Won by His winsome approach, I respond, "Won’t You please enter? I am honored at Your visit. Sorry to have kept You waiting."

Another description of Christ’s approach is found in Isa. 1:18. "Come now and let us reason together, saith the Lord:..." My reply? "I accept Your invitation. I want to hear what You have to say. You are treating me with regard–why should I not respond with the same?" As Christ approaches with His winsome appeal and gentle entreaty, I open like a flower to sunshine.

Perhaps you’ve felt a similar sense of compliance when, on occasion, someone politely requested something of you. Do you remember the power of their positive persuasion and the pleasure you felt at complying? What a willingness welled up within you, all because of a gracious approach! Such is the appeal of One who rules by love. Our reverence for Him is born of respect, for has He not shown consideration for us? His regard compels us to obey.

Opposite the approach Christ used, is the method employed by some well-meaning theologians, who in their zealous attempt to influence others to righteousness, "thunder from Mount Sinai." The result? People sometimes choose to submit through dread and fear, or else raise a resistance.

Such a response underscores the need for wisdom in how the Word of God is presented. As Prov. 11:30 declares, "...He that winneth souls is wise."

One consultant, paid to tell people what to do, said "Most listeners raise their defenses and become guarded when other people try to tell them what to do or claim to know what’s best for them. The tendency to resist advice may not make sense," he said, "but it’s human nature."

With that in mind, it would be well to work to create a climate of compliance.

Think about it. Maybe you recall an experience of your own when you were approached in an aggressive or accusatory manner. If so, you probably felt defensive or resentful, or perhaps a little hurt. It’s probably safe to say you failed to enjoy the experience. Did it inspire you to obey? Through fear or compulsion you may have opted to comply, or perhaps you were one of those who planted your toes and refused to budge.

Sometimes we do not realize how important our tone of approach is in conversing in general. Whether parenting or teaching or opinionating, we can fail to realize how we project ourselves, and overlook the effect we have on our listeners. Sometimes we even forget our manners in our zeal for a righteous cause. To bully is to raise resistance to the acceptance of a message and makes us our own worst enemy. But it need not be so.

How about this challenge? What if we conformed our methods to those of Christ–His tone and approach in sharing the Gospel? One of the best ways to understand His ministry is to study the record of it in the gospels.

Matthew offers a great deal of insight and inspiration regarding Christ’s conduct toward the common people. In particular, consider the sermon on the mount, laden with "blesseds." (Matt. 5:3-11.) Consider also His invitation to "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,..." Matt. 11:28, and "...Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Matt. 4:19. (Fishermen offer enticing bait.)

Christ’s ministry was also one of comfort, as in "Jesus went about...teaching...and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing..." Matt. 4:23.

A description of His ministry can also be found in a prophecy of Isaiah, which said, "Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him,... He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory." Matt. 12:17-20.

Christ’s outreach even included a loving invitation to little children. Matt. 19:13-15. "Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. And he laid his hands on them,..." (He was approachable.)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, fill us with such reverence for your living Word, that we communicate it in the spirit of your love. Amen.

Answer: The verse in question says: "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth."

The first thing to note about this verse is that the word "things" is italicized, indicating it was added by the translators. A straight rendering of the scripture from the Greek reads, "So that in the name of Jesus every knee should bend of heavenlies and of earthlies and of underground ones." So this verse does not apply to inanimate objects, or things, but to people.

In naming heaven and earth and "under the earth," the apostle is expressing the thought that everyone everywhere, whether alive or dead, will bow before Christ on the day of judgment.

John the Revelator offered a similar expression in Rev. 5:13. "And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever."

The translation for the Greek word used by Paul means: subterranean. The definition of subterranean means: beneath the earth’s surface.

It might seem that Paul was being redundant by referring both to those in heaven and those in the grave. John might seem redundant also, for he mentioned those under the earth and those in the sea. But indications are that both Paul and John wanted to make it plain no one would be unaware of the dominion of Jesus Christ.

Our 37th General Convention ended with many blessings and victories. The attendance was good and all messages were really challenging. Many got saved and sanctified.

Pastor Ed Wilson, Sis. Roberta Wilson and Sis. Linda Probst were the chief guests in our convention this year. Pastor Ed Wilson instructed the church in the Bible Studies and preached in the morning and night meetings and in the ministers’ meeting. He baptized nine men and women on Sunday morning, January 13. They were real blessings to the whole church. They visited some of our congregations also.

My son, BIJU, got married on January 19th. His wife’s name is MINCY. Pastor Ed Wilson performed the wedding service. Please pray for their happy family life.

Please continue to pray for the needs of our church here.

Yours in Him, –Bro. John Varghese

January 15, 2002–Dear Bro. Wayne and saints: Greetings in Jesus’ name from the other side of the world–India. We, Ed and Roberta Wilson and Linda Probst, had a safe arrival and found the saints here much encouraged. The convention proved a blessing. We were much impressed with the messages and found a sweetness of spirit. The language of love is what we spoke when there was no interpreter. On Friday, Linda taught the children by drawing pictures as Bro. John interpreted–making bookmarkers and ending with passing out chocolates from America. The older ones came also. One man asked, "Am I young enough?" We sang "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus" in English with some joining in. Some 500-700 attended at night. The Lord held a downpour of rain away from the tabernacle. It rained a kilometer from here, but not a drop here–what a blessing! We were sitting under a coconut frond roof on bamboo supports and keenly felt the need to ask the Lord to supply for a permanent roof for the tabernacle. (The structure is much like the one at Monark.)

It is so refreshing to see the gospel being spread in a Hindu nation. Bible studies were conducted in the morning service with Bro. John interpreting.

At this time we anticipate attending the wedding of Bro. John’s son, Biju, on Saturday.

This trip was made possible through the efforts of many–financial support, candy, supplies for children, toiletries for adults and most of all prayers. The Lord has surely blessed us. Our lost baggage was found; Roberta sprained her ankle but the Lord blessed by removing the pain and making her able to walk despite the swelling. It’s been a great help for Linda to be here too. Please keep us in your prayers.

–Bro. Ed and Sis. Roberta Wilson

Greetings to all the saints in Jesus’ name. I am very thankful for the blessings of God on my recent trip to Africa. God has proven His mercy and power, and He is truly worthy to be praised.

I left for Africa on November 29th and spent time in Ghana and Nigeria. I returned home on December 25th well in body and blessed in my soul.

The saints in Ghana are encouraged and there have been souls saved in all three congregations since last year. I baptized about 17 new converts. While I was in Akumadan, we had Bible studies, answered questions and had service at each of the congregations. On the last Sunday I was in Ghana, the congregations from Tanaso and Tadieso came to Akumadan so we could all worship the Lord together.

Bro. Maxwell, the pastor in Akumadan, has a physical disability in his legs. Approximately 17 years ago Sis. Dorothy Keizer purchased a motorcycle and had a three-wheeled machine built for Bro. Maxwell. The machine was very old and in poor working order. I spent a day in the city of Kumasi and purchased a motorcycle, a heavy metal sheet, and other parts for a mechanic to build a new machine to replace Bro. Maxwell’s old one. Part of the funds for this project came from money that had been donated last year from the operation of the concession stand at Monark.

The saints in Ghana need continued prayer that they will grow spiritually and be rooted and grounded in the truth. The ministers there are also worthy of our prayers and support as they labor for the furtherance of the gospel.

After leaving Ghana and flying to Nigeria, I had a few days in Lagos that I spent with Bro. Essien and his family. I had time to study, pray and rest; and it proved to be a blessing to me both physically and spiritually. Bro. Essien and I traveled on an all night bus from Lagos to Port Harcourt. In the middle of the night, the axle onthe bus broke. It was the mercy of the Lord that it broke right as we were pulling into a bus station. The roads that we were traveling are treacherous and dangerous, and we were thankful that God "kept" the bus until we were at a convenient place for a breakdown. There was another bus at the station to which we were able to transfer. We arrived in Port Harcourt on Sunday morning and were in service with Bro. Igbanibo and the saints there.

We then traveled to the village of Asana where I spent the rest of my time. The congregations in the Asana area lost their way a number of years ago. The Lord is beginning to do a work in that place. We had Bible studies and question/answer sessions on three consecutive mornings with the ministers and gospel workers. It proved to be a real blessing and their desire is to grow and prosper. The convention in Asana was held from December 20-23. There were over 500 people in attendance the first night and many souls were saved. The Lord continued to be faithful throughout the meeting. Bro. Igbanibo and some of the saints from Port Harcourt came to Asana to help support the meeting. We concluded the convention on Sunday, December 23rd, with the Lord’s Supper.

Bro. Igbanibo recently hosted a ministers’ meeting of brethren from around the country of Nigeria in the interest of unity and fellowship. They plan to have another meeting in a few months. I firmly believe that God is doing a work in Nigeria to bring about the unity of faith and Spirit. There are needs and problems and the enemy will do everything he can to hinder spiritual progress. I encourage every reader to please pray that every stronghold of the enemy be broken down, that the Spirit of God could move as He desires. The brethren in Nigeria desire to eventually hold a national camp meeting. This effort is worthy of our support. They are looking forward to the day that a number of saints from America who are established in the way will come and be with them in services.

There are many needs in the gospel work in Africa as there are in other foreign works. The work is great but I thank God that He is in control. Lord help us each one to do our part and hear the voice of the Spirit. I thank each of you who carried a burden for me, my family, and the efforts in Africa while I was gone. Your prayers were not in vain and I thank God.

–Bro. Michael Smith

January 17, 2002–Dear Bro. Wayne: Greetings to you, and all the saints over there, in the most precious and mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord who painfully took my place at the cross at Calvary to redeem me and all mankind from the bondage of sin. My heart is always filled with joy when I remember that I am free indeed, having been set free by Him through His blood. We need to maintain our freedom by walking consciously in His steps on a daily basis! Glory be unto His name.

I thank God for this opportunity to write. I want to thank God for the success, last December, of the convention in Asana. I thank Him also for bringing Bro. Michael Smith safe and sound down to be with us in fellowship during the convention, and for taking him back to the United States in good health. I really thank God for what He used Bro. Smith to accomplish during the short stay in Nigeria. The Lord really used him as a pastor and as an evangelist in handling the teaching on the general theme of the convention–LIBERATED UNTO HOLINESS. Souls were liberated and are determined to be marching on in holiness. It is our prayer that the tempo be maintained and improved upon on a daily basis.

Bro. Smith and I worshipped in Port Harcourt Church on Sunday, December 16th, 2001, before proceeding to Asana that evening. Bro. Smith had three days teachings in Asana, on the doctrines of the Bible from Monday, December 17th, 2001 until Wednesday, December 19th, 2001. This was primarily for the elders and workers in the church. It was a blessed and very refreshing moment in the presence of the Lord. The convention proper took off on the evening of December 20th. The first night had an attendance of 509 people. This increased steadily to 1,812 people on Saturday night and to 2,341 on Sunday, the last day of the convention. Souls were saved as they surrendered their lives to Christ. It is on record that 67 people answered the altar call to surrender their lives to Christ in the first night of the meeting and many other souls were added in subsequent days, increasing steadily to 108 altogether on Saturday. The ordinance of Holy Communion was observed Sunday, December 23rd, 2001, and that was the last day of the convention. Brethren from Port Harcourt, Tombia and Kwale came all the way to join up with the 15 congregations in the Asana area in the convention. We were very delighted to have them around to strengthen the work of God in that area of the mission field. Continue to pray for the work over here.

Bro. Michael Smith had an opportunity to see the pupils in the adult education program while in session. This is mainly made up of people who did not have a formal education but want to be able to read the Bible. A good majority of the elderly people in the locality fall into this category. The school currently has two teachers, Bro. Udo Emmanson and Sis. Imaobong Benson and the number on role was over 30 as of last December. This is an outreach arm of the Pruitt Foundation for the poor and needy which we do pray should take off as the Lord will provide for it. We covet your prayers.

With increase in awareness and acceptance of the gospel over here, the work load is expanding and more evangelism tools are needed. Bro. U.M. Akpan can no longer cope with the field work all alone. We are praying that the Lord should provide more workers and the necessary tools for the sustenance of the work in this area. We really solicit your prayers for this work....

Yours in His service, –Anietie B. Essien

December 28, 2001–Dear Bro. Wayne: Greetings to you and other saints in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Bro. Michael Smith’s trip to Ghana helped us very much. The work in Ghana is still continuing to prosper because of the work God is doing....

We need to keep praying for the Lord to provide for the work. Our main target is to win souls for Christ.

We are praying that God will provide us with a vehicle to "go ye." May God bless you and all the saints in America. This big thanks goes to Bro. Michael Smith who bought a motorbike for me, and for those who helped and prayed for me to get it. May God bless you all.

Yours in Him, —Bro. Maxwell Nkausah

January 1, 2002–Dear Bro. Wayne and Sis. Mary: Hello! Greetings with Christian love in Jesus’ name.

I praise and thank God for giving us another new year to live and especially to worship and serve Him. This is a very wonderful and great blessing to His children. Looking back at the year 2001, there were many trials of life that we have encountered, but there were also many blessings. I counted those trials as blessings in my life because they have made me stronger in Him. In those times of trials, He stood by me and did not forsake me. Oh, what a Savior we have!

In this new year, we are going to face new challenges of life, but we are ready to meet them because our God is with us. Our great God will always hold us firm so that we will not fall away if we continue to trust and hope in Him.

Bye for now. The Muntinlupa Church of God loves you all.

Your sister in Christ, –Sis. Nellie Tibayan

Kenya, East Africa–Dear Bro. Wayne: Holy greetings in the precious name of our blessed Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

I am saved by the blood of Jesus, sanctified and cleansed with the washing of water by the Word of God (Ephesians 5:26). I am a member of the body of Christ, the Church of God.

I hope this note finds you in good health and care as well as those who labor with you in our Lord’s service.

It’s almost a year that I have been reading the Faith and Victory pamphlet from a friend, but now I have thoughtfully decided to write and request you earnestly to be mailing me this blessed publication. In actual fact, this paper has done, and is still doing me good spiritually, and has encouraged me.

In the past issues of the Faith and Victory journal, I have seen analytical reports and testimonies of the progress and development of the Church of God by Nigerian brethren from West Africa. This has greatly challenged my work as a pastor....

Yours in the Lord’s service, –Ndwiga Samwel

This work began in 1923 as a calling and personal ministry of my grandfather, Fred Pruitt. It has been sustained through the years by the support of others who shared his vision to place the printed Word into the hands of those with spiritual hunger.

It seems appropriate at this time to say "thank you" to all who have been willing to assist in these efforts. There is a special promise for you–"For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister." Heb. 6:10.

Our world is full of people whose hearts are vacant of the love of God and the hope of eternal life. That is why we pray for God to call more people to labor in His harvest. (Matt. 9:38.)

It has been encouraging to hear reports of how the Holy Spirit is burdening people to work for Him. In this issue you can read of Bro. Michael Smith’s recent efforts in West Africa. The saints there in Ghana and Nigeria have needs for which they have asked us to pray. Let us keep them on our hearts.

Another concern we have for which we ask prayer is the health of Bro. Matias Tangunan and Sis. Nellie Tibayan. They are ministers in the Philippines and are much needed in the work there. Due to sickness, they are unable to be as active as they desire. Please pray for them often.

Our printing efforts to help carry out the great commission have required that we order 5,000 more pounds of paper. This is always a large expense and we find ourselves depending again upon God for all sufficiency. (II Cor. 9:8.)

We are also endeavoring to catch up on out-of-stock literature. Although there is much to do to complete the task, we are grateful for every book and tract which comes off the press.

In last month’s Faith and Victory, we asked that you send us summer camp meeting dates so people could arrange their schedules to attend the meetings. We appreciate the information we received, but we do not yet have an extensive list. If you know the dates for your camp meeting, please send that information soon. We will include it in next month’s issue.

It seems the month of January was the month of heavenly home-goings. As reflected in the obituary column, a number of saints left this earth to behold the face of God.

The Guthrie congregation was especially affected. The first to leave our midst was Sis. Hattie Dean. Sis. Hattie was a long-standing member of the congregation, her family having moved to Guthrie in 1927. Her Christian kindnesses and faithful presence will be missed.

One week after Sis. Hattie went to be with the Lord, Sis. Dorothy Wilkins joined her. In the mid 1980’s, Sis. Dorothy helped edit the Beautiful Way Sunday School papers. There are probably young adults who still remember stories by "Aunt Dot."

Sis. Dorothy was also faithful to help at the Print Shop each month, applying mailing labels to Faith and Victory papers. This was a job she seemed to really enjoy and she helped just as long as her health permitted. We will miss her.

One week after Sis. Dorothy left us, Sis. Betty Lassché passed into the presence of God. Sis. Betty was also one who carried a burden for the work of the Lord. She and her husband, Bro. Bill, came from Canada to Guthrie to serve the Lord here at the Print Shop. We appreciated their labors.

The Springfield, MO, congregation also felt a vacancy this month when God called home Bro. Leo Porter and Sis. Bertha Yoder.

Sis. Margie Wall, of the Four Corners, OK, congregation, went to be with the Lord on January 13. We will miss her correspondence with Faith Publishing House, and the special love she expressed for the lives of saints she has known.

Sis. Mary Taylor, of Webb City, MO, another saint of God, went to be with the Lord in December. She and her husband, Bro. Paul, who preceded her in death, were faithful in their support of God’s work. We are glad Christ has prepared a place where they can rest together from their labors.

A number of saints carried a burden for Sis. Ann Hulsey for several months, and God was faithful to save her soul and take her to be with Him in the month of December.

All of these saints left relatives and friends behind which need the comfort of the Lord. Do include them in your prayers.

We enjoy hearing from all people, and if this paper has been a blessing to you, please write and let us know. We also welcome prayer requests, testimonies, questions or anything else God may put on your heart.

Let us uphold each other in love and prayers. –Bro. Wayne Murphey

–Milesetta Cole

SC–"Pray for me and my unsaved family." –Sis. Lillie Russell

OK–Sis. Ruby Bell is in much need of the saints’ prayers.

OK–"Pray for me and for others I know in a nursing home. We are still praying for everyone." –Sis. Mary Jones

IN–"I am having trouble with my nerves and would like prayer." –Sis. Betty Baker

Sis. Ruby Bell

Sis. Lydia Bennett

Sis. Alscene Breckenridge

Bro. Jon Busbee

Sis. Mamie Butcher

Bro. Arnett Carver

Bro. Nathan Carver

Sis. Estelene Cramer

Bro. Dale Doolittle

Sis. Elaine Dunn

Sis. Eleanor Fingerle

Bro. Randall Flynn

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