INTO THE CRUCIBLE

In a matter of hours a brave young couple and their two children will be landing in one of the most hostile countries in Africa. They are our Children's Cup directors for that country.

We have just spent several days together here in meetings in America. Every audience sensed God's destiny on them.

They know the risks they are returning to. I asked the father how he dealt with the danger. "I know there is peril, but I must do this for God. We are in His hands."

Although it is not prudent to name the family or country right now, will you lead your own heart to care and pray for these heroes of the faith?

A FRIEND HAS BEEN MURDERED

Ben Rodgers just called from Swaziland. A few hours ago "Tiny," one of our Swazi friends, was shot to death at his home. He owned a business next door to the Children's Cup office.

'Cup missionary Daran Rehmeyer lives four houses away from our friend's house. Daran heard the shot that took our friend's life.

We don't know details yet but we'd ask you to pray for Tiny's widow Denice and their children.

Violence is escalating--please pray for the Children's Cup Team to be safe and effective in ministry.

MY JEAN

A CHALLENGE

God's Word, the Holy Bible, has the power to shape and change lives.

Try this--read the twelfth chapter of Romans several times utill its words and admonitions enter deep into your heart.

Let the words become a living part of your thought life--they will change you.

"BLACK HEART?"

Recently I was being introduced to an African congregation by a pastor I had known for a long time. We are close friends.

He wanted to honor me as he told the congregation, "Brother Dave may have white skin, but he has a black heart."

"WHY SHOULDN'T I BE A PROSTITUTE?"

Missionary Ben Rodgers was talking with an African girl in her early teens.

Her words haunt us and compell us to reach as many African children as we can with the Gospel.

"Why shouldn't I be a prostitute? At least I'm getting paid for what has happened to me all my life."

What has her life been like today?

As often as you remember her words would you pray for her and her generation?

"I'M GOING TO JOIN THIS CHURCH!"

This I believe.

The most important factor in choosing where to live is not a great job or good schools. Both are important but a great church is the best reason to choose where you live.

Even if it means moving.

I've always believed this about Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge. Add Celebration Church of Jacksonville, Florida pastored by Stovall Weems.

In fact, there is a long list of Association of Related Churches (ARC) that qualify (five of them in the 100 fastest growing churches in America)--contact us for the addresses.

Fifteen hundred women just gathered at Celebration Church for their annual Shine! ladies conference. Speakers like Karri Weems, Lisa Bevere, and Deborah Cobrae impacted these ladies' lives--forever.

We met a young lady at the Sunday AM service after the conference. She was frightened and hurting. It was her first time to come to the church. Pastor Weems' message embedded a new hope in her spirit.

We heard her say on her way out, "I'm going to join this church!"

Think about it, find the right church--even if you have to move to be near it.