Expanding to Scotland in 2009

Here is a letter I received about LTW expanding to partner with a church in Scotland for an outreach table offering free materials based on apologetics, to Alva, the Hillfoots, and Clackmannanshire in 2009! I am overwhelmingly excited about this and had been praying for God to give them the desire to do this with LTW for weeks before David and Liz wrote. They didn't know I had been praying about contacting them about this very thing. God has already given us the money for a banner or sign for the table, and now we are asking God to show us the next step in putting this new outreach together as soon as possible to begin this spring or summer.

Hi Dwayna,

As you know we at Alva Baptist Church have been setting up the booth from Jesus Booth Ministries on the high street here in Alva for some months and we would like to partner with LTW. I am requesting that you begin praying specifically about a partnership here in Scotland. ...There is already a missions trip from the USA planned for August/September 2009 through Life Connections International and we would like to invite you to consider coming out and maybe help train some people from several churches, in street evangelism.

Additionally, I am part of a team of chaplains to a school of about a thousand students. I serve one year group of about 200 or so. The materials from an LTW table would be perfect for the student outreach as well.

...There is also one of the largest Universities in the UK in nearby Stirling and we would love to reach out to this spiritually besieged population.

It is a joy to have been friends with you over the years! Elizabeth and I are eager to continue the work to share the gospel and the hope it brings. LTW has built such a fine reputation for being well-resourced and for sharing the truth in love. We are happy to invite you all to come alongside and join us in reaching Alva, the Hillfoots, and Clackmannanshire (the smallest county with the longest name).

Love,
David & Elizabeth Fraser

---------------------------------------------
My response:

[I wrote them back to let them know that LTW did not have the money for me to come, but I can still help them and partner with them by phone, email, and the physical mail. However, I would love to come and work with them in person, so my specific prayer is that God will supply for that!]

David and Liz,

...Ok, so here is what we need to do:

1)We need to pray about a location for the table. Please let me know where you think it could be, and, if it is not too much trouble, please send me pictures of the area where we would be setting up the table and information about this mission field.

2) We need to consider—what is the... mission field? In other words, what will be our focus for materials? Are there a lot of Catholics, Moslems?...what about Buddhists?...Tell me about the mission field.

3) We need to think of a theme for either a banner or a sign for the table. This will depend on the mission field. [Scroll down the blog to read about the new banner for the North Yorkshire table in PICKERING in the UK. ]

4) How often would we set up the table? Would this only be for the summer or year around? Would it only be for special occasions?

5) I can send you materials, and we can work together on the cost. The Lord will provide, and I have no doubt about this.

FOR HIS GLORY,
Dwayna

Resource for Our CA Ministries

This is very good from my friend, Joe Dallas. I will be sending the link to the ministry leaders of our outreaches in CA. It is called Porn Problem. (Joe's wife has a blog, too here ).

http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/sexual_resolution/

Update: USA Locations

West Hollywood, CA--the team got rained out last Friday, and they are in Long Beach tonight.

Long Beach, CA--setting up with new team members joining us, hopefully. We are working with First Baptist Long Beach in this location.

San Diego (Hillcrest), CA---We got exciting news this week: We CAN set up the table in Hillcrest! I called the city, and no permit is needed, just permission from a business if we set up in front of a business. We have the signs "Free Love (Romans 6:23)" and "We Are Sorry..." (on behalf of Christians who have been self-righteously rude toward homosexuals). The table is ready, but we need to purchase material for a nice black velvet table cloth. More resources (DVDs of testimonies from former sex-addicts, prostitutes, homosexuals, sexually abused children WHO HAVE FOUND NEW LIFE IN JESUS) are being copied and shipped to the leaders of this outreach. This is going to be another powerful location, as all materials--including tracts, "Father's Love Letter", music, CDs/DVDs of testimonies, and Bibles are FREE to anyone who stops. Because of hate crime laws, we want to ask permission before telling someone what the Bible says. We need to lovingly ask, "Is it ok with you if I share with you what the Bible says?" or "Would you be offended if I share with you something from the Bible?" This way, we cannot get charged with a hate crime.

Because of this new legislation and the sensitive nature of this outreach, the next step for the team is to get together and "practice" how it would be to answer in kindness and gentleness when someone is angry. They are not going to make it out this weekend, because they wisely see they are not quite ready. We agree that we want to be ready and do it well when the team is prepared. So, the date to begin this outreach has been postponed until next month. We will be working with Maranatha Chapel in this outreach.

Boulder, CO--Jonathan, the leader, has written an excellent tract for Buddhists called The Karma Dollar, with verses which disprove the Buddhist concept of karma, explaining the difference between Buddhism and belief in Jesus. The team sets up within walking distance from Naropa, a Buddhist University there in Boulder, so there is no doubt these tracts will be useful. Plus, we plan to use them in our outreach in Pickering (UK). Other than that, the team is taking a break due to cold weather in Colorado. Carrie, a member of the team, is recovering from surgery, and we are thankful she is doing better. In this location, we work with Shepherd's Community Church, and we hope to get youth groups from Littleton Bible Chapel more involved. (I plan to have a meeting with LBC about this soon, to hopefully speak to the youth there about joining us on day mission trips out to Boulder.)

NYC--All materials have been officially kept at First Baptist NYC , and my pastor, Matthew Carpenter, plans to use the LTW table with youth groups who are coming to work in mission trips this summer. Plus, Ron Taylor also plans to use the table with youth groups who come to visit his church in Queens. They will either set up in the area of 79th and Broadway or in our regular location at Columbus Circle. I am certainly praying for a new leader from First Baptist to set up the table regularly this spring and summer and plan to call some people about that tonight. We thought we had a leader in Ron Taylor, but the Lord is using him in Queens now, and he cannot commit to leading this outreach of evangelism and apologetics on a regular basis. What a blessing to have my pastor, Matthew Carpenter, at First Baptist NYC with a heart for evangelism, with all of the set-up for this outreach, along with our sermons, tracts, and books in various languages for the people of NYC to give them answers in defense of the Bible and saving faith through Jesus.

TN (Gatlinburg): We plan to order more supplies for this outreach, which will begin again in the spring. This ministry is going to resume in March or April, and we will be working with Sevier Heights Baptist and also getting more people involved hopefully from First Baptist Morristown, TN.

Venice Beach, CA: Mike and Eileen plan to be out this weekend, I believe, if the sign is ready for the table. Pictures will follow soon. I know they got the permit needed...The next time I visit CA, I plan to speak at Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena to get more Singles involved in our outreach at Venice Beach. We have a strong connection there with the pastor of the Singles' dept., and Mike and Eileen are members there.

Rio Grande Valley (TX/Mexico)--Updates are posted on the blog. Curt and Janie are off to a great start in this new location, with a focus on reaching children and their parents after school! This is a strong ministry, and God is making the people receptive.

Atlanta, GA--I am off to Atlanta next week. I have many duties in 2009 (which I have detailed previously), but I won't be surprised if I start another table outreach there in 2010. It will just depend. I am planning on moving and then will have to focus on creating a slide presentation for several churches this spring where I will be speaking; talking to publishers about a book I have written on American history and quotes for school children; talking to music companies about a ten-song music project I have written and recorded in NYC in the genre of Christian music; writing the new web site we have purchased for the lost who visit our booth locations all over the world entitled "By God's Grace . org". There is a lot of work to do! Plus, I hope to write tracts for children to be used in particular at our "Keys for Kids" outreach in the Rio Grande Valley.

I am so thankful to have help from my mother since she has been retired now for the last year from teaching public school. I am going to show her how to help me with web site updates, especially in the area of keeping the archived articles updated in research and apologetics on a plethora of topics. It is a continuous job. I have been behind since last Sept. :-)

In 2009 we plan to expand to San Jose, CA, Minneapolis, MN, and TX domestically. I get tired just thinking about it :-), but I am invigorated by the excitement of getting to tell more people throughout the country about Jesus and give them reasons to believe. We are also talking to some Christians in San Francisco who are interested in a street outreach of apologetics there.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND SUPPORT.

Work Tonight

I am looking forward to my second night of no TV :-). Actually, I have a lot on my mind and just feel led to work and pray as I work. It is very peaceful. :-) I am not implying that others need to enter into such a fast from TV, but only stating that the Lord is meeting me here to let me know He is with me, and my battles are His.

Tonight I plan to post updates from all of our locations domestically and then get in touch with the pastor in Scotland, where we will expand in 2009 to discuss some details with him by email. Of course, as I am praying during this 30 day fast from TV, I am praying for the Lord to supply funds for our expansion. I am thankful for the rough economic times--which don't jar God in the least--because I am leaning more on the Lord, looking to Him only to supply. I have this peace, which is "not as the world gives", like Jesus promises to give me in John 14:27. After all, He is the Author and Finisher of my faith, not me. He will do whatever He wants with me for His glory, and my only prayer is that I will stay close to Him. He has already used me in ways I have never dreamed for Himself. It is no burden. He fills up my heart with joy--His joy--even in the midst of suffering, and it is really no burden to love Him. I am thankful for the protection of His Word. I am such a wayward sheep without Him. My faithful Shepherd certainly gets all of the glory for any good in me. What is so great about KNOWING Him through obedience, is that He makes us more like Him. He makes us better.

"You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain...for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me..." John 15:16; 16:27

I will be back in touch tomorrow after packing the storage unit, but I will thereafter probably not be available for updates on the blog until around Feb. 3rd or 4th, because I will be busy with my move to Atlanta.

Universal Banking, Council on Foreign Relations, and The New World Order

Don't miss this article, which explains the formation, history, and goals of the Council on Foreign Relations and the United Nations (which aims to put an end to American democracy as we have known it through globalized government.) Click here to read the article on American history. (The author did not mention that Rick Warren is also a member of the CFR.) And, one more thing, I agree with Doc's comments below. Highlights include:

...I already quoted former President George Herbert Walker Bush in my previous column. Here are more of his quotes. In 1991, Bush, Sr. said, "My vision of a New World Order foresees a United Nations with a revitalized peacekeeping function." In 1992, he said, "It is the sacred principles enshrined in the United Nations charter to which the American people will henceforth pledge their allegiance."

Wow! I thought U.S. Presidents, as well as all civil magistrates and military personnel, swore an oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution. Not in Bush's mind, obviously. The American people need to wake up to the fact that the international banking interests that dominate our political and financial entities are working tirelessly to "see an end to nationhood." I am talking about the Rothschilds and Warburgs of Europe, and the houses of J.P. Morgan, Kuhn, Loeb, Schiff, Lehman, and Rockefeller...

..."The main purpose of the Council on Foreign Relations is promoting the disarmament of U.S. sovereignty and national independence and submergence into an all powerful, one world government."

...It is absolutely essential that we stop looking at potential leaders as either Democrats or Republicans, or as conservatives or liberals. Those monikers mean very little today. We must start identifying people as either Americans or globalists. Either they believe in an independent, sovereign, self-governing United States of America, or they believe in supranational government and internationalism. Either they believe in devotion to the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence, or they believe in the goals and objectives of the United Nations. We must rid ourselves of the propensity to support those who classify themselves as "conservatives," and we must stop blindly supporting the GOP "because it is a 'conservative' party." If they do not understand AND OPPOSE the New World Order, they do not deserve our support or our vote!

George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George H.W. Bush laid the foundation for everything that Barack Obama is doing to facilitate the New World Order. That two of these Presidents are Democrats and two are Republicans only proves my point: both the Democratic and Republican parties have succumbed to New World Order ideology...

-----------------------

Comment:

Dwayna,

I am especially interested in this next-to-last bullet point from THE NAKED COMMUNIST:

* Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with social religion.

I don't know that it's communists still doing it, but since the turn of the century, there has been an explosion of social religion among so-called evangelicals, especially in the emerging church and the Purpose-Driven movement. In my memory, only the liberals have previously ousted revealed religion and replaced it with social religion. Now, non-evangelicals can claim to be evangelicals, replace revealed religion with social religion, and still be thought of as evangelicals!

IMO, Baldwin (a Presidential candidate for the Constitution Party in the last election, BTW) mixes Christianity and patriotism inappropriately. But in his defense, (1) it's a whole lot easier to mix them inappropriately than appropriately; and (2) I have no idea what an appropriate mix looks like!

Personally, I am fascinated by the behind-the-scenes things I have discovered in the last year in regard to fulfillment of biblical prophecy; however, every minute I spend beating the drum to rally patriots to combat the New World Order and the subversion of the American Republic is a minute taken from learning and teaching the Word of God. I don't want to be an alarmist or sensationalist but to teach the Word of God, especially if it keeps me from being an American before being a Christian.

In Him,
Doc

Israel

Here is a very touching video on Israel, compelling us to remember God's faithfulness to the Jews.

Does Jesus Care?

No other god cares like the God of the Bible. Obama can carry a Hindu idol in his pocket when he speaks at the DNC convention for luck and power; Hollywood starlets can flee their homes, because they feel their immoral bedrooms are possessed (despite the Kabbalah water they have sipped in the kitchen); satanists and rock-n-roll stars can see black, shadowy figures appear to accompany them as they "do as thou wilt" in rebellion of the laws of a moral God, the God of the Bible, and, like the psychics, such can tell of levitations they have witnessed at places like Venice Beach from the "Third Eye" or "Spirit of the Universe".

Meanwhile, there is a humble Holy Spirit and a MIGHTY God who cares, just as PURE as ever. Satan often comes at people to convince them that sin is God's fault and not his (Satan's, that is). What a mockery of Jesus when he does this through someone claiming to be "of Jesus". People get molested by priests and run from the church, blaming God. We often meet them at Venice Beach or on the streets of West Hollywood. Does Jesus care? He won't turn anyone who wants Him--in all of His goodness and purity--away. He is still the only God who makes the demons tremble and still the only God who is a Friend for sinners.

OH, YES, HE CARES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"I will bring the blind by a way they did not know;
I will lead them in paths they have not known.
I will make darkness light before them,
And crooked places straight.
These things I will do for them,
And not forsake them."
Isaiah 42:16


Here is one of my favorite hymns. I love singing it:

Does Jesus care when my way is dark
With a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades into deep night shades,
Does He care enough to be near?
Oh yes, He cares,
I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.

Happy with a Savior like Jesus,
Dwayna

LTW to Long Beach, CA: A Whole Lot of Light in the Midst of Darkness

“We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the Gospel of God but our lives as well.” 1 Thessalonians 2:8.

“My command is this: Love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.” John 15:12-14

For Jesus “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life for many.” Matthew 20:28.

“While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

Mike (new leader for Venice Beach ministry) joins Dan and the team to do outreach in Long Beach, setting up the cart of materials to give people answers for why we believe in Jesus in defense of the Bible. (Long Beach is a mecca for homosexuality with many "gay pride" gatherings. We prayed for over a year for the Lord to let us begin this outreach. We are so thankful to be used of Jesus here, realizing that we are no better than the most depraved sinner, because the ground is level at the foot of the cross. We all have the same capacity for sin, apart from God's mercy and grace, and we are indebted to tell others about such a Savior.)
This video was shown via the computer screen on the cart for discussion as people passed at a low volume to draw folks over.
But, the documentary is just one of many free materials to give people in-depth answers who are searching for reasons to believe, with a God-given desire for NEW life in Jesus. Dan, the Long Beach leader, custom-made the cart which displays Bibles, tracts, books, and DVDs on a variety of topics, including testimonies from former homosexuals and male and female prostitutes who have come to Jesus and left that lifestyle to live in purity with no shame in Him. We also offer sermons and materials for Catholics, children, teens, atheists and people involved in occult practices such as New Age meditations and Buddhism...
(The following captions are excerpts taken from In God We Trust, When Patriotism is Not Enough, by Jim Reimann):

God calls us His children, because, from a purely legal standpoint, children do something that flows naturally from being in that position—they inherit! Yet, the Lord clearly states that if we expect to “share in His glory” , we must indeed “share in His sufferings.”

We in America have never experienced the persecution Paul faced. The question we must ask ourselves is, “Would we allow ourselves to be beaten, killed, or imprisoned for Christ’s sake?”

Or, like Oswald Chambers, are we willing to ask ourselves: “Have I come to the point where God can withdraw His blessings from me without my trust in Him being affected?”

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18. “All men will hate you because of Me. But not a hair of your head will perish. By standing firm you will gain life…Everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” Luke 21:17-19, 1 John 1:4-5

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then…I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on Him but to also suffer for Him.” Philippians 1:27-29

“I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing that we have in Christ.” Philemon 6.

As Oswald Chambers wrote, “I’ve never met a man I can despair of (or lose all hope for) after discerning what lies in me apart from the grace of God.”

(God uses our team-- Joe, Mike, Eileen, and Dan---as people approach the cart with questions) This man prays with Dan for help from the Lord and salvation. What an honor to shine a light for Jesus in Long Beach, CA, to people passing on a wild, gay, and lonely night.

More on Ted Haggard

It just goes to show that, like the Bible says, everything hidden shall be revealed. It is not the sin of immorality that is nearly as hard to forgive as the hypocrisy. How could anyone ever trust such a "church leader" again?

http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/01/28/colorado.church.haggard/index.html#cnnSTCText

Pickering Table Outreach (UK)

William and the team are preparing for a new season of outreach this spring on the streets of North Yorkshire, and I am SO EXCITED!! I wrote him to let him know that God has provided for the cost of a banner for the table, and he wrote back to let me know that he feels led for their church to cover the cost. It is such a joy for us to all be working together. Here is what the banner will read:

GOOD NEWS

It’s better than you think!

FIND OUT ABOUT IT HERE

Now, we can take the money God provided for the banner and use it for resources for the table or for the cost of a banner for the table in our new outreach due to begin this year in Scotland. I told William I would ship some materials for Catholics out to him tomorrow from Proclaiming the Gospel for this "Good News" outreach in Pickering. For more information go to "LTW to the UK" here.

When I asked Pastor William Horsburgh about a theme verse, here is what he wrote, which shows the sincere heart God has given him to reach the lost. (We will post the theme verse on the forthcoming LTW web site page to give description of the ministry.)

We change our church Bible verse each year; the one for 2009 is appropriate to the work we endeavor to accomplish as it places what I believe to be a Biblical emphasis on the need for God’s work of regeneration. We’ve chosen the first part of 1 Thessalonians 1:5 [NKJV]:

“For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance.”

The longer I preach and evangelize, the more I’m convinced of our present need for that gracious work of God where He gives new hearts to bring people to Christ. To that end I am emphasizing the need for us to pray that the Lord might be pleased to give the increase.

William's sermons can be heard here:
http://www.humyo.com/419-113389

Living Without TV for 30 Days

My best friend in NYC is a beautiful and talented Christian attorney who told me recently she is "fasting from TV" for 30 days. I told her I would join her! What a great time to do this with my move to Atlanta. I am looking forward to working continuously without background noise. I must admit, I tend to be a news junkie, so I'll get my news now from the Internet, news magazines and newspapers. I will let everyone know how it goes. I always have so much work and reading to do, and it will be good to work with more focus.

But, most of all, I am looking forward to my prayer times without needing to turn off the TV first. Even now, as I write, I can feel the Lord with me, knowing my every thought and longing, taking unspoken fears and replacing those fears with courage in Him in the quiet of this room.

I am on "Day One." :-)

So God is Not Pure After All?

Good news for perverted people: Satan is not behind perversion--God is! Perversion is "enlightened" and godly! That's liberalism (and the religion of satanism--"Do as thou wilt shall be the whole of the law"--and selfishness, homosexuality, rebellion, and immorality's gospel) for you, making inroads to the pulpits of America:

"The Bible was written between the years 1000 B.C.E. and 135 C.E. Our knowledge of almost everything has increased exponentially since that time. It is the height of ignorance to continue using the Bible as an encyclopedia of knowledge to keep dying prejudices intact. The media seems to cooperate in perpetuating that long ago abandoned biblical attitude.

That is not surprising since the religious people keep quoting it to justify their continued state of unenlightenment. That attitude is hardly worthy of the time it takes to engage it. I do not debate with members of the flat earth society either. Prejudices all die. The first sign that death is imminent comes when the prejudice is debated publicly. The tragedy is that church leaders back the wrong side of the conflict, which is happening today from the Pope to the Archbishop of Canterbury to the current crop of Evangelical leaders. That too will pass and the debate on homosexuality will be just one more embarrassment in Christian history."

--John Shelby Spong, advocate for homosexuality and enemy of the cross of Christ

World Government and National Sovereignty (Source: TIME "America Abroad" Written in 1992)

Read full article here.

...A phrase briefly fashionable in the mid-20th century -- "citizen of the world" -- will have assumed real meaning by the end of the 21st.

All countries are basically social arrangements, accommodations to changing circumstances. No matter how permanent and even sacred they may seem at any one time, in fact they are all artificial and temporary. Through the ages, there has been an overall trend toward larger units claiming sovereignty and, paradoxically, a gradual diminution of how much true sovereignty any one country actually has.

...perhaps national sovereignty wasn't such a great idea after all. Dante in the 14th century, Erasmus in the 16th and Grotius in the 17th all envisioned international law as a means of overcoming the natural tendency of states to settle their differences by force.

In the 18th century the Enlightenment -- represented by Rousseau in France, Hume in Scotland, Kant in Germany, Paine and Jefferson in the U.S. -- gave rise to the idea that all human beings are born equal and should, as citizens, enjoy certain basic liberties and rights, including that of choosing their leaders. Once there was a universal ideology to govern the conduct of nations toward their own people, it was more reasonable to imagine a compact governing nations' behavior toward one another. In 1795 Kant advocated a "peaceful league of democracies."

But it has taken the events in our own wondrous and terrible century to clinch the case for world government

Update from Tel Aviv

Dov and team witnessing in Tel Aviv (before the anti-missionary organization came...)
Addicts gather around table for free food and Bibles

We have to pray for Dov and Olga and the ministry team. Read below...

GOD'S HEART
(Written by Dov Bikas)

"The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD" (Luke 4:18).

By these words of the prophet Isaiah, which Jesus quotes in the Gospel of Luke, He reveals why He came to this Earth and who he came to help. This verse shows us that the heart of our Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus Christ is with the poor, the brokenhearted, the captives, the blind and the oppressed.

As I become more and more familiar with the life of drug addicts, I see that it is hard to find any other group of people that would match the description of Isaiah 61 better. The addiction enslaves them, turns them into beggars, breaks their hearts and ruins their lives, but Jesus has compassion for them and a strong desire to save and restore them. It is very comforting and encouraging for me to realize that our ministry is so close to our God's heart.

People often ask me: "Is your Tel-Aviv outreach a very hard, tiring ministry?" And this is what I always tell them: "I do get tired after a full day of ministry, of course, but it is a joyful weariness, not exhaustion. In fact, it is there, on the streets of Tel-Aviv, that I always experience wonderful peace and joy and feel how God restores and renews my physical and spiritual strength."

To Him be all the honor and glory for His grace and love.

And for His heart for the lost.

NEWS AND PRAYER REQUESTS

He has made everything beautiful in its time. (Eccl 3:11)

I have never been a good planner. That is why it amazes me so much to see how God leads our ministry and makes everything beautiful in its time -- and in His way! As many of you know, I have always seen my gift as an evangelist and a church planter. I had planted 5 Bible study groups in the Negev (some of which grew into small congregations) before our family had to move to the center of Israel, and I intended to go on and work in the same way in other Israeli towns as well. My attempts to plant new groups in Tel-Aviv area, however, were not successful and that was when we decided to start street evangelism among drug addicts and prostitutes.

God blessed this ministry and it brought much fruit -- including several new Bible study groups! God used me as a church planter again -- but this time He made everything happen through our Tel-Aviv ministry. Firstly, as I have already written to you in our previous newsletters, we have got weekly Bible studies for drug addicts in Tel-Aviv (these studies now take place in a Baptist church that is situated in the area and helps us greatly). Secondly, the rehabilitants we sent to the rehab center in Haifa (managed by my co-worker Maxim) have already become a small group of believers that may one day grow into a church for people with special needs.

We hoped, however, that we would somehow be able to reach not only drug addicts themselves, but also their parents and other relatives. Recently we have got in touch with the parents of four rehabilitants from Haifa's rehab. It turned out that all these parents live in the same town, Ashdod, and are very open to the Gospel, so this month we have started weekly Bible studies for them. We have also begun another weekly Bible study -- in Ashkelon -- and this is a fruit of our Tel Aviv outreach as well. (By the way, both Ashdod and Ashkelon belong to the south of Israel, so one day these groups may join our Negev congregations and all of them will become one big family!) And finally, our most recent beginning is the 4th new Bible study: for prostitutes in Tel-Aviv.

Since I still keep pastoring our Negev congregations, I was worried at first that I would not have enough time to work with all the groups, including the new ones, properly -- but God took care of everything! One very gifted pastor from a church in Russia visited us last month and understood that God wanted him to move to Israel in 2009 for a certain period of time and serve with us in the Negev! With his help, God willing, we can keep planting and developing our Bible study groups and congregations in different Israeli towns.

In the light of all these positive developments, however, we experience various attacks on our ministry and family. A couple of weeks ago the anti-missionary organization "Yad LeAchim" brought policemen to our outreach table in Tel-Aviv and insisted that we could not feed the addicts and evangelize to them at the same time, as this was a violation of an Israeli law that forbids "bribing" people to make them follow your religion. As a result, we had to temporary stop this activity (though we still do street evangelism before our Bible studies, walking around the area and inviting the addicts to come and participate in the study).

The attacks on our family have mostly been connected to different health issues. All of us have been sick these weeks, and Lydia, Olga's mother, underwent a difficult operation, after which she was diagnosed with a big inoperable tumor of unknown nature in her abdomen. And the most recent stress, of course, was the war with Hamas. Our town and a large part of the Negev were in the range of their rockets, but, praise God, He kept us and all our believers safe.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We are so grateful to you for standing by our side and supporting us in 2008! We wish each and every one of you, our dear co-workers in the Lord,a happy and blessed new year!

Yours in our Savior,

Dov and Olga Bikas
December 2008 - January 2009

Why I Am Not A "Dominionist"

Click here for one of the best articles against dominionism I have ever read. It explains the meaning of dominionism and why I am not a dominionist. Why is this important? Well, even our secular culture in America is observing this foray and exposing this movement, often under the guise of "fundamentalism". It is being unmasked for what it is worth--no humility is involved as these Christians seek to take over the land and usher in the New Kingdom.

I am enjoying immensely The Family, written by Jeff Sharlett, a self admitted agnostic and enormously talented author who has observed power structures in our government driven by so-called Christians who all seek power in the name of Jesus, as opposed to living a life according to the Bible. This movement is all about power and is not at all based on the Bible, though it ensnares its followers with biblical terminology. I have chuckled many times while reading the book, as the anecdotes detailed in the powerful Christian-right "Family" in Washington have reminded me of people I have known (who are drawn to Jesus for power but not out of sincere love for Him).

The article also discusses the difference between the biblical prophecies of Israel and the dominionist interpretation, where the burden is on "Christians" (not Jesus) to save the planet.

Thanking God for Using Us (when He does not have to!)

Here is another testimonial I received:

A friend who ministers to women from Muslim backgrounds today forwarded your emails...I've spent a few minutes checking your ministry's website and reading about what the Lord has inspired and called you to do. How He weaves together the tapestry of life and allows some to be instruments within His purposes at particular moments in a person's life has always been something that I view with awe and humility given the mystery and enormity of it all.
-
May the Lord continue to make you wholly His in every moment of your life.
-
David Flint
College Station, TX

My response:

Thank you so much, David. I know I am NOTHING without Him.

With the nearness of God as my good,
Dwayna

Testimonial

I wanted to post this for God's glory--not to bring glory to myself, of course. Any research I do that can point people to look to Jesus is all due to His love and mercy on me. With this person's permission, we will post this as a new testimonial on our LTW web site:

Dwayna,

Thank you so much for answering my questions so quickly. You answered my questions pertaining to the Council of Biblical Manhood and Womanhood views. You posted an article on your website that allowed me see the truth of where CBE stands. I would have never known what their true position was, had it not been for you, thank you. You helped me to understand the danger of taking sides. These two organizations have been battling it out for years, even bringing the Trinity into it, to support their debates! I'm not taking sides with either of these two groups. I'm going to stay focused on what God commands us to do, and that is spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. I love to read all your articles; they are so informing and I have a safe place to go and get an objective second opinion. I really do hope I meet you someday, well...I'm most certain I will. :- )

Thanks again, Dwayna, you really encourage me to be steadfast and strong about my beliefs. I will be pressing on. The article you emailed me today was so uplifting.

Love and many blessings,
Melanie

Empty Answers from Buddhism (by Daniel Mann)

When we don’t know the extent of our riches in Christ (Col. 2:1-4), several things happen. We fail to rejoice and make use of what we have, and we tend to pursue substitutes for what we think we lack. One example of this is our embrace of the Buddhist contemplative practice of mindfulness, through which painful, life-controlling feelings are observed without judging them. This form of contemplation enables us to distance ourselves from the grip of these feelings. Russ Harris writes in the Happiness Trap:

If you bring mindfulness to bear on negative feelings, they loose their impact. Just let them be there without struggling against them, and you’ll eventually feel less anxiety and depression.

There is some truth to this. Struggling against our feelings can be like struggling against quick-sand. The harder we fight, the quicker we sink. Our feelings can constitute such a threat that we either try to suppress them, rationalize them, or blame them on others. Each of these strategies subjects us to a painful internal struggle against our truth-revealing conscience, depriving us from any sense of peace. How much easier to simply accept the fact that we have some nasty feelings and go on with life!

However, acceptance of our feelings is more easily said than actually achieved. Feelings don’t just hurt; they preach sermons and make burning indictments. Guilt feelings tell us that we deserve judgment; while shame imposes a verdict of “unworthy” and “inadequate”—the very things we cannot accept about ourselves! Fear tells us that we are surrounded by threats.

For mindfulness to work, our feelings can’t simply be observed in a meditative state. We also must believe that their sermons carry no weight and have no reference to reality, that our guilt doesn’t indicate an actual indictment, but is no more than a pesky feeling which can be ignored and forgotten. However, this represents a flight from reality and a license to rationalize away all of our negative feelings.

In contrast to this, Christ gives us the resources to deal wisely and responsibly with our feelings. We examine ourselves in the light of our God-given feelings, and take appropriate action. We make ourselves mindful of the truths of Christ—that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive and to wash away the maiming effects of our sins and their corresponding emotional states (1 John 1:9). When we fear, we need not send the feeling away into the nether world of contemplation. We can face the reality of our fear and trust that He will protect us (Psalm 56:3). When we experience shame, we remind ourselves that it’s no longer about our unworthy selves but about Him (Luke 17:10; Gal. 2:20) and His Cross, which has put to death our very tangible debts, presenting their demanding claims through our emotions.

Shoppers are attracted to “one-stop-shopping.” If they can find everything they need in one place, they won’t have to go elsewhere. Likewise, we need to discover how His truths answer all of our needs in His timing. As we acquire this understanding, we will find rest for our souls (Matthew 11:28-30) and can cease from our feverish quest for inferior products.

Atheists Teach Free Will is an Illusion (By Daniel Mann)

I may not be able to touch or taste it, but it’s just as plain to me that I exercise free choice as it is that I breathe! Nevertheless, a growing chorus of atheists deny it exists. The renowned biologist, Francis Crick states, “It seems free to you, but it’s the result of things you are not aware of.” The equally renowned E.O. Wilson writes that “the hidden preparation of mental activity gives the illusion of free will.”

Why would such intelligent scientists deny something that is so obvious and so foundational to the way we live? Atheism (or materialism) has no room in its world view for something that isn’t totally material and totally determined by chemical-electrical processes. Atheism correctly perceives that free will requires an additional element—something that is beyond the material and reeks of the spiritual—a horrid stench that no good atheist can endure.

But the atheist must pay dearly for the luxury of their narrow-mindedness. For instance, another renowned atheist, Steven Pinker writes, “The self…is just another network of brain systems…The evidence is overwhelming that every aspect of our mental lives [including free will] depends entirely on physiological events in the tissues of the brain.” This means that everything that we think and do has been pre-programmed by “physiological events.” Nevertheless, Pinker also writes, “happiness and virtue have nothing to do with what natural selection designed us to accomplish…They are for us to determine.”

Here, he seems to indicate that there is a distinction between “us” and our physiology, whereas, before he had stated that we are entirely our physiology. Pinker adds, “Well into my procreating years I am, so far, childless…ignoring the solemn imperative to spread my genes….If my genes don’t like it, they can jump in the lake.”

Pinker makes a very ordinary claim—he can resist his genes. We do this all the time when we turn down an additional scoop of chocolate ice cream. However, according to Pinker, he is not distinct from his genes. Therefore, whenever he decides anything, it’s his genes that are calling the shots, the very opposite of free will. If we chose against our inclinations, this is to say that there is something beyond our inclinations that does the choosing. Otherwise, it’s merely a matter of the stronger genetic inclination winning out over the weaker.

Pinker can’t have it both ways. Either he can resist his genes because the “he” is distinct from his genes, or else his decisions are entirely determined by his genes, in which case there is no free will involved.

Why does the brilliant Pinker allow himself to fall prey to such flagrant contradiction? Why does anyone remain an atheist? It’s not simply that atheism can’t account for free will. Atheism can’t account for hardly anything. It can’t account for life, the cell, DNA, the origin of our laws of nature, the fine-tuning of the universe, morality, consciousness….Ordinarily, this inability to account for the facts within its domain would disqualify any theory. Nevertheless, atheism survives. Why? The philosopher, Thomas Nagel confessed,

I want atheism to be true…It isn’t just that I don’t believe in God…I don’t want there to be a God; I don’t want the universe to be like that. (All the above quotes are taken from What’s so Great about Christianity, Dinesh D’Souza.)

We can deny our perceptions like the ostrich who sticks his head in the ground. But denial will inevitably exact its appropriate price.

--Daniel Mann
challengingthedarkness@yahoo.com

Why Tell?

"...even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed." 1 Peter 3:14-16

LTW Update: God at Work in the Rio Grande Valley!

Here is a very exciting and encouraging update from Janie and Curt who are leading our new outreach of apologetics to kids and parents in the Rio Grande Valley, setting up on Thursdays outside of a school. The church decided to give them/us 1000.00, which I told them to keep for future orders of resources and Bibles for the table, plus money for us to write tracts for kids in the future. So far, as Janie writes below, she has spent the money wisely on balloons and coloring books about Bible stories for the kids. God gave her that idea to get the kids to come over to the table and welcome the parents, too, in His love.

Hi Dwayna,

(FYI): We did set up a table for the second Thursday today. I think we're getting a little more comfortable with the whole idea. We moved the table very close to the road where parents drive in to pick-up their children. I remembered a man from last week and simply visited with him while he waited in his car in the church parking lot for his granddaughter. We spoke of many things, and one about 'where our country was headed'. I told him we had a neat book of quotes from some of our founding forefathers and asked if he would like one. He thought his granddaughters would like that. He did come over to the table and took one.

Your advice was GOOD. Just befriend them. We limited what we put on the table and Pastor Scott was impressed. We felt it was less intimidating and/or overwhelming. We certainly didn't need to worry about hoards of people coming over but being closer to the road and faithfully being there every Thursday I think will generate some curiosity in the weeks to come (this is totally up to God). I decided to use only 3 balloons for decoration (didn't want to set a precedence of giving them out as they do cost $1.00 each). I did give the 3 balloons to a passing little boy across the road, and he was ecstatic. Pastor Scott thought the coloring books were good. Was surprised that 'Grandpa Frank' didn't bring his granddaughter over for one; Lord willing, maybe next week. We did call CBH [click here for web site] and ordered 25 of the 2-month versions of "Keys for Kids". Also ordered some "Are You Good Enough to go to Heaven? tracts (10 commandments) from Living Waters.

Love 'n' prayers,

Janie (and Curt too!!)

Mike, Leader for our Venice Beach Outreach, Answers a Tough Question for God's Glory

MIKE AND EILEEN ARE THE NEW LEADERS FOR VENICE BEACH. I JUST RECEIVED THIS EMAIL FROM MIKE, AND I WAS SO ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT IT, I THOUGHT I WOULD POST IT FOR PRAYER PARTNERS TO THANK GOD WITH ME FOR SUCH A STRONG LEADER FOR VENICE WHO IS GIFTED IN APOLOGETICS.


Hi Dwayna,

Eileen and I recently started attending an adult Bible study in our church which is being taught by a man who (as I soon discovered) is very Arminian in his beliefs. The class is mainly for new believers and "seekers", and I thought I might be able to add to the discussion. I also like the way they go through 5 or 6 chapters each week, rather than doing a topical study or only using one or two verses. Anyway, the first Sunday this year he gave an overview of the Bible and basically said that the Fall was not God's original plan, but after Adam sinned He was grieved and needed to put "Plan B" in effect to redeem humanity.

I told him in front of the class that I believed the Fall was God's "Plan A" from the beginning, and it surprised him (the leader, not God!). He started bringing up the passages where God appeared to be surprised at things and was "grieved in His heart that He made man", etc. He said that if God had known about it ahead of time then He woudn't have been surprised or grieved. I'll admit that I have trouble understanding that, but the Bible does teach that God is sovereign and declares the end from the beginning.

Last night I got an email from him, and I didn't read it until a little after midnight...He asked me whether I thought it was God's plan from eternity past to create beings that He knew would be sentenced to an eternity in the lake of fire...My Bible was in the car, and I didn't want to waste time searching the Internet when I really wanted to get to sleep, so I basically answered him off the top of my head. Do you think I answered him accurately, based on what the Bible teaches, and do you think anything I said was unbiblical? (Here is the email to the teacher):

----------------------------

...About your question, yes I still believe it was God's plan A for Adam to sin, but I also know that Adam was fully responsible (and rightfully held accountable) for making that choice. Without sin, I'm not sure how God could have adequately demonstrated His love and mercy, as well as his holiness and justice. I believe He wants us to know Him as fully and completely as possible, and this is the way He chose to reveal Himself. It's interesting that I asked five or six of my Christian friends whether they thought the Fall was God's original plan, and all of them except one said yes without any hesitation. That one person (who happens to be a Calvinist) qualified his answer by saying it was not His "perfect" plan, but it was His "permissive" plan. He tried to explain what he meant, but I found it confusing.

I also believe it was in His plan from eternity past to create beings he knew would be sentenced to the lake of fire, as Paul seems to consider in Romans 9. The way I interpret it (which may or may not be correct), Paul is anticipating objections (perhaps accusations of unfairness and unrighteousness) in response to God's actions, and he basically seems to be arguing that since God is the Creator He can do whatever He pleases. I agree with that; whatever He does is by definition fair, because He is the standard by which we measure fairness. If I believe He is being unfair in anything He does, it's only because I am looking at it through fallen, sinful eyes and not through holy and perfect eyes. I know personally that I definitely deserve to go to the lake of fire, and if I had never accepted Jesus, God would be just and righteous to send me there. He doesn't force anyone to sin, as James 1 says ("...God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth He any man; but every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lusts and enticed...")...When God sent the lying spirit to Ahab's prophets to deceive him into going into battle and getting killed, God did not lie, nor did He tempt. Ahab was tempted by his own lust to conquer his enemies, and encouraged by his false prophets who were led astray by the lying spirit.

God often uses Satan to accomplish His purposes, as He did in the Book of Job as well as in the crucifixion...Satan is a necessary agent in God's creation to accomplish His perfect will...

My response:

Mike,

I am writing this with a big smile. Mike, your answer was “right on.” Oh, don’t even get me started on this, because I can really get fired up when people suggest that we can “take God by surprise”. He would not be omniscient (all knowing) if we could take Him by surprise. What a weak god that would be. No! He is sovereign, even over our mistakes and all-knowing. Just because we can hurt Him does NOT mean that we take Him by surprise. I can know what someone will do before the person does it, yet it still hurts. Yes, we can hurt Him; no, we cannot take Him by surprise. God does not have a "Plan B" when we hurt Him. He declares the end from the beginning. We don’t understand why He created Satan, knowing that Satan would rebel against Him, but He did, realizing that...EVERYTHING God does, He does to bring Himself glory.

GOD IS REALLY USING YOU, MIKE!!!!

I am praying for you and thankful to be your sister in Christ, working with you and Eileen in evangelism for God’s glory.

Dwayna

Praise Report for 2008

I have had a great day and have not stopped once again. I can't wait for the movers to come and load up all of these boxes on Feb. 3rd. I had planned on sending out receipts today, but I noticed tonight that something still needed work with the bookkeeping, so my bookkeeper walked me through Quick Books over the phone for me to end up spending hours tonight finishing it. It is finally done and ready for our accountant tomorrow. I plan to begin sending out receipts tomorrow.

We were down in our financial contributions this year from last year, but the Lord still provided much more than I would have guessed. We are not in debt and all bills have been paid, but this is the first year since the ministry began that we have not increased in donations but decreased. It is understandable with the poor economy, and the Lord has still been faithful to meet needs. Our expenses increased, though our giving was down, however. LTW spent about 1,000.00 on the table outreach in Brighton (UK), and we began a new outreach to TN, "LTW to the Smokies", which was also over 1000.00. Our ministry to kids and parents in the Rio Grande Valley (TX and Mexico) was at around $700.00 initially, but we praise God for this new location. We can only thank the Lord for letting us serve Him, as He is providing and initiating new locations for Himself to save sinners and bring them to repentance and living faith in Jesus, our loving, gracious Savior.

We shipped out resources to Israel for our mission work there, and the shipping alone to Israel and to the UK for evangelism there was well over 1000.00. We are excited about the materials we shipped, many of which are being translated into Arabic to be used in missions in Israel.

As for the UK, the Lord has provided for a banner for the table in the Pickering outreach, so I will be in touch with everyone about this exciting LTW outreach soon. We will also be expanding to Scotland in 2009.

Testimonies of Victory in JESUS from People Who Have Left the Hebrew Roots

This is so exciting, just reading what Jesus can do by the power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of people trapped by the chains of the cultic Hebrew Roots movement. Galatians teaches that we are set free from the Law through Jesus. Not only that, the Bible teaches throughout that we must come to the Lord in humility and repentance like a little child, not in pharisaic, self-righteous, elite knowledge with a spirit that hates the name of Jesus.

http://joyfullygrowingingrace.wordpress.com/testimonies/

Update on the Move

I am practically all packed up in my apartment and will be working in the storage unit, getting all of our books and supplies and tracts and Bibles boxed and ready for the moving company. I have been sleeping well at night, exhausted!

I met with our bookkeeper all day today. He left at 5:00, and I headed out to get more supplies to finish the bookkeeping. The Lord brought in more money than I would have dreamed (as usual), but it was tight because of extra expenses. God has provided and will continue to provide as He deems best. I am encouraged! I plan to work on receipts tomorrow and get them out to everyone who made a donation in 2008 as soon as possible.

Updates are on the way from our ministry location leaders domestically. Dan and the team got rained out last night and did not make it out to witness in West Hollywood, CA. He is planning on taking the team to Long Beach next Friday night. We are making much progress toward a strong start in San Diego. More details will follow soon.

Articles We Are Using in Ministry Locations to Reach Moslems

Here are some of the articles we are making available for free to Moslems in our outreach locations who approach our tables:

http://www.answering-islam.org/authors/cornelius.html

More Skeletons in Ted Haggard's Closet

Has Ted Haggard really repented?

More charges against him have come to light, about which he is not willing to comment. Why am I not surprised that the disgraced pastor is referring those questions to the publicist at HBO?

These sordid details have come from a member of Haggard's church when Ted was not only having liaisons with the famed male escort, but apparently male members of his church as well.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090124/ap_on_re/rel_haggard_new_allegations

As a friend wrote, Ted Haggard can't go back into the closet; there are too many skeletons!

"Christian Evolutionists"? What are they thinking?

Well, here you go:
http://www.freegoodnews.com/2008/05/expelled-movi-5.html

"God either made Adam (the first human) from dirt as Genesis says, or God made Adam through evolution (from lower life-forms) as evolution says. It looks to me like there is overwhelming evidence for evolution when looking at the human genome (pseudogenes and the chromosomal difference between apes/humans). Therefore, Adam was not the first human and the rest of the Adam/Eve story should likewise not be taken literally."

-----------------
How convenient for Satan, making Genesis a metaphor!

The New "Church Plants"

Many Christians, like myself, have been saved for many years without attending any Exponential conference. Isn't it amazing how people have been led by the Holy Spirit according to God's Word down through the ages without such conferences?

Have you heard of the Exponential Conference where church plants can be all about you (in the name of God)?

Tim Keller (whose church promotes the oxymoron of "Christian feminism" and "Christian evolution"), Scott Thomas (from Mars Hill Church where Mark Driscoll is pastor--the pastor known as the "sex pastor" who wrote his new book Porn Again), and Erwin McManus (who is known for men's retreats at his church where men go nude to bond and who openly teaches for people to "look inside themselves" to find God), to name a few, will be leading Christians on how to start a church plant. (Be sure and check out the sponsors .)

This page speaks of God having a dream...
http://www.exponentialconference.org/reproducing-church-movements-track/

I received the following excerpt by email from a prayer partner of the ministry to give more information on the sponsors. (Do a search on Leadership Network on this blog or the LTW web site for more insight about the marketing strategies behind this conference.)

Missio

"The landscape of Western culture has changed. Profound and complicated, these changes present the Church with new challenges and opportunities.

The Church must, as it has so many times in its past, boldly make striking changes in its view of itself, its methods of serving, and its way of becoming God's faithful expression of the Good News. The Church must engage our culture with a relevant, courageous, attractive and clear message."

http://www.missio.us/

How can the offense of the cross be an attractive message to unbelievers? How can the truth that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God be made into an attractive message? How can the truth of God's wrath be attractive? Telling unbelievers they rebel against God, our Creator, and have broken His laws is not an attractive message, but it is the truth. The penalty for breaking the law is death. We need to warn people of the wrath of God...We need to be clear that salvation is by God's grace alone through faith alone in Christ Jesus alone. There are no works involved. God in His great love for us, offers us salvation as a gift through His Son. Only in Jesus Christ can a sinner be reconciled to God.

--------

More comments:

I noticed on the Exponential Conference speaker page that Matt Chandler was listed. He is also scheduled to be at a Desiring God conference in about a couple weeks here. God "added to their numbers daily". He doesn't need any leadership or growth conferences to grow his church. He uses the Gospel. It's so simple, but they don't get it.

The Long War Against God...and the Case Against "Christian Evolution"

I received these comments (excerpted below) in opposition to the growing "Christian evolution" taught by pastors like Tim Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan. (For those who do not know, Tim Keller is definitely a leader in the seeker-friendly church, "missional" movement.) I love the book The Long War Against God and have it by Henry Morris, who is one of my favorite Bible teachers. I also have That Their Words May Be Used Against Them, Dr. Morris's book where he uses quotes from evolutionists to disprove evolution. We handed out those quotes at Venice Beach in mission work in the beginning of our outreach there.

I read an excellent sermon by Pastor MacArthur "The Theology of Creation." It was on the first page of sermons Thursday as popular downloads [on GTY web site]. He speaks of how important it is to believe that Genesis 1 is indeed God's Word. He refers to Genesis 1:3 as an example of how God's Light shines into our dark lives when He gives us a new birth through the Holy Spirit. Pastor MacArthur speaks of how churches are making the creation a nonessential doctrine. It is a good sermon.

For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6

http://www.gty.org/Resources/Sermons/90-359

--------------------------------
Dear Dwayna,

Years ago, I read Henry Morris's THE LONG WAR AGAINST GOD, which is a cultural history of the doctrine of evolution. In it, Dr Morris said that evolution was the long war of the book's title. Of course, as a believer who already bought into creation, I said to myself, "I can see how people use evolution to discredit God." Dr Morris also said that evolution was satanic and demonic. I thought, "Yes, I can see how this doctrine is demonic both in origin and in its wide-spread acceptance."

Today, I got an old copy of Alice Bailey's THE EXTERNALISATION OF THE HIERARCHY. It's published by the Lucis Trust (formerly the Lucifer Trust--yes, =that= Lucifer). Bailey's books were channeled, and wouldn't you know it...evolution plays a big part in at least this book of hers. (See also the descriptions of other Bailey books on the Lucis Website.) The Hierarchy (these advanced beings Bailey writes about) are planning to reveal themselves as our future--what we may evolve into. Never before have I seen just how satanic and demonic the doctrine of evolution is. And I haven't even read the book, just the table of contents!

...My point is that demonic forces are behind the doctrine of evolution so far, and they have many of us convinced that not only have we evolved from lower life forms but we are still evolving toward higher life forms.

I suspected, but I didn't think it could be so, that when people say that such-and-such a person is evolved, they don't just mean he is mature but that he has become something more than human. Literally. Obama, for example, is being praised as evolved.

Listen to the accompanying rhetoric surrounding the notions of evolution and transformation. (Transformation is a buzzword in both New Age circles and nominally Christian circles [think emerging church].) Between the lines you will hear and read that some of us are the transitional life forms between the human and the superhuman. (The same was said in Nazi Germany.) The media are already treating Obama this way, as we are confident they will also treat antichrist.

You can be sure that anyone who maintains a biblical worldview is not just unenlightened in this scheme but poisonous to the gene pool, poisonous to the meme pool, and poisonous to the energy of the planet. And you know how the power elite have historically treated parts of the population they considered poisonous. Yes, the doctrine of evolution is very evil.

Contemplative Prayer---Avoid It Like the Plague

"Avoid like the plague." --Gary Gilley

Contemplative Youth Ministry

by Mark Yaconelli

Yaconelli has drunk deeply from the cesspool of Roman Catholic mysticism. Unfortunately, he has only sipped at the well of Scripture. What can I say? This book, written by the son of Youth Specialties founder Mike Yaconelli, is a handbook for mysticism (with traces of the emerging church) adapted for youth ministry. It is virtually devoid of biblical passages but absolutely full of references to mystics and their mystical teachings and practices. Every so often Yaconelli ventures into Scripture, but almost always with disastrous consequences. It amazes me how someone who is devoted to “professional ministry” is capable of fumbling every passage of Scripture he handles. It is obvious that Yaconelli has no concept of hermeneutics or true understanding of God’s Word, but he is adept at all things mystical.

Avoid like the plague.

reviewed by Gary E. Gilley, Pastor-Teacher

---------------------------------------------------

..The renaissance of interest in contemplative practices is due largely to Richard Foster and Dallas Willard, but also to Merton, Henri Nouwen and Eugene Peterson (p. 65). Evangelicals who are absorbing the writings of these men are being rapidly drawn into what they believe is a deeper dimension of the Christian life, even though this mystical approach to Christianity is totally foreign to the Word of God. Nevertheless, Roman Catholic theologian Karl Rahner assures us, “The devout Christian of the future will either be a mystic, one who has experienced something, or he will cease to be anything at all” (p.65)...

Read full review of Growing Souls, Experiments in Contemplative Youth Ministry, by Mark Yaconelli here.

A Nonbelieving "Obamanation"

I was sent an insightful article on the inauguration: "Obama's Nonbelieving Nod Unsettles Some". Read it here. We will get much more in the next four years to remind us that we are living in a post-Christian culture, and the "polls" purporting that most people are Christians in this country are false (except in certain emergant, seeker-friendly circles where someone can be known as a "Buddhist Christian" or a "Hindu Christian." Any faith can be redefined with no truth objective outside of self, cloaked with subjective morals, absent wisdom and purity measured by God's Word.)

Transactions from "Transgenders" Targeting "Problematic Businesses" in Manhattan

I am watching a cable news show tonight in NYC on MNN. (I don't know anything about this channel; I only found it while flipping through channels looking for some news). This is very interesting. It is hard to tell whether I am looking at men or women tonight sitting at the round table, and I realize that is part of the point. I guess one is hoping to pass for a woman and the other is hoping to pass for a "man." There is a parade planned for this summer in NYC, and they plan to focus attention on businesses which have been "problematic" in NYC towards "transgenders." They plan to target McDonalds, according to this program, among other businesses. The program is part of something called "Q Talk."

Just today, on my way back home from the music studio, a man with lipstick was smiling at me as I walked by a window where "he" was sitting. I only saw him as a person in need of Jesus. Contrary to what the homosexuals believe, not all Christians hate them.

The web site for this show is http://www.alp.org/ . I would like to tell them that if it were not for God's mercy on me, I could be seeking to find the "real me", too. However, I have found the "real me" hidden in Christ alone. I would like to share with them what the Bible says, but only if they are interested. We are all the same on the inside. We all need the love that only Jesus can give and will never be happy in rebellion of such love, compared to the happiness found in loving and knowing Him as Lord. However, His love is pure. The Bible says we can't know Him apart from purity.

(I am writing this in full knowledge that people who call themselves "transgenders" will come to the site as I have referenced the web site above, and they can find the blog post easily. My message to them would be, "I love you, and I am sorry for your pain. I'd like to tell you about the happiness I have found in Jesus, and the salvation in Him that only comes from repentance. I come in His peace, which is not as the world gives. And, I love you, even if you don't love me for telling you this, and I would never hurt you. I am no better, apart from the mercy that Jesus has shown on me. We all have the same capacity for depravity, according to the Bible, and the ground is level at the foot of the cross.)

Homosexuality is no panacea for happiness. Look what happened to Boy George: http://sify.com/movies/fullstory.php?id=14839238. This begs the question, Isn't there a better way? My testimony and lifestyle never brings shame, even when I am mocked for my beliefs. I have never felt ashamed for loving Jesus and living a pure life for Him. I have never felt the shame that Boy George felt in the jail cell as a result of his preference of lifestyle.

[Guess what? At this point, I am still watching the "Gay USA" for research, and they are talking about Rick Warren. "So much religion, and so much ambition in these megachurch pastors who supposedly are against everything this administration stands for."--"Gay USA" on MNN, observing Rick Warren.]

More quotes:

“The Washington D.C. Gay Men’s Chorus performed [at the presidential inauguration]. But, the Washington Gay Men’s chorus sang totally unidentified.” –Gay USA, MNN, channel 34

“I want to push our…boundaries…that push beyond…gender…” Obama in a letter to his children. –Gay USA, MNN, channel 34

(They are pointing out the "in gay" appointments at the White House. John Berry is the "highest ranking openly gay official ever." ...There will be a rally on March 13 for the "freedom to serve" rally, which is a repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" for the homosexuals in the military. I quote as I am watching the show: "All this talk about...Rick Warren...it just breaks my heart...We haven't heard about right-wing Christians being hired in these...high ranking jobs...[in the White House administration.]...All you have to do is go to the White House web site...[to see how the administration is changing.]." They continue in reference to Christians," Another footnote on those religious people...[they have challenged] Rick Warren on a debate on Prop. 8. No answer from Rick Warren yet..." and "Good news from Oregon...transgender has been elected and has achieved high office..." --Gay USA, MNN)

A Deceiving Peace

“While they are saying, ‘Peace and safety!’ then destruction will come upon them suddenly…and they will not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief.” 1 Thessalonians 5:3-4

http://obamamessiah.blogspot.com/

Closer Look at Socialism

Don't miss this new article from Berit Kjos about America.
Smiling at Socialism and Scorning the Bible

"Is it ok with you if I share with you what the Bible says?" (Dodging Hate Crimes)

I just sent this out to the team leaders and workers in LTW outreach locations:

Hello Team leaders and workers,

I just received this email (below) from an ex-lesbian woman who has been keeping up with Obama and the homosexual agenda. We don't need to fear, but we do need to be wise.

So, with Obama now planning to enforce the "hate crime laws legislation" we have to be careful. PLEASE BE SURE WHEN WITNESSING AT THE TABLE TO ASK, "Is it ok with you if I read you what the Bible says?" This way, if they give us permission to read them what the Bible says, we should not be able to get charged with a hate crime. Avoid saying things like "I think...", but instead only sticking to what the Bible says. If ever there was a time to RESIST philosophical arguments and only stick to the Bible, this is it.

(I have also sent this to people who are praying about starting new street outreaches with us based on apologetics in 2009.)

I am praying for you all daily by name and count it a privilege to work with you for God's glory.

"Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever fears the Lord is kept safe." --Prov. 29:25

God bless,

Dwayna
___________________
Dwayna Litz
Lighting The Way Worldwide
http://www.lightingthewayworldwide.org/
http://www.lightingtheway.blogspot.com/
P. O. Box 18957
Atlanta, GA 31126


-----Original Message-----
If anybody actually believes that Obama isn't really an ultra-leftwing radical, get ready for a rude awakening. The Obama administration is wasting no time with its plans to change America.

Within an hour of his swearing-in, the following was posted on the official White House website, as Obama's immediate "civil rights" goals:

Protect cross-dressing and transgenderism in workplace (including schools) through federal law: Pass "Employment non-discrimination Act" [EDNA] to prohibit "discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression".

Expand hate crime statutes, including the radical "Matthew Shepard Act", which would allow the federal government to prosecute and punish if the crime was perceived to be "motivated by prejudice based on the actual or perceived . . . gender, sexual orientation, gender identity" of the victim.

"Reinvigorate" the federal Department of Justice to pursue prosecution current hate crime laws against citizens.

Repeal the Defense of Marriage Act [DOMA]

Push for full civil unions and federal recognition of homosexual couples, with benefits equal to actual marriage. (This appears to be leading up to full federal recognition of same-sex "marriage".)

Allow homosexuals to serve openly in the military - repeal "Don't ask don't tell."

Use the federal government to expand adoptions of children by homosexuals.

Use the federal government to push for more sex-education and contraception in schools and throughout society (especially in light of the goal to repeal DOMA).

Lift the federal ban on needle exchange -as a "politically correct" way to attempt to combat AIDS without highlighting the real cause as homosexuality and drug use. According to the website, Obama wants to "confront the stigma -- too often tied to homophobia -- that continues to surround HIV/AIDS."

(--Entire "civil rights" list from White House web site)

And as we've already reported, Obama is helping the homosexual movement target the schools, having appointed his buddy, Arne Duncan, as US Secretary of Education. This past October, Duncan recommended that the Chicago Board of Education approve a special homosexual/ bisexual / transgender public high school. But there was so much outrage that even the pro-homosexual Mayor of Chicago, Richard Daley, backed away from the idea. Now, he'll have free reign. ( Wall Street Journal: Duncan Caused Stir With Plan for High School for Gays )

It's gotten to a point where the homosexual blogs are keeping a scorecard of the various homosexual activists that Obama is bringing into major positions in the US government.

And of course, Obama had Gene Robinson, the homosexual activist Episcopal bishop, give a major prayer during inauguration week. And he had a "proud" homosexual band march in the inauguration parade.

And we're just one day into the new administration. . .

(Also, click here to read an article from American Family Association on this subject.)

Prayer is the Battle

As I was packing I came across an excellent book by John MacArthur called Because the Time is Near. I am enjoying reading it as much as I can in the midst of a busy schedule. I thank God for the way He keeps His own.

"Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever fears the Lord is kept safe." --Prov. 29:25

"The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber...the night is nearly over; the day is almost here, so let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light." Rom. 13:11-12

Oswald Chambers said, "Prayer does not equip us for greater works. Prayer is the greater work...Prayer is the battle."

"I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me" (Romans 15:30). In those prayers, [Paul] found peace and assurance: "In our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many" (2 Corinthians 1:9-11).

God will deliver us into peace, as well--" The peace of God, which transcends all understanding" (Phil. 4:7). For Christ is as close to us today as He was to the disciples on the boat when "a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But [Jesus] was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him 'Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?' Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, 'Peace, be still!' And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm" (Mark 4:37-39).

[Source: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers and In God We Trust--When Patriotism is Not Enough, p. 55-56, by Jim Reimann]

My Last Snow in New York

Man walking along the East River

(Photos were taken from my apartment building overlooking the East River, January 19, 2009).

Dr. Walter Martin Debates Witches on Donahue

http://christianresearchnetwork.com/?p=8954

"God has nothing to do with witchcraft." --Dr. Walter Martin on the Donahue show debating Wiccans.

This is really, really good!

"Keys for Kids" Ministry Update

Just finished reading thoroughly "Keys for Kids-Sample Copy". I LOVE IT!!! (It even covers a day on evolution being taught in the school)!! I want to order several copies of the 2-month Keys for Kids book. I would be pleased to encourage anyone to read the 'sample copy' and come back for the 2 month book. (They could take it from there as far as ordering a one-year devotion).

We just ordered 20 more copies of "7 Reasons Why We Should Not Accept Millions of Years" This will be a great back-up for teens and/or adults with the coloring books. (The coloring books being with the 7 days of creation and then have quite a number of pages dedicated to Noah).

I've been watching God work today in sooooo many ways!!!! I LOVE IT!!!...

Relying on Him as "He Directs Our Paths",

Janie

Did Jesus Come to Bring World Peace?

While I have not been watching the Inauguration tonight, I have had a great time in Bible study. Recently, a dear friend of mine told me that there was someone in her church who believes that Jesus is anti-war, stating that war is "of the Old Testament", and "Jesus came to bring peace and end war in the New Testament." In addition to the book of Revelation, which goes against this man's thinking, I just emailed my friend the following verses for the "New Testament Christian", which prove that war is in fact part of God's sovereign plan. It was fun to think about this, because, at first, the only verses that came to mind supportive of war were in the Old Testament, so I can understand how someone can be confused. Jesus, however, had a message not for this world, as well as a different kind of peace to offer.

John 14:27: My peace I give you, not as the world gives. Of course, this means Jesus did not come to bring “world peace.”

Also, in Luke 21:7-10, Jesus said, “…When you hear of wars…do not be frightened…These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.” Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.”

A Closer Look at the "Celebration" of Barack Obama

How Barack Obama Will Make Christ A
Minister of Condemnation
January 17, 2009
By: John Piper
Category: Commentary

At Barack Obama's request, tomorrow in the Lincoln Memorial, Gene Robinson, the first openly non-celibate homosexual bishop in the Episcopal Church, will deliver the invocation for the inauguration kick-off.

This is tragic not mainly because Obama is willing to hold up the legitimacy of homosexual intercourse, but because he is willing to get behind the church endorsement of sexual intercourse between men.

It is one thing to say: Two men may legally have sex. It is another to say: The Christian church acted acceptably in blessing Robinson's sex with men.

Read full article here.

Update: Rio Grande Valley

After school lets out, Curt and Janie plan to take the table to festivals in the Rio Grande area to witness to adults. We may or may not get a new banner made for this, since the banner "Keys for Kids" won't work, especially at homosexual gatherings, at which they are praying about witnessing. There is a festival in the area for "gays" called "SPLASH", and they intend to set up the table to witness at the gathering this summer, focusing on apologetics to adults with testimonies of ex-homosexuals who have come to Jesus and left that lifestyle. Updates and photos will follow.

Praise Report!

Since my last update, God has given us an extra $500.00, which covers the basic cost for the new outreach to the Rio Grande Valley for kids. Extra funds for this ministry will be saved to hopefully write sound tracts for children and have them printed. We hope to get a publisher to help with costs after we write the tracts in 2009. (We are writing them, because we cannot find them sound enough for kids.)

Then, today, God gave us an extra $200.00, which will cover the cost for a banner for the street outreach in Pickering, which is due to resume after Easter, due to cold weather in the UK. The theme for the banner will be based on "Good News". We are thinking about calling it "Good News for You".

I am so tired, I can barely write. I have been packing boxes all day for my move. I have spoken to almost all of the ministry leaders in America today by phone. We have an exciting outreach planned in West Hollywood this weekend, and we may not make the goal to set up this Friday in San Diego for the first night. We are working on getting the signs done for the new ministry to Hillcrest, and it will probably take another week to see these supplies ready.

I am going to call the leaders for the Boulder outreach again tonight, after leaving a message for them earlier. They are very zealous and love the Lord sincerely; they are equipped, yet humble, and I am so blessed to be working with them. Jonathan, the leader, has written a tract for Buddhists called "The Karma Dollar", which combats the lies of reincarnation. We will be using this in all of our locations to give to Buddhists. We will be selling it online, as soon as we get the online store up and running, hopefully in 2009 on the LTW web site.

Praising God for His faithfulness!!!
Dwayna