Socialism vs. Christianity
Recently on the radio, I heard Ken Dodge tell a story about an enthusiastic socialist who was promoting his socialist agenda to an outdoor crowd. He noticed a man in the crowd shivering in an old coat, which was inadequate for the cold – so he pointed to the man and said, “Socialism would put a new coat on that man!” Someone in the crowd replied, “Christianity would put a new man in that old coat!”
To this valid observation I want to add another: socialism relies on another people’s money, which is probably why the socialist propagandist did not give his own coat to the man shivering in the cold. Also, true Christians, while sharing the life changing truth of the gospel will also be providing that shivering man with warm clothing and a warm meal. (Recently at our Eagle Christian Church, we gathered an abundance of warm clothing to share with those in need through Boise Rescue Mission.)
Socialism Applied to the Classroom
Some time ago we received an email with an anonymous story about applied socialism in the classroom and an exhortation to pass it on. It is a very good example of how socialism actually works, so I’m passing it on to you. I hope you will pass it on to others:
“An economics professor at a local college made a statement that he had never failed a single student before but had recently failed an entire class. That class had insisted that Obama’s socialism worked and that no one would be poor, and no one would be rich, a great equalizer. The professor then said, ‘OK, we will have an experiment in this class on Obama’s plan’… All grades will be averaged, and everyone will receive the same grade so no one will fail, and no one will receive an A…. (substituting grades for dollars – something closer to home and more readily understood by all).
After the first test, the grades were averaged, and everyone got a B. The students who studied hard were upset, and the students who studied little were happy. As the second test rolled around, the students who studied little had studied even less and the ones who studied hard decided they wanted a free ride too, so they studied little.
The second test average was a D! No one was happy. When the 3rd test rolled around, the average was an F. As the tests proceeded, the scores never increased, as bickering, blame and name-calling all resulted in hard feelings and no one would study for the benefit of anyone else. To their great surprise, ALL FAILED and the professor told them that socialism would also ultimately fail because when the reward is great, the effort to succeed is great, but when government takes all the reward away, no one will try or want to succeed. It could not be any simpler than that.
1. You cannot legislate the poor into prosperity by legislating the wealthy out of prosperity.
2. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving.
3. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else.
4. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it!
5. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that is the beginning of the end of any nation.
Can you think of a reason for not sharing this? Neither could I.”
The Greatest Problem in America
Adrian Rogers mentioned in a message on prayer that someone had commented that “the greatest problem in America is apathy – but who cares?” Along that line, have you heard the story of the preacher who met with the chairman of the elders for their congregation to discuss the state of the church? The preacher said: “I believe the two biggest problems in our congregation are ignorance and apathy! What do you think?” The elder replied: “I don’t know, and I don’t care!” This would be funny if it were not so often too true! Are you willing to pray for a great awakening and revival in the churches in America?
“And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.” Romans 13:11-14 (NKJV)
Divine Appointment in Germany Over 40 Years Ago?
Clint Jones (my church planter friend) called me recently and is very excited about what he is reading in More than Conquerors… (first edition that Bruce Malone published in 2013). He told me that in 2013 God had impressed on him and called him to spiritual warfare: to train warriors for the spiritual warfare battles. However, he didn’t know how to do that. I gave him a copy of More than Conquerors in Cultural Clashes last year, but he just recently picked it up and began reading. He told me that he couldn’t put it down and his hands began trembling because he was thinking that this is what he’s been needing to train his congregation. He asked me if I can help him put it in smaller portions – and I told him that I’m in the process of getting it published as a trilogy, so each book will be a smaller portion. Clint believes that it was a divine appointment when we met in Germany over 40 years ago through a Christian Coffee House ministry on the army base at Heilbronn. I believe he’s right. Please pray!
From Our Mailbox
“Thank you for writing in and for your kind comments about our newsletter article ‘Abortion Clash’. You may quote it in your newsletter and use it as an appendix with proper referencing in each case. Thank you also for your kind offer to send us a copy of your book, More than Conquerors in Cultural Clashes. You may send it to our office. I have just said a prayer that God would bless and encourage you as you work to spread the Gospel of Christ.
Sincerely,
Lita Cosner, Information Officer, Creation Ministries International”
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“Appreciate receiving your newsletters! Like Dick Halaas’s remark, ‘If you have an attitude of gratitude, you will likely remain on the right latitude!’ Thank you for sending a copy of Is the Bible without Any Errors?
Reading Jerry Bridges’ book Trusting God Even When Life Hurts. He said that one of his friends described the theme of the book of Job as ‘God making a good man better.’ Think it was in Richard Wurmbrand’s book on his life that he said ‘Be not afraid’ appears in the Bible 366 times – once for every day of the year and once again for Leap Year.
Enclosed find offering to be used as you see fit.
Love in Christ,
Carol (Gilbert)”
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“Thank you again for your news sheets as I read them so I can pray and keep up on the news of the Ukraine, etc. So I am sending this check for Mulberry or whatever you feel is needed the most. Life at almost 93 is a challenge and I guess the Lord thinks I’m up to it. I wonder about it and just trust His leading each day.
‘The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness.’ Lam. 3:22-23
My prayers and best wishes to you both.
In Him,
Claudia Boldon”
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“Open Doors revealed today, 260,000,000 believers are experiencing high levels of persecution, that’s 1 in 8. How concerned are you? Praises most who are on my prayer team are, let us continue to encourage one another – Heb 10:24
–Ted Bjorem” Please pray!
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“The title of the Bible study (or first sermon) ‘Dieva gudrība attiecība uz dzīves grūtībām’ means ‘God’s Wisdom in Regard to Life’s Difficulties.’ The Word file contains seven texts: James 1:2-3; James 1:4-5;
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Ephesians 5:20; Philippians 4:4-8; Romans 8:28; Jeremiah 29:11-13. Rick Deighton had originally shared these with me and others in a Bible study or two here in Latvia two decades ago.
God bless you all!
Victor Barviks”
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“In 2019, we held creation assemblies in 4 different countries and distributed our creation devotionals to almost 100,000 high school students. In October we gave presentations in four Portland area high schools where 600 students received copies of our book. One indication of our effectiveness is that we are starting to see overseas opposition. One journalist in Fiji put up a Facebook page distorting our purpose and credentials asking government officials, ‘Why is the ministry of Education allowing [creationists] to come in to schools and peddle their book…’ Nothing is more dangerous to those who want to leave God and the Bible out of the thinking of future generations than allowing students to view the truth about science, history, and reality. I love this quote from Mark Batterson:
“Jesus didn’t die on the cross just to keep us safe…
…He died to make us dangerous.”
As one of our supporters, you help make these victories possible. Consider sponsoring the cost of printing and distributing books to students in an entire school in 2020.
Thank you for the blessing of your support, and have a wonderful Christmas.
Bruce & Robin Malone”
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“Congratulations on your 57th anniversary! What a joyful event! God is such a good matchmaker! Actually, He is the perfect matchmaker even though He requires us to be open to work and change. May the Lord Jesus be even more glorified through you and your family, and grant you many more years of love, joy, peace and ministry together!
I will gladly pass your greetings to Love of Christ Church and Simferopol Christian Church. And also, to the Shalbetsky family, but it’s very unlikely that I will see them any time soon. But I will talk to Lena. I will also pass your greetings to Anya and Andrei Goryainov through Anya’s mom. She lives nearby and we see each other occasionally. Even though it’s not as enjoyable as visiting with Natasha Molodchy or Natasha Reimer, the Google Translate helped with the translation of the first paragraph. Thank you, I accept it with my whole heart. And thank you for sharing the material about Jesus’ resurrection. I pray that the Lord will continue to open my father’s heart.
I pray that you have a wonderful Christmas season with lots of opportunities to stop and praise, and minister, bow down and worship the Triune God!
Inga”
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“We would like to share the blessings of our ministry. In October our church “Word of Truth” had baptism together with another small church “House of Mercy.” There were 7 people baptized and became church members. Now we have 8 people at our rehab center.
We also continue ministry in the prison, where 12 people come every Sunday to listen to God’s Word.
We also suggest to them to take a course of rehabilitation in our rehab center. One of the guys, who was released recently is at the rehab now and we are encouraged that God has grown the seeds that were planted.
We pray for you and are thankful for your open heart towards Ukraine.
Merry Christmas and Happy New year, dear brother!
Blessings to you and your family!
In Christ, Vladimir Vakula”
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“As we celebrate our Savior’s birth and welcome the new 2020, let us be thankful for the blessings of His salvation and a full life in Him. We live in the most blessed country with material abundance and freedom of religion. Most countries do not have either one, or both. Ukraine relies on foreign financial assistance to provide the basics for its citizens… Mulberry ministers bringing hope and healing to at-risk families and children. In Ukraine, we face horrors of war and see the devastation of frontline towns, we witness extreme poverty when people are trying to survive…
Mulberry needs your partnership to continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus to thousands of children and families we touch during a year. In Ukraine, we are praying about adding THREE or more village outreaches in the coming 2020, which could double our budget for this devasted by war region… Would you consider a deeper involvement in our ministry in the coming year? Whether it is giving sacrificially, or committing to give more often, or bringing others onboard, would you pray about your role in this ministry in 2020?
We cannot do any of the ministry plans we have for 2020 without you. You are an integral part of His plan to bring His people to Himself in Ukraine and Russia. God equips ‘his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up’ (Ephesians 4;12). We just need to let Him work through us. I am excited to see what God has in store for Mulberry in 2020! Join us in discovering His plan for the lost in Ukraine and beyond!
Natasha Reimer
Executive Director”
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“The faithfulness of donors communicates something beyond the monetary gift itself. When I review the donations for the month, then the quarter, then the year, I see more than amounts, I see names. I see more than names. I see people, sometimes groups (churches), often as individuals who share not only in our ministry, but in our journey as well. It always feels good to have a positive balance in the account, but it feels … now I search for the word or words … warm? – the warmth of encouragement?… the warmth of not being alone?… the warmth of contentment?… the warmth of partnership?…
I feel at peace. I feel thankful. I have invitations to teach at six different venues, as well as other inquiries. My classroom ministry continues. I have two new courses to develop for Ukraine. My research and creativity continue. I will preach here and there. I am mentoring and counseling. I am serving. I am happy. I am also serving at home. I am LaVerne’s primary caregiver, but I am not alone in that. With the help of family and friends and paid aides, along with the services of hospice, I am able to plan six ministry trips for 2020. I am thankful for that. So, back to you. I am thankful for your support, your monetary support and what it symbolizes – your prayer support and personal support – our partnership. Thank you for your financial, spiritual and moral assistance to so many over many years in Ukraine and beyond.
Some of our donors, especially some individuals, designated their support for the ministry in Crimea which in recent years was confined to the House on the Hill. April saw the House sold and July saw our remaining staff say goodbye to residents and familiar halls, rooms and offices. In October a new ministry was born and is still under initial development – disciple-making in Cuba with a view to equipping leaders of the new house churches that are multiplying every six to 12 months. Our life is not what we expected for our 70s. Life is more complicated now, at least for me. I plan but know that my plans can be drastically changed. I think about the people I know who made their sudden exit from this world in 2019. They did not expect it, did not plan for it, and their friends and loved one’s were shocked by it. So, all of us may find ourselves in unexpected circumstances, or be found by others in those circumstances. That’s life. Let us rejoice in the same things the apostle Paul taught us to think about (Phil 4:8). I rejoice in your thoughtfulness, faithfulness and partnership in the gospel (Phil 1:3-6).
God bless you. Georges (and LaVerne)”
“Thank you for praying for me, I Indeed appreciate it! I really need spiritual support now.
Today I got a message from Ozark Christian College. They told me that my application was still passing through the process, they also told me to fill out an additional application. After that, I have to wait for some time to get a response from them (enrolled or rejected). Hope everything will be okay.
Sincerely yours, Edward Pintya”
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“I am glad you liked the gifts our children made for Mulberry’s friends. I appreciate your support and it never stops to amaze me how God uses different people from different places to be united as His family.
Yours in Christ,
Natasha Reimer, Executive Director, Mulberry International”
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“I have gotten very positive responses from the book*. Just last week I ran into a lady I sent the book to and she said it’s been a great book so far (she hasn’t finished it yet) and well-written. Several others have thanked me too, and said they were eager to start reading it. It turned out to be a great gift for my supporters. Thank you….
Blessings! Shannon (Haynie)”
*Note: “The book” Shannon referred to was Is the Bible without Any Errors? We donated a case of them to her for her ministry, and she gave a copy to each donor as an appreciation gift. – R.D.
Prayer Requests
- Let’s start with praise! The new church plant, ECC West Valley that we are helping with, had 270 in attendance on Sunday, February 2! That is 100 more than four and a half months ago at the official launch date mid-September. Praise God! Della and I participate in one of the small groups and serve on the prayer team. Della also helps at “Guest Services” and I help with ‘Muggers” (that is, I help take ECC coffee mugs filled with chocolates, etc. to our visitors). I also have signed up for teaching a small group as we continue to grow. West Valley is reaching out to multitudes of hurting souls – please pray!
- Please pray for Rebekka H. Deighton! She is a pleasant-mannered young lady living in England and apparently a relative of mine. I had no idea that there is another R.H. Deighton anywhere in the world until Dale Cornett called me to inform me that some emails he had intended for me went to her. She professes to be an atheist, so please pray for Almighty God to open her heart and convict her of sin, righteousness and judgment as I probe with questions and stimulating information to try to open her mind.
- Edward Pintya would love to become a missionary pilot, our Lord willing. Please pray with us for him to receive the $12,000/year educational grant for foreign students to come study at Ozark Christian College.
- Another praise – Volume 1 of the revised and updated version of More than Conquerors in Cultural Clashes as a trilogy is now available in both digital and print form. The digital copy is $9.99, and the print copy is listed at $14.99. It is published under the logo of Carpenter’s Son Publishing. Larry Carpenter is an expert in publishing and marketing (he was formerly the CEO of Standard Publishing and also a leader at Thomas Nelson). Please praise God and pray for quantity sales and powerful influence in multitudes of lives to bring souls to Christ and help prepare thousands of bold witnesses for Jesus. In accord, please pray for this to be another wake-up call – and for massive spiritual awakening in America!
Special Offer!
Oh, yes! I almost forgot. You can have a free copy of Volume 1 for a donation of any amount to Overseas Outreach.
Also, we still have some copies left of the 2013 original publishing of More than Conquerors in Cultural Clashes with 448 pages, and you can have two copies for a donation of any amount! (One for you and one for a friend or relative.) ?
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Heart & Lungs Unsung Heroines
Last month Steve Crane, in his series on the book of Acts, preached a message from Chapter 9 on “Unsung Heroes”. He pointed out the vital role of Ananias and Barnabas in Almighty God’s plan and purpose of transforming Saul of Tarsus from a hate-filled persecutor of Christ to the love-filled persuader for Christ. Likewise, I want to honor some other “unsung heroines”.
Unsung Heroines
Honor Where Honor is Due
In January, we shared Sergei Golovin’s monthly report for November-December with the many amazing doors God is opening to him and his team. This month in respect of the fact that pastor Valentine (who is better known as St. Valentine) paid with his life for his commitment to love expressed in God’s ordinance of marriage, and in order to honor the often-unsung heroines of many ministries, I want to show honor where honor is due to several of them.
I believe it was on my second mission trip to Crimea that Sergei told me, “Olga is the brains of this operation!” Although I never took that statement totally literal, I do fully recognize that she is an amazingly brilliant co-worker and gracious hostess for their powerfully effective ministry. Without her, Sergei could not have done what he has done and could not be accomplishing what he and his team are accomplishing.
Reggie Thomas says similar things about Esther because she is such a prayer warrior for their ministry, and now their daughter, Lori Darnell, is carrying on the administrative burden for the operation of our parent ministry, White Fields Overseas Evangelism.
In like manner, without Della, our Overseas Outreach mission would not exist, and without her and our daughter, Sandy, “my” books would not exist. Neither would these prayer letters. Della and Sandy take my handwritten rough-rough drafts of our prayer letters, tracts, brochures and books and transform them into readable material for all of you. They also correct spelling and offer insights.
They are like the heart and lungs of this ministry – unseen, but vital! (Neither of them wanted their pictures included, and since I am out of room, I guess I will settle for that.)
Thank you, noble ladies (dedicated servants of the King)!
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all peace and joy as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
Respectfully yours & His, Rick