September 2012
Let’s Celebrate Answers to Prayer!
As a wise Father, God sometimes answers “Yes”, but sometimes He answers, “No”, and sometimes He answers, “Wait”. Should we always celebrate His answers to prayer – even when we don’t understand or don’t like His answer? Yes! Definitely! Why? Because Father knows best! That was our lead-in title last month, when reporting that God’s answer was “No” concerning a second mission trip to Ukraine this year. Although I was disappointed because I love the outreach opportunities in Ukraine, I love our co-workers there, and I love to teach and preach God’s Word repeatedly, yet because I “know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28) I can still celebrate His answer and His goodness. He is conforming me to the image of His Son – that is His purpose! (See Romans 8:29.) I also know that “All the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God…” 2 Corinthians 1:20 Therefore, let us learn to thank and praise Him for every answer He gives – even when it takes some attitude adjustment on our part to celebrate His answer.
Now we have some answers to prayer that are easy to celebrate. Last month we shared this prayer request: “Please pray for Zhenya and Natasha Molodchy. Their third child is due to come the end of August. Please pray for an easy delivery, a healthy baby and a quick recovery.” On August 29 we received this message:
“We have our baby boy Jacob born yesterday the 28-th. The boy is feeling good, 3,5 kg.
I had to hold him for 30 min. Natasha is recovering after c-section. They will have to be still in the hospital for 5 days. Please, keep them in prayers. We highly appreciate your love, care and prayers.
In Jesus love,
Zhenya”
Della wrote back immediately with congratulations and praise to God, then on 9-4 I had Sandy send Zhenya and Natasha this message:
“I think the Lord directed me to this portion of Scripture to share with you:
“For the Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel for His special treasure. For I know that the Lord is great, and our Lord is above all gods. Whatever the Lord pleases He does, in heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all the deep places.” Psalm 135:4-6
Yours & His,
Rick”
************
“Great! Thank you so much for encouragement! We will be sending our monthly letter soon. Natasha is back from the hospital with Jacob. We all enjoy Jacob! Natasha and Jacob are gaining strength every day! Jacob eats every three hours and at nights as well. We will send pictures sometime later! God is good and we thank you for your prayers and support in ministry.
Our love and hugs to you and Della,
Zhenya”
***************
We pray often for God to open doors for our co-workers in Ukraine (and other areas) and to provide for all their needs. The past few months the reports Sergei has been sending concerning the opportunities God is opening for Christian Center for Science & Apologetics, is amazing and exciting.
Also the new Russian edition of Ready to Give an Answer with the appendix “Powerful Testimonies of Transformed Lives” from some of my students is now ready for distribution. One of our co-workers, Stas, who is an effective creation evangelist, has requested five hundred copies. Please pray that God directs the distribution of these books into the right hands to touch hearts and win souls for Jesus, who alone can transform more lives!
Advancing the Kingdom in Kharkov
Another exciting opportunity I want to report on from my spring trip was the all day seminar for the international congregation at New Hope Church on April 14 (the day before Resurrection Sunday). The emphasis was on “The Evidences for the Bodily Resurrection of Jesus” and “The Connection between Who Jesus Is as Creator and Who He Is as Redeemer and Lord”. The message “Many Infallible Proofs” was especially well received. Most of those in the international congregation are university students from African nations, so I was one of the few pale faces in the meetings. One of the most stimulating aspects of training these Christian students from other nations to be bold witnesses for Jesus is that when they return to their own homelands, they are often promoted to positions of influence. Did you know that out of over three hundred fifty definitions of “leadership”, the simplest and probably the most accurate is “influence”. Leadership is influence! Pray they will apply what they learned and lead souls to Jesus!
Will our Soaring Eagle be brought down by a Writhing Weasel?
I believe it was on Chuck Swindoll’s “Insight for Living” radio broadcast that I heard this true story which can be used as an intriguing parable. Chuck was watching a majestic eagle soaring high, which then spotted its prey and swooped down to grab it. However, as the eagle flew skyward a strange thing happened – it suddenly stopped climbing and dropped like a rock to the ground. Chuck was curious, so he went to examine this unexpected phenomenon. To his amazement, he found a dead weasel beside the dead eagle. The writhing weasel had slashed a main artery on the eagle and the fall had killed them both.
As we all know, the majestic bald eagle is the symbol of America, but the weasel of the Marxist/Atheist/Darwinian philosophy which America has picked up from fallen nations is slashing, tearing, gashing and draining the lifeblood from this once great nation. Can America recover? Yes! If Americans will repent and kill the weasel of godless philosophy in time! Pray for the spiritual awakening we so desperately need!
“Politically Correct” Section
What’s wrong with what the world labels “politically correct”? It isn’t! It’s wrong on every subject it touches! Why? Because it is actually political, spiritual and moral poison! It is the weasel slashing at main arteries in our society. It is Freudian psycho-babble! It is Marxist mutilation of common sense economics! It is Darwinian pseudo-science! It is relativistic distortion of truth. (Have you noticed that those who boldly state, “There is no absolute truth” are stating what they believe as an absolute truth?) It is liberalism – both theological and political. Friends, we have to kill the weasel before it destroys our nation, our churches and our families! For example, consider the fact that Marxists have managed to place their front man in the Oval Office. Does it seem a bit ironic to you – even hypocritical – that while Barack Obama is consistently denouncing the rich who don’t pay enough taxes, he and his family are living in opulent luxury? He spends multiple times more money on his extensive entourage, travel, vacations and pleasure than any other president ever has. In fact, in less than three and a half years, he has spent more than all other presidents combined – and yet he is insisting that he needs another term in office because he’s not finished yet. Not finished what? Not finished totally bankrupting America! He keeps slashing that main artery of our economy so it can keep gushing out more dollars to Planned Parenthood and homosexual rights activists. He even made one radical homosexual rights activist, Kevin Jennings, the Czar who is supposed to protect our children in schools (that’s like sending the fox to guard the chickens). He will fight any state that cuts off funding to Planned Parenthood – the biggest butcher of unborn babies in the world! Are you aware that the founder of Planned Parenthood, Margret Sanger, lived a life so filthy as to make a Jezebel blush? Her “eugenics program” was adopted by Adolf Hitler and implemented in Germany by the Nazis to exterminate the “unwanted” members of their society. These facts about her background and her intense racism is covered up and smoothed over by those who want to promote “politically correct” views. The horror of the abortionists’ butcher knives, scissors, and poison to kill the innocent babies – especially the black or brown ones – is never to be shown in pictures by pro-life advocates exposing the evil practices. Why not? Because it’s repulsive. It’s not polite. It’s not “politically correct”. The Nazis suppressed the truth of what was going on in their concentration camps. How? They trained people not to mention such matters because they were “not politically correct”. PRAY AMERICA WAKES UP! (If you want documentation about Planned Parenthood let me know. R.D.)
A friend sent us an insightful quote which says, “Apparently I’m supposed to be more outraged by what Mitt Romney does with his money than by what Barack Obama does with mine.”
What About Choice?
Does it also seem ironic – even hypocritical – to you that liberals (pro-choice advocates) want a mother to have the choice to kill her unborn child – but not the choice to send her first grader to a different school than the one where they control the curriculum? Why is school choice anathema to pro-choice advocates? Could it be that really the issue is not about choice, but about control? The terminology “pro-choice” just sounds so much better than “pro-abortion”, so it is the “politically correct” term. Of course, it’s okay to call pro-life advocates anti-choice according to liberal logic. Is liberal logic lacking light? Or lacking love? Or lacking integrity? Liberal logic and “politically correct” speech calls the murder of an unborn baby “protecting a woman’s right to choose” – so why don’t they talk about “protecting a woman’s right to choose” which school she wants her kids to attend?
Bill Augsburger sent us a couple more quotes that fit perfectly in this section:
“Fathom the hypocrisy of a government that requires every citizen to prove they are insured…but not everyone must prove they are a citizen.” Now add this, “Many of those who refuse, or are unable to prove they are citizens will receive free insurance paid for by those who are forced to buy insurance because they are citizens.”
“Obama cannot win an American election. But he isn’t running in an American election. He’s running in a Post-American election.” I hope this quote is not entirely true – but it depends on how far the weasel has succeeded with his slashing and how heavy the blood loss is from the eagle.
Ronald Reagan asked, “Who is a communist?” then answered, “Someone who reads Marx and Engels.” Then he asked, “Who is an anti-communist? Someone who understands Marx and Engels.” Solomon said, “With all your getting, get understanding.” Ronald Reagan also said, “If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, we will be a nation gone under.”
So what is wrong with “politically correct”? It is communist corruption! It is pungent, polluted philosophical-poverty-stricken poison! However, God has given each of us the power of choice – so you can believe it if you want to (not because it is true, but because you choose to). With this I choose to close the “politically correct” section.
From Out Mailbox
“Really agree with your last letter! Keep on keeping on.
Butch & Caren”
* * * * * * * * * *
“HI Rick & Della,
I wouldn’t change a thing! I really enjoyed reading it and will again when I receive it in the snail mail form!
When reading that woman’s reply to you I remembered a quote from Dr. Alan Bloom in his book, The Closing of the American Mind: “Sincerity has become a higher virtue than truth.” How sad that many are willing to ignore truth because they believe someone strictly on the basis that he/she is sincere about what they are saying. Satan is sincere, but sincerely wrong! May God have mercy on people moved by the “ear-ticklers” of our day.
God bless!
Rich”
* * * * * * * * * *
“Dear Rick and Della, Greetings from Germany – and a big, “Thank You” for your Overseas Outreach Newsletter for June 2012. I have read it and have been immensely blessed by your reports and by what you are able to teach and are able to mentor – may our Lord raise the right successor to your ministry when you will be called by Him. I am always sharing thoughts from your reports with Elsbeth, and we pray for you personally and whenever I have opportunity to mention it in prayer time at the congregations I am still able to serve. . .
Dear Rick and Della, may God bless you richly as you continue your ministry, both abroad and at the home front!
Sincerely, Ludwig Klinke”
* * * * * * * * * *
“My pleasure, really! Anatoly was deeply touched by both your gift and your attention. Apparently, your donation came just right on time. He was very grateful. Said “Thank you” several times May God bless you and fulfill all your needs and dreams in Him!
Respectfully,
Anastasia”
* * * * * * * * * *
“Dear Rick and Della,
Thank you for being a part of my life and ministry, for your faithful prayers, support and encouragement. Please accept this small gift as an expression of my love and appreciation.
Inga from TCM in Vienna”
* * * * * * * * * *
“Thank you Rick for your prayer and love for us. We will continue to hold you and family up before our Lord, as well. I prayed again just now for Justin. I pray that Justin’s life will become a powerful message of God’s power to change a man from the inside out. The greatest evidence of God is the testimony of His people.
Blessings, Steve (Bragg)” (From the Philippines)
* * * * * * * * * *
“Hi Rick,
… I liked the Adrian Rogers quote at the end of your letter to Ray. I am going to put that one on the board in my next ethics class and let the class dialogue about that for awhile. I like to get the students to talk about the role of absolute truth in our culture, etc. That quote will fit nicely in our discussions. I read another quote by Adrian Rogers in class this last Thursday where he talks about the futility of taxing a nation into prosperity. Good stuff.
I didn’t get you scheduled into our Personal Evangelism class this last semester, but I would like you to come this Fall if you are available. I’ll give you the dates later after I finish all my syllabi in August. I think the students would profit from hearing some of your experiences in evangelism. If you could tell some stories of your experiences and then answer questions about how you are purposeful in your evangelistic efforts. I have the students interview church leaders, preachers, ministers, etc., and ask questions on how these people do evangelism in their ministries. It is a little disappointing to me how many church leaders say they do not have any kind of purposeful plan for evangelizing people, they just wait for God’s “divine appointments.” These leaders speak as if this is a more effective way of doing evangelism . . . like, having a purposeful plan is less spiritual than just letting things happen. Bugs me! Anyway, I know you can help us in that area. I’ll talk more about that with you later. Thank you for all you do for the Kingdom!
God bless!
Rich”
* * * * * * * * * *
“Hi Rick,
What a great letter… thanks for writing it…..
Dennis (Petersen)”
* * * * * * * * * *
“Hi Rick and Della,
Just read your newsletter and wanted to let you know that Tammy and I went and saw the movie “2016 – Obama’s America” on Friday at the Clackamas theater. It was excellent and answered a lot of questions as to why we have seen the policies and decisions made by the Obama administration over the last 42 months.
Dinesh D’Souza’s research is brilliant and his conclusions well founded. Being a documentary it’s enlightening, not entertaining, but well worth seeing.
Love ya both,
Dave (Adams)”
Conclusion
“We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers…”
1 Thessalonians 1:2. We deeply appreciate your prayers and support, and I want to clarify that even though I am not planning a mission trip this fall, I am not planning to be idle. Trying to maintain our lighting business while building up our Laminine business, plus working with two ministries does not leave much time to be idle. We spend a lot of time corresponding with our co-workers overseas, planning for my spring trip, setting speaking appointments, making short and longer trips for speaking appointments both for Overseas Outreach and Northwest Science Museum. We send ahead a lot of the money you give for supporting the overseas ministries while allowing some funds to build up for next spring.
Please pray for Justin. He got kicked out of the Lighthouse program, and his situation is not encouraging. Please pray for deep, true repentance and surrender to the transforming power of God.
Please pray for us to faithfully fulfill the work which God has designed us for and called us to complete by His grace and power.
Now let us all look up for our redemption draws near! In spite of all the dark clouds on the horizon, let’s be thankful for God’s promises and all He is planning for us. “For all the promises of God in Him (Christ) are Yes, and in Him Amen to the glory of God…” 2 Corinthians 1:20. Last month we closed the prayer letter with Jude 24-25. This time I want to close with Jude 20-21.
“But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”
We love you,
Rick & Della “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow!”