\ ~ Christian Friendship ssen g er TO KNOW CHRIST — HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM - MAKE HIM KNOWN 1 Have Chosen The Way Of Truth REGINA, SASK.— “ALL PRAISE TO GOD UPON HIS ‘THRONE, NEW BIRTH TO US HATH GIVEN, ‘We witnessed the baptism of three souls n our congregation recently, To share in this joyous occasion were friends and Toved ones from Bremen, St Louis, Edmonton and Elder Bro. ‘John Popp from Portland. 'VERA PAWN testified it was about two years ago she fo if she would die she would be eternally lost. Being in her late years of Ife, the temptation to live in sin didn’t bother her. Her simple and humble way’ as she spoke shows her love for the Lord and her desire to live only for Him the rest of her ite, [ANN HAYNEL testified she felt the call of God about ten years ago, but put off secking her salvation. Through the Lord's love and mercy she, too, ean tay God lives and with Him, L PAUL HAYNEL, husband of Ann, is thankful the Lord called him after all these years of sin. He searched for peace by attending other churches and letting satan have control of his life and actions, until he came to such a point where hhe nearly took a neighbor's life. After talking to one of our ‘minister's he came to church and knew that the “Holy Spirit ls a part of the believer's lie in our church. Through prayer land seeking the Lord he found peace and desires to serve Him alone always. UNION CITY, N.J.— "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ” Ie was with great joy and thanksgiving that we were able to witness the baptism of BECKY BOSSART on September 7 Becky sid that she saw the people in church had something she didn't have and she couldn't be as happy as they were. ‘The Lord ealled Becky and she accepted His cll, but tried to repent on her own, and failed, time after time. She finally turned all her troubles over to the Lord and through His love land grace was able to receive peace with Him. [Let us all remember that we can do nothing of ourselves but all through the Lord who strengthens us Visitors for this happy occasion came from Connecticut, Syracuse and Akron. THOU SHALT HAVE. NO OTHER GODS BEFORE ME EXODUS 20:3 CAUTION Volume 23 October-1969 Issue 10 WITNESSING ‘The Eastern Camp adult general forum discussion was led by Bro, Bob Freund of Syracuse on the subject of witnessing. He stressed that we cannot hide our light and that in one way or another we all will be witness to others. A panel of eight brothers and sisters led us in an examination of witnessing in the early chureh, ‘Brother Andy Sabo (Edmonton) read from Luke 3:1-6 and told us how John the Baptist was the forerunner of Christ and demonstrated great zeal in witnessing to the masses of people. His effectivenoss rested in the fact that he truly believed that, which he preached ‘Brother Rick Graca (Rochester) read from Acts 2:14-38 and told how that in spite of Peter's great boldness, he failed until he allowed himself to be ed of the Spirit. We must not run ahead of the Spirit, but ever be ready to follow when it calls. ‘The loyalty of Peter is something we must have to be an effective witness. Brother Godfrey Brumm (Mansfeld) used Acts 7 and 8 to relate how Stephen was chosen by the church to fil the lowly task of caring forthe widows. We should never expect to begin ‘ourlabors for Him at the top of the ladder, but must be wiling, to be faithful in beginning at the bottom with small things. Be- cause Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit and was not ffraid how people might react to the truth, he was able to be lured in a marvelous way. Brother John Merkle (Syracuse) read from Acts 8:5-8 and 26.40 to relate how Phillip, the evangelist, was willing to do ‘what wasn't logical when he preached to the Samaritan. Let tus never think that there is anyone that dovs not need the Word. Philip was also willing to go Into the desert to preach to just one soul. Never question WHERE God lends! Brother Jim King of Mansfield read from Acts 17 and 26. ‘This told us how Paul spoke in the language of his day in witnessing to the Gentiles and was not afraid to go before Caesar, the king, t0 tell his witness also. Never complicate God's message to others with fanciness of speech «just speak out plainly and boldly. Sister Dee Hofer of Washington read from Acts 16:14, 15 .nd told us of Lydia's hospitality which God used to draw souls unto Him. Her foremost concern was for her family as ‘ours should also be. Sister Diane Tiflap (Tremont) read from Acts 18:24-28, Romans 16:3 and ['Cor. 16:19 and told us how that using Priscilla as an example, we can witness where wo study, work or live and how the activities in our homes will also be a wit- ‘ness of our faith to our guests Sister Helen Tiffan (North Akron) read from Acts 10:36-42 and told how Doreas, being full of good works, served in s lence. A word of cheer and deeds of kindness are always needed in order to be an effective witness. Brother Bob closed the forum by exhorting us to brighten the corner where we are, asking God how we might be of service and display a willingness to be used of Him. Success will only be achleved if our labors are in love and unity for iimWHY NOT NOW? KITCHENER — “Holy God, we laud Thy name! Lord, In praise wwe bow belore Thee! Earth doth now Thy reign proclaim, And doth for Thy works adore ‘Thee. As Thou wast, Thou wilt remain; Ever. lasting is Thy reign.” ‘With this word of praise and exaltation, by God's wonderful permission and grace, we began the 1969 Eastern ICFG Youth Rally Following supper and general singing, we peaceful, quiet location, 5 ff the world, and there "beside the stil water refreshed our souls and filed our cups to an overflowing mea: sure. The beautiful and inspiring songs and messages brought 4 Joyous uplifting to our hearts and souls. Bro. Bob Freund elated one of the most wonderful splritual experiences, that, he made in his life, which should Inpire us all to continue on Im the Inbour of the Lord, despite discouragement and dis appointment and also told of the powerful witnessing of the Holy Spirit in the believers" lives. Two Japanese gentlemen, were £0 visit the plant where he worked; one of these men was a brother in faith, and never having seen either one, Bro. Bob was anxious to know which was our brother. Since he had never made an experience like this before, he asked the Lord to show him which man was the brother. As the two men. centered, towards the first one he had no particular feeling, ‘other than that of frlendship; as the second one entered, he knew instantaneously, through the Holy Spirit, that this maa. was the brother, although he had not identified himself as ‘such, Later, ax the conversation further developed, he learned that this man, by the grace of God, was a product of Bro. Ehnle’s preaching in Tokyo, Japan. Upon inviting the brother to hhis home and fellowshipping with him, the Brother stated that since he had been away from home, the Lord had alway ‘except on two Sundays, found a place for him to worship with the believers. Following a rerviee, our Japanese brother re marked, "You say, you have small church, brother, you no hhave small church, Ihave small ehurch, where I come trom, only brother.” This brother labours faithfully in Japan and had a Sunday Schoo! started; when the people began to say that their children no longer should ‘attend, for an evil would befall them. Soon they stayed away, one by one, until only ‘wo or three came and sometimes even none. Asked whether hhe ever made the experience that the Holy Spirit told him to stay and no one came, the answer was yes He then was asked Whe ever became discouraged, his reply was no, because that ‘even his waiting there for souls to come would be rewarded ineteraity Bro. Bill Sabo dwelt on the theme of the rally "Why Not Now?” Not knowing what the theme was until he arrived, shen he did see it, the word "NOW" left a great impression ‘on him. ‘The “NOW” of yesterday is gone, the "NOW" of tomorrow is yet to come, but the" NOW” of today we have, by God's grace, in our possession. “Behold, NOW i the ac cepted time; behold, NOW is the day of salvation.” (2 Cori thlans 6:2). The day's activities closed with the song "God's Final Call.” May none of us come to that place in our ives there we have heard God's final call and not given heed to His vole. AAs the Lord permitted us to enjoy another day of blessings, wwe began with Bible Class, our tople being “Co-operation” (Corinthians, Chapter 12) It was pointed out that co-opers. tion and unity are one. We must cooperate with the Spirit of God. As the body can only function properly when the brain, Continued on Page 14 PAGE TWO Prescription For Happiness V-LC-TORY; Victory In Jesust With this wonderful song, the 1969 Western I.C.F.G. Youth Rally began. A hearty wel Qy ‘come was extended to all by Bro. Fred Gonglach followed by the Denver group singing Vietory in Jesus, The Way That He Loves, and Since Jesus Came Into My Heart. Guest Speaker Bro. John Kovacs of Richland, Washington, spoke from St Matt. 7:21; "Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter Into the kingdom of heaven: but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” He who commits sin [Is a servant of sin, and he who turns from sin in repentance shall have everlasting lfe. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Therefore, we must forsake sin and follow Him, The Bible says (Proverbs 14:12). "There is a way which sseemeth right unto man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” So, we must always look to Christ and fully surrender four will to Him. Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock...” What, dear Friend, is your choice? 0 come, let ws worship and bow down; let us knee! before ‘the Lord our maker.” (Psalms 95:6). With this verse, Bro. Al Peter opened Sunday morning devotions. There are many ‘ferent types of worship throughout the world but the one, true worship isto God, the Almighty. Worship is a communica. tion with God: to have our hearts "tuned" to Him at all times. Worship helps Christians prepare to be an effective witness, to be bold in speaking for Christ, and to keep our minds and hearts pure. ‘Alter morning devotions and breakfast, everyone reas: sembled for their assignments to graded classes, whlch were held outside 0 all could enjoy the beautiful sunshine and fresh, clean alr. Turning to I Corinthians 12:1-31, the classes discussed “Gifts of the Spirit”. A gift (or gifts) of the Spirit sven freely from God, is available to every Christian who ‘asks, We must work together for the edification and glory of God, and for the unification of the Brotherhood. “For as ‘the body is one, and hath many members, and all the mem- bers of that one body, belag many, are one body; so also Is Christ Bro, Bob Staudt brought the Sunday morning message from St Matt. 7:13, 14. These two verses depict a "crossroad" to ‘which everyone comes at some point in his life. Each person ‘must decide for himeeif which way to go; elther to eternal ‘death or eternal Ife, This crossroad is clearly marked as to Wwhich was to go for each destination because theBible-says “broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction” and “narrow is the way, which leadeth to Ife.” The wide gate, which Is ‘marked “To Hell", is an easy road to follow, and it doesn't take very much effort to go that way. All one must do is follow the crowd and one's own nature. But, to follow the road, marked “To Heaven”, one must forsake following the crowd fand, going against his own nature, he must seek help from Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit The "straight and narrow’ ‘may not be crowded, but it ir Uhe most satisfying life, and it lends to Heaven ‘After the morning message and lunch, there were several hours of free time and fellowship. Following this, a forum was presented by Bro. Rich Reeves cave.ing the topic "Witness- Ing”. Composed of Parious backgrounds, the panel discussed the different opportunities presented to them to witness for four Lord Jeaus Christ, A witness is “one that gives testimony ff the truth at the expense of one’s if.” To be able to wit- ress, one must know the Truth, possess the Truth, and live the Truth. The witness must be prepared at any time to give testimony for what Jesus has done for him. The Bible say, “be instant In season, out of season”; this means anytime Continued on Page 14 CHRISTIAN FRIENDSHIP MESSENGERVICTORY FOR JESUS Representatives of 14 churches met in Peoria for the LCF.G. ‘Youth Rally sponsored by the Peoria and Tremont youth groups over Labor Day weekend. The first assembly wat saturday evening. Bro, Paul Tilfan welcomed the attendees with an assurance that the Lord would bless the weekend and indeed He did! The theme for the Rally, "Victory in Jesus, was expressed in song in every assembly. During the campfire, {wo young people testified of spiritual victories and expert fences, Bro. Mike Maletich related his frst victory—that of ‘nding the Lord and experiencing Hisforgiveness and patience. Mike had made a beginning for the Lord but slid back into his sinful life, He was jolted to reality of his condition one ‘evening as a passenger in a speeding car. It was being driven, by @ friend who had had too much to drink to comprehend that they were heading downhill at 90 mph toward a dead fend where cement blocks were stacked. Mike realized ever £0 Vividly that he was not ready to die and shouted to the driver to bring the car back under control. Having escaped near Geath, Mike sought the Lord's forgiveness for his sinful life ‘and found the inner peace “which passeth understanding.” ‘Sister Rene’ Lelmgruber told of an encounter as a physical ‘therapist with a giel in 4o much physical pain from an ailment fand drug withdrawal that she wanted to commit suicide. Both Renet's spiritual counsel and tender care Impressed the girl fand ahe expressed that Reneb's concern for her was the com ‘incing she needed to go on living. ‘Regular Sunday morning Bible Class and worship services were held at the Tremont and Peoria churches. Bro. Joe Hrubik, guest speaker from Richmond, delivered the message to the Rally assembly on Sunday afternoon at the Peoria, church, He based his talk on 2 Kings 6. Brother Joe said he had left the preparation and notes for developing the theme Into @ message at home 0 his message, too, was a victory in Jesus based on trust, In order to have a victory, there must be two opposing forces, The forces on which Joe con ccentrated portrayed God on one side and those who reject Him on the otherjust like enemy, conspiring against God. Paul tried conspiring against God by killing Christians. but ‘was stopped short on the way to Damascas. He was an enemy ‘of God brought to his knees, on enemy ground with nowhere ‘to turn. The King of Isracl in 2 Kings 6 stood in enemy tert tory with his people. When we are so stubborn, we are like they were—in battle! The answer to their question "Shall we smite them?" was “Feed them,” Worthy of death, they were ftiven the opportunity to go to their master as’an escape Bro, Joe compared the opportunity to the Rally attendees who were in the midst of goodness and bountifal blessings of spirit- ‘al food and fellowship just like those enemies who were fed fand given the opportunity to return home. "What will be your hoice—accept God's goodness or return to the old life?” We like to think we have to work for our vietory. Quite the con- trary ...we have only to surrender our lives. He has power for our victory-the initial vietory and everyday. Every day In our Christian lives we are battling for Him and tn Him. ‘The Israelites wore alway’ tipped off where the King of Syria was, Today if we have the Holy Spit, the Spirit "tips us off” ‘where the enemy is The King of Syria never understood hhow the thoughts he had in his bedchamber were known by the man of God, Elisha. The Spirit of God, omniscient, knows all and warns us of the enemy and battles for us. Those who fre older in faith have experienced the Spirit's lending and are like Elisha's—with wisdom and foresight to help the younger. ‘The enemies were all around Elisha but God provided the victory. How? Elisha trusted God! What did the young leader ‘Continued on Page 15 OCTOBER - 1969 THE ALLURING FRUITS LOVE NOT THE WORLD, NEITHER THE THINGS THAT ARE IN THE WORLD. IF ANY MAN LOVE THE WORLD, ‘THE LOVE OF THE FATHER IS NOT IN HIM. FOR ALL ‘THAT IS IN THE WORLD, THE LUST OF THE FLESH, AND. ‘THE LUST OF THE EYES, AND THE PRIDE OF LIFE, 1S NOT OF THE FATHER, BUT IS OF THE WORLD. AND THE WORLD PASSETH AWAY, AND THE LUST THEREOF: BUT, HE THAT DOETH THE WILL OF GOD ABIDETH FOREVER. Love of the world is perllous and a hard battle is required to overcome It: (a) because it is our natural Ife; and (b) because the love of God cannot subsist with it and man cannot be saved, for where one’s treasure is there one's heart is also. Hone is lost, itis because of his love of the world. Some are not freed from these snares of the devil all their life long and others, again, return to this slavery, as Demas did. The entire ‘aim and incination of natural man is wrong. ‘The tee of sin already is implante4 in all by nature and should be done battle with and uprooted in one’s youth by an ‘upbringing in the Lord, but instead it is still more zealously nurtured in the world by the wrong education and bad ex ‘amples and watered by the lust of the ey land the pride of life. For that reason we prised that young people are so unruly and "of no account.’ We shall, however, have no regrets for expending so much effort in Combating their sensuous inclinations. It will be abun- dantly rewarded. Love of the world and of that which Is in and of It ls an ‘dolatrous service; that is, a worshipping of the devil (according to I Corinthians 10:20). "BUT 1 SAY, THAT THE THINGS WHICH THE GENTILES SACRIFICE, THEY SACRIFICE TO DEVILS, AND NOT TO GOD: AND 1 WOULD NOT THAT YE SHOULD HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH DEVILS. ‘The man is in darkness; and alter we, through Christ, Have come into light again and have become children of God, we stand in trial and temptation the same as Adam did. The forbidden tree of knowledge is the world. God speaks very determinately to we when He says: DO NOT LOVE IT. This too stretches out its ravishing branches nd alluring fruits everywhere: We need not reach far, and the devil, the old serpent, sits In it, and says, "FEAR NOT TO EAT OF IT; YOU WILL NOT DIE.” But whoever does WILL die again (Homans 8 II Peter 2). Adam indeed did die, for al, and all fare dead by nature because of this evil desire of his. But he ‘who has eaten of THE TREE OF LIFE and afterwards permits himself to lust after evil again and eats of the forbidden tree fof the world dies for himeeli ALONE, and eternally, for he ‘gain turns to his own vomit'and.again wallows in the mud, after he had been washed. Now, if we think we would have done better in Adam's place than he did, we can make the tert of it as long ax God. permits us to remain in the world alter our reblrth. Besides, wwe still have an advantage over Adam as far as overcoming ‘is concerned, for, before the fall, he did not know what death, ‘which was threatened to him, was. But we know It, for we were first in death and only afterwards came to life, so that the difference between the two should teach ws to choose the good fand reject the evil, seeing that the eating of THE TREE OF LIFE saves us and should also bring us thus far that we be come dead and will have died for all other desire, even though hard fighting is requiggd fori. Adam and Eve had the longing only and fell. So we must guard ourselves from the first im pulses ofthe desire for evil Lest we fall as they fell, SH. FROELICH September 20, 1840. PAGE THREE