Before I Go

When my life has reached it's very end,
And I take that final breath,
I want to know I've left behind,
Some "good" before my death.

I hope that in my final hour,
In all honesty I can say,
That somewhere in my lifetime,
I have brightened someone's day.

That maybe I have brought a smile
To someone else's face,
And made one moment a little sweeter,
While they dwelled here in this place.

Lord, please be my reminder
And whisper softly in my ear...
To be a "giver", not a "taker",
In the years I have left here.

Give to me the strength I need,
Open up my mind and my soul.
That I might show sincere compassion,
And love to others before I go.

For if not a heart be touched by me,
And not a smile was left behind...
Then the life that I am blessed with,
Will have been a waste of time.

With all my heart, I truly hope,
To leave something here on earth.
That touched another, made them smile
And gave to my life ... worth.

~ Shawnee Kellie ~

Friendship

A friend is someone who knows the song
in your heart and can sing it back to you
 when you have forgotten the words.

A good exercise for the heart is to
bend down and help another up. 

Friends are like four leaf clovers,
 hard to find, lucky to have. 

If all my friends jumped off a cliff,
I wouldn't jump with them.
I would be at the bottom to catch them.

Thanks for being my friend!
You're great!

Account Of Princess Victoria

 (A collection of letters telling about Princess Victoria of Great Britain who heard the Gospel and professed, and the persecution she suffered.)

Great Aunt Of Queen Elizabeth II

Contact With The Truth

1917 - 1920

EXPLANATION

By Lyall Kirkup

                Lyall Kirkup was speaking at a convention and mentioned that some of us have often wondered if any of the Royal Family in England ever professed, and he said, "Yes, that Princess Victoria did and was faithful to her death." She was a granddaughter to Queen Victoria , sister to King George V. King Edward that left the throne to be married to a commoner wrote a book, "Memoirs of King Edward V----." In it, he tells of the last time Princess Victoria danced in the Palace. When she died, the newspapers stated she died a "Religious Recluse." She was indeed misunderstood and an outcast by her family, although King George would call her every day at noon to see how she was.
            Lyall had in his possession 15 copies of letters in her own hand writing to a sister worker in England named Maggie. In them we read many things to show how much she valued Truth above all else, even a place in a Royal Family. In one she wrote, "I was the daughter of a King, but now I am a child of God." Her contact with Truth was through three saint girls working in the Palace. One especially was a maid to the ladies in waiting. One day, she was fixing the hair of one of the ladies who invited her to attend the Chapel Service with the Royal Family. This was supposed to be a high honor. This friend declined and gave the lady in waiting her testimony. At that moment Princess Victoria passed by. The lady in waiting was so impressed, she wanted Princess Victoria to hear it also. From that time, Princess Victoria wanted to hear more. The workers were having open air meetings in Hyde Park , a place where anyone could have a meeting, it seems, and apparently, more than one meeting could be on at the same time. Princess Victoria would have the coach stop, and she listened from the coach.
            In due time, she professed. The persecution in the Palace got so severe, two of the girls quit their work there. The third one continued, but her nerves finally broke after being put through severe questionings and trailed by the --- al Police. When she too finally had to leave the Palace, Princess Victoria also left and went to the country home where she lived until she died.
            The present Queen Elizabeth has also been in touch with the Truth. Every week, ---- herself goes to a little store that one of the friends owns to buy things she --es there. Also, a couple years ago, she visited Germany , and all English subjects that were there were invited to have a meal with the Queen. One of the sister workers from England laboring in Germany was in that number. She went to the dinner, and the Queen asked her about her work. This sister worker told her a little, and the Queen seemed to listen, but never seemed to go further than that with her.
            Wonder what she would have said if the sister worker would of told her that this is the same belief your great Aunt Victoria believed in?

---

ACCOUNT BY JOHN PATTISON

    BY:     (1) John Pattison (one of the workers/deceased)     AND:  (2) P.S. (Peter Svinth) .              (3) Ruth Jordan (R.J.A.). one of the three professing maids working in London .
The three professing maids were: Daisy Bassett, Ruth Jordan Aicken and Flossie ------?

---

ACCOUNT BY Peter Svinth (P.S.)

            I came to London October, 1917 and professed soon after ward.  It happened at the same time that a girl, Daisy Bassett, who was working at the royal palace, got in touch with a girl from New Zealand in service in a mansion, Ruth Jordan.  She was professing and brought Daisy in touch with the workers, and she also soon professed.  This became known at the palace and Princess Victoria, a single, middle-aged, single favorite sister of King George V, approached Daisy and said:  "They tell me you worship in a stable."  The Princess got so interested by what Daisy told her that she got in touch with the workers through letters.  She was cut off from getting to meetings.  They raised a storm in the palace. Old Lord Stamfordham, who ruled the palace and another high-up made it very hard for Daisy.
            They suspected Daisy and Ruth were German spies, and had the Scotland Yard to shadow them.  This was a very serious charge, while England was engaged in a deadly war.  Lord S. threatened Daisy and said when the war was over he would stamp out this "stable religion" out of the country.  He also arranged that Victoria was being watched, and she had to keep her correspondence with the workers a secret.
            Daisy, at first, came to open air meetings that Ed Cooney and John Pattison had, and one night she brought a letter addressed:  "To the man of God," and had others pass it onto the workers.  That was how she started.  (Their open air meetings were in Hyde Park , a place where anyone could have a meeting it seems, and apparently more than one meeting could be on at the same time.)
            Lord Stamfordham  brought the Archbishop of London to try to persuade Daisy not to go to the meetings.  He asked,  "Do you go to meetings in a stable?"  She said, "No, but if so, that should be no dishonor.  Jesus was born in a stable."  Once I came to Grant's home, just as Daisy had left.  She had brought her black cat, asking them to take care of it for her.  It was being abused at the palace.

            After a while Daisy had to leave and Victoria left the palace to live at her country residence, "The Coopin," where she practically was cut off from correspondence with any of God's people. Now Daisy would not be there; she had been carrying the letters secretly between the princess and the workers.  Now Victoria's mother gave her permission to attend meetings and conventions.

            But that aroused Lord S. so much that he managed to have Princess Victoria banished to a castle on the Isle of Wight , where she was cut off from all connection with God's people.  That must have been not much later than 1920. She died there December 3, 1935.  Papers stated she had lived a quiet, godly life, was deeply mourned by King George V.

            Daisy, Ruth and Flossie were the three girls working in London , and the latter seems to have been a close friend of the Princess.  The royal family had confidence in Daisy and would not allow Lord Stamfordham to fire her.  She left the palace for health reasons:  nerves. There can be no doubt she could have avoided this fate, had she been willing to give up her faith.  Little is known of Daisy after she left the palace.  There seems to be no sure information, only that she died soon after.  She certainly had a great heart for the things of God and was used by God to make the truth known at the palace to where very few had access.  But there are letters of hers written while living in her mother's home.  She says her mother tried to persuade her to forget all about this thing (as if she could).  Her father had been employed at the palace, but had died before Daisy professed.
            I have got photo copies of a number of  letters that Victoria wrote to one of the sister workers, Maggie Patton.  The letters are without date, but were written in the years 1917-1920.  People mentioned were indicated by signs instead of names, showing the fear she had of getting into trouble.
            It does seem very strange and pathetic to think of a lady of so high a rank not even having liberty to keep the person with her, or keep in touch with her, when she (Daisy) meant so much to her. .
I have been wondering if the Princess could really have gotten the right understanding, having only met a servant girl besides having scant correspondence with workers for only a short period.  But reading these letters surprised me, seeing the joy she found in belonging to the Family of God, with no reference whatever of belonging to the most exalted family on earth at that time.  It made me think of Acts 8:27.  A man of great authority under a mighty ruler, had a very short time with Philip, who was not in the work, resulting in him going on his way rejoicing.  He saw Philip no more.  Such is proof of what God can do if there are honest souls.
            Princess Victoria was 49 when she met the Truth.  She was raised when England was at the height of its glory, and the royal family the most elevated family on earth.  She was sister to King George V, daughter of Edward VII and Alexandra, sister to Queen Maud of Norway .   Thus, she was used to moving among the great ones of this world.
It is touching to think of such a person having so great a desire to attend our meetings in spite of the scorn of our meeting place being called a stable, and having such joy in belonging to the Family of God, even counting the days when she could get to meetings, and to notice the price she was prepared to pay in holding onto her faith.  The book Memoirs of King Edward VIII  tells of the last time Victoria danced at the palace.
            Once, I remember, she was expected to our meeting.  She had decided to come with Daisy, but Lord Stamfordham stopped her, and Daisy had to go alone.  The two men mentioned that made it hard for Daisy were Sir Derek Keppell and Lord Stamfordham.  When Victoria wrote the last of these letters, she was leaving the palace to live at The Coppins (or Coopins?), Iver, Buckinghamshire, which seemed to be her personal property.             She wrote letters from there, but they appear to be lost.  Daisy left the palace at the same time.  These letters were written to Maggie Patton, a girl from Ireland that had been in the work some 12 years or so.  Two letters from Daisy are also written to her.  Victoria's mother, Alexandra, who was known for her kindness, gave Victoria permission to go to meetings, and she was expected to a convention in Ireland in 1919, which Lord Stamfordham put a stop to. That aroused Lord S. so much that he managed to have Princess Victoria banished to a castle on the Isle of Wight , where she was cut off from all connection with God's people.  That must have been not much later than 1920.
            We know very little about Victoria during the 15 years from when she was cut off from us, till she died 3 Dec. 1935.  Books tell us that at King George V's later years, Victoria was the only person who could speak to him in tone of equality, and that it was a fearful blow to him when she died.  "No one," he said, "had a sister like her."  Papers said she was deeply mourned by King George V, and that she lived a devout religious life.  It has also been stated that she renounced all social engagements, and lived a very quiet and secluded life in her latter years.
By   P. S.

ACCOUNT BY  Ruth Jordan (R.J.A.)

            Now drifting back to 1917, when Daisy Bassett made her choice.  A brother worker asked me if I would call for her, which I did, and we went to Harley Street mid-week and to 65 The Village for the Sundays, and we always stayed for the two meetings with dear Susie and Dad Grant.  After a short time, when Daisy was dressing Lady Keppell's hair, Lady Keppell asked Daisy if she would like to use a spare permit to attend a service in the Chapel Royal.  This gave Daisy an opening to give her testimony, which she did.  Lady Keppell was so taken aback with all Daisy said, she passed it on to Princess Victoria, and also to Sir Derek, who was at that time what is termed "Master of the Household," otherwise taking the oversight of all that goes on in the Palace.  Lord Stamfordham was one of the 12 Lords on the palace Council and there is no comparison of all the red tape of the Monarchy to that of today, and it is not easy for anyone today to follow what it was like in 1917.
            When the Princess listened to Daisy's testimony and kept in touch with gospel meetings and fellowship meetings, Daisy and I asked her if she would like to correspond with two sister workers, Maggie Patton and Emily Ruddell.  Their letters were a great help to her and she was a needy soul.  This was going on for three years before Sir Sidney Greville  and Sir Derek Keppell found out about these letters getting through to the Princess, and it made it very difficult for Daisy.  She was constantly being brought to the stateroom before the council, and she was given strength and wisdom to face the challenge.
            It finished up with Scotland Yard shadowing both Daisy and my movements, and we both were conscious of it, too.  Daisy's nerves gave out completely, and she left the Palace. She had to go to some quiet spot and see no one in the meantime.  Queen Alexandra, Victoria's mother, advised her daughter to go to one of her country residences, so she chose The Coppins, where later she was seriously ill and needed surgery.  We see how the Lord opened the way of escape without making headlines in the daily news.  So, we are confident that greater was He in her than all the great and mighty who were against her.  So, it is very restful to think of her and Daisy being forever with the Lord.
            The Gospel is no respecter of persons, regardless of what a person's background and life nationality or what national circumstances the gospel finds them in, and provision is made for them to become new creatures in Christ, and He, the God of their strength, can keep them until their time of departure.  Hannah's prayer came to my mind, in her confidence of what God can do with submission of heart. "Raise it up and set them amongst princes," a truly wonderful work done by the gospel, and as you said, not many earthly Royalty become Royalty in the greatest of all Kingdoms.
            Now, I must try and get the review back to 1917.  I think John Pattison asked two questions in one of his letters with regard to Princess Victoria:  What was Daisy Bassett's duties in the Palace?  She was in attendance to Lady Keppell, Lady in Waiting to Princess Victoria, and Sir Derek Keppell was Master of the Household, i.e. taking oversight of all comings, goings and doings at the Palace, etc.  It was he that made it so difficult once he knew what was going on between Daisy Bassett and the Princess.  There was a period of about three years that helped by Daisy getting a correspondence through to Princess Victoria.  She made the most of asking for the benefit of the gospel meetings, and the fellowship meetings and they were accepted like water to a thirsty soul, or as David described it, "As the heart panteth for water brooks."
            Daisy passed on her testimony to Lady Keppell, and from then on Princess Victoria was constantly asking questions, and showing her interest.  She valued listening to Daisy's testimony until the Lord gave her a testimony of opening up the Way of Life to her.  It was during those free three years that Princess Victoria made her choice and then when Sir Derek found out what was taking place, by the Princess not attending any social activities, then he called together the Royal Council, which was made up of 12 Lords and the Archbishop of York who was Cosmo Lang .  Daisy had to appear in the State Room and she gave her testimony and real anger arose from then on; we both were shadowed by the two Palace detectives wherever we went.  Daisy's nerves broke down by the constant evil things both said and done; she finished by a severe breakdown.  I love to think of them both enjoying the supreme fellowship in His restful everlasting Kingdom.
            At the time this event took place, both Daisy and I felt "This thing is of the Lord," and it was a privilege to watch His hand working on the clay.  I couldn't forget what Princess Victoria said; that she was "tired of being a somebody and welcomed the chance of being a nobody."  As time passed, we saw this really taking place slowly and quietly the yielded clay was taking shape of what was in the mind of the Potter.  The Queen and her daughter deeply drawn to the warmth of His Spirit, and like Moses, being filled with the  meekness of His Son.
By R.J.A. (Ruth Jordan Aicken)

ACCOUNT BY JOHN PATTISON

            Following are the personal letters of Princess Victoria, sister of King George V, and cousin to his wife, Queen Mary.  Most are dated 1919, and are written to Maggie Patton, a sister worker.  Another sister, Emily Ruddell is referred to in Letter No. 10.  The Ruth and Daisy Bassett mentioned are both described in the Accounts above. Daisy first came in contact with a professing lady on a train as she was returning from a visit with her soldier brother in the war, and asked for a contact in London , and was given the name of R.J.A.  When Daisy was talked to by the Bishop of London, she was told "your father was such a loyal servant here at the palace, it would turn him in his grave if he knew where you go to meetings."  She said:  "I wish my father had served the Lord as faithful as he served here at the Court."
            Victoria signed her letters V. W. which means "Victoria Wales."  In history, her parents, before coronated were called the "Duke and Duchess of Wales ," and their family, the "Wales Family", or "Wales Children," etc.
            The essence of these letters...show that, as we have been told, Princess Victoria had a clear revelation of Truth; that she was very close to and influential to her mother, as were also the professing girls who were in service to the household.
Where Princess Victoria used symbols rather than names, the names for which the symbols stood are in parenthesis.

LETTERS BY PRINCESS VICTORIA

LETTER NO. 1
June 14th Dear Maggie,
            I was glad to get the notes, also a letter since.  They were indeed helpful and I had no difficulty in understanding them.  I did enjoy the piece about the "Holiest of All." I had read the same chapter and felt quite disappointed I hadn't seen it all myself.  These few words have come into my mind so many times today, "And your joy no man taketh from you."  I think there is something so consoling about them, don't you?  I hope you keep well in every way.   V.W.

LETTER NO. 2 Dear Maggie,
            Both (Daisy) and I enjoyed getting yours and to see that you were seeing a little to encourage you.  I've been reading again some thoughts on Jacob's ladder you sent me once.  I enjoyed them so much, I couldn't part with them, although I've had to destroy the greater part of all that I had.  The Lord's promise to Jacob as he yielded to Him is so com-forting.  I've had this little verse on my mind lately, Is. 30:15:  "In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength."  I feel that it is in the quiet moments as we wait on God that our confidence is deepened and so becomes our strength.  (Daisy) is a little improved this week - we both send our love.
Yours,  V. W.

LETTER NO. 3 Dear Maggie,
I can only give you a note - I was so pleased to get yours, I always am.  I hope you are not so busy now, tho' the letters are never a burden.  I hope they are not a great trouble.  I'm sure you have a great deal to do.   Yrs, V.W.

LETTER NO. 4 Dear Maggie,
I just thought I'd write a line until I get time to write more. I was so glad to get yours.  I hope you have a companion by this time, and that the interest of the couple you mentioned has increased and soon you may see them won.  I hope you keep well in health.
Yours, V.W.

LETTER NO. 5
Kinlock Lodge    Bradford     Isle of Skye    Dear Maggie,
            I've just realized it is some time since I wrote you last tho' my thoughts are often with you.  Was glad of your last, so helpful especially the thoughts in Paul.  I am having a few weeks in the country, as I haven't had very good health lately, and am enjoying the quiet after London .  Was reading today of Moses fighting with Amalek and was encouraged noticing how he overcame when the Lord was with him.  I did wish I had more power to overcome.  I wonder if you have gone to Birmingham yet. I should so like to know how you get on.  I hope you keep well.    Yours, V.W.

LETTER NO. 6 Dear Maggie,
            I did enjoy getting yours, it was so good of you to explain the chapter.  I never thought Amalek stood for the flesh, nor had I noticed that Jehovah-nissi meant "The Lord my Banner," so it was especially interesting.  I hope you are encouraged by seeing some won there - shall be so glad to hear from you.
Yours, V.W.     This was written before your last was received.

LETTER NO. 7 Dear Maggie,
            I'm writing you instead (of Ed Cooney).  Please thank him for his.  I was so glad to get it, also enclosed which I'm returning by (Daisy).  This last seemed such a long week - and it's so difficult to be patient and so hard to make others understand, but I'm glad in my heart.  I do want to be true.  I'm so sorry you are so unwell - I'm sure a rest will do you good.   Yrs, V.W.

LETTER NO. 8 My Dear Maggie,
            I rejoiced to read the good news your letter brought - that one had decided to follow Jesus in The Way.  It's true, Maggie, that few get to the place where they can say like Peter "Lord, to whom shall we go."  ------? is staying a few days longer and is coming back later which will help me a good deal.  It is nice to see how the Lord has overruled from the beginning.  I hope I shall be worthy of it all.  It is true we have much to cause us to say like David "What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me."  I have enjoyed reading today about the two disciples on the way to Emmaus.  It cheered me as I read of Jesus drawing near to them in their loneliness although they didn't know Him at first.  I'm hoping to hear from you once more before (Daisy) goes. Yours, V.W.

LETTER NO. 9 Dear Maggie,
            I began to write to you before but didn't finish.  I'm glad you're getting a rest - hope you'll return quite well and strong again.  I did enjoy your letter - was encouraged today reading in I think Psalm 17, "I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness."  David always strived for the best, and never seemed contented with less - I felt I needed a good deal of David's spirit. Yrs, V. W.

LETTER NO. 10 My Dear Maggie,
            I did enjoy your letter, have just been sending on a little of it to Emily Ruddell and Ruth.  I was glad to know that you still find a little to encourage your heart there.  (Daisy) seems better but is still far from well.  I shall be glad when she comes to me.  She tells me that she will probably be seeing you at -------?  Have just been reading Matt. 9 and noticed how the different ones there made efforts to get in touch with Jesus and thought when asked which was easier to say "Thy sins be forgiven thee or rise  up and walk" that we like to know our sins are forgiven,  but have to begin to walk and it is only as we are able to walk that there is proof that we are forgiven.  You will be glad to know that I am going to an Irish convention.  I am so looking forward to it.  Yours in Him, V.W.

LETTER NO. 11 My Dear Maggie,
            I was so glad to get your letter a short time ago.  I read one of yours to (Daisy) too.  I did enjoy the bit about Caleb.  I had been reading about it yesterday and it has encouraged me too.  Did I tell you that my mother said if I'm as still determined to "live this life" six months hence - I could attend the meetings.  One month has gone already.  --------? thought it best that the permission should be in writing.  My mother has consented to this.  I have been nearly a year within the Lord's family and it has been such a happy year.  My heart is so glad.  I must finish as I promised a line to Ruth.  Truest love, V.W.
P.S.  I was glad to hear about Birmingham .

LETTER NO. 12 My Dear Maggie,
            I haven't written to you lately and have been wondering about you today.  (Daisy) doesn't know if you've gone back to Birmingham or not.  I wonder if your health is better.  I am to come to the meetings in 5 1/2 months.  It is so nice to look forward to, have had a few words in my mind today.  "Let us not love in word or tongue, but in deed and truth."  How useless is all we say unless we prove it by our lives.  I do want others to see that the Love of God controls my life.  I have had such an abundance of true love shown me, since I have been in God's Family, and I long to be worthy.  I should like to hear from you.  Yours, V.W.

LETTER NO. 13 My Dear Maggie,
            I was glad as I always am to get yours, and meant answering it sooner but my mother has not been at all well.  I have been more tied than usual.  You will have heard that (Daisy) is leaving here.  We think it best that she should--I shall not be able to get many more letters from you, but will try and write you a line sometimes instead.  I have enjoyed thinking today of the Lord's promise to Joshua.  That as he had been with Moses he would be with him.  It encouraged me as I thought of the time when (Daisy) would be gone and I would be alone - yet not alone - for as He stood by all those we read about in the scripture, I'm sure He'd stand by me too.  I'll try and not get so easily discouraged as before.  (Daisy) says she may be seeing you and will give you due news.  I'm glad to hear that you are so well.   Yours, V.W.

LETTER NO. 14 Dear Maggie,
            Your letter was quite a surprise - it was so kind of you to write and I enjoyed it all, and am looking forward to the notes you promised.  I'm glad you enjoyed the Convention.  I thought a great deal about you all.  Forgive this being so brief.  I write under difficulties.   Yours, V.W.

LETTER NO. 15 (Evidently written by the Princess' mother, Queen Alexandra)
My dear child,
            Enclosed - the lost letter - you sent it with Ruth's.  Now, don't worry anymore.  After all, there is nothing to fear or worry about.  I'm not worrying at all.  Stay at home tomorrow and rest--only tell -------- ?  beforehand.  Thank Ruth for hers with enclosed--you need not have said you'd had a letter at all - then it wouldn't have mattered.  I do hope you are well.  I'm so busy today.  Truest love,  V

LETTER NO. 16 (Evidently from Daisy to Ed Cooney probably written before the others.)
Dear (Ed Cooney),
My mother and I have had a serious talk today about "The  Way" and she thinks I'm just interested and that it will not last.  Advised me to try and forget - as if I could - I have tried to be so patient to show how much I am in earnest but no one will understand.  My mother suggests this - that I wait six months and if I am still determined to live this life, I can attend these meetings.  She says this is a fair arrangement, but I can't wait six months, can I?  What do you think?  I'm so sorry to worry you, but ----? is away, but should be back soon after this reaches you.  I was indeed glad to get yours with your sister's enclosed.  You did not mention Mrs. M. Cole?     Yours,   (Daisy Bassett)      P.S.  I will wait if you think I ought.

LETTER NO. 17 My Dear Maggie,
            This came this morning.  I opened it misthinking it might be for me, and enjoyed it too.  I am having quite a holiday.  I think it will do me good.  I'm sending this to London , someone will be sure to forward it on.  I hope you keep well, I thought about you all at the Conventions especially Somerset.  I quite meant going there, but anyway the Lord knows best, and I do want to please Him.  Hope you are having much of His fellowship these days.     Yours lovingly in Him, Daisy

ADDITIONAL NOTES

            Every year when the grouse shooting comes in to be exactly August 12th, the Royal family go to their Scottish home, Balmoral Castle, and it was there that the Queen Mother, widow of George VI, used to visit the little store run by one of the friends, a girl who was in the work for a short while.
            The sister worker in Germany who attended a dinner for British subjects and who there met and visited with the present Queen Elizabeth, who asked her about her work, was Jean Mansfield.

            The author received communication from someone who knew Ruth Jordan before she died, which was around 1980.  After the Princess Victoria period, Ruth was in the work for a while, and then went to New Zealand , where she married a Mr. Aicken.  They had two sons and a daughter.  One son died young, the other is a retired farmer, and the daughter is in the work (in 2001) in New Zealand .  Ruth told my informant about the times the three of them had studies together.  . The 1991 Worldwide Workers List shows 2 females in the work in New Zealand with the surname Aicken:  Eunice Aicken and Ruth Aicken.

.

                        Dictionary of National Biography (British) 1931-1940*

                                              VICTORIA ALEXANDRA OLGA MARY (1868-1935)

            "Princess of Great Britain and Ireland , was born at Marlborough House 6 July, 1868, the fourth child and second daughter of the Prince and Princess of Wales .  Living constantly at home as the only unmarried  daughter, the princess was never much in the public eye except as the companion of her father and mother, but both at Marlborough House and at Buckingham Palace she made herself their indispensable helpmeet.  During Queen Alexandra's widowhood, she was her mother's inseparable companion, and it was not until her death that at the age of fifty-seven the Princess gained independence in a household of her own at Coppins, Iver, in Buckinghamshire.  There during the last ten years of her life she found rest in her favorite recreations  of music and gardening, and gave full rein to her kindly feelings  towards animals.  She inherited to the full her mother's endless generosity and sympathy for those in need.  If this benevolence seemed to others misplaced, such a consideration was never allowed to stand in the way of a benefaction, once she had decided to make it.  She was a true and lovable friend, and no common bond of affection united her to her brother King George V, with whom scarcely a day passed without communication, and whose precarious health was further impaired by the shock of her death at Coppins,  3 December 1935."
(The Times, 4 December 1935; personal knowledge.)  Edward Seymour*

God's Most Perfect Gift

There's a miracle of friendship

That dwells within the heart

And you don't know how it happens

Or where it gets its starts

But the happiness it brings you

Always gives a special lift

And you realize that friendship is

God's most perfect gift.

Verses For A Good Year

 Wake Up

Decide to have a good day.
"Today is the day the Lord hath made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it"
Psalms 118:24

Dress Up

The best way to dress up is to put on a smile.
A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance;
but the Lord looks at the heart."
 Samuel 16:7

Shut Up

Say nice things and learn to listen.
God gave us two ears and one mouth,
so He must have meant for us to do twice
as much listening as talking. "He who guards his lips guards his soul."
Proverbs 13:3

Stand Up

For what you believe in. Stand for something or
you will fall for anything..
 "Let us not be weary in doing good;
for at the proper time, we will reap
a harvest if we do not give up.
Therefore, as we have opportunity,
let us do good..."
Galatians 6:9-10

Look Up To the Lord.
"I can do everything through
Christ who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13

Reach Up  

For something higher.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and lean not unto your own understanding.
In all your ways, acknowledge Him,
And He will direct your path."
Proverbs 3:5-6

Lift Up Your Prayers.
"Do not worry about anything;
Instead pray about everything."
Philippians 4:6

It's What You Scatter.....,

 

I was at the corner grocery store buying some early potatoes... I noticed      a small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but clean, hungrily          apprising a basket of freshly picked green peas.  

 

I  paid for my potatoes but was also drawn to the display of fresh green          peas. I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes.  

 

Pondering the peas, I couldn't help overhearing the conversation between Mr.  Miller (the store owner) and the ragged boy next to me.  

 

'Hello Barry, how are you today?'  

 

'H'lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus' admirin' them peas. They sure look          good'  

 

'They are good, Barry. How's your Ma?'  

               

'Fine.  Gittin' stronger alla' time.'  

               

'Good. Anything I can help you with?'  

'No, Sir. Jus' admirin' them peas.'  

 

'Would  you like to take some home?' asked Mr. Miller.  

 

'No, Sir. Got nuthin' to pay for 'em with.'  

 

'Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?'  

 

'All I got's my prize marble here.'  

 

'Is that right? Let me see it', said Miller.  

 

'Here 'tis. She's a dandy.'  

 

'I  can see that. Hmm mmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort of go    for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?' the store owner          asked.  

 

'Not zackley but almost.'  

 

'Tell  you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip this way    let me look at that red marble' Mr. Miller told the boy.  

 

'Sure will. Thanks Mr. Miller.'  

 

Mrs.  Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me.  

               

With  a smile she said, 'There are two other boys like him in our community,  all three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves to bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes, or whatever.  

 

When  they come back with their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he  doesn't like red after all and he sends them home with a bag of produce  for a green marble or an orange one, when they come on their next trip to the store.'  

 

I left the store  smiling to myself, impressed with this man. A short time later I moved to Colorado, but I never forgot the story of this man, the boys, and their bartering for marbles.  

 

Several years went by, each more rapid than the previous one. Just recently I  had occasion to visit some old friends in that Idaho community and while I was there learned that Mr. Miller had died. They were having his visitation that evening and knowing my friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them. Upon arrival at the mortuary we fell into line to meet the relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we could.  

 

Ahead  of us in line were three young men. One was in an army uniform and the other two wore nice haircuts, dark suits and white shirts...all very          professional looking. They approached Mrs. Miller, standing composed and    smiling by her husband's casket. Each of the young men hugged her,          kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her and moved on to the          casket. Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one; each          young man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold        pale hand in the casket. Each left the mortuary awkwardly, wiping his          eyes.  

 

Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and reminded her of   the story from those many years ago and what she had told me about her     husband's bartering for marbles. With her eyes glistening, she took my          hand and led me to the casket.  

 

'Those  three young men who just left were the boys I told you about. They   just told me how they appreciated the things Jim 'traded' them. Now, at       last, when Jim could not change his mind about color or size....they          came to pay their debt.'  

 

'We've never had a great deal of the wealth of this world,' she confided, 'but  right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in Idaho .....'  

 

With   loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her deceased          husband. Resting underneath were three exquisitely shined red marbles.  

 

The  Moral:  

 

We will not be remembered by our words, but by our kind deeds. Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our      breath.  

 

Today I wish you a day of ordinary miracles ~ A fresh pot of coffee you didn't  make yourself...  

 

An  unexpected phone call from an old friend....  

 

Green traffic lights when you drive....  

 

The  fastest line at the grocery store....  

 

Your  keys found right where you left them. 

 

Send this to the people you'll never forget. I just did...  

 

If you don't send it to anyone, it means you are in way too much of a hurry   to even notice the ordinary miracles when they occur.  

               

It's  Not What You Gather, But What You Scatter That Tells What Kind Of Life  You Have Lived!

 

HAVE  A GREAT REST OF YOUR LIFE!!!!

5 Ways God Uses Problems In Our Life

The problems you face will either defeat you or develop you -- depending on how you respond to them. Unfortunately, most people fail to see how God wants to use problems for good in their lives. They react foolishly and resent their problems rather than pausing to consider what benefit they might bring.

Here are five ways God wants to use the problems in your life:

1. God uses problems to DIRECT you. Sometimes God must light a fire under you to get you moving. Problems so often point us in a new direction and motivate us to change. Is God trying to get your attention? "Sometimes it takes a painful situation to make us change our ways." Proverbs 20:30

2. God uses problems to INSPECT you. People are like tea bags... if you want to know what's inside them, just drop them into hot water! Has God tested your faith with a problem? What do problems reveal about you? "When you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience." James 1:2-3

3. God uses problems to CORRECT you. Some lessons we learn only through pain and failure. It's likely that as a child your parents told you not to touch a hot stove. But you probably learned by being burned. Sometimes we only learn the value of something... health, money, a relationship ... by losing it. "It was the best thing that could have happened to me, for it taught me to pay attention to your laws." Psalm 119:71-72

4. God uses problems to PROTECT you. A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents you from being harmed by something more serious. Last year a friend was fired for refusing to do something unethical that his boss had asked him to do. His unemployment was a problem -- but it saved him from being convicted and sent to prison a year later when management's actions were eventually discovered. "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good... Genesis 50:20

5. God uses problems to PERFECT you. Problems, when responded to correctly, are character builders. God is far more interested in your character than your comfort. Your relationship to God and your character are the only two things you're going to take with you into eternity. "We can rejoice when we run into problems. They help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady." Romans 5:3-4

Here's the point: God is at work in your life - even when you do not recognize it or understand it. But it's much easier and profitable when you cooperate with Him.

"Success can be measured not only in achievements, but in lessons learned, lives touched and moments shared along the way."

B. Simonton

Gospel Meeting Notes

Cristina H. – I am very much impressed to see a packed room today. John 8:1-11. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst they said to him, "Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?" This they said to test him that they might have some charge to bring against him. These religious people came to Jesus for the purpose of trying him. They don’t see their own selves they just see the faults in others. Jesus did not answer them but bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. The best answer sometimes is just not to answer. Jesus is the light of the world and the light doesn’t speak, it just shows our true condition. One time I was in a field where we don’t have electricity and we have to use those little kerosene lamps. We had to leave early morning to catch the bus and I put on my blouse in the dark. As the first rays of light came out, we were already outside waiting for the bus – my companion said to me, “your blouse is inside out!” I put it on in the dark and now it was exposed in the light and I have to hurriedly make it right. These religious people continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her." And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. After being with Jesus, they saw the light and realized they too are sinners. We need to make necessary changes if Jesus shows us our own self. Jesus stood up and said to her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more." Jesus wants us to go and make it right after being with him. He was just saying to the woman, “Now that you’ve met me and have known me, go and change your ways.”

Nadine T. - Psalms 19:7-14. About things that has to do with our salvation. Jesus said the law and the prophet are summed up in these two. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and mind and strength and soul. And love your neighbor as yourself. I remember some accounts about people with mental illness. They always hurt themselves or try to injure themselves. It’s because they are sick and it’s very hard to treat. If we love our neighbor, we will not harm them as we don’t like harm our own self. The law is perfect. Mat. 5:44, Four things here Jesus wants us to do: 1)Love your enemies, 2)bless them that curse you, 3)do good to them that hate you, and 4)pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. God’s commandment is perfect. Jesus said if you hate your brother is as if you killed him. Ps. 19:7, the testimony of the LORD is sure. Jesus said I am the light of the world. I am the bread of life. I am the living water. The statutes of the Lord are right. If godly words are sown in our hearts godly actions will also come out. The commandment of the Lord is pure. God will not ask us anything to harm us. Luke 5:4, “Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets…” Because of obedience they were rewarded... Pro 10:22, the blessing of the LORD, it makes us rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. It’s not about natural riches but spiritual riches- love, joy, peace, faith, hope, etc. If there are sorrows it’s not from God. It’s because of wrong choices. V.9, the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. Owe no one but to love another. The judgment of the Lord is right. Jesus doesn’t judge by the hearing of the ear or seeing of the eye but of righteous judgment. Jesus noticed the widow giving her all. Psalm 19:12, who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults. In Psalm 51, David also prayed the same thing and God said of him, ‘He is a man after my own heart’. V. 14, Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. I have a cousin who is blind and when we in grade school he likes to listen to us when read. One time I read to him a book on fishes. The fish can swim far down into the deep without much effort and don’t die. Humans can only swim to a certain depth and then it could be fatal to go deeper. This is because God has created the fish to withstand the high pressure of the deep. The pressure inside the fish is greater than the pressure outside. God’s people are like that. What God has put inside their hearts is greater than all the pressure outside that’s why we are able to withstand the pressures of the world all around us…

J. Bermejo. Being in this meeting with young ones like you, reminds me when I was a young man myself and going to school. We were poor and after graduating from grade school, I went to Negros (an island in the Visayas) to continue on with my high school education there as my parents couldn’t support it. After graduating high school, I would’ve loved to finish college just like you here but it wasn’t possible. So I went back to my parents in Mindanao to help them. I remember going to my uncle’s place at harvest time to help with the harvest so we can bring home some rice. I was brought up in a religious home as my mother was religious. At that time I didn’t know that my uncle had already professed. He was religious too and had many images in his home but on our way to my uncle's home I noticed all his religious images were all out in the sun and in the garbage pile. I was confused and didn’t understand why he did that. That night he talked to me and told me that he found the Way of God. The next day he told me about how the true servants of God went two and two together to bring the good news to people (Mark 6:7-12). The way Jesus sent his disciples is a walking ministry. The gospel says “Go”. In the religious world it’s the opposite. It’s the people who are looking for their ministers. In Rev. 22:18, there’s nothing to add or deduct from the word of God. What Jesus taught and lived was perfect. He gave them the qualifications of being fishers of men. Luke 18:29. They left everything for the gospel’s sake. They are like emergency workers in ambulances. They are always ready to go anywhere and anytime to help save lives. They did not have their own families so they can be ready anytime to go. Jesus' pattern did not change. They left all behind w/o any reservation so they can be used to help others. Good to have the Bible while we listen to the gospel so we can’t be deceived. I’m thankful for this example that Jesus showed. Also glad to see the change in my uncle's life after he found this Way of God. Thankful that what Jesus showed in his example does not change.

J. Mastin. In starting a mission like this, it’s needful that we start in the beginning. In school it is seldom we see very young pupils accelerated to high school or college at a young age. But for the majority of us school starts in Grade 1. In construction, you can’t start on the 10th floor. You have to begin with the foundation and start building up. A boy just started school. At the end of the day, his mom asks him, “How’s school?” The boy answered, “I don’t like it because my teacher keeps asking me questions I do not know.” We need to start w/o any knowledge. If we go to a certain theological school we know what doctrine is taught there. When they ask us, we tell them we didn’t go to any theological school. The teachers in these schools, who taught them? Was it from the Bible? So many theological schools in Jesus’ time, and he could’ve chosen his first disciples from there, fresh graduates but instead He chose lowly people like fishermen. What they saw, heard and felt from Jesus was directly taught by Jesus to them. What Jerry shared was from his experience in going into the ministry. Where did Jesus learn it? It was all from his Father. He was very sensitive to his Father’s voice and leading. John the Baptist could’ve lived the life of the priest since he was from the tribe of Levi but his life was different. He chose a simple and modest living. The priests in those days lived in luxury and abundance dressed in expensive robes. At one time we met a man dressed in robes w/ two lady companions and they sat and listened in the meeting. After the meeting, he came up to me and embraced me and gave me a holy kiss. He said he was living in the desert and God spoke to him. John the Baptist was not like that. He said repent for the kingdom of God is near. When Jesus started to preach it was the same message... Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand... it was the same doctrine, the same teaching from God. John told his disciples to follow Jesus. He was not jealous of Jesus. He was happy that Jesus disciples were increasing and he was decreasing. Back in the States a pastor of a church in a community where we had gospel meeting came and talked to us. This pastor said to me, “You know this is a very small town, and if you convert these people to follow your teachings, then there will be nothing left for us. I have a family and children to support and if they leave my church my finances will be jeopardized.” He was worried about his income and not w/ the souls of men. If Jesus taught his disciples to leave everything behind for the gospel and just go by faith, it is still the same today. There’s no need to change it. It’s perfect. Jesus sent his disciples to preach in every village and they were glad when they saw the results in people’s lives and we're very happy that the evil spirit obeys them. He himself went into those villages to preach the gospel. In Luke 18:23. We read about the rich young ruler. He wants to follow Jesus. And when Jesus told him what he needs to do, he was very miserable. It was so hard for him to leave his job, his position. He doesn’t have faith to believe. How can he give the same faith to others when he doesn’t have it himself? Lo, we have left all. What will we have? Our joy in seeing those found and brought into the Fold is far greater than what we could have gained in the world. Just to see people with hope and faith is great joy to us. What Jesus established was not a religion but a family. I have a son born when he was 82 years old and died when he was 90. He was born of the spirit. When we first went to Alaska, this man was a native of the place and he had many names given by the religious missionaries who arrived there before us. He became religious but he knew deep within he was not yet a “child of God.” One day he told us, “My native name is Tukatnik. Later, they gave my father the name ‘Bean’ and after some years they gave me my name ‘Aaron’. I like it because he is Moses’ brother. But the name I liked most ‘I am now a child of God.’” He further said to me, “What I received from you through the gospel is to be a child of God.” My brothers and sisters in Christ are very important to me. This is what God wants to give us through the gospel. May God help us to be willing to listen to the gospel story so He can teach us.

Some Of The Marks Of The Elect

 
They are sincere in a world of "put-on."

They walk with open faces; they are transparent, having nothing to hide.

They have nothing to fear and speak from the heart.

There is no guile in them.

Being pure in heart, in mind, they cannot understand deceit or suspicion or evil in others.

They are loyal and never betray a friend or take advantage of an enemy.

They may suffer in the hands of others, but never return evil for evil.

Sorrow comes to them as it does to all, but they come forth from it as pure as gold.

Suffering does not sour them, but sweetens their spirits and teaches them lessons of pity and sympathy.

They are generous and what they do is done from pure motives. What to many would be a duty would be to them an opportunity.

They would be kind if all the world were cruel, and because there is no vanity in them, they do not suffer from praise. It does not spoil them.

They are humble, but do not know it, and of course, do not speak of it.

They are meek, but not the meekness of fear, which is slavish.

They do not boast of what they are, for they know God is to be thanked for any good that is in them, and they do not feel superior to others, although they are so.

Their goodness is an unconsciousness of itself and therefore pure.

They are gentle towards all and knowing what stuff men are made of, they are compassionate. When others look for faults in friends, they seek for virtues, and when they err from justice, the lean to mercy.

Their hearts beat to the world's needs, and thus are kept soft and in tune.

They are cheerful; their presence dispels the gloom from troubled hearts as the rising sun does the morning clouds.

No matter how heavy their own hearts are, they will smile and speak words of cheer.

They have learned that misery is diminished when shared by sympathy.

They help to carry the burdens of others, but never expect or ask theirs to be carried.

They have themselves under complete control. Their good temper is not dependent upon pleasant company, but at all times, under all circumstances, they sail on an even keel.

They are calm and serious in the midst of storms and because peace rules in their hearts, fear is far from them.

They draw needy and troubled souls to them and comfort all who mourn.

Their hearts are large enough to mother an orphan world.

To know them is to be made strong.

They are brave.

In time of stress and worry they are at their best.

Outward things only serve to perfect them.

When others lose head and heart, they are bolder than at other times.

They are honorable.

They have a deep, true faith in God, and take all that comes.

When others complain they give thanks.

Whatever their lot, they make the best of it and look at all that comes to them as better than they deserve.

They are free from envy and rejoice in others' good fortune as if it were their own.

They do not strive, but let an adversary have both sides of a dispute.

In dark times they live in hope.

-George Walker-

1877-1981

"The way of God: It is a walkway and not a talkway.
It is a proven way, a protected way, and a humble way.
It is a lighted way, one need not stumble therein."

George Walker was an old servant of God who lived more than 100 years. To those of us who were privileged to rub shoulders with him, we knew of a humble spiritual giant in our midst.

Matthew 6:6

Matthew 6:6, “And when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut the door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.” This immediately precedes the sample prayer of Jesus. I’m sure our heavenly Father has planned a very good year for all of us, and the only way we can miss this is to be out of touch with Him. Often failure goes back to prayer. Sometimes people ask us to recommend a book of prayer. There is nothing new. I used to think praying was just telling God everything but I’m more concerned now with not telling God things, but listening to what God would say to us. “Listening, willing to obey.” That is not talking, is it? A little girl of seven and a boy of five were talking on a toy telephone. The girl answered the phone and handed it to her brother, saying, “It’s for you.” The boy said, “Hello. Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes,” and then hung up. His sister said, “Who was it?” “That was Daddy.” Daddy did all the talking and the boy listened. 

-Paul Boyd (deceased)

How God Feels Toward Morning Prayer

(Written by a worker who died at a good age)
How God Feels Toward Morning Prayer

You don’t have to be clever to please Me;
all you have to do is want to love Me.
Just speak to Me as you would to anyone
of whom you are very fond.

Are there any people you are concerned for?
Just say their name to Me and ask as much as you like.
I am generous, and know all their needs,
but want you to show your love for them and Me,
by trusting Me to do what I know to be best.

Tell Me about the poor, the sick, the suffering, the sinners,
and if you have lost friendship or affection of anyone
tell Me about it too.
Is there anything you want for your soul?
If you like, you can write a list of all
and come and read it to Me.

Just tell Me about your pride,
your tenderness, self-centeredness, prejudice and laziness.
Do not be ashamed.
There are many saints in heaven too,
who had the same faults as you.
They talked to Me about them,
and little by little, their faults were corrected. 

What is it you need today?
Tell Me, for I long to do you good.
What are your plans? You’ll discover as you share
your deepest thoughts and feelings with Me,
that we will become closer friends
than you ever dreamed possible. 

And don’t you want to do anything for Me?
Don’t you want to do a little good
for the souls of your friends
who perhaps have forgotten Me?
Tell Me about your failures,
and I will show you the cause of them. 

What are your worries?
Who has caused you pain?
Tell Me about it and that you will forgive and forget
and I will bless you. 

Well, you go along now and get to work.
Try to be more thoughtful of others you meet,
and come back and share the day’s experiences with Me.
Then I can give you a better start for tomorrow. 

Written by: George Walker – May 20, 1975 

Lost Sheep

Dan Sherrik, Holland , April 2008.

Luke 15. We read of a lost sheep, coin and the prodigal son. I would like to talk to you today about some lost sheep, people who were spiritually lost. Why were they lost? Because they were bad? No. Or had done something wrong? No. A sheep is lost if it is far from the shepherd and the other sheep. When the sheep is found the shepherd is happy and the sheep are happy. My grandma was Lutheran. She said to her husband one day, “I want something different.” He said, “No. We were born Lutherans and we are going to die Lutherans.” One year later he died. He got a little splinter and got blood poisoning and three days later he was in eternity. Grandma was left with 5 children.  (She) went from one church to another looking for something that would satisfy. She was disappointed with them all. Then (she) went to one last church and concluded they are all the same. Then she got on her knees and wept and said, “Lord I have done everything that I can. Now you have to do something.” Ten days later two sister workers came, and after the first meeting she said, “I have found what I am looking for.”

In the Ukraine there is a village a long way from civilization without hardly any telephones, etc., but lots of horses and ploughs. There was a Baptist Church with about 200 people. My companion and I spoke. After the service 20-25 people wanted to speak to us. One young man said, “I have a good wife, 5 good children, a nice house and car. I have been a member of this church for 8 years. But I am not satisfied. I read and pray but something is missing.” I thought to myself, “We have just found a lost sheep.”  This man and his wife and all their children professed and now there is a convention on their property.

On another occasion two brothers went to a new part. They didn't know the language very well. I came on a visit there. We went to a Baptist Church where those brothers had visited. I was asked if I would speak. After the service a man said to me, “Would you please come and visit me?” I said, “No, we have other plans. There's a bus we need to catch in a little while.” He went away sad. But after a little while he came back and said, “Will you please come and visit me?” Again I said, “No.” We had a long way to travel and had other appointments. He went away sad, but came back the third time and said, “Please will you visit me?” So I said, “Our plans are changed.” He said, “I am a member of the Baptist Church , and they talk about being born again, but I am not. They are going to build a new church and I am a builder, but I don't want to help them build it. I said, ‘It won't give me anything to satisfy.'” When we went out the door I thought, “We have just found a lost sheep.” He now has a convention on his place. In the Ukraine there are 3 conventions. One has about 50 people, another 60 and one over 100 including visitors. The workers went there in 1992.

There was another young man, Laciel. He had never read his Bible. He began to read his Bible. (He) came to the conclusion, “I have to be willing to do God’s will. I have to settle this.” He got on his knees and promised God that he would be willing to do God’s will. He got no peace. He thought, “I need fellowship.” So, he went to a church and then to another and another. He got no peace. A year later he was invited to a meeting and came for 6 weeks and was ready to commit his life. Two years later he wanted to talk to the workers. (He) couldn't bring himself to say anything, so Dan said to him, “What do you want to talk about?” “If I don't say it now I will probably never say it: I want to go in the work.” I said, “I have two companions. Tell them what you have told me.” He said, “I can't.” But he did. I said to him, “But you aren't well. You have problems with your stomach and your liver. (It seems that he was a victim of Chernobyl .) In the work you travel around, sleep in different beds and eat different kinds of food.” He replied, “I don't know if I am able either, but I am ready to die for the truth.” He said, “Before I met you I read about Elijah taking a companion, Elisha, and I thought, 'If I ever meet a man of God I will go with him.'” Ukraine is a country of 52 million people and he was the first one that made his choice. God knows where the lost sheep are.

One of the young friends in Romania said to Dan, “I have a friend I want you to meet. He is honest and if he hears the truth he will accept it.” I had a visit with him. He talked a lot. He had a lot of knowledge of the Bible and he wanted to show how much he knew. Dan said to this friend, “There is no point in going again.” Three times at the request of this friend he went, and each time the reaction of the man was the same, and Dan felt there wasn't much he could do. At the end of the last visit Dan said, “Lots of people talk about Jesus, but Jesus is not the spoken word, but the word lived out. If it is not lived out, then Jesus is not there. Secondly,” I said, “the worst thing in the world is the pride of religion.” He invited me back the next week. He had lots of questions rather than all the answers. His wife was present and she cried the whole time. Later we found out that for years the wife knew that something was missing, but she didn't know what. (She) knew that the church was wrong and that what her husband preached was wrong. She prayed one day, “Send help.” She knew this day that God had sent help. The next week they asked if the children could be present too. A month later the father preached for the last time. There were 1000 people in the church and he said, “What I told you all these years was the truth, but I was talking about things that I didn't know much about myself. Now I am going to stay home and read and pray and try to prove more of the things that I have been telling you about.” They had never heard about a Sunday morning meeting, but they had a little meeting together as a family. The two older children and the parents spoke. When they finished the younger boy said, “When you spoke in the church we received nothing.” Two months later they had a convention in the mountains because it was then communist. This family walked 14 kms to be there. The man gave his testimony and said, “I found my verse in the Bible, 'He must increase but I must decrease’.” He said, “I know this will be my verse for a long time.” We knew he had a good foundation and understanding of the truth. The next week we had another convention. Only the two oldest children could come. 50 people and two workers. It wasn't hard to make up the speakers list each day, so people were free to give their testimony. The 15-year-old boy read his Bible in between the meetings and gave his testimony every day. The daughter was too shy. We had a visit from the secret police, so there was a new job on the job list, namely to stand watch in case someone should come from the secret police. The family have a Sunday morning meeting in their home. One of those children is in the work today. Which one? The boy who loved giving his testimony every day at convention? No. The shy girl who had nothing to say.

I have laboured for thirty years in Europe - in Romania and Yugoslavia, and since 1992 in Ukraine. The Bible says, “There is one faith.” What does that mean? It doesn't mean to 'believe in God' but to 'believe God.' Like Abraham. Abraham believed God and obeyed and saw how God led him. It wasn't easy for Abraham to leave everything behind, but God had something better for him. Sometimes people say, “I hope I will one day be willing for all of God’s will.” But that is where God’s work begins! Where new life starts. A new birth, eternal life, starts when we are born again. Someone said once that God doesn't have grandchildren. That is true. Just because our parents are professing, that doesn't mean that we are saved. We must all personally and individually be born again. A cousin of mine began to serve God at 12. At 18 years of age she had a big struggle to say 'Yes' to God.  Later she said, “It was only then that I got to know God.” In the U.S. a lady got up and gave her testimony and said, “It took me 21 years to be born.” She then sat down. I talked to her later. She said, “At the age of 14 I made my choice. Now I am 35 and I have never had the peace that I have now.” In the U.S. people often ask the question, “Are you born again?” Imagine if I met someone and said to them, “Are you born?” It would seem like a ridiculous question. If people are spiritually alive they will have a hunger, an appetite for spiritual things. You can explain salvation in three steps: 1. Jesus gave his life for us. 2. We have to give our life for Jesus. And then: 3. God gives us new life. When a baby is born it is as close to its mother as it will possible ever be. It has a very special fellowship and bond with the mother. Another sign of a baby is that a baby is always small. The process whereby a caterpillar turns into a butterfly: It has to spend time in a cocoon. In the cocoon the caterpillar doesn't have the liberty of the caterpillar and doesn't have the much greater liberty of the butterfly either. I was 5 years in the cocoon. I didn't have the liberty of one who has professed and fully given their lives over to the Lord and I couldn't enjoy the world like others either. A factory can't produce a seed and no chemist however brilliant either. The seed is in the fruit. If more fruit then we will have more seed.

 

" If you realized how powerful your thoughts are you would never think a negative thought again."