Family News – November/December, 2015
Dear Ones,
This will be the final Family News in its current format. In the early years, we felt it was important to help our wide spread Follow Me family to see what we’re seeing here at home base… that we’ve all had the incredible privilege to be invited to be part of an amazing work of the Spirit in our lives and communities all around the world… and to see beyond any shadow of a doubt that this work is HUGE! Now that the “wide” aspect of our family picture has been well established, we’re ready to focus on strengthening and deepening our relationships, first and foremost with our indwelling Lord.
Recently here at home, there’s been a consistent and growing urgency in our hearts that the time has come to refocus, to go back to the foundations of faith and to assist one another in the growth of deeply entrenched root systems into the rock solid, unshakeable Word.
Recently I was reading in 2 Chronicles 15 the account of the prophet Azariah’s warning to Asa and the people of Judah. It’s a great account of how people in distress with hearts for their God were met by Him in their time of need. Read for yourselves how graciously our great God made Himself real and relevant in their time of need:
2 Chronicles 15:1-19 Now the Spirit of God came on Azariah the son of Ode and he went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Listen to me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: the Lord is with you when you are with Him. And if you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you. For many days Israel was without the true God and without a teaching priest and without law. But in their distress they turned to the Lord God of Israel, and they sought Him, and He let them find Him. In those times there was no peace to him who went out or to him who came in, for many disturbances afflicted all the inhabitants of the lands. Nation was crushed by nation, and city by city, for God troubled them with every kind of distress. But you, be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work.” Now when Asa heard these words and the prophecy which Azariah the son of Oded the prophet spoke, he took courage and removed the abominable idols from all the land of Judah and Benjamin and from the cities which he had captured in the hill country of Ephraim. He then restored the altar of the Lord which was in front of the porch of the Lord. He gathered all Judah and Benjamin and those from Ephraim, Manasseh and Simeon who resided with them, for many defected to him from Israel when they saw that the Lord his God was with him. So they assembled at Jerusalem in the third month of the fifteenth year of Asa’s reign. They sacrificed to the Lord that day 700 oxen and 7,000 sheep from the spoil they had brought. They entered into the covenant to seek the Lord God of their fathers with all their heart and soul; and whoever would not seek the Lord God of Israel should be put to death, whether small or great, man or woman. Moreover, they made an oath to the Lord with a loud voice, with shouting, with trumpets and with horns. All Judah rejoiced concerning the oath, for they had sworn with their whole heart and had sought Him earnestly, and He let them find Him. So the Lord gave them rest on every side. He also removed Maacah, the mother of King Asa, from the position of queen mother, because she had made a horrid image as an Asherah, and Asa cut down her horrid image, crushed it and burned it at the brook Kidron. But the high places were not removed from Israel; nevertheless Asa’s heart was blameless all his days. He brought into the house of God the dedicated things of his father and his own dedicated things: silver and gold and utensils. And there was no more war until the thirty-fifth year of Asa’s reign.
Can you see the interaction between the Holy Spirit and His people, and their repentant hearts, and what it led to? It’s the same in our days – we must have ears to hear and hearts to obey in order to be out of the way when He moves in and through us to impart the Kingdom of the Living God into the world around us. Unfortunately, at least here in America, we seem to be in the midst of the famine we see in Amos 8:11.
Amos 8:11 “Behold, days are coming,” declares the Lord God, “When I will send a famine on the land, Not a famine for bread or a thirst for water, But rather for hearing the words of the Lord.”
It isn’t that the Word isn’t being preached, although at times diluted or distorted… but even when it’s spot on with the written Word, the ears to hear aren’t hearing. And that’s where we come in. Even if no one around us takes it to heart… We do it! And then, we share it with those around us and invite them to join us on the amazing discipleship journey into the great unknown.
Please be praying for us as we listen and implement whatever next steps our Family News will be taking. We’ll be seeking and listening and obeying. Is there any other way to be disciples? Of course not!
In His everlasting love,
Your sister Nancy
—————————–
FROM AFRICA: My dear Dad in the Lord, How are you doing? This is to inform you that i have been having a problem to sign into my email account since _____. I am sorry that i have not been able to access my internet. I am going to send you once again the reports tomorrow. On behalf of _____, i offer _____, First, thank you for telling me more about cults. I was also leaded to join one without knowing that finally needs me and my family to be poured as a sacrifice of holiness and commitment. I am coming from _____ country. I thank pastor John for telling me about my situation and how to leave its teachings. I thank God that i am No longer a member of this cult. I need to meet you and help me run completely from this group. Where are you from? Are you in _____? You are welcome to help me and other people who are going to hell through being followers of false beliefs. Need you seriously. Glad to be delivered from evil spirits,
FROM AFRICA: Dear Dad, The need is great in reaching the African people. More and more people are becoming involved as devil worshipers being deceived by earthly possessions. We will continue to need you and your teachings as you warn people in this last days not to be tempted by the satanic.
FROM EUROPE: Dad, I am doing well today. Thank you for your prayers i received when i got flu. I was sharing some lines yesterday night to my friends from the Big surprise booklet. One of the verse says that the cross will reduce them all down to the level of little children…… Ephesians 2-5. Thank you for sharing all written in this beautiful message. My friends have send greetings to you. Hope to visit with you on the Skype soon. daughter
FROM AFRICA: Shalom brother! _____ is my Skype name. I sent you a request. How are you today? I am excited for what the Lord is doing in our lives. Pray for _____. He is sick and in for treatment. Shalom!
FROM EUROPE: Rabbi, It is true wonderful resource and tool in understanding Jesus Christ and His work on earth. God bless you and your site for the sake of His glory! In His beauty,
FROM AFRICA: Dear Pastor, Thank you for help. As i have gone slowly your emails to me, I have come to know that If a man or woman does not have the spirit of God in him/her then he /she is a subject to the ways of Satan. Thank you for your teachings. May the grace of Jesus Christ be with you as you continue setting people free from demonic powers. Set free from demonic darkness, _____ in love
FROM AFRICA: Dear brother John in Christ, I greet you in Jesus name! I am from _____. I am writing to request you a fellowship. I like what you are believing and teaching too. I am not a pastor with a Church but just a mere member. If you connect me with any of your people here , I will be thankful. Hope your soon reply. Yours in the Lord,
FROM AFRICA: Shalom! Amazingly, last month was of some important events of our ministries. We went out to distribute our teaching materials, train disciples for the Lord’s work. A group of us also met children and youth with the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Yeshua Messiah). We expect the coming month to be even powerful. We serve all the people by providing them our resources on our websites. Thanks to all dedicated people who contributed to and built all the program. The glory be to God for His blessings and thank God for all of you who make this ongoing work possible. Together we have been working toward raising up a new generation for Christ (Messiah). Would not be able to do any of this if it were not for our wonderful brothers and sisters there who pray, give and actively share with others about the FMM/ADAT ministries. It is our honor and privilege to serve alongside you. Shalom! Pressing together!
FROM AFRICA: Dad… Great Bible study lesson! I received Jacob’s Limp in _____ translation and the printing booklets it is going on.. Jacob walked very slowly and with difficult because he was injured. In other words without energy and strength to go. This study teaches me many many things. Thank you for taking your time and energy to share it with us. God bless. Shalom! Son
FROM AFRICA: Dear brother, The Love of God is true! Thank you for being there to help me and pray for me. I have been blessed by you and your ministry. I have got news for you. Last Sunday morning, my wife came home and cooked for my children then returned where she came from. I was not present by then. And I have not heard from her again. In all, I thank God knowing my wife she is on the way coming back home, although it needs much prayer to touch her more and be changed her minds.
FROM EUROPE: Dad, I returned back to work and wanted to thank you for your prayers. I will be in _____ today but i was told that there is no booklets left for distribution. I’m proud of you. We’re so happy the Lord is leading you… I know the Lord has called you to win souls and I’m happy to be a part of what God is doing. Your daughter,
FROM AFRICA: Hi, My name is _____. I was born in _____. As a child i grew up in _____ faith. I learned prayers. The only thing that happened to me is when i read your teachings on your website. I couldn’t sleep, my thoughts slowly changed and i was converted to Christianity. This happened to me weeks ago. I cry to God to help me and take my loneliness and hell away from me.
FROM AUSTRALIA: Brother John, You are a wonderful Bible teacher and i feel very grateful to you for having made me see the truth. I appreciate your willingness to work on teaching the word of God. I am eternally grateful for everything you’ve taught me through your teachings.
FROM AFRICA: To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 1Corinthians 9:20. Dear my dad, Somebody here called an evangelist is trying to contradict scripture by using the above verse and leading many a stray. He has a big congregation of people attending him every Sunday. Paul became like a Jew, to win the Jews. And this being the reason why she sleeps and drinks with different wives who are out for commercial sex claiming to reach them and bring them to Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Is that the right way of translating this scripture? Please help. In his grace and mercy,
FROM EUROPE: (Nehemiah 1:6). Nehemiah refers to the fact that he is praying day and night for this particular issue. I too , praying for you and your ministry, Giving God the glory and credit. in every move of Satan and opposition that will a rise against this ministry work in building of His kingdom. Thank you for some booklets i received today.
FROM OCEANIA: Hi, You have actually blessed me in Christ Jesus with Timothy post for October. Amazing message there!!! Glory! I pray with my family that you visit our country. We all love you and like website teachings. Or, do you have already your ministry here? Let me know so that i can be connected. Sister,
FROM ASIA: Be blessed brother! Your writings in your pamphlets are so important. I took time over the last weekend to read over and over this pamphlets i received from my uncle. I am glad that it’s leading me into deeper understanding. In faith,
FROM AFRICA: It is true, the Holy Spirit was given to lead us to the truth. Thank you for what you have shared with me. I will also share it with others. Again, thank you.
FROM EUROPE: Peace and blessings to you for your family and every saint . This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. I welcome you and all your services into my ministry. Love you and always pray for your work in the Lord Messiah Yeshua. Shalom, Shalom!
FROM AFRICA: Dad, Thank you for all you do to help in printing cost, traveling. This has been a huge success one that would not have happened without your often support and guidance. We received $___ for the printing cost and traveling. We feel so honored to have you there. Shalom blessings,
FROM AFRICA: Dear servant of God John, (Dad) Always, you have beautiful and encouraging message! It brings a fresh sense of pressing forward with life. Thanks for Timothy letter. It helps me to see the amazing potential that life has to offer…Thanks Nancy for what you are sharing with us in the Follow me ministry website. Receive greetings! Amen!
FROM NORTH AMERICA: Hi, So just as you have taught me through your pamphlets, I agree with you and remain in fellowship with your ministry in the Lord. Thank you for your mail package i received again. They are all very encouraging. Please allow me to invite you to speak at my Church? Hope to hear from you so that we may start preparation. Have a great day, God bless,
FROM AFRICA: Dear Dad…. On _____, we are going to celebrate our anniversary. The Bible says over and over again, we are to remember. The reason we remember the past is not to dwell on it, but to build our faith for the future. We’re thrilled that we can celebrate years of our ministries family, we get to celebrate the past, and see what God has done in our past. We get to celebrate our present, that we’re one big family and we get to celebrate and build an excitement about where we’re going in the future. My heart is full of gratitude to the Lord for His incredible grace…. I also want to express heartfelt thanks for you and Rav Nate for the faithful prayers, support, and encouragement of so many dear friends and Pilot and Adat HTZ Congregation. Please we need your prayers. Blessings dear friends! Shalom friends! In Messiah’s precious name, Son
FROM AFRICA: Thank you Dad for your love and care! How is brother Frank doing today? Pass our greetings and love to him. We will truly appreciate your help as together we are preparing to celebrate. May the Lord bless you all! Shalom, Son
FROM AFRICA: Dear beloved Dad… I am blessed to know that what I am sharing in our website, continue to bless somebody somewhere. To God be glory! Thank you for your care! I cherish the relationship the Lord has established between us. You have lent me something precious and very, very special… You have really inspired me to live a richer life of greater purpose and meaning that I ever dreamt was possible. My desire is to learn from you and grow and become even more and even better in serving God. I love the goodness that is in your heart. Blood Covenant Son,
FROM AFRICA: Dear Pastor John, _____ and I, sends greetings to you in Jesus mighty name. We too, are attending the anniversary party. Our God is good for what He is doing within our region. We are excited for what you are doing in teaching the word of God. It is very awesome work and strengthened my life. There are some people here whom we connected to this teachings and already have contacted you through an email. Most thankful,
FROM AFRICA: Hope you everyone enjoyed there a thanksgiving day. For us Christians we know to whom to be grateful to, our dear savior Jesus Christ. You are in our prayer dad. Good day!
FROM NORTH AMERICA: Yes! I found this to be helpful.! It is a pleasure to know you. I will continue to share this points to others.
FROM NORTH AMERICA: John, I would like to take this time to thank you, your family and your Follow Me Ministry for being such a blessing to my life. No matter what part of my life has needed direction as a prisoner and truth to overcome and set me truly free woman, you have been there with prayers and the Word of God! Because of your Ministry, I am continually encouraged and strengthened and made able to help others as you have helped me! In the name of Jesus,