Salvation has always been a happy way, as indicated by the many accounts of singing associated with it in the Bible. For example, many Levites were set apart for nothing but singing during worship in the temple. Solomon alone wrote 1,005 songs. (I Kings 4:32.) The most solemn book of the Bible is Revelation, yet some of the highlights of that book are praises to God.

The trademark of reformation and revival in general is singing, with some of the most outstanding songwriters being Charles Wesley, Ira Sankey, Fanny Crosby, D. S. Warner and B. E. Warren.

Christianity abounds in singing, whereas atheism is songless. When the noted atheist Robert Ingersoll died, the printed notice of his funeral stated, "There will be no singing." Agnosticism also has nothing to sing about, and the various forms of idolatry are for the most part tuneless. But the scriptures invite, "O come, let us sing unto the Lord." God will put a song in the heart of the believer, and the scripture says, "many shall see it, and fear and shall trust in the Lord." The revivals of the past which have been sparked by song attest to the verity of this scripture. While atheism makes its appeal to the mind, the song of God speaks the language of the heart and is a catalyst for true reform.

However, there is a process which takes place before God puts a song within us. "He brought me up also out of an horrible pit." History verifies that in Palestine there were many dried up cisterns. They were not just dry holes in the ground, but wells with filthy sediment at the bottom. Release from such sediment was difficult.

I remember driving down the road one day when I came upon a man sitting in a ditch. I knew the man, so I stopped and asked if I could take him somewhere. He had been drinking and it was difficult for him to stand, but he gave me the address of where he wanted to go. I recognized the location as that of a local bar. Instead of taking him there, I took him home and let him out. A little while later, as I drove back through the area, I saw the man staggering down the road toward the tavern.

Here was a man who was in a spiritual pit. But drunkenness is not the only pit in which Satan entraps souls. There are many temptations which dull the spiritual senses and cause one to be entangled. The message of salvation is that God can deliver from the deepest and darkest pit. He can lift us up, cleanse us of sinful, societal sediments, put us in a safe place and start a song in our hearts.

"Let the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar doth inhabit: let the inhabitants of the rock sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains." Isa. 42:11.

History tells us that in times of trouble the Eastern people of Bible times would leave their homes on the plains and in the valleys, and flee to the rocks in the mountains. Once there, assured of their safety, they could sing and shout at will. This is the experience of the Christian. When on the Rock, Christ Jesus, we are safe from the wiles of the devil, and can sing and rejoice all we want.

If you feel your song has grown a little weak or off tune, it can be enriched through consecration. "And Hezekiah commanded to offer the burnt offering upon the altar. And when the burnt offering began, the song of the Lord began also with the trumpets, and with the instruments ordained by David king of Israel."

II Chron. 29:27.

A burnt offering was the offering of consecration. Just as under the old law the music was to start when the consecration was made, in salvation the song is begun in the heart when the price of dedication is paid. Sometimes taking up our cross is portrayed as a sad and solemn act, but the truth of the experience is, when we give up something which God asks of us, our hearts are glad and light.

"But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." James 4:6-10.

Consecration is not simply for the purpose of giving something up, but for the purpose of humbling ourselves in the sight of God. There is a difference in being humbled and in being humiliated. Some mistake the act of humiliating themselves in what they call consecration, with being humble. Humiliated is what children are when corrected in public. Humbled is what they are when corrected privately. That which is done for the purpose of others noticing is self-humiliation. Humility is when you feel your smallness in the sight of God. When that happens, He will lift you up. That is when you sing.

Has it ever occurred to you that it is the small birds which sing beautiful songs? Though humble in size, robins, larks and canaries produce a beautiful sound which the romantic even portray in verse. Listening at length to a turkey, ostrich, buzzard or peacock, could be a test of patience.

A song in the heart is helped mightily by prayer. They go together. The song is a heart experience, and through prayer we draw close to God. Trials and provocation should not mute this song, but simply drive us to our knees where grace flows and song is strengthened.

It was at midnight, a time of darkness when hope is generally depleted, that Paul and Silas prayed and sang. And what a song it must have been to cause the earth to shake and the prison gates open. The song which God puts in one’s heart, accompanied by prayer, are powerful weapons to the Christian.

"They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for the majesty of the Lord, they shall cry aloud from the sea." Isa. 24:14. As we gain knowledge and experience with God, our song should increase. As we comprehend more of His majesty our inspiration will intensify. With this thought in mind, the question arises, "What must heaven be like where we will see Him face to face?" We have a song in the Evening Light Songs hymnal which says,

"If our soul is blest in singing,

In this feeble house of clay,

Who can tell the bliss of reigning

In our home of endless day?

"Is it sweet to hymn the story

Of salvation here below?

Oh, what anthems filled with glory

From the throne of God shall flow!"

In Boston, in 1869, at the great Peace Jubilee in commemoration of the ending of the Civil War, the celebration included a chorus of ten thousand voices and an orchestra of one thousand instruments. Two-hundred anvils had been placed on the platform for use in the chorus. Huge bells were to be rung, and outside in the park, artillery was to be fired in harmony with the chorus. In the violin section, numbering two-hundred, the violinists’ bows moved up and down as if in the hand of one man. At the head of the section stood the world’s greatest violinist, Ole Bull.

Papera Rose was a soloist at the event. Dr. Talmage said of her singing, "It was never equaled on earth." When in the Star Spangled Banner, she sang the high C, accompanied by the full chorus and orchestra, bells and cannon, it was so loud and clear that it seemed to bury the accompaniment.

What an awe-inspiring production! But it pales in comparison to the scene of God’s throne room when the multitude which no man can number, stand upon the sea of glass mingled with fire, and sing the song of the Lamb, proclaiming, "Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints."

It all begins when God lifts us up out of a horrible pit and puts a new song in our mouth. That song is simply a foretaste of that which is to come. It is a song inspired, increased and purified through consecration, prayer and a growing knowledge of God. It will crescendo when all the redeemed gather together in His presence. What a place to be! What a song to sing! Let’s begin it here.

In Memoriam

Madelon Marcella Reynolds, 86, of Scio, died on Tuesday, June 19, in Corvallis.

Funeral services were held on Friday, June 22, at the Church of God in Jefferson. Interment followed at the Franklin Butte Cemetery in Scio.

Madelon was born July 24, 1914, in Toronto, OH, the daughter of Oswald and Mary Anna (Franceschina) Beltrame. She went to school in Fallensbee, WV. After graduating from high school, she attended beauty school.

She married Charles Everett Reynolds on April 2, 1937, in Cumberland, MD.

After owning and operating her own beauty shop for 10 years, she decided to go into nursing. She graduated from nursing school in Chico, CA, as a licensed vocational nurse and practiced for 30 years before retiring in 1990. She continued to care for others when she began an in-home senior resident care facility.

She is survived by her husband, Charles Everett Reynolds; daughter Charlotte Gregory of Lebanon; son Jim Lee Reynolds of Sacramento, CA; brothers Anthony and Louis Beltrame, both of Fallensbee, WV; sister Isabelle Bulluck of Fallensbee, WV; eight grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. A son, Charles "Buddy" Reynolds, and brothers Peter and Angelo Beltrame preceded her in death.

Violet Lorine (Whipple) Sinkhorn, 79, of Fort Calhoun, NE, died Thursday, June 21, 2001 at her home near Fort Calhoun. Violet was born in Forest City, MO, on August 23, 1921, to Lloyd R. and Lula M. (Burtnett) Whipple.

Mrs. Sinkhorn, a homemaker, lived in Forest City and in Fairfax, MO, for 41 years before moving to Fort Calhoun two years ago.

She attended school in Forest City and was a member of the former Benton Church of God.

On January 17, 1940, she married John W. Sinkhorn in St. Joseph, MO. He preceded her in death.

She was also preceded by her parents; her son, John Sinkhorn; grandchild, Buddy Giesken; and four sisters, Katherine Guyer, Marie Matthews, SinaDell Whipple and Lois Sharp.

Survivors include five daughters, Le Thomson of Fort Calhoun, NE, Retta Cottle of Avoca, NE, Ann Giesken of Chariton, IA, Cindy Wilson of Conway, AR, and Melody Hunsucker of King City, MO; three sons, Herman of Darlington, MO, Walter and George, both of King City, MO; two sisters, Florence Schaeffer of Stanberry, MO, and Mary Sharp of Columbus, OH; her brother, Robert Whipple of Buffalo Springs Lake, TX; 35 grandchildren and 51 great-grandchildren.

Burial was in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Oregon, MO, on June 26, 2001.

Clifford Wayne Wilson of Turner, OR, passed away Tuesday, July 17, 2001, at the age of 80.

Bro. Clifford Wilson was born April 23, 1921, in Dalhart, TX, to Thomas Samma and Beulah Avice Wilson. While he was still quite young, the family moved to the West Coast, where he grew up on a loganberry ranch. Bro. Clifford graduated from high school in Mill City, OR. After high school he moved to Guthrie, OK, where he went to work at the Faith Publishing House.

Bro. Clifford married Dorothy Byers on July 30, 1944, and to this union five children were born. The couple lived in Hopkinton, IA, until 1962, when they relocated to Guthrie where both Dorothy and Clifford worked again at the Faith Publishing House. It was during this time that Bro. Clifford entered the ministry. After leaving the Faith Publishing House, Bro. and Sis. Wilson pastored congregations in Nowata, OK, Shreveport, LA, and Vinita, OK. Sis. Dorothy Wilson passed away June 30, 1985.

On August 9, 1987 Bro. Clifford married Sis. Nedra Watkins of Turner, OR. They lived in Green Bank, WV, their first year, and then returned to Turner, OR. Here Bro. Clifford assisted as pastor of the Jefferson congregation. Sis. Nedra Wilson passed away June 13, 1996.

Bro. Clifford continued to live in Turner where he loved "going for a drive" with his sister, Orpha, and daughter-in-law, La Veta Wilkins. He enjoyed working with wood, writing poetry and beholding the beauty of nature as seen in flowers, animals and the mountains. Bro. Clifford loved dearly his friends, family and his Savior.

Survivors include five children and their spouses, Ed and Roberta Wilson of Edmond, OK, Patsy and Bob Cain of Oklahoma City, OK, Dennis and Vicki Wilson of Yukon, OK, Peggy and Glenn Webb of Nowata, OK, and Candace Wilson of Seaside, OR. Also surviving are five step-children and their spouses, Dick and Camilla Waktins of Phoenix, AZ, Darrell and Le Veta Wilkins of Turner, OR, Shirley and Mancil Doolittle of Green Bank, WV, Donna and Carl Adelman and Dale and Cindy Watkins of Salem, OR. Three sisters survive, Alice Kleinke, Orpha Mapes and Lois Biggs. Many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Funeral services for Bro. Clifford were held July 21, 2001, in Vinita, OK, with burial in Vinita, OK. Memorial services were also held in Jefferson, OR, on August 5, 2001.

Our father was loved by many. Thank you for all of the ways you have shown us your love during this time. We sincerely appreciate the love and support we have felt in all of the cards, flowers and calls we have each received. Our special thanks to the Four Corners congregation for the wonderful dinner that was prepared for us the day of the funeral. All of these kind deeds are so appreciated and we all thank each of you. –The Clifford Wilson Family

Jimmie Lee McDonald went to his eternal home on July 22, 2001. He was born in Apex, NC, on July 8, 1947.

Jimmie grew up and came to manhood in NC. In his early teens, he met and married his wife, Mary, of thirty-five years. To this union seven children were born. In 1981, Jimmie and his family moved to Durham, NC. He later moved to Maryville, TN, where he remained until his passing.

He joined the United States Army in 1968 where he served for one year and nine months. He received an honorable discharge. Although Jimmie held many positions, he had a great love for carpentry and remodeling. He eventually opened his own business, God’s Little Business, while working full-time jobs. He had great work skills as a "jack-of-all-trades." Jimmie worked for the Durham Public Schools for eight years. He retired in 1996.

Bro. McDonald became acquainted with the saints of the Evening Light Church of God in the 1970’s, where he accepted the truth and became saved. He had a great love for God and God’s people. One of his favorite sayings during his time of suffering was "I am a winner either way." He spread the gospel truth to many souls in the mission fields. He was an excellent Sunday School teacher. He loved singing and later he and his family started singing as a group. He remained faithful in this truth until his passing.

Bro. McDonald had a great love for people. He did not meet any strangers and was a friend to many. During his lifetime, he performed many acts of kindness.

Bro. McDonald leaves to cherish his memory his devoted and loving wife, Mary Ann McDonald, Maryville, TN; children, Sharon Denise, Twilla CasSandra, Titus Philemon, Edna Mariam and April, all of Durham, NC, Jacquelyn Marlene [Michael] Stinson, Corpus Christi, TX, Patricia Mathell McDonald, Maryville, TN; grandchildren, Christopher Dwight Schrock, Gregory Wayne Schrock, both of Allen, TX, Rayshaun Wilson McDonald, Durham, NC, Michael Ray Stinson, Jr., Dorothy Faith Stinson, both of Corpus Christi, TX and a host of relatives, saints and friends.

Bros. Larry Abbot and Jerry Lennon officiated at the funeral service.

Our sorrow is easier to bear with the help of friends and family like you. We appreciate all you have done for us during Bro. McDonald’s illness and the bereavement of our loved one. We shall always remember you and may God continue to bless each and every one of you richly.

With Love, –The McDonald Family

Robert Lee Johnson, Jr. was born on June 7, 1954, to the union of Robert Sr. and Loretha Johnson. He was called to his reward at his home on August 3, 2001. He spent his early childhood of 14 years in Wichita, KS, after which he, with his parents, moved to San Bernardino, CA. He graduated from San Bernardino High School and later attended La Sierra University.

At the age of 21, he was united in matrimony to Lois Davenport. They were blessed with a special marriage. To their union five children were born. He was a gentle, loving and dependable man who set a godly example before all who knew him. He enjoyed working with his hands and was able to help many people using his talents given by God. He loved the country life and would often reminisce of the good times he spent in the little country community of Hoffman, OK, with his grandparents. He really enjoyed his grandmother’s blackberry cobblers, biscuits and other delicacies.

For a number of years he was employed as a sheet metal worker for Santa Fe Railroad. He was later employed as an Industrial Treatment Plant Operator by ERM. He always endeavored to give good service to his employers.

Robert accepted the Lord in his youth. He enjoyed attending church services and camp meetings, serving willingly in any capacity needed, spiritual or temporal. For years he patiently taught Sunday school, endeavoring to implant spiritual truth to the youth. He also enjoyed opening his home for others’ enjoyment, inviting many family members and friends to partake in his hospitality.

Robert was a family man. This was exhibited in his endearing love for his wife and children. He was concerned about their well-being. His last prayer was for the Lord’s blessings on the family.

He is survived by his wife, Lois, of 26 years: two sons, DiTanyon and Caleb of Rialto, CA, three daughters, Kimberly Brown and husband Tavis of Santa Clarita, CA, Stephanie and Amy of Rialto, CA, mother, Loretha Johnson of Rialto, CA, sisters, Delilah Johnson of San Bernardino, CA, Je Senta Johnson of Ontario, CA, Felita Johnson of Highland, CA, and Jeni Johnson of Rialto, CA, a number of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, saints and friends.

Robert’s favorite scripture was, "Let brotherly love continue." Hebrews 13:1.

Funeral services were conducted by Bros. Calvin Hobbs, Travis Johnson and Hayward Cox.

The family would like to thank each and everyone for their many phone calls, cards, flowers, gifts and prayers. They were all a great source of help in this time of need. May God bless each one of you. Continue to pray for us. –Sis. Lois Johnson and family

The family of Bro. Harley Austin McMillian would like to express their gratitude for all of the generous love and kindness shown to them during his illness and passing. The cards, flowers, calls and gifts, and those who traveled to the funeral, proved such a comfort. Our father was able to lead by example and gentleness so much in our family, and his death has left a big emptiness for us all. We appreciate your continued prayer–especially for Mother, as she is beginning a difficult transition stage of her life. We all feel the need more keenly of the guidance of our heavenly Father. Thank you so very much for ministering His love to us in our time of sorrow.

–The McMillian Family

MYRTLE, MO, CAMP MEETING REPORT

We are thankful to report that the Lord blessed us with a very good camp meeting at Myrtle this year. The attendance was good and the services and preaching were uplifting, challenging and soul-searching. We thank the Lord for His faithfulness in visiting us again and for all the saints who prayed, and for those who came to help make this meeting the blessing that it was to souls. To God be the glory!

– Bro. Harlan Sorrell

and the Myrtle Congregation

The Wichita Fall Meeting has been set for September 16-23 (8 days, Sunday to Sunday.) On both Sundays we will have three services. Monday through Saturday, we will have two services daily at 11:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. If you can’t attend the meeting, please pray that the Lord will bless in every way. We will be looking to see people get saved, sanctified, blessed, encouraged and healed.

The church address is 1701 N. Ash, and the phone number is (316) 267-9582. You may contact Bro. Emmanuel Gracey at (316) 778-1848 or Bro. Paul Phillips at (316) 721-9557.

–Sis. Shirley Knight

Lord willing a tent meeting will be held Sept. 23-30 in Pampa, TX.

There are some who have had a burden for this area for several years. Please join in praying that God will bless this effort, or if possible come and enter into the burden of the services. The first service will be Sunday morning.

The tent will be erected at the Recreation Park, which is located on Highway 60, 2.4 miles east of the junction of Highways 70 and 60.

For more information contact Bro. Marty Clevenger, (304) 456-3242, Bro. Ivan Eck, (316) 922-3327 or Bro. Phillip Gellenbeck, (405) 282-2725.

We are planning, as usual, a special meeting for the first weekend of October. Lord willing, there will be a singing Saturday night, October 6, beginning at 7:00, and services Sunday morning, October 7, at 10:00. We invite everyone to come be with us. Cabins and dormitories are available on the campground.

– Bro. Harlan Sorrell

and the Myrtle Congregation

  Lord willing, the 2001 Fall Revival meeting in Holly Hill, SC, will begin Sunday October 7th and go through Sunday morning of October 14th. We are looking to the Lord to bless and send the minister(s) of His choosing and to anoint the services to bless each soul.

Lord willing the revival will begin that first Sunday with morning services at 10:00 a.m.; dinner on the ground with an afternoon service following, and then the evening service at 7:30.  Through the week, nightly services are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. The revival is to end after dinner on the ground after the morning service of the last Sunday.  If there are any day services through the week, they will be as announced.

      You are more than welcome to come, but to make lodging placement a bit easier, it is much appreciated if you could let us know of your plans to be with us. If you can’t make contact, please feel free to come anyway!

      You may contact any of the following: Bro. Floyd Crummie 1-803-496-5768;  Bro. Alvoid Pratt 1-803-492-3366; or Bro. Carl Shaffer 1-803-492-3256.

Be agreed in prayer with us for the Lord to be in our midst.  We appreciate all God has done and is doing, but still many souls are in need.

   Yours for souls,

–Bro. Carl & Sis. Becky Shaffer

Plans have been made for a revival at the 23rd St. Church of God chapel. Lord willing, it will begin with the Sunday morning service on Oct. 7 and go through Oct. 14, with nightly services at 7:00. On the last Sunday, in addition to the morning Sunday School and regular service, there will be dinner and an afternoon service.

We are praying for the Lord to order this revival according to His will.

The chapel address is: 5900 NE 23rd St., Oklahoma City, OK. For further information call Bro. Loren Busbee (405) 341-7291.

The saints here extend a sincere welcome for all to attend our fall revival which is planned for Friday, October 12th thru Sunday, October 14th. Worship services will be Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. On Sunday, service times will be 10:30 and 2:30.

For further information please call Bro. Travis or Sis. Alice Johnson, (760) 956-3432.

Letters

NC–Bro. Wayne Murphey, the Church and staff: Thanks for all the faithful work and prayers.

My husband is still able to work and still has work. And my nephew that I had requested prayer for is doing much better. He goes to school and works, praise the Lord!

–Sis. Anna Hypes

OK–Bro. Wayne: ...Saints are such a wonderful people. We are glad to be counted in that number.

The Lord bless you folks today.

Love you, –Bill and Ruth McMakin

LA–Dear Ones: I truly enjoy reading the Faith and Victory each month. It is such a blessing. I pray God rewards you daily for your tireless efforts.

My apologies for not writing sooner regarding my mother. I want the saints to know how thankful we are for their prayers, support, visits and words in cards and letters of encouragement. May the Lord bless each one.

Mama was released from the hospital following hip replacement surgery the end of April and is now residing at the Golden Rule Home in Shawnee, OK. She has had quite a time but finally seems to be adjusting to her new home. Her short-term memory is almost nonexistent but she can still put most of us younger ones to shame with her remembrance of times past. She always enjoys talking about old times.

We appreciate all those who make a special effort to visit Mama and try to lift her spirits a little. It is comforting to us to know so many care when all of us children are so far away from Oklahoma.

Do continue to remember us to the Lord as we do each of you.

Sincerely, –Coni Hollingsworth

CA–Dear Bro. Wayne: Please remember me and sons, John and Wayne, in your prayers. Our health is poor. I have fallen four times in five months, broken my left hip and injured both ankles. I am on a walker.

My sons need prayer spiritually....

I pray for you and the workers and loved ones every night.

With love in Christ, –Helen Carson

OK–Dear Ones at the Print Shop: I hope everything is well with you there.

The Lord is blessing me much, and I thank Him for it.

I have learned when we do His will the blessings will come. "But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more." Psa. 71:14.

Earl and I are doing fine, just enjoying life and praising the Lord every day.

Will close, with much love,

–Susanna Penner and Earl Russell

KS–Dear saints: The summer has been a busy one for me. I only got to be at the Guthrie meeting the last Sunday. I was only able to be at Monark for the first three days, but I was glad for that much.

Our family reunion was in Richmond, VA; and I had to get on back to Wichita so I could attend it. It was very nice.

Now the Youth-Round-Up is coming up soon in Dallas, and I help with it so I am looking ahead for that. So I will be keeping busy for awhile.

There has been a lot of sickness and death this year and that keeps us busy trying to help out here and there. I thank the Lord for health and strength; I do have to try to be of help to others. I am still enjoying my journey to Heaven and thank God for every little blessing.

Christian love, –Sis. Shirley Knight

KS–Dear ones: Thank you for sending me a Bible Lessons book.... And thanks for all of your efforts in getting out the Word of God. May the Lord bless each one of you and may He save a multitude of souls through you sharing the gospel of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

In His love, –Naomi Hiebert

OK–Dear Bro. Wayne: Greetings to you once again in the precious name of Jesus, the One who is our hope. I trust all is going well with you and with all the staff there at Faith Publishing House.

Wife and I are doing pretty well for us. We are encouraged to press on the upward way and do what we can for the Master who has done so much for us.

I thank the Lord for the blessings I have received this summer. It has encouraged me much. I want to be faithful until the end.

Your brother in Christ, –T. V. McMillian

OH–Dear Bro. Wayne: I hope all of you at the Faith Publishing House stay in health so you can do what God wants you to do.

Please pray for all of my family. Pray for my sister’s son who lost a lot during a flash flood.

Pray for me and my wife, that God will give us more strength to do our daily work.

I sure am glad that I am a child of God as much as happens in this life. You don’t know when death is coming your way.

We will be praying for you.

Your brother, –Chester Dunaway

LA–Dear Bro. Wayne: Greetings of Christian love to you and all the workers there laboring so faithfully to get the wonderful gospel story out to a lost world. Oh, it is a beautiful story. If everyone would only believe and accept it, there would be no one lost in the end.

We were blessed with a good camp meeting. The Lord anointed the ministers He sent here with stirring messages. Enough truth was preached to get everyone to Heaven if it is believed and accepted. Surely, we who have the privilege to sit under the sound of the Gospel as we do will have no excuse if we are not ready at the end of life. We would be speechless, as the man the Bible tells about, when asked why he was there at the wedding with no wedding garment on.

I am sure you know my dear Randall’s condition lies heavy on my heart. He worked the last day on his job the 6th of this month. (July.) Oh, I am so thankful he is sweetly saved. I have put him in the arms of Jesus and I know he is in safe keeping there.

In Christian love, –Sis. Alta Flynn

CA–Dear Bro. Wayne and saints: I have come to believe that the Lord has better and better things for us as we live this holy, happy life. My experience proves to me that there is no limit in the Lord. Joy and peace continually are with me. No harsh words are heard from me, and I can’t remember the last time that I got angry.

Recently, someone made mention of "the golden years." Actually life can be most difficult in old age with aches and pains. I am not unhappy because of the assault on the flesh. I am happy in spite of it. Like Paul said these things do not move me. (Acts 20:24.) Godli-

ness with contentment is great gain. (I Timothy 6:6.)

Your brother, –Bob Mickelson

KS–Dear Bro. Murphey: It was a blessing to receive your letter and I know that the Spirit of God is in you....

Bridgett, my wife, had a boy on June 26. His name is Caleb Josiah Roberts. He is not healthy, and the doctors say his chances of living are slim to nil. He had underdeveloped small intestines and for two days all seemed well, but the bad intestines in his body began to react negatively and they had to perform two surgeries to remove them, which left him with 50% of his small intestines. The doctors say there isn’t any way for him to get enough nutrients to live. That’s the bad news. Here’s the good. He wasn’t supposed to live after the first operation, then the second. He continues to survive though he was not diagnosed to survive. We believe he will make it.

Pray for us,

–Bro. Eddie & Sis. Bridgett Roberts & family

TX–Hello, my name is William "Buddy" Baker. I am an inmate at Buster Cole State Jail. I have until September 27, 2001 to do my time here.

My cell mate told me I should write you guys and tell you a little something about me. I am 44 years old. My time here is a true blessing as I love God and this time is allowing my relationship to become more personal. Praise God. I am a living example of how powerful God’s love through Jesus Christ can be.

I need your prayers. My cell mate told me that you people would have people pray for me all over the world. I believe in prayer as my relationship with God is truly becoming more and more real through prayer.

I grew up in west Texas in a very dysfunctional family. My father beat my mother and also me. This terrified me. My precious mother became an alcoholic. This also terrified me. But somewhere between the age of four to six my mom took me to church and I learned the truth. I had it in my heart. I remember singing, "Jesus loves me this I know," and I believed it. Through the terrible pain and fears I grew up with, I would go to bed and cry, cry out to God. I felt I didn’t belong here, and I would ask God to take me away. Instead God blessed me to see the little things in life. I love nature, but more than that I grew up thirsting for righteousness.

I didn’t fit in anywhere until I was 15 years old. That’s when I knocked my dad out in front of other guys from my high school. I thought I had killed him and I tell you, it hurt me bad. But you know, ego set in, and that’s the way I fit in. I didn’t feel right, but as long as someone liked me, that is what seemed important.

So I grew up with fear, anger and wallowing in self-pity.

By the time I was 17 I had done every drug you could name.

I met a girl, she got pregnant and we got married. I was away from the drug scene from ages 17-24. That marriage produced two boys. We divorced when I was 22. At 24 I met heroin. Heroin relieved my great pain. It also destroyed my morals.

My struggles have led me to four or five county jails, a T.D.C. sentence in 1986 and now.

On February 2nd I should have died. Instead, I woke up after two days in jail to realize I was right where I was supposed to be. This time has become a true blessing from God. I have a purpose. I am not a victim anymore. I have allowed God to do whatever He feels like. So in spite of it all, I am free. I never want to go back where I came from.

I am asking for your prayers for me, my family and for my relationship to grow so I can better serve God’s purpose for my life. I get lonely at times. I hurt at times. But I have never felt so free....

In God’s love, –Buddy Baker

Nigeria–Dear Bro. Wayne Murphey: Christian greetings in the precious name of Jesus Christ. I am thankful for the warm association we enjoy as together we engage in the preaching of the gospel and teaching of God’s Word.

I wish to inform you that another war broke out in Ogu on April 26, 2001, between the two political parties, APP and PDP. It led to the killing of people. Many houses and much property was destroyed. As for my house, and the church at Ogu, nothing has happened. Praise God! A vigilante of boys, plus the police, are now set up at Ogu by the government. This has now brought peace in the area.

Please pray for more peace to be restored. Also pray for the growth of our church in Ogu....

Extend my greeting to all the brethren over there for me.

I am yours, "that visible one body,"

–Bro. Israel Darrick

CA–Dear Bro. Wayne: I hope this finds everyone there well and encouraged for the Lord’s work.

I am sorry I haven’t written sooner. We need lots of prayer–my loved ones and myself. I can hardly walk, as my legs are so bad. I need special prayer for a granddaughter and her children. Things are very bad in that home....

Love, –Sis. Doris Pihaylic

TX–Dear Bro. Wayne: I am 95 years old and can’t go to meetings anymore, but I can still read the Bible and pray, which I do daily. I see my subscription is expiring. I am renewing for another year.

Sister in Christ, –Lovie Davis

LA–Dear Faith Publishing House: I enjoy the Faith and Victory paper each month. I look forward to it coming. I thank God for His goodness to me. He has been so good.

My desire is to please Him and serve Him the rest of my life. Please keep me on your prayer list.

With love and prayers, –Sis. Velma Mancil

OK–Dear Bro. Wayne: Greetings again. The Lord is yet blessing me. I feel good every day. I do have arthritis in my knees which doesn’t allow me to walk as fast as I would like. (Smile.) I am thankful it is not painful, mostly stiff. I don’t let myself worry about it, as surely there are many who would enjoy feeling as well as me. So, I give thanks every day....

Thanks always for prayer,

–Sis. Johnnye Lee Johnson

AL–Dear ones: We enjoy the Faith and Victory paper, and want to encourage all the workers at the Print Shop.

We still love the Lord and are trying to live for Him. When He calls for us, may He help us to be ready.

Christian love, –Betty Herron

OK–Dear Bro. Wayne: I received a challenge with a thought expressed at church last night: "Let Freedom Ring!" The freedom of religion, etc., that our founding fathers fought for is being eroded away. What about the spiritual freedoms that Christ died for and the evening light saints have stood for? The song, "Glorious Freedom," was mentioned–freedom from anger, malice, pride, etc. May the Lord help us to keep free!

The devil wants to encroach upon our freedoms so that we cannot declare with a true ring that we are free from sin.

I want my life to be guided by God and give a clear ring of freedom in Christ.

May God bless His work,

–Daniel and Anita Adams

AR–Dear Bro. Wayne: We trust all is well with you folks at the Print Shop, and that your courage is strong in the Lord. We are enjoying the good Lord’s blessings daily. We are so thankful for His goodness toward us....

With love and prayers,

–Roy and Virginia Harmon

OK–Faith Publishing House: Greetings in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We thank Him daily for all the blessings of life. Our aim is to be faithful until the end.

"Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh." Matt. 24:44. The song in the Evening Light song book, #360, says: "Be ready when He comes." We want to do just that.

In Christian love,

–Hubert and Elizabeth Corteway

GA–Bro. Murphey: Greetings in the name of the Lord. The Lord has decided that it was time for me to move on from Leavenworth, KS, and to go to Estill, SC. I am currently in Atlanta, GA, having just passed through Oklahoma City, OK. Since I have left Leavenworth, I have met a lot of Christian brothers searching for the truth. The Lord blessed me to give a little guidance by His grace, but as you probably know, a day or two is not always enough to help someone to get on the right track. So I helped them as much as I could in the amount of time I had and then directed them to the Publishing House and to the priceless jewel, "What the Bible Teaches," by F. G. Smith. That was the book which gave me a great understanding of the basics of the Bible’s doctrines. I ask the church to please pray that those souls would write the Publishing House for further help....

Yours in Christ, –M. A. Clyburn

From India

Aug. 18, 2001–Dear Bro. Wayne Murphey and dear saints abroad: Greetings to you dear ones again in the precious name of Jesus Christ.

I believe the Monark, MO, camp meeting and other camp meetings this year were real anointed festivals for the saints of God. May God bless the remaining camp meetings also.

Our youth camp meeting will be held at Chalakudy during the last week of this month. "Sweet Savour of Christ" (II Cor. 2:15) is the main theme of the youth camp meeting. Bible studies, symposiums, discussions, Bible quiz, etc., are some other items in the meeting.

I heard that Bro. Ed Wilson’s father passed away. We send our prayers of sympathy and condolence to that bereaved family.

May God bless the saints in all countries. We don’t explain our needs. God knows everything. Expecting your prayers and support,

Yours in His service, –Bro. John Varghese

Aug. 6, 2001–Dear Bro Wayne: I greet you in Jesus dear name. I praise the Lord for His love, mercy and blessings upon us, that He died that we might have life. Above all, this supreme sacrifice unites us in a wonderful bond of love–love that knows no bounds irrespective of vocation, tribe and race. It is a wonderful thing to be a member of God’s family. I really wonder what would have become of me if Christ had not died for me. I am happy He did, and this has given me hope beyond this world!

I thank God for this time to write and inform you that I had a nice trip back to Nigeria. I left U.S.A. (JFK Airport, NY) July 31, and arrived in Nigeria on the following day, after flying for about nine and a half hours. I am grateful to God for journey mercies.

It was a wonderful thing to be part of the National Camp Meeting in Monark Springs, MO. I was so wonderfully blessed spiritually by the messages and exhortations. The songs were soul inspiring, and I was ministered to through many of them. I am happy that I was there to be blessed of the Lord….

Fellowship with the brethren at the camp ground and their inquiries about the missionary work in Nigeria has kindled a larger fire in my heart. The seeing of the grandchildren of the late Bro. Cecil Carver who once visited Nigeria in the 1960’s, reminded me of him and other missionaries like Bro. David Madden and Sis. Opal Wilson who labored and died in the course of the gospel in the Asana area of Nigeria during my boyhood days. It is necessary that these souls should not have died in vain. The missionary course they were pursuing MUST be made alive. The effort of these missionaries to reach out to the people through the setting up of a sewing training center, fully equipped and sponsored by their missionary effort, is the example behind my present effort to start the Pruitt Foundation for the poor and needy. The vocation center they had established was a very effective tool of witnessing while it lasted. Christ died for us all, and these saints also died in the course of making Christ known to people. What should we do? We have to arise with a high degree of commitment to continue from where they stopped and keep their dreams alive. Thank God, the way is opened once again to be in touch with these congregations in the Asana area. It is the utmost desire of my heart that Christ settles permanently in the hearts of the people of these congregations. I am happy that He is on the move again and nobody can stop Him.

I have not been able to get to Asana since I returned from the U.S. a few days back, but the report I had is that the work is progressing. God is continually touching and ministering to souls. The laborers and harvesting tools are few, but the field is wide and ripe for harvest. I know God will continue to send laborers with the needed tools to the field. Please continue to join us praying for this work.

Give my love to all the saints in the Print Shop, and please remember to greet your wife, children and grandchildren for me. My wife sends her greetings to all of you.

May God bless you.

Yours in His Service, –Anietie B. Essien

June 25, 2001–Dear saints: We greet you in Jesus’ name, and with thanksgiving to Him and to you all for the needs met for the Honduras Missionary effort. The Lord has been so faithful to supply, through you, God’s people, for the newly established English school on the island of Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras.

The Guiding Light English School’s first four-month school term is now ended and the staff has come to the States to rest. That term ended on the 26th of May. Classes begin again in August, going through the month of November for another four-month term.

Sis. Judy Trepaigner was trained and sent over to the school as head supervisor. She has proven very efficient and we praise God for the need met through her willingness to be used. Bro. Tony Hamilton, local pastor in Politilly Bight, where the school and congregation is located, is also being trained as helper and, we hope, eventually to be the principal of the school. He is very eager to learn and is doing well at it.

After the initial opening of the school, which my daughter, wife and I supervised in February and March, we have had others to go to assist Sis. Judy. Sis. Andrea Meek was there for several weeks, followed by Sis. Bonnie Riley. Sis. Andrea was good with the small children and Sis. Riley was a blessing in spiritual guidance. Several of the children were saved during the school term. These women endured hardships known to such work, but they were a great blessing and we thank the Lord for their willing sacrifices.

The Lord has been faithful to supply. We have several pledges monthly to help meet expenses. We thank each of you who have been so faithful to send monthly offerings, as well as those who have sent other donations to build the fund for the needs.

Lord willing, we are tentatively planning to go to the Island on the 4th of August and stay until the 15th, to construct a new mission house for the workers there. We will be taking a crew capable of carpentry work and have several interested. We have around $4800.00 for this project. That is considerably under what we estimated to be needed for the projected house. However, we will simplify the plan if that is necessary and work with what we have.

The school term may have to be delayed a few days in order for the mission house to be completed. Bro. and Sis. Keith Fuller are planning to go to supervise the re-opening of the school term. Sis. Judy is also planning to return at that time. We are looking for the Lord to supply willing workers for the next four months to help Sis. Judy.

Again, please pray for this work. We have felt your prayers and experienced a successful school term because of you. There is still a need for Spanish speaking people to work on the mainland in areas needing teaching and those wanting congregations established. Pray for laborers in this open field.

God bless all of you for your interest in the Honduras Mission work.

Yours for the Cause,

–Bro. Toney Samons and Bro. Keith Fuller

July 31, 2001–Dear Bro. Murphey: Greetings to you in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. By the grace of the almighty God, all of our congregations are going on fine. Again, we thank you very much for your contribution which you raised to help us buy food. In fact, the saints in Ghana were very happy.

Several other ministers, including myself, went to Kumasi. After changing the money you sent into Ghana currency, we bought 15 bags of rice. We supplied the rice to the saints at Akumadan, Tauoso and Tadieso.

Again on June 19 we bought seven bags of rice.

Brother, the hands of God are still upon the Church, because the churches are progressing smoothly. New souls are coming into the congregation.

Again, we give our best thanks to all the saints. We always pray for you. We hope you are still remembering us. May God bless you all.

Yours in Him, –Bro. Maxwell Nkansah

June 16, 2001–Dear Bro. and Sis. Murphey: Greetings of Christian love to you and to all the saints there. We received you letter with much gratitude. It gives immeasurable joy to our hearts when we read your words of love and care. Everyone of us were so anxious to read the new issue of the Faith and Victory. We were so eager to know of the news from different places, information about the gospel reports from brothers and sisters and the precious messages. May the loving, heavenly Father bless the Faith Publishing House, that it may continue to be an instrument of God in these last days, to encourage the saints, to bind our hearts in faith and love to care for one another, and to bring the message of salvation to the lost.

Please say thank you for us to the brothers and sisters who are sacrificing to share with us what they have for the salvation of precious souls.

Although you have made many sacrifices for us already, may I ask of you another favor or help. The rainy season here has started, and it is always raining hard. We have three congregations who have no church buildings. They are meeting for worship under the trees. These congregations are Llanera, Mapangpang and Magtanggol. Mapangpang and Magtanggol are new congregations, but I am so thankful that many people in the village are becoming interested to study the Bible and to hear the messages so that their numbers are increasing. They have Sunday school also for the children....

We also need to put up a strong fence at Llanera to protect the worship services from drunkards. This is the bad habit of the people around the place of worship at Llanera. When they get drunk, they make trouble. On the other hand, there is something good because when they are not drunk they come to services and hear the teachings from the Bible. I am so thankful that some of them are now converted to Christ. It is very encouraging to hear their testimonies of how the Savior changes their lives and they have peace and joy.

Again, I say "thank you" dear brother and sister for your love, concern and vision for the gospel in the Philippines. You have done much for the progress of the mission work. I can see that it is bearing much fruit, and we are gathering a wonderful harvest for eternal life.

Your brother in Christ,

–Bro. Matias Tangunan and family

August 6, 2001–Dear Bro. Wayne and Sis. Mary: Greetings of warm love to both of you and to all the saints in the U. S.

We received your very much welcomed letter yesterday, August 5, 2001. Thank you and it is also our pleasure to hear from you.

I was out of town for a couple of days to attend the wake and burial of one of the saints in Caridad Norte, Llanera, Nueva Ecija. The late Sulpicia Bautista passed away July 27, 2001, at the age of 73. She is the mother of one of the ministers. If you remember him, he is Bro. Guiller Bautista, at Mapangpang.

In our meditation of the Word of God during the interment, I gave emphasis on eternal life in which God has promised to all the saints. A verse says, "To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you." I Peter 1:4.

We are happy to know that your national camp meeting in Monark Springs, MO, is going on. Rest assured of our prayers for the success of the said meeting of the saints. How we wish and pray we could be there also, to partake of the blessings which transpire during the affair. Only God can pave the way.

Keep us in your prayers. Please give our warm greetings to the saints there.

We love you,

–Bro. Pat, Sis. Rose and Jashen Tangunan

Editorials

Since we did not publish an August Faith and Victory, it seems much time has passed since we last corresponded through this column. However, we are glad for those who have written and stayed in touch during the month of August. We appreciate all who have maintained an interest in the work.

The apostle Paul summed up what salvation is all about when he said succinctly, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." Gal. 2:20.

We are in fleshly bodies, in a temporal world, but it is our privilege to have Christ within to permeate our daily lives. We can walk in His spirit continually. (Gal. 5:25.) Our part is to receive, to appropriate, and to rely on Him for whatever our needs might be.

A story is told about a gathering of Christians. The suggestion was made that each should relate their spiritual experiences. One by one they spoke. Then a young convert by the name of F. B. Meyer exhorted at length about yielding all to Christ.

As he finished, an elderly minister rose and said, "I am very startled that Mr. Meyer has nothing better than that. You would suppose that all one must do is to give something up. Now, my religion is taking in first, and dropping and giving afterwards. When you get gold, you part with dross. I came to the end of myself one afternoon when some children refused to listen to my teaching. I was on the point of losing my temper when I turned to Christ and said, ‘Christ, be my sweet temper.’"

Learning from what the minister said, Meyer later commented, "From that moment on, I have tried to live that way, and whatever I have needed I have said, ‘Christ, be this in me.’"

There is more to righteous living than simply giving things up, or living with an attitude of asceticism, for in such we are no better than the Pharisees. But there is power in allowing Christ to live in and through us.

As we journey, His Spirit will teach us how to pray and ask for all we need. We need only open our hearts and receive.

We were saddened to hear of the passing of Bro. Clifford Wilson on July 17. Bro. Clifford knew the meaning of giving his life to the service of God. As a young man, he dedicated himself to work in the Print Shop. He arrived in Dec., 1941, and worked until he was sent to a Civilian Public Service camp to fulfill his duty to his country.

Bro. Clifford again returned to the Print Shop in Sept. 1962, along with his wife and children. He had the mind and talent of an inventor and designed products which are still in use at the Print Shop. He left his mark on the gospel work, on the Church and on the lives of many people. He will be long remembered with love and respect.

We extend our condolences to his children and family.

We are excited over the near completion of a Power Point presentation of the mission work in the Philippines. The presentation will be on CD. It will include 86 pictures with narration, as well as 11 short video clips, and should be playable on most computers with a CD player.

Look for further announcement about this project in next month’s Faith and Victory.

We are now in the process of reprinting the children’s edition of Touching Incidents. Our hope is to soon be able to fill all back orders.

Some of you are still sending mail to our old street address. Your letters will be returned by the post office. Please note that our current mailing address is P. O. Box 518, Guthrie, OK 73044.

Yours for God’s Kingdom,

–Bro. Wayne Murphey

Prayer Requests

IN–"I want you all to pray for my son, Jimmy. He has had stress and anxiety. He is some better, and I know God can completely heal him." –Sis. Dessie Wilson

NC–Sis. Elaine Dunn is suffering severely with shingles.

OK–Sis. Estelene Cramer has asked for prayer.

OK–"Sis. Lizzie Jordan needs prayer for her feet." –J. M. Jefferson