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Search Past Issues Subscribe to F&V November 2001 In This Issue: Insight into Expressing Gratitude True Greatness Lies in Helping Others Women in Islam Letters From The Readers Reports From the Mission Field Editorials & Prayer Requests Insight into Expressing Gratitude Bro. Paul Sorrell For thousands of years, people in many lands have held fall festivals as their way of expressing gratitude for another year's harvest. Since crops mean food, and food sustains their livelihood, people want to express themselves some way. The United States and Canada both observe a national day of Thanksgiving each year, celebrated with big dinners and joyous family reunions. Many special memories are created. One of the first Thanksgivings was entirely spiritual. It did not involve feasting. On Dec. 4, 1619, English settlers arrived at Berkeley Plantation near Charles City, VA. The group's charter required that a yearly day of Thanksgiving and gratitude to God be observed. They were to meditate and remember their dangerous voyage coming over and how God had protected and cared for them. In observing and appreciating people who express gratitude, I have been attracted to a special few who have served others. Some serve by preparing meals for the handicapped, elderly and those who are shut-in. Others remember those who have no immediate family close enough to celebrate with, so they ask them in to share a meal and spend the day. Others choose to serve in a soup kitchen or mission. They express gratitude by giving food to the hungry and clothes to the homeless. They feel so grateful that they have something to give to those less fortunate. That seems to be what our Lord taught when He said, "But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just." Luke 14:13-14. Is there any better way to express gratitude to our Lord than in remembering those who suffer and are less fortunate? Let Christ answer. "And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Matt. 25:40. This does not prohibit entertaining or celebrating with family or friends, for socializing is healthy for a family. But Jesus said it is more blessed to give than to receive. Whether we have little or much for which to be grateful, let us express our gratitude by seeking out those who are less fortunate. Our reward will be in experiencing the thrill and blessing of giving during this Thanksgiving season. True Greatness Lies in Helping Others Sis Mary Murphey Something that would make a tremendous impact on those around you, maybe even around the world? Something so significant that it would carve your name in history as indelibly as those figureheads on Mount Rushmore? Most of us probably nurture an inner desire to make a difference in our lifetime. Sometimes we get sidetracked into thinking that unless what we do is accompanied by excitement and fanfare, it doesn't really count. We may feel that everyone has to know about it for it to matter. But that philosophy is false. Think about it. What is a significant accomplishment? What is it that makes us BIG in the world of achievement? I like the quote which says, "In a thousand years, the world won't care what clothes you wore, or that your house was exquisite, or that your salary was six figures. But the world will be different because you touched the life of a child (or a fellow human being) and made that difference." Could it be that big accomplishments are sometimes just small acts of service to those right around us? I think of the words of Jesus when He said that those who give a cup of cold water in His name will not lose their reward. In fact, if you study the New Testament, you will find it was often the contribution of the insignificant person which was valued most. Remember the widow who gave just a mite? Jesus said she had given more than those who gave much. And the boy whose basket of fish and bread became the meal for a multitude? Their small gifts became history and are often referred to in churches throughout the land. I remember an incident when an inconsequential act made an impression on me. I was attending a public event when a child in the crowd began to cry uncontrollably. The parent made an attempt to quiet it, but his efforts were all in vain. It didn't help that people were turning to stare, or "glare," in curiosity and resentment at the noisy distraction. Suddenly a woman rose from her seat and purposefully made her way toward the pair. Gently she offered the child an edible treat, which was eagerly accepted. Everyone relaxed as the crying stopped, and soon the crowd's interest turned elsewhere. The woman's caring was a simple deed, but it carried its own weight of goodness. Her spirit of kindness made a difference in the world. Perhaps you could call it a "one person at a time difference." That's the way one writer described it. She said it is the kind of difference made by friends and family who laugh and cry with you through the knocks of life, co-workers who challenge you in positive ways, neighbors whose simple actions-like smiling and waving as they drive past-bring you a measure of joy. Do you want to be great? Do you want to make a difference? Do you have ambitions for accomplishment? Then remember, little things count, too-like the small courtesies and kindnesses of everyday life. Someone summed it up this way, "True greatness lies not in trying to be somebody, but in trying to help somebody." Why not do your bit of good today? That will be an achievement in itself. Women in Islam Sis. Jennifer Sorrell (Editor's note: This thesis was written last year by Sis. Jennifer Sorrell as a school project. Due to recent world events I feel our readership will find this article enlightening. It should also cause a deep sense of gratitude for the freedom which is found in our nation and in Christ.) In the book of Genesis we read that God promised Abram more descendants than the stars in heaven. (Gen. 15:5.) At this time, Abram was eighty-five years old and his wife, Sarai, seventy-five. According to nature, it was impossible for Sarai to have a child, so she gave her young Egyptian maidservant to Abram that Hagar might bear him a son. (Gen. 16.) When Hagar realized she was with child, she acted haughtily toward Sarai, who in turn treated Hagar roughly. This caused Hagar to leave Abram's camp. The angel of the Lord found her by a fountain of water. The angel told her to return to Abram because she would give him a son who would have many children. In Genesis it states that the angel said her son would be "a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren." Hagar obeyed the angel. She went back and a son was born to her and Abram, whom they named Ishmael, meaning "God shall hear." Genesis, written by Moses through God's inspiration, tells us that Abram's name was then changed to Abraham because he would be a father of many nations. Ishmael was thirteen years old, Abraham was a hundred, and Sarah ninety, when the two visiting angels promised a son would be born to Sarah and Abraham. It came to pass that Sarah gave birth to Isaac, who was the promised son. (Gen. 21.)At Isaac's weaning, Sarah saw Ishmael making fun of her son, so she told Abraham to send Hagar and Ishmael away, that this son of a bondwoman not be an heir with her son. Abraham grieved about this because he loved Ishmael. However, he did as his wife said and sent his son away with his mother. They nearly died of hunger and thirst, but in the wilderness, "God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is. Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation. And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water and gave the lad drink. And God was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer. And he dwelt in the wilderness of Paran; and his mother took him a wife out of the land of Egypt." (Gen. 21:17-21.) This is nearly all that is mentioned of Ishmael except for when the two brothers came together to bury their father, Abraham. (Gen. 25:9.) The Hebrew HOLY BIBLE is a history of Isaac's descendants and it tells how they were promised a Messiah who would some day redeem them from their sins. Down through the generations, Ishmael's descendants also remembered the promises given to Abraham. Naturally, they retold how Ishmael was Abraham's first-born and rightful heir of his belongings. Their history, passed down by word of mouth, relates more information about Hagar and Ishmael's suffering in the wilderness, their journey to Becca (today called Mecca), and the promises given them by God. Their history includes the story of how Abraham visited his son at this holy place where Hagar was guided. At Becca, Abraham built an altar using a celestial stone brought to him by an angel. It descended from Paradise whiter than milk, but the sins of the sons of Adam made it black. This black, square-cut stone was built into the eastern corner of the Ka'bah, or sanctuary, and when it was finished, God spoke again to Abraham and the rite of the Pilgrimage to Mecca was instituted. Even today every good Muslim is expected to make this pilgrimage at least once in his lifetime. So Hagar, the mother of Ishmael, is given a place of honor in Islam.1 Through Ishmael's descendants came the prophet, Mohammed. He was born in Mecca around 570 A. D.2 His complete family lineage is not known but there are many legends surrounding his grandparents and parents. Mohammed wrote the Qur'an or Koran, which is reverenced as the Holy Book of Islam. Not only did he record the old history accounts of Ishmael, but he also established a law of government based on his communications with Gabriel, God's chosen angel. He wrote many maxims for the Islamic religion which cover a broad range of social conduct, but for this research, we will only emphasize some of the laws concerning women who are in the Islamic religion. I believe it is important for us to know about Islam because it is a rapidly growing religion in our world today. A lot of people think that most Muslims live in the Middle East. This theory is wrong. What most people don't know is that the largest Muslim populated nation is Indonesia, in Southeast Asia, and that tens of millions of Muslims live in Central Asia, China and India. There are more Muslims in Great Britain than Methodists; France is ten percent Muslim; and there are more Muslims than Episcopalians in the United States. Many people do not realize that Islam is an expanding world religion present on all continents and within many populations.3 There is a difference between the Word of God and the Qur'an. We are given a free will to worship God. God does not force us to live for Him. Dr. Saleem Almahdy, writing in The Voice of the Martyrs, said, "The Muslims feel that Allah has commanded them to force every non-Muslim to follow Islam or be killed."4 When they come to America or other democratic countries, they ask for freedom of speech and worship and they are granted this request. "The problem is that these worship places can turn to centers of violence (as they have in other countries), training young and old Muslims how to use guns, equipping Muslims to fulfill their dreams of controlling America and other countries. Christians must wake up and be aware of these situations."5 We allow Islamic freedom in our country, but they certainly won't allow Christianity in theirs. Muslims are trying to change the world's perception of violent Islam to a peaceful front. "This is to convince Westerners that Islam is the religion of tolerance, peace and love."6 Because of this change, some Western women are deceived and marry Muslin men. Some Muslims feel that their mission in life is to make all the world Islamic. Through Jihad, or the Holy War, they persecute Christians or anyone else who opposes them. Jihad (Striving) means promoting the Islamic message by force.7 This is taking place in Iran and other Middle East countries. Also, Sudan has been heavily targeted, as well as other African countries. The men are forced to learn the Qur'an, the children are being taken as slaves, and women are raped and beaten into subjection. In countries like Saudi Arabia, that are one hundred percent Muslim, we can see the clear picture of how women in Islamic countries are treated. Females are not allowed to voice their opinions. Women learn to manipulate rather than to confront. Their births and deaths are not recorded. However, the birth of a male child is documented in family or tribal records. The birth of a female is expressed with sorrow or shame.8 Many women in Islam are ignored by their fathers, scorned by their brothers, and abused by their husbands. Women are considered to be worthless. A Saudi male has unlimited authority. His wife and children are at his disposal. The young male child is taught at an early age that women have little value. Women are only for comfort and convenience. A Saudi woman said, "The child witnesses the disdain shown his mother and sisters by his father; this open contempt leads to his scorn of all females and makes it impossible for him to enjoy friendship with anyone of the opposite sex."9 In Islam, a woman has no choice of whom she will marry. She is married off as a pawn.1 0 Her father or brother decides with whom she will spend her life. Many times a husband and wife have never met or seen each other before marriage; so a man doesn't know for sure who he is marrying behind the veil. According to Islamic law, when the woman gets married, she belongs to that man. The husband pays a dowry for his wife and then has rulership of her. He then stands as the master of his slave, because of the dowry that was given. In other words, he bought her. She has no control over her person. "She cannot fast except by his permission. She does not leave the house, except by his permission. And he will have the right over her property except up to a third which will belong to her."1 1 Therefore, the woman is to be absolutely obedient to her husband in all that he asks of her person. God never intended marriage to be this way. Ephesians 5:25 commands husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the Church and gave His life for it. The perceived worth of the woman compared to man in Islam, was stated by Mohammad when he said, "Had I ordered anybody to prostrate before anyone, I would have ordered the women to prostrate before their husbands on account of men's rights over the women, ordained by Allah."1 2 A Muslim woman is taught she will make it to Paradise if she is obedient to her husband. If she is disobedient she will go to Hell. "The prophet once said to a woman: Watch how you treat your husband for he is your Paradise and your Hell." (Qur'an 34.) Men are elevated to a divine level. Muslim men can marry up to four free women and be intimate with an unlimited number of slave girls. "If you fear you cannot treat orphans (girls) with fairness, then you may marry other women who seem good to you: two, three, or four of them. But if you fear that you cannot maintain equality among them, marry only one or any slave girls you may own. This will make it easier for you to avoid injustice." (Qur'an 4:3.) After marriage, the wife becomes identified with her husband's family. The mother-in-law expects the daughter-in-law to bear her son a male child. This creates a lot of tension during the childbearing years. Saudi customs of the old days demanded the daughter-in-law of the firstborn son to attend to his mother's bidding. The daughter-in-law has to look after his mother and make sure her every need is met.1 3 When a woman is a widow, her firstborn son takes care of her. Women are never left without a man over them. In the Middle East a woman can be murdered at the slightest transgression of ancient religious law. If a man murders his wife, he will state "valid" reasons for his action, which are accepted by other men without question. His wife has no protection. The Islamic government will not interfere with the man's treatment of the woman.1 4 Perhaps to the common observer, the Islamic religion appears similar to Christianity. One American woman even feels that it is superior. Here is what she had to say, "I would like the American public to realize that Muslim women are not second-class citizens. We don't walk behind our husbands, and we do have inalienable rights. Islam is not an extremist religion. Islam does not believe in extremes. Islam always promoted the middle road. Islam is not an Arab thing or an African-American thing; it is a religion for all peoples of all nationalities, for all times and places. The beauty and antiquity of Islam has no bounds. In summary, Islam is a religion of peace and happiness."1 5 Obviously, this woman is not living in Saudi Arabia, but is enjoying the freedom of a Christian country where even an abused Muslim wife would be protected by laws of equity. Because some people share the view of the woman in the above paragraph, I am concerned that more American women will be caught in a marriage trap that will endanger them and their children. I shudder to think of a complete Muslim world where there would be no haven for mistreated wives to find safety. Also, the immoral, lustful practices of that religion are completely contrary to the teachings of God's HOLY BIBLE which states: "So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself...For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh." (Eph. 5:28, 31.) In Christianity, husbands and wives are taught to be honest, loyal partners and to respect each other as an equal. We should not be blinded simply by pious attitudes and the practice of dutiful prayers said three times daily. Instead we should look behind the dark veil of the Muslin religion and see it for what it is. 1 Martin Lings, Muhammad; his life based on the earliest sources, (Vermont, Inner Traditions International, 1983), p. 1-3. 2 George W. Braswell, Jr., Islam, (Tennessee, Broadman and Holman Publishers, 1996), p. 11-12. 3 Lings, p. 1. 4 Dr. Saleem Almahdy, In the Name of Freedom, The Voice of the Martyrs, (April, 1999), p. 14. 5 Saleem, p. 14. 6 Dr. Saleem Almahdy, A Look Behind the Veil, The Voice of the Martyrs, (February, 2000), p. 5. 7 William B. Eerdmans, Eerdman's Handbook to the World's Religions, (Michigan, WM. B. Eerdmans Publising Company, 1983), p. 409. 8 Jean P. Sasson, Princess, (New York, Avon Books, 1992), p. 7. 9 Sasson, p. 6. 10 Sasson, p. 29. 11 P. Newton and M. Rafiqul Haqq, Women in Islam, (Kansas, Pioneer Book Company, 1994), p. 38. 12 Newton and Haqq, p. 47. 13 Sasson, p. 135. 14 Sasson, p. 46. 15 Carol L. Anway, Daughters of Another Path, (Missouri, Yawna Publications, 1996), p. 168. Letters Readers ID-Dear Bro. and Sis. Murphey: Greetings in the precious name of Jesus. He has been so good to us and how we praise Him.... This has been a wonderful year health-wise and we appreciate the blessings of the Lord. Charles fell and has had some difficulty with his back, but had to keep working as the water was to be turned off about a month early. He needed to get the alfalfa seed in and up. He did get a good stand and we hope that it will not winter kill. There have been lots of ranger fires, but now that it has cooled off and there has been some moisture, I think the fires have about all been put out-at least here in the West. May the Lord bless and help each one as we continue in this fight for the Lord. He will give grace and strength, but we will have some trials we have to pass through. Thank you for the Faith and Victory. I surely do enjoy it and look forward to it coming. Love and prayers, -Charles and Ruby Harris LA-Dear Bro. Wayne: Greetings in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. This is just a short letter to let you all know just what Jesus has done for me. The Friday that the Monark camp meeting started, I got really sick with what looked to be a life-threatening illness, so much so that my wife had to fly back home the next day. This sickness lasted for two weeks before God healed me and I was able to go back to work. I thank God for healing me, and the saints for their prayers, cards and offerings. As a whole, the illness was a blessing to me. It brought me closer to God. Pray for us. We want to live for Jesus, do His will and make heaven our home in the end. Your brother in Christ, -Doyle LaCroix AR-Dear Faith and Victory people: Some time ago I was visiting my daughter in Springfield, MO, on E. Evergreen St. where there is a Church of God. I visited there and picked up a November 1998 Faith and Victory. I wonder if it is still published? If so, I would like a year of it. I have read your publication years ago when a dear old brother, James Merriett, gave it to me. He was my mentor, a blessed old preacher man who loved the Lord Jesus and taught the truth. I am a widow now, and this year has been long and hard. I have had a broken hip and then a blood clot. Praise the Lord, He led me safely through and I walk without any help now. He is so good. May God bless your printing work. -Doris E. Rascoe MO-Dear precious saints: Greetings in the holy name of Jesus. We certainly thank God for His pure and simple plan of salvation. I am so glad to have a part in such a great plan. It has been quite awhile since I had the opportunity to write. Life seems to keep a person busy these days. We enjoy receiving the Faith and Victory. We receive several "Church of God" publications, but always look forward to the Faith and Victory, nearly always sitting down and taking out the time to go through it. The article, "God's Truth," prompted me to write. I would like to say how much I really enjoyed it. It was food for thought and food for the soul. How my soul was made to rejoice in this simple truth. I believe the gospel is plain and simple in its application, not hard to understand nor demanding and driving. The right perspective of Jesus is One who leads and not drives. After all, He is the great Shepherd of the sheep. It is good to be free, and how much I desire to remain free. It is sad to see so many in bondage to many strange ideas, or not fully being delivered, as the result of not going all the way with the Word of God. May God help us to always see clearly the right way. My uppermost desire is to please God and make heaven. Sincerely, -Bro. Clarence Campbell OH-Dear Bro. Murphey: Greetings to you and the workers there at the Print Shop, in the precious name of Jesus. I really appreciate you all and thank the Lord for you. The Faith and Victory, Beautiful Way and the Bible Lessons booklets have been and still are a real blessing to me and so many others. I read them more than once to get the good out of them for my soul to thrive. I really appreciate being a part of the family of God. The weather here is getting cooler. The highs are in the 50's or 40's, and the lows in the 40's or 30's. The trees are changing colors and shedding their leaves. God's handiwork is just magnificent. I really enjoy all of the seasons. May God really bless all of the fall revivals which are being planned this autumn. May more souls be born into the kingdom of God. Thank you so much for sending out the gospel literature to me and my loved ones. Also, I appreciate your prayers for me, all of my loved ones, the congregation here in Akron and the Church of God universally wide, that more people will be born into the kingdom of God. -Sis. Janice Shaw LA-Dear Bro. Wayne and Sis. Mary: Surely I would have loved seeing you when you came to the Oak Grove Church at Loranger, LA. At my "advanced" age of 85 (which I can hardly believe myself), I realize my Lord has, through the years, showered me with blessings and mercies. I still drive my car, but not at night, and decided some few years ago to go the familiar ways and places. I am facing the "sunset" of my life, but focusing much more now on the "sunrise." I would like to mention the article in the November 2000, Faith and Victory paper, "Waiting Above" which made a lasting impression on me. I had never thought of Jesus longing and yearning for His followers to be received into heaven by Him, although I have surely felt the Spirit of God interceding for me. The Holy Spirit is real to me, and I cannot in my own strength please God without direction from Him. The Spirit of God gives power to keep silent at times, to be still and know that He is God. Then, too, strength is needed other times, especially for a rather shy person, to speak up with only a few words in behalf of the right. I truly am seeking that "continuing city" referred to in Hebrews 13:13-14. More and more I feel like a stranger here, and I know I must be willing to bear His reproach. I know Jesus gave His life for me, and I must reach out in faith believing I can be of some service while I am yet here. Another article in the February 2001 paper means a lot to me-the Selected poem, "A Call Back Down the Road." It touches me each time I read it of how real it is in lives here on this earth, and tears come as I envision a person calling for understanding and help. I know of different times when I could only cry unto the Lord, but God did hear my heart cry. Sometimes He has said "Just be patient and trust Me in My timing; it won't always be like this." He has never, never failed me. I am so thankful you wrote the editorial as you did in the October issue about the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, etc. It was immediately called "America's Wake Up Call." Right away I began thinking of America's great need among all of us who call ourselves Christians and I am searching my own heart and life. I had a call from New York City from the niece of my husband's aunt, Eva Farrell. This niece was letting our family know one of Aunt Eva's great-nieces who worked in the Trade Center was later than usual getting to work, and the first thing she saw on getting out of the subway were the great billows of smoke. The Lord must have spared her for some reason, and surely the family must be thanking God. May our heavenly Father be near you to bless you in your work there. I appreciate prayer. My Christian love and prayers, -Gertrude F. Pickett KS-Dear Bro. Murphey: We are sorry to inform you that Caleb did not make it. The Lord saw fit to take him from us, and we hope to see him again in heaven. Please pray for Bridgett. Pray for understanding and strength for her. Tell the saints we appreciate their prayers and know that good will result from this decision of the Lord's, for His Word says so. We thank all the saints who came to the hospital and those who cooked food. The Lord is faithful and true. This I stand on. Pray for us continually. -Bro. E. P. Roberts and family LA-Dear loved ones everywhere: Thank you so much for the Faith and Victory and the sacrifices which are made to provide the "link" needed to save and encourage souls. Tomorrow will be one month since disaster hit the U.S.A. We have been a blessed nation to have a president who prays for wisdom and clear thinking. My heart was touched yesterday as I looked at a picture of President Bush with his head bowed before his greatest speech. As I read about the different phone and e-mail messages the victims made to spouses and loved ones right before they died, I marveled at their courage and their hope to see their loved ones again. I thank the Lord for eternal life and a bright hope that takes the sting out of death. Life here is a major challenge, but by God's grace we will not fail. Please pray for Monika and Melissa who are in college. Sunday, October 7, 2001, the day the U.S.A. went to war against terrorism, our pastor gave a wonderful testimony of how the Lord led him since he was saved at 17 years of age. Sunday marked ten years of Bro. Melot's pastorship in Shreveport. We are a blessed congregation. In closing, may the good Lord bless each of you, and may we think like President Bush spoke, "We will not waiver, we will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail." Love and prayers, -Catherine Bhramayana and family OK-Dear Bro. Wayne: Greetings of Christian love. I hope all is going well with you and the Publishing work. We are doing pretty well, and are encouraged in our souls for the hope set before us-the hope which is an anchor to the soul.... Your brother in Christ, -T. V. McMillian CA-I am not really sure who will receive this message. I just wanted to encourage all who might read this letter that we serve a mighty and powerful God who keeps us in perfect peace. (Isaiah 26:3.) My heart and prayers go out to any of the saints who have felt the impact of September 11, 2001. I love you all in Christ, -Sis. Jennifer George CA-Dear Bro. Wayne: Greetings in the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ, who when He was ready to leave this world told His disciples that He would send the Comforter. The disciples depended on Jesus for everything. He kept them together. After His departure we see them scatter and going their own ways. He was everything to them, even their Comforter, just as the Holy Spirit is to us today. The events of September 11, and what has taken place since, are events which try men's souls. We need the Comforter now to help us keep our equilibrium, to remember that Jesus said He would never leave us nor forsake us. Read Isa. 41:10-12, be reassured and fear not. We need to be in prayer for our country and for the families of those who perished that day. I lost a grand-nephew who worked on the 90th floor of the 2nd tower to be hit. He was 26 years old and had been married for one year. May God bless all of you there in your labors. In Christian love, -Bro. Bob Mickelson Mission Reports From Ghana... September 26, 2001-Dear Bro. Wayne: Greetings to you in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. I am fine, and all the saints are also fine. Everything is moving all right here. All of the saints in Ghana felt very sad when they heard that some wicked people destroyed the World Trade Center and Pentagon. We put America on our prayer list. We extend condolences to the saints in America and all the people in America. Again, we send a big thanks to all the saints who contributed to help us buy food. May God bless all of you for your interest in the Ghana mission work, and we pray that God will multiply what you have spent in the Ghana work.... Yours in Him, -Bro. Maxwell Nkansah October 4, 2001-Dear Bro. Michael: Greetings to you in the great name of Jesus Christ, our soon-coming King. My expectations are that you will always be fine and healthy. A tragedy occurred to me at Tanoso. It happened last Friday, September 28, when I rushed to Akumadan to see those over there and my family. During that time it rained so heavily that I couldn't go to my station at Tanoso. When I went there the following morning, all my belongings and those for the church had been stolen, leaving only my rubber bucket. So I am writing this letter to tell you what has happened to us here. We need your prayers, so pray for us. We are still doing the work of God. Whosoever wants to serve the Lord usually encounters such problems. I will face the challenges squarely and serve my Lord, because I am building my treasures in heaven where thieves cannot break through and steal. All the best from everybody and bye for now. Thank you. Your servant in God, -James Badu Editorials Wayne Murphey As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, our thoughts turn to the blessings God has sent our way, and the realization that whatever our situation in life, we can find something for which to be grateful. In teaching the disciples to pray, Christ said, "Give us this day our daily bread." Matt. 6:11. Provision for the basics of life should not be taken for granted. And when God answers prayer for those needs, which He has promised to do, His goodness should be acknowledged. Many times in the past He has provided, even in miraculous ways. An incident is recorded which occurred shortly after World War II. A woman entered a grocery store and asked for enough food for a Christmas dinner for her children. When the owner inquired how much she could afford, she answered, "My husband was killed in the war. Truthfully, I have nothing to offer but a little prayer." The man, an unbeliever, was unmoved by the woman's need, and said sarcastically, "Write your prayer on a piece of paper and you can have its weight in groceries." To his surprise, the woman plucked a folded note out of her pocket and handed it to him. "I already did that during the night while I was watching over my sick child," was her immediate reply. Without even reading it, the man put it on one side of his old-fashioned scales. "We'll see how much food this is worth," he muttered. To his dismay, nothing happened when he put a loaf of bread on the other side. But he was even more upset when he added other items and still nothing happened. Finally he blurted out, "Well, that's all it will hold anyway. Here's a bag. You'll have to put these things in yourself. I'm busy!" With a tearful "Thank you," the lady went happily on her way. The grocer later discovered that the scale was out of order. As the years passed, he often wondered if that was just a coincidence. Why did the woman have the prayer already written before he asked for it? Why did she come at exactly the time the mechanism was broken? Whenever he looks at the slip of paper that bears her petition, he is amazed, for it reads, "Please, dear Lord, give us this day our daily bread." May we have a grateful heart, especially at this Thanksgiving season, and magnify God for every blessing of life He provides. We had hoped to have a CD presentation of the Philippine missionary work completed and ready for sale by this time. Due to technical difficulties, it has been delayed. We hope by next month to be able to announce its avail-ability. Word has been received that God is prospering gospel efforts in the Philippines and that the saints there are encouraged. One area of special need in the Philippines is in the barrio of Llanera. A sizable congregation, many of whom are young people, are serving God there with zeal. Due to the difficult living conditions in their area, they are unable to afford a chapel. They meet in the open air under the trees when the weather permits. During the rainy season, church services have to be canceled. It would be wonderful if someone would be willing to assist this established congregation by funding the construction of a chapel. The cost of the project would be approximately $1500.00. A permanent place to worship would surely be a blessing and encouragement to the saints there. The saints in Ghana have also relayed to us the dire need of a vehicle for transportation in their gospel outreach work. This need has existed for quite some time, and we pray God will soon answer their prayers in regard to this matter. Included in this Faith and Victory is a partial listing of tracts which we print and sell. We invite everyone to review the titles and encourage you to order those which might be helpful to you or someone you know. If you would like to become better acquainted with the content of the tracts before ordering them, feel free to write and request a free four-ounce sample. Recently we discovered where we could buy the Bible story book, Jesus Teaches Love, authored by Isabel C. Byrum in 1905. The 380 page book, with a colorful hardback binding and a presentation page, makes an excellent gift for a child. The cost of the book is $15.95, plus $2.40 for postage and handling. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank all who have prayed for and contributed to this gospel work. Words are inadequate to express our deep gratitude for your faithfulness toward this cause. We remember, however, that God has promised that we will reap what we sow, and our prayer for you is that God blesses you as much as you have blessed others through your loving support. Sincerely, -Bro. Wayne Murphey Prayer Request MI-"Please pray for me." -Renate Hess KY-Sis. Mary Hughes desires prayer for her nerves. IN-"Please pray for my sons." -Sis. Mary Wilson WI-"Let us pray for our country. Remember me also." -John Austin OR-"Could you include my mother in your prayers? She is near the end and needs salvation." -Patty Yankey SC-"Please pray for my second cousin's husband, Brad Brandes. He has been diagnosed with cancer." -Cheryl Smith CA-"Please remember my mother in prayer, and also a dear friend, Kristine." -Bro. Donald Viser MO-"Remember my son, David. He has a physical problem, but needs salvation most of all." -Sis. Nelva Stanley LA-"I have several prayer requests. 1. Alfred DiDio and Catherine DiDio Bhramayana. 2. Co-worker at Cracker Barrel and I-Hop in Shreveport. 3. Unsaved loved ones and children. 4. My children's father, Potong ŒDang' Bhramayana, living in Korea. I have not heard from him in eight months. In the last e-mail Dang said he was having chest pains." -Sis. Catherine Bhramayana Correction-In last month's Faith and Victory we incorrectly listed the names on a prayer request. It should have read: NM-"We are both afflicted and need much prayer." -Doretha and Clinton Harden Standing Prayer Requests Sis. Lydia Bennett Sis. Alscene Breckenridge Bro. Jon Busbee Sis. Mamie Butcher Bro. Arnett Carver Bro. Nathan Carver Sis. Estelene Cramer Sis. Waneta Creel 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 Sis. Mary Hughes Sis. Daisy Johnson Sis. Janice Johnston Sis. Earnestine Jordan Sis. Betty Lassché 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 Sis. Kay Stover The Mitch Taylor family Sis. Anna Mae Thompson Bro. Preston Vulgamore Bro. Curtis Williams, Sr. Bro. Max Williamson Sis. Esther Wilson Back to Front Page E-Mail Directory Put your name in the directory to receive Faith Publishing Updates. Order God's Gracious Dealings Life Read about the history of Faith Publishing and Fred Pruitt. This is a fascintating study of our heritage. Order now for $8.00. Call1-800-767-1479 or Email jwmfaith@theshop.net. Copyright © 2001 Faith Publishing Inc All rights reserved.