The Sower is the bimonthly newsletter of Christian Educational Services, Inc.,
a non-profit organization, and is published in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Nov/Dec  2001
Volume 3, Issue 6

Grieving & Gratitude:

Two Powerful Keys to
Living in a Fallen World

Dear Beloved Believer,

      We pray that you and your loved ones enjoy a beautiful and blessed holiday season. This is a good time to reflect back on this year that was so eventful for our country, our world, and our ministry. We are filled with both gratitude and grief, two of our most important ways of relating to the events of our lives.

In a recent ministering session with a young man whose life had been scarred by the loss of his father, I (Mark) heard the Lord say two words that the young man needed to hear: grieving and gratitude. They were the best prescription for him to find relief from his feelings of being cheated out of what might have been. So it is for all of us living in a fallen world. We must learn to grieve and to be grateful.

Gratitude is one of our basic choices, one which we can exercise regardless of the circumstances in which we find ourselves. In fact, Ephesians 5:20 says that we are always to give thanks. “Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

We can always be thankful, and always be unthankful. It all depends upon what we choose to value more. When we choose to think about all that we have that is of value, our family, our friends, our health, etc., we are better able to deal with the things that have not and are not going well in our lives.

Anyone who has lived for any time at all has had to deal with the loss of something he values. These losses are often serious and permanent, as when we have lost loved ones, and these losses cannot be regained in this life. Thankfully, God has provided a means for us to recover from these losses. He has given us hope and the guarantee of life in a glorious future age wherein all tears will be wiped away and all losses filled. He has also given us the ability to grieve, and to sorrow in a godly way.

Grieving over our losses is God’s provision for restoring our emotional wholeness. When we allow ourselves an appropriate time to grieve a loss, we find that our joy returns “in due time.” When we interrupt the grieving process, we hinder the healing that would eventually come.

The holidays are a painful time for those who are still grieving a loss. This might be a good time to give in any way you can, to those who are really in need. Many of us don’t need more material things anyway. What we need is to be needed, and to give in meaningful ways to those who really need it.

Have a joyous holiday as you renew your commitment to give with a grateful heart and the love of God. We love you and pray for you often. We hope you enjoy this issue of The Sower, and we hope to hear good things from you in the coming year.

Your friends in Christ,

Mark & Karen Anne, John, John & Jenivee, Gary & Karen 

CES Leadership Team Meets to Establish the Direction of the Ministry

      The first gathering of the CES Leadership Team occurred from Thursday, September 20 to Sunday, September 23 at the Airport Holiday Inn in Indianapolis. About 80 people from around the country, and three CES Elders from the Philippines, put their hearts and minds together to chart the course of our ministry for future generations.

The first two years that we had a “Leadership Conference” we made it open to anyone and everyone who was interested in the topic of Christian leadership. These conferences addressed general leadership principles, especially the need for true Christian character. In 2000, we took a different tack, inviting people to participate who had an interest in being an integral part of CES and helping us grow.      More than 100 people attended and participated in brainstorming sessions, were given insight into the foundations of CES as only a provider of materials, and compared our experience with the experience of the early Church in Acts. Committees were established to begin the process of decentralizing the work of the ministry and involving more and more people.

This year we continued further on this tack, encouraging attendance for those who have participated in the interim committees or those who are involved in an existing fellowship or church that desires to affiliate with CES.

         The agenda for this Leadership Team Meeting

was to review the work of the interim committees and ratify the revised mission and vision statements for the ministry. The work of the CES Corporate Structure Committee was reviewed in detail, including an organizational chart, qualifications for Board members, suggestions for new corporate by-laws, rules and regulations, and a statement of our values.

      The meetings opened on Thursday night with praise and worship leading up to President Bush’s historic address to a joint session of Congress. We obtained a TV so we could watch the speech. Following the President’s remarks, Mark and John Schoenheit shared some insight about the Islamic religion and the Qur’an. This sharing will be made available in the CES bookstore.

      On Friday morning we had a lively discussion of the revised CES mission and vision statements, at the end of which the group reached virtual consensus that the ministry was on the right track. Each individual was given colored cards to voice his opinion, green for go, yellow for slow, red for stop. At the end of the discussion, when Mark called for a vote, the room was a sea of green, with just a few yellows.

      During the afternoon we discussed the process by which we determined the new members of the Board of Directors, Gary & Karen Theisen. After a question and answer session, and a time of sharing by those who attended “the Earlham experience” in August when the decision was made, the group warmly welcomed Gary and Karen, who shared their commitment to serve the CES community in their position as members of the Board. The tape of their heartfelt sharing will be available in the CES Bookstore.

      On Saturday morning we began by discussing the importance of the leaders of the CES community being convinced of our teaching on interpretation of tongues and practicing it boldly. That led to a discussion of the value of listening to God as a body, and it became apparent that several people within the CES community had received general prophetic warnings about the events of September 11, but didn’t know what to do about it. We discussed the idea that God could use our community to save lives and help maintain our freedom.

      We closed the morning with a prayer circle to pray for our country, particularly in light of an official warning of another terrorist attack that day. It was a powerful experience as many people spoke what they believed the spirit of God revealed about things that needed to be prayed for. No act of terrorism happened that day, and though we cannot know for sure, we prefer to believe that our prayers were answered.

      Saturday afternoon we discussed the possibility of producing two new classes (video, DVD, or live). One would be designed to bring new people into the body of believers, and would be run during a weekend. It would emphasize a personal relationship with Christ, and have inspirational teaching and preaching about the good news of Christ’s life, death, resurrection, lordship, and coming again. This class would have an exciting and celebratory flavor, and would be a mixture of taped and live teaching.

      The other class would be a more comprehensive handling of the keys to interpreting the Bible and applying it to daily life. This class would consist of 24 hours of teaching, and be mixed with graphics, short interviews, movie clips and a variety of visual aids to assist the new student of the Bible. The details of content, marketing and production are still being worked out. Fran Gerson is heading up the committee that is assisting the Board in this matter, and she can be reached through the Home Office.

      We also discussed ordination and laid out the qualifications for those who would be ordained in the CES community. Those criteria are listed in the last issue of The Sower (pg. 8). Then on Saturday night we had our first ordination ceremony, officiated by John Schoenheit. Ordained were Mark and Karen Anne Graeser, Gary and Karen Theisen, and Nancy Berwid. All shared their hearts about what their ordination meant to them, then they were ordained and prophesied over. Following that, each read a statement of their commitment to the Body of Christ, and the CES community in particular. A tape of the ordination ceremony is available in the CES Bookstore and a written copy of their statements is going to be posted on our website.

      To close the ceremony, we physically and spiritually lifted the newly ordained to the Lord, thanking God for the gift of their lives and ministries, and symbolically stood with them as a family of believers united to support one another in love.

      Sunday morning we closed with various sharings from committees, and Mark closed with some parting thoughts about the elements of healthy Christian faith and practice. He likened our ministry to a carbon-based organic molecule. The relationship between the elements of the molecule determines the identity of the molecule. Many molecules contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. But whether the molecule is acidic or basic is not determined as much by the number of elements as by their relationship.

      As carbon (C) is the basic atom of all living organisms and tissues (all life-forms are “carbon based”), so authentic relationship with Christ is the center of all healthy spiritual life, whether in an individual or a body of believers. Healthy Christianity is not just a matter of getting the right elements involved (teaching, evangelism, prophecy, healing, etc.), it is a matter of getting the right relationship among the elements.

      Christ must be at the center, and relationship with Christ must be at the heart of what is being promoted. Otherwise, one’s life and ministry can become essentially acidic, and become corrosive rather than healing. For instance, if “the written Word” takes the place of a “personal relationship with the living Christ” in what we are promoting, we can become corrosive, especially to those who do not read well or who have no access to Bibles. An accurate knowledge of Scripture, though incredibly valuable, is not yet available to many of the world’s population. A relationship with Christ is available to anyone around the world by his believing the preached Word.           

Christian Educational Services

Statement of Values

      Our attorney suggested that we include a statement of our values in our new Articles and By-laws, and this is what we have come up with so far. We thought it would help you see what enters into our decision making processes.

·     CES’ core value is that the Bible is the foundation of faith and practice and the ultimate authority for truth.  Therefore, CES strives to uphold its accuracy and integrity.

·     CES values God’s people, and recognizes that whatever is accomplished by us will be the result of many people working together toward a common goal.

·     CES values the power of the holy spirit and seeks to empower people to walk by the spirit.

·     CES values learning from other ministries.

·     CES values outreach directed to the unchurched so as to not build on another man’s foundation.

·     CES values independence from denominations so as not to be hindered by their beliefs or practices.

·     CES values quality rather than quantity in its teachings, publications, productions, and fellowships.

·     CES values “Christ-like,” as opposed to “Christian,” behavior, because the term “Christian” has become subject to varied interpretations in today’s culture.

·     CES values a strategy of teaching the teachers in International Outreach; that is, providing leadership seminars that enable local leaders to teach their own people.

·     CES values servant/leaders who are flexible, innovative, and balanced by a sense of guarding and protecting the accurate truth of God’s Word, as well as the mission and values of CES.

Price Changes

After reviewing the price of our materials, we found that we needed to be more consistent, based on the actual cost (research & development, layout & design, printing etc.) of each book or booklet. The CES Board has therefore approved the following prices for our books and booklets, effective January 1, 2002. The list shows the old and the new price:

One God & One Lord (Hardcover, 688 pages): from $25 to $29.00

One God & One Lord (Softcover, 688 pages): from  $20.00 to $24.00

Don’t Blame God (Softcover, 235 pages): from $10.00 to $12.00

The Gift of Holy Spirit (Softcover, 129 pages): from $7.00 to $9.00

Is There Death After Life? (Softcover, 112 pages): from $6.00 to $8.00

Sex & Scripture (Softcover, 112 pages): from $6.00 to $8.00

Defending Dispensationalism (Booklet, 38 pages): from $3.00 to $4.00

(Due to the increase of postage fees, the cost of shipping and handling will increase .50 cents in all categories, starting at a minimum  of  only $2.00.)

Frequently Asked Questions ...

Q. It seems to me that CES is trying too hard to be “not The Way International." Why does the wrong teaching of another ministry still have so much influence over what we are doing in CES? Can’t we teach the truth for no other reason than that it is truth, and see people get delivered and blessed? In the past couple of years a whole lot of people who are associated with CES have never had anything to do with The Way International. Many of our kids were so young that they do not even remember what it was all about, and they have no idea what you all are talking about when you are mentioning anything about The Way. Can’t we just move on?

A. True, we are deeply indebted to The Way for our devotion to the written Word, our understanding of the manifestations as being available to all, the renewed mind, etc. Beyond that, we have no interest in maintaining ties to that organization or to our past beyond what serves our community. In fact, we have a lot of reasons to distance ourselves from The Way because of how corrupt that organization proved to be. To even be associated with it at all in many people's minds is to make us "guilty by association." Nevertheless, it is honest of us to acknowledge our roots, as we do in the preface to One God & One Lord. How can anyone understand who and where we are without knowing where we came from?

      The wrong teaching of The Way continues to be an issue because of the strong imprint that our former denomination had on us, and on the vast majority of the folks we serve. Though we are eagerly desirous to move on, and there are days I really hate to have to keep rehashing the same issues for people, there is a steady stream of people who keep coming into our ministry who have left the Way and need someone to minister to them who knows the ropes. Should we refuse to deal with them because we are moving on? Clearly not, because this is a part of what we are supposed to be doing. It will continue to become a smaller part of what we do, however.

      As evidence that we are “moving on,” we have crafted new mission and vision statements, we are aiming at unchurched people, and establishing a network of churches and fellowships. We have established a base of sound teaching, some of which was to address erroneous teaching from The Way, but a lot of it is just us doing our best to rightly divide God's Word and give people something solid to believe in. Mushy thinking and traditional malarky has to be uncovered before something solid can be established in its stead. I think we have done a lot of that so far, and a lot more is to come.

      I think we do teach the truth for no other reason than that it is truth, to a great extent. However, we do respond to the needs that we see within the community of believers, and oftentimes these needs are related to wrong teaching, either from The Way or other denominations. It seems to us that we are spending more time correcting the erroneous teachings of orthodox Christianity than of The Way.

      The same argument could be used against us for teaching against tradition, and it has been. Why teach against anything? Why not just teach the truth? Our answer is that in most cases, unless you address the error, you cannot articulate the truth, nor will it be appreciated as truth unless it is compared to error.

      Praise God that "a whole lot of people who are associated with CES have never had anything to do with The Way International." If that is true, and I believe it is, then we must be doing something to attract them!  Our goal is to reach more and more of these folks, and we do want to keep the references to The Way to a minimum. I think we are doing that. If you have specific examples of where we have unnecessarily brought up the past let us know.

Mark Graeser

Attention 2002 Family Campers!

March 1 Deadline for RVers/Tenters!

      What? A deadline in March for a Family Camp in July? That’s right, if you plan to tent or stay in an RV. But, if you plan to stay at the Potawatomi Inn Lodge (more expensive but nice), you must make your reservations through the Home Office before June 21.

      Because Pokagon State Park is such an attractive location, it books up fast—over 70% of its campsites and RV sites book on a single day—March 1. They only accept mailed applications for their campsites, and RV hookups for the summer season beginning March 1.

Those postmarked before March 1 will be returned. Those postmarked after March 1 will be put in a pile and submitted to a lottery system to fill the remaining slots. If you are planning to camp or hook up an RV at the Family Camp this year, you need to get your application postmarked ON March 1, 2002. Class A sites are available with water and electricity at $15/night. There are 73 Class B campsites without utilities for $12/night. Plan to stay 5 nights, July 21 – 25. The Family Camp will begin Sunday evening and end Friday noon. Here are the details for  your RV/Tent reservations taken from the Pokagon State Park’s website (http://www.state.in.us/dnr/parklake/parks/pokagon.html):

·         Phone reservations for camping are NEVER accepted

·         Mail reservations to Pokagon State Park, 450 Lane 100 Lake James, Angola, IN 46703    (219-833-2012) ON March 1

·         Make checks payable to: Indiana Department of Natural Resources

·         Reservation requests should include: Name, address, phone number. Dates you plan to arrive and depart. Number of campsites you wish to reserve (up to four per request). Each site must be in a different name and include address of person responsible for each campsite. All must be for the same dates. Campsite reservation forms are available upon request.

·         A deposit equal to one night’s camping fee for each site required and will be credited toward the total bill.

·         NON-REFUNDABLE handling fee of $4.00 for each campsite requested.

·         Include type and size (length) of camping unit, tent, or RV. While there is no absolute maximum size for RV’s and trailers most parks have only a limited number of sites that can safely accommodate units larger than 26 feet.

·         Specify the reservable sites you prefer if any. We will try to accommodate. Please indicate your preference if they are not available. We can try to assign alternate sites or dates or we can return your deposit and handling fee. Please remember that only 50% of the sites are reservable, so you may wish to consider the first-come first-served site for the day you requested.

Singles Conference

May 1 – May 5, 2002 Washington, DC

      This singles event will be unlike any other that CES has sponsored. We will be meeting in Washington, DC on May 1 – 5. Registration will start at 5 pm May 1, with a welcome reception from 6-9 pm. On May 2, the National Day of Prayer, we will go to the Capitol to meet as many Congressmen and Representatives as possible to hand them a copy of CES’ booklet, The Death Penalty.  There will be plenty of time for sightseeing, and the hotel is within walking distance to the Capitol, White House, and several museums. As always, there will be dynamic teaching and fellowship with the saints. 

      Registration cost is $35.00 before April 1 and $45.00 after April 1. The cost of the hotel room will be $89 for up to 4 people. In order to be guaranteed the room rate, you must make your reservations by April 1. You can make hotel reservations by calling 1-800-458-7500. If you want a roommate and need help finding one, please contact Robin Lawrence at 704-442-4055 or at robnob@mindspring.com. To register please contact the Home Office at 317-255-6189 or log on to our website at   www.christianeducational.org

*NOW AVAILABLE* The Christian’s Hope: The Anchor of the Soul

What the Bible really says about Death, Judgment, Rewards, Heaven, and the Future Life on a Restored Earth

Order your copy today!

Only $15.00, (plus S&H)

See page 4 of the enclosed pricelist

or

order online at christianeducational.org

CES Men’s Conference:

Courage to Face Our Need for Healing

By Shawn Locklear

Master Sergeant, USAF

Prattville, AL

“Show up and take what comes up.” That’s a phrase I recently heard for the first time. Even though I can’t give you a chapter and verse to validate its biblical soundness, I would speculate that as Peter walked the 30 or so miles to Cornelius’ house, he might have been thinking, “Obviously, God wants me to visit this man. I don’t have a clue why, but I guess I’ll just show up and take what comes up.”  Anyway, I believe that worked for me during the weekend of October 26-28, as I attended the first-ever 2001 CES Men’s Conference in Bostic, NC.

I’ll tell you a little bit about who I am. I grew up attending a Baptist church, but didn’t get saved until I was 23. I learned to worship in the Pentecostal church, but I didn’t discover my ministry as a worship leader until I was 36. I’m currently serving my country in my 18^th year in the United States Air Force, writing curriculum for Professional Military Education. I’ve been married for 17 wonderful years to my wife, Amy. I’m honored to be the father of a son and daughter: Aaron (8) and Christina (12). I’m also the worship leader at Destiny Christian Center, a non-traditional, joyful, and growing church in Prattville.

Needless to say, my life is pretty full, and as the weekend approached, I regrettably found myself distracted and burdened by the many preparations and coordinating I would need to do before I could leave home for three and a half days. I had to insure that I was caught up at work; the family had everything they needed; the Praise and Worship team at church was covered, etc. etc.

Finally, I was on the road, and as I started to unwind during the 7-hour drive to NC, it actually occurred to me that maybe I needed to get something out of this conference. Usually, I’m so focused on my role as “Praise & Worship Leader” and my responsibility to minister to others, that I don’t allow myself the luxury of relaxing and letting others minister to me.

On Friday morning, John Schoenheit beautifully set the stage for the theme of the weekend – “Men of Courage.” He explained what courage was, and what courage was not. As he did so, I was overwhelmed by a sense of need and yearning in the room. With my five senses, I looked at these 45 men gathered together. I could see that they ranged in age from 20 to 70. I knew that most of them had been serving God for much of their lives and had an incredible amount of God’s Word hidden in their hearts. Yet, as I looked at them, I could also “see” that they wanted so much more. They wanted to be whole; they wanted healing; they wanted the empty places in their hearts filled; they wanted the courage to face their greatest fears and weaknesses.

As the morning progressed, I could see that we were going to deviate from the printed schedule, which, depending on who you are, may or may not be a good thing. In the past, my instinct has been to “fly by the seat of my pants” and make it up as I go along. However, since becoming a worship leader, I’ve been forced to become more of a planner – to be more prepared and structured. Now, I can’t even be comfortable with that. As I watch and learn from Mark Graeser, I’m seeing that my evolution is still not complete. Now, I’ve got to be a planner who flies by the seat of his pants, yet remains aware of and sensitive to the situation, ready for any possibility. I can no longer act impulsively, but with discipline and patience as God’s spirit reveals the mission step-by-step. Rather than rigidly transition on to the next scheduled teaching, many times the men were allowed to share their thoughts after the teachings, in essence, teaching each other.

We also heard several testimonies during the weekend. As Dan Gallagher, Jeff Blackburn, and Adam Berwid told us about the great things Jesus had done for them, I saw three great men of God willing to bare their souls and risk being vulnerable in a way that was both compelling and cathartic. As they spoke, I became painfully aware of the fact that many of us in the room were saying, “I want Jesus to heal and deliver me like that.”  I believe those testimonies paved the way for many of the men to make major breakthroughs before the conference would end.

Why are testimonies so powerful?  A brief look at a few examples in Scripture may reveal the answer. Consider the Samaritan woman at the well. Many Samaritans from her city came to believe in Jesus because of her testimony. Another example that comes to mind is the man possessed by the legion of demons. Jesus instructed him to go home to his people and tell them of the great things Jesus had done for him. Interestingly, neither of the two people knew any scriptures and yet they were already capable of doing great things for God.

The last morning of the conference was remarkable. For two days, we had learned that many of us struggled with things or were hurt by things that we didn’t seem to have the courage to face. Sharing our feelings with our loved ones seemed to be in the top five, right along with putting our jobs in front of our families. But, the most profound and deeply rooted wound that seemed to afflict most of us was the lack of an affirming father in our lives in our formative years. Many of the men said their fathers had rarely showed an interest in them when they were growing up. They also had never heard words like, “I’m proud of you, son,” or “I believe in you, son” or “Son, someday you’re going to grow up into a fine man.”  They had never received the blessing from their father. For some reason, my heavenly Father had planned for me to be a part of righting that wrong.

Looking back to the two weeks before the conference, it now no longer looks like a coincidence that I was exposed to the book, The Gift of the Blessing, by Gary Smalley and John Trent. Being allowed to share the treasures found in that book with those 45 men was a privilege I will not soon forget. And yet, what happened next absolutely overwhelmed me. When Mark asked if any of the men would like to receive that blessing now, I couldn’t believe it when a fourth of the men stood up. The beauty of these men finally receiving their blessing from another man standing in for their father, something they had craved a lifetime, was beyond words. And so, Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians and for us as well, was answered again. The Great Healer showed up and did super-abundantly more than we could ask or imagine.

      At first glance, it may look like I’m some touchy-feely, trying-to-connect-with-his-woman-side guy (I’ve tried but she’s always on the phone). Actually, you might not meet anyone more logical, analytical, fact-based, aggressive, and danger-seeking than I am. But, as I learn more and more about the heart of our Savior and the heart of the Gospel, I learn that it’s all about Jesus wanting people to be whole inside. He wants us to be healed, tender, and compassionate, and able to love others. He wants us to always be willing to show up and take what comes up, trusting Him to bless and take care of us.

      As I reflect back on the conference, one thing comes to mind. It was totally not what I expected, which was to hear a lot of the Word, and then hear some more Word, followed by more Word. Now, don’t get me wrong, I enjoy studying the Word as much as any workman. The fact is, though, that during these three days, the thing I heard most was a lot of iron sharpening iron. These men were willing to bare their souls in the hopes that other men would benefit. I’ve learned there’s so much more to being a living epistle than just mastering the Word. As I study the Savior, I see a man who wanted to love and meet people right where they were. Sure, he often quoted Scripture, but he spent a lot more time undoing the damage of the Adversary. That’s what I want to be skilled at doing. And that’s what I saw taking place at the Men’s Conference. I saw men allowing their heavenly Father and our Savior do what They do best—heal the broken hearted.

More Feedback from the Men’s Conference

Patrick Baird

Erie, PA

      Bless your hearts and a great big thanks for everything you did in helping to put on the conference. I got immensely blessed by all of the sharing and music, as well as the fellowship and camaraderie with all of the guys. It took some courage for me to drive my old ‘89 Ford van all the way down there from Erie, PA and back, just believing that our heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus Christ were watching over me. But it was definitely worth it!

I was really healed by the words of prophecy and prayer that Erik, Mark, and Brian spoke over me. That sure is a great operation of the spirit.

The whole weekend, my heart just welled up inside me so big, and felt so heavy that I didn't understand what was going on with me. And that's why I had you guys pray for me, though I didn't want to be a "Prophecy Pig" because I had remembered Mark saying at the Indy fellowship in June that we shouldn't go running to do that every time it is made available. That had been the first time for me, and so I didn't want to abuse the privilege at this conference. But the Lord had a bit more to say about me, which was powerful and timely. They were all the exact things that I had been pondering in my heart for some time. So I'm falling down on my face and declaring that the one God is in all of you! It's really something!

West Coast Women “Bloom” in San Jose, CA

November 9-11

The second Women’s Conference was another big hit, repeating the theme of “Bloom Where You’re Planted.” True to the bloom theme, the conference was replete with a variety of media— art, poetry reading, dance, and various creative exercises. The mostly regional group showed a great hunger for spiritual growth, and the highlight of the weekend was an altar call on Saturday night when several young women made Jesus Lord and got born again. More women’s conferences are planned in 2002, including one in March in Virginia Beach, and two in the Fall, in Detroit and San Jose.

Kristina Perez

San Jose, CA

      Even in the context of a schedule, there was the freeing element of flexibility that nurtured the possibilities of everyone being able to give and to share.  Not just from the spotlight of the podium, but even more importantly during the shoulder-brushing moments afforded in different settings.  These were thoughtfully provided to encourage appreciation of the variety of ways the Word had been ministering to and through each precious and unique woman.  There came the dawning revelation that these are “Queenpins” in the uprising of the echo of their better selves, as our Heavenly Father has known them all along.  There in the growing glow of loving acceptance and genuine appreciation there came a bonding of the warm fellowship of grads of the “Jesus Freak” era (Ugh! What a term!) and the fresh enthusiasm of the new “puppies” wriggling in the joy of their newfound true purpose of being on the planet. What a Phoenix!  This was possibly the “womb of the Body of Christ” coming alive after what seemed a long spell of being archived, saved for future use, when all along we had a sneaking suspicion that the future is in the present.  Oh, the joy to learn we were on the right track after all!

      Sharings, poetry, and songs, fresh from the heart of God, trembling performances of praise offered in full awareness of our lack of “polish” by the world’s standards, or even our own perfectionist viewpoint, were offered up in obedience and love.

      The harvest was visible, but it was the iceberg as viewed from an approaching ship high in the arctic sea. How great a light in this small pocket of the city burned.  Thank you to the “ice cutters” who labored to break this trail through the frozen waters of the sea of life through which our Savior fully intended us to pass.

      My love and appreciation to the women who saw this need and would not be turned from this godly assignment in the midst of their busy lives.  Some things are more important, outside the obvious responsibilities we commit to as wives, mothers, and workers, for in the heart of God there seems to be an undeniable need for fleshly hands, minds, and feet, to be responsive and willing to go whenever He wants us to grow us and, in the process, grow others into the flourishing of the Church.

Margot Hoercher

Colorado Springs, CO

      I had a great time at the Women's Conference in San Jose.  What a wonderful weekend of fellowship, love, learning, and healing.  I am more focused now.

      I listen to an afternoon talk show on the radio here in Colorado Springs. One day the subject matter was the idea that people are still saying that God is punishing us in the United States.  The show’s host wasn't buying into that idea, but didn't really have a solid reason why. I e-mailed him and recommended the CES web site, using Don't Blame God as my subject.  I referred him to the articles about 9/11 and the book.  Lo and behold, he checked it out and told me how it helped him.  "What a powerful site" were his exact words. I wanted you to know that what you are doing on the web site is working!  Praise God!

Thanks for the love of God you manifest.  We love you and stand for God and the Lord Jesus with you.

Cindy Jo Simpson

North Pole, AK

Hello, fellow sisters and gorgeous blooming flowers.

Here the temperature is 7 degrees outside, but the truth of the Word and God's love has warmed our bodies, souls, and spirits to a temperature that is definitely hot!

I am so blessed that I attended the weekend with you wonderful women of God. I am blessed, refreshed, and reassured that it was the right decision.

The weekend was like soaking in a hot tub with a good book, perhaps with a glass of wine and some fine chocolate. After being busy and exhausted, you finally treat yourself to that long overdue relaxing and refreshing soak in the tub. When you come out, you are calmer, more peaceful, and ready to handle life again!

Dear Sower,

      In times of need such as these, it is absolutely essential to have loving brothers such as you. Alex and I pray for you often, and the Lord keeps confirming to us that we are in the right place with you all. We have never found such love and understanding in any of the groups/ministries that we have been in--plus such sound doctrine, and constant wishes to grow and have a dynamic ministry. The world is full of trouble, but it is "heaven" to have such friends in the Lord.

      I have written to Jeff and have thanked you all, through him, for keeping my tapes and Contenders coming in - I enjoy them so much!

Lilian Campbell

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Dear Sower,

      I've been thinking a lot about the class Karen Anne wants to do.  I want to put my vote in that I think this would be a VERY VALUABLE class.  The good news of Jesus Christ and his deliverance is after all, the subject of the entire Word of God from Genesis to Revelation. People want good news.  People need good news.  And we have good news to give them.

Christ always was, still is, and always will be the answer to the needs of mankind and we need to get that message out as an organization to the people we reach. 

Allison Hunt

Virginia Beach, VA

Dear  Sower,

      It has been my heart's desire to support CES more.  I really love you all and your stand for the truth of God's Word, especially in light of recent events.

      I thank you personally, John (Lynn), and CES as a ministry, for my ability to have that vision and the sense of peace that goes with it.  I believe that God will continue to bless and prosper this ministry.

Claire Penkethman

Dracut, MA

Dear Sower,

      I just want to tell you guys that you are still blessing my life, and a little bit of kindness in the love of God goes a very long way. I still think of how heart warming it was for you to call and inquire about my well-being after my brother ended up doing the unspeakable act that he did.  That love of God from another person is so very important, and if I never told you, how would you really know?  Thanks from the bottom of my heart. 

So many professing Christians today just don't have the answers, and it is so very clear when we are helped along the way to gain understanding by books like Don't Blame God, and Is There Death After Life?

I see confusion being wrought across America via the media, with so many religious and political leaders speaking of "God" as if all religions are worshipping the true            God in spirit and in truth! I simply ignore the Trinity while I preach Jesus the Christ who is Lord, Son of the Living God. 

Sandy Smith

Rexford, MT

Dear Sower,

      I have listened to the "Overcoming Evil with Good" (Sep/Oct ‘01) tape, and it is wonderful.  I plan to order more copies.  I also ran copies of the last articles you had on the website, "Overcoming Evil with Good," etc. and have given them out to many people.  I also have posted them around the hospital where I am working now, along with the green flyers for Don’t Blame God. I am going to put copies of Don't Blame God in all the surgical waiting rooms and ICU/CCU waiting rooms. This is a Catholic hospital but I haven't received any resistance so far.  I continue to pray that the door will stay open.

Julie Alles

Ponca City, OK

Dear Sower,

      I just finished the “Overcoming Evil with Good” (Sep/Oct ‘01)teaching and found it to be wonderful. I have always fought with the question of capital punishment, killing in wars, etc.  Thank you.  It was the best teaching I've heard in a long time.  Keep up the excellent work. 

Loretta Chase

Merritt Island, FL

Dear John (Lynn),

      I appreciated so much of your encouragements! Today I went to Tacalan and met Bebot and had taught the wonderful saints there. I did not met Zacarias because it was raining and the road is very muddy and slippery. I am much encouraged by the response of the saints there because they testified that in about 20 years in faithfully attending church services and participating in church works, they haven't received the freedom and spiritual enlightenment as they are now receiving! It was really a testimony that the Truth is liberating!!! I will be back there for another teaching this December. I just can't imagine how joyful I am to be able to be a blessing to others.   As I was traveling in my motorcycle it was raining and I needed to be back home at 3:00 for the Radio Program at 4:00. I was traversing a mountain range and the fog started to becloud my road. The road is so slippery and sometimes the motorcycle just turned and my shoes were no longer recognizable because they were covered by mud. But I just can't understand, I am so happy!!! Because I know that My Lord Jesus and my God and Father are looking and are also happy with me!!

      This coming Sunday I will visit Dagbasan. We have built a small chapel there and we have poor but wonderful saints there. They are faithful in the study of the Word despite the fact that I can’t go there often. My mother, Victoria, and my sister, Raquel, are the ones taking care of the Sunday meetings when I am not there!

      I am happy that you see our struggles in a positive side. I just don't know why, but all the pen pals that you and Mark encouraged to communicate with me have just not continued to write. No one there is communicating to me in terms of financial gifts anymore, except my regular gift from the CES Office.

      We continue to stand for the truth! I told Ben already that we need to accept that we are now in perilous times and we can no longer change the worldly systems. But what we can do now is to be more wise, equipped, strong in our faith, faithful, and be willing to work with God in Christ to accomplish His purpose.

      What is encouraging is that despite that fact that we saw that most of our co-Christian leaders here who are somebody in the city are starting to shun from us and start to count us as heretics, we  see more people attracted to us and see open doors! There are open doors here!!!

      Again, thank you. We love you!! From our family and from all the saints here with us, we send our love to all of you there, wonderful brothers and sisters!

Benjie, Leizl, and JJ Casido

Negros Oriental, Philippines

[The following letter came from Noraldyne Matub, wife of Willie Matub, one of the Elders of CES Philippines. Willie visited the U.S.A. and attending our Leadership Team Meeting in Indianapolis].

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

      May the peace of God strengthen you everyday in Christ our Lord. Willie talked to me on the phone from San Francisco, Agusan Del Sur, about the saints in Don Marcelino who were displaced by military presence and operations in that remote town due to the New People's Army massive recruitment in that place. The local government unit demanded that all families living in remote villages leave their homes and farms and stay in the government controlled place. The New People’s Army is the Armed Forces of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

      Willie told me to write this to you for you to consider praying for saints in Don Marcelino, Davao del Sur. Most of the families affected are now living with their relatives in Nueva Villa Village and in the CES Fellowship Center in the village of Nueva Villa. New People’s Army were extorting any kind of food and support from the village people as well as influencing with their political agenda against the government, Willie said. When his brother Franklin came here, he told Willie of the hardship of the saints there and their fear of being caught in the gunfight. Please pray for them.

Noraldyne P. Matub

Davao City, Philippines

Beloved John (Lynn),

      I send you warm greetings in the Lord's name Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God.

Thank you for your kind comment on the fluency of my English. It is by the grace of God, because I was in Islamic schools. Since I was born in a Moslem family, it was a must for me to learn Arabic. Therefore English I call it just a miracle to me, because God knew that I will communicate to people like you.

Again, thank you John, for answering my questions, even when some of them seemed to be rude questions. You expressed your humble attitude. I love you for that.

I am not rigid to what I know. I am open to learn any truth that the Lord has wanted me to know. Please, please, feel free to open your heart also and raise me to know this truth. I don't think the pressure can be too great for me to an extent of turning away from the truth, because what I went through when I left Islam was enough to claim my physical life, but the Lord led me through all this.

Therefore, feel free with me. I am praying for our relationship, and God has proven to me some things about you and me. I remember God told me that I will give you a Father to prepare you for the work I am going to use you to bring change in your country, therefore, I am ready to see that. And who knows, whether you are the Man.

If you got offended with the questions in the previous email, please forgive me, but I am as straight as an arrow in all my dealings.

Greet the lovely ones, most especially John Schoenheit.

Timothy Baludde

Kampala, Uganda

Dear Fellow Laborers,

      The God of blessings will give you prosperity and success whatever you do in the Lord's field through Christ Jesus our Lord. It is my utmost desire to be able to reached out for those who are lost in sin. That's why I believe the title of this newsletter is quite appropriate with our mission of furthering the Gospel of Christ. In furthering the Gospel (the good news), we used different approaches or strategies just to make people know and believe the truth.

Our target is not only those unbelieving people who doesn't care about the truth, that those who don't believe the Lord Jesus as the Son of God has no everlasting life. It is also our intention and mission that traditional believers and teachers be reached by sounding the alarm of truth even to their doorsteps.

Our strategies include distributing of tracts to the unbelievers (we write our own tracts), second we schedule with wonderful Christian music (this is for unbelievers also) and powerful preaching of the Word. Our slogan says, we preach so that we can teach!

We have to convince people outside and bring them in so that we can properly teach them the Word free from traditions. We also conduct series of seminars for leaders who wanted to know what CES has to offer when it comes to our teachings. We let them know what we stand for as the Bible well stipulates about it. We had to let them know about our biblical research, as well as Bible interpretations etc. Early next year we have to have Bible learning Centers to train more leaders in different locations and areas of responsibilities.

Our only requests for you is to make intercession for us in your prayers. Whether you are alone or in the fellowships, please back us up with prayers. If you have some electric guitars, tambourines, keyboard organ of whatever brand, bibles, tents,  etc. you can send it to us as we create more teams to join us for this work of moving the Word in the Philippines.

Let us sow the Word for them to have life everlasting.

Your fellow Servant,

Wilfredo B. Matub

Davao City, Philippines

CES Elders Visit the U.S.A. From the Philippines

      By the grace of God and the generosity of His people, three brothers from the Philippines were able to join the Leadership Team Meeting in September. James Batao, Willie Matub, and Rey Delima flew together from Cebu City, arriving in Indianapolis looking tired but excited.

After the Leadership Team Meeting, James went to Columbus, IN to stay with Joe and Rita McCormick, Rey went to Fostoria, OH to visit with Ron and Jane Bickel and Gary and Marianne Cochran, and Willie went to Onward, IN to visit Jack and Dodie Laymon. Then they came back to Indianapolis and spent a few more days teaching, fellowshipping, and shopping. Thanks to all who made this trip for them possible. The Lord will not forget your generosity!

CES Mission and Vision Statements Revised

In our discussions at the Advisory Council meeting at Earlham College in August, and at the Leadership Team Meeting in Indianapolis in September, we reviewed our ministry’s mission statement to see if it still reflected our best understanding of the direction we are heading.

The consensus of these discussions was that the old mission statement was not adequate. It was:

“To glorify the One True God and the Lord Jesus Christ by learning, living, and teaching God's Word so that all men and women may have an opportunity to be saved, come to a knowledge of the truth and become established in faithful and fruitful Christian service.”

This mission statement addressed only the intention of helping individual believers, and what was missing was a commitment to creating healthy Christian community. Other elements of the mission were discussed at length, but we finally agreed that the following statement was the best articulation of what we feel that the Lord is calling us to as a ministry:

“To glorify the One True God and the Lord Jesus Christ by providing sound biblical teaching and a spiritually-empowered fellowship community so that all people may be saved, come to a knowledge of the truth and become established in faithful and fruitful Christian living.”

This statement recognizes that the only way we can grow up in Christ is in community with other Christians. We have been made to function within a body of believers, and to obey the commandments of the Church Epistles requires us to be in committed relationship with Christians to further the Gospel. Christianity is a team sport, and to be an isolated and disconnected Christian is to be unable to be a blessing and to be blessed. Therefore, we see a big part of our mission to be the providing of a context in which to live and serve each other in love.

The vision statement of our ministry was also reviewed and succinctly stated as follows:

“Building a global community of committed Christians living the truth in love.”

We have considered various possibilities for a slogan (like “Word in the Nations”) but we haven’t come up with one yet. Do you have an idea? We would like it to reflect the fact that we are more than a teaching ministry promoting “the Word.” We are endeavoring to make disciples for Christ, and promoting the whole ministry of Christ.

What About the Name “CES”?

The name of our ministry has also been under consideration. Does the name Christian Educational Services still fit our mission and vision? There are two names that have been submitted that are presently under consideration:

·         Spirit & Truth Ministries International (STMI)

·         Christian Educational Ministries International (CEMI)

Let us know if you have an opinion on this topic. Your feedback is very important to us.

Possible CES Slogans?

While at Earlham in August, we each contributed a slogan that we thought captured what our ministry means to us. The following are some of these:

Commissions men and women to minister in teaching, prophecy, deliverance, and healing, both nationally and internationally—Peter Drago

The teachings of CES show that the Bible is intellectually believable and emotionally satisfying—John Schoenheit

Encourages, empowers, and supports the effective workings of individual ministries in relationship to and with the entire Body of Christ—Debora Paules

Christian Educational Services provides nourishment, encouragement, and a community enabling followers to be of service by exercising their God-given ability—Tom Resner

Through sound biblical teaching, CES empowers God’s people with the confidence of who they are in Christ and with the promise of eternal life in their future—Don Stone

CES provides insightful and thought-provoking teachings that encourage a deeper commitment to God, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the body of believers—Dottie Heman

CES provides a fellowship community in which Christian believers can fully utilize their gifts, talents and abilities for the benefit of the entire Body of Christ—Dan Gallagher

Tape of the Month Are Now Becoming

“Tape of the Month!”

      After discussing the possibility for years, and with all the excellent teachers and preachers coming up within the CES community, the CES Board has decided to expand the bimonthly tape program to a monthly tape.

The purposes for this change are:

·        To encourage a greater diversity and balance within the CES community.

·        To allow women to have a greater voice, and to more effectively minister to the needs of women as well as men.

·        To be able to respond to needs more quickly, and to improve communication within the community of believers.

·        To allow a greater variety of proven ministers to share their insights and perspectives to edify the body of believers.

The annual cost of the Monthly Tape Program will be $48 for audio tapes and $72 for CDs (plus S&H). We trust that this change will enhance the quality of our ministry to God’s precious people.

Partnership Program Minimum Pledge Will Change in 2002

      Since its inception in 1999, the CES Partnership Program has provided a means for people to regularly give back to the Lord through CES. It has also allowed us to forecast a monthly income and an operating budget, to be better stewards of what the Lord has entrusted to us. We are deeply grateful for those of you who have chosen to support us in this way, and we have demonstrated that by giving our Partners a 15% discount, a free subscription to the Tape of the Month, and The Contender, which we will continue to do.

      With the expansion to monthly tapes, and rising administrative costs, we no longer feel that we can keep the minimum pledge of the Partnership Program at $10 a month. So, beginning January  1, 2002 the Partnership Program minimum pledge will be $20 a month. Those Partners who have been giving $10 may continue to do so and stay enrolled in the Partnership Program. If you are able to increase your pledge beyond $10 a month, it would be greatly appreciated.

      Thanks again to all of you who make this ministry possible by your generous and faithful contributions. We know the Lord will reward you!

An Important Note Regarding Tax Deductible Gifts to CES!

For a gift to CES to be legitimately tax-deductible, a donor must give without stipulations, or give into a general fund like “Foreign Missions,” etc. You cannot give in a specifically designated way    (like to a particular person) and get a tax deduction for it. For instance, you want to donate an item to a believer in the CES community, so you donate the item to CES and ask CES to give it to the person of your choice. Please note: If we were to engage in this kind of “activity,” we could lose our tax deductible status.

      Please do not ask us to break the law, or even the spirit of the law, which is to protect the public from financially irresponsible organizations using their tax-deductible status as a ruse to benefit individuals. We are trying to keep our nose squeaky clean for the Lord’s sake                  (1 Pet. 2:13).

If you want to give to bless a fellow believer, God bless you and we thank God for your loving heart. God will bless you much more than the IRS can, and if you compromise your gift to get a tax deduction, you probably forfeit the blessing that you should have gotten.

If you do want to give something to CES and let us decide where it should go, then you can claim a tax-deduction under the law.

The only designations we are making available for financial gifts at present are:

·         Foreign Missions Fund (goes to support ministers who stand with us in other countries, especially third world countries).

·         CES College Building Fund (goes to the eventual purchase of property for a CES-owned college/training center).

·         Africa/India Trip 2002 (goes to the funding of a planned Africa/India trip in 2002).   

·         New Video Class Project Fund (goes to the funding of the two video classes that we plan to produce in 2002).

·         Prison Outreach