Welcome to the GMAF Newsletter! We pray it will encourage you in your Martial Arts and Outreach for Christ.
"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
Jesus Christ
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors thorugh him that loved us."
The Apostle Paul
" The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead."
Proverbs 11:8
The Bible makes it abundantly clear that God's children will experience times of trouble. One of the picture ideas of the Hebrew words for "tribulation and trouble" is of a person being in a narrow place and pressed hard on all sides. Have you felt that in your life? I'm sure you have because God said that everyone would experience tribulation and trouble in their lives. Some Hebrew words for "trouble" carry the idea of being seized suddenly with fear, to tremble and be terrified, to shake by a sudden impulse, to be confused, to be agitated, burdened and distressed, to be bent down, bowed, depressed with calamities, to be cut off. Every man and every woman has been troubled.
Jesus cared deeply for His disciples. He spent more time with them than anyone else on earth. Christ gave them insights into life that no one else knew until the disciples began sharing those insights after the Lord returned to Heaven. Shortly before Christ went to the Cross to die for the sins of humanity, He told His disciples that He had spoken to them that they would have peace in Him. Jesus went on to say, "In the world ye shall have tribulation." (John 16:33) The Greek word for "tribulation" means a pressing, a pressure, anything which burdens the spirit. It means to suffer affliction, to be troubled because of sufferings due to the pressure of circumstances or the antagonism of others. The Greek word is similar to the Hebrew word in its picture of someone in a narrow situation being pressed hard on all sides. Christ told His disciples they would have that kind of trouble in the world. That's a fact. Write it on a piece of paper and tape it to your refrigerator door: you will have trouble in this world.
What do we do about it? Complain? Fret? Freak out? Get angry? Quit? Leave this world? Those are some options, though poor choices for God's children. Christ told His disciples, "but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." That's what we do; we depend on Christ and His peace. "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace."
"But", you ask, "how do I experience Christ's peace when I'm pressed upon hard in all directions?" Good question. The answer is easy to say but hard to do: "Trust God." What good is our Faith in Christ if we lose it when things get a little tough, or when things get a lot tough? We say we "believe" in Christ. What does that mean? It means we completely rely on Him, not ourselves. We don't trust anyone or anything other than Christ. We don't look to our families or our friends or our jobs or our recreation or anything else to give us peace. We look to God! He is our Peace. "But," you say, " my life is falling apart around me, how do I trust God in the middle of disaster?" That's exactly when we NEED to Trust in God; when we are bowed by pressure and affliction. When our strength runs out, we're ready to depend on God's Strength. When I am weak, He is Strong. No one is closer to you in times of trouble than Christ Jesus our Lord. Most of us have seen the picture of the footprints in the sand and the question from a child of God about why they see only one set of footprints during some of the Christian's most troubled times. We remember with tears in our eyes the answer from our Heavenly Father that it was during those most difficult times that Christ picked us up in His Arms of Peace and carried us through tribulation.
"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort, Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so also our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation." (2 Corinthians 1:3-7)
I believe God placed a special burden on my heart about this. I've felt deeply about it for some time now. That's always been God's way of telling me He has some children in trouble who need support and encouragement. If you are feeling pressed about on all sides, if you are distressed and troubled, hear God's Gentle Voice speaking to you right now. He will support you during you these times of trouble. He will carry you through to Victory. He will give you His Peace which passes all understanding. Our prayers and our love go with you.
Wow! Have I told you that God is about to Bless me again? On Sept 22-23 I will be inducted into the Texas LIVING LEGENDS at the Houston Southwest Hotel. God has been faithful and true. I owe it ALL to HIM. To be in the same company of the greatest Martial Art people in the World is indeed a Honor. Such dignitaries as: Mr Texas Himself Grandmaster Allen Steen, Fred " whirlwind" Wren, Bill "Super foot " Wallace, The absolute Queen of point karate, Ms Linda Denley, Roy Kurban, George "Master of ceremonies " Minshew, Jim Harrison of the good old bare knuckle's, day's, as well Grandmaster Jack Hwang, Dr Maung, Ray "Harley Biker man" Mcallum, Grandmaster Pat Burleson. This is just a few of the REAL LEGENDS, I'll very humbly be in their company.
6th Dan Director of this entire event is the incomparable GARY LEE, himself a NBL World Champion. After all my fretting, complaining, and other prideful unchristian like poor behavior, it took my being able to sacrifice all my so called titles, and my willingness to let go of my wants, and allow God to give me what HE WILLED concerning my needs, so to speak. I realized I didn't NEED any titles or atta boys I just Needed God. So all the poor me stuff, about how and why ( I ) wasn't recognized by my peers, was for nothing, besides they, who in reality were not even in the same Class as these magnificent, TEXANICANS. ( a definition coined, I think, by Chill Wills Jr ). I am invited to join them at this most prestigious event and National Tournament. And I can assure you, I definitely feel out of my league. God must be teaching me to not depend on pleasing man, and seeking man's esteem. But to totally rely on God and HE will esteem us in the eyes of man through Jesus Christ.
That is a Biblical statement
found in Scriptures. So after reading my first part last month,
does any one see any difference in my attitude? I would like to
get some feed back from all of you out there. Don't be
fearful of hurting my feelings, you won't. I just love the truth.
Your council is welcomed. Tell me like it is! And if this is a
little confusing please forgive me, my mind is not where it usually
should be. I had some kind of allergic reaction last night and
had to be taken to the emergency hospital. That's twice in a month,
ain't insurance great. I think it was just the Lord giving me
a test run. Ha! I can just hear Him saying to me, relax Karl it
isn't your time yet, this was just a test drill, like in the military.
HA! God does have a since of humor.
Be Blessed those of you who
take the time to read what I write. I hope I haven't offended
anyone, however if what I say is from God ( I HOPE ) and is the
TRUTH, then I don't apologize for God's Word, I just say "GET
A
LIFE" Sucker! What you see is what you get! HA! just kidding,
saint's. The Lord Bless you all.
Just me and Jesus, getting
along.
In Christ I am, HIS servant.
Old Soke Karl W. Marx Sr
Pastor Marx has made a special offer to Christian martial artists. He will teach clinics for Christian dojos and churches at no charge! The only cost would be for plane fare and lodging for Pastor Marx and a teaching assistant. If you would like to contact Pastor Marx about his offer, you can e-mail him at keichu-do-1@juno.com.
The following is a message from Shidoshi Johnny Russel of the Christian Martial Arts Fellowship to fellow Christian martial artists. Thanks to Soke Marx for sending it to us.
"Greetings Fellow Warriors-
Recently, I have been asked by several people why I participate
in the Martial Arts. Is it a hobby? Is it for the physical exercise?
Is it to build self-confidence? Questions such as these cause
me to reexamine my true motivation and ask myself; Why do I spend
so much time in practice, training, and teaching? Is it really
worth all of trouble, disappointment, and time away from my family?
If training in the martial arts was indeed simply to better myself and my ability to protect myself I would have to say that it is NOT worth all the blood, sweat, and tears. Why should I place such demands upon myself and commit to countless hours away from the comforts of my home and family?
Then I think wait a minute... I am part of an outreach ministry. My time spent in training in the martial arts is not about me... it's about reaching others for Christ! The Christian Martial Arts Fellowship's primary goal is multi-fold: To evangelize and bring lost souls into the Kingdom of God; To build and develop disciples for Christ; And to train and equip those disciples to bring others to Christ and repeat the cycle. Our secondary goal is to produce world-class, professionally trained martial artists.
While Christ preached to the multitudes and thousands followed His earthly ministry, our Lord literally poured Himself into lives of the twelve disciples. I relish the "insiders view" we enjoy while reading the words Jesus spoke only to His chosen few.
In today's fast-moving culture, the responsibilities of life can at times seem overwhelming. In my 30 years as a Christian I have witnessed countless warriors who, though once on fire for Christ, suffered burned out and have abandoned the battle. Burn out is many times due to a lack of depth in one's Christian walk. Improper discipleship will no doubt produce a shallow-rooted believer. As we serve God and work diligently to bring others to Christ, we must acknowledge the fact that our commission from Jesus does not end with soul winning.
Years ago while I was attending Indiana Bible College several of us "preacher boys" would have monthly soul winning contests. While winning souls is an admirable goal for anyone, we foolishly placed complete focus on people "praying the sinners prayer". We carelessly abandoned the newly reborn soul, forcing them to fend for themselves against Satan who we know to always be lurking and waiting to attack. My heart sinks when I think about how many young Christians never grew and blossomed as a dedicated believer as a result of my lack of discipleship efforts.
Sometimes in our zeal to "save the world for Christ" we develop improper attitudes mingled with unattainable goals and expectations. When we demand too much of ourselves and others we tend to produce very little spiritual fruit. If one believes that he has the sole responsibility of reaching the world or perhaps just his own city, town, neighborhood, or block he may tend to accomplish very little since such demands made on any single person are rarely productive.
Paul's exhortation in 2 Timothy 2:2 is a very simple formula for reaching others. Rather than trying to reach every person, Paul teaches that we should focus on reaching a few and developing them in the processes, principles, and practices of our faith. A person adequately developed in his faith will inevitably touch the lives of others... drawing them to Christ. Those he reaches will extend what they received to others over whom they have influence, et cetera.
I am convinced that the reason for our lack of witnessing to, and the discipling of, others is primarily due to the insecurities we feel in our own person, walk, and faith. Every believer undeniably has areas of his life concerning which he feels conviction, dissatisfaction, or a sense of failure. Such issues often cause the believer to falter in his walk, to be opaque in his testimony, and to draw back when confronted with the opportunity of witnessing
Discipling others requires transparency in one's walk. Failure to be transparent can result in a superficial, artificial, and non effectual witness.
Transparency requires one to openly be what he is. Obviously, none of us relishes the idea of openly exposing the inner dysfunctions of life. This, however, is a vital part of the discipling of others. To be a discipler predisposes that we not only recognize our frailties, but that we be determined to address them. Therefore, an essential part of discipling is that we recognize our failures, be willing to be transparent about them, and to not only show our disciplees that we are willing to address them but the process by which we go about it.
Such a process is the only logical way that the Apostle Paul could openly invite others to emulate his life as found in Philippians 4:9. This is the only convincing way to demonstrate our spiritual determination to those we are attempting to disciple.
If we carefully read 2 Timothy 2:2 our job is much larger than to simply make DISCIPLES of new believers... we are to make DISCIPLERS of them. Those whom we influence with the gospel are to be so convinced, converted, and committed that they will see every contact as a potential mission field. They will then begin their own process of so developing the spirituality of those persons that those persons in turn will do the same for others. This is the discipleship process as commanded by Jesus and defined by Paul.
The martial arts while appealing to most, doesn't interest everyone. Martial arts does however attract an interesting kind of person that by other means may have never darkened the door of a church.
You are part of an exciting, cutting-edge ministry. Bottom line... the CMAF exists to glorify God, bring souls into His Kingdom, to produce not only disciples for Christ but disciple-makers! (now don't you feel better about having to execute those 500 front snap kicks?!)"
Shidoshi Russell
Here is a new article from our friends at Faith Fighters for Christ Christian Martial Arts Ministry! We thank the Engelhardts for sharing this with us.
Small group ministry,
also called cell groups, is an extended ministry of your church.
There are several types you may be able to think of, such as recovery
groups, prayer groups, home Bible study groups, discipleship groups,
etc. These are considered a direct ministry of your church because
they either happen within your building or are located off-site,
but have the same accountability within your church=s administrative
structure. Indirect ministries of your church are the ministry
of individuals from the church, but are not official ministries
of the church. Such things as a prayer and Bible study time during
lunch at work, Moms in Touch, and other small groups lead by individuals
and/or couples by the leading of the Holy Spirit are indirect
small groups.
There are different ministry goals of small groups. Recovery groups
are specialized to meet very specific needs of the group members.
They also remain confidential in their discussions, which means
that "what is said there stays there" for the protection
of the members. No one new is allowed to come in after two or
three weeks. There are also less specific groups where the focus
is Bible study and prayer, as well as a good time talking with
each other. They are not usually confidential unless someone specifically
asks for something to not be shared outside. More general groups
do not officially close, allowing new people in either anytime
or at intervals. Human nature has a tendency to close a group
because of the comfort level, but will begin regrouping and gaining
a different identity over time. Small group dynamics are based
around building strong bonds within the membership.
There are elements that are specific to small groups making them
relationship-building ministries. The aspects of small groups
that are present at every meeting are: Prayer, Bible Study, fellowship,
service, leadership-mentorship, multiplication, and guidelines
for effective operation. Those things that build relationships
with God are: prayer, Bible study, fellowship, and leadership-mentorship.
The ones that build human relationships are: Bible study, fellowship,
service, leadership-mentorship, multiplication, and guidelines
for effective operation. The focus of the group determines how
much of each of these is utilized. For example, with a prayer
and Bible study group, prayer and Bible study get the majority
of time and attention, even though all the other elements are
present. Recovery groups are primarily focused on service and
Bible study, but again the other elements are still present. They
just do not get equal time and attention. One of the most important
factors in all of this is that everyone who has the need for the
focus of the group is welcome. The only thing that could cause
them to be put out of the group is breach of trust. All of the
aspects of small groups must be in use or the group will fail.
Martial arts is a natural setting in which to place the small
group ministry aspects. Since traditional martial arts, operated
like that of the Asian countries, is primarily based on Zen and
Taosim, most of the small group aspects are all ready there, but
with Eastern religion. There is order and structure with rules
for belonging to the group. There is a defined leadership set-up.
Martial arts ministry is more than teaching techniques. Unfortunately,
balance is not always kept in martial arts ministry. It does not
matter whether your school is in a church, a commercial school,
or study/fellowship group after karate class in a secular school,
keeping balance with the techniques as well as the ministry aspect
is of primary importance. Remember, most of us practice arts that
were originally intertwined with Zen, Taoism, and/or Shintoism.
There was balance for them because their belief system was a part
of all they did in life. Unfortunately, American Christians compartmentalize
different aspects of their lives. This sort of lifestyle makes
balance difficult. Our entire workout time in class should be
a form of worship to God. There should be an aspect of thanksgiving
and praise to God internally as we punch, kick, block, etc. When
we invite God into our classes, being an integral part, then can
we begin to balance ministry with our training. Our first focus
is on God, then on others, and finally self. This order must be
kept for effective ministry.
There are several types
of martial arts ministry: church-based, commercial school, outreach/support
in a secular school, associations, and tournament circuits. This
article is focused on the first three types because this is in
our realm of understanding and small group ministry needs consistent,
regular meeting times. If you have figured out how to use small
group ministry through associations and tournament circuits, let
us know. Each group will be different because it will reflect
the personality differences and spiritual gifts of the leadership.
The church-based or youth center-styled martial arts ministry
is actually the easiest to set up in small group format. The primary
group of people who will have an interest in Christian martial
arts in a church are Christians. The main ministry focus becomes
discipleship, even though evangelism will be greatly emphasized.
Many of the church-based groups are either family-oriented (ours
runs ages 10-adult) or youth-oriented (a friend has his aimed
at ages 12-18). There is structure set with the protocol and heirarchial
structure that is found in martial arts classes, but some things
may be different like a salute rather than bowing, using Mr. or
Mrs. instead of Sensei or Sifu , and bowing to the room or pictures
may be deleted. Usually there are devotions or Bible study as
a break from intense physical activity. Fellowship time occurs
before and after class as students gather and part. Outreach happens
when new students come in, but mostly through demonstrations and
seminars. One problem in the general martial arts world is that
these types of groups are seen as having substandard skills and
believe there are too many inadequate black belts coming from
these settings. Reality is the majority of ministry instructors
are very conscientious about the art they pass on to their students.
We have found that it is very difficult to get Christian students
to be bold, developing a reasonable amount of aggression because
of fallacies passed down through well-meaning Christians. This
is quite a challenge for this type of instructor to work with.
(In our opinion, secular martial arts classes are a problem in
the church. They should not be allowed to use the church space.
These tend to add confusion in the church's teachings.) There
should only be Christian-based teaching in the church, which the
small groups ministry format can aid.
Many instructors use the commercial school to reach people for
Christ while they pass on the benefits of their systems of martial
arts. This is the environment in which they have come to know
and love karate, judo, jujitsu, kempo, and others. But this is
more difficult setting to bring in small group ministry aspects.
However, it is not impossible. Some schools have Scripture verses
to memorize, others use creeds to remind the class whom they serve.
Some pray as a group. Yet others offer Bible study and fellowship
time after or between classes. Some instructors have parties,
fellowship times in the evenings after classes, or special gatherings.
During the instruction time, the students learn how Christians
should respond in confrontations, whether or not to use lethal
force, or the wonders of God's creation of the human body. There
are always rules and guidelines to be followed with the consequences
for those who choose not to cooperate. These things are all aspects
of small group ministry in a commercial martial arts setting.
Christians in secular schools do minister to other students in
their classes. They usually are able to reach out because of instructors
who are willing to accept that these students have problems observing
some protocols and teachings. Their witness is a relationship-based
evangelism. Some obtain permission from instructors to hold Bible
study and prayer after class. These become a small group since
they meet the needs of other Christians in the class for fellowship
and prayer support. They reach out to non-Christians by acceptance
in the group, giving them an opportunity to learn about the Lord.
Small group ministry for martial artists in secular schools, although
we do not have experience with it, many others have told us is
a growing trend in ministry.
Follow link for application of the concepts in the list.
Prayer
Bible Study
Fellowship
Service
Leadership Development
Growth
The first place to
begin is with your own life. It is impossible to minister effectively
if your own spiritual life is anorexic. Martial artists who come
to Christ after they have been in training tend to have more trouble
integrating Christian teaching into their art. People like ourselves
who come into martial arts after having been Christians for a
while have less trouble because the secular teachings are scrutinized
through Scripture and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Some things
will come through from their secular training, but these martial
artists are also more open to constructive criticism. Be sure
to participate in Sunday school and worship in a vibrant church.
Some churches offer lay leader training that may be beneficial
to you. Prayer and devotional time is your intimate time to converse
with the Lord. It becomes a two-way communication that flows,
permeating your entire life. It is also very important to have
the majority of your close friends, especially for martial arts
that some are Christian martial artists. You can share common
cares and concerns as well as help each other with problems. If
you do not have this type of relationship available, Christian
associations can help fill that area for you. A healthy Christian
lifestyle will be reflected in your ministry.
The next natural step would be housecleaning your system. Most
martial artists teach as they have been taught. This is true in
ministry as well. For example, our instructor had transliterated
the Bushido concept as the way of the Christian warrior. A wise
Christian brother in our church who had been in Japan during WWII
came to us concerned about this term on a newsletter we put out.
When he explained the Bushido mindset he encountered first-hand
in Japan, we realized that we needed to examine what we had been
taught more closely. Our instructor had been teaching us from
a Christian perspective, but he trained in a traditional secular
school before he was a Christian. This was some baggage he passed
onto us, which we needed to examine. You can get help with housecleaning
from our article "A Little Bit of Sin is Never In".
Also, talk with others who have been ministering for quite a while.
They can help you, too.
The last step of the process is to build a Small Group Framework.
Write out your class format step by step. List the elements of
small groups and prayerfully examine the two in order to determine
how this will work for your ministry. For secular school students,
simply check for interest level and find an appropriate Bible
study area and curriculum. Get permission from your instructor
to hold such a group after class. If he will not agree to this,
you may want to start a small home group for classmates. Then
just begin. Your pastor or a Sunday school teacher may be able
to help you with either of these types of groups. Get the resources
you need, whether it be Scripture memory cards, web articles,
or study guides. Gather ideas from others as your go and share
your successes with others in martial arts ministry. The Lord
will bless the heartfelt, Spirit-led ministry you do.
Resources: Turbo Small Group Leadership Training Manual,
Getting Together by Em Griffin, and Small Groups class at Winebrenner
Theological Seminary in Findlay, Ohio. There are several fine
books in small group ministry at your local Christian bookstore.
Special thanks
to Royal Reynolds,
President of Koininia Fellowship of Martial Artists; Fred Murphy,
President of Black Belts of the Faith; Lou Blizzard, head instructor
of Lion Fist Kempo; Jeff and Diane Goodwin, head instructors of
Family Martial Arts and Fitness; Rick and Pam McDowell, head instructors
of Defiance Christian Martial Arts; Dr. Daryl Covington, founder
of Wha Moo Do and Hall of Fame inductee in the United States Martial
Arts Association; Herschel Schenk, Head instructor of Awase Kenpo
Kai; and David Clinard, President of Fellowship of Christian Martial
Artists. We also thank the many brothers and sisters in Christ
who e-mail us, sharing with us how the Lord is using them in martial
arts ministry. May the Lord bless you abundantly!
Faith Fighters
for Christ web site is located at http://www.angelfire.com/oh/ff4christ/
1. Give God what's right...not
what's left!
2. "Pray" is a four-letter word that you can say anywhere
except in a public school.
3. Man's way leads to a hopeless end! God's way leads to an endless
hope!
4. A lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing.
5. He who kneels before God can stand before anyone!
6. To be almost saved is to be totally lost.
7. We're too blessed to be depressed.
8. In the sentence of life the Devil may be a comma but DO NOT
LET him be the PERIOD!
9. Don't put a question mark where God put a period.
10. God loves everyone, but probably prefers "fruits of the
spirit" over "religious nuts"!
11. God grades on the cross, not the curve
12. Are you wrinkled with burden? Come on into Church for a faith
lift!
13. Prayer - Don't give God instructions -just report for duty!
14. Wal-Mart isn't the only saving place!
15. God doesn't want shares of your life...He wants controlling
interest!
16. Don't wait for 6 strong men to take you to church.
17. A family altar can alter a family.
18. We don't change the message...the message changes us.
19. This Church is "Prayer Conditioned"!
20. When God ordains, He sustains.
21. WARNING: Exposure to the Son may prevent burning!
22. Plan ahead, it wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.
23. Most people want to serve God - but only in an advisory capacity.
24. Having truth decay? Brush up on your Bible!
25. Exercise daily - walk with the Lord!
26. Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.
27. Wisdom has two parts: 1) having a lot to say. 2) not saying
it.
28. Never give the devil a ride! He will always want to drive!
29. Watch your step carefully! Everyone else does!
30. A clean conscience makes a soft pillow.
31. Nothing ruins the truth like stretching it.
32. You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage
them.
33. He who is good at making excuses is seldom good for anything
else.
34. Kindness is difficult to give away because it keeps coming
back.
35. He who angers you controls you!
36. Worry is the darkroom in which "negatives" are developed.
37. Give Satan an inch and he'll be a ruler.
38. For all you do, His bloods for you!
39. Forbidden fruits create many jams.
40. Be ye fishers of men, you catch them - He will clean them.
41. Deciding not to choose is still making a choice.
42. God doesn't call the qualified...He qualifies the called.
43. If God is your Co-pilot----Swap seats!
You'll find every newsletter at http://www.gmaf.org/gmaf_newsletters.html . These newsletters are a gold mine of information about Christianity and the Martial Arts.
A brother is looking for a Christian martial arts group in Burlington, Iowa for his family. Please let us know if you are aware of a group in that area.
Thanks for praying for Pastor Vasile Filat and his church and martial arts ministries in Romania and Russia. Here is a recent letter.
"We are now in Chattanooga
at Precept Ministries and tomorrow we well fly to Sacramento California
to train there leaders for Russian and Romanian Churches in inductive
bible study method so than they can
start and lead groups in their churches. After, we have to do
a seminar also in Seattle. We thank you for your faithfulness
in praying for us.
Now, I have to share with you some good news from my students... Sergiu Filat, wrote me that he just finished a Taekwon-Do camp with 30 students where he taught them Philippians and as a result only 2 people went home without receiving Jesus in their hearts. So, please, pray for them that the Word will bring the fruit of Salvation of their souls. Nicolae Sili and his wife Svetlana wrote that they also held a one week camp with 73 students and studied there 2 Thessalonians and as a result 26 of them received Jesus and 5 took a decision to come to study in the Precept Institute in Chisinev next October. Now, Valerie and Natasha Moisei have a camp in Transnistria and when I will have some more news from I will write you. Pray for them and for other 6 of my students from Lapushna who are planning to do the first time for themselves a camp with about 30 - 40 students and will teach there Philippians. Also, please, pray that our Lord will provide support for teachers as Sergiu, Nicolae, Svetlana , Valerie, Natasha and others so that they can be involved full time in the Gospel and that we can use all the opportunities God is giving us now.
With love in Christ,
Vasile
mailto: david-pm@ch.moldpac.md
Mark,
I just received your August 2000 newsletter. I am always inspired by the section of praises of Gods answers to prayers. God is truly faithful. I will be starting a new job by the beginning of September as a software instructor. I know that some of the members of the GMAF are "instructors" outside of the martial arts. I want to know if you or any members have a suggestion about a pin,patch,tie clip,etc. that would strike up conversation. This could be an invitation to not only talk about the martial arts, but most importantly, talk about the saving grace of Jesus Christ. (john.huff@gte.net)
Pray for me that I will be
blessed with many oppurtunities to share the gospel message with
the folks
that I meet/instruct. Also, I have been itching to write an article
for the newsletter, I pray for grace to see that article thru.
God bless the members of the GMAF!! I appreciate you!!!
Yours in Christ,
John Huff
Isshunryu Karate
(We might add that John just became a Sichi-kyu. Congratulations, John!)
Here's a note from our friend, Kevin Schaller.
Dear Fellow Instructors,
After years of resistance, please welcome Hanshi Alexander Archie,
9th Dan Goju Shorei and President of the Sierra Chapter of ATAMA,
member of the Christian Karate Association, and brother in Christ....to
the information age! That's right, we got him on-line.
Please feel free to shoot him an email at: AAHanshi@aol.com
ps. Please try to make it to the ATAMA national seminar in Reno on Oct. 7-8.
Yours in Christ,
Kevin Schaller
Here are some more martial arts games for children students from Sa Bom Nim Connie Gulick.
Here are some circle game ideas:
For younger children (or even
a mix), we circle up with a little space between each other (about
a foot), kneel down with our faces on the floor, then one person
from the circle gets up and bunny hops (two feet at once) over
each person. Ideally, the better students will be managing one
hop between each person without pause, but the beginner students
sometimes have to manage other ways. If the student is particularly
small, she may hop over with one foot at a time, or put her hand
on the person's back, or even
go around. I don't know why, but the kids love it.
Another one we call "Circle of Doom." One person is "it" and in the center. The people around number off in order. I call out numbers at random and the person with that number can do a pre-arranged attack to the person in the center (for example, we can say all attacks must be a round kick). If "it" has trouble knowing where the attack is coming from, we have the attacker yell BEFORE moving. You may also add a punch to the block.
A third idea is "Pass
it on." I start with a kick (for example) to the person to
my right who must block it then turn and do the same kick to the
person to his right, so the kick gets passed on. As we do better
and pick
up speed, I vary it by reversing directions, changing techniques,
etc. The ultimate variation is to -- once passing a kick to the
right -- start a different technique to the left. Talk about challenge!
Connie
Here's
a note from Master Joseph Lumpkin of Karate for Christ.
Greeting From Karate for Christ;
The attached jpeg is a clipping from the Birmingham News in Birmingham,
Alabama. We believe that there will also be a radio interview
within the next month on a locally syndicated Christian show hosted
by Hank Erwin.
This publicity has already produced and upsurge in the hits on
our website. It is our hope that it will cause all of our ministries
to benefit.
The Article is not correct in several ways. We told the reporter
we had 400 students visit over a period of about 2 years. We have
a child and adult class running 2 times a week. Thus, we teach
4 classes a week. At our largest, we had a total of 100 students
in class, not 100 in 4 classes. Also, as a bounty hunter, I work
mostly on weekends and I seldom go out of state. The article makes
us look bigger than life. Unusual for the media which normally
is dismissive to the Christian cause.
Joseph Lumpkin
(I know you will join us in praying for each of these Christian martial artists and their ministries.)
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