GMAF NEWSLETTER

September-October 2002

Welcome to the GMAF Newsletter! We pray it will encourage you in your Martial Arts and Outreach for Christ.

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life...I am the living bread which cometh down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world."

Jesus Christ

"For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead: that in all things he might have the pre-eminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven."

The Apostle Paul

"In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death."

King Solomon

I've had lots of ideas about what to write for the newsletter this month, but none seemed to be what God had in mind. Then, just days from our publishing deadline, it hit me. I was writing to a dear Christian friend who had asked how our move to Tampa had gone. I responded with the normal stuff about moving and our new jobs. I almost sent the message when I felt prompted to write one more paragraph.

"The most important part of our life is Jesus. There has never been and never will be anyone like Jesus. He is our heart and soul. He is the Love of our lives. He has given us eternal life and meaning beyond words. I can't say enough or write enough about Him. He is Wonderful, the Almighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace."

That is what God placed on my heart to write this month: Jesus.

Life can be very complicated. We think this and think that. We say this and say that. We go here and go there. We do this thing and that thing. We meet this person and that person. We work, we eat, we sleep, we go to church, we play. We're busy, busy, busy.

Pause for a moment and boil down everything you think, feel and do as a Christian. What is the center of a Christian's life? What is the core of your existence? What is our most basic focus as Christians? Very simply, it's Jesus. If we don't have Jesus, we don't have life. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Jesus made it even simpler than that when He said, "I am." Jesus is our I Am. He is our Life, our Hope, our Dreams, our Path to Heaven. He is the Bread of Life. Jesus is our Alpha and Omega. Our lives began with Him and will continue with Him throughout Eternity.

Even though I was raised in a Christian home, I turned to a variety of worldly philosophies as a teenager and young man. One of those was atheism. I can't explain what my heart and mind felt when I placed my faith and trust in Jesus 31 years ago. The feeling is still there and has grown because of the abundance of His Love and Grace toward me. Jesus touched my life in a way that no one else could. He immediately became my best friend and closest confidant. I can tell Him anything. He listens, then speaks softly and powerfully to me about what's right and wrong, what's good and bad, what's helpful and hurtful. Jesus truly lights my way in this dark world.

The songs I love most are the ones about Jesus and His Love and Grace. Those are the songs that bring tears to our eyes and a lump to our throat. Songs like Amazing Grace and More about Jesus.

"Amazing Grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now I'm found, was blind, but now I see. Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear, the hour I first believed. Thru many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; Tis grace that brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home. When we've been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun; We've no less days to sing God's praise, than when we first begun."

"More about Jesus I would know, more of His grace to others show; More of His saving fullness see, more of His love, who died for me. More, more about Jesus, More, more about Jesus; More of His saving fullness see, more of His love, who died for me."

Songs like Wonderful Grace of Jesus, Jesus Paid It All, At Calvary and My Burdens Rolled Away.

"Wonderful grace of Jesus, Greater than all my sin; How shall my tongue describe it, Where shall its praise begin? Taking away my burden, Setting my spirit free; For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me. Wonderful grace of Jesus, Reaching to all the lost; By it I have been pardoned, Saved to the uttermost, Chains have been torn asunder, Giving me liberty; For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me. Wonderful grace of Jesus, Reaching the most defiled, By its transforming power, Making him God's dear child, Purchasing peace and heaven, For all eternity; And the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me. Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus, Deeper than the mighty rolling sea, Higher than the mountain, sparkling like a fountain, All sufficient grace for even me, Broader than the scope of my transgressions, Greater far than all my sin and shame, O magnify the precious name of Jesus, Praise His name!"

"For nothing good have I Whereby Thy grace to claim; I'll wash my garment white in the blood of Calv'ry's Lamb. Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain; He washed it white as snow."

"O the love that drew salvation's plan! O the grace that brought it down to man! O the mighty gulf that God did span at Calvary! Mercy there was great, and grace was free; Pardon there was multiplied to me; There my burdened soul found liberty at Calvary."

"I remember why my burdens rolled away, That had hindered me for years, night and day; As I sought the throne of grace, just a glimpse of Jesus' face, And I knew that my burdens could not stay. Rolled away, rolled away, I am happy since my burdens rolled away; Rolled away, rolled away, I am happy since my burdens rolled away."

These songs were written by people just like you and me. They were sinners lost and headed in the wrong direction. God reached down from Heaven, grabbed their hearts and turned them around. He showed them His Love and Grace and Mercy and Forgiveness. He showed them the Face of Jesus and they sang loud to declare their undying love for Him.

The Christian life is simple: it's about a personal relationship with Jesus. Christianity can become complicated given the multitude of voices clamoring to lead God's Church in one direction or another. But at its very core, the Christian Life is about you and me having a personal relationship with Christ. That's where it starts; that's where it ends. Everything between is what you and I decide to make of it. We can relax and enjoy Jesus or we can get caught up in all the clamor. I highly recommend Jesus.

"Jesus is all the world to me, My life, my joy, my all; He is my strength from day to day, Without Him I would fall. When I am sad to Him I go, No other one can cheer me so; When I am sad He makes me glad, He's my Friend."

I'm excited to tell you about a new book about Christian martial arts! Wendy Williamson, a member of GMAF, has written a wonderful book that explains Christian involvement in martial arts. We've needed a book like this and I'm so thankful we finally do. It's a book you will enjoy reading and sharing with others. It's a book you'll use as a reference when you're teaching classes or answering people's questions about Christianity and the martial arts.

Grand Master Karl Marx, Founder of Keichu-Do the first Christian martial arts system in the United States, wrote this about Wendy's new book:

"I can use words like TREMENDOUS, WONDERFUL, FANTASTIC, however I prefer to challenge you and just say if you don't read this book, you cheat yourself and your mind...this book explains how martial arts and Christianity can and do complement each other, and I enjoyed reading it tremendously."

Grand Master Joseph Lumpkin, President of Karate for Christ, wrote:

"In Martial Arts - The Christian Way, Wendy Williamson presents an exciting concept that strengthens children's bodies, minds, and souls and help us to raise capable, disciplined, Christian leaders. If you are a parent, minister, or teacher, this book should be your constant reference."

I agree completely! This is the book I will recommend to anyone who asks whether it's right for Christians to practice the martial arts.

Wendy presents her information in a logical sequence. Chapter One is about Christian martial arts. Chapter Two gives a brief history of martial arts. Chapter Three is about martial arts forms and styles. Chapter Four is about the benefits of Christian martial arts. Chapter Five is about the teaching of Christian martial arts. Chapter Six is how to find a Christian martial arts school. The first appendix includes devotions, Bible studies and prayers for the teaching and ministry of young people. The second appendix includes a directory of Christian martial arts schools and associations around the world. Several GMAF members have devotionals and studies included in the book and many GMAF schools and associations are listed.

I highly recommend "Martial Arts - The Christian Way" to you, your family, church and Christian martial arts class. You can learn more about how to order the new book at www.agapy.com or e-mailing info@agapy.com.

Our thanks to Wendy Williamson for her hard work in writing and publishing this fine book. We also want to congratulate Wendy on the birth of her new son, Leonardo, in August.

We'd love to hear from you about how you present the Gospel and Christian values in your martial arts classes. We'll combine the ideas we receive and include them in the November/December GMAF Newsletter. This is a great opportunity for us to help each other with new ideas for sharing the Christian message in our martial arts classes. Send your ideas to mmcgee@gmaf.org or Mark McGee, Grace Martial Arts Fellowship, P.O. Box 262153, Tampa, Florida 33685.

You'll find every GMAF newsletter at http://www.gmaf.org/gmaf_newsletters.html . These newsletters are a gold mine of information about Christianity and the Martial Arts.

Many GMAF members have told us their favorite part of the monthly newsletter is Fellowship News. It's wonderful to see Christian martial artists praying for each other across the United States and around the world. No distance is too far for Christians. The instant we pray, God hears. We impact the lives of our brothers and sisters positively through our prayers. God answers prayer. It is pleasing to Him. Thank you for caring so much for each other!

Here are some of the notes of prayer and praise we received at GMAF the past two months.

Dear friends,

God blessed us greatly and we had 2 English camps this summer with 350 students. We had 12 teachers from USA who helped us in teaching English. The students studied two PRECEPT courses: Û Marriage without Regrets ° in the first camp and Û Covenant ° in the second. We had daily 6 hours of Bible Study and in the evening all the groups had to prepare skits based on the Biblical truth that they learned during the day followed by an evangelistic sermon. It was very interesting to observe how the Ûcool guys° from the rich families, who have never been to a church, were very enthusiastic in acting out the stories from the Bible and inspiring the audience to follow Christ. Many of them said: ÛI never knew the Bible was such an interesting book!° There were invited 30 children from orphanages and from its foster program. How many doors can the knowledge of English open for an orphan¢} and the greatest would be the one of knowing Jesus personally. We are very pleased to inform you, that after studying in depth God?s message, in the last
night by the campfire, 46 of our students dedicated their lives to Jesus. The camp was over on a Saturday and on the next Sunday, most of our students especially those who recently accepted Christ, came to church. Even those who did not repent came. This tells us about their interest they have in the Gospel and how close they are to receive Christ. All these new believers will continue to study the Gospel in our groups during the year. Our prayer is that along with the our old students, these will also become faithful disciples, who will spread the Good News in our country and all over the world. By studying here they will be equipped with the necessary knowledge to become a missionary. English and Precept manuals give directions towards preparing our students not only to keep the information they get to themselves, but to spread it to the other people as well. After 2 years of activity we have now English classes in 15 locations of Moldova, and after these Summer Camps, 20 teachers will start groups in other 18 towns. Other 32 young people from our best students will come this fall to a training session, so that after this seminar they could start groups where they could teach the Bible through the English language using the English for a New Life Manual and Precept Courses. At the camp came people from Moscow, Uzbekistan and Ukraine. We are sending in October our teachers to prepare their teachers to implement this program in their countries. The next summer, the teachers from here will help them to organize similar camps. Our books are now translated into Russian language. In Moldova, the number of our students is growing. The most urgent need is to publish the second edition of manual I and the manual II. Each manual would cost $3. We are to print 4,000 pieces. We would appreciate very much if you would consider to pray for us and financially support us.

With love in Christ,

Vasile Filat

Congratulations to Pastor Donald R. Engelhardt on his ordination on August 25, 2002 at 5:00 p.m. held at Richville 1st Church of God 6011 Faircrest Avenue SW Canton, Ohio 44646

Karate for Christ has just established classes in Trinidad / Tobago. My family and I were invited to the Islands by Darren Britto and family. We were treated so well by Darren and his family we were overtaken with
gratitude. Darren is the first Shinsei instructor on Islands and the first Karate for Christ school. Soke Christopher Francis, one of the best own teachers in the Caribbean, also join Karate for Christ as our regional rep. The local T.V. station, channel 6, came to tape and do interviews. We had a wonderful time. This Brittos took us to see the sites. Trinidad is a beautiful place.

This month we will send Mike Frazier back to the Island to teach in a seminar put on by Soke Francis. We are also looking for opportunities to reach the other Islands and grow quickly toward our global goal of having
ministries in every country.

Please pray with us for opportunity and financial support to reach this goal.

I also want to thank you for your friendship, ministry, and support throughout the years. It has been a blessing.

Joseph Lumpkin
www.karateforchrist.com

Here is THE website that points to Mike Crain, the original founder of Karate For Christ.

www.arnis.org/kenpo/mikecrain/cover.htm

There are also photos of Mike Crain demonstrating Chinese Hawaiian Kempo.

There is an upcoming Akayama Ryu seminar in Birmingham, AL. on Sept, 28, 2002. It will cover all Akayama Ryu Techniques up to Brown Belts. You may contact Mr. Barlow at barlows@gulftel.com.

As many of you have heard me say, "A teacher without a teacher is a fool." We should all continue to learn. We should also have some one we can answer to. It keeps us in line. Mark Barlow is my instructor. Shinsei Jujitsu considers Akayama Ryu to be its sister style.

Hello everyone!

Here are some update items.

We got an e-mail from David Pugh this week saying that Natalie continues to improve. This is an answer to all of our prayers. (For you new members, Natalie is near and dear to our hearts. She is a 17 year old lady with a heart of a tiger. She is a member and fellow black belt. Natalie suffered a stroke some months ago and continues to fight her way back.) I spoke to Dr. David Spike who informed me that her father, David Pugh, is one of the most well known men in the USA in the field of ruminants such as goats. llamas, and sheep. David is a Dr. and Prof at Auburn University. It just proves that one never knows what jewels God will put in his path.

We need to continue to pray for Steve Patton. He battles cancer.

Karate for Christ needs several instructors.

We have had requests for a teacher in Carmel, Indiana (part of Indianapolis).

There is also a need for instructors in Texas. Each week we have requests throughout TX.

Lastly, we have a need here in my home county of Alabama. Due to the explosive growth of the ministry I can no longer spend time teaching as I wish. We have been trying to find someone to help with the outreach here for 6 months and have had no luck finding someone to help train the youth.

As with everyone and every ministry I know, Karate for Christ also has need for money to help with the growth, travel, website fees, and other charges. Please pray for us in these areas. It if ever comes to a choice between donating your money or you time, we will take your time hands down. No person ever got saved by money. There must be someone there to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ. "Dear Father, send help."

Thanks to all who called, wrote, and prayed for me during surgery this week. I am doing well.

I pray that you all will have grace and peace through our Lord, Jesus.

Joseph Lumpkin

KARATE FOR CHRIST

News of new schools and an upcoming seminar

Karate for Christ is delighted to announce the opening of the first school of Shinsei Jujitsu in Trinidad / Tobago.

Darren Brito will be representing Karate for Christ and the Shinsei system for Trinidad / Tobago. Sensei Brito will be running a free, Christ centered class, in the true spirit of Karate for Christ. He can be reached at the address of: #31 Queen street Aranguez, Trinidad West Indies

We now have a representative for the Caribbean.

Soke Christopher G. Francis is Karate for Christ's representative for the Caribbean. Soke Francis runs the Black Hawk Martial Arts Academy International in Trinidad and is the founder of Kana-Jui-Jitsu-Ryu. He also runs martial arts programs for the schools system in Trinidad and is endorsed by the Ministry of Education (Republic of Trinidad and Tobago). He will be coordinating activities for Karate for Christ in the Islands. Soke Francis may be reached at:1 Watts Street, Curepe, Trinidad, West Indies.

Karate for Christ wishes to thank both Mr. Brito and Mr. Francis for the love of the Lord and the children shown during our visit with them.

______________________________________

Shinsei Hapkido Seminar

Hosted By Hamm's Martial Arts Academy

Saturday September 21, 2002

Time -------- Instructor -------------- Techniques

8:45 am Opening Ceremony Prayer Pledge

9:00-10:00 Grandmaster Joseph Lumpkin - Throws

10:00-11:00 Renshi Tony Chester, 7th Dan - Locks /Throws in Kata

11:00-12:00 Dr. Daryl Covington, 6th Dan - Leg Lock Techniques

12:00-1:00 Lunch

1:00-2:00 Mike Frazier, 5th Dan - Wrist Techniques

2:00-3:00 Les Pearson, 3rd Dan - Single Arm Techniques

3:00-4:00 Craig Hamm, 5th Dan - Belt / Rope Techniques

4:00-5:00 Awards Presentation

Directions From:

Tupelo: Hwy 45 to Selmer, Tenn. As you come into Selmer you will go straight through five stoplights. The second street after the last stop light turn right on N. 5th Street and go up the hill. Community Center
is on the left

Memphis: Hwy 64 E to Selmer, Tenn. As you come into Selmer you will go straight through one stoplight then
mile turn left before second stop light onto N. 5th Street and go up the hill. Community Center is on the
left.

Nashville: I-40 West to Exit 101 then Hwy 22 South Lexington, Tenn. to Adamsville, Tenn. Then turn right onto Hwy 64 West go 13 miles to Hwy 45 64 intersection and turn right into Selmer. As you come into Selmer you will go through three stoplights. The second street after the last stop light turn right on N. 5th Street and go up the hill. Community Center is on the left

Birmingham: Take I-65 to Exit 308 to Cullman, Al. from there take Hwy 72 to Corinth, Ms. then take Hwy 45 N.
to Selmer, Tenn. As you come into Selmer you will go straight through five stop lights. The second street after the last stop light turn right on N. 5th Street and go up the hill. Community Center is on the left.

Information:

Craig Hamm 731-646-1622 or 731-610-0969

Email: shihanhamm@yahoo.com

Karate for Christ has received the following invitation to participate in a Christian Karate Retreat and Tournament. In the past, some of you have indicated an interest in participating in Christian Tournaments. Please let Jim Carpenter (865)774-9791 know if you have an interest.

Beverly Sumter
cccbev@iland.net

Here is what Jim wrote:

I would like to host a Christian karate retreat in August of 2003, with a tournament and bible studies. I would like to find out who would be interested in coming. I think this would be a great thing for all of us as Christian martial artist to gather together for worship together. We Have the Place here in Pigeon Forge, TN to make this happen. If I could get a response from other schools interested in coming, I would be able to contact
hotels and attempt to get better rates for all groups coming.

God Bless you all !!!!!

Chief Instructor
Jim Carpenter
All American Freestyle Christian Karate
1139 Bluebonnet DR
Sevierville TN 37862
(865)774-9791

Your's in Budo
Hanshi Larry S.L.Martin ( Linc )

(We received several messages from Phil Lewis in Brazil. We include them here in one group. I know Phil and his family appreciate your prayers for their ministry.)

"Where there is no vision, the people perish" Proverbs 29:18a

Dear Fellow Warriors in Christ,

I am sending this to you who are fellow Christian Martial Artists. I want to share my vision and burden here for Brazil. My vision is three-fold.

First, I am involved in local outreach through free karate classes at church and at an orphanage close by. Second, God is opening up doors to travel to different cities to minister in churches and schools through the martial arts. This would involve not only demos, but clinics at the churches where teams could be started, and leadership challenged, especially other Christian martial artists who are not using their martial arts for the Lord. Third, this would also lead to the developing of a solid Christian martial arts association - the first for Brazil. I have fliers and papers made up in Portuguese, as well as tracts, and even patches for this association. But much more needs to be done.

What it will take to accomplish this vision and keep it going is prayer and financial support. The minimum wage here is between $66.00, and $70,00 per month. And a vast majority of people earn only that. Churches struggle as well. Most people cannot afford to pay for martial arts lessons, nor can churches do much here to support this ministry, though they may try to cover traveling expense. And then there is the barrier of prejudice against martial arts still very strong in many churches. God has been putting me in touch with more and more martial artists, or ex-martial artists, who have been hurt by legalistic churches who prohibit involvement in martial arts, stating that it is of the devil.

I have been able to encourage these people, and confirm to them that they are not out of order in being interested in using martial arts for God's glory. One young lady spoke to me how she is not allowed to be a part of any ministry in her church because she is involved in Capoeira. She and her husband are Christians and desire to use Capoeira to evangelize youth. The head of the system they are under is a Christian and has changed elements in the practice to become a Christian witness. This is just one example of isolated Christian Martial Artists who need encouragement and help.

Those of you who live in the U.S. enjoy much acceptance now in your martial arts training. On top of that you have many Christian Martial Arts associations you can be a part of, that can help and encourage you, and aid you in your growth. There is even a good amount of Christian material and literature for you. We have no such luxuries here. In establishing the Liga Evangélica das Artes Marciais that is also one of my goals - to write and translate more material for Brazilians in Portuguese.

If you treasure what you have there (I certainly do while I'm visiting the U.S.), then I would challenge you to seriously pray about supporting this effort here in Brazil. My family and I are very under-supported and feel that God is calling us into more ministry. We are teaching some English on the side, but again, this is just a small help. Rebecca, my oldest daughter, will also be traveling and doing demos with me, and helping to minister to the youth. When possible, our whole family will be in on it.

Thanks for taking the time to pray for us. And thanks for all the encouraging words, and the times so many of you have reached out us when we were in the U.S.

If you feel lead to pledge a monthly support, or even give a one time offering, please contact us. We are in need of an additional $500/mo support. Even $50 can go for almost two weeks of groceries. Gifts may be made out to and sent to:

House of Grace Ministries
6537 27th Way N.
St. Petersburg, FL 33702

Praise God for His faithfulness! And a big thank you to those who have reached out to us right now. May God reward your generosity many times over. Money has come in that will help us get through this financial crunch, as we wait for payment from my temporary job. Jobs here in Brazil pay once a month as a rule.

My job driving around people who are promoting politicians for the upcoming election has given some interesting opportunities to witness. I have also just finished writing a tract in Portuguese called "Vote of Confidence" which I will be using to evangelize these people. There are some 200 people working from our location and office. One of the other van drivers is an Adventist whom I've been talking with quite a bit. Pray for wisdom as I want to reach his heart and not simply debate with him.

Rebecca is traveling with another American team that just came down for a couple of weeks. She is traveling for about a week to three different towns as one of their main interpreters. Cynthia may be joining them as they go to a second town Monday. Pray for this outreach. Rebecca seems to have totally recuperated from Hepatitis, praise God. Pray for her strength to hold out.

This coming weekend we will be helping in a youth conference where I will probably also be doing a Gospel karate demo. Pray that my work schedule won't interfere as I often have to work some nights, and most Saturday mornings.

Pray for fruit to abound. There is allot of "religiosity" in this city, but very little true conversions and living for the Lord.

Pray also for our little VW van to hold up during this driving job. The motor is losing compression, getting worn out, and is also leaking oil. I had intended to sell the van, but still have not been able to resolve the transfer problem. So pray for that also.

Praise God for abundant fruit! Rebecca reports that there were well over 100 decisions for Christ during the team's outreach in three different cities. We had three hour prayer time on a "mount" here in town with the team when they returned, right before the youth conference. God really moved there as well, and we believe a fire of revival is breaking out among the youth.

Rebecca also reports young people literally falling under God's power as she and the team had the opportunity to pray over them at schools and parks. Elizabeth, the girls, and I, were blessed to be a part of this at the conference. The youth were really challenged and convicted to take the "fire" back to their cities. Several pastors and youth leaders there have asked us to come to their cities to do evangelistic karate demos in their churches and in the schools. So pray for these open doors for ministry. I may be giving special clinics in their churches for the youth as well.

For those of you in the martial arts, or familiar with my Biblical katas, I am finishing up developing a new "Cross of Christ" Kata, or "Way of the Cross". Maybe you can give me feedback as to the best name for it. Hopefully, there will be a video available in the near future. Stay tuned! God bless!

Vacation Bible School at the orphanage next to us was a blessing! What a challenge to work with some 70 12-15 yr. olds! That was the group given to us.
We went through the story of Peter with them and Christ's unconditional forgiveness of him; then his transformation through the Holy Spirit. Many kids prayed to receive Christ, and many more dedicated themselves to the Lord and His Holy Spirit in their lives.

Rebecca helped me with a quick Martial Arts demo on the last day. She and her sisters were helping with the 1-3 yr. olds most of the time. This VBS also included many needy kids from around the area. The orphanage also runs a day care.

There is always an open door for ministry here. But our lack of finances does hinder at times. We are stepping out into some "tent-making" ventures, but our heart is to have more time for the ministry. At present we have eight individuals, or families, and one church that support us regularly. We thank God for each and every one of these. At present we may average $600 per month. With the Brazilian currency devaluating, what we can bring in here is limited. I am even taking a temporary job transporting political teams around for the next couple of months. We ask that you pray with us concerning our support and ministry. If the Lord should move you to be a part of our ministry in this way, please let us know. Our God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory!

Thanks for your prayers, and support. And God bless you!

In Jesus,

Phil Lewis & family

We just found out this morning that Angie had a miscarriage this weekend. The doctor said that we could still have another child later. The Lord takes care of each and everyone of us and we have been through this once before. We both know that the Lord had a reason for this to happen and we do not question him but count our blessing and prayer for one later. I would like to thank everyone for the prayers and hope. Angie and I read the prayers and emails from as far away as India and you don't know how much it touched our hearts to know that there are so many loving Christian people in this world and our hearts and prayers go out to each and everyone in thanks. Our greatest thanks goes to our LORD for the sacrifice of his son Jesus and for the Grace that he has toward each and everyone in this world.

May God Bless You,

Craig Hamm

PTL. We located our son! He is well physically. Continue to pray as there are a few miles ahead of us.
I can only be reached here in Colorado at revandy777@yahoo.com for the time being. Since I will not be at my home computer, I will not be able to receive info on my account through KFC. Again, thank you for your prayers.

'Til the Trumpet Sounds,

Rev Andy Moore
Senior Instructor, Renshi

I would like to relay to you a several prayer requests that we have. The first is for my father in law, John Feezor, who has been battling cancer for the last year and a half. According to the doctors, if the current
chemotherapy treatments that he is receiving do not work, there is nothing more they can do. John is saved and is a fine Christian brother and mentor. Please pray with us that God would be glorified in this situation regardless of the outcome and that God would give us all peace in this situation.

The other prayer request is for the mother of a friend of mine who also has cancer(lung). Her name is Cathy Chriscoe. She was just diagnosed with cancer a couple of weeks ago. Pray with us that God's will would be done and that He would work within her life and the lives of her family as
they go through this situation. I am unsure of her faith or that of her family.

And also pray for the Lord's guidance in my life as well. I have recently been offered the opportunity to go to flight school in the Army Reserve; something that I have wanted for many years, but if I do, it would eclipse several ministries with which I am involved. Pray that the Lord would impress his will upon me.

Thank you,

Sifu Kimbal Lane Cox

hoping you will join us, and we will all share and grow together :)

galang,
Guro Jeff

http://www.topica.com/lists/fmadigest

Please let us know if you have moved, changed jobs, received a belt promotion, started studying a new martial art, started a Christian martial arts ministry, etc. We want to be sure your listing in the GMAF Internet Directory is all you want it to be.

We welcome these new members to Grace Martial Arts Fellowship. We have shared their interest in GMAF in their own words. We have edited the notes for space.

Steven C. Riggs Hickory, North Carolina...

I was fascinated to learn about a Christian martial arts organization. Congratulations for what you have & I have read some of your doctrinal stands which I strongly agree with. I graduated from Lancaster Bible College with a degree in Bible... Member Hickory Community Chapel... I have been in the martial arts for 31 years with black belts in Tang Soo Do (2nd dan), Sho Muk Do (1st dan), & Ching Sai Do (2nd dan), and working on one in Heishin Karate... I have been married 27 years & we have two children we are immensely proud of... Active in teaching thru the local recreation center an art called Heishin Bushidokai. The Lord has opened the door to be teaching self-defense seminars thru the local rape crisis center, to help women in this age of increased sexual assaults and abductions. Lord willing this will work into the teaching of children along the same lines... Fellowship with others in the body of Christ is always encouraging, and unlike anything the world has to offer... I would welcome any contacts from Western NC... Please add me to your list, I would very much like to be included and would welcome anyone contacting me either by mail or e-mail. I'm very accessible, & look forward to meeting new people. I would welcome any contacts from Western NC.

I am a Christian and a martial artist who happen to stumble across your letter while searching info on Sekichi Uehara. I am part of a private internet research group made up of authors, translators, and high level practitioners from Okinawa, Japan, Brazil, and the USA. I am a Sandan in KODOKAN Goju Ryu under Kimo Wall... I currently train with Shiro Shintaku in Ten Shin Ichi Ryu whose teachers were Seiyu Oyata (Ryu Te) and Michio Hikitsuchi (Aikido). IT is refreshing to hear input from other Christian Martial artist as I see few true Christian people in the arts. I would appreciate being added to your listing for the news letter.

Joshua Loya, Ben Lomond, California

I am a 22-year-old Christian just embarking on his martial arts training in earnest, with the exception of some extremely limited experience in kung-fu. I have been a Christian for a little under seven years, and have just started training in bujinkan ninjutsu.

Edson Jose de Souza
UNIFEI - Brazil

I'm Presbyterian official church in Brazil ( Igreja Presbiteriana do Morumbi ); Also I'm Muay Thai coach ( technical director to CBMT - Brazilian organization), Karate Kyokushin & Itosu Kei 2nd Dan, Jiu Jitsu
Makeuti (2nd Dan ) and Taekwondo Traditional ( no affiliated organization) 3rd Dan. Here in our church we are working with some children from " favela " is Brazilian word to very poor people, bad houses etc. we teach the Bible, Martial arts, discipline, bath and food. Nowadays we have 1 soccer team, champion to regional tournament and 2 boxing champions to Sao Paulo State.

My name is Richard Conley and I live in the "thumb" of Michigan, in a small town called Caro. Caro is approximately 30 miles due east of Saginaw. I am a born - again Christian and an active member of the Caro First Baptist Church. ( GARB ). I teach a Sunday School class of college age young people. I am praying about starting a small club through my church to use my martial arts training as a tool to reach people for Christ. I have training in 5 animals and in various forms of the Southern fist schools. My most focused training has been in Hung Gar. I am seeking information on your organization and what it has to offer. I would very
much like to have communication with other Christian martial artists, regardless of their styles.

-- Robert L. Davis, Han shi White Tiger Martial arts

Andrew Lowder

I train in the LINXX system (Thai Boxing, Kali, Jeet Kune Do, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with Muay Thai being the core art). I have been in it almost 3 years having attained Red One rank (#8 out of 11 belt levels). I live in Stephens City, VA and train at Boyce's Martial Arts in Winchester, VA. I attend my dad's church (Valley Bible Church). It's part of the GGF. I also work for the state of Virginia as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. I function as a case manager/job counselor w/ the sole focus of helping people with disabilities become or stay employed... I would like to learn one day how to use my skills in a Christian ministry.

I know you'll join me in welcoming all of these new members of Grace Martial Arts Fellowship. Please send them a note of welcome and remember all GMAF members in your prayers.

You are invited to read previous GMAF Newsletters.

If you would like to join Grace Martial Arts Fellowship ©, contact Mark McGee.

Grace Martial Arts Fellowship is a service of GraceLife Ministries©.