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April 2002


In This Issue:

Redeemed

Are You A Brick?

Q&A - Bro. Ostis B. Wilson

Letters From The Readers

Reports From the Mission Field

Editorials & Prayer Requests

Redeemed

Bro. James McMurrin

"And Moses said, Thus saith the Lord, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt; And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts. And there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there was none like it, nor shall be like it any more. But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the Lord doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel." Exodus 11:4-7.

This was the last plague that God pronounced upon the land of Egypt, and the worst as well. This was the culmination, the ending, the final act that declared the omnipotence of God. But after Moses made this announcement to Pharoah, he had more to say to the Israelites. They had to fulfill their side of the ritual as well:

"Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover. And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning.For the Lord will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the Lord will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you. And ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons for ever. Exodus 12:21-24.

And so it was that the first Passover was observed. Many people read that and they bless God for providing a way out for His children. It is certainly true that when God's judgment fell on the Egyptians, the Israelites were spared if they had shed the blood of a spotless lamb. But that was not the end of the story. The firstborn of Israel were spared death, but there was more to be said. God told Moses about it immediately afterwards, and in the wilderness He mentioned it again. As we see in Numbers: "And I, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn that openeth the matrix among the children of Israel: therefore the Levites shall be mine." Numbers 3:12.

I read this and it caught my attention. Why were the firstborn God's "original choice" to be priests to Him? I had always considered the Levites to be the priests (which they were), but it seemed the Levites had been something of a "second choice." They had taken the place of all the firstborn in Israel. Why? What made God choose them first instead of the Levites? It is answered in the next verse: "Because all the firstborn are mine; for on the day that I smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I hallowed unto me all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast: mine shall they be: I am the Lord." Numbers 3:13.

Here it was. The blood of the lamb during the original Passover certainly spared the lives of Israel's firstborn, but they had not "escaped," as it were. The act of redemption had hallowed them. They were now God's, to serve as His priests, in return for the redemption of their debt. The Levites were accepted in their place, but the firstborn of the animals were never redeemed in that fashion. They still had to be sacrificed to the Lord, unless redeemed otherwise.

Many people know and recognize the parallel between the Passover and our situation today. Like the original Egyptians and Israelites, we are under God's condemnation for our sins. Like the Israelites, there is a way to be redeemed-to be set free. Christ is the Lamb who has shed His blood for us, and has paid the penalty for our sins. But, just as in the Old Testament, the story does not end there. We have not simply "escaped punishment." The same blood which kept us from eternal death has also hallowed us. We are become clean and are called to God's service.

The Apostle Paul reminded us of this fact in his letter to the Corinthians. Speaking of the salvation of God, and how it overcame any difference in our worldly lot, he mentioned that some were servants, and some were free. And then he said: "For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant. Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men." I Corinthians 7:22-23.

We have been bought with the price of Christ's blood. The penalty has been removed from us, but that act has also hallowed us. Having been bought, we are now God's. Anyone who has truly felt the cleansing power of Christ in their hearts will understand and realize this point: you did not just "escape from sin," you were cleaned, made whole, and made ready for a new life, one of service to God.

Let us never forget what our true goal in life now is. Let us always remember the price that was paid for our souls, and the obligation that comes with it. We are to live for Him who died for us.

Are You A Brick?

Anita Adams

In devotions the other night I read a little article entitled "You're A Brick." When I got finished the Lord started bringing Scriptures to my mind and I am challenged by the thoughts He gave me.

The saying, "You're a brick," came from a story about a Spartan king named Agesilaus. He was known for being great and mighty. Like the Queen of Sheba, who visited King Solomon, a Grecian ambassador decided to visit him. He expected to see the towns surrounded by great, high walls and towers to keep off the attacks of the enemy. But he found none at all.

So he said to the king: "O King, I have visited the towns over which you rule and though I have looked, yet have I seen no walls to defend them against an enemy. I am amazed."

"Why," said the king, "You have not looked carefully enough, sir ambassador; come again tomorrow morning, and I will show you the walls of Sparta."

The ambassador went away more surprised than ever, and was very curious the next morning when he returned to meet the king.

Then the king led him down the plains, where his army was drawn up in full battle array, with their spears and their shields shining in the sunlight. Pointing to the battle lines, he said proudly to the ambassador: "There, sir, thou beholdest the walls of Sparta-ten thousand men, and every man a brick!" Every man a brick-every man loyal and true, ready to defend his country and fight for his king. "...Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls.... For I, saith the Lord, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her." Zechariah 2:4-5. What a wonderful wall of defense to have when the enemy attacks our soul! "...Thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise." Isaiah 60:18. The only way to have the Lord as a wall of fire round about us is to have true salvation, a deliverance from sin in our lives.

Did you know that God has a place in His wall for you? "For thus saith the Lord unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place... Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the Lord, to serve him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant." Isaiah 56:4-6. If I want to be a brick in the Lord's wall then I must keep His sabbath. What is His sabbath? Isaiah 58:13 tells us plainly: "If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable, and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord." Isaiah 58:14. To be a brick in the wall of our Lord we must cease from doing our own pleasure, speaking our own words, and doing things our own way. We must be fully controlled by the Lord. "Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it."

Hebrews 4:1. Oh, are we falling short of that true sabbath rest because we want our own way? "Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered mortar; Say unto them which daub it with untempered mortar, that it shall fall:... Therefore thus saith the Lord God; I will even rend it with a stormy wind in my fury; and there shall be an overflowing shower in mine anger, and great hailstones in my fury to consume it. So will I break down the wall that ye have daubed with untempered mortar, and bring it down to the ground, And it shall fall, and ye shall be consumed in the midst thereof: and ye shall know that I am the Lord. Thus will I accomplish my wrath upon the wall, and upon them that have daubed it with untempered mortar, and will say unto you, the wall is no more, neither they that daubed it." Ezekiel 13:10-11, 13-15.

If these people used untempered mortar to daub their bricks and that was unacceptable, what is tempered mortar? Song number 25 in the Evening Light Songs, tells us:

"Church of God, thou spotless virgin,

Church of Christ for whom He died,

Thou has known no human founder,

Jesus bought thee for his bride.

Sanctified by God the Father,

Built by Jesus Christ, the Son

Tempered by the Holy Spirit,

Like the Holy Three in One."

If ever we have needed the sanctifying tempering of the Holy Spirit it is now. If we are not armed with the Holy Spirit, like that Spartan army was armed, there will be a hole in the wall and the enemy will sneak in. That happened in Ezekiel's time and what a lot of evil got through that hole in the wall.

"And he brought me to the door of the court; and when I looked, behold a hole in the wall. Then said he unto me, Son of man, dig now in the wall: and when I had digged in the wall, behold a door. And he said unto me, Go in, and behold the wicked abominations that they do here. So I went in and saw; and behold every form of creeping things, and abominable beasts, and all the idols of the house of Israel," Ezekiel 8:7-10. If we read on down further we find that they were worshipping idols, the sun and some were crying for Tammuz; believed to be Baal-peor. How sad! And it was all because there was a hole in the wall. Somebody's brick was not set in with tempered mortar and it fell out.

Have you been tempered by the Holy Spirit? Has your life been sanctified and set apart for God's use? Have you ceased from doing your own self-will? Have you allowed God to place you in His wall, armed and ready to fight the enemy of the souls of men?

Let us each one be a brick-loyal and true to the King of kings, and Lord of lords-a brick that is ready to defend the gospel and not allow evil spirits to gain an entrance into our lives, our home, and the Church of God.

Are you a brick?

Q&A

Bro. OSTIS B. WILSON

QUESTION: Among the many doctrines in the Bible are the two dealing with salvation-the doctrine of election and the doctrine of free will. There are many passages in the Bible on both of these doctrines and many books written, etc. Now my question is simply this-How can we fit these two opposing doctrines together so as to form a reasonable part of the whole? The entire Bible must somehow fit together as God's whole Word, so there should be some logical answer to this confusing matter. Frankly, I don't see how both of these doctrines can be in the Bible, but they are, and how do we explain them?

ANSWER: In the first place, let us recognize and be persuaded that there cannot possibly be two mutually contradictory doctrines in the Bible. For such a case to exist would certainly raise questions in our minds about God Himself and doubts as to the credibility of the Bible as God's Word. Mutually contradictory doctrines may arise, and often do, out of men's interpretations of the Bible, but they never exist in the Bible itself when properly interpreted and understood.

I see the two doctrines as being mutually compatible, blending into each other and each incorporating the other and the doctrine of free will enveloping the doctrine of election. The doctrine of free will is so definitely and so broadly established in the New Testament that it could not possibly be questioned as pertaining to the plan of salvation and the economy of God's grace. We are told in John 3:16 that "...God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:14-15 says, "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life." Revelation 22:17 says, "...And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." II Peter 3:9 says, "The Lord is...not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." This would certainly destroy the idea of God's electing (choosing) certain ones to be saved and excluding others from being saved by an act of His own will and sovereignty. This thought is further emphasized in I Timothy 2:1 where we are exhorted to pray for all men, and verse 4 says that God would have all men to be saved. I Timothy 2:6 says that Christ gave Himself a ransom for all. I Timothy 4:10 says that God is the Saviour of all men. Hebrews 2:9 says that Jesus, by the grace of God, tasted death for every man.

I have referred to several scriptures and could go on and on with many more to show that salvation, in its provisions, is universal and available to all men, but in its application it is individual and on a whosoever will basis. Anyone who is saved must be willing to be saved within the scope of the economy of God's grace, to come under the covenant provisions in the terms of the gospel and meet the demands of God's Word. Anyone who will do this will be saved.

Now I have stated that the doctrine of free will envelops the doctrine of election. But how? The term Elect is used a number of times in the Old Testament in reference to ancient Israel, who in that time were the chosen people of God. God had elected (chosen) them as a peculiar people, separated unto Himself from all the other peoples upon the earth, that in them He might reveal His glory, power and holiness; to whom He could deliver the oracles of God (the law), extend and perpetuate the covenant and promises made to Abraham, the originator of their race, and through them bring Jesus Christ into the world.

Therefore they are referred to as the elect in different places throughout the Old Testament. But in the New Testament the term elect or election is extended beyond the limits of the Jewish nation to include all, both Jews and Gentiles, who are redeemed from sin through faith in the merits of the all-atoning blood of Jesus Christ.

In the first four verses of the 11th chapter of Romans, the Apostle Paul argues that God has not cast off His people, Israel, and confirms it with the fact that he himself was an Israelite and had obtained mercy and been saved by faith in Christ. Also, he refers to the time of Elijah when a remnant was reserved unto God in a time of Israel's deep apostasy and idolatry. Then in verse 5 he says, "Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace." Note on what grounds the election of this remnant was reckoned. It was not by virtue of being the children of Abraham according to the flesh, nor by the keeping of the law, neither by circumcision, nor by any of the conditions on which the election of ancient Israel was predicated. It is on an entirely different ground-"According to the election of grace." But there are only eleven references to "grace" in the Old Testament. Two of them are prophetic (Zechariah 4:7 and 12:10); one refers to God's mercy in a time of deep trouble (Ezra 9:8); and the Psalmist spoke of grace being given to his lips in prayer (Psalm 45:2). All the others refer to the grace of one person to another, or of the king to individuals, etc. The Old Testament was not an age of grace, but it is said in John 1:17 that "...Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ."

Therefore the election spoken of in Romans 11:5 was not an Old Testament kind of election, but it was the "election of grace" through Christ which only a remnant of the Israelites obtained. John 1:11-13 says, "He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born,...of God." Those among the Jews who received Jesus Christ when He came and believed on His name constitute this "remnant according to the election of grace." Adam Clarke in his comments on Romans 11:5 says, "The election of grace simply signifies God's gracious design in sending the Christian system into the world, saving under it all those who believe in Christ Jesus, and none else. Thus the believers in Christ are chosen to inherit the blessings of the gospel, while those who seek justification through the works of the law are rejected." Again he says in his comments on verse 6, "And this is done according to the election of grace, or rule of choosing any persons to be the people of God upon the footing of grace, which takes in all that believe in His Son, Jesus Christ."

To this the Scriptures bear conclusive evidence, for it is written "...whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely," (Revelation 22:17); and "...whosoever believeth in him should...have everlasting life." (John 3:16.)

Romans 11:7 says, "...Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for;..." They desired to continue as the chosen people of God with all the power and glory of their kingdom which had been in time past. But they did not recognize the Author of eternal salvation when He came, so did not accept Him, but rejected Him, therefore failing to obtain what they desired. This verse says further, "...but the election hath obtained it,..." We have seen that the election were those who believed in Jesus Christ and received Him, thus were born of God, and became His children in reality. Therefore they inherited all the blessings of the gospel, entered into the spiritual kingdom of God (righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost-Romans 14:17), and obtained the fullness of what they sought after.

This group of Israelites, who were elect according to grace, received Christ and believed in Him, were born of God, and became children of God in reality. This great majestic company of faith champions survived the complete spiritual collapse and downfall of the Jewish people and came through with faith and belief in the promises, looking for the Consolation of Israel. This group came through, merged into, and blended with the spiritual body of Christ and entered the spiritual kingdom of God. It was absorbed into a much greater and broader "election" which included all of those from every nation under heaven (both Jews and Gentiles) who believed in Christ and received redemption by faith in His blood.

The term "elect" means chosen, selected. Several translations drop the term elect and insert the term chosen in its stead in all texts where "elect" is mentioned. The Amplifed Bible retains the term elect but in each case inserts in parenthesis the terms chosen, select. Then we read in Ephesians 1:4, "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love." The choosing or electing here does not refer to particular individuals, but that God had chosen or selected a plan for people (all people) to be saved, and this was through Jesus Christ and Him only, by believing in Him and yielding themselves to Him for salvation. Thus it is said that we (all the people of whatever nation, kindred, tongue or people) are chosen (elected) in Him, or there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12.)

Now let us look at a very important text regarding "election." In II Peter 1:10 we read, "Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall." This scripture teaches us that we have a part in our election. Someone said a long time ago in regard to the "election," that "God has a vote, the devil has a vote, and I have a vote, and whichever way I vote is the way the election is going." In Romans 6:16 we are told, "...to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness." Again Romans 6:13 says, "Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God,...and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God." Thus we can see that the yielding of ourselves to one master or the other is in our own hands, subject to our own will and our yielding determines our election one way or the other.

II Peter also teaches us that our election can be lost after it has been gained. "...If ye do these things, ye shall never fall." (II Peter 1:10.) The inference here is that if we fail to do these things and give diligence to this, we will fall.

This is exactly what happened to Israel. They were the elect of God, but they lost their election status and were cut off because of unbelief. (Romans 11:20.) Verse 17 speaks of the Gentiles being grafted in and verse 20 says they stand by faith. Then verse 22 says, "Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off." This all makes it very clear that our election is determined by us and how we yield ourselves, and that our election can be lost after we have obtained it if we do not diligently work out our own salvation with fear and trembling.

Letters

Readers

OK-Dear saints: I think it's about time for me to report in again. A year or so ago I was pretty sure the Lord was letting me know that my time on this earth was about up. I have been afflicted with muscular dystrophy for the last 60 years of my life. About the first of the year for the last two years, my heart and lungs got really bad and I suffered much with it. About July of last year, the Lord gave me a very special healing touch and I felt pretty good until about the first of February of this year, and problems started with the heart and lungs again. We still feel so thankful for the good life God has given us and we know it has to end sometime. So we still have everything committed to Him, that whether He heals me or takes me on, we are ready and almost anxious to go. But you know-in His great mercy God reached down and gave me another touch yesterday (March 15), and the congestion started clearing up, and the heart beat started getting more even. For several days and nights I hadn't been able to lie in my bed. I had to try to sleep in a recliner (which I am not too good at). But last night the Lord impressed me to try the bed, which I did, and I was able to stay all night.

God is so good. He has such a gentle, soothing touch. Today I have been able to breath more deeply and without pain. I am looking forward to being able to go to church tomorrow (March 17). Folks, it is such a privilege to trust the Lord. He is our Healer, our Lawyer, our Advisor. He gladly gives us wisdom and then when this life is over He has a wonderful home to take us to. I want to live in such a way as to adorn the doctrine and make attractive the way.

The next time you hear from Dale Doolittle, that he is about to die, rejoice, because you will soon be hearing that the Lord has healed him or taken him home. If the latter, then you can really rejoice because that is what it is all about.

May God bless you all, and thanks so much for your prayers, -Dale Doolittle

OK-Dearest Wayne and Mary: Thank you for all your prayers for me. I am so thankful for every touch I have received from the Lord. I still have much pain, but I am still trusting for complete healing....

Please renew my Faith and Victory subscription for a couple of years. I enjoy it so much. Please continue to pray for me. I am praying for you.

Love always, -Bertha Miles

LA­Dear Bro. Wayne and Sis. Mary: We are still thanking and praising the Lord for His wonderful gift of salvation. We see God's love and mercy extended to us daily.

Max is still with us. He is totally an invalid. Some days are better than others. We just have to take one day at a time, depending on the Lord for grace and strength. Please lift us up in your prayers for we desire the Lord to have His way and work out His purpose in our lives.

We appreciate the Faith and Victory and look forward to it coming each month.

May God bless you and the workers there at the Print Shop. -Sis. Lula Williamson

OK-Dear ones at the Print Shop: Today finds me being thankful for the wondrous goodness of the Lord.

I think about the verse in Psalms where He said He would make all my bed in my afflictions, and, if I remembered the poor He would bring me out of all my troubles. I can surely say that is true.

I like the verse in Psalm 39:3, "My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue."

I think about how God wants us to be the pen of a ready writer. The half has never yet been told! -Susanna Penner

MO­Dear Bro. Wayne and Sis. Mary: Hello to you both. I hope this finds you well and encouraged to press on to victory for our Lord.

I have a tendency to feel that I am weaker in spirit than others. However there is hardly a single person in the Scriptures who didn't need an encouraging word or a touch of comfort from time to time. We are still mortal, and thus we are fighting the spiritual warfare.

We appreciate your continued efforts and determination to continue in well doing. We must press on.

The condition of our world proves beyond doubt that the only hope for mankind is holding on to God. Not only do we seek the promised reward in the life after this one, but our only hope for peace-real peace-is in God. The only hope for any of us or our children and grandchildren is to hold on to God. So I pray this finds you encouraged and firmly determined to burn brightly with the light of the love of Jesus Christ.

"When all around my soul gives way

He then is all my hope and stay!"

Surely this is true.

My mother, Sis. Ida Belle McMillian, has had chronic bronchitis for several years. This hinders her breathing and is often quite discouraging to her. She is back home in Missouri after a visit with my sister in Phoenix, AZ. She still finds comfort in taking her cares to the Lord.

Sincerely, -Marilyn and David Cole

KS-Dear Bro. Wayne: I am rejoicing as Easter approaches. It reminds us of the wonderful sacrifice that Jesus made for mankind. I am so glad I have taken advantage of that precious fountain of blood and had my sins washed away. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

I trust all are well at the Print Shop, and pray God will continue to bless the printing work in every way.

Christian love, -Sis. Shirley Knight

LA­Dear Bro. Wayne: I am sure thankful for the Lord's blessing to me day by day. He is good to all of His children. It pays to trust Him.

We always need prayer. ­Sis. Velma Mancil

OK­Dear Bro. Wayne: Greetings once again in Jesus' name. I hope all is going well with you and the workers there at the Print Shop.

I am glad that God has promised never to leave us alone, but said He would be with us even unto the end of the world. We have many ways that we stand in need of His help: spiritual help as well as for physical strength and for temporal needsŠ.

Your brother in Christ, -T. V. McMillian

LA-Dear folks at the Print Shop: I am glad you sent me a notice on the Faith and Victory renewal. I really enjoy my paper. I should have written a long time ago.

Sis. Velda Wisner's aunt called for prayer and the Lord heard. I really thank Him for it. Pray that I will have more faith to live a better life. -Nita Shulla

OH-I have gained much knowledge and insight from reading tracts and books from there during the past twenty years.

Thanks deeply for being so dedicated! I love pure truth!

Very sincerely, - Millie S. Cotton

SC-Greetings to all the saints in Jesus' name. I am writing this letter to give thanks, praise and glory to God for healing me! I would also like for this letter to encourage others who are on the standing prayer request list. For those of you who do not know me, my name is Marie Weatherford and my name was once on the stranding prayer request list. I have suffered for about five years with a hernia in my stomach with pain and discomfort.

It had gotten to the point that I was not able to prepare supper, grocery shop or stand for any length of time without having pain and discomfort in my stomach. I had prayed, been anointed and prayed for, and did all I knew the Bible instructed me to do for healing. Sometimes I felt as if I would have to go through the rest of my life with this affliction. I read about many people being healed and I loved to hear others testify about their healing. It really encouraged me to hold on for healing by faith.

In October, November and December 2001, I was experiencing pain almost daily. On Christmas day I had a very bad day in many ways. I was going through many trials, tribulations and disappointments. I cried out to our Father, God, and the Lord Jesus that day, asking for relief of some kind. I told the Lord, "Some people have this problem or that problem, but Lord, I feel like I have many problems all at once." I really needed encouragement from the Lord. I had felt like I could not bear any more than I had. I am not sure what day it was, but somewhere between Christmas day and a day or two after New Year's day, the Lord healed me!

I will never be able to thank the Lord enough for what He did for me! I hope to encourage others to hold on and be like the widow with the unjust judge and never stop praying. So many times in the days that followed my healing, in my mind, I was constantly thanking and praising God for healing me. You know I have told our congregation that the Lord impressed me some time back to give thanks to Him the same way I asked Him for something. For example, if I kneel to ask in prayer, then when He answers I should kneel in prayer and give thanks and praise.

I will close for now and hope that this letter will be an encouragement to many others who are suffering to hold on by faith until your change comes. And let's all remember to give God all the thanks and praise He is worthy of! May God bless you all! -Sis. Marie Weatherford

Mission Reports

From NigeriaŠ

March 2, 2002-Dear Bro. Wayne: Greetings in Jesus' dear name from me to you and to all the members of the Lord's family over there. We are fine over here as we are kept by the power of God through faith. I had a telephone call from Bro. U.M. Akpan yesterday, who is in Uyo, (Asana area), Akwa Ibom State, and he informed me that the work is going on steadily. We are now preparing for the Easter retreat which will be coming up during the Easter season next month. We solicit your prayers for it.

Continue to pray for the prosperity of the work of the gospel, and also for the unity of the Church of God in Nigeria. Pray also for political stability in Nigeria. An unstable government can have an effect on the progress of the work of God. The last bomb explosion in Lagos caused devastating damages to life and property. Not less than one thousand people perished. Many buildings were leveled to the ground. Two windows in my office were pulled down and a wooden partition shaken off balance due to the effect of the bomb. We were not around because it was on a Sunday and our offices were closed. Our home is a little bit removed from the heart of Ikeja, so the effect was not very much felt where we live. Thank God He is on the throne and will always protect His own from danger. We are fine because we are in good hands with Jesus. Until I hear from you again, may God bless and keep you.

Yours in His service,

-Bro. Anietie B. Essien

February 24, 2002-Dear Bro. Murphey: Greetings to you and Mary in the name of Christ the Mighty Savior through whom we have been privileged to enjoy our heavenly Father's love. It is gratifying that we are called to serve the One Who is the greatest. I pray that we may serve Him faithfully to the end.

It is saddening to lose the dear ones as reflected in the February Faith and Victory. Our joy however is that they labored faithfully and have become heaven's gain. Please convey our condolence, if it will be possible, to the dear ones they left behind. What a joy it will be if we will equally make a success of our life's journey here, and join them at the end.

May God bless your labors in the interest of souls.

Yours in Him, -Bro. F. Naths-Igbanibo

From IndiaŠ.

March 26, 2002-Dear Bro.Wayne Murphey and dear saints abroad: Greetings to you dear ones again in the precious name of Jesus.

Our convention at Koottarvila last week was a real blessed one. The attendance was good and the messages were very challenging. The convention at Kothamangalam starts next week. We expect many blessings from heaven in that area also.

Some of our ministers need motorcycles for their transportation. If anyone feels a burden to support this need, it will be appreciated.

Let us exchange our prayers.

Yours in Him, -Bro. John Varghese

From the PhilippinesŠ.

February 19, 2002-We greet you in the grace, mercy, love and peace of God, the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. We give thanks to God always for you all, remembering your work of faith and labor of love and patience of hope in our LordŠ.

We have been praying to God for a long time for the town of San Mateo, for us to be able to open a ministry. God is so gracious and good to us. He answered our prayers. A saint offered her house where we can hold our Bible studies and services temporarily, until such time as we find a place or house to be rented. Rental is too high nowadays, more or less $100.00 a month, and they charge a one-month deposit and a one-month advance. I believe in this kind of endeavor. God will surely make a way. Besides, we have a God who is rich and ready to provide the needs of His children. Glory be to Him.

Another place is being prayed for, the central business of Metro Manila, Makati City. I have been to the place twice already and the people I have shared the Word of God with are responsive and willing to have a regular Bible study. Please help us to pray for these ministries.

My wife, Rose, and my son, Jashen Haven, extend their heartfelt regards to both of you and to all the saints there!

In Christ, -Bro. Paterno C. Tangunan

March 17, 2002-Dear Bro. Wayne: Warm greetings of Christian love to you, to Sis. Mary, and to all of the saints there. My heart is full of joy and I praise and thank God for the overflowing blessings He has given me, especially to His church.

I am very much blessed from your message in the March editorials. Yes, we need to learn to wait patiently. In His perfect time, at the time which you don't expect, prayers are answered. Oh, how great is our God.

I have so much joy in my heart because Sis. Lucy, the preschool teacher who had been worshipping with us since we started last March 2000, now fully surrendered her life to the Lord. The whole congregation today really praised God for His wonderful works in Sis. Lucy's soul. There is also one soul that was added to His church two weeks ago. She is Sis. Anna Liza de Ramos. Bro. Wayne, do you still remember that Sis. Shirly was disowned by her family? That is why she has had to stay with Bro. and Sis. Duremdes. Her family has asked her to come back home. Since January she has been back with her family and she is a Sunday School teacher.

May God bless you and all the dear saints who share their love and care to all who need it. May His bountiful blessings be upon you all. We always pray for you.

Your sister in Christ, -Nellie T. Tibayan

Malawi Trip Planned

Dear saints: Lord willing, I will be making a trip to Malawi, Africa in the month of May. It has been about three years since I was in Malawi and I feel constrained to make another visit. If the Lord opens the way, I will also visit some of the ministers and congregations in the adjoining country of Mozambique. I desire your prayers for the success of this trip.

Before Bro. Bob Sallee passed away four years ago, upon his return from Malawi, he expressed a burden and vision for a chapel building to be built in Msikita Village. There is a real need for a building not only for the local congregation in Msikita, but for the purpose of camp meetings and national ministers meetings. There are other needs as well, including monthly support of some of the native ministers in Africa. If the Lord provides the funds, I will set things in order next month in Malawi to follow through on Bro. Bob's vision for a building.

If you would like to support the African work, funds can be sent to the "Lawrence and Ruthe Taylor Foundation" with Africa as the designation. The mailing address is 4795 Gardner Rd. SE; Salem, OR 97302. This nonprofit foundation, established in the interest of Church of God efforts, will distribute the funds per instructions of the donor. All funds sent to the foundation are tax-deductible and a receipt will be sent upon request. I would appreciate all your prayers in this endeavor.

In His service, -Bro. Michael Smith

Editorials

Wayne Murphey

Recently someone asked what Christ meant on the cross when He cried, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Matt. 27:46. There are such deep tones of agony in that cry that I am sure the full sense of it can never be realized, yet it is worth our study.

Christ was mocked, scourged, crowned with thorns and condemned to die on a Thursday night. On Friday morning, He was compelled to carry His cross out of Jerusalem and toward Mount Calvary until His body gave out and He fell beneath the weight.

At about 9:00 a.m., Christ was nailed to the cross and hung in searing pain. For three hours He endured indescribable suffering. At 12:00 a.m., darkness came over the earth. For three hours He hung in that darkness, with no record that He said a word. Perhaps He was hoping for God to bring rapid relief through death. What patience it would have required to hang in that gloom, without even the comfort of light to reveal sympathetic faces. It seemed the torments of the cross would not end! Finally, in desperation, He cried out in a voice hoarse and weakened by the cruelty of crucifixion, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"

"My God." What pathos in those words! Earlier on the cross He had spoken of "My Father." Now it was "My God." The sufferings He endured seemed to distance Him from His Father. Perhaps He felt unworthy of a closeness to the heart of God because He suffered for sin. And yet what humility in His words! He no longer asked for preferential treatment as a son, but only for that which God might show any suffering mortal.

Notice the faith Christ still possessed. Though He lacked the feeling of His Father's closeness, it was still "My" God. In spite of the pain and denseness of darkness, His faith remained. Had God actually forsaken Him? Psalms 22 is a prophecy of the happenings surrounding Christ's crucifixion. The words in verse one of Psalms 22 are also found in Matt. 27:46. In Psalms 22:24 it says, "For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard." This gives us comfort and reassurance that when Christ called upon God, He was heard.

Just as God heard Christ on the cross, in the darkness, there is no situation through which a child of God may pass but what God will also hear. What wonderful rays of hope shine from the cross, down through the ages, to where we experience life today.

Paul instructed the Hebrew church not to be overly anxious, because God has said, "ŠI will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Heb. 13:5. This is a cardinal truth which can give us strength today.

We have a sincere appreciation for the letters and calls this month which have been of particular encouragement. We are also always thankful for those whom God inspires to keep this work of faith going. God still has a "work force" on the earth, and we are grateful for those who take an interest in furthering His Kingdom.

We ask for your continued prayers. May God bless each of you also. -Bro. Wayne Murphey

Prayer Requests
OK-"Please pray for me. I need a closer walk with God." -Mildred Hall

NM-Pray for Doretha and Clinton Harden of Clovis, NM, who are very weak and sick.

SC-"We have a serious prayer request to pass along. My great-niece, Krista Baird, has a little eight-month old baby, Kiersten, who is in very serious condition in the hospital. She was very premature at birth, and yesterday at the pediatrician's office, they discovered her little spine does not meet her tailbone. There is a gap between the bones. The doctor told Krista they could not allow the baby to go home, but must get her to the hospital immediately. I called Krista last night and my heart went out to her so much! This baby means the world to her and she is quite worried and upset. Please pray for this dear child and for Krista, too.

"Also, please keep praying for Brad Brandes and his wife, Jessica. Brad's condition has declined a great deal." Thank you, -Kevin and Cheryl Smith

KS-"Paul Spivey is a very close friend of mine. He sets across from me at work. He had just arrived in Germany when he found out that his father had a massive heart attack, so he turned around and flew back home. Please pray for Paul, his family and especially his father as he needs to accept Christ as his Savior." -Jerry Johnson

CA-"I am writing to request prayer for Mrs. Natgly's husband. I do not know his first name. He is in the hospital and not expected to live. He has lost 50 pounds since November. They are two wonderful people." -Bro. Dan Viser

Standing Prayer Requests

Sis. Ruby Bell
Sis. Lydia Bennett
Sis. Alscene Breckenridge
Bro. Jon Busbee
Sis. Mamie Butcher
Bro. Arnett Carver
Bro. Nathan Carver
Sis. Estelene Cramer
Sis. Waneta Creel
Sis. Frances Deforth
Bro. Dale Doolittle
Sis. Elaine Dunn
Sis. Eleanor Fingerle
Sis. Pearlene Gerald
Sis. Esther Gordon
Bro. Huey Gordon, Jr.
Bro. Lee Hilton
Bro. Shawn Howard
Sis. Mary Hughes
Sis. Daisy Johnson
Sis. Janice Johnston
Sis. Earnestine Jordan
The Lounds sisters
Sis. Mattie McIntyre
Sis. Bertha Miles
Bro. Allan Miller
Sis. Virginia Myers
Sis. Dollie O'Neall
Bro. Charles Pierro
Bro. O. C. Porter
Sis. Melba Powell
Sis. Myrtle Savoie
Bro. M. Agenemoh Sidi
Sis. Kay Stover
The Mitch Taylor family
Sis. Anna Mae Thompson
Bro. Preston Vulgamore
Bro. Curtis Williams, Sr.
Bro. Max Williamson
Sis. Esther Wilson

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