen Beck
HONOR Jesus Christ by Maureen Brijmohan, W. Calise, Ann Schloss, Rimon Shaul, Claudia Yacila Barnes, Steven and Gladys by brother Richard Barnes Bourns, Gordon by Judith Jones Browne, Robert by Mollie Browne Christopaul, Dave by Ebbie Christopaul
Muhar, Mr. by Lynne Bishop Pacific Cataract & Laser Institute by Hal Gross Tinker, Althea by son Keith Tinker Walberg, Layton by grandfather Tom Durham Zorn, Mr. and Mrs. Frances by Dr. and Mrs. Charles Wilkens Zugner, Adelina Pearl by grandparents Darrell and Innes Woertz
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Devotional
Fighting on the
GNORW Side WRONG
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ugust of 1962, in the aftermath of the Korean War, U.S. Army soldier James J. Dresnok was stationed on the newly established 38th parallel.
Many hours of his day were spent patrolling this latitudinal line, which serves as the heavily guarded border between North and South Korea, dividing democracy from communism. Being recently divorced, not having very many friends, and now under the strict discipline of his commanders, the young soldier would ponder the idea of crossing over into the North in hopes that a better life awaited him there. Finally, when the opportunity presented itself, Private James J. Dresnok of the United States Army defected to communist North Korea. Shortly after defecting, the North Korean government acted quickly to capitalize on the American soldier joining their ranks. Propaganda warfare campaigns were immediately launched in which Private Dresnok would invite his former allies and brothers-in-arms to join him and the people of North Korea. Despite his intentions of settling into a life of leisure, this young man GREG WILSON is the SALT program coordinator. He has been involved in literature evangelism, public evangelism, and young adult ministries. Greg’s passion is in equipping and encouraging others to share God’s Word.
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found himself fighting on the wrong side. The prophetic book of Revelation tells us that we are also living in the aftermath of a great war. This war, known as the Great Controversy, is not against an earthly government or nation, but against God Himself. “And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought” (Revelation 12:7). Never before in heaven had a celestial being thought to fight against God; this spirit had originated in the heart of Lucifer, now called, “the devil and Satan” (Revelation 12:9). Across the borders of good and evil, Satan invites us to join him in his campaign against the throne of Heaven; he tempts us to take on his spirit and fight against God! Yet there is no eternal future for those who fight against God. “But they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer” (Revelation 12:8). Even still, how often so many of us join Satan’s ranks and fight against God. Dear reader, what has God asked you to surrender to Him? Have you let it go and laid it down at His feet? When we resist the urge of the Holy Spirit, we are taking up the spirit of Satan; and there is no future there. We will find ourselves fighting on the wrong side. My friend, there is eternal glory waiting for those who have given it all to Jesus. Won’t you surrender and be among the number of the redeemed?
Giving sight to the blind
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ne out of every three blind people in the world lives in India. That totals an estimated 15 million blind people. Many of these people suffer from operable cataracts, which they cannot afford to treat due to economic conditions or lack of local healthcare facilities. Often with one simple surgery, these people can have sight again. Go to itiswritten.com/eyesforindia to learn more.
Upcoming Evangelism
Mission opportunities from It Is Written
October 9—24
Revelation Today
The Mysteries Revealed Streaming worldwide from Chattanooga, Tennessee, John Bradshaw hosts a twoweek exploration of the Bible’s book of Revelation. This series also marks the 20th anniversary of the landmark NET ’95 series. Watch for details on how to host and participate in this breakthrough event. See page 24 for more.
Mission opportunities: September 30—October 11 Mongolia: Three church projects in one. In need of health professionals, builders, and evangelists. See page 5 for details.
Upcoming opportunities for evangelists: 2016 Philippines Zimbabwe